Patents Issued in August 27, 2015
  • Publication number: 20150238039
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a brewing apparatus for extracting a portion capsule, comprising a first brewing chamber element and a second brewing chamber element, the first and/or the second brewing chamber element being movable along an axial direction from a loading position, in which the first and the second brewing chamber element are spaced apart from one another, to an extraction position, in which the first and the second brewing chamber element form a substantially closed brewing chamber, and the brewing apparatus further comprising a drive mechanism for moving the first and/or second brewing chamber element, characterized in that the brewing apparatus has a separate locking mechanism for locking the brewing chamber in the extraction position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Inventors: Daniel Fischer, Remo Sonderegger
  • Publication number: 20150238040
    Abstract: A method for grinding coffee beans in a coffee machine is described. The method the steps of: arranging a first grinding wheel (55) and a second grinding wheel (57) in a seat (53), the grinding wheels forming a grinding volume there between and rotating one with respect to the other; introducing coffee beans into said grinding volume and grinding the coffee beans by rotating the grinding wheels one with respect to the other. Rotation of the grinding wheels is continued after grinding of the coffee beans, thus removing ground coffee therefrom by centrifugal force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Inventors: Marco Marchi, Cesare Lenzi, Andrea Pecci
  • Publication number: 20150238041
    Abstract: There are provided drinking vessels adapted to receive coffee grounds and water to brew coffee wherein the drinking vessels comprise pump means. In one embodiment a drinking vessel (100,200) comprises a first chamber adapted to receive coffee grounds and hot water, a second chamber adapted to receive brewed coffee and a third chamber adapted to receive brewed coffee. Also provided drinking vessel sections (101,102,201,202), a kit of parts and a method of brewing coffee.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2013
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Inventor: Matthew Joseph DEASY
  • Publication number: 20150238042
    Abstract: A jug for the preparation of beverages is provided. The jug (1) comprises a body (5) with at least a first receptacle (23) and a second receptacle (25) for receiving ingredients for the preparation of beverages. A first stirrer (17) can be arranged in the first receptacle (23). In some embodiments, a second stirrer (19) can be arranged in the second receptacle (25). The jug also comprises a cover closing the body of the jug. A first fluid connection (51) is arranged for receiving a beverage from a beverage producing machine and collecting the beverage in the first receptacle (23). A second fluid connection (77) to a beverage producing machine is further provided, in fluid communication with the second receptacle (25).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Stefano Tonelli, Romeo Mattioli
  • Publication number: 20150238043
    Abstract: The invention pertains to the field of the beverage preparation machines having an ingredient processing module for preparing a beverage with at least one ingredient supplied with a capsule, and their accessories. In particular, the invention relates to a device comprising a container for storing capsules containing an ingredient for preparing a beverage using a beverage preparation machine, characterised in that the device further comprises: a first interface for communicating with a module; a user-interface having a first element switchable into at least a first state; a controller configured to send information to the module, through the first interface, when the first element is switched into the first state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Inventors: Fabien Ludovic Agon, Marco Magatti, Minh Quan Phan
  • Publication number: 20150238044
    Abstract: A beverage preparation machine for dispensing beverages from beverage cartridges containing one or more beverage ingredients, the beverage preparation machine comprising means for receiving, in use, a beverage cartridge and means for passing water through the beverage cartridge to thereby produce a beverage, the beverage preparation machine further comprising a code reader for interpreting a code provided on or in the beverage cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2015
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Inventors: Andrew Halliday, Colin Ballard, Satwinder Panesar, David Smith
  • Publication number: 20150238045
    Abstract: A beverage preparation machine configured to dispense a beverage through an outlet nozzle assembly, the machine comprising: an outlet nozzle assembly having provided therethrough a first outlet and a second outlet; and one or more conduits arranged to deliver selectably fluid to the first outlet or the second outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Inventors: Nicholas Hansen, Mark Norton
  • Publication number: 20150238046
    Abstract: An automatic ingredient feeding apparatus (1) comprises a machine frame (100), a feeder mechanism (11), a flipping mechanism (12) and a plurality of compartment door control mechanisms (13). The feeder mechanism comprises a shell (111), the shell is provided therein with a receiving space (114) for receiving a multi-compartment container (110) and is provided therein with a multi-compartment ingredient-dropping chamber (113) facing the receiving space. The flipping mechanism (12) is used for mounting the feeder mechanism (11) on the machine frame (110) and for controlling the feeder mechanism (11) to implement a 180-degree flip. Each of the plurality of compartment door control mechanisms (13) controls an opening/closing of a compartment door (115) of the individual compartment of the multi-compartment ingredient-dropping chamber (113). The flipping mechanism (12) and the plurality of compartment door control mechanisms (13) are all connected to a master control device (7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Inventors: Jinbiao XU, Guang HE
