Abstract: New and novel structures and ways to cook and serve foodstuffs have been disclosed. The items may be “foodstuffs” or other perishable items. The structure or method may include a means and methods to cook the food more evenly, more food concurrently and allow the user to see the food better as it is cooking and serve the food in the vessel it was cooked in, thus making fewer items to manipulate and clean.

Abstract: A system includes a smoker having a cooking chamber and a firebox in fluid communication with the cooking chamber. The system includes a cooking grate within the cooking chamber, a first exhaust opening in the cooking chamber proximate the firebox, and a plurality of generally horizontal baffles below the cooking grate. At least one of these is situated near the firebox to direct smoke away from the firebox before it rises above a level of the cooking grate.

Abstract: A grinder assembly removably connectable to a container of a spice dispenser includes a stationary grinder component and a rotatable grinder component associated with said stationary grinder component to define a grinding chamber between a portion of said stationary grinder component and a portion of said rotatable grinder component. The rotatable grinder component is rotatable relative to said stationary grinder component about a grinding axis. The grinder assembly additionally includes a first feature for coupling the grinder assembly to said container and a second feature movable to selectively decouple the grinder assembly from the container.

Abstract: Actuators and interchangeable cartridges that achieve a grinding or grating different substances without cross-contamination. The actuators and cartridges are disclosed are uniquely designed for ready push-on, push-off mounting in a manner that affords proper alignment of the cartridge in the actuator. The cartridges may include a container portion and a mount portion, each with a grinding element arranged at an output thereof. As the container and mount portions move relative to one another, their respective grinding elements move, achieving a grinding or grating of substances in the container. Various embodiments and variations are disclosed.

Abstract: A micro puree machine including a housing, a platform, a position motor and a drive motor. The platform is movably positioned in the housing between a first position and a second position. The position motor is mounted on housing and coupled to the platform such that the position motor is operable to move the platform between the first position and the second position. The drive motor is operable to rotate a power shaft relative to the platform. The drive motor is mounted on the platform such that the drive motor and the power shaft move with the platform between the first position and the second position in response to the position motor.

Abstract: A blender includes a spindle support, a spindle motor secured to the spindle support, an inner spindle drive shaft permanently coupled to the spindle motor, and a spindle assembly removably coupled to the spindle support. The spindle assembly includes a quick release coupler, a tube, and a blending tool fixed to an end of the tube. The blending tool includes a plurality of blades. The inner spindle drive shaft extends into the tube and is drivably coupled to the tube to transmit rotational energy from the spindle motor to blending tool via the tube when the spindle assembly is coupled to the spindle support.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a blender including a main body including an outer case forming an outer appearance and an inner case configured to be received inside the outer case, a jar configured to be seated on the main body and provided with a blade device for crushing food, a motor assembly provided inside the inner case and configured to generate rotation power of the blade device, a main PCB device which is provided inside the inner case and on which a knob rotation shaft is mounted to input rotation of the knob rotation shaft, a knob assembly mounted on the knob rotation shaft and protruding outwardly through the outer case so that the operation of the knob assembly is manipulated by a user for operation manipulation of the motor assembly, and a supporter provided inside the inner case and supporting the main PCB device.

Abstract: A micro puree machine including a housing, a power shaft, a bowl assembly and a platform. The power shaft extends from the housing. The bowl assembly including at least one locking bowl element. The platform includes at least one complementary locking platform element that is configured to engage the at least one locking bowl element such that rotation of the bowl assembly relative to the platform is prevented at times the bowl assembly is positioned thereon. The platform is rotatable from a first position to a second position relative to the housing such that the platform raises the bowl assembly towards the power shaft during the rotation of the bowl assembly and platform. The raising of the bowl assembly facilitates connection between the power shaft and a blade assembly that is positioned in a lid assembly on the bowl assembly. A blade assembly detection system detects proper positioning of the blade assembly within the lid assembly.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an appliance. In one embodiment, the appliance has an enclosed structure which includes a first portion configured to receive one or more meal cartridges, and store and preserve the meal cartridges at a selected temperature range; a second portion; and transfer mechanism configured to transfer at least one meal cartridge in the first portion to the second portion within the enclosed structure in response to a command input for cooking the at least one meal cartridge. The second portion is configured to accept the at least one meal cartridge, receive a cooking instruction command including a cooking duration and temperature determined for the at least one meal cartridge, and cook the at least one meal cartridge based upon the cooking duration and temperature.

