Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are disclosed for a modular food ingredient roller.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing drinks utilizing a mason jar, combining the jar and collar with a separate annular gasket, filtering lid, and sealing cap. The annular gasket and filtering lid are sealed to the jar by attaching the collar to the jar. A flange from the filtering lid sits atop the annular gasket, while a lip from the collar presses down on the flange as the collar is tightened. The collar is secured to the jar by matching threading on the jar and collar. The filtering lid has filtering holes that allow a drink inside the jar to be filtered while being poured. A sealing cap can be attached to a spout of the filtering lid by means of an interference fit. The sealing cap allows the mixing apparatus to be used to mix and shake a contained drink. The shaker is useful for creating cocktails, infusions, and similar drinks.

Abstract: A twist action mixing container is capable of separately storing various substances for later mixing. The mixing container includes an upper and lower housing which respectively define an upper and lower chamber. The upper and lower chambers are separated by a valve assembly that seals off one chamber from the other until the valve assembly is opened. The valve assembly includes upper and lower valve halves, each of which includes one or more tracks along their periphery and corresponding guide members that insert into said tracks. When the upper and lower housings are twisted in opposite directions, the guide members travel along their respective tracks moving upper and lower valve openings into alignment, thus opening the valve assembly. A preventer is operably coupled to the lower valve for blocking the container opening while the valve assembly is closed.

Abstract: A puller, preferably made of bent metal wire, for removing pickles and the like from a jar in which the pickles are tightly packed is preferably made of bent wire, has a handle end, a hook end, and a shank connecting them. The hook of the puller faces in generally the same lateral direction relative to the shank axis as does the handle. And the hook has a jog, comprising two portions which are differently angled relative to the plane in which lies the handle of the puller; and outer portion angles upwardly in the shank-direction where lies the handle.

Abstract: Provided are a window cleaning apparatus and a method of controlling the same. The window cleaning apparatus including first and second cleaning units which are respectively attached on both surfaces of a window using a magnetic force to move together with each other includes a first magnetic module provided in the first cleaning unit, a second magnetic module provided in the second cleaning unit, a magnetic force detection part for detecting a magnetic force between the first and second magnetic modules, and a magnetic force control part for controlling the magnetic force between the first and second magnetic modules.

Abstract: A method for energy management in a robotic device includes providing a base station for mating with the robotic device, determining a quantity of energy stored in an energy storage unit of the robotic device, and performing a predetermined task based at least in part on the quantity of energy stored. Also disclosed are systems for emitting avoidance signals to prevent inadvertent contact between the robot and the base station, and systems for emitting homing signals to allow the robotic device to accurately dock with the base station.

Abstract: A pick-up head system comprises a housing and a main fan connected in air suctioning relation to the housing for causing the interior of the housing to have a reduced internal air pressure. A secondary substantially continuously available source of low air pressure has an inlet connected in air suctioning relation to the housing. A valve is operatively mounted between the housing and the inlet of the source of low air pressure. A control mechanism is operatively connected to the valve and responsive to at least one operational condition in the pick-up head system. In a reduced-flow position, the air pressure in the housing is unaffected by the vacuum tank. In the increased-flow position, when the at least one operational condition passes a threshold, the vacuum tank decreases the air pressure in the housing, thus precluding the escape of dust and other fine particulate matter from the interior of the housing.

Abstract: A vacuum accessory tool comprises a housing that defines a suction nozzle and a hair removal assembly associated with the suction nozzle. In one embodiment, the vacuum accessory tool further comprises an agitator assembly located in the suction nozzle and driven by an air turbine. In another embodiment, an impeller associated with the air turbine is weighted to prevent build-up of hair and other debris at the impeller.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises a first flexible electrified air flow conduit having an air inlet end that is electrified.

Abstract: An automatic floor cleaning machine includes a base, an upper cover covering the base, a supporting seat mounted on the base, a random-turn driving unit installed on the supporting seat, and a floor cleaning plate installed on a bottom of the base. The automatic floor cleaning machine is randomly operated over a floor by the random-turn driving unit. Dedusting papers are disposed on a bottom surface of the floor cleaning plate and protruded from two sides or two corners of the base. The dedusting papers turn to sweep and kick up dust particles on the floor when the automatic floor cleaning machine is operating. Thereby, the effect of thorough cleaning of the floor can be achieved. The automatic floor cleaning machine may further include a vacuum cleaner for further enhancing the cleaning effect.

