Abstract: A system and method for modifying a biological cell are presented. A beam of ultra-short pulses is generated. The beam is delivered to a mixture that includes a biological cell and a medium. The beam is focused to form a focal zone. The focal zone may be proximate to the biological cell. An event is generated at the focal zone that effectuates a modification to the biological cell.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods that reduce, remove, shape, and/or sculpt sub-dermal fat layers by selectively heating fat tissue, or that reduce the appearance of cellulite, using low frequency RF energy applied through one or more skin contacting electrode carried on a handpiece. The handpiece is manipulated manually or automatically to continuously move the electrode(s) across the skin surface during RF delivery. A motion detector may be employed to determine the speed and/or direction of movement of the electrode, and operating parameters such as the amount of applied RF power may be modulated in response to feedback from the motion detector. One or more cooling modalities including thermoelectric cooling, and/or forced air cooling may be used to cool or minimize heating of the skin.

Abstract: A flashlamp device having a small diameter waveguide is disclosed for use in localized dermatological applications. A preferred waveguide has a curvilinear wall surface. The waveguide is supported by a plurality of spaced apart thermally-conductive elements in contact with the curvilinear wall surface allowing sufficient cooling of the waveguide while minimizing the amount of high angle light stripped from the waveguide at points of contact with the contact elements.

Abstract: A fluorescence concentrator system that provides for high brightness light source. The system can include a host doped with fluorescent material, which is optically pumped by an adjacent illumination source. The fluorescence concentrator captures a portion of the isotropically emitted fluorescent light and guides it to an output surface. The fluorescent energy emerging the output surface provides a high brightness light source suitable for a number of applications. For example, the fluorescence concentrator system can be used as the light source in a medical apparatus suitable for various aesthetic procedures. Further aspects of the fluorescent concentrator system can include providing for controlling the illumination source to output pumping energy suitable for high energy applications.

Abstract: A cleaning implement includes a cleaning head having a cleaning operation surface on a bottom, a holding portion arranged on the side opposite the cleaning head, a pipe for coupling the cleaning head and the holding portion, and a valve opening and closing device provided to the pipe so as to be able to hold a first container for receiving a first fluid or a second container for receiving a second fluid. The holding portion includes a lever coupled to the valve opening and closing device so as to open and close a first valve of the first container or a second valve of the second container. A first ejection nozzle can eject the first fluid forward of the cleaning head, and a second ejection nozzle can eject the second fluid rearward of the cleaning head.

Abstract: A cleaning implement is provided for cleaning surfaces with a cleaning substrate. The cleaning implement includes a handle connected via a universal joint to a support head. The support head includes a substantially transparent top piece having a plurality of protruding and recessed region which diffract light to create visible shadow and bright zones.

Abstract: A cleaning implement includes a cleaning head having on the bottom a cleaning operation surface and a valve opening and closing device that is connected to the cleaning head and can hold a first container for receiving a first fluid or a second container for receiving a second fluid. The cleaning implement further includes a first circulation path through which the first fluid is ejectable from the cleaning head and a second circulation path through which the second fluid is ejectable by interrupting the first circulation path.

Abstract: A cleaning implement includes a cleaning head having on a bottom a cleaning operation surface, a holding portion arranged on the side opposite the cleaning head, a pipe for coupling the cleaning head and the holding portion, and a valve opening and closing device provided to the pipe so as to be able to hold a first container for receiving a first fluid or a second container for receiving a second fluid. The holding portion includes a lever coupled to the valve opening and closing device so as to open and close a first valve of the first container or a second valve of the second container. A spout of a second ejection nozzle for ejecting the second fluid containing an allergen inactivator is located, for example, at a height of about 30 cm or more from the floor.

Abstract: System and methods for minimally invasive treatment of snoring are described. According to one system and method, laser energy is applied to tissue of a soft palate and/or uvula to create a pattern of multiple treatment spots in the tissue. According to another system and method, electromagnetic energy from a filament light source is impinged of soft palate and/or uvula tissue to achieve volumetric heating of the tissue. The systems and methods increase rigidity and/or reduce laxity of the tissue, and/or volumetrically reduce the tissue, thereby diminishing snoring.

Abstract: A device for converting a rotating motion into a reciprocating motion comprises a rotatable shaft carrying a first grooved element, a second element constrained to move along an axis of said second element, and a pin carried on the second element. The pin may be engaged in the groove on the rotatable shaft so that as the rotatable shaft rotates, the pin moves in the groove thereby causing the second element to move along its axis. The shape of the groove defines the motion of the second element. There is also disclosed an electric brush assembly and an electric tool assembly comprising such a device.

