Abstract: A stack of interfolded absorbent sheet products includes a plurality of a first group of absorbent sheet products folded according to a first type of folding wherein at least two panels are created by one folding line, and a plurality of a second group of absorbent sheet products folded according to a second type of folding wherein at least two other panels are created by at least one other folding line. The plurality of the first and second groups are orientated side by side in opposition relative to each other, the plurality of the first and second groups being interfolded into each other so that the panels of two groups positioned adjacent relative to each other overlap. Each group of absorbent sheet products includes a certain amount, at least two, of uncoupled absorbent sheet products so as to dispense the certain amount of absorbent sheet products with one grasping movement of the group.

Abstract: A dispensing unit and a dispenser are provided. The dispenser is adapted for the use with continuous web material. The dispensing unit includes a first roller arranged to rotate about a first axis and a second roller arranged to rotate about a second axis. A web path is provided through the dispensing unit and a portion of the web path consists of a web passage defined between the first roller and the second roller. A drive mechanism engages with at least one of the first roller and the second roller for feeding web material through the web passage. The drive mechanism comprises a feeding ring rotatably suspended in the dispensing unit. The feeding ring extends around the web path.

Abstract: A paper sheet material dispenser operated by a DC motor has dynamic braking structure electrically braking the motor to provide more accurate positioning of the paper sheet material tail portion leading end when DC power to the DC motor is terminated.

Abstract: A dryer and towel dispenser combination and method of operating the same. The combination includes a towel dispenser for dispensing a towel through a first area, a sensor having a sensing area for sensing an object that penetrates the sensing area.

Abstract: The present invention is a commode which allows a caregiver easy access to a user for cleaning after the elimination of bodily wastes. The commode includes a secondary frame and mounting collar that hold a funnel and waste receptacle in place. Once a user has eliminated, they may remain seated on the commode while a caregiver removes the waste receptacle and cleans them.

Abstract: A seat having built-in waste compartment for urinating, vomiting, or defecating therein. The seat having built-in waste compartment includes a container disposed in a seat, such as vehicle seat, gaming chair, stool, recliner, or the like. The seat includes an opening in the upper surface having a recessed area therein. The recessed area includes a container supported thereon. The container includes a base, one or more sidewalls, an aperture disposed in a sidewall, and an open upper end that can receive waste therein. The edge of the upper end of the container includes a flange that extends outward and rests on the upper surface of the seat, wherein the flange can be sat upon when the device is in use. The seat having built-in waste compartment further includes a tube that is connected to the aperture of the container and is able to receive urine therethough.

Abstract: A universal flushing lever for a toilet that can be mounted on different areas of the toilet tank, during flushing action, triggers the closing of the toilet seat cover and or seat using magnetic fields. A magnet is attached to a universal flushing lever as well as the seat cover and/or seat. When the flushing lever is actuated it uses the magnet's fields to trigger the cover and/or seat closure. The magnets can be positioned to use the magnetic fields in two ways, repulsion or attraction individually or in conjunction. In the repulsion scenario, the magnets, one positioned on the flushing lever and one on the cover and or seat, once in proximity forces the closure of the adjacent cover and or seat. In the attraction scenario, the magnets, one positioned on the flushing lever and one on the cover and or seat, once away from proximity allows the closure of the adjacent cover and or seat.

Abstract: A portable pneumatic vacuum cleaner is disclosed that includes a venturi vacuum generator disposed downstream of a primary filter. The primary filter is disposed in filter chamber that is disposed downstream of a collection chamber. Both chambers are disposed in a canister and the collection chamber is separated from the filter chamber by a partition filter. A vacuum conduit extends through a wall of the canister and into the collection chamber and has a collection end positioned tangentially to the wall of the canister for generating cyclonic flow in the collection chamber. The filter chamber is connected to the vacuum generator by an outlet conduit. The vacuum generator also connects to a pressurized air source and an exhaust.