Abstract: Autonomous planar surface cleaning robots are disclosed. The robot includes a main body having a bottom portion defining an outer portion defining a surface area about a perimeter thereof and an inner portion defining a cavity formed within the outer portion. The main body supports a driving mechanism, a vacuum source, a vacuum sensor, and a control unit. The vacuum source, cavity, and vacuum sensor are in fluid communication. The control unit is electrically coupled to the driving mechanism, the vacuum source, and the vacuum sensor, and is configured to control the robot to turn direction when the control unit receives a signal from the vacuum sensor indicating that a degree of vacuum pressure within the cavity is below a predetermined vacuum pressure. Also disclosed is robot that includes multiple vacuum sources. Also disclosed is an apparatus that includes a connector pole.

Abstract: A method for filling a hollow space in an autoclavable medical instrument with an adhesive containing a filler has the steps of providing an adhesive with a low viscosity allowing the adhesive to enter into a hollow space in a medical instrument, providing a filler of solid particles within said low viscosity adhesive, density of said solid particles differ from a density of said low viscosity adhesive, filling that hollow space in said medical instrument with that low viscosity adhesive containing said solid particles, allowing said particles a period of time for crowding together into a minimum of space, and curing said adhesive after said period of time.

Abstract: A vacuum system is described for endoscopic intracavity, intraluminal or intracorporeal vacuum therapy, for aspirating body fluids, wound secretions or gases from a hollow volume, such as a body cavity, a hollow organ, a tissue abscess or an intestinal lumen, particularly in the production of a temporary endoscopic closure of an intestinal lumen. Based on this, many embodiments of an endoscopy arrangement are described.

Abstract: An endoscope is provided, with a first tube, a cover glass arranged at the distal end of the first tube, as well as with imaging optics, arranged in the first tube, which image an object located in front of the cover glass as an image, wherein the cover glass has a spherically curved, concave inside, a spherically curved, convex outside, and a constant thickness.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an element 106 transform, with a voltage, non-polarized light into plane polarized light with an arbitrary plane of polarization. A synchronizer 112 gives the plane of polarization control element 106 an instruction to rotate the plane of polarization, thereby getting the plane of polarization of the illumination rotated and casting that polarized light toward the object. At the same time, the synchronizer 112 sends a shooting start signal to an image sensor 110, thereby getting video. The synchronizer 112 performs these processing steps multiple times. A captured video signal is sent to an image processing processor 108, where LL, RR and CC images are separately generated as images of light rays that have passed through left and right polarizing areas and the central non-polarizing area and left and right parallax signals are generated and sent to a 3D display section 122.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is inserted through a guide tube. The surgical instrument exits at an intermediate position of the guide tube and is oriented to be substantially parallel to the guide tube's longitudinal axis as it exits. A stereoscopic image capture component is on the guide tube between the intermediate position and the guide tube's distal end. The image capture component's field of view is generally perpendicular to the guide tube's longitudinal axis. The guide tube is jointed to allow the image capture component to be moved. The surgical instruments and the guide tube are telemanipulatively controlled.

Abstract: A magnetic guiding device (robotics) for an intracorporeal object includes a motor-driven positioning device having a maximum of three degrees of freedom to be activated for translational motion of a connecting interface of the positioning device to which a magnetic end effector is connected or connectable, the latter including a maximum of two degrees of freedom to be activated for rotational motion of a magnetic field generator. At least one of the two degrees of freedom of the magnetic end effector is encased in an effector housing.

Abstract: A scanning endoscope system includes: a fiber that guides illuminating light from a light source; a first actuator provided on a side of the fiber and expands/contracts according to an applied voltage, thereby swinging the fiber; a second actuator disposed at a position facing the first actuator across the fiber and expands/contracts according to an applied voltage, thereby swinging the fiber; a drive signal output section applying a first voltage for setting a reference position of the fiber where the first actuator is in a contracted state, to the first actuator, and applying a second voltage for setting the reference position of the fiber where the second actuator is in a contracted state, to the second actuator; and a controller that in order to change the reference position of the fiber, controls the drive signal output section to change at least one of the first voltage and the second voltage.

Abstract: A steerable imaging catheter is provided, including an elongated catheter tube, at least one steering cable extending along the catheter tube to control the movement of the distal end thereof, and a fiber optic cable extending along the catheter tube. The fiber optic cable transmits illumination light from its proximal end to its distal end and transmits an image from its distal end to its proximal end. In one embodiment, two or more steering cables are used, and the catheter tube is configured to have greater flexibility near its distal end than its proximal end so as to concentrate the movement (flexing) of the catheter tube at its distal end. The use of two or more steering cables, together with the catheter tube having varying flexibility, permit better control of the distal end of the catheter tube while reducing undue twisting of the remainder of the catheter tube.

