Abstract: A vacuum cleaning appliance comprises a handheld vacuum cleaning device comprising a motor coupled to a fan for generating an air flow through a nozzle air inlet. It also comprises a support frame comprising: a cleaning head having a cleaning head air inlet; and an air outlet in fluid communication with the cleaning head air inlet, the air outlet configured to couple with the nozzle air inlet when the handheld vacuum cleaning device is secured to the support frame and to create an airflow path from the cleaning head air inlet to the nozzle air inlet. The air outlet is moveable with respect to the support frame into a first position in which the air outlet projects from the support frame when the handheld vacuum cleaning device is detached from the support frame.

Abstract: A vacuum hose system has a tray assembly and a hose. The tray assembly is made of a first tray defining a plurality of first tray cavity surface portions, a middle tray defining a plurality of first middle cavity surface portions and a plurality of second middle cavity surface portions, and a second tray defining a plurality of second tray cavity surface portions. The first tray engages the middle tray to define a first portion of a storage chamber. The second tray engages the middle tray portion to define a second portion of the storage chamber. First and second reference planes extending through the first and second portions of the storage chamber are offset from each other. When the hose is in a stored position, at least part of the hose lies in each of the first and second portions of the storage chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nozzle arrangement (10) for a floor cleaning device (100), comprising a nozzle housing (28); a brush (12) rotatable about a brush axis (14), wherein the brush (12) is partially surrounded by the nozzle housing (28) and protrudes from a bottom side (30) of said nozzle housing (28), said brush (12) being provided with brush elements (16) for picking up dirt and/or liquid particles (22, 24) from a surface to be cleaned (20) during the rotation of the brush (12), and a protection assembly (32) for preventing obstacles (40) from getting sucked into the nozzle housing (28) or wrapped around the brush (12), wherein said protection assembly (32) is arranged within the nozzle housing (28) and comprises a plurality of spaced apart ribs (34) that extend at least partly through the brush (12), wherein a suction channel (42) is defined between a back end (44) of the ribs (34) and an opposite inner wall element (46) of the nozzle housing (28), wherein said back end (44) of the ribs (34) i

Abstract: A vacuum cleaning device comprises: a housing; a motor and fan assembly for generating an airflow between an air inlet and an air outlet. A removable dirt collection bin receives dirt in the airflow. The dirt collection bin is located in fluid communication between the air inlet and air outlet and mountable to the housing. A locking mechanism is moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position for releasably coupling the dirt collection bin to the housing. An ejection mechanism arranged to eject the dirt collection bin away from the housing when the locking mechanism is in the unlocked position.

Abstract: A cyclone separation device includes: a swirl chamber that swirls air containing dust along a side wall therein, and separates dust from the air containing dust; a first dust collection chamber that communicates with an inside of the swirl chamber through a first opening formed in the side wall of the swirl chamber; a second dust collection chamber that communicates with the inside of the swirl chamber through a second opening formed on a downstream side of the first opening in the swirl chamber; a discharge pipe that communicates with a discharge port for discharging air in the swirl chamber; and a plurality of inlets that are provided on an upstream side of the first opening, and through which the air containing dust flows into the swirl chamber.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner has a cyclone separator for separating dirt and other contaminants from a dirt-containing working airstream and a collection chamber collecting the separated dirt. The vacuum cleaner can further include fines catcher defining a second collection chamber, where the bottom end of the fines catcher is spaced from the bottom wall of the first collection chamber.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having an airflow outlet and an airflow indicator assembly removably disposed at the outlet. The airflow indicator assembly includes a pair of fins attached to a spine and a needle disposed between the pair of fins. During operation of the vacuum cleaner, exhaust air is directed through the outlet and towards the needle, pushing the needle thereby indicating whether service is needed.