Abstract: An extraction cleaner for a floor surface comprises a portable extractor and a base adapted to be moved to perform a cleaning operation on the floor surface when the portable extractor is operably mounted to the base. The portable extractor includes a suction hose for manually suctioning fluid from the floor surface, a recovery tank interconnected to the suction hose for receiving recovered fluid from the floor surface, and a fluid delivery system for dispensing a cleaning fluid onto the floor surface. One or more connections are made between the base and components of the portable extractor when the portable extractor is operably mounted to the base.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cleaner including a main body for sucking dust on the floor in a cleaning region while actively traveling, and a marker indication device for indicating a marker on the floor in the cleaning region while moving independently of the main body, wherein the main body includes an image acquisition unit acquiring a front image thereof, and a controller to track a movement trajectory of the marker on the acquired image, set a traveling path, in an actual space, corresponding to the movement trajectory, and control the main body such that the main body travels along the set traveling path.

Abstract: A robot cleaner configured to elastically deform a brush part using contact force between bristles and a floor and then restoring the brush part to vibrate the bristles, thereby improving cleaning performance. The robot cleaner includes a case that moves on a floor, a brush shaft mounted to the case such that the brush shaft rotates by driving force from a drive unit, an elastic member fixed to the brush shaft, the elastic member made of an elastic material, and a brush part fixed to the elastic member, the brush part having bristles, wherein the brush part generates generate vibration during deformation and restoration of the elastic member when external force is applied. The elastic member deforms due to contact force between the bristles and the floor and is then restored, and the brush part vibrates during deformation and restoration of the elastic member.

Abstract: A pad particularly adapted for surface cleaning. The pad includes an absorbent core having the ability to absorb and retain liquid material, and a liner layer in contact with and covering at least one side of the absorbent core. The liner layer has the ability to retain and wick liquid material through the liner layer. Cleaning apparatus containing such pads and methods of using such pads are also described.

Abstract: A multi-function multi-use rag system and method integrating a variety of substantially planar sheets in a unitized application context is disclosed. The system/method physically integrates a stack of cleaning rags or other materials that may be of different types and have different functional characteristics. These rags are attached together at their outer periphery via sewing or other fastening means. A peripheral segment of the rag stack that is not attached to other layers may allow the stack to be everted to configure one set of a plurality of inner surfaces to form the outer surfaces of the rag stack system. Eversion of the rag stack thus permits formation of a number of different outer surface combinations that is equal to twice the number of stacked rags. Incorporation of internal stack barrier layers in some embodiments allows isolation of individual layers within the rag stack.

Abstract: A dishwasher appliance is provided. The dishwasher appliance includes a first spray assembly and a second spray assembly. A pressure actuated valve is coupled to a supply conduit. The pressure actuated valve selectively permits wash fluid from the supply conduit to flow to the second spray assembly. A related method for operating a dishwasher appliance is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a washer (100) comprising a body, a door providing access into the body, a liquid detergent tank (3) enabling liquid detergent to be stored and a detergent dosing unit (1) enabling liquid detergent corresponding to an amount estimated for one washing program to be transferred from the liquid detergent tank (3) into a washer (100) during a cycle.

Abstract: A dishwasher cutlery tray comprises a frame which is withdrawably mounted in a wash-tub and a plurality of inserts arranged in a movable manner on the frame and on which tableware items to be washed can be arranged. At least one first insert and one second insert are arranged on the frame in a horizontally displaceable manner. The cutlery tray further comprises first coupling means for coupling in a releasable manner the first insert to the second insert in such a way that, in a condition of coupling of the first coupling means, the first insert is horizontally displaceable on the frame together with the second insert and in a condition of release of the coupling means the first insert and the second insert are horizontally displaceable on the frame independently to each another.

