Abstract: The present invention is directed to a food processor having a lid with a pour spout. The spout includes a wide mouth opening for easy introduction of food and liquids, and has a body that protrudes into the interior of the processor container. The spout body narrows as it extends into the interior of the container and is angled so that it points toward the center of the container. This helps to prevent splashback of food as its chopped while the food processor is operating.

Abstract: A food processor comprises: a housing which includes a container-accommodating chamber; an accommodating tank which is accommodated in the container-accommodating chamber, has an opening portion for inputting food ingredients, and has an accommodating space for accommodating the food ingredients input through the opening portion; a cover which closes the opening portion while coupled to the accommodating tank, and has an air exhaust part communicating with the accommodating space; a vacuum pump which is provided in the housing; and a vacuum port which is configured to be switched between a first state in which the vacuum port is in close contact with the air exhaust part inside the container-accommodating chamber, and a second state in which the vacuum port is spaced apart from the air exhaust part, the vacuum port including an exhaust line for communicatively connecting the vacuum pump and the air exhaust part in the first state.

Abstract: A bowl assembly for a micro puree machine includes a beaker removeably attachable to a beaker coupling located inside a bowl. The beaker coupling operatively couples to a drive motor assembly for rotation of the beaker coupling and the beaker relative to the bowl. The bowl in turn locks onto a bayonet structure on a base of the micro puree machine, which secures the bowl in position on the base while the beaker coupling and the beaker rotate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved spatula device. The improved spatula device is designed to be placed in a baking pan before baking a food item, and is used to remove a first piece of a baked product or any other food item easily and conveniently from the baking pan, without damaging or disturbing other food items. The device includes a spatula portion, an elongated handle attached to the top edge of the spatula portion, and a flat and planar working end in the form of a planar surface extending perpendicularly from the bottom edge of the spatula portion. A piece of the baked batter or food item can be lifted easily, without disturbing nearby pieces, by lifting the improved spatula device using the handle. The improved spatula device can be used with any oven and any pan in which a batter, such as a cake batter, brownie batter or cookie batter is poured into the baking pan.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10) for displaceably positioning a kitchen appliance (11) on a working surface (12), comprising a displacement means (13) for displacing the kitchen appliance (11) on the working surface (12), wherein the displacement means (13) is designed for installation in a ground area (14) of a base unit (16) of the kitchen appliance (11), and a displacement means (15) for displacing the displacement means (13) between a deactivated state (Z1) of the displacement means (13) for positioning the displacement means (13) spaced from the working surface (12) and an activated state (Z2) of the displacement means (13) for positioning at least a part of the displacement means (13) on the working surface (12) for displacing the kitchen appliance (11). The invention further relates to a base unit (16) with a device (10) according to the invention, as well as a method for operating a base unit (16) according to the invention.

Abstract: An adjustable bathing chair assembly includes a seat that has a slot is integrated into the seat such that that a user's genitals and inner thighs are accessible through the seat. A plurality of hydraulic pistons is each coupled to and extends downwardly from the seat such that each of the hydraulic pistons to support the seat above a floor of the bathtub. Each of the hydraulic pistons has an adjustable length. A pair of hydraulic pumps is each integrated into the seat and each of the hydraulic pumps is in fluid communication with a respective pair of the hydraulic pistons. Each of the hydraulic pumps is actuatable in a lowering condition to raise the seat and each of the hydraulic pumps is actuatable in a lifting condition to lower to the seat.

Abstract: A bar soap grater body comprises a bar soap chamber positioned over a soap flake dispensing chamber. A grater plate interposed between the bar soap chamber and the soap flake dispensing chamber comprises a handle at an one end and a stop at a second end with a grater surface between the first end and the second end. The grater plate is configured so a bar of soap placed into the bar soap chamber is positioned in contact against the grater surface. Wherein the handle when pushed in and out of the grater body moves the grater plate back and forth across the bottom surface of the bar of soap to shave flakes off the bar of soap that fall into the soap flake dispensing chamber.