Abstract: A reciprocating work head for use with an electric tool assembly, such as an electric brush, comprises a movable section and a fixed section. The movable section carries a retaining pin. The movable section is arranged to move along the retaining pin in a reciprocating motion along the longitudinal axis of the fixed section. There is also disclosed an electric tool assembly, such as an electric brush, comprising such a work head.

Abstract: A system and method for providing treatments of electromagnetic radiation to areas of post-partum abdominal skin. The treatments provide for raising the temperature in a portion of post-partum abdominal skin to a treatment temperature, which is sufficient to reduce the laxity or redundancy of the post-partum skin. In one embodiment the treatment can provide treatment exposures to sub-areas, of an area of post-partum abdominal skin which has been identified for treatment, and bring a temperature of the tissue being treated to at 50° C.

Abstract: The invention provides a cleaning implement for cleaning a hard surface. The cleaning implement includes a mop head pivotably connected to a first handle section and a fluid transfer mechanism that is connected to a second handle section of the implement. When the cleaning implement is unassembled and stored in a package, the first handle section is disconnected from the second handle section. When a user removes the cleaning implement from the package, he or she can assemble the cleaning implement.

Abstract: A cleaning implement for removing debris from a surface comprises a handle, a mop head, and a joint connecting the handle and mop head; wherein the joint is adjustable and lockable. The joint allows the angle between the mop head and the handle to be adjusted appropriately and then locked into place. Another embodiment of the present cleaning implement comprises a handle and a mop head, wherein the mop heads comprises one or more gliders to facilitate the ability of the cleaning implement to glide smoothly across the surface being cleaned. Methods of removing debris comprise the step of contacting the surface with a cleaning implement of the present invention.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cleaning device with a squirter for squirting liquid forward of a cleaning head. The cleaning head has a nozzle head whose squirt surface is curved. In the nozzle head, squirt directions of nozzles, which are arranged to fan out at a squirt angle, are substantially perpendicular to tangents to the squirt surface. Therefore, liquid squirted from the nozzles tends to fly straight along the squirt directions without being drawn to the squirt surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fluid transfer fitment for controllably retaining a fluid in a reservoir in a leak-tight manner. This fluid transfer fitment can be used with a variety of fluid delivery mechanisms. The fluid transfer fitment has a cap portion, an engaging segment, a fluid transfer check valve and a vent check valve. The fluid transfer check valve of the fitment is located within the engaging segment of the fitment. The present invention also provides fluid delivery mechanisms, which can be used with a cleaning implement. The fluid delivery mechanisms can be used with a fitment having a cap portion, an engaging segment and a fluid transfer check valve.

Abstract: An motorized stain-removal brush is provided. A method of using motorized stain-removal brush for cleaning inanimate surfaces is also provided. The motorized stain-removal brush includes a handle having a motor disposed therein, a head having a longitudinal axis, and a neck disposed between the handle and the head. Bristle holders are associated with the head. The motor is operatively connected to the bristle holder.

Abstract: A system and method using a gas discharge to provide for dermatological treatments, such as hair removal. The system provides for varying the spectral output of the gas discharge lamp by varying the current density through the lamp. This ability to control the spectral output is particularly beneficial where the a variety of different skin types and hair types are being treated for hair removal. By changing the current density through the lamp, the spectral output from the lamp can be changed. Thus, where a power supply provides the ability to control the amount of current density through the lamp, the spectral output from the lamp is controlled and selected for a particular skin type being treated.

Abstract: A system and method for using a light source to treat tissue with NIR light. The operation provides for generating higher temperatures in deeper layers of tissue relative to shallower layers of tissue. The increased temperature in dermal layers can operate to induce collagen shrinkage, or remodeling. One of the light sources for providing a broad spectrum of NIR light is a filament light. The light from the filament lamp can be selectively filtered, and after filtering this light is applied to the skin, where the selective filtering can enhance the ability to elevate the temperature of deeper layers of tissue, relative to layers of tissue which are closer to the surface of the skin.

Abstract: A fluorescence concentrator system that provides for high brightness light source. The system can include a host doped with fluorescent material, which is optically pumped by an adjacent illumination source. The fluorescence concentrator captures a portion of the isotropically emitted fluorescent light and guides it to an output surface. The fluorescent energy emerging the output surface provides a high brightness light source suitable for a number of applications. For example, the fluorescence concentrator system can be used as the light source in a medical apparatus suitable for various aesthetic procedures. Further aspects of the fluorescent concentrator system can include providing for controlling the illumination source to output pumping energy suitable for high energy applications.