  • Publication number: 20150238047
    Abstract: A surface treatment method for an iron-cast product, which enables to give an anti-corrosion property to an iron-cast product and to produce a product having a rich texture by using only plant-derived materials suitable to kitchenware. A surface of the iron-cast product is applied with charcoal-containing oil, obtained by adding a plant-derived charcoal powder to vegetable oil, and heated and dried.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2015
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Inventors: Kuniko Oikawa, Hideharu Oikawa, Hitoshi Yashiro
  • Publication number: 20150238048
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the technical field of a barbecue utensil and discloses a barbecue grill including a barbecue grill body having a cavity with an opening in an upper end, a heating furnace head and a hot plate are disposed in the cavity, and a barbecue wire mesh is disposed on the opening of the cavity, the hot plate covers the whole top of the heating furnace head and is provided with a plurality of ventilation holes, and an upper surface of the hot plate is inclined and is provided with a plurality of covering plates on the positions corresponding to the ventilation holes, each covering plate covers the whole top of the ventilation hole, one end of the covering plate is connected to an upper surface of the hot plate and the other end extends slantwise downwards and a gap is disposed between the upper surface of the hot plate and the other end of the covering plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Applicant: H&H ASIA LTD.
    Inventor: Chih-Jen LIN
  • Publication number: 20150238049
    Abstract: The charbroiler of the present disclosure has a housing, and a plurality of separate and structurally distinct cooking zones within said housing. Each cooking zone has an associated cooking grate, a heating element, and a cover. The cover selectively lowers to cover the cooking grate, and raises to uncover it. A control system can control each cooking zone independently of one another, by controlling the amount of time the heating element is activated for, and/or at what temperature. The control system can also control the movement of the covers. The covers have shorter sides so that vapors or smoke emanating from the food product are directed toward a central axis or middle area of the charbroiler, or along exterior sides of the housing away from the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2015
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Inventors: Douglas S. JONES, Janice M.K. JAFERIAN
  • Publication number: 20150238050
    Abstract: A container includes a blending base, an internal wall surface, and an internal bottom surface. The blending base is formed inside the container, extending upward slantwise from a peripheral edge of the internal bottom surface to the internal wall surface. The blending base includes a plurality of turning portions and extended curves at a top edge thereof. The extended curves are linked with the turning portions and cling to the internal wall surface. Thus, the blending base does not adversely affect the appearance of the container and can enhance the blending effect. In addition, the container can be washed and cleaned easily due to the blending base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Inventor: Wen-Ching LEE
  • Publication number: 20150238051
    Abstract: An automatic seasoning adding apparatus applicable in a fully automated cooking machine comprises a machine frame (100), a wok lid (200), a hollow shaft (31), a wok lid controlling assembly (3), and a seasoning pumping assembly (40). The wok lid is provided with an opening to be fixedly connected to and in communication with the hollow shaft. The wok lid controlling assembly is provided on the machine frame and is slidingly engaged with the hollow shaft to control the wok lid to cover/uncover a wok (20). The seasoning pumping assembly comprises a plurality of peristaltic pumps (41). All the peristaltic pumps are connected to a master control device (7) to receive a command issued by the master control device on the basis of a preset recipe program, and pump, on the basis of the command, an appropriate amount of the liquid seasoning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Inventors: Jinbiao XU, Guang HE
  • Publication number: 20150238052
    Abstract: A device consisting of a frame with rungs that rests against a shower or bath wall in order to allow the foot and leg to be propped and stabilized in a comfortable position for shaving legs, washing and stoning feet, and other personal hygiene uses. The device allows for placement of the foot in a position which does not require bending over very far, and allows the user to rotate his or her foot and leg at an optimum angle for shaving, washing and stoning feet, and/or clipping toenails. The device is lightweight and small enough that it does not take up much room in the shower or bath, but can also be easily removed from the shower or bath and stored when not in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2015
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Inventor: Kelly Suzanne Matijega