Abstract: A cooking and processing appliance includes a container having a lid and a stirring mechanism for rotating at least one processing attachment of a plurality of processing attachments, a housing having a receptacle for receiving the container and having a motor in communication with the stirring mechanism, a heating structure disposed within the housing and a wall of the container, a heating activation system included within the housing and the container, wherein the heating structure defines a heating-active state when the container is received within the receptacle, a mixing activation system, wherein the motor defines a mixing active state when the container is received within the receptacle and the lid is in a closed position and a control in communication with the heating structure and the stirring mechanism.

Abstract: A non-drip hygiene dispenser for dispensing a wipe paper-towel while keeping a clean and sterile working area comprises (a) a wipe paper-towel, (b) at least one reservoir containing liquid, (c) a first stream of compressed air, (d) a second stream of compressed air, an anti-dripping nozzle, (e) rolling means, and (f) cutting means. The anti-dripping nozzle further comprises activating means and a dispensing tip. The activating means comprises a retractable anti-drip needle backed by a spring. The spring retracts backwards when compressed air of the first stream of compressed air presses the spring, thus retracts the anti-drip needle, and thus, unblocks the dispensing tip to allow liquid from the at least one reservoir to flow through the dispensing tip.

Abstract: A soap holder device includes a holder having a first magnetic element and a second magnetic member adapted to be pressed into a soap. The holder includes a first region in which a conically shaped lip forms a suction cup, and a second portion located radially inward of the first portion and axially spaced from the first portion. The second portion is adapted to hold the first magnetic member in a radial direction by means of a wall portion and in an axial direction by means of a roof portion in a direction opposite to the first portion. The tapered lip of the first portion decreases in diameter toward the second portion. In use, the second magnetic member is detachably disposed on the roof portion of the second portion.

Abstract: A lockable receptacle holder 10 comprising a holder base portion 20 configured to support the bottom 5 of a receptacle 1; a holder upper portion 30 and an elongated holder back portion 40 extending between the holder base portion 20 and the holder upper portion 30, wherein the holder base portion 20 and the holder upper portion 30 extend laterally from the holder back portion 40 and parallel to each other, and wherein; —the holder upper portion 30 comprises a closed space C configured to at least partially enclose and releasably confine the neck 2 or shoulder 3 of a receptacle placed on the holder base portion 20, and; —a cap locking member 80 for preventing removal of a cap 9 of a receptacle 1 in the receptacle holder 10.

Abstract: A control method of a cleaning robot, where the cleaning robot includes a top part, a bottom part, and a vacuumizing assembly for air extraction, the bottom part of the cleaning robot is provided with at least two rows of driving wheels being respectively provided on both sides of the bottom part of the cleaning robot, and the cleaning robot includes a cleaning mode for cleaning the driving wheel; the method including: performing a cleaning mode of the cleaning robot; and after the cleaning robot performs the cleaning mode, turning off the vacuumizing assembly or maintaining the vacuumizing assembly in a turned off state, and starting and rotating at least one row of the driving wheels.

Abstract: An extraction cleaner is provided with a removable recovery tank having a recovery container, a drain opening quick-empty valve, and an actuator assembly for emptying the recovery container. The drain opening can be provided on a lower portion of the recovery container. The actuator assembly can selectively open the valve. At least a portion of the actuator assembly can be provided on an upper portion of the recovery container.

Abstract: Among other things, a method is disclosed which includes the following: acquiring at least one set of acceleration data indicative of a progression of measured acceleration values; determining status data indicative of a process step within a cleaning program performed by a dishwasher; outputting or causing the output of the determined status data. Further revealed is a device for executing and/or controlling this method, a system with one or more devices for executing and/or controlling this method and a computer program for executing and/or controlling this method by employing a processor.