Abstract: A bending apparatus includes a shape sensor including a light source, an optical fiber, a detecting part, and a light receiver. The shape sensor utilizes a variation in optical characteristics, which is detected by the detecting part in accordance with a variation of curvature of the optical fiber when the optical fiber is bent. The shape sensor is freely bendable in any direction and having directivity in detection sensitivity for a bending direction. A bending direction restriction mechanism is combined with the shape sensor and has bending directivity including such a property of ease in bending that bending is easy in at least a specific direction other than a direction of a center line, and such a property of difficulty in bending that bending is difficult in directions other than the specific direction.

Abstract: An articulated tip part (3) for an endoscope (1). The articulated tip part (3) comprises a distal end segment (4), a proximal end segment (6) and a number of intermediate segments (5) arranged between the distal end segment (4) and the proximal end segment (6). Each intermediate segment (5) comprises a first passage (8) adapted to accommodate and support an outer wall (11) of a tube (9) providing a working channel of the endoscope (1).

Abstract: Bronchoscope adapters and methods of using the same are provided. Aspects of the adaptors include a body having a passageway, a mechanical ventilator access port, a bronchoscope access port configured to receive a bronchoscope into the passageway, and an exit port. The bronchoscope access port comprises a reversibly adjustable inner diameter component that provides locking of the bronchoscope at desired position. The adaptors find use in a variety of different applications.

Abstract: A locomotive endoscope assembly including a locomotive endoscope head, including a main portion extending along a longitudinal axis and having a first selectably inflatable balloon associated therewith and a selectably positionable portion, selectably axially positionable along the main portion and having a second selectably inflatable balloon associated therewith and a locomotive endoscope head controller controlling the operation of the locomotive endoscope head and being operative for controlling positioning of the selectably positionable portion relative to the main portion and selectable inflation of the first and second selectably inflatable balloons.

Abstract: There is provided a photoelectric composite module according to the present disclosure including: a first connecting member having an outer frame having a tubular shape, and a plurality of contacts provided in an interior of the outer frame; a first printed board on which a photoelectric conversion element configured to convert an electrical signal into an optical signal is mounted, and which is configured to act as a relay between the contacts and the photoelectric conversion element; and a second printed board configured to act as a relay between the contacts and an electrical signal cable. The first printed board and the second printed board are three-dimensionally arranged.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical probe system (100) comprising an optical probe (18) having an optical converter circuit (10) with an optoelectronic device (15). The optoelectronic device is arranged for converting a first radiation beam (2) from a radiation source (6) into electrical energy and for receiving first data comprised in said first radiation beam. The optical converter circuit (10) is powerable by said electric energy in the first radiation beam (2). The optoelectronic device is further arranged for emitting a second radiation beam (3) towards a photodetector (5), said emission being inducible by the incoming first radiation beam, the second radiation beam comprising second data. The invention is advantageous for obtaining an improved optical probe system capable of obtaining a higher data transmission and/or a relatively high power at the distal end of the optical probe system with relatively high efficiency and simultaneous at small size.

Abstract: A light source device to illuminate a target to be imaged by an imaging unit which includes N kinds of light detection elements which wavelength sensitivity regions are different each other includes a light source section, an insertion portion, an illumination light emitting portion and a light guide member. The light source section emits M kinds of narrow-band light which have different peak wavelengths, a difference between the peak wavelengths being equal to or more than an effective wavelength gap. The insertion portion is configured to be inserted into an internal space of an object. The illumination light emitting portion is provided in the insertion portion and which emits an illumination light. The light guide member guides the narrow-band light emitted from the light source section to the illumination light emitting portion.

Abstract: An optical medical instrument, in particular an endoscope or exoscope, has an elongate tubular shaft, a heat source generating lost heat, and a heat pipe which extends inside the shaft, in the longitudinal direction of the shaft, and has a distal heat pipe end and a proximal heat pipe end, wherein the heat pipe is thermally coupled to the heat source in order to collect heat from the latter and remove the heat from the heat source. Between the distal heat pipe end and the proximal heat pipe end, the heat pipe is coupled thermally conductively and two-dimensionally to the shaft over at least a partial length of the heat pipe and over at least a partial circumference of the heat pipe, in order to remove heat from the heat pipe, over at least a partial length and over at least a partial circumference of the shaft, to the environment.

