Abstract: An oven appliance may include a cabinet, a plurality of chamber walls, a top heating element, an oven temperature sensor, and a controller. The plurality of chamber walls may define a cooking chamber. The oven temperature sensor may be disposed within the cabinet to detect a temperature within the cooking chamber. The controller may be configured to initiate a cooking operation that includes directing initial activation of the top heating element according to an initial offset temperature threshold, detecting a first temperature value at the oven temperature sensor that is greater than the initial offset temperature threshold, reducing heat output at the top heating element in response to detecting the first temperature value, and directing, following reducing heat output, reactivation of the top heating element according to a predetermined maximum threshold at the oven temperature sensor, the predetermined maximum threshold being distinct from the initial offset threshold.

Abstract: An apparatus and a system for automatically preparing a food item with compartments to store ingredients and a controller (218) to maintain the temperature of the compartments is disclosed. The present invention allows a user to be able to have a freshly prepared food item by storing the ingredients at their required temperatures. The user provides an input to the controller (218) to store the ingredients for a predetermined time before preparing the food item. The ingredients are able to preserve their freshness and nutritious value and the users get to eat a fresh food item. The present invention comprises a storage unit (214, 216) for downloading and uploading e-recipes and a communication unit (208) for connecting the controller (218) and user device (301) to give instructions to the controller (218).

Abstract: Disclosed is an oven comprising: an oven housing defining an oven chamber for containing foodstuffs during cooking or curing; and an oven floor forming a base of the oven chamber for supporting foodstuffs to be cooked or cured in the oven chamber, wherein the oven floor comprises: a first aperture for communication with a non-gas-fuel energy source for cooking or curing foodstuffs in the oven chamber; and a second aperture for communication with a gas-fuel energy source for cooking or curing foodstuffs in the oven chamber.

Abstract: An example oven can include: a main body with a cooking cavity; a front portion of the main body having a front opening for receiving a pizza and acting as an air vent; a wood burning tray assembly including a grate positioned in the main body; and a gas burner positioned adjacent to the wood burning tray assembly; wherein the gas burner is configured to combust a gas to heat the cooking cavity; and wherein the gas burner is positioned to ignite wood on the grate of the wood burning tray assembly to further heat the cooking cavity.

Abstract: A lock member includes a housing, a movement body, and an elastic member. The housing includes an open groove at an inner wall of the housing. A bottom of the open groove is provided with a movement surface. An end of the movement surface proximal to an opening of the open groove is a locking end, and an end of the movement surface distal to the opening of the open groove is an unlocking end. The movement body is provided in the open groove and moveable along the movement surface. The elastic member is provided in the open groove and configured to maintain the movement body at the locking end or the unlocking end of the movement surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a kitchen machine that can be operated with a plurality of different food-processing modules. The kitchen machine is configured to identify each of the plurality of food-processing modules. The kitchen machine may comprise a first connector configured to be electrically connected to a second connector of a food-processing module, a processor electrically connected to the first connector and configured, when the first connector is electrically connected to the second connector, to initiate, during a first time interval, a sending of a plurality of first output signals via the first connector to the second connector, initiate, during a second time interval after the first time interval, a receiving of a plurality of first input signals from the second connector via the first connector, and identify the food-processing module based on the plurality of first input signals.

Abstract: Food processing apparatuses having a drive unit which has more than one mode of operation, works with more than one food processing container, and/or may be operated in more than orientation are disclosed. The drive unit may be operated in first and second modes of operation. In some embodiments, the drive unit may be actuated in a different manner in the second mode of operation as compared to the first mode of operation. In some embodiments, the orientation of the drive unit in the second mode of operation is vertically flipped upside-down as compared to the orientation of the drive unit in the first mode of operation.