  • Publication number: 20150238053
    Abstract: A soap dispenser can be configured to dispense an amount of liquid soap, for example, upon detecting the presence of an object. Certain embodiments of the dispenser include a housing, reservoir, pump, motor, sensor, electronic processor, and nozzle. In certain embodiments, the sensor can be configured to generate a signal based on a distance between an object and the sensor. In certain embodiments, the electronic processor can be configured to receive the signal from the sensor and to determine a dispensation volume of the liquid. The dispensation volume can vary as a function of the distance between the object and the sensor. The processor can be configured to control the motor to dispense approximately the dispensation volume of the liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2015
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Inventors: Frank Yang, David Wolbert, Joseph Sandor, Orlando Cardenas
  • Publication number: 20150238054
    Abstract: An integrated soap and washcloth that is inexpensive to produce, light to pack, easy to use, recyclable and brings peace of mind is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2015
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Inventor: Christina Marie GREEN
  • Publication number: 20150238055
    Abstract: The invention constitutes a towel for the drying of the human body. The towel includes an elongate strip of moisture-absorbent cloth having reinforced edges and further having a ratio of a length-to-width of between about 8:1 and about 12:1, the strip of cloth having a first end and a second end, each end having a void space sufficient in area to facilitate engagement of the ends by respective hands of a user. The towel is between about 40 and about 72 inches in length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Inventor: Mark Manno
  • Publication number: 20150238056
    Abstract: A paper product dispenser that includes a motor adapted to dispense a paper product and a controller. A network interlace card is in communication with the controller and is adapted to connect the paper product dispenser to a network. DIP switches are connected to the motor to adjust the length of the paper product and the interval between the activation of the motor. A power roller is connected to the motor and an idle roller is face-to-face with the power roller. The paper product passes between the power roller and the idle roller. A paper sensor is positioned below the power roller to detect the presence or absence of the paper product. A thermopile sensor is also provided to detect the presence of a human being adjacent to the dispenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2015
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Inventor: Scott Fellhoelter
  • Publication number: 20150238057
    Abstract: A roll of centrally fed wipes includes a reinforced portion for facilitating threading of a dispensing opening in a dispenser. The reinforced portion includes a branched tag including at least two legs and a connecting end where the legs are connected and which connecting end is arranged to be the leading portion of the reinforced portion. A point of each leg includes resilient fastening means arranged to fold at least partly when the point is pushed through the fabric of the wipes and arranged to return at least partly to its original state in order to hinder a return of the fastening means through the fabric for load bearing purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Applicant: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventor: Karen Neal
  • Publication number: 20150238058
    Abstract: The present invention is a urine shield attachment for toilets that protects a rear side of a toilet rim and the underside of a toilet lid from unwanted urine splatter. The urine shield includes a rectangular portion that is substantially curved in a U-shape. The rectangular portion includes an interior surface designed to block urine splatter, while the exterior surface thereof is designed to removably fasten the rectangular portion to an upright toilet seat and the toilet rim. The exterior surface comprises clips on opposing sides, as well as one that is centrally located on the exterior surface. The clips are substantially C-shaped and configured to engage over and around the toilet rim and a rear end of the toilet seat. The rectangular portion is configured to project down into the toilet bowl, wherein a bottom side is placed in contact with the rear side of the toilet rim.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2015
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Inventor: Harold Couch
  • Publication number: 20150238059
    Abstract: A power supply arrangement for a suction device is provided, which is optionally operable using direct current or alternating current, including a first connection connectible to a direct current source, a second connection connectible to an alternating current source, a third connection connectible to a consuming unit of the suction device, an electrically isolated converter connected on the input side to the first connection, and a switchover device connected to an output of the converter, the second connection and to the consuming unit, wherein the switchover device allows selection of whether the consuming unit is actively connected to the converter or the second connection for power supply, and wherein the switchover device has one or more components each with an electrical safety clearance that is at least 4 mm in respect of the creepage distance and the total of the creepage distances of the components is at least 8 mm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2015