Abstract: The present application provides a signal guided cleaning device and a signal guided cleaning system thereof. The signal guided cleaning system includes a signal emitter and a signal guided cleaning device. The signal emitter is used to emit at least one first emission signal. And the signal guided cleaning device includes a body, at least one mobile element, at least one driver, and a controlling unit. Each first signal receiver received the first emission signal in receiving range and provides a first reception instruction. Each mobile element connects with the corresponding driver. Controlling unit connects with the first signal receivers and drivers, provides a corresponding first controlling instruction according to the received first reception instruction, and drives the corresponding drivers so as to make the mobile elements drive the body forward an emitting direction of the first emission signal.

Abstract: An autonomous floor cleaning robot includes a transport drive and control system arranged for autonomous movement of the robot over a floor for performing cleaning operations. The robot chassis carries a first cleaning zone comprising cleaning elements arranged to suction loose particulates up from the cleaning surface and a second cleaning zone comprising cleaning elements arraigned to apply a cleaning fluid onto the surface and to thereafter collect the cleaning fluid up from the surface after it has been used to clean the surface. The robot chassis carries a supply of cleaning fluid and a waste container for storing waste materials collected up from the cleaning surface.

Abstract: Floor cleaning machine comprising: a) a front portion (13) and a rear portion (12); the rear portion (12) comprising at least two lateral rear wheels (11); b) a chassis (10) with a lower side (22) directed towards a floor (20) to be cleaned and two lateral sides (23a, 23b); c) at least one front wheel (3) arranged in the front portion (13); and d) a cleaning unit (14) attached to the chassis (10) and including at least one rotatable brush (6) which is arranged in front of the rear wheels (11) and which has a floor contact region (28) so as to contact a floor (20) to be cleaned; wherein the at least one front wheel (3) is moveable with respect to the chassis (10) from a retracted position to a lowered position in which it protrudes from the floor contact region (28) of the at least one brush (6).

Abstract: An automatic cleaning system is configured by a single controlling apparatus, and a plurality of self-traveling cleaners. When the controlling apparatus has received from a self-traveling cleaner a dust location signal containing a dust location detected by the self-traveling cleaner, it writes the received information into a storage unit. When the controlling apparatus has received from one of the plurality of self-traveling cleaners, with respect to dust which is not removed by any self-traveling cleaner, a signal requesting a reservation of removing the dust, the controlling apparatus will not accept from any other of the plurality of self-traveling cleaners a signal requesting a reservation of removing the dust, until receiving from the one self-traveling cleaner information indicating that removing of the dust has been completed or information indicating that the removing of the dust has been stopped.

Abstract: A sponge with receptacle comprising: a sponge, where the sponge includes a front face and a back face; a textured bottom surface of the sponge; an inner cavity within the sponge; and an opening to the inner cavity within the front face of the sponge, where the opening enables a substance to enter the inner cavity to then distribute the substance throughout the sponge. With the sponge with receptacle the user is afforded a tool that assists to maintain and distribute cleanser during the entire cleaning process.

Abstract: An automatic machine used to wash one or more set of kitchenware items having a washing chamber that contains a rotary drum and a series of nozzles. The rotary drum is provided with a basically horizontal axis of rotation and the nozzles are preferably disposed according to a radial direction with respect to the rotary drum and under the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A footwear cleaning apparatus has a housing formed of a single hollow molded plastic body. A rotary brush is rotatably supported on laterally opposed walls of the housing so as to partially protrude upwardly through an opening in the top side of the housing. A motor mounted alongside the housing drives rotation of the rotary brush by directly coupled bevelled gears on the motor output and rotary brush respectively. A lower portion of the housing defines a refuse receptacle which spans the full length and width of the housing and is suitable for containing liquid and other debris removed from footwear engaged with the rotary brush. A rear discharge spout mounted in a rear perimeter wall of the housing permits the contents of the refuse receptacle to be discharged therethrough.

Abstract: An extension for garment dryers facilitates the drying of garments with deep and narrow cavities, such as high boots, rubber gloves or plastic bags. The extension provides stable support for the garments by locking into and slidingly engaging with protrusions in the garment dryers.

