Abstract: A device for fastening a toilet seat to at least one first element of a toilet bowl, including a first locking part and wherein, for each back and forth motion of the fastening device relative to the bowl, the locking part is capable of alternately displacing between a first position where the first locking part cooperates with the first element and a second position where the fastening device may be separated from the first element.

Abstract: A toilet bowl ventilation system exhausts air in and around the toilet bowl to an area adjacent to the room in which the toilet is located. The toilet bowl ventilation system includes a housing operable to affix to a toilet seat and a fan positioned within the housing. The system further includes a controller for activating the fan and optionally adjusting the fan's speed when activated. An exhaust hose is operable to transport air from the fan in the housing to a selected area adjacent to the room in which the toilet is located (e.g., outdoors).

Abstract: An apparatus includes bathroom accessories and a grab-bar assembly configured to be coordinated, in combination, in such a way that the bathroom accessories and the grab-bar assembly, in combination, provide a common decorative appearance.

Abstract: An implement head cleaning system which includes apparatuses and methods of cleaning an implement head. An implement head cleaner including an implement head cleaning base having a base bottom configured for placement on a support surface and having an air flow chamber disposed in a base top covered by an air flow inlet plate which directs an air flow through one or more air inlet aperture elements to egress through an air outlet toward an air flow generator. Materials entrained in material entrainment elements carried by the implement head can be removed by moving the material entrainment elements over the air flow inlet plate through the air flow.

Abstract: A device for effectively controlling and collecting debris created when cutting or trimming a material. This device includes a hollow generally prismatic and rigid transparent body, an evacuation penetration in the body for the removal of debris, an interface opening in the body where the device is intended to contact a cutting substrate, a tool access penetration in the body where the blade of a cutting tool, such as a jab saw, can be inserted through the body and into the cutting substrate as well as edge protection around the tool access penetration to prevent damage to the device body if contact with the cutting tool is made when in operation. Debris created during the operation of the cutting tool is contained within the device body and evacuated via vacuum through the evacuation penetration.

Abstract: An accessory tool for a vacuum cleaner. The accessory tool includes a main body including a suction conduit configured to be coupled to the vacuum cleaner and a suction opening in fluid communication with the suction conduit. The accessory tool further includes a longitudinal brush positioned adjacent the suction opening, the brush having a longitudinal first side and a longitudinal second side. A portion of the suction opening extends along both the first and second longitudinal sides of the brush.

Abstract: Described are swivel systems and swivel assemblies for connecting a vacuum appliance to a vacuum accessory. The assembly can be adapted to be coupled to the accessory to permit the appliance to pivot relative to the accessory offset from a center of the accessory. The swivel system can include a vacuum adapter and a connector adapted to permit the vacuum adapter to pivot about a vacuum accessory. A plenum chamber can be formed in the adapter that is in fluid communication with one or more vacuum hoses to balance the airflow within the adapter.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a surface with an extractor having a fluid supply system and a fluid recovery system includes applying a cleaning fluid to a surface, applying suction to the surface to remove the applied cleaning fluid from surface, and selectively interrupting the suction to the surface for a selected time to increase dwell time of the cleaning fluid on the surface.

Abstract: A cleaning head assembly for a surface maintenance machine comprising a cleaning tool having a tool adapter, a driver adapted to provide a generally rotational motion to the cleaning tool to clean the floor surface, the driver being releasably connected to the tool adapter of the cleaning tool by a hub, and an aligning receptacle coupled to the tool adapter of the cleaning tool and positioned between the hub and the tool adapter, the aligning receptacle having an receptacle opening for receiving the hub, wherein the aligning receptacle is adapted to guide and matingly seat the hub into the receptacle opening and thereby engage the cleaning tool to the driver such that the cleaning tool and the driver are rotationally aligned and a rotational motion of the driver is transferred to the cleaning tool by the hub.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for collecting swept waste material are described herein. The apparatus includes a dustpan having a base and a wall, a handle, and a plurality of protrusions. The base is configured to be placed in contact with a surface to be cleaned and includes a front lip over which debris can be swept. The wall extends upwardly from at least a portion of the base other than the front lip and is configured to contain debris in the dustpan. The handle is coupled to a top edge of the wall opposite she from tip and extends away from the wall and downwardly from the top edge so that an end of the handle is disposed approximately even with the base. The plurality of protrusions extend inwardly from the wall and are configured to remove debris from bristles of a broom when the broom is swept across the plurality of protrusions.