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Inventors: Martin Foell, Josip Cancar
  • Publication number: 20150238060
    Abstract: A cleaning device may include a solution tank configured to store cleaning solution. The device delivers the cleaning solution from a pump discharge of the cleaning device to a flow meter. The device initiates a priming mode by opening a first valve associated with a bypass line of the device, closing a second valve associated with a cleaning head of the cleaning device, and delivering the cleaning solution from a discharge of the flow meter to the inlet of the solution tank through the bypass line. When the device is primed, it initiates cleaning by closing the first valve associated with the bypass line, opening the second valve associated with the cleaning head, and delivering the cleaning solution to the cleaning head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2015
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Inventors: Stephen J. Balas, Stephen D. Herr, Henry L. Hillman, JR., Victor Chi-Chih Huang, Ralph McCann, Kevin L. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20150238061
    Abstract: A rotary head comprising a longitudinally extending core comprising an outer surface and defining a longitudinal centerline axis, and a covering that is disposed on the outer surface of the core and that includes a radially extending material that is configured to interact with a fluid on a surface. The rotary head is configured to couple to a rotatable shaft of a floor-care system and rotate about the longitudinal centerline axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Applicant: The Scott Fetzer Company
    Inventors: Joseph Adams, John Crossen, Joseph Gardner, John Lackner
  • Publication number: 20150238062
    Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter relates to a dispersible, nonwoven multistrata wipe material that is stable in a wetting liquid and flushable in use. More particularly, the presently disclosed subject matter relates to multilayered structures including, but not limited to, two, three, or four layers to form the dispersible nonwoven wipe material. The layers contain combinations of cellulosic and noncellulosic fibers, and optionally a binder or additive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2015
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Inventors: John Perry Baker, Maria Curran, Jeffrey Scott Hurley, Ronald Timothy Moose, Jacek K. Dutkiewicz, Manuel Vidal Murcia, Thomas Hess
  • Publication number: 20150238063
    Abstract: A dishwasher, in particular a household dishwasher, includes at least one wash compartment and a rack guide rail for support in the wash compartment of a rack which holds items to be washed and/or dried. The rack guide rail has a running surface to allow movement of the rack in and out of the wash compartment for loading and unloading purposes along a travel path supported on the running surface. The rack guide rail is hereby supported at a support point for pivoting about a pivot axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2015
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Inventors: Johann Jobst, Thomas Wachinger
  • Publication number: 20150238064
    Abstract: Appliance pedestal that contains liquid leaks due to condensation, overflow, or system failure originating from the supported liquid filled or handling appliance, provides for multiple methods of discharge of collected liquids, and reduces installation and maintenance requirements and their associated hazards and provides an improved ergonomic operating position for the appliance operator. There is also a system to facilitate the movement of an appliance or pedestal supporting an appliance along a supporting surface. That system includes a chamber located at or proximate to the bottom of the appliance or pedestal having a plurality of openings formed therein. The chamber is pressurized to create a plurality of jets where fluid passes outwardly from the jets toward the supporting surface. The jets raise or float the appliance or the pedestal raising the appliance upwardly off of the supporting surface and allows the easy movement of the appliance along that supporting surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2015
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Inventor: Edward A. Chilcoat
  • Publication number: 20150238065
    Abstract: An appliance latch provides a hook that may be energized against a spring force to receive a catch element which releases the hook to pull the catch element into engagement. A toggle arm may be used to hold the hook in the energized state before receipt of the catch element to provide for a sensitive and predictable release of the spring force with rotation of the hook. The hook may be mounted on a floating pivot both to accommodate the toggle arm operation and to permit re-engagement of the catch element with the hook in the event that the hook is released from its energized state without engagement of the catch element, for example, by inertial forces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Inventors: Michael S. Osvatic, Kenyon A. Hapke (deceased)
  • Publication number: 20150238066
    Abstract: A simply structured and conveniently used detergent release controller capable of avoiding detergent from solidifying and preventing use has a main channel. One terminal of the main channel is an inlet of a fluid, and the other terminal of the main channel is an outlet capable of being connected with a water outlet of a washing barrel. The detergent release controller is provided with multiple valves including valve A, valve B, valve C, valve D, a liquid collecting cavity, and a Venturi negative pressure generator. An inlet of valve A is connected with a bypass of the main channel. An inlet of valve B is connected with a storage tank of detergent A. The present disclosure is applicable to apparatuses such as clothes washing machines and dish washing machines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Applicant: Hangzhou Kambayashi Electronic Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hua Wang, Pengfei Bao