Abstract: A dishwasher (1) includes a treatment zone (3) and a conveyor apparatus (4) for transporting washware items (2) from a placement area (5) through the treatment zone (3) to a removal area (6). A washing and/or rinsing system has at least one washing and/or rinsing pump (9) and washing and/or rinsing nozzles. The dishwasher (1) is spatially partitioned into an over table area (7), which, when the dishwasher (1) is used as intended, is positioned above a counter level (13), and an under table area (8), which, when the dishwasher (1) is used as intended, is positioned below the counter level (13), wherein the placement area (5), the removal area (6) and the treatment zone (3) are respectively part of the over table area (7), and wherein at least the washing and/or rinsing pump (9) of the washing and/or rinsing system is part of the under table area (8).

Abstract: A pump (8) is disclosed. The pump (8) includes a partition wall (84) configured to divide the interior of a body into two spaces, a first chamber (C1) located under the partition wall (84), the first chamber (C1) having an introduction portion (841), through which water is introduced, a second chamber (C2) located above the partition wall (84), the second chamber (C2) having a discharge portion (849), through which water is discharged, a communication hole (86) formed through the partition wall (84) to allow the first chamber (C1) and the second chamber (C2) to communicate with each other therethrough, an impeller (85) provided in the second chamber (C2) to move water to the discharge portion (849), a housing configured to define the bottom surface of the first chamber (C1), the housing being made of a conductor, a heater (H) configured to heat the housing (81), and a steam discharge (843) port formed through the first chamber (C1) to allow steam to be discharged therethrough.

Abstract: A dish washer includes a cabinet, a tub positioned inside the cabinet, a sump provided in a lower portion of the tub, a case brake provided on a side wall of the tub connected to the sump, and a filter device positioned below the tub inside the cabinet, to selectively filter or unfilter water received from a water supply source, and to supply the filtered water or the unfiltered water to the case brake, the water passed through the case brake is collected in the sump, the case brake is located higher than the sump to prevent a backflow of the water collected in the sump to the case brake.

Abstract: A water feed tube assembly for a dishwasher with a water feed tube having one or more inlets and outlets and front, back, and side walls. At least one outlet is positioned on the front wall of the water feed tube. The water feed tube includes a manifold docking retainer that is integral with the water feed tube at a position adjacent to the outlet. The manifold docking retainer includes first and second ears that are positioned on and extend integrally from the side walls of the water feed tube such that the first and second ears of the manifold docking retainer are configured to receive first and second docking arms of a spray arm manifold. The manifold docking retainer includes first and second knobs that are positioned on and extend integrally from the front wall of the water feed tube to mate with the spray arm manifold.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a cabinet, a tub, a door, a control panel that is disposed in one side of the door and has an operation button, a printed circuit board that is disposed inside the control panel and detects an input for the operation button, a supporter that has a mounting space in which the printed circuit board is mounted and that is disposed inside the control panel, a waterproof film that is adhered to one side of the supporter facing the control panel and blocks water inflow into the printed circuit board disposed in the mounting space, and a coating layer filled with a waterproof material, in the mounting space of the supporter on which the printed circuit board is mounted.

Abstract: A household dishwasher includes a dishwasher cavity, a door fastened to the dishwasher cavity and including a panel box, and an operating module provided on the door for operation of the household dishwasher and including a sealing element for sealing the operating module with respect to the panel box. The operating module is pivotable about an axis of rotation from a dismounted state, in which an engagement section of the panel box is not in positive-locking engagement with the operating module into a mounted state, in which the engagement section is in positive-locking engagement with the operating module and the sealing element is pressed between the operating module and the panel box.

