Abstract: A portable toilet has a seat and a waste receptacle mounted to a frame to allow use as a toilet in conventional fashion. The waste receptacle is pivotally mounted to the frame to allow the forward end of the receptacle to be lifted to spill the contents into a conventional building toilet. A pour spout extends from a rearward end of the waste receptacle. The frame, seat and the waste receptacle are configured to place the waste receptacle at a proper height for personal use and for pivoting the waste receptacle to spill the contents thereof into the conventional building toilet. A water flush system is provided which includes a water supply and nozzles mounted to the waste receptacle for cleaning the contents there-from. The water supply may be provided by connecting to a building water faucet, or by mounting a tank and pump to the portable toilet.

Abstract: A blower includes a frame, a surface engaging wheel attached to the frame and a power source attached to the frame. An impeller housing is also attached to the frame, and the impeller housing defines an intake opening. The impeller housing surrounds an impeller that is rotatably connected to the power source. An exhaust chute is attached to the impeller housing. A selectively closeable aperture structure is attached to the intake opening. In further examples, the selectively closeable aperture is a pair of rotatable plates both including radial slots or an iris blade assembly. In other examples, the exhaust chute is rotatable or the impeller housing is rotatable.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a vacuum component defining an aperture, and a hand vacuum including a removable battery. The hand vacuum is in removable engagement with the vacuum component, and the battery is removable from the hand vacuum through the aperture while the hand vacuum remains in engagement with the vacuum component.

Abstract: A cyclonic separator assembly for use with a vacuum cleaner includes a body having an inlet, an outlet, and an inner surface. The cyclonic separator assembly also includes a cyclone unit positioned within the body between the inlet and the outlet. The cyclone unit has an outer perimeter that is spaced apart from the inner surface of the body to define an inlet space therebetween. The cyclone unit includes a plurality of first cyclones in communication with the inlet space and arranged along an outer circle adjacent the outer perimeter. The cyclone unit also includes a plurality of second cyclones in communication with the inlet space and arranged along an inner circle that is spaced apart from the outer circle such that each second cyclone is nested between two adjacent first cyclones. The plurality of first cyclones and the plurality of second cyclones are arranged in parallel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a separation device (14) for separating a cyclone chamber (15) from a collection chamber (16) of a cyclonic separator (10). The separation device (14) has a guide member (17) that comprises a leading end (17A), a trailing end (17B), and a guide surface (17C). The guide surface guides debris entrained in an airflow in the cyclone chamber in a helical path about an axis (X-X) of the separation device (14) and into the collection chamber (16). The guide surface extends about the axis of the separation device (14) through an angle of less than 360 degrees for allowing debris in the cyclone chamber (15) to also pass into the collection chamber (16) from the cyclone chamber in an axial direction. The leading end (17A) of the guide member (17) is at an angle (a) between 30 degrees and 60 degrees towards the cyclone chamber (15) with respect to the axis (X-X) of the separation device (14) to promote a helical flow of air and debris flowing over the guide surface.

Abstract: A cleaning device for an autonomous floor treatment appliance, the cleaning device being suitable for cleaning wall portions that are close to a floor and border a floor surface to be cleaned, includes a fixing element to connect the cleaning device to a housing portion of the autonomous floor treatment appliance and a cleaning element carrier having a cleaning element, the cleaning element carrier being connected to the fixing element.

Abstract: A floor cleaning machine for cleaning a surface includes a body having a suction nozzle thereon, a handle pivotably coupled to the body and having a motor housing portion, and a suction motor assembly operable to draw fluid and dirt from the surface through the suction nozzle. The floor cleaning machine also includes a recovery tank coupled to the handle in fluid communication with the suction motor assembly to receive and store fluid and dirt drawn through the suction nozzle and an expandable hose fluidly communicating the recovery tank and the suction nozzle. The hose is in one of a retracted configuration and an expanded configuration when the handle is pivoted to a substantially upright position, and the other when pivoted to a reclined position. The hose at least partially wraps around the motor housing portion when in the expanded configuration.