  • Publication number: 20150238067
    Abstract: The present invention provides a gas water bottle adaptor that is suitable for attachment to a water bottle and to a bottle cap. The adaptor can include a gas inlet on one side thereof suitable for attachment to the gas connection of an endoscope. A sealing member can be affixed to the adaptor to prevent leakage of any fluid (e.g., liquid or gas) that is inside of the water bottle. The adaptor may be used in endoscopy methods and is particularly useful for adding a secondary gas source to a water bottle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2015
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Inventors: Jeffrey B. Cushner, Kenneth E. Wolcott, Christopher R. Stebbins, James Burns
  • Publication number: 20150238068
    Abstract: An endoscope including an endoscope shaft closed by a cover glass; an optical system arranged in the endoscope shaft, the optical system including at least one prism located proximally to the cover glass; a prism holder for holding the optical system and mounted so as to be pivotable about a rotation axis perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the endoscope shaft, wherein the prism holder has at least a portion having a circular circumference with a toothed arrangement; an elongated adjustment element movable along the longitudinal axis of the endoscope shaft and having a mating toothed arrangement for engagement with the toothed arrangement of the prism holder, the mating toothed arrangement being formed at least on a distal portion; wherein at least the distal portion of the adjustment element is bendable such that it is guided in a curved guide channel formed at least partially around the prism holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Applicant: OLYMPUS WINTER & IBE GMBH
    Inventors: Jens ROSE, Martin WIETERS
  • Publication number: 20150238069
    Abstract: An endoscope which promotes downsizing and cost reduction, and a manufacturing method of an endoscope are provided. For this reason, in an endoscope, a lens unit containing a lens in a lens tube, an image capturing element of which an image capturing surface is covered with element cover glass, and an adhesive resin fixing the lens unit of which an optical axis of the lens is coincident with the center of the image capturing surface to the element cover glass with a separation portion are disposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2015
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Inventors: Akinori Osada, Takafumi Sanada, Yasuyuki Hanada, Naoyuki Haraguchi, Takahisa Suzuki, Tooru Tanaka, Hiroshi Nagayasu
  • Publication number: 20150238070
    Abstract: A portable medical illuminator is configured for attachment to a medical device wherein the illuminator includes an illuminator housing and a light source disposed in relation to the housing. A portable rechargeable power supply is connected to the light source, and an inductive charging coil is disposed within the illuminator housing to enable contactless charging of the contained portable power supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Applicant: Welch Allyn, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond A. Lia, Robert L. Vivenzio, Miguel C. Mudge, Jon R. Salvati, Jeffrey Chiodo
  • Publication number: 20150238071
    Abstract: A multi-resolution foveated laparoscope (MRFL) addresses a number of the clinical limitations described in the background section. The MRFL technology can (1) simultaneously obtain both wide-angle- and high-magnification images of a surgical area in real-time in a single, fully integrated scope, (2) yield ultra-high spatial resolution which is over 3 times better than a standard laparoscope (SL) at a close-up working distance, (3) automatically scan and engage the high-magnification imaging probe to any sub-region of the surgical field through region-of-interest (ROI) tracking capabilities, (4) vary the optical magnification of the high-resolution imaging probe without the need of physically advancing or withdrawing the scope, (5) maintain a low-length profile, optimized for operating at a long working distance (WD), providing both superb spatial awareness and high-magnification views simultaneously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Inventors: Hong Hua, Yi Qin, Mike Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20150238072
    Abstract: A thermal defogging system and method for an optical instrument is described. In one embodiment, the thermal defogging system for an optical instrument is comprised of: at least a primary housing, the primary housing defining an aperture for transmission of optical signals, a transparent element adapted to be aligned with the aperture for transmission of optical signals, at least one side of the transparent element facing the external environment; and a transparent conductive layer covering an area at least as large as the optical footprint of the transmitted optical signal through the transparent element, wherein responsive to the application of electrical power to the transparent conductive layer, the transparent conductive layer generates heat that is thermally communicated to the least one side of the transparent element facing the external environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Applicant: Cadent Ltd.