Abstract: The cleaner includes a suction inlet configured to guide air and dusts, a main body including a first cyclone unit configured to separate the air and the dusts, which are suctioned through the suction inlet, from each other, and a dust separation module separably connected to the main body and including a second cyclone unit configured to separate the dusts from the air discharged from the first cyclone unit.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a housing that houses a suction nozzle and a fan and is configured to be moved on a surface to be cleaned, a cartridge including a solution, a spray nozzle that directs a spray on the surface, a valve that actuates the spray nozzle and a controller that selectively operates the valve based on pre-programmed instructions. The spray nozzle is positioned on the housing in a direction away from a direction of movement of the housing.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner head with a suction component consisting of laterally-opposed wing-like members positioned transversely to the front end of the head used to access and suction dirt, debris and fluids within confined or low-clearance areas under furniture and appliances and includes a generally thin flat elongated hollow member designed to reach maximum extension and floor surface coverage within the confined or low-clearance areas. Included is a flexible hollow hose fitting set back and disposed at an acute angle from the back end of the vacuum cleaner head for slidably mounting the vacuum cleaner head to a hollow hose wand. The hollow hose wand with a bottom end releasably attached to the flexible hollow hose fitting is adapted to be bent downward toward the floor surface when a sufficient downward pressure is exerted by the user upon the hollow hose wand used for maneuvering (approximately eleven inches in width) the vacuum cleaner head.

Abstract: The present invention relates to vacuum cleaner filter bags made of waste products of the textile industry. In addition, possibilities for use of waste products of the textile industry for vacuum cleaner filter bags are indicated.

Abstract: A cleaner system includes a cleaner and a cleaner station that performs a method for removing residual dust. The cleaner station is configured to suction dust stored in the cleaner. Residual dust in the cleaner station after suctioning dust in a dust bin of the cleaner is suctioned through a bypass hole that penetrates an outside and an inside of a suction tube.

Abstract: A hose cuff on a vacuum hose for connection with at least one inlet valve of a central vacuum system includes a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a longitudinal axis between the first end and the second end, a first section adjacent to the first end, and a second section adjacent to the second end. The first section is adapted to connect to a first inlet valve and the second section is adapted to connect to a different second inlet valve. The first section includes a metal portion adapted to contact pins of the first inlet valve.

Abstract: An accumulator-operated household appliance and a method for the operation thereof, in which the household appliance has at least two electrical systems, wherein a first electrical system is a first coil of an electrical drive motor. Switches of a switching unit can be switched in such a way by means of a controller that every electrical system is either operated by means of an accumulator assigned thereto or that a plurality of electrical systems are operated by a joint accumulator.

Abstract: Disclosed are a robot cleaner and a method for controlling same. The robot cleaner comprises: a travel unit for moving a main body; a communication unit for communicating with a remote control device by using ultra-wideband signals; and a control unit which, in response to a first optical signal emitted from the remote control device to the main body, calculates the position of the remote control device by using the ultra-wideband signals that are output to the communication unit. Also, the control unit recognizes, in response to a second optical signal emitted from the remote control device directly after the first optical signal, the position of a target point corresponding to the second optical signal and calculated on the basis of the determined position of the remote control device, and generates a travel command to move the main body to the recognized position of the target point.

Abstract: A flexible tube insertion apparatus includes a flexible tube to be inserted into a tract, a shape calculation system configured to calculate a shape of the flexible tube, and a bend detection unit configured to detect formation of first and second bend portions in the flexible tube, based on information of the calculated shape of the flexible tube. The apparatus also includes a positional relationship calculation unit configured to calculate a three-dimensional positional relationship expressed by a crossing angle between first and second imaginary planes respectively passing through the first and second bend portions, and a stiffness control system configured to control a stiffness of the flexible tube, based on the three-dimensional positional relationship.

Abstract: Proposed is a technology that enables a video signal (endoscopic image) output from an imaging unit to be processed without signal conversion according to an MIPI D-PHY standard. The present disclosure proposes an endoscope system including: an endoscope device that includes an endoscope-side connector unit; a processor that includes a processor-side connector unit; and an attenuation correction unit that corrects attenuation of a video signal from an image sensor disposed at a distal end portion of the endoscope device (FIG. 3).