Abstract: An extraction cleaner for a floor surface includes an extraction nozzle. The extraction nozzle that defines a fluid flow path having an elongated nozzle opening, and includes one or more stiffening elements that stiffens the walls around the nozzle opening to prevent collapsing or deformation of the extraction nozzle during use.

Abstract: A floor scrubber machine can comprise a chassis, a scrub deck and a propulsion system. The scrub deck can include a hands-free, double-scrub side skirt mechanism, and a dual mode side blade assembly. The chassis can include a rear squeegee assembly having a self-aligning hanger system with balanced handles. The propulsion system can include a throttle pedal having a button for forward/reverse control, and a control panel having a setting for rescaling the acceleration profile. A disc brush scrub deck can include a brush centering mechanism. A cylindrical brush scrub deck can include an idler end brush cover with self-aligning tabs, and a self-contained drive mechanism.

Abstract: A robotic cleaning device having a main body and a propulsion system arranged to move the robotic cleaning device. The robotic cleaning device further includes an obstacle detecting device, a controller arranged to control the propulsion system to move the robotic cleaning device, and an angle-measuring device arranged to measure tilt angles of the robotic cleaning device. In the robotic cleaning device, the controller is arranged to control the angle-measuring device to measure a first tilt angle of the robotic cleaning device before the obstacle is traversed, and to measure a second tilt angle of the robotic cleaning device while the robotic cleaning device traverses the obstacle, the controller further being arranged to compare the second tilt angle with the first tilt angle, and to control the operation of the robotic cleaning device based on a difference between the second tilt angle and the first tilt angle.

Abstract: A mobile robot configured to travel across a residential floor or other surface while cleaning the surface with a cleaning pad and cleaning solvent is disclosed. The robot includes a controller for managing the movement of the robot as well as the treatment of the surface with a cleaning solvent. The movement of the robot can be characterized by a class of trajectories that achieve effective cleaning. The trajectories include sequences of steps that are repeated, the sequences including forward and backward motion and optional left and right motion along arcuate paths.

Abstract: A mop air dryer combination comprising: a mop head; an air dryer, wherein the air dryer is positioned above the mop head; an adjustable clip extending from the air dryer; and a handle inserted into the adjustable clip extending from the air dryer. In one particular embodiment, the handle further includes an audio player or a radio integrated into the handle. Alternatively in another exemplary embodiment, the air dryer may be used in conjunction with a broom.

Abstract: Cleansing apparatus and systems are provided. One cleansing apparatus includes a perimeter surface defining an enclosed area, a first surface defining a first side and including a first plane coupled to and adjacent the perimeter surface, and a second surface opposite the first surface and defining a second side including a second plane coupled to and adjacent the perimeter surface. The enclosed area includes a spring connected to the perimeter surface, wherein the spring is engageable on one of the first side and the second side and extends beyond the one of the first plane and the second plane when engaged, the spring is defined and resides within the enclosed area when disengaged, and the spring is retractable within the one of the first plane and the second plane when disengaged. A system includes the above spring and an attachment mechanism for attaching the cleansing apparatus to a foreign surface.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus, and in particular a steam mop, comprises a steam generator and a steam outlet fluidly connected to the steam generator to deliver steam to a floor surface. Steam from the steam generator can be applied to a cleaning composition applied to a stain on the floor surface. The cleaning composition can be applied directly to the floor surface, or indirectly via a cleaning pad.

Abstract: A method of controlling the operation of an automatic dishwasher having at least one cycle of operation and a sensor that indicates a degree of turbidity of liquid in the dishwasher includes repeatedly determining a correction value for the sensor related to the scaling of the sensor and executing a de-scaling cycle of operation based thereon.

Abstract: A dishwasher, including a chamber for washing dishes and a chamber for storing dishes is provided. A mechanism is also provided allowing the dish racks to move the dishes from the washing chamber to the storage chamber of the dishwasher once the wash is completed.

Abstract: An automatic dishwasher with a tub that at least partially defines a treating chamber, a liquid spraying system that supplies liquid to the treating chamber, and a pump assembly fluidly coupling the treating chamber to the liquid spraying system, a portion of which is located above a bottom wall of the tub.