Abstract: A food preparation container includes a receptacle provided with a main opening for the introduction of food into the receptacle and the removal of the resulting food preparation from the receptacle. The food preparation container includes at least a first handle designed so that the receptacle can be handled while keeping it in a normal position with the main opening positioned at the top of the receptacle. The food preparation container includes a second handle comprising a body which has an underside with a cavity extending deep into the body, the cavity designed to accommodate at least the distal phalanges of at least the three middle fingers of a hand and to allow the receptacle to be held suspended by the distal phalanges in an inclined position for pouring or scraping the food preparation. A food preparation appliance includes the food preparation container.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new bulk, dry foods dispensing apparatus and system for commercial, retail and home use designed to dispense a predetermined volume of dry bulk food into a bowl or other receptacle without crushing or breaking the food. The bulk food dispenser includes a hopper, a feed house including two or more openings, and a feed wheel located within the feed house, where the feed wheel further includes a plurality of protrusions for directing a solid material out of the hopper when the feed wheel is rotated, where at least one of the two or more openings receive the solid material directed by a baffle, and where at least one of the two or more openings dispense the solid material out of the feed house.

Abstract: A reconfigurable water distribution system for a walk-in tub bathing installation including two or more types of discharge ports for discharging water. The system includes a single motorized pump having an input connected to a suction port of the bathing installation, and an output port delivering pressurized water. A pipe system selectively connects the pump to the two or more types of discharge ports to selectively direct the pressurized water to the different ones of the types of discharge ports. The system selectively enables the bathing installation to perform a plurality of different functions using a single pump.

Abstract: A folding bathtub includes a tub body; and a supporting ring. The supporting ring is arranged on the tub body. The supporting ring comprises a left ring part, a right ring part and an upper folding part, the left ring part and the right ring part are respectively arranged on two sides of an upper end of the tub body, and the upper folding part is arranged between the left ring part and the right ring part. The upper folding part is made of a soft material. The supporting ring achieves rotatable folding between the left ring part and the right ring part by means of deformation of the upper folding part, and the supporting ring is folded to drive the tub body to deform and be folded.

Abstract: A body cleaning accessory, including a handle unit, including a handle body to facilitate gripping thereof, a plurality of attachment receiving ends disposed on at least a portion of an end of the handle body, and a plurality of tab receiving grooves, each of the plurality of tab receiving grooves disposed on at least a portion of the plurality of attachment receiving ends, and a cleaning attachment unit removably connected to at least a portion of at least one of the handle body and the plurality of attachment receiving ends to facilitate cleaning of an external surface.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a duct, at least one air knife, and a separation tube. The at least one air knife is configured to direct air from the fan and configured to dry one or more hands and push water from the one or more hands into the duct. The separation tube includes an inclined vane. The separation tube is connected to the duct and configured to separate the water from air.

Abstract: Toilet seat cleaning devices, methods and systems are described. Toilet seat cleaning systems may include a toilet, a toilet seat, a sensor, and a fluid dispenser. Toilet seats may include a flow way, at least one opening and at least one surface whereon fluids from a fluid dispenser may be communicated. Fluid dispensers may include a fluid container and a dispenser mechanism. Methods of using toilet seat cleaning systems may include a user influencing the activation of a dispenser mechanism; the dispenser mechanism influencing the communication of fluid from a fluid container to a flow way; the fluid being communicated through the flow way and out of at least one opening and onto at least one surface of a toilet seat; and the fluid on the at least one surface of the toilet seat being engaged by the user in order to clean the toilet seat.

Abstract: A scrubbing tool for cleaning a surface that has a handle for holding by a user in a cleaning operation. The handle has a first connector. The scrubbing tool also has a cleaning head having a second connector configured to mate with the first connector in order to attach the cleaning head to the handle in an engaged position. The cleaning head is comprised entirely of a material configured to dissolve in water and has a cleaning agent.

Abstract: A mobile cleaning robot can be movable within an environment, the mobile cleaning robot can include a body, a drive wheel arm, a drive wheel, a cam, and a cam follower. The drive wheel arm can be connected to the body and can be movable with respect to the body between an extended position and a retracted position. The drive wheel can be connected to the drive wheel arm and can be movable therewith. The drive wheel can be operable to move the mobile cleaning robot. The cam can be connected to the drive wheel arm and can be movable therewith. The cam follower can be connected to the body and can be engaged with the cam to move the drive wheel arm toward the extended position.

Abstract: Disclosed are a nozzle unit and a robot cleaner including same. The nozzle unit according to various embodiments of the present invention comprises a main brush for collecting waste such as hair and a sub brush for separating the waste such as hair attached to the main brush. The sub brush is provided with various members according to the embodiment, and separates the waste such as hair attached to the main brush. Thus, the waste such as hair can be easily collected, separated, and captured. Accordingly, user convenience can be enhanced.