Abstract: A household appliance having a treating chamber in which is received an article for treatment, a treating chemistry dispenser configured to receive a unit dose container for the treating chemistry, and a controller for executing at least one cycle of operation and a method of operating the household appliance to physically alter a unit dose container in conjunction with a cycle of operation and sensing same.

Abstract: A washing apparatus including a housing, an enclosed washing space defined in the housing, a first container for clean water disposed adjacent the housing, the first container including a clean water outlet valve to selectively permit flow of water from the first container to the washing space, a second container for waste water disposed adjacent the housing, a water heater disposed in the washing space, a pump disposed in the housing and configured selectively to pump water from the washing space into the washing space and selectively to pump waste water from the washing space to the second container, a valve coupled to the pump for permitting said selective pumping of water into the washing space and said selective pumping of water to the second container; and a pre-programmed electronic controller coupled at least to the pump, the valve and the water heater to control operation at least of the first container, the pump, the valve and the water heater to wash and/or sterilize an item in the washing space.

Abstract: An industrial dishwasher includes a detergent station for washing serviceware with cleaning agent; a sanitising station for disinfecting the serviceware with sterilising agent; a neutralisation station connected to the detergent station, the sanitising station or both for deactivating the cleaning agent, the sterilising agent or both; and one or more conveyor chains connected to the detergent station, the sanitising station or both stations for carrying the serviceware to the detergent station, the sanitising station or both stations.

Abstract: A washing operation and a drying operation are performed while a basket which is located inside a washing tub and accommodates dishes reciprocates in a vertical direction of a washing tub due to a driving device. The basket reciprocates in order to pass through an injection nozzle which injects washing water and an air nozzle which injects air to perform the washing operation while passing through the injection nozzle and to perform the drying operation while passing through the air nozzle. Through this, a small amount of dishes may be washed and dried in a short time and the dishes may be washed using a small amount of water and energy.

Abstract: Systems and methods of detecting current leakage in a heating element are provided. An alternating current signal can be applied to the heating element. The heating element can have an associated line relay and an associated neutral relay coupled to a line terminal of the heating element and a neutral terminal of the heating element, respectively. A control system can be configured to control a sequence of operations of the line and neutral relays such that the magnitude of a leakage current flowing through the heating element to ground is increased. Such increased magnitude can facilitate detection of the leakage current. The detected leakage current can be compared with a leakage threshold. The control system can cease the operation of the heating element if the leakage current is greater than the leakage threshold.

Abstract: A medical system includes a light source apparatus, an operating field monitor, and a system controller. The system controller includes a discriminating section and a control section configured to perform control to display, when an endoscopic image is displayed on the operating field monitor, a voice operation main screen for instructing operation of a controlled apparatuses and the endoscopic image on the operating field monitor and display, when the endoscopic image is not displayed on the operating field monitor, a voice operation screen for performing a check of operation states of the controlled apparatuses and an operation instruction of the controlled apparatuses on the operating field monitor.

Abstract: The traction balance adjustment mechanism 1 includes a movable part 2 that goes into operation through at least one degree of freedom, wires 7 connected to the movable part 2, and a traction part 6 that pulls one of the wires 7 and pushes out the other, wherein the length of the one wire 7 pulled by the traction part 6 is longer than the length of the other wire 7 pushed out.

Abstract: Improved methods and devices for performing an endoscopic surgery are provided. Systems are taught for operatively treating gastrointestinal disorders endoscopically in a stable, yet dynamic operative environment, and in a minimally-invasive manner. Such systems include, for example, an endoscopic surgical suite. The surgical suite can have a reversibly-expandable retractor that expands to provide a stable, operative environment within a subject. The expansion can be asymmetric around a stabilizer subsystem to maximize space for a tool and an endoscope to each be maneuvered independently to visualize a target tissue and treat the target tissue from outside the patient in a minimally invasive manner.