Abstract: A removable non-integrated treating chemistry dispensing cartridge assembly may emit a signal in response to a predetermined amount of treating chemistry being detected and in response to a predetermined amount of illumination being detected.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes a portion configured to acquire a position of an objective optical system provided in an insertion portion of an endoscope; a portion configured to position the position of the objective optical system on three-dimensional image information about a subject; a portion configured to generate angle-of-view display information related to a picked-up image picked up by an image pickup system including the objective optical system; an instruction portion configured to output an instruction signal; and an image processing portion configured to create an overlapped image obtained by overlapping the angle-of-view display information at a position on the three-dimensional image information corresponding to the position of the objective optical system at a time point of inputting the instruction signal.

Abstract: A method of controlling an endoscope includes, inserting an insert part having an imaging unit at a distal end through the body; making an imaging direction of the imaging unit variable by bending of a bending part, wherein the bending part is included in the insert part; detecting an amount of insertion of the insert part through the body; and determining whether the bending part is to be bent or not on the basis of operation of a direction input part depending on the amount of insertion.

Abstract: An endoscope system computes a distal end position of the endoscope or a position of the desired imaging target. An image taken of the desired imaging target is recorded. A position of the desired imaging target is computed and recorded. A current image taken by the imaging unit is compared with the image of the desired imaging target already recorded. A first driving amount for driving the field-of-view adjustment mechanism is computed such that the desired imaging target is positioned on an axis of sighting of the imaging unit. A second driving amount for driving the field-of-view adjustment mechanism is computed in such a way as to include a center of the image of the desired imaging target. The field-of-view adjustment mechanism is driven from either one of the first driving amount or the second driving amount.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is an articulation joint for use in a low cost medical device such as an endoscope intended for a single use. In one embodiment, the articulation joint comprises a plurality of interconnected segments. In another embodiment, the articulation joint comprises an elongated tubular body. In another aspect, the present invention provides methods of manufacturing an articulation joint for use in a medical device.

Abstract: There are provided an endoscope system, a processor apparatus for an endoscope system, and a method for operating an endoscope system. In a special observation mode, first illumination light and second illumination light having a spectral property different from a spectral property of the first illumination light and including different-absorption-wavelength light that has different absorption coefficients for oxygenated hemoglobin and reduced hemoglobin are alternately emitted to a test body while a turn-off period is interposed. A first image capture signal is read from the image sensor during the turn-off period after emission of the first illumination light, and a second image capture signal is read from the image sensor during the turn-off period after emission of the second illumination light. Here, a second read time taken to read the second image capture signal is made shorter than a first read time taken to read the first image capture signal.

Abstract: The present application discloses a wireless device for performing endoscopic and arthroscopic procedures on any target tissue, bone, joint or target area of the body of a subject. The application also discloses a kit having the wireless device. A method for using the wireless device in endoscopic and arthroscopic procedures is also described and is applicable to any target tissue, bone, joint or target area of the body of a subject.

Abstract: An endoscope includes: a functional portion having a function of pressing by rotating around a rotation shaft; a link mechanism attached to the rotation shaft and having a through hole; a shaft member disposed in the through hole and causing the link mechanism to rotate around the rotation shaft; and a slide member fixed to the shaft member and being moved together with the shaft member; and a restricting member configured to restrict the slide member.

Abstract: A bending operation mechanism for endoscope according to the invention includes: a bending operation member to which a bending wire for driving a bending portion of an endoscope, the bending operation member being rotationally operated to pull the bending wire in a rotation direction; a rotator coupled to the bending operation member and configured to be rotationally driven by rotation operation of the bending operation member; a reduction gear mechanism that reduces rotation of the rotator; and a biasing mechanism that applies a biasing force in a rotation direction to an output gear in the reduction gear mechanism.