Abstract: Examples of systems and methods to encourage compliance with hand hygiene recommendations are disclosed. A request for a cleansing agent in a cleansing agent dispenser can be received. A compliance timer can be created upon receiving the request. A subsequent request for a towel from a towel dispenser can be deemed out of compliance with hand hygiene recommendations if the request was received before expiry of the compliance timer.

Abstract: A back washing assembly includes a belt that is comprised of a fluid permeable material for washing a user's body. A plurality of pouches is each coupled to the belt to contain a piece of soap. Each of the pouches is comprised of a fluid permeable material release the soap on the user's body for bathing. A pair of handles is each of the handles is coupled to the belt for gripping. Each of the handles is positioned on opposite ends of the belt with respect to each other to facilitate the belt to be extended across the user's back for scrubbing the user's back. A hook is movably positioned on a respective one of the handles to engage a support for suspending the belt from the support for storage. The hook is attachable to the strap when the belt is rolled up for storing the belt.

Abstract: A wall mount towel bar assembly provides a wall mount bracket adapted to be mounted to a planar surface. A threaded shaft is supported upon the wall mount bracket for rotation relative to the wall mount bracket. A sleeve is in threaded engagement with the threaded shaft with a sleeve aperture formed therein. A bar is received for translation in the sleeve aperture. Rotation of the threaded shaft locks the bar in the sleeve to maintain a position of the bar within the sleeve.

Abstract: A cleansing wipe may be formed from a nonwoven and includes a first ethylene/alpha-olefin interpolymer and a second ethylene/alpha-olefin interpolymer. The cleansing wipe may also have a SaMbSc configuration, wherein the M, meltblown layer, is formed from the first ethylene/alpha-olefin interpolymer and the second ethylene/alpha-olefin interpolymer. The cleansing wipe may be formed a nonwoven comprising bicomponent fibers that incorporate the first ethylene/alpha-olefin interpolymer and the second ethylene/alpha-olefin interpolymer.

Abstract: A method of controlling a dryer stand, which includes a receptacle on which a dryer for discharging drying air is mounted and which is rotatable in a horizontal direction, and an air purification unit, are provided. The method includes detecting the dryer mounted on the receptacle, charging a battery provided in the dryer when the dryer mounted on the receptacle is detected, determining whether a predetermined condition for air purification operation is satisfied, and operating the air purification unit when it is determined that the predetermined condition for air purification operation is satisfied, whereby it is possible to purify indoor air. A method of controlling the dryer while it is not on the stand is also provided.

Abstract: A splatter shield device for toilets, which is designed to solve the problem of waste splatter and/or overspray by containing and/or channeling waste back into the toilet bowl itself. The device generally comprises a semi-rigid frame defining an inner collection area and a flexible sheeting at least partially covering the inner collection area. The frame margins may comprise folds that are configured to impart a number of advantages, such as ease of installation, improved collection and/or channeling performance, and aesthetic discreetness. The device may also be made of biodegradable and/or flushable materials, greatly simplifying use and cleaning.

Abstract: A toilet seat assembly configured to enclose a toilet bowl includes a toilet seat rotatably connected to the toilet bowl, a first seal configured to seal a space between the toilet seat and a rim of the toilet seat, a rotatable hood configured to enclose the toilet seat and a second seal configured to seal a space between the hood and the toilet seat.

Abstract: A wearable vacuum cleaner includes a harness configured to support the wearable vacuum cleaner on a user's back, a housing connected to the harness, a suction motor assembly disposed within the housing and operable to create a working airflow, and a collection bin configured to receive debris separated from the working airflow. The collection bin includes an opening adjacent a bottom portion of the collection bin and a lid moveably coupled to the collection bin to selectively cover the opening in a closed position and uncover the opening in an open position. The lid is movable to the open position to empty the contents of the collection bin through the opening while the collection bin remains attached to the housing.

Abstract: A floor cleaning machine having a base, a suction foot, a dirty water tank in fluid communication with the suction foot, a suction turbine, and a separation container. The suction turbine is attached to the base and generates a suction air flow from the suction foot into the dirty water tank. The suction turbine has a housing with an inlet opening and an outlet opening through which air flows. The separation container adjoins the suction turbine housing and has an interior, which that communicates with the inlet opening and a bottom wall section that faces the interior. The bottom wall section is disposed vertically lower than the inlet opening. A drainage opening leads out of the bottom wall section into the environment and is provided with a valve that is closed during operation of the suction turbine is in operation and open when the suction turbine is not operated.