Abstract: An insertion portion includes a holding member that holds an observation portion, and a tubular bending portion. A small-diameter portion of the holding member is fitted into an inside surface of a distal end side portion of the bending portion. A hole portion is provided in the bending portion. A concave portion is provided at the small-diameter portion. A screw member penetrates the hole portion by screw-fastening, and a distal end side thereof is housed in the concave portion. A diameter of the concave portion is larger than an outside diameter of the screw member. A length obtained by adding a depth of the concave portion and a thickness of the distal end side portion of the bending portion is greater than an axial direction length of the screw member. The screw member is held in a non-contacting state with respect to the concave portion in the hole portion.

Abstract: An in-vivo image acquiring apparatus includes an operation control unit which controls a black image acquiring operation, in which the operation control unit controls an imaging unit and an illuminating unit in such a manner the imaging unit conducts an image acquiring operation in a state the illuminating unit does not conduct an illuminating operation. The in-vivo image acquiring apparatus also includes an average calculating unit which calculates the average value of pixel value in a predetermined determining area, and a black image determining unit, which determines whether the image information acquired by the image acquiring operation is the black image by comparing the average value with a predetermined threshold value. The image information determined as the black image by the black image determining unit is transmitted, as the black image information, to an external apparatus by radio.

Abstract: An in-vivo imaging device including a camera may include a frame storage device. Systems and methods which vary the frame capture rate of the camera and/or frame display rate of the display unit of in-vivo camera systems are discussed. The capture rate is varied based on for example, a physical quantity experienced by the camera system, or physical measurements related to the motion of the camera. Alternatively, the frame capture rate is varied based on comparative image processing of a plurality of frames. The frame display rate of the system may be varied based on comparative image processing of a multiplicity of frames. Both the frame capture and the frame display rates of such systems can be varied concurrently.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for optometric self-examination, a management server and a contact lens selection system using the same that are readily available to a new user and additionally shorten a time period required by an eye care practitioner for prescription or, even if no eye care practitioner's prescription is provided, allow for selection of a contact lens preferred for the user. The apparatus for optometric self-examination includes an optometric data acquisition unit for determining at least a part of a shape of a cornea of a user in response to an operation by the user and acquiring optometric data, based on the shape of the cornea, and a contact lens data display unit for displaying a result of selection of a contact lens suited for the optometric data, based on the optometric data and the shape data of contact lenses.

Abstract: An ophthalmic device to measure weakness of Zinn's zonule of an examinee's eye having: an illuminating unit arranged to illuminate the examinee's eye including a lens; an imaging unit including an imaging element and arranged to capture an image of an anterior segment illuminated by the illuminating unit; and a determination unit arranged to process the image of the anterior segment captured by the imaging unit after applying a stimulus to guide the lens to move, the determination unit being further configured to obtain positional information of a characteristic point of the lens to detect mobility of the lens relative to the pupil when the lens returns to a pre-stimulus status, and determine the zonular weakness based on the detected mobility.

Abstract: A control unit, if insertion of a diopter correction lens or retraction of the diopter correction lens is detected, moves a focusing lens to a position according to an insertion or retraction state of the diopter correction lens corresponding to a position of the focusing lens detected by a focusing lens position detection unit.

Abstract: A device for examining an eye of a subject including a camera detachably mounted on a camera mounting unit. The camera includes an illuminating source, which generates illuminating radiation for irradiating the eye thereby enabling the camera to generate a plurality of images of the eye. The device also includes a first lens assembly detachably mounted on an adjustable lens holder and selected to focus the illuminating radiation towards the eye as well as focusing radiation reflected from the eye towards an entrance pupil of the camera. An extendible support arm supports the camera and the adjustable lens holder at a first distance between the camera and the first lens assembly. Subsequent to adjusting the first distance to correspond to a diopter value of the selected first lens assembly, the illuminating source irradiates the eye and subsequent thereto the camera generates the plurality of images of the eye.