Abstract: An endoscope achieves favorable advancing and retracting motion without causing disturbance in displacement of built-in components in bending of a bending tube by covering, out of an image pickup cable and a conduit that are cross-symmetrical built-in components disposed to intersect with each other in a radial direction of the bending tube, an outer circumference of the conduit with a second heat-shrinkable tube serving as a protective member, and removing the second heat-shrinkable tube from a partial region that includes a region (an intersection region) where the image pickup cable and the conduit intersect with each other, even when the built-in components in the bending tube are intersected with each other.

Abstract: An image pickup unit includes a fixed frame configured to hold an objective lens, a moving frame movable in a first direction along a photographing optical axis and a second direction, and provided with a moving lens, an urging member configured to urge the moving frame in the second direction, an actuator including a contact member provided to be separable from the moving frame and advanced and retracted by pushing and pulling of a driving wire, the actuator moving the moving frame in the first direction when the contact member moves in the first direction; and a guide member through which the contact member is inserted to be linearly guided and a cover member configuring the actuator, a distal end portion of the cover member being connected to a proximal end portion of the guide member, and the cover member covering the driving wire.

Abstract: A device having an optical element with a conductive coating. The device may include an optical element, a conductive material and at least one connector. The conductive material is disposed on at least a portion of the optical element. The optical element, for example, may be an object lens of an endoscope or an optical coupler. The connectors (acting as terminal(s)) are capable of providing energy (such as electrical energy) to the conductive material. In one aspect, the conductive material is an optically transparent material. Advantageously, the device may allow visualization of an object—such as body tissue or other matter—concurrent with the application of energy to the object via the conductive coating. This allows the user to observe the alteration of tissue and other matter in real time as the energy is delivered.

Abstract: Provided is a bendable treatment instrument that enables an individual doctor who is performing an endoscopic procedure to reliably and intuitively manipulate forceps, a knife, or the like. A bendable treatment instrument (1) includes a mechanism connecting, via a flexible tube body (4) encasing a transmission member, a bending section (3) configured to perform a bending action and a manipulation member (8) configured to receive a manipulation with respect to the bending section (3) from an operator. The mechanism is capable of transmitting a manipulation by the manipulation member (8) to the bending section (3). The bendable treatment instrument further includes a support member (7) configured to support the manipulation member (8) while clasping the flexible tube body (4), and a rotation support member (11) configured to support the manipulation member (8) so as to allow the manipulation member (8) to axially rotate with respect to the flexible tube body (4) at the support member (7).

Abstract: An endoscope system includes an endoscope, and an insertion auxiliary tool into which the endoscope is inserted. A flexible portion of the insertion section of the endoscope includes, from a distal end side toward a proximal end side, a low flexural rigidity portion, a flexural rigidity varying portion in which a flexural rigidity increases from the distal end side toward the proximal end side, and a high flexural rigidity portion with flexural rigidity higher than that in the low flexural rigidity portion. When at least a part of the flexible portion projects from a distal end opening of the tube body, a proximal end position of the low flexural rigidity portion is on a proximal end side of the tube body with respect to the distal end opening.

Abstract: A video processor for an endoscope includes an image memory, an image processing unit, a display control unit and a recording unit. The image memory stores, as a sample image, an endoscope image which a user previously acquired. The image processing unit performs the image processing for changing an image quality of the sample image in accordance with a selection value selected by a user and produces a processed image. The display control unit causes a display unit to display the processed image. The recording unit records, as a setting value, a value relating to the selection value determined by the user. The image processing unit performs the image processing, based on the setting value, for the endoscope image.

Abstract: In a method to obtain measurement data from the stomach of a patient using an endoscope, a degassed aqueous drink solution is administered to the stomach of the patient and the measurement data are acquired with the degassed aqueous drink solution present in the stomach.

Abstract: An endoscope includes an observation optical system, two illumination optical systems, and two edge line portions, wherein a height of an incident surface of an objective lens of the observation optical system is higher than a height of the two edge line portions, and exit surfaces of the two illumination optical systems are lower than the height of the two edge line portions. Further, two illumination lenses are placed in the distal end portion to be point-symmetric with respect to a center axis of the objective lens when the distal end portion is seen from the distal end direction, and in such a manner that illumination ranges by the two illumination optical systems are along a direction of a shorter length of a vertical direction and a lateral direction in an endoscopic image that is obtained via the observation optical system.