Abstract: A ferromagnetic material sequestering device for separating metals from a waste stream generated by a vacuum includes a shell, which has a bottom and a top. The bottom is open and a hole is positioned in the shell proximate to the top. A connector is engaged to the shell proximate to the hole engages a hose that is operationally engaged to a vacuum generator so that the vacuum generator is in fluidic communication with the shell. The vacuum generator is positioned to suction a mixture of objects through the shell. A magnet is engaged to the shell and magnetically engages ferromagnetic materials in the mixture of objects. The ferromagnetic materials thus are sequestered within the shell and can be reclaimed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a robot vacuum cleaner comprising sub-wheels having variable rotational positions, the robot vacuum cleaner comprising subframes rotatably attached to main frames to ground the sub-wheels when in a constrained state.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing an air agitator nozzle system are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the system comprises a vacuum and a nozzle. The vacuum is configured to suck particles from a floor surface. The nozzle is configured to spray air at the floor surface to loosen the particles and to push the loosened particles toward the vacuum to be sucked from the floor surface.

Abstract: A robotic cleaner may include a suction motor, a dust cup, and a suction motor air duct fluidly coupled to the suction motor and the dust cup. The suction motor air duct may include a debris barrier having a restricting region and a guard region.

Abstract: A cleaning robot includes a machine body, a perception system, a control system, and a driving system; the perception system includes a laser distance sensor and a camera; the laser distance sensor is located on a top surface of the cleaning robot; and the camera is mounted on the cleaning robot through a mounting bracket, and a field of view of the camera includes a traveling direction of the cleaning robot. The camera apparatus is applied to the cleaning robot, and provides good shockproof performance and good stability. In addition, when a distance between optical axes of two cameras changes, the camera can be replaced and calibrated at any time, facilitating maintenance and repair.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is provided for cleaning a surface. The vacuum cleaner includes a main body, a tool, a projection surface, and a projector. The tool has a connector end for connection to the main body and a cleaner end opposite the connector end. The projection surface is provided on the tool, for displaying projected information thereon. The projector is configured for casting a projection including the projected information onto the projection surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a robot cleaner and a method for controlling the same. The present invention provides a mobile robot and a method for controlling the same, the mobile robot using the rotational force of three or more rotary members as a moving power source thereof, wherein the mobile robot is controlled to effectively travel along a configured straight travel route and not to deviate from the configured straight travel route, or is controlled to immediately return to the configured straight travel route when deviating from the configured straight travel route.

Abstract: The present application describes one or more map data transmission methods, cleaning devices and storage media. A method may comprise obtaining a first map data corresponding to a current cleaning position and a second map data corresponding to a previous cleaning position. Both the first and second map data may be divided into at least two map layers. The method may further comprise extracting a first map layer data from the first map data and extracting a second map layer data from the second map data. The method may further comprise obtaining the changed first map layer data with respect to the second map data of the same map layer; and sending the changed first map layer data to a computing device (e.g., a cloud server).

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus may include: a main-body unit; and first and second dust units, which are alternately attachable to and detachable from the main-body unit. The main-body unit may include: one or more cleaning tools, which brush(es) up waste on a work surface; a main body rotatably supporting the cleaning tool(s); and one or more wheels rotatably supported by the main body and configured such that the cleaning apparatus is movable along the work surface via the one or more wheels. The first dust unit may include: a first container, which is detachable from the main body and is capable of collecting the waste brushed up by the cleaning tool(s). The second dust unit may include: an adapter, which is detachable from the main body; and a second container, which is detachable from the adapter and is capable of collecting the waste brushed up by the cleaning tool(s).

Abstract: A mobile robot includes a body configured to traverse a surface and to receive debris from the surface, and a debris bin within the body. The debris bin includes a chamber to hold the debris received by the mobile robot, an exhaust port through which the debris exits the debris bin; and a door unit over the exhaust port. The door unit includes a flap configured to move, in response to air pressure at the exhaust port, between a closed position to cover the exhaust port and an open position to open a path between the chamber and the exhaust port. The door unit, including the flap in the open position and in the closed position, is within an exterior surface of the mobile robot.