Abstract: A cleaning accessory for a vacuum cleaner comprises a housing having a first air inlet on an underside of the housing and an air outlet and a first airflow path between the first air inlet and the air outlet. The cleaning accessory also comprises at least one cleaning brush having at least one flexible cleaning element projecting outwards from a side of the housing. The cleaning accessory also comprises at least one side air inlet on the side of the housing and a second airflow path between the at least one side inlet and the air outlet. The at least one flexible cleaning element is arranged to engage a surface to be cleaned adjacent to the at least one side air inlet.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is provided. The vacuum cleaner includes a cleaner body generating a suction force, and a suction unit comprising a suction chamber opened to suck foreign materials by the suction force. The suction unit includes a brush drum partially protruding toward an outside of the suction chamber within the suction chamber and provided rotatably, and a blade provided to collect foreign materials as extended along an extending direction of the brush drum while being spaced apart leaving a gap from the brush drum inside the suction chamber, and including a transformable portion to be transformed to widen the gap.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus has a cyclone chamber having a longitudinal cyclone axis of rotation wherein the dirt outlet is defined by a gap between the sidewall of the cyclone and a plate positioned at the dirt outlet end of the cyclone.

Abstract: A method of using a cleaning robot for improved cleaning of edges of a wall having a projecting baseboard, includes using the robot to strike the baseboard in a first cleaning pass, causing an impact sensor to generate a first signal and a distance sensor to detect a first distance from the wall. The robot continues its first cleaning pass and strikes the baseboard a further time, causing the impact sensor to generate a second signal and the distance sensor to detect a second distance from the wall. A computer of the robot uses the signals to calculate two spatial points and a first straight line running through the points. The computer uses the distances and the two spatial points to establish an approach boundary of the cleaning robot relative to the wall. The computer controls the cleaning robot during subsequent cleaning passes exclusively using the one distance sensor.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a battery powered floor cleaner (10). The floor cleaner (10) is operable in various modes based on the capacity of a battery pack (22), such as a normal power mode (40) and a low power mode (42).

Abstract: A suction device with at least one fan for generating a suction air stream in a suction channel, at least one filter device for receiving suction material, at least one pressure measuring system and at least one control device, wherein the suction device is configured for coupling to a plurality of attachments on the suction channel, as well as a method for determining the filling level for a filter device of the suction device. The suction device and the method for determining the filling level ensures the most precise display possible of the filling level and also is simultaneously realizable in a cost-effective manner, in that the control device is configured and arranged for determining the filling level using at least one pressure measurement value and characteristic data, as well as for selecting the characteristic data used for the determination depending on the attachment connected to the suction device.

Abstract: A suction device with at least one blower with a motor, at least one temperature sensor, and at least one control device. A method for operating a suction device as well as a computer program product is also provided. The suction device, as well as a method for operating a suction device and a computer program product, which prevents overheating of components within the suction device and simultaneously ensures energy efficiency, are realized in that the control device is designed and arranged to throttle or increase, at least temporarily, one operational parameter of the motor, depending on a comparison of a temperature value of the temperature sensor with at least one temperature threshold value.

Abstract: A control method for a self-moving device, includes: obtaining edge information of a working area where the self-moving device is located; obtaining an environment image captured while moving; obtaining access door information based on the environment image; and dividing independent areas within the working area based on the access door information and the edge information. The self-moving device includes a movement component, a movement driving component, an image identification component and a control component.

Abstract: An obstacle avoidance method based on linear laser beams includes: emitting two intersecting linear laser beams to a target area; capturing an image of the target area; calculating coordinates of bright spots formed by the linear laser beams in the image of the target area; and determining whether there is an obstacle in the target area according to the coordinates of the bright spots. If the obstacle exists and a height of the obstacle exceeds a preset obstacle-crossing range, a sweeper avoids the obstacle. If the obstacle does not exist, the sweeper passes through the target area. An obstacle avoidance device based on linear laser beams is also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is a cleaning apparatus, including a liquid supply tank, a liquid storage tank, a first cleaning component, a first rib, disposed on the first cleaning component, for being in contact with a member to be cleaned; where the first rib has two opposite walls protruding above a top surface of the first cleaning component, and the two opposite walls extend along a length direction of the first cleaning component; and a liquid supply port, supplying cleaning liquid in the liquid supply tank to the first cleaning component, where the liquid supply port faces down toward a liquid input end of the first cleaning component; and where liquid injected from the liquid input end flows toward the member to be cleaned and cleans the member to be cleaned under a guidance of the two opposite walls, and is collected to the liquid storage tank.