    Inventor: Nir Makmel
  • Publication number: 20150238073
    Abstract: A surgical device includes a plurality of cameras integrated therein. The view of each of the plurality of cameras can be integrated together. A surgical tool that includes an integrated camera may be used in conjunction with the surgical device. The image produced by the camera integrated with the surgical tool may be associated with the images generated by the plurality of cameras integrated in the surgical device. The position and orientation of the cameras and/or the surgical tool can be tracked, and the surgical tool can be rendered as at least partially transparent. A surgical device may be powered by a hydraulic system, thereby reducing electromagnetic interference with tracking devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Inventors: Steven T. Charles, John Tesar
  • Publication number: 20150238074
    Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product are disclosed for diagnosing a condition of an eye such as macular degeneration and/or cataracts. The system may include an optical system, which may project light at an eye and record lipofuscin fluorescence from a retina of the eye to form an image of the retina. A computing device may process the image to apply one or more image acceptance criteria and/or one or more image clarity criteria. If the image fails to meet the one or more image acceptance criteria, the image may be re-taken. Based on the level of conformance of the image to the one or more image clarity criteria, the system may indicate that the macular pigment level cannot be provided with confidence, indicate that the eye likely has one or more cataracts, and/or calculate and provide the macular pigment content based on a correction factor, if needed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Applicant: Image Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Mohsen Sharifzadeh, Werner Gellermann, Masayuki Yoshino, Tokio Ueno, Masahiko Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20150238075
    Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product are disclosed for diagnosing a condition of an eye such as macular degeneration and/or cataracts. The system may include an optical system, which may project light at an eye and record lipofuscin fluorescence from a retina of the eye to form an image of the retina. A computing device may process the image to apply one or more image acceptance criteria and/or one or more image clarity criteria. If the image fails to meet the one or more image acceptance criteria, the image may be re-taken. Based on the level of conformance of the image to the one or more image clarity criteria, the system may indicate that the macular pigment level cannot be provided with confidence, indicate that the eye likely has one or more cataracts, and/or calculate and provide the macular pigment content based on a correction factor, if needed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Inventors: Mohsen Sharifzadeh, Werner Gellermann
  • Publication number: 20150238076
    Abstract: There is provided a simulation device including: a first blur component generating unit configured to generate a first blur component based on distance data included in observation scene data in which the distance data is added to a computer graphics image, and a parameter regarding the non-progressive component included in the trial lens; a second blur component generating unit configured to generate a second blur component based on distance data included in the observation scene data and a parameter regarding a progressive component included in the progressive addition lens; a display blur component generating unit configured to generate a display blur component, based on the first blur component and the second blur component; a display blur component adding unit configured to add the display blur component to the observation scene data; and a display unit configured to display an observation image obtained by the display blur component adding unit, to a wearer wearing the trial lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Inventors: Takashi Hatanaka, Hua Qi
  • Publication number: 20150238077
    Abstract: The present method describes a new method for the measurement of dark adaptation. The dark adaptation status of subjects may then be used to identify those subjects who are at risk of developing and/or who are currently suffering from a variety of disease states having their clinical manifestations in impaired dark adaptation. The disease states include, but are not limited to, age related macular degeneration, vitamin A deficiency, Sorsby's Fundus Dystrophy, late autosomal dominant retinal degeneration, retinal impairment related to diabetes and diabetic retinopathy. An apparatus for administering the test method described is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2015
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Inventors: Gregory R. JACKSON, Cynthia A. OWSLEY
  • Publication number: 20150238078