Abstract: A cleaning robot including: a main body; a drive device; and a cleaning device equipped for wet-cleaning floors to be cleaned, wherein: the main body, on the side facing the floor to be cleaned, is assigned a receptacle unit, a first mop pad configured for wet-cleaning is fastened to the receptacle unit, and the cleaning robot is configured to autonomously exchange the first mop pad fastened to the receptacle unit for a second mop pad.

Abstract: A floor cleaning machine having a cleaning element arrangement with inner and outer cleaning elements that include inner and outer cleaning bodies, respectively, that extend jointly in the cleaning body plane and have first and second receiving openings, respectively. The inner and outer cleaning elements extend from the inner and outer cleaning bodies, respectively, away from the cleaning body plane to one side thereof. The inner cleaning body is arranged in the second receiving opening. The output shaft extends with an output shaft section into both the first and second receiving openings. First and second eccentric elements are attached to the output shaft section and to the inner and outer cleaning bodies, respectively, so that when the output shaft is rotated, the inner and outer cleaning bodies perform eccentric movements that are phase-shifted with respect to one another.

Abstract: A floor cleaning machine with a base, which has a driven cleaning element, and an operating bar that is pivotably attached to the base via a joint and extends between a proximal end and an actuating end. The joint includes a bellows, which is coupled at its opposite ends to the base and the operating bar, a first supporting element, which is arranged inside the bellows and is attached to and points away from the base, and a second supporting element, which is arranged inside the bellows and is attached to and points away from the proximal end of the operating bar. A free end of one of the first and second supporting elements has a projection, while a free end of the other of the first and second supporting elements has a receiving recess that receives the projection and guides it for pivoting movement.

Abstract: The present invention teaches multilayer cleaning articles that include a substantially dry surface contact layer and a gripping layer. The contact layer may represent one exposed major face of the cleaning article (e.g., a cleaning pad), while the gripping layer may represent the opposite exposed major face of the cleaning article. The contact layer may include abrasive synthetic fibers, so as to be effective in scrubbing soils and spills from a surface. The contact layer includes a cleaning composition pre-loaded therein. The cleaning composition is such that the contact layer feels dry to the touch prior to use, before wetting with water. The cleaning composition may include about 1% to about 40% by weight water. The gripping layer includes at least 40% by weight of pulp fibers (e.g., natural cellulose pulp fiber), and exhibits a mean hand grip value that is at least 0.015 l/in2 (reciprocal inches squared).

Abstract: A dishwasher comprises an image sensor, first and second drawers, first and second actuators configured to respectively extend or retract the first and second drawers, and a computer system. The computer system is configured to receive images from the image sensor, determine whether an object is within a threshold distance, and in response to determining that an object is moved to within the threshold distance, use a washwear recognition system to determine whether the object comprises an washwear item. A determined washwear type and a washwear dimension are used to identify an unoccupied location in of a size and configured suitable to receive the washwear item. In response to identifying an unoccupied location of a size and configured suitable to receive the washwear item, an actuator among the first actuator and the second actuator is caused to extend a corresponding drawer to thereby receive the item of dishware.

Abstract: A water-using household appliance includes an electrically controllable actuator, a first voltage source designed to provide a switch-on power amount to the actuator, a second voltage source designed to provide a holding power amount to the actuator, and a control unit designed to electrically connect the first voltage source to the actuator in order to switch on the actuator and, after a switch-on interval, to electrically disconnect the first voltage source from the actuator and to electrically connect the second voltage source to the actuator.

Abstract: A holder for arrangement on a washing basket of a dishwasher includes: a main body and a folding element which is arranged pivotably thereon, the folding element being transferable from a use position to a non-use position and vice versa. The main body has a recess which is open at an edge thereof to receive tubular washware. The folding element has an outer contour corresponding to an inner contour of the recess and, in the use, position at least partially fills the recess flush with a supporting surface provided by the main body.