Abstract: A nozzle for a cleaner includes a nozzle housing having a suction flow path through which air containing dust flows, a first rotation cleaning unit and a second rotation cleaning unit located on a bottom side of the nozzle housing, the first rotation cleaning unit and the second rotation cleaning unit being spaced apart from each other in a left-right direction of the nozzle housing, each of the first rotation cleaning unit and the second rotation cleaning unit having a rotation plate, a driving device located in the nozzle housing, and a water tank located on the nozzle housing, the water tank being configured to store water to be supplied to the first rotation cleaning unit and the second rotation cleaning unit. The water tank includes a first chamber, and a second chamber spaced apart from the first chamber in the left-right direction of the nozzle housing.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a housing having walls defining a tub having an outlet and inlet for humid air to flow out from and into the tub, respectively. A drying system contacts at least one wall of the tub. The drying system includes an inlet conduit fluidly connected to the outlet and an outlet conduit fluidly connected to the inlet with the inlet conduit and the outlet conduit forming an inverted V-shaped air circuit defining an airflow path therethrough. The drying system also includes at least one adsorbent component having an adsorbent material positioned along the airflow path, and at least one gate check valve blocking airflow from the tub to the adsorbent material during a wash cycle. The adsorbent material is regenerated via heat transfer through the at least one wall from the tub during a wash cycle when the gate check valve is closed.

Abstract: A dishwasher having a treating chamber with one or more sprayers through which liquid is recirculated into the treating chamber, whereby the impact of the spray emitted from the sprayers impacts the structure forming the treating chamber to generate noise. Damping material is applied to structure forming the treating chamber to reduce the sound level of the impact exterior of the dishwasher.

Abstract: A dishwasher having a chamber, and a door assembly having a chamber door movable between closed and open positions. The door has an access aperture to access an adjusting member for adjusting a position of a decorative front panel relative to the door, and a sliding member that slides along a sliding axis during door movement. The sliding member is configured to slide the decorative front panel relative to the door along the sliding axis during door movement. A cover is mounted on the door assembly and configured to take a first operative position in which it uncovers the access aperture and a second operative position in which it covers at least partially the access aperture. The cover mechanically cooperates with the sliding member to automatically move from the first operative position to the second operative position in response to the sliding of the sliding member.

Abstract: A tubular spray element for a dishwasher is rotatably supported and/or supplied with fluid at an intermediate location along the length of the tubular spray element, such that least one aperture that directs fluid into a wash tub is disposed on each side of the intermediate location. In addition, a tubular spray element drive may be positioned externally from the wash tub and mechanically coupled to the tubular spray element through a shaft seal such that the fluid supply to the tubular spray element can be entirely within the wash tub.

Abstract: An elongated medical tubular assembly is configured to improve, at least in part, transmission of a signal from the signal-transmitting device, received, at least in part, within the elongated medical tubular assembly, toward the signal-transceiving device of the medical-imaging system. The elongated medical tubular assembly defines a lumen extending from a distal tip toward a proximal end of the elongated medical tubular assembly; and the lumen is configured to receive, at least in part, the signal-transmitting device in such a way that the lumen, in use, receives, at least in part, the signal-transmitting device at the signal-liberating feature.

Abstract: An exemplary system includes a memory storing instructions and a processor communicatively coupled to the memory. The processor is configured to execute the instructions to receive, from a sensor of a surgical instrument, environmental condition information associated with the surgical instrument and detected by the sensor while the surgical instrument is disconnected from an external power source, the surgical instrument including circuitry configured to be powered and operate only while the surgical instrument is connected to the external power source, determine, based on the environmental condition information, an operational condition of the surgical instrument, and provide a notification indicating the determined operational condition of the surgical instrument.