Abstract: An ophthalmologic apparatus includes an examination optical system, drive part, two or more imaging parts, analyzer, storage, position corrector, and controller. The examination optical system examines an eye. The drive part moves the examination optical system. The imaging parts substantially simultaneously photograph the anterior segment of the eye from different directions. The analyzer analyzes two or more photographic images captured substantially simultaneously by the imaging parts to obtain a three-dimensional position of the eye. The storage stores correction information in advance. The correction information is acquired based on optical properties of eyeballs, and used to correct the position of the eye in the optical axis direction of the examination optical system. The position corrector corrects the three-dimensional position obtained by the analyzer based on the correction information.

Abstract: A network of devices for performing optical/optometric/ophthalmological tests comprises at least one patient-interface designed to display three-dimensional and/or stereoscopic images and provided with at least one display screen with a nested, three-dimensional projection/display capability, and at least one operator-interface designed to apply control and management functions to the patient-interface.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing the probability of the onset of glaucoma or the degree of the advancement of glaucoma by observing connective tissue of lamina cribrosa and its neighboring part of retina, namely the movable nature of lamina cribrosa in relation to retina.

Abstract: A measuring optical system of an ophthalmologic observation apparatus of an embodiment performs OCT of an eye. An image forming part forms an image based on information acquired by OCT. A preliminary operation performing part performs a plurality of preliminary operations for OCT. Storage stores, for at least one specific preliminary operation among the plurality of preliminary operations, operating condition information including a transferring condition for transferring to a different preliminary operation and a terminating condition for terminating a specific preliminary operation in advance.

Abstract: Scanning optical beam imaging systems for imaging extended structures of an eye and providing biometry of an eye are provided. The systems include a focal system for shifting the focus of the scanning system from the front to the back of the eye. The systems provide for converging rays that can scan through the pupil of the eye, enabling scanning of the anterior and posterior segments of the eye using a common objective and a fixed working distance.

Abstract: A head mountable device for measuring eye movement includes: a camera system comprising a first camera, wherein the camera system is configured to obtain a first set of images of a first eye of a user with a first frame rate and a first resolution; a processing unit configured to process the obtained first set of images and provide a processing unit output based on the first set of images; and an interface connected to the processing unit, for providing a device output based on the processing unit output; wherein the first frame rate is sufficient to allow the processing unit to detect eye saccades of the first eye.

Abstract: A video oculography (VOG) system for calculation and display of Corrective Secondary Saccades Analysis is disclosed and utilized in a method for Objective Diagnostics of Internuclear Opthalmopligia, Ocular Lateral Pulsion, Progressive Supernuclear Palsy and Glissades. The method comprises the steps of using a VOG system to calculate corrective saccades. The VOG based system is configured to collect eye images of the patient in excess of 60 hz and configured to resolve eye movements smaller than at least 3 degrees of motion and collects eye movement data wherein at least one fixation target is presented to the subject in a defined position configured to yield a voluntary saccadic eye response from at least one eye of the patient. The latency, amplitude, accuracy and velocity of each respective corrective saccade and totals latency and accuracy are calculated.

Abstract: In one example embodiment, an apparatus for obtaining status information of a crystalline lens of an eye includes a light projector configured to project a reference light to the crystalline lens; an intensity detector configured to detect an intensity of scattered light that is generated from the reference light by being scattered at the crystalline lens; and a calculator configured to calculate thickness information of the crystalline lens based on the intensity of scattered light.

Abstract: A fundus camera has an image pickup element adapted to receive reflection light from an anterior ocular segment of an examinee's eye and a light receiving optical system that guides the reflection light from the anterior ocular segment of the examinee's eye to the image pickup element. The fundus camera is provided with a focus evaluation value acquisition unit that acquires a focus evaluation value representing an in-focus state of the light receiving optical system for the anterior ocular segment of the examinee's eye on the basis of an output of the image pickup element for a specific part of the anterior ocular segment of the examinee's eye and an in-focus position determination unit that determines an in-focus position of the light receiving optical system based on the focus evaluation value. With these unit, auto-focusing can be performed when imaging the anterior ocular segment.