Abstract: A medical endoscope including: a plurality of tubes arranged one inside the other; wherein an outer tube of the plurality of tubes is made of metal, and at least one inner tube of the plurality of tubes is made of ceramic, such as tungsten carbide. The at least one inner tube can be configured as a fiber tube inwardly delimiting a fiber chamber filled with optical fibers, where the fiber tube is made of ceramic, such as a sintered ceramic.

Abstract: An imaging and treatment device comprises a catheter body, an imaging transducer, and an elongated member. The imaging transducer is disposed at a distal portion of the catheter body. A treatment element is disposed at a distal end of the elongated member, and the elongated member is movable within a lumen of the catheter body.

Abstract: A medical device includes both intraluminal imaging and denervation capabilities to allow guided delivery of denervation therapy to target tissues with a single device and in order to treat diseases such as hypertension.

Abstract: Polymeric articles that include a nanoscopically and/or microscopically rough surface formed on at least a portion of the article. Methods of using and making such articles are also disclosed. In one embodiment, covers for use with a surgical viewing instrument that include the nanoscopically and/or microscopically rough surface are disclosed. The cover includes a cover configured for placement over at least a portion of a surgical viewing instrument, at least a portion of the cover being transparent to light, and a nanoscopically and/or microscopically rough surface formed on at least a portion of the cover. The nanoscopically and/or microscopically rough surface is configured to shed and/or incorporate into a thin, substantially uniform film such droplets, fogs, and debris for providing clearer and less obstructed vision at a surgical, diagnostic or procedure site.

Abstract: An endoscope with flexible cable is described having a first set of means to facilitate travel of an imaging capsule down the esophagus, a second set of means to enable proper orientation and optical clarity of the capsule, and a third set of means to enable ease in retrieval of the device. In most embodiments, there is an overlap of these sets of means, the combination of which assures optimal exam effectiveness while maintaining a high degree of patient comfort. The endoscope can target low cost, high volume screening for diseases of the upper digestive tract.

Abstract: A guide tube according to the present invention has an initial form designed in advance according to a shape of an internal space. When an external force is applied, the guide tube deforms from the initial form to another form. When the applied external force is removed, the guide tube returns to the initial form. The guide tube includes a first end portion. The first end portion is preferably closed.

Abstract: A device, including a straight support element, a curved support element slidably coupled to the straight support element, and a rigid straight support element slidably coupled to the curved support element, the straight support element having a first rigidity, the curved support element having a curved portion having a second rigidity greater than the first rigidity, the rigid straight support element having a third rigidity greater than the second rigidity, when the rigid straight support element overlaps the curved portion of the curved support element an overlapped portion of the curved portion conforms to a straight shape of the rigid straight support element, when the curved portion overlaps the straight support element, an overlapped portion of the straight support element conforms to a curved shape of the curved portion, the curved portion having a rectangular cross section.

Abstract: The invention concerns a multi-view imaging system for laparoscopic surgery comprising: A tubular member; A first imaging device having a longitudinal body and an active end for acquiring images, intended to be inserted through the tubular member, and movable in the tubular member in translation along the longitudinal axis and/or in rotation about the longitudinal axis; A second imaging device comprising at least two cameras each mounted on a support member and movable relative to the tubular member between: a stowed position in which the cameras are positioned inside the tubular member, and a deployed position in which the cameras are positioned outside the tubular member at the distal end, the cameras being arranged on either side of the longitudinal axis of the tubular member and being held secure relative to the tubular member by holding means, so as to follow any movement of the tubular member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining at least one relevant single image, wherein a plurality of single optical images are generated during a continuous optical measurement (3) of a dental subject (1) to be recorded. During the optical measurement (3) an audio recording is generated by means of a microphone (4) and at least one speech sequence (12; 15; 28) spoken by a user (6) is recorded. The relevant single image (7; 8; 24) is then selected within a specified sequence duration between a start time (17, 18) and an end time of the speech sequence (12; 15; 28).