Abstract: A suction attachment includes a plug including a plug conduit, a first tube including a first conduit having a first end portion and a second end portion, a second tube having a second conduit including a third end portion and a fourth end portion, and a pressure regulator including a body with an interior cavity, a first opening, a second opening, and an actuator. The pressure regulator is connected to the fourth end portion and the interior cavity is in fluid communication with second conduit via the first opening in the body, and the second opening in the body connects the interior cavity to atmosphere. The actuator is movable between a first position and a second position, when the actuator is in the first position, the second opening is open and, when the actuator is in the second position, the second opening is closed.

Abstract: A method for manufacture of a tip part for an endoscope including providing a camera assembly with an image sensor and a circuit board; providing a distal end segment having a distal end and a circumferential wall enclosing a spacing; providing an exterior housing having a circumferential wall enclosing a spacing; inserting the distal end of the camera assembly in the spacing of the exterior housing; positioning the proximal end of the exterior housing adjacent to the distal end of the distal end segment; injecting an adhesive into the spacing of the distal end segment so that at least parts of the circuit board are embedded in the adhesive; and allowing or causing the adhesive to harden; whereby the distal end segment, camera assembly and exterior housing form an assembled tip part of an endoscope attached to each other by means of the adhesive.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include an apparatus including an enclosure configured to receive an endoscope having an electromagnetic radiation sensor. The apparatus also includes an electromagnetic radiation source having at least a portion disposed within the enclosure. The electromagnetic radiation source is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation based on a calibration instruction. The electromagnetic radiation sensor is configured to receive at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation when at least a portion of the endoscope is coupled to the enclosure.

Abstract: A drive assembly of a surgical robotic system is disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the drive assembly includes a first drive unit having a first drive unit face, a second drive unit having a second drive unit face, and a third drive unit having a third drive unit face. Each drive unit may include a plurality of motors configured to rotate a corresponding one of a plurality of drive elements about rotational axes perpendicular to the respective the respective drive unit face. the first drive unit, the second drive unit, and the third drive unit configured to be positioned about the drive assembly common axis with respect to a vertical plane passing through the drive assembly common axis such that an orientation and position of the first drive unit face mirrors those of second drive unit face, and the third drive unit face is bisected by the vertical plane.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of a disposable endoscope are provided. For example, an endoscope is provided, including a tube having a proximal end and a distal end, a lumen having a proximal end and a distal end, the lumen surrounding an outer circumference of the tube, and a series of achromatic double lenses and singlet lenses within the tube from the distal end to the proximal end of the tube for conveying an image from the distal end of the tube to the proximal end of the tube. A housing is provided at the proximal end of the tube to provide a light path from the proximal end of the lumen to the distal end of the lumen from a polymer fiber optic located within the housing. A camera interface can be provided at an opposite end of the housing to receive the image from the distal end of the tube.

Abstract: An endoscope including a proximal portion, a distal portion selectively articulatable in two planes of articulation, and a user interface disposed on a portion of the proximal portion, the user interface operably coupled to the distal portion such that inputs received on the user interface effectuate articulation of the distal portion, wherein a portion of the user interface is actuatable to inhibit articulation of the distal portion in one plane of articulation of the two planes of articulation via inputs on the user interface.

Abstract: A method of imaging tissue of a subject using an electronic rolling shutter imager includes sequentially resetting rows of pixels of the rolling shutter imager from a first row to a last row for a first amount of time; illuminating the tissue of the subject with illumination light over an illumination period that begins once the last row of the rolling shutter imager has been reset and lasts for at least the first amount of time; accumulating charge at the rows of pixels over at least the illumination period based on light that is received from the tissue of the subject while the tissue of the subject is illuminated with the illumination light; sequentially reading charge accumulated at the rows of pixels from the first row to the last row once the illumination period has ended; and generating an image frame from the rows of pixels.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include an apparatus including at least one illumination source configured to emit illumination energy and an illumination control system to receive the illumination energy. The illumination control system is configured to control the illumination energy to output a sequence of different illumination wavelengths using the illumination energy. The apparatus also includes a plurality of optical fibers connected to the illumination control system and configured to sequentially output the different illumination wavelengths. Each optical fiber is configured to transmit a different illumination wavelength of the sequence to output the sequence of different illumination wavelengths from the optical fibers toward an object.