Abstract: A cooling device according to the invention includes: a first flow channel configured so that a coolant passes; a first heat receiving portion; a first heat radiating portion arranged in the first flow channel; a first heat transferring portion configured to transfer heat from the first heat receiving portion to the first heat radiating portion; a second flow channel configured so that the coolant passes; a second heat receiving portion; a second heat radiating portion arranged in the second flow channel; and a second heat transferring portion configured having a longer length than the first heat transferring portion and transferring heat from the second heat receiving portion to the second heat radiating portion. The second heat radiating portion is configured having a larger surface area than the first heat radiating portion.

Abstract: A quality control method for optometric measurements includes the following steps: (a) recording, via computer, a first record (14) that includes at least one first value of a first identifier (12), enabling identification of a glasses wearer (1), and at least one other value of another identifier (13) enabling identification of an optometric apparatus (15) on a first optometric measuring site (10); (b) carrying out at least one optometric measurement (16) of the wearer; (c) sending, to a second site (20), a digital measurement data set (18) including the optometric measurement result from step (b), the digital data set being linked, via computer, to the first record; and (d) digitally processing the optometric measurement result from the first record (14) on the basis of a digital data reference system (45) and the values of the respective identifiers of the glasses wearer and the optometric apparatus of the first record.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems of evaluating test-retest precision using fractional rank precision or mean-average precision, comprising: a) collecting a test and a retest result of each subject, wherein the results are described in feature space(s) and collected from a vision test machine; b) selecting, a first test result of a first subject; c) calculating distances from the first test result to the retest result of each subject; d) assessing, a similarity between the first test result and the retest result of each subject by ranking the distances in a non-descending order; e) assessing a rank precision for the first subject based on a rank of a distance from the first test result to the retest result of the first subject; f) repeating b), c), d), and e) for each subject; and evaluating, the test-retest precision based on the rank precision for each of the plurality of subjects.

Abstract: According to one or more embodiments, the processes and systems disclosed allow a user of a mobile device to determine their distance from an object. The object may be an image of a pattern having a known size. The image may be displayed on a computer screen or other suitable medium such as a printed sheet. According to one or more embodiments, the disclosed processes and systems aid in determining or guiding a user to a distance at which an eye examination is conducted.

Abstract: An apparatus for tracking eye gaze includes a capacitive sensor array having a plurality of capacitive sensors. The capacitive sensor array is configured to detect eye movement based at least on a proximity of the plurality of capacitive sensors to a part of an eye of a user (e.g., a bulge in the cornea). A frame of the apparatus is configured to be worn on a head of the user and configured to support the capacitive sensor array positioned in front of the eye. A control circuit of the apparatus is configured to receive signals from the capacitive sensor array. A body electrode of the apparatus is positioned on the frame and electrically connected to the control circuit, the body electrode configured to establish an electrical connection with a body of the user. A conductive line of the apparatus connects the body electrode to the control circuit.

Abstract: Detecting position information related to a face, and more particularly to an eyeball in a face, using a detection and ranging system, such as a Radio Detection And Ranging (“RADAR”) system, or a Light Detection And Ranging (“LIDAR”) system. The position information may include a location of the eyeball, translational motion information related to the eyeball (e.g., displacement, velocity, acceleration, jerk, etc.), rotational motion information related to the eyeball (e.g., rotational displacement, rotational velocity, rotational acceleration, etc.) as the eyeball rotates within its socket.

Abstract: An indirect contact lens is mechanically coupled to a surgical microscope during ophthalmic surgery, such as vitreoretinal surgery. The indirect contact lens rests on a cornea of an eye of a patient during the surgery but is supported by a surgical microscope attachment having multiple degrees of freedom to accommodate small movements of the eye while remaining aligned to an optical axis of the surgical microscope.