Abstract: A method for wireless transmission of acoustic cardiac signals during a medical imaging examination is provided. The acoustic cardiac signals are acquired at a sampling frequency using an optical microphone, and the sampling frequency spans one period duration. The wireless transmission of the acoustic cardiac signals is accomplished by a transmission device that includes a controller and a transmission unit. The transmission unit includes a signal modulation unit including a transmit diode and a receive diode. The method includes activating the transmit diode using the controller for a time interval including the activation time. The activation time is less than a period duration. The method includes emitting a signal using the transmit diode during the activation time. The emitted signal is optically modulated based on the acoustic cardiac signals. The method also includes acquiring the modulated signals using the receive diode during the activation time, and wirelessly transmitting the signals.

Abstract: A system and device (200) which combines a defibrillator, patient monitor and a telemedicine server is described. The device enables a method whereby an external system or remote station may “pull” data from the device without the need for operator action or intervention. Safety-critical and non-safety-critical features in the device (200) are maintained separate by a firewall circuit (240) such that the remote station cannot write data to the device.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing data communication in medical systems are disclosed.

Abstract: A lighting device includes a first light source configured to generate light for illumination of a space and a second light source configured to generate light of a particular wavelength independently from the first light source. The light generated by the second light source is output at a sufficient intensity so as to reasonably expect to support an intended benefit other than illumination of the space. The first light source and the second light source are integrated into the same lighting device. The lighting device includes an optical element coupled to the first and second light sources that is configured to produce a light output of the lighting device. The lighting device outputs the light for illumination of the space and the light of the particular wavelength for the other intended benefit from the second light source via the same output of the lighting device.

Abstract: Provided is an optical imaging system which visualizes a deep portion of a scattering body. The optical imaging system generates an image of an object to be inspected by removing a signal resulting from light reflected and scattered once by a surface of the object to be inspected from the signal obtained by means of an optical system analogous to Optical Coherence Tomography, thereby extracting a signal resulting from multiply scattered light.

Abstract: A method of achieving instrument independent measurements for quantitative analysis of fiber-optic Raman spectroscope system, the system comprising a laser source, a spectroscope and a fiber optic probe to transmit light from the laser source to a target and return scattered light to the spectroscope, the method comprising transmitting light from the laser source to a standard target having a known spectrum, recording a calibration spectrum of the scattered light from the standard target, comparing the known spectrum and the calibration system and generating a probe and/or probe-system transfer function, and storing the transfer function. Further provided is a method of performing real-time diagnostic Raman spectroscopy optionally in combination with the other disclosed methods.

Abstract: A contact-type endoscope surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) probe includes a gradient-index (GRIN) lens, a transparent substrate adhered to the GRIN lens, and a rough metallic layer adhered to an opposite side of the transparent substrate from the GRIN lens. The GRIN lens focuses light from a Raman spectrometer onto the rough metallic layer, and the rough metallic layer is positioned at the distal end of the contact-type endoscope SERS probe.

Abstract: A laser based vascular illumination system utilizing a FPGA for detecting vascular positions, processing an image of such vasculature positions, and projecting the image thereof onto the body of a patient.

Abstract: This invention employs an object information acquiring apparatus including a probe for receiving, as a received signal, an acoustic wave which is generated within an object irradiated with light and propagates on an object surface, and a processor for generating object information, which is information based on an internal optical characteristic value of the object, by using intensity of the received signal. The processor corrects the intensity of the received signal by using the reflectance upon the acoustic wave entering the probe which is calculated based on the angle of the acoustic wave entering the probe, and on the acoustic impedance and acoustic velocity of the object and the probe.