Abstract: A speculum includes an upper blade, a lower blade, a link member, a handle portion, a curved portion, and a light source. The link member connects the upper blade and the lower blade to allow the upper blade and the lower blade to move between an open state and a close state. The curved portion connects the lower blade and the handle portion. The light source is disposed on the curved portion.

Abstract: The present invention generally refers to corneal topography systems. More specifically, it regards a Placido disc projector (or simply Placido disc) for a corneal topography system, having a novel arrangement of LED lighting.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to improve the prescribing of customized ophthalmic corrections which contain higher order aberration. The apparatus enables the subjective measurement of higher order aberrations such as spherical aberration which can be used as part of the prescription for customized ophthalmic corrections.

Abstract: Example embodiments of a large dynamic range sequential wavefront sensor for vision correction or assessment procedures are disclosed. An example embodiment includes first and second optically coupled 4F relays and a variable focus lens disposed substantially at the image plane of the first 4F relay and the object plane of the second 4F relay.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods for measuring affective bandwidth of a subject (e.g., a human) and determining depression determination of the subject. The affective bandwidth measurement may include the following operations. For example, the subject may watch positive neutral and negative pictures for 8-10 seconds, respectively. Information for all fixation points may be obtained using an eye movement tracking device. Pupil diameter sizes of the subject while watching the positive, neutral and negative picture tasks may be calculated, and the affective bandwidth may be calculated. The affective bandwidth may include positive affective bandwidth (positive-neutral), negative affective bandwidth (negative-neutral) and positive-negative affective bandwidth (positive-negative) of the subject.

Abstract: An eye tracker having a waveguide for propagating illumination light towards an eye and propagating image light reflected from at least one surface of an eye, a light source optically coupled to the waveguide, and a detector optically coupled to the waveguide. Disposed in the waveguide is at least one grating lamina for deflecting the illumination light towards the eye along a first waveguide path and deflecting the image light towards the detector along a second waveguide path.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method is disclosed in which an analog sensor receives an electromagnetic (EM) wave (e.g., a radio frequency signal) from an interrogation device. The sensor converts a biological measurement of a subject into an electrical resistance and modulates a response to reflect the incident signal based on the electrical resistance. The sensor then provides the response to the interrogation device that corresponds to the biological measurement.

Abstract: A subject observation system includes a light source and an image obtaining unit. The light source emits observation light including a spectral component of a wavelength and applies the light to a subject. The image obtaining unit images reflected light from an irradiation region of the subject to which the light has been applied and obtains at least two observation images in different wavelength regions based on image signals corresponding to a blue region, a green region and a red region. The light includes components of light emission spectra in the regions. The light emission spectrum in the blue region is smaller in a wavelength region in which absorption intensity for a specific observation target in the subject is relatively low than in other regions.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus for finding a functional tissue area in a tissue region. The apparatus has a measurement illuminating device suitable for emitting measurement illumination to the tissue region and a camera which can capture light reflected by the tissue region. The camera has a green channel and/or a blue channel wherein there is a change in an optical property of the light reflected by the tissue region during the stimulation thereof which is undertaken at least intermittently. An evaluation unit captures the change in the optical property only by a signal of the green channel and/or of the blue channel of the camera. A display unit can display an output signal of the evaluation unit for the functional tissue area in the tissue region.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing an endoscopic procedure for detecting cancerous tissue includes a detection probe for detecting the cancerous tissue. The detection probe includes a first fiber for emitting an ultraviolet light beam having an orthogonal function applied thereto and a second fiber for receiving emissions from tissues responsive to the ultraviolet light beam emitted for the first fiber. An ultraviolet emission source generates the ultraviolet light beam. Orthogonal function circuitry applies the orthogonal function twist to the ultraviolet light beam. Detection circuitry detects fluorescence and orthogonal function within the emissions from the tissues received over the second fiber.