Abstract: A medical safety control apparatus that includes processing circuitry that obtains a surgical instrument-biological tissue distance, determine whether the surgical instrument-biological tissue distance is greater than a predetermined first restricted distance, in response to determining that the surgical instrument-biological tissue distance is not greater than the predetermined first restricted distance, issues an instruction for stopping a motion of an arm of a support arm apparatus that supports the surgical instrument, in response to determining that the surgical instrument-biological tissue distance is greater than the predetermined first restricted distance, determines whether the surgical instrument-biological tissue distance is greater than a predetermined second restricted distance, and in response to determining that the surgical instrument-biological tissue distance is not greater than the predetermined second restricted distance, issues a first instruction for restricting a motion speed of the arm

Abstract: A system for controlling a medical imaging scope is disclosed. The system includes a camera head, a display, a processing unit, a memory unit and an input disposed on the medical imaging scope. The processing unit is configured to display a menu that correlates to a plurality of commands. The input is configured to be moveable in three dimensions of space along a set axis, in a plurality of discrete patterns. The processing unit is further configured to associate each of the plurality of discrete patterns with a desired command of the plurality of commands and store each of the plurality of discrete patterns with the desired command of the plurality of commands in the memory unit so as to customize a control of the medical imaging scope.

Abstract: Medical devices and related methods are described. The medical device may include a shaft, a handle housing a proximal portion of the shaft, and a lock having a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration of the lock, the shaft may be rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the shaft relative to the handle, and, in the second configuration of the lock, the shaft may be stationary relative to the handle.

Abstract: A device for distending a body lumen for enhanced visualization with a capsule endoscope includes a plurality of struts configured to extend from the capsule endoscope, a retention mechanism configured to attach the plurality of struts to the capsule endoscope, and a trigger configured to release the retention mechanism.

Abstract: A mucous membrane lifting instrument includes: a tubular hood having a proximal end attachable to a distal end of an endoscope; a first band having an elasticity, and arranged on an outer peripheral surface of the hood in a stretched state; a second band having an elasticity, and arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the hood in a stretched state at a position proximal of the first band; and a linear member that is connected to the first band, and passes between the outer peripheral surface of the hood and the second band.

Abstract: A video endoscope, more specifically a video mediastinoscope, and an associated method for its configuration, comprises an elongate rigid shaft and a handle detachably attached to a proximal end section of the shaft, wherein the shaft comprises an optics shaft comprising an imaging optics and an electronic image sensor, wherein the optics shaft and a plug connector housing arranged at a proximal end of the optics shaft form a hermetically sealed unit enclosing the imaging optics and the image sensor, and wherein the handle comprises a handle housing in which an electronics unit is accommodated, wherein the electronics unit is hermetically sealed.

Abstract: A cleaning adapter for an endoscope is provided. The cleaning adapter comprises a main stem comprising a first through hole extending transversely through the main stem, a second through hole extending transversely through the main stem, and a channel within the main stem fluidly coupling the first through hole to the second through hole. In some embodiments, a tag for an endoscope valve is provided. Methods and kits are also provided.

Abstract: A scope system includes a processor and a scope device. The scope device includes a handle configured to remain outside of the body and an elongated shaft extending from the handle to a distal tip and including a working channel extending therethrough. The working channel is open at the distal tip of the shaft. The shaft is inserted through a bodily lumen to a target surgical site. The shaft includes at least one sensor transmitting to the processor sensor data relating to the target surgical site.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a therapeutic endoscope. The therapeutic endoscope includes a main body, an image sensor unit connected to the main body, and a cover attached to the main body. The cover includes a first opening adjacent to the image sensor unit, a second opening opposite to the first opening, and a sidewall extending between the first opening and the second opening. The sidewall of the cover includes a third opening connecting the first opening and the second opening. The present disclosure also relates to a cover for a therapeutic endoscope.

Abstract: A self-propelled semi- or fully-autonomous robotic endoscope device is provided that include multi-degrees of freedom movement and may be sensor-enabled for colonoscopy procedures. The device may include two independently controlled motors configured to drive micro-pillared treads above and below the device, allowing for 2-degrees of freedom (DOF) skid-steering even in a collapsed lumen. The robotic device contains similar functionality of a traditional endoscope, such as a camera, adjustable LEDs, channels for insufflation and irrigation, and a tool port for common endoscopy instruments (e.g., forceps, snares, etc.).