Abstract: A device and method for color correction of two camera systems each having an imaging device and an illumination source. The camera systems are separately white balanced with the imaging device outside a scene. Their white balance gains and color correction matrices are saved. Based on the measurements, combined white balance gains and combined color correction matrices are computed and saved. Thereafter, with the imaging devices in a scene, performing white balancing by measuring the R, G, and B values of both imaging devices together, and then white balancing by measuring the R, G, and B values of each separate imaging device with the other camera system's light off. Comparisons are made of each camera's scene measurements against the combined scene measurements. If they are significantly different, the combined light set of white balance gain and color correction matrix is applied to digital signal processing paths of each camera system.

Abstract: An optical coherence tomography (OCT) system for imaging a retina applies a user specific focus correction to focus a sample arm light beam on the user’s retina. An OCT image detector generates an OCT signal. A control unit monitors the OCT signal, controls a reference arm optical path length adjustment mechanism to identify a length of the reference arm optical path for which the OCT signal corresponds to an OCT image of the retina, and varies an operational parameter of the sample arm light beam focus mechanism over a range, while maintaining the length of the reference arm optical path for which the OCT signal corresponds to the OCT image of the retina, to identify a focus correction for the user, based on the OCT signal, for application to the sample arm light beam.

Abstract: An optical imaging system includes a first lens system housed in a body of a mobile telecommunication device, the first lens system having a first optical axis, a first entrance pupil fixed in space in a reference plane associated with said body, and a first focal length; and an optical telescope providing a diffraction-limited imaging within a spectral range from at least 486 nm to at least 656 nm. The optical imaging system is configured to image, when the optical telescope is inserted between the first lens system and an entrance pupil of a visual system of an eye (EPE), the EPE onto the first entrance pupil and vice versa with a substantially unit magnification.

Abstract: A biological information management system includes a first information device including a first communication unit and a second information device including a second communication unit. The first information device is attached to a portion of a subject where a positional relationship with a reference position of the subject changes. The second information device is attached to the reference position or a portion where the positional relationship with the reference position changes. The first information device outputs biological abnormality/normality determination information based on a radio field intensity and a signal waveform of a radio wave received by transmission of a first signal between the first communication unit and the second communication unit when the first information device and the second information device have a predetermined positional relationship.

Abstract: An imaging system includes a visible light source configured to output visible light and a near infrared laser light source configured to output an excitation laser light. The system also includes a camera assembly having: a housing with an opening configured to receive a combined light, which includes visible light and infrared fluorescence light. The combined light entering the housing along a combined light path, the combined light may include visible light and infrared fluorescence light; an aperture mechanism having an adjustable opening disposed along the combined light path; a beamsplitter configured to split the combined light into the visible light along a visible light path and the infrared fluorescence light along an infrared light path; a visible light sensor configured to receive the visible light and to generate visible light image data; and an infrared sensor configured to receive the infrared fluorescence light and to generate infrared fluorescence image data.

Abstract: A detection apparatus includes a semiconductor substrate, a first photoelectric conversion unit formed at the semiconductor substrate, a first light emitting layer formed by being stacked at the semiconductor substrate, and a first filter layer formed by being stacked at the first photoelectric conversion unit.

Abstract: A detecting device includes a substrate and a plurality of detecting elements arranged in a matrix at the substrate. Each of the plurality of detecting elements includes a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion that receives light of a wavelength emitted from the light emitting portion at a position adjacent to the light emitting portion. The light receiving portion includes a photoelectric conversion portion formed at the substrate. The light emitting portion includes an organic EL light emitting element formed at the substrate. The area of the light receiving portion is larger than the area of the light emitting portion.

Abstract: Imaging components and systems are described herein. An example imaging component can include: a housing; at least one excitation optical element at least partially disposed within the housing; at least one laser-guiding element at least partially disposed within the housing, the at least one laser-guiding element being configured to deliver excitation pulses to a target location through the at least one excitation optical element via an aperture; and a signal collecting element disposed adjacent to the at least one excitation optical element.