Abstract: Methods of operating a control device for controlling at least two different functions of an instrument in communication with the control device are provided, comprising for example the following steps: calibrating the control device in a calibration mode by assigning the at least two different functions to at least two different ways of actuating an actuation element; and controlling the instrument in communication with the control device in an actuation mode to perform at least one of the at least two different functions defined in the calibration mode by an actuation of the actuation element. Corresponding devices are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical stereo device with an autofocus feature as well as a corresponding autofocus method for optical stereo devices. The optical stereo device has imaging means configured to provide a stereo image of an object of interest by means of combining a right eye image and a left eye image and a control unit operatively connected to the imaging means and configured to receive the right eye image and the left eye image and to adjust the focus position of the imaging means.

Abstract: The present invention relates to optical instruments, in particular to magnification loupes, such as those worn by dentists and surgeons. The invention features magnification loupes that are equipped with a light source, an energy harvesting component and an energy storage component. The invention further relates to magnification loupes comprising a light source and a polymer battery as energy storage component. In addition, the invention is directed to magnification loupes comprising a first light source emitting a light beam and a sensor structured and configured to detect a reflection of this light beam. If such a reflection is detected, a second light source mounted on the magnification loupe is turned on or off. The invention further concerns a ring made from or coated with a light-reflecting material. The invention also relates to a battery charging station on which the batteries present in the magnification loupes can be recharged.

Abstract: The present invention relates to optical instruments, in particular to magnification loupes, such as those worn by dentists and surgeons. The magnification loupes are equipped with one or more cameras and with one or more displays and/or with an audio assembly. The invention also relates to a system comprising such magnification loupes and a computer system.

Abstract: A support system (10) and method for the viewer-dependent positioning and alignment of a monitor (20) is disclosed. The support system (10) comprises a central support column (14), a first arm (16) having an adjustable length L, wherein the first arm (16) is rotatably connected at its proximal end to the central support column (14) and is pivotally connected at its distal end to the monitor (20), a second arm (18), wherein the second arm (18) is connected at its distal end to a camera (50), and control means for positioning and aligning the monitor (20) such that irrespective of the angular position of the viewer (i) the monitor (20) is positioned along the line of sight of the viewer pointing towards a reference position, (ii) the distance from the monitor (20) to the viewer (40) is held constant, and (iii) the monitor (20) is at a right angle with respect to the line of sight of the viewer (40) pointing towards a reference position.

Abstract: An air brake system and methods of using the same are described. The air brake system has an air intake port having an open position and closed position controlled by control unit linked to a gas pedal and brake pedal such that, upon braking, air is allowed into the intake port through a guiding channel to power a fan and increase air resistance for braking the car. The fan is linked to a generator for converting the rotational energy of the fan into electrical energy.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of medical methods and equipment and in preferred embodiments to equipment and methods used in dentistry. In particular it relates to an apparatus for determining the location of the apex of a dental root canal wherein the apparatus allows the acquisition of more accurate data in a shorter time span.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention feature an energy conversion system to be installed on a vehicle, comprising a movably mounted surface resting on at least one deformable piezoelectric element. Air resistance force acting on the movably mounted surface, when the vehicle is moving, causes a mechanical deformation of the at least one deformable piezoelectric element, wherein the mechanical deformation produces electrical energy.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical stereo device with an autofocus feature as well as a corresponding autofocus method for optical stereo devices. The optical stereo device has imaging means configured to provide a stereo image of an object of interest by means of combining a right eye image and a left eye image and a control unit operatively connected to the imaging means and configured to receive the right eye image and the left eye image and to adjust the focus position of the imaging means.

Abstract: A control device (10) is provided by the present invention. The control device comprises a base element (12) and an actuation element (14) that is supported by the base element (12). The actuation element (14) can be moved relative to the base element (12) for actuating different functions provided by the control device (10). The control device (10) is configured to be operated in two modes, namely a calibration mode and a control mode. In the calibration mode the control device (10) is configured to define different functions of the control device (10). In the control mode the control device (10) is configured to perform the functions defined in the calibration mode by an actuation of the actuation element (14).

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of medical methods and equipment and in preferred embodiments to equipment and methods used in dentistry. In particular it relates to an apparatus for determining the location of the apex of a dental root canal wherein the apparatus allows the acquisition of more accurate data in a shorter time span.

Abstract: A support system (10) and method for the viewer-dependent positioning and alignment of a monitor (20) is disclosed. The support system (10) comprises a central support column (14), a first arm (16) having an adjustable length L, wherein the first arm (16) is rotatably connected at its proximal end to the central support column (14) and is pivotally connected at its distal end to the monitor (20), a second arm (18), wherein the second arm (18) is connected at its distal end to a camera (50), and control means for positioning and aligning the monitor (20) such that irrespective of the angular position of the viewer (i) the monitor (20) is positioned along the line of sight of the viewer pointing towards a reference position, (ii) the distance from the monitor (20) to the viewer (40) is held constant, and (iii) the monitor (20) is at a right angle with respect to the line of sight of the viewer (40) pointing towards a reference position.

Abstract: An energy conversion system is provided configured to be installed on a vehicle (1), preferably a car, such that a movably mounted surface (2) of the energy conversion system is exposed to the air resistance force acting on the vehicle (1), when the vehicle is moving. The movably mounted surface (2) is connected to a frame (3) that can be fixedly attached to the chassis of the vehicle (1) such that the movably mounted surface (2) being exposed, in use, to a generally variable air resistance force can reciprocate in a sliding manner. Within the frame (3) the movably mounted surface (2) rests on at least one deformable piezoelectric element (4a, 4b) that defines a rest position of the movably mounted surface (2) relative to the frame (3).

Abstract: An air brake system is provided for using the air resistance of a car (1) to produce energy and for simultaneously braking the car (1). The air brake system comprises an air intake port (2) having an open and a closed position. The air intake port (2) can be arranged, for instance, on the car (1) grille or on the sides of the car (1). The air intake port (2) is connected to an air guiding channel (4) disposed inside of the car (1), preferably in the hood compartment or engine bay thereof. The air entering the air intake port (2) in its open position and being guided through the air guiding channel (4) acts on energy conversion means being configured to convert the kinetic energy of the moving air into a different usable form of energy. Preferably, the energy conversion means comprise a rotatable fan (5) and a generator (6).