Abstract: An endoscope includes: an operating portion; an insertion tube that has a central axis; a bendable tube that is bendable in a curvature direction orthogonal to the central axis, the bendable tube including a plurality of bendable tube pieces that are arrayed along the central axis, adjacent bendable tube pieces being connected to each other by a pair of connection portions, the pair of connection portions being arranged line-symmetric with respect to the curvature direction; a distal end rigid portion that is provided on a distal end side of the bendable tube; and a wire having a first end connected to the operating portion, and a second end connected to either the bendable tube or the distal end rigid portion.

Abstract: A signal processing device includes a processor including at least one or more pieces of hardware. The processor is configured to: when a first synchronization signal from a first synchronization signal generation circuit, the first synchronization signal generation circuit receiving a first clock signal and outputting the first synchronization signal, and a second synchronization signal output from a second synchronization signal generation circuit are not synchronized, reset the first synchronization signal generation circuit, and in a period in which the first synchronization signal generation circuit is reset, set a frequency of the first clock signal to be higher than a frequency in another period.

Abstract: A medical image processing device acquires an endoscopic image obtained by imaging a subject with an endoscope, detects a gravity direction in the endoscopic image on the basis of the endoscopic image, generates a gravity direction indication indicating the gravity direction, and displays the gravity direction indication on a display. An endoscope system includes the medical image processing device and the endoscope.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes first and second optical lenses that are separately provided at a distal end portion of an endoscope, and form first and second optical images, respectively, an optical path length changing filter that makes optical path lengths of the first and second optical images different, an image pickup device that performs image pickup of the first and second optical images to generate first and second image pickup signals, and a processor that generates first and second images from the first and second image pickup signals, corrects parallax, removes an area including a figure present only in one of the first and second images, and combines respective focusing areas of the first and second images to generate an endoscope image.

Abstract: Exemplary apparatus for coupling to a probe and providing information regarding at least one structure can be provided. For example, the apparatus can include an electronics arrangement which is configured to obtain the information and transmit the information wirelessly, and a structural connection configuration which is structured and configured to be attached to the probe. The electronics arrangement can include a detector arrangement which is configured to detect at least one return radiation from at least one portion of at least one sample based on the predetermined patterns, and provide the data for the portion(s) based on the return radiation(s). In addition, a computer arrangement can be provided which is configured to generate the information with includes image data for the portion(s) as a function of the data and prior knowledge of the predetermined patterns.

Abstract: A medical system comprises: an endoscope comprising a joint; and a drive device that generates a driving force that bends the joint. The endoscope comprises a first tube comprising the joint, a second tube, a connecting portion that rotatably connects the first tube and the second tube about a rotation axis extending in longitudinal direction of the endoscope, and an attachment or detachment portion that connects the second tube and the drive device so that the driving force can be transmitted. The drive device bends the joint by transmitting the driving force to the joint via the second tube, the connecting portion, and the first tube.

Abstract: A medical system includes an endoscope configured to include an insertion portion inserted into a body cavity, a drive device configured to be detachably connected to the endoscope and electrically drive the endoscope, and a controller configured to be communicably connected to the drive device and to which an operation for electrically driving the endoscope is input, in which the insertion portion includes a first joint and a second joint configured to be independently driven and controlled by the drive device based on the operation input to the controller.

Abstract: A control device includes: a power source configured to supply a predetermined power-supply voltage to an imaging element; a voltage detector configured to detect an output voltage value of the power-supply voltage supplied by the power source; and a processor comprising hardware, the processor being configured to supply an adjusted voltage value from the power source to the imaging element based on a voltage value of the power-supply voltage detected in the imaging element and on the output voltage value detected by the voltage detector, calculate a delay time from timing when the voltage value of the power-supply voltage is detected in the imaging element until timing when the power source supplies the adjusted voltage value to the imaging element, and control supply timing when the power source supplies the adjusted voltage value based on the delay time.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes an endoscope, a control apparatus to which the endoscope is connected, at least one accessory device used in combination with the endoscope and the control apparatus, and data tags respectively provided in the endoscope and the accessory device. The control apparatus reads first data of the respective data tags, compares second data respectively registered about the endoscope and the accessory device and the first data, and performs warning when the first data and the second data do not coincide.