Abstract: In order to provide a temperature sensor or a temperature measuring apparatus having a temperature sensor, which enables direct temperature measurement, in particular even during treatment, in particular even with HF surgical devices, it is proposed that the temperature sensor includes a sensor element with a medium which can be excited to luminescence, in particular fluorescence, and an optical waveguide which is optically connected to the sensor element and is intended to supply light to the medium at an excitation wavelength and/or to pick up and conduct light at a luminescence wavelength of the medium which can be excited to luminescence.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes an alarm unit, a reception unit, and a control unit. The alarm unit is capable of outputting an alarm. The reception unit receives an alarm stop signal from a thermometer. The control unit causes the alarm unit to output the alarm at a set time and stop the alarm on the basis of the alarm stop signal.

Abstract: An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a system and method for determining cardiac events. The system and method include using an imaging modality to obtain a cardiac image of the subject. The image is then used to determine the subject's systolic, post-systolic, and early diastolic strain peaks. Additionally, a strain rate index (SRI) value is computed for the subject using the systolic, post-systolic, and early diastolic strain peaks. The SRI value can then be used to determine a level of risk of cardiac failure. Further, a likelihood of atrial fibrillation can also be determined. The SRI value and risk of cardiac event can then be used to create a treatment plan for the subject, if necessary.

Abstract: System and method for locating and identifying nerves innervating the wall of arteries such as the renal artery are disclosed. The present invention identifies areas on vessel walls that are innervated with nerves; provides indication on whether energy is delivered accurately to a targeted nerve; and provides immediate post-procedural assessment of the effect of energy delivered to the nerve. The method includes at least the steps to evaluate a change in physiological parameters after energy is delivered to an arterial wall; and to determine the type of nerve that the energy was directed to (none, sympathetic or parasympathetic) based on the evaluated results. The system includes at least a device for delivering energy to the wall of blood vessel; sensors for detecting physiological signals from a subject; and indicators to display results obtained using said method. Also provided are catheters for performing the mapping and ablating functions.

Abstract: The difference between a skin temperature measured by a wrist sensor and a skin temperature measured by a finger sensor is calculated. A pulse wave transmission time from the wrist to the finger is obtained from a pulse wave measured by the wrist sensor and a pulse wave measured by the finger sensor. The product of the difference and the pulse wave transmission time is obtained as a peripheral vascular resistance on the peripheral side from the wrist.

Abstract: There is provided an implantable pressure monitor having a fluid sack in contact with a body part of a patient where the fluid sack is retained to the body part by a pressure monitor housing that may have various attachment means. The fluid sack is filled with a liquid such as silicone oil. The pressure monitor housing has an opening that provides access to a fistula with a fluid valve that terminates through the fluid sack. A fiber optic pressure sensor is in contact with the liquid in the fluid sack by way of the fistula and fluid valve. In some embodiments of the present invention, an electronics module is incorporated with the implantable pressure monitor to provide telemetry, power, and the like.

Abstract: A device having an arterial pulse sensor that is adhered to the hypothenar region of a palm using an adhesive patch. The patch has an adhesive surface that is covered by a removable film with an outer portion and a central portion. Also disclosed is a method of detecting an arterial pulse by providing an arterial pulse sensor, placing the sensor on the hypothenar region of the palm of a hand, and receiving an arterial pulse signal from the sensor.

Abstract: A system for detecting acute ischemia includes at least two sensors configured for obtaining electrical signals from a patient's heart, analog-to-digital converter circuitry for digitizing the signal to produce data segments, and a processor configured to analyze data segments to determine if they represent an abnormal heart rhythm. Certain types of abnormal rhythm segments are also checked for acute ischemia. If enough of the abnormal heart rhythm segments manifest acute ischemia, a first type of alarm event is generated. If persistent abnormal heart rhythm segments do not manifest acute ischemia, a second type of alarm event is generated.