Abstract: The present application relates to an endoscope apparatus including a shaft component with a proximal end and a distal end. The shaft component is arranged in an outer shaft. The endoscopy apparatus includes an image capture device having an objective lens for generating a real image and an image sensor for capturing the image and generating an image signal. The endoscopy apparatus includes a pivot joint device which couples the image capture device to the shaft component in a manner pivotable about two orthogonal axes but rigid in respect of a rotation about the longitudinal axis of the shaft component. The endoscopy apparatus includes a pivot control device to set a pivot position of the image capture device relative to the shaft component which depends on the rotational position of the image capture device and the shaft component relative to the outer shaft.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure may include a medical device comprising an elongate member and a handle assembly connected to the elongate member. The handle housing may house a steering mechanism movable relative to the handle assembly and configured to steer the elongate member along a first plane and a second plane different from the first plane, a camera system configured to capture images from a distal end of the elongate member, and an illumination system configured to provide illuminating light from the distal end of the elongate member.

Abstract: A cannula suitable for use in minimally invasive surgery is improved with a highly polished and very smooth luminal wall and/or LED's or other light sources focused at particular angles relative to the axis of the cannula. The devices provide for improved lighting and/or reduced lighting requirements for cannulas used for minimally invasive surgery.

Abstract: The present invention provides a detection packaging structure and an in-vivo detection apparatus that are based on a flexible tube. A detection circuit board and a main circuit board that are perpendicular to each other are used, a first conducting material is disposed on a first side surface of the detection circuit board, a second conducting material capable of being conducted to the first conducting material is disposed on a second side surface, and when a detection component is connected to the first side surface of the detection circuit board, a wiring terminal of the detection component is capable of being welded to the first conducting material. In this way, based on the present invention, difficulty of welding operations is reduced, welding strength and reliability are enhanced, and welding stability in a plurality of motion statuses is satisfied.

Abstract: An endoscope tip part for an endoscope for visually inspecting inaccessible places, including a tip housing enclosing a sealed interior space and including a transparent portion; an image sensor viewing in an optical direction through the transparent portion of the tip housing; a light guide component having a light entry surface and a light exit surface; a first light source having a light-emitting surface and being configured to emit light from the light-emitting surface in a central illumination direction; and an electrical circuit in electrical communication with the image sensor and the first light source, wherein the first light source, the image sensor, and the electrical circuit are accommodated in the sealed interior space of the tip housing, wherein the first light source is attached to the light guide component.

Abstract: A sponge-based variable-stiffness support structure for natural orifice surgical instrument is to support the surgical instrument and includes: a variable-stiffness sponge pipeline connected with the natural orifice surgical instrument and configured to support the natural orifice surgical instrument in a natural orifice; a hydrophobic breathable film attached to an outer wall of the variable-stiffness sponge pipeline, and configured to isolate the variable-stiffness sponge pipeline from body fluid in the natural orifice; and a gas delivery assembly connected with the variable-stiffness sponge pipeline, and configured to inject high-pressure air or water vapor into a variable-stiffness sponge pipe of the variable-stiffness sponge pipeline; wherein the variable-stiffness sponge pipeline has a stiffness inversely proportional to content of the water vapor.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a tissue shaping device adapted to be disposed in a vessel near a patient's heart to reshape the patient's heart. Such tissue shaping device can include an expandable proximal anchor; a proximal anchor lock adapted to lock the proximal anchor in an expanded configuration; an expandable distal anchor; a distal anchor lock adapted to lock the distal anchor in an expanded configuration; and a connector disposed between the proximal anchor and the distal anchor, the connector having a substantially non-circular cross-section.

Abstract: A method for operating a medical device includes measuring a configuration of a tube, receiving a desired configuration of the tube, determining an actuation input to bend the tube to the desired configuration, and transmitting the actuation input to at least one force transmission element that is actuatable to alter the tube between a flexible state and a stiffened state. Altering the tube from the flexible state to the stiffened state includes simultaneously applying first and second tension forces to first and second force transmission elements, respectively, to compress and shorten a length of the tube. The method further includes receiving a first command to place the tube in the flexible state, reducing longitudinal compression on the tube in response to the first command, receiving a second command to place the tube in the stiffened state, and longitudinally compressing the tube in response to the second command.