Abstract: A camera system for monitoring the inside of a body having excellent work efficiency is suggested. The camera system for monitoring the inside of a body includes: a cable (12) in which one end is connected to the imaging part; a first auxiliary tool (8) which is connected to the other end of the cable (12); and a second auxiliary tool (7) which includes a holding unit (7g) which holds a held unit (8g) provided in the first auxiliary tool (8), and a rod-like unit (7x) connected to the holding unit (7g), and which draws out the held unit (8g) toward the outside of the body from the inside of the body through the inside of a tube-like device (6) of which one end is guided toward the inside of the body, in a state of being held by the holding unit (7g).

Abstract: An imaging device includes a lens group configured to collect incident light, a prism configured to reflect the light collected by the lens group, and an image sensor having a light receiving unit configured to receive the light reflected by the prism and to perform photoelectric conversion on the received light to generate an electrical signal. The prism is mounted on the light receiving unit, and the lens group is directly mounted on a surface of the image sensor.

Abstract: An endoscope system is provided with an insertion portion, a direct-view observation window, a side-view observation window, a video processor, an image processing section configured to remove, overlapping regions between the first image and the plurality of second images and match lengths of sides of the plurality of second images to a length of a side of the first image, and a region of interest detection section configured to detect a region of interest from the plurality of second images. The image processing section performs image processing of canceling the processing of increasing the width of the image region as the distance from the region adjacent to the first image increases for only the second image from which the region of interest is detected among the plurality of second images according to a result of the detection conducted by the region of interest detection section.

Abstract: Provided is a small endoscope objective optical system that allows stereoscopic viewing even though a wide angle is used, that reduces the F-number, and that also reduces vignetting. Provided. is an endoscope objective optical system that consists of, sequentially from the object side, a negative first lens group, a positive second lens group, and a pair of third lens groups that are disposed side-by-side in the direction of parallax and that form two optical images with parallax, wherein aperture stops are individually provided in the third lens groups, and conditional expression M below is satisfied: Fob_n/Fob_p>?0.5 ??(1), where Fob_n is a focal length of the first lens group, and Fob_p is a focal length of the second lens group.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid block (1) for an endoscope operating element, comprising at least one gas-conducting channel (4) provided inside the fluid block (1) and having an inlet opening and an outlet opening, at least one liquid-conducting channel (5) provided inside the fluid block (1) and having an inlet opening and an outlet opening, and at least one control valve (2) for opening/blocking the at least one gas-conducting channel (4) and the at least one liquid-conducting channel (5). The invention further relates to an endoscope having such a fluid block.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and devices for providing images based on the optical phase gradients within a biological sample can be provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a tethered and/or untethered capsule can be introduced into a biological specimen to acquire images by illuminating the specimen from at least two different angles, while an objective lens arrangement can relay an image from the illuminated sample to an imaging sensor array. The difference between images acquired using differing illumination angles and from the same position in the sample can indicate a phase contrast in a certain technique (e.g., oblique back illumination). The image focal plane provided by this exemplary arrangement/device, e.g., being planar by definition, constitutes only a small fraction of a volumetric specimen. To provide, e.g.

Abstract: There is provided a medical camera head including an imaging board integrally including an imaging element mounting section where an imaging element is mounted, a plurality of first flexible portions whose one ends connected to the imaging element mounting section are led out of the imaging element mounting section in different directions, and a connection section connected to the other end sides of the plurality of first flexible portions.

Abstract: There is provided a medical camera head including: a first casing configured to accommodate an imaging element; a heat-generating section accommodated in the first casing; a connection section provided in the first casing, an external signal transmission section being connected to one end of the connection section; and a heat transfer member interposed between the heat-generating section and the other end of the connection section.

Abstract: Disclosed is a laryngoscope comprising a handle and an insertion section which extends from the handle, wherein the insertion section comprises a tube guide for retaining and guiding an endotracheal tube during intubation, wherein the handle comprises at least one external tube engaging formation, such as a tube guiding member or tube retaining member. There is also disclosed a laryngoscope having a handle and insertion section which adapted to detachably retain and guide an endotracheal tube along a lateral side of the insertion section and handle such that a retained endotracheal tube is continuously curved, and preferably under flexural tension, from the most proximal location where the handle contacts the retained endotracheal tube to the most distal location where the insertion section contacts the superior side of a retained endotracheal tube.