Abstract: An articulating cannula assembly is described. The articulating cannula assembly includes: a hand piece; a proximal housing situated above the hand piece; a cannula distally extending from the proximal housing, the cannula including an articulating segment; and a trigger that, when actuated, extends or contracts the articulating segment. The proximal housing can removably couple to the hand piece. The proximal housing can include an endoscope attachment structure for removably securing a proximal portion of an endoscope.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes: an endoscope including an insertion portion having a joint and first and second wires fixed on both sides of the joint; a drive device that is connected to the endoscope and bends the joint by driving the first and second wires; and a processor that controls the drive device. The processor can perform position control that controls traction amount or delivery amount of one of the first and second wires based on target position for bending the joint, and tension control that controls traction amount or delivery amount so that tension of the other of the first and second wires matches a specified set value, and execute a drive mode in which one of the first and second wires is controlled by the position control and the other of the first and second wires is controlled by the tension control.

Abstract: A self-locking device of an endoscope includes a connecting assembly and a fitting assembly. The connecting assembly includes a driven gear and a toggle lever, and the driven gear and the toggle lever are fitted with each other through pins. The fitting assembly includes a driving gear, and the driving gear is engaged with the driven gear through the toggle lever. The self-locking device realizes self-locking with a desired effect through the engagement of the driven gear and the driving gear. Through the design of a lever structure, the self-locking device switches the driven gear and the driving gear between engaged and disengaged states without resorting to an external force of a part, which avoids the use of the part and extends the service life of the device.

Abstract: There is described an apparatus comprising a first optical element, a second optical element and a spacing element for use with a mobile user device. The first optical element is configured to provide an image of an object to an intermediate image plane and the second optical element magnifies the image to provide a final image in a final image plane in which a camera aperture of the device is supported. The spacing element maintains a fixed separation between the object and the first optical element. Image magnification is achieved while also providing a space for tool access. Mirrors may be used to divert the optical path, allowing the optical path to be folded for more compact apparatus. A third optical element disposed at the intermediate image plane may be used to reduce vignetting effects in the final image.

Abstract: The endoscope has an insertion portion, an imaging unit, and a member formed in a given dimension. The insertion portion has an apical portion, an actively curvable portion, and a treatment device channel. The actively curvable portion is located on the proximal side of the apical portion. The treatment device channel is positioned along the longitudinal axis of the insertion portion. The insertion portion is formed of resin. One or more radiopaque members, formed of knowns dimensions, are coated on a surface of the insertion portion or placed in, buried or covered laterally in the insertion portion. The X-ray transmittance of the radiopaque members is different from the X-ray transmittance of the resin forming the insertion portion.

Abstract: An endoscope includes, in a distal end frame constituting a distal end portion, an objective optical unit including a voice coil motor that moves a moving lens frame forward and backward in a direction of an optical axis by using a plurality of magnets arranged on a periphery of the moving lens frame, and a plurality of internal components made of magnetic material and arranged around the objective optical unit. At least one of the internal components is arranged at a position where at least a part thereof intersects one of straight lines each connecting an extreme point of one of valleys of a specific isomagnetic line of magnetic fields formed by the magnets and one of two inflection points of the specific isomagnetic line, the two inflection points being located, with the one of the valleys positioned between the two inflection points.

Abstract: A connection joint includes: a first sleeve that is formed such that an end portion of a first tube arranged in an endoscope is externally fitted to the first sleeve; a first pusher configured to apply bias to the first sleeve from an outer peripheral side of the first sleeve; and a first bias releasing portion configured to press the first pusher in an outer peripheral direction of the first sleeve to release the bias.

Abstract: A controller to which an operation for driving an endoscope is input, includes: a controller body formed in a substantially rod shape extending along vertical direction; a main body provided at upper side of the controller body; a grip provided at lower side of the controller body; and an opening provided on a side surface of the controller body and comprising a part into which a treatment tool can be inserted and removed from the upper side, wherein the main body comprises a touch-sensitive interface to which the operation for driving the endoscope is input, and the controller body comprises a pressing surface along an advancing/retreating path of the treatment tool that advances/retreats with respect to the part of the opening.