Abstract: An epidermal electrode operable independently of the ambient environment, such as the presence of water, sweat, or dry conditions, and achieve a suitable impedance with the epidermal surface for transmitting electrical signals indicative of bodily physiological process such as ECG signals for heart monitoring. The hydrophobic surface mountable electrode including a flexible, conductive substrate of PDMS (Polydimethylsiloxane) with dispersed carbon black and having a substantially planar sensing area adapted for communication with an electrically sensitive surface such as a patient's skin, and an embedded conductor encapsulated in the substrate for connection to a monitor circuit, the terminal having electrical continuity with the planar sensing area.

Abstract: A method, consisting of receiving respective electrocardiograph (ECG) signals from body-surface electrodes at respective locations in proximity to a heart of a subject. The ECG signals may be processed to generate respective signal parameters characteristic of positions of the body-surface electrodes with respect to the heart, and the respective locations may be adjusted so as to achieve a specified geometrical relationship between the body-surface electrodes and the heart in response to the respective signal parameters.

Abstract: A method for identifying a target arrhythmia, for example, atrial fibrillation, with very high specificity includes obtaining heart rhythm data such as EKG data, selecting and analyzing a segment of the data for arrhythmia, if an arrhythmia is found then reanalyzing the segment of data for a hidden regularity that would indicate the data is not the target arrhythmia. If no hidden regularity is found, then identifying the segment as the target arrhythmia.

Abstract: A first plurality of images of a scene may be captured. Each image of the first plurality of images may be captured using a different TET. Based at least on the first plurality of images, a long TET, a short TET, and a TET sequence that includes the long TET and the short TET may be determined. A second plurality of images of the scene may be captured. The images in the second plurality of images may be captured sequentially in an image sequence using a sequence of TETs corresponding to the TET sequence. Based on one or more images in the image sequence, an output image may be constructed.

Abstract: A system and method for automatic detection of potential focal cortical dysplasias through magnetic resonance imaging. The method includes acquiring image data of a subject brain at a first resolution, analyzing the acquired image data to determine a thickness of cerebral gray matter, and matching the left cerebral hemisphere to the right cerebral hemisphere based on corresponding geometric features of the hemispheres. The method also includes generating a difference map comparing corresponding thicknesses of the hemispheres, identifying regions of abnormal differences in thickness as potential regions containing focal cortical dysplasias, and acquiring image data of the regions of abnormal differences in thickness at a second resolution. The method further includes generating images of the regions of abnormal differences in thickness from the acquired image data and displaying the images.

Abstract: Methods of illumination by laser light are provided, in particular for determining and/or adjusting the position of a patient supported on a patient table of an imaging recording device, wherein the head of the patient and/or surroundings of the head are illuminated by a laser pattern, wherein the eyes of the patient are excluded from the illumination by the laser pattern.

Abstract: A new apparatus, algorithm, and method (all called Invention) are introduced herein to support navigation and placement of an intravascular catheter using the electrical conduction system of the heart (ECSH) and control electrodes placed on the patient's skin. According to the present Invention, an intravascular catheter can be guided both in the arterial and venous systems and positioned at different desired locations in the vasculature in a number of different clinical situations. The catheter is connected to the apparatus using, for example, sterile extension cables, such that the apparatus can measure the electrical activity at the tip of the catheter. Another electrode of the apparatus is placed for reference on the patient's skin. In one embodiment of the present Invention, a control electrode is placed on the patient's chest over the manubrium of the sternum below the presternal notch.

Abstract: A compact, portable or handheld device for measurement of breath VOCs such as acetone is described, which incorporates a flow measurement sensor, a mini preconcentrator unit and an spectroscopy unit, such as a cavity-enhanced absorption spectrometer. The preconcentrator includes a chemically selective material to trap VOCs, which is supported on a metal foam. The apparatus is suitable for measuring sub ppm levels of breath VOCs such as acetone and for tracking blood ketone levels.