    Abstract: A device for determining biometric variables of the eye, as are incorporated in the calculation of intraocular lenses including a multi-point keratometer and an OCT arrangement. The keratometer measurement points are illuminated telecentrically and detected telecentrically and the OCT arrangement is designed as a laterally scanning swept-source system with a detection region detecting the whole eye over the whole axial length thereof. The multi-point keratometer ensures that a sufficient number of keratometer points are available for measuring the corneal surface. By contrast, telecentricity ensures that the positioning inadequacies of the measuring instrument in relation to the eye to be measured do not lead to a local mismatch of the reflection points. The swept-source OCT scan detects the whole eye over the length thereof so that both anterior chamber structures and retina structures can be detected and a consistent whole eye image can be realized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Applicant: CARL ZEISS MEDITEC AG
    Inventors: Ralf Ebersbach, Martin Hacker, Gerard Antkowiak, Peter Klopfleisch, Ferid Bajramovic, Tobias Bühren, Matthias Reich
  • Publication number: 20150238079
    Abstract: A miniature eyetracking system is disclosed that includes a camera, a microelectromechanical (MEMS) device, and a processor. The camera images an eye. The MEMS device controls the view-direction of the camera. The processor receives an image of the eye from the camera, determines the location of the eye within the camera image, and controls the MEMS to keep the camera pointed at the eye. In another embodiment, the MEMS device controls an adjustable focus of the camera. The processor determines the focus condition of the eye image, and controls the MEMS device to maintain a desired focus condition of the camera on the eye. In another embodiment, the MEMS device controls an adjustable camera zoom. The processor determines the size of the eye image within the overall camera image, and controls the MEMS to maintain a desired size of the eye image within the overall camera image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2015
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Inventor: Dixon Cleveland
  • Publication number: 20150238080
    Abstract: A dilation tower providing a darkened space for performing a dilated fundus examination (DFE) in bright environments (e.g., stores, shopping malls, shopping centers, medical offices, etc.) is provided. In order to reach more patients in need of DFEs, the dilation tower provided may be configured to be mobile. A method of administering a DFE on a patient comprising the steps of positioning said patient in a patient area of a dilation tower, enclosing said patient and said patient area with a patient area cloak, and performing said DFE on said patient is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2015
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Inventors: Martin Lee Faulkner, Johnny D. Faulkner
  • Publication number: 20150238081
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a method of measuring a physiological variable in a body. A basic idea of the present invention is to measure a physiological variable in a body by means of employing a sensor which is arranged to be disposed in the body for measuring the physiological variable. The sensor must be provided with a supply voltage in order to be operable. Therefore, a control unit disposed outside the body provides this supply voltage to the sensor. The control unit also receives, from the sensor, via a wired connection, signals that represent the physiological variables that are measured. The control unit is arranged with a communication interface and a modulator for wireless spread spectrum communication of the measured physiological variables for presentation purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2015
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Applicant: ST. JUDE MEDICAL COORDINATION CENTER BVBA
    Inventors: Magnus SAMUELSSON, Sauli TULKKI
  • Publication number: 20150238082
    Abstract: A system includes wireless sensor devices monitoring a patient, a gateway device providing dual-frequency adaptive protocol time synchronization signals to the sensor devices, the time synchronization signals including a communication frame structure having time slots including two beacon signal time slots and a plurality of data slots, where the sensor devices transmit respective patient data a first time interleaved within a first data slot and a second time interleaved within a second data slot, the first interleaved data transmission and the second interleaved data transmission are each transmitted at respective different frequencies provided to the sensor devices in beacon signals received from the gateway device. The first interleaved data transmission includes both current data and previous data from the at least two wireless sensor devices, and a frequency agility pattern separates adjacent channels by a respective predetermined frequency offset. A method and non-transitory medium are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Stanislava Soro, David Michael Davenport, Steven William Wik, SM Shajedul Hasan
  • Publication number: 20150238083