Abstract: A slit lamp device for use in an ophthalmoscope includes one or more light sources for providing a light path comprised of one or more beams of: visible light and infrared (IR) light; a slit lamp control mechanism along the light path for receiving the one or more light beams and forming the one or more light beams into a slit light beam; the slit lamp control mechanism further controlling the width of the formed slit light beam; a first, narrow slit passes visible light through the slit control mechanism and a second, wider slit passes IR light though the slit control mechanism.

Abstract: A pulse-palpating apparatus, comprising: a pulse-palpating device, including a pulse-palpating-end communicating means and a pressure-exerting detecting means which exerts a force on pulse taking positions on a human body via the detecting member, which detects a pulse information on the pulse taking positions; and a network-connected controlling device, including a network-connected controlling means and a controlling-end communicating means, in which the network-connected controlling means is configured to generate force-intensity-controlling information, and the controlling-end communicating means transmits the force-intensity-controlling information to the pulse-palpating-end communicating means via network transmission, and receives the pulse information of the detecting member via network transmission. The pulse-palpating apparatus is provided for users to perform self-pulse diagnosis, and for medical practitioners to perform remote pulse palpation on a subject via network.

Abstract: Systems and methods of evaluating an association between a wireless sensor and a monitored patient include a plurality of peripheral electronic devices each having a wireless communication system and a sensor. A processor receives measured physiological parameter data from the peripheral electronic devices and establishes an association status between each of the peripheral electronic devices and the monitored patient based upon identified characteristics in the physiological parameter data.

Abstract: A method for detecting and monitoring the progression of heterotopic ossification by Raman spectral analysis. Analysis of heterotopic ossification progress can be conducted using invasive or invasive means using specific Raman spectroscopy. Analysis is by determination of a number of Raman spectral parameters including the area under one or more of the vibrational bands, band area ratios, band height, ratios of band heights and shift in band center.

Abstract: A device includes a cardiac detecting component, a parameter detecting component, an interface component and a fatigue determining component. The cardiac detecting component detects a cardiac parameter of the user at a first time. The parameter detecting component detects a second parameter at a second time. The interface component receives a fatigue input from the user. The fatigue determining component generates a first fatigue indicator of the user based on the detected cardiac parameter at the first time, the detected second parameter at the second time and the fatigue input.

Abstract: Various examples of methods and systems are provided for real-time signal processing. In one example, a method for processing data to select a pattern includes receiving data via a sensor, evaluating the data including waveforms over a time domain, averaging the waveforms to obtain a mean waveform, selecting a pattern based on the mean waveform, and generating a notification regarding the selected pattern. The pattern can include a start time, a hold time, and an end time. In another example, a system includes one or more sensors that detect the data and a mobile platform that evaluates the data, averages the waveforms to obtain the mean waveform and selects a pattern based on the mean waveform. A user interface can be used to communicate the notification regarding the selected pattern. The patterns can include breathing patterns, which can be used to reduce stress in a subject being monitored by the sensor.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides devices and methods for improved hemodynamic monitoring, including techniques for reducing signals related to hemodynamic activity outside the tissue or region of interest.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for noninvasive and caffless blood pressure measurement are provided. The apparatus includes: a photoplethysmography (PPG) amplitude calculation unit, a time difference calculation unit, a velocity calculation unit, and a calculation unit. The method includes the following steps: calculating amplitude differences between characteristic points of a PPG waveform; calculating differences between a time point of a peak of an electrocardiography (ECG) waveform and a time point of each of the characteristic points of the PPG waveform; calculating differences between time points of the characteristic points of the PPG waveform; performing calculation according to the length of a hand and an ECG-PPG time difference to obtain a pulse wave velocity (PWV); and performing calculation according to the PWV, one of the characteristic point amplitude difference, and one of the characteristic point time difference to obtain a systolic/diastolic blood pressure estimate.

Abstract: A sphygmomanometer is provided, including a housing (1); a circuit board (2) and a power supply (3) that are disposed within the housing (1); and a first electrode (5), a second electrode (6) and a photoelectric sensor (7) that are electrically connected to the circuit board (2), respectively; wherein the first electrode (5), the second electrode (6) and the photoelectric sensor (7) are embedded at a surface of the housing (1).