Abstract: A drive assembly for driving an imaging catheter has a rotatable fiber and a rotatable drive shaft. The drive assembly includes a fiber optic rotating junction and a motor configured to rotate the rotatable portion of the fiber optic rotating junction. In some embodiments, the drive assembly includes a sensor configured to detect a rotational position of the fiber optic rotating junction and a processor configured to obtain the detected rotational position and stop the motor only when the fiber optic rotating junction is in a predetermined rotational position. In some embodiments, the motor includes a hollow shaft through which at least a portion of the fiber optic rotating junction extends.

Abstract: An ophthalmic apparatus is capable of communicating with a PDA device provided with a display unit and includes a main body that includes an image-capturing unit, the image-capturing unit obtaining a moving image of an eye to be examined (target eye) based on light returned from the target eye which is illuminated, the moving image of the target eye used by the ophthalmic apparatus for obtaining, based on an examination of the target eye, information regarding the target eye, a driving unit that drives the main body, a transmission unit that transmits, before the information regarding the target eye is obtained, a moving image signal of the obtained moving image to the PDA device, a reception unit that receives a control signal from the PDA device during transmission of the moving image signal, and a control unit that controls the driving unit based on the received control signal.

Abstract: Apparatus for inducing polarization perception in a human or animal observer. The apparatus may comprise several light emitting diodes (LEDs) (4), an adjacent planar light scattering surface (6), a preferably blue colour filter (88), a sheet polarizer (10), and a liquid crystal cell (LCC) array (12). The absence of a secondary polarizer after the LCC layer means that the polarization state of the light exiting the LCC array (12) is preserved. Each cell of the LCC array (12) can therefore be controlled such that a polarization pattern, e.g. a checkerboard pattern, is produced. The polarization pattern may be temporally variable, e.g. alternating between a sequence of patterns.

Abstract: A system and method are described for performing tear film structure measurement. A broadband light source illuminates the tear film. A spectrometer measures respective spectra of reflected light from at least one point of the tear film. A color camera performs large field of view imaging of the tear film, so as to obtain color information for all points of the tear film imaged by the color camera. A processing unit calibrates the camera at the point measured by the spectrometer so that the color obtained by the camera at the point matches the color of the spectrometer at the same point. The processing unit determines, from the color of respective points of the calibrated camera, thicknesses of one or more layers of the tear film at the respective points. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a laser system for detecting biomechanical properties of the cornea, which comprises a laser for emitting a pulsed laser beam, a beam transmission module, a collecting-filtering module and a spectroscopic analysis unit, the beam transmission module is used for transmitting the laser beam and focusing the laser beam onto the cornea, on the surface of which a laser-induced plasma signal is generated; the laser-induced plasma signals are collected and filtered by the collecting-filtering module; the spectroscopic analysis unit performs spectroscopic analysis on the laser-induced plasma signal to determine the biomechanical properties of the cornea. The present invention further provides a method for detecting the biomechanical properties of the cornea with the above laser system. The same laser system for LASIK surgery is utilized in the present invention to measure the biomechanical properties of the cornea timely and accurately, which improves work efficiency.

Abstract: A system and method for a portable eye examination camera is described herein.

Abstract: A system for treatment of corneal tissue includes one or more light sources that generate excitation light delivered to corneal tissue treated with a cross-linking agent. The excitation light causes the cross-linking agent to fluoresce by emitting an emission light at a plurality of emission wavelengths. The system includes an image capture system that captures image(s) of the corneal tissue. The image(s) indicate at least two of the emission wavelengths. The system includes a controller that receives the image(s). The controller: identifies each of the at least two emission wavelengths in the image(s); determines, from the image(s), respective characteristics associated separately with each of the at least two emission wavelengths; and provides information relating to cross-linking activity generated by the cross-linking agent in the corneal tissue based on the respective characteristics associated with each of the at least two emission wavelengths.