    Abstract: There is described a probe device for optically investigating a tissue of a subject, comprising: a first probe element, a second probe element, and a third probe element each to be positioned at a respective vertex of a triangle for sensing the tissue, the first probe element each comprising a first light source for emitting light having a first wavelength, the second probe element each comprising a second light source for emitting light having a second wavelength and a first photodetector for detecting light having the first wavelength and scattered by the tissue, and the third probe element comprising a second photodetector for detecting light having the first and second wavelengths and scattered by the tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Inventors: Jocelyn Faubert, Claudine Habak, Rafael Doti, Jesus-Eduardo Lugo-Arce
  • Publication number: 20150238084
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of apparatus, systems and methods can be provided for providing at least one electro-magnetic radiation to at least one sample. For example, a plurality of wave-guiding arrangements can be provided which are configured to (i) provide the electro-magnetic radiation(s), and (ii) at a point of emission of each of the wave guiding arrangements, cause a phase of each of the electro-magnetic radiation(s) to have a predetermined value. The exemplary apparatus can be part of a probe. Further the exemplary apparatus can include an interferometric arrangement provided in communication with the probe and/or be part of the probe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Inventors: Guillermo J. Tearney, Brett E. Bouma, Joseph A. Gardecki, Linbo Liu, Robert R. Mcleod
  • Publication number: 20150238085
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a PDD diagnosis apparatus that even if there is a distance from an irradiation portion of an optical fiber to a diseased tissue, enables provision of a fluorescence detection sensitivity equivalent to that in a case where irradiation is provided in such a manner that the irradiation portion of the optical fiber is brought close to the diseased tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2013
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Inventors: Katsushi Inoue, Masanori Hiramitsu, Motowo Nakajima, Tohru Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20150238086
    Abstract: An exposure amount designation value calculation unit calculates an exposure amount designation value for designating the amount of exposure, which is required to image an observation target, based on an image signal. A threshold value calculation unit calculates a threshold value for comparison with the pixel value of the image signal according to the exposure amount designation value. A region detection unit detects a first region, in which the pixel value falls within a range set by the threshold value, and a second region, in which the pixel value is out of the range. An image generation unit generates an oxygen saturation image, in which the oxygen saturation is displayed differently in the first and second regions, using the image signal, the oxygen saturation, and information of the first and second regions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2015
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takaaki SAITO
  • Publication number: 20150238087
    Abstract: A biological information measurement device includes near-infrared cameras capable of detecting pupils of an object person, a detection unit capable of detecting pupil areas from pieces of image data obtained by the near-infrared cameras, a luminance acquisition unit that acquires luminances of skin areas serving as at least portions of the peripheries of the pupil areas, and a biological measurement unit that measures biological information of the object person from the luminances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2015
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Inventors: Tatsumaro Yamashita, Tomoya Kamata
  • Publication number: 20150238088
    Abstract: A jaw assembly including first and second jaw members configured to clamp tissue therebetween. The first jaw member includes a surface opposing a surface of the second jaw member, a light source, and a light detector. The light source is configured to emit light from an opening defined in the surface of the first jaw member. The light detector is disposed within the opening and is configured to sense properties of light reflected off tissue clamped between the first and second jaw members and to generate signals indicative of the sensed properties of light. A processor is operatively associated with the light detector and is configured to receive the signals from the light detector. The processor is also configured to analyze the signals to determine an attribute of tissue clamped between the first and second jaw members and to provide feedback to a user of the attribute of the tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Inventors: Elizabeth Hufnagel, Xingrui Chen, Matthew Chowaniec, Peter T. Collings, Paul D. Richard, Michael A. Zemlok