Abstract: A photoacoustic measurement device 10 includes a probe 11 having a light emitting unit that emits measurement light L and a plurality of acoustic wave detection elements, a determination unit 28 that determines whether a state between the probe 11 and a subject M is a contact state or a non-contact state, and a light intensity control unit (for example, a switching control unit 36 and an intensity switching unit 37) that controls the intensity of the measurement light such that the measurement light has a first intensity or a second intensity higher than the first intensity, on the basis of the determination result of the determination unit 28. The determination unit 28 performs the determination on the basis of the status of a change in a plurality of photoacoustic signals detected by the plurality of acoustic wave detection elements.

Abstract: An acoustic-wave measuring apparatus includes a holding unit configured to hold a subject and an irradiation unit configured to irradiate the subject with light. An acoustic-wave detecting unit detects acoustic waves generated in the subject due to irradiation with the light; an image pickup unit acquires an image of the subject; and a measurement position on the image acquired by the image pickup unit is designated. A coordinate transforming unit transforms the coordinates of the measurement position on the image to coordinates of a corresponding position on the holding unit; and a position control unit moves at least one of the irradiation unit and the acoustic-wave detecting unit to the corresponding position on the holding unit.

Abstract: The systems, methods apparatus and devices are provided for monitoring a property of an object or an individual using a conformal sensor device mounted to a portion of a surface of the object or the individual. The method includes receiving data indicative of at least one measurement of at least one sensor component of a conformal sensor device that substantially conforms to contours of the surface to provide a degree of conformal contact. The method includes analyzing the data to generate at least one parameter indicative of the property of the surface and the degree of the conformal contact. The data indicative of the at least one measurement includes data indicative of the degree of the conformal contact. The property of the surface is at least one of: an amount of exposure of the surface to the electromagnetic radiation, and a temperature of the object or the individual.

Abstract: A hospitalization management system including a heart failure analyzer that receives diagnostic data including at least sensor data representative of one or more physiological signals sensed from a hospitalized patient using one or more sensors and assesses risk of rehospitalization for the patient using the diagnostic data. The outcome of the risk assessment is used during and following the patient's hospitalization for reducing the risk of rehospitalization.

Abstract: A system for detecting impending acute cardiac decompensation of a patient includes impedance circuitry, an activity sensor, and a processor system. The impedance circuitry measures a hydration signal of the patient, wherein the hydration signal corresponds to a tissue hydration of the patient. The activity sensor to measure an activity level of the patient, and the processor system includes a computer readable memory in communication with the impedance circuitry and the activity sensor, wherein the computer readable memory of the processor system embodies instructions to combine the hydration signal and the activity level of the patient to detect the impending acute cardiac decompensation.

Abstract: A kit of parts for electrical stimulation and/or recording of activity of excitable cells in a tissue is described. The kit of parts comprises on the one hand a probe guiding means comprising a plurality of accommodation channels, each channel being adapted for accommodating a probe device having a plurality of stimulation means and/or recording means located on a die. At least one of the plurality of accommodation channels has a curved shape. The kit of parts also comprises at least one probe device for electrical stimulation and/or recording of activity of excitable cells in a tissue, the probe device comprising a plurality of stimulation means and/or recording means located on a die having a thinned and etched surface for providing flexibility to the probe device.

Abstract: Provided herein are multi-electrode probe/microsystem designs that readily allow recording with multiple electrodes simultaneously, and of two spatially distinct brain regions at the same time. Also provide are methods and processes for manufacturing the probes.

Abstract: Systems and methods can be used to provide an indication of heart function, such as an indication of mechanical function or hemodynamics of the heart, based on electrical data. For example, a method for assessing a function of the heart can include determining a time-based electrical characteristic for a plurality of points distributed across a spatial region of the heart. The plurality of points can be grouped into at least two subsets of points based on at least one of a spatial location for the plurality of points or the time-based electrical characteristics for the plurality of points. An indication of synchrony for the heart can be quantified based on relative analysis of the determined time-based electrical characteristic for each of the at least two subsets of points.