Abstract: Systems and methods for eye tracking for motion corrected ophthalmic optical coherence tomography (OCT) are disclosed. According to an aspect, an imaging system includes an eye tracking device configured to determine movement of an eye. The imaging system also includes an OCT apparatus configured to generate OCT images of a retina of the eye. The OCT apparatus includes a scanner operable to be moved for relocating an OCT scan pivot at a pupil plane for image capture and during capture of the OCT images. The imaging system also includes a controller configured to control the scanner to relocate the OCT scan pivot at the pupil plane based on the determined movement of the eye.

Abstract: A multipurpose diagnostic examination apparatus includes a diagnosis control unit (DCU), an attachment unit, and an image capture device (ICD). The attachment unit is detachably connected to and extends from a front end of the DCU. A microcontroller of the DCU receives and processes actuation signals from trigger elements of the DCU to indicate actions to be performed by the ICD removably connected to a camera module of the DCU, and/or by a medical diagnostic device (MDD) connected to the DCU via the attachment unit. The microcontroller facilitates transmission of diagnostic image data captured by the ICD and processed by the camera module, and diagnostic examination data from the MDD, to a medical diagnostic examination system (MDES) accessible on a local user device via a connector interface of the DCU. The MDES, in communication with a remote user device over a communication network, facilitates remote viewing, selection, and diagnostic examinations.

Abstract: A method for tracking a change in tissue status includes receiving at least some demographic information regarding an individual being monitored, receiving information regarding a first tissue status for the individual, comparing the received information with a threshold tissue status selected at least in part based on the at least some demographic information regarding the individual, and providing an alert indicative of a change in tissue status in response to determining that the received information exceeds the threshold tissue status. A system for implementing the methods of various embodiments are also provided.

Abstract: A control apparatus includes a data acquiring unit configured to acquire a measured signal obtained by measuring light emitted from a test object onto which light is irradiated, a processing unit configured to calculate an objective function that varies in accordance with a statistical value obtained by statistically processing the measured signal, and a controller configured to control a modulation amount of a wavefront of the light irradiated onto the test object so as to minimize the objective function.

Abstract: A first light source emits near-infrared radiation with a wavelength near 810 nm, which is excitation radiation for exciting indocyanine green, a second light source emits a violet light with a wavelength of 410 nm that is excitation radiation for exciting PpIX, and a third light source emits white light. An imaging portion comprises a first imaging element able to capture visible light, a second imaging element able to capture red light that is emitted by the PpIX, and a third imaging element able to capture near-infrared light emitted by the indocyanine green.

Abstract: Through the measurement and interpretation of the pixels of grayscale digital thermographic images of abnormalities of the skin and its subcutaneous tissue, early intervention and treatment of abnormalities of the skin and its subcutaneous tissue are possible, thereby assisting clinicians in making significant impacts on prevention and treatment.

Abstract: An object information acquiring apparatus is used which includes: a light source controller that controls radiation of light from a light source; a detector that detects an acoustic wave generated by an object irradiated with the light; an information processor that acquires characteristics information on an inside of the object using the acoustic wave; and a scan controller that changes a relative position between the detector and the object, this object information acquiring apparatus further including: a power source that supplies electricity for use by the object information acquiring apparatus; and a power source controller that controls activation timings for the light source controller and the scan controller so as to prevent a current value of a current flowing through the object information acquiring apparatus from exceeding an ampacity of the power source.

Abstract: A photoacoustic imaging apparatus includes holding members configured to hold a subject, an acoustic wave conversion unit configured to receive an acoustic wave generated by irradiating the subject, which is held by the holding members, with light from a light source and convert the acoustic wave into an electric signal, a processing unit configured to generate image data from the electric signal, and an imaging unit configured to capture an optical pattern generated on a light diffusion member by emitting the light to the light diffusion member arranged on a surface of a side where the subject is irradiated with the light in the holding members where the holding members contact the subject in holding the subject, wherein the processing unit calculates light absorption coefficient distribution in the subject based on the optical pattern captured by the imaging unit and the electric signal acquired by the acoustic wave conversion unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for comparing photoplethysmography (PPG) signals from an individual with signals from a secondary respiration sensor secured to the individual to determine whether effective respiration has occurred or whether the individual has apnea, hypopnea, or other respiratory distress.

Abstract: A biological information measurement apparatus including a case section including a biological information detector that detects biological information on a user, a band that attaches the case section to the user, a first electrode provided on a contact surface of the case section or the band that comes into contact with the user's body, a pinched section provided as part of the band and pinched by the user with fingers, a second electrode provided on the pinched section, and an electrocardiogram detector that uses the first electrode and the second electrode to detect the user's electrocardiogram.

Abstract: This document describes synchronizing cardiovascular sensors for cardiovascular monitoring, such as through sensing relevant hemodynamics understood by pulse transit times, blood pressures, pulse-wave velocities, and, in more breadth, electrical conduction properties, cardiac rhythms, thoracic impedance, ballistocardiograms and pressure-volume loops. The techniques disclosed in this document use various cardiovascular sensors to sense hemodynamics, such as skin color and skin and other organ displacement. These cardiovascular sensors require little if any risk to the patient and are simple and easy for the patient to use.

Abstract: A method for performing a non-contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (“MRA”) for a subject is provided. The method includes directing a magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”) system to perform a pulse sequence to acquire k-space data from imaging slices that are oriented away from an axial direction of the subject. The method includes repeating the pulse sequence for a plurality of imaging slices, wherein a field-of-view (“FOV”) of at least one of the plurality of imaging slices is shifted by a predetermined value. The method also includes reconstructing, using the acquired k-space data, one or more angiographic images indicative of the subject's vasculature.

Abstract: The application relates to the field of blood pressure detecting, provides an optical fiber continuous detecting blood sensor which includes sensing band. The sensing band includes an inner layer and an outer layer, and an accommodation space is formed between the inner layer and the outer layer. An optical fiber is provided in the accommodation space. One end of the sensing band is provided with a signal processor communicates with the optical fiber. The outer surface of the sensing band is covered by an elastic layer. The sensing band is flexible and can be curled into a ring. The optical fiber is arranged to extend along the sensing band so as to form a ring-shape sensing area. The outer surface of the sensing band is covered by an elastic layer, thereby the banding can be worn on the human wrist radial artery area securely. When detecting the blood pressure, even the sensing band rotates or dislocates because of the free movement of the people, the sensing area still can sense the pulse wave.

Abstract: A device (100) for measuring arterial (107) signals, and especially pulse wave velocity, comprises a sensor array comprising a plurality of sensors (101-04) for detecting arterial signals and providing corresponding measuring data. A signal detecting means (106) is used for detecting signal strength of each of said sensors (101-104) separately based on said measuring data of each sensor. A selection logic (108) is used for selecting the measuring data of the sensors providing signals with highest signal strength as a first measuring data (signals responsible of arterial signals), whereupon the device is configured to use said selected first measuring data for determination of pulse wave velocity and wherein measuring data of at least one another sensor not providing said first measuring data is used as a second measuring data.

Abstract: A pulse wave detection device acquires an image. The pulse wave detection device extracts a living body region included in the image. The pulse wave detection device generates a signal from time series data of a pixel value included in a partial image of the image corresponding to the living body region. The pulse wave detection device calculates a variation index for evaluating a degree of disturbance of a pulse wave included in the signal. The pulse wave detection device controls whether to output the signal by using the variation index.

Abstract: According to an aspect, there is provided an apparatus for identifying living skin tissue in a video sequence, the apparatus comprising a processing unit configured to obtain a video sequence, the video sequence comprising a plurality of image frames; divide each of the image frames into a first plurality of frame segments; form a first plurality of video sub-sequences, each video sub-sequence comprising a frame segment from the first plurality of frame segments for two or more of the image frames; divide each of the image frames into a second plurality of frame segments, the second plurality of frame segments comprising a greater number of frame segments than the first plurality of frame segments; form a second plurality of video sub-sequences, each video sub-sequence comprising a frame segment from the second plurality of frame segments for two or more of the image frames; analyze the video sub-sequences in the first plurality of video sub-sequences and the second plurality of video sub-sequences to determi