Abstract: Example methods are described herein that include obtaining electroencephalographic data from an example device worn by a subject. The device includes a central body portion and a plurality of extensions extending from the central body portion. Respective ones of the extension have ends carrying an electrode. The example device includes an adjustment band disposed along a longitudinal axis of the central body portion to adjust a position of the extensions. The example method also includes analyzing the data to determine a mental state of the subject.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a physiological condition of a user with an apparatus in a computer network is disclosed. The method generally includes the steps of (A) storing authorization information in a nonvolatile condition within the apparatus, the authorization information being suitable for identifying at least one of (i) one or more authorized patients among a plurality of medical patients of a health monitoring service and (ii) one or more authorized types among a plurality of patient types of the health monitoring service, (B) sensing biometric data from the user of the apparatus and (C) identifying the user as a particular patient from at least one of (i) the authorized patients and (ii) the authorized types in response to matching the biometric data to the authorization information.

Abstract: A heart monitoring system for a person includes one or more wireless nodes; and wearable appliance in communication with the one or more wireless nodes, the appliance monitoring vital signs.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for collecting information from face and the tongue for Chinese medicine, which includes a tank, a light source and a shooting structure. The light source and the shooting structure are positioned inside the tank, the shooting structure contains a guide column, a lifting component, a shooting component and an electrical component. The guide column and the electrical component are fixed in the tank, the shooting component fixed on the lifting component, the lifting component fixed on the guide column, which can achieve adjustment of the relative to the guide column by the electrical component. The present invention also provides a method for collecting information collection from face and tongue for Chinese medicine, which includes: 1. collect the information of the face with the camera lens perpendicular to the face plane; 2. tilt forward the camera's position while raising to the vertical plane with the tongue, collect the further information of the tongue.

Abstract: A non-invasive measurement of biological tissue reveals information about the function of that tissue. Polarized light is directed onto the tissue, stimulating the emission of fluorescence, due to one or more endogenous fluorophors in the tissue. Fluorescence anisotropy is then calculated. Such measurements of fluorescence anisotropy are then used to assess the functional status of the tissue, and to identify the existence and severity of disease states. Such assessment can be made by comparing a fluorescence anisotropy profile with a known profile of a control.

Abstract: A novel contrast mechanism for imaging blood flow using magneto-motive optical Doppler tomography (MM-ODT), Optical Coherence Tomography, and Ultrasound. MM-ODT, OCT, and ultrasound combined with an externally applied temporally oscillating high-strength magnetic field detects erythrocytes moving according to the field gradient.

Abstract: A method for evaluation of target media parameters using visible through near infrared light is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a light source, illuminator/collector, optional illumination wavelength selector, optional light gating processor, imager, detected wavelength selector, controller, analyzer and display unit. The apparatus illuminates an in situ target. The sample absorbs some light while a large fraction of the light is diffusely scattered within the sample and some light exits the sample and may be detected in an imaging fashion using wavelength selection and an optical imaging system. The method extends the dynamic range of the optical imager by extracting additional information from the detected light that is used to provide reconstructed contrast of smaller concentrations of chromophore. Using a reiterative calibration method, acquired spectra and images are analyzed and displayed in near real time in such a manner as to characterize functional and structural information of the target tissue.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a treatment of a patient, preferably for monitoring hemodialysis, hemodiafiltration and/or peritoneal dialysis, that includes the steps of irradiating a sample of a dialysis liquid used in the treatment with irradiation light of at least a first irradiation wavelength, detecting light emitted by the irradiated sample in at least a first detection wavelength, the detection wavelength being different from the first irradiation wavelength, and determining the presence and/or concentration of at least one analyte in the sample on the basis of the detected light.

Abstract: The present invention provides a technique for continuous measurement of blood pressure based on pulse transit time and which does not require any external calibration. This technique, referred to herein as the ‘Composite Method’, is carried out with a body-worn monitor that measures blood pressure and other vital signs, and wirelessly transmits them to a remote monitor. A network of body-worn sensors, typically placed on the patient's right arm and chest, connect to the body-worn monitor and measure time-dependent ECG, PPG, accelerometer, and pressure waveforms. The disposable sensors can include a cuff that features an inflatable bladder coupled to a pressure sensor, three or more electrical sensors (e.g. electrodes), three or more accelerometers, a temperature sensor, and an optical sensor (e.g., a light source and photodiode) attached to the patient's thumb.

Abstract: A method of predicting ventricular arrhythmias includes receiving an electrical signal from a subject's heart for a plurality of heart beats, identifying characteristic intervals and heart beat durations of the electrical signal corresponding to each of the plurality of heart beats to provide a plurality of characteristic intervals with corresponding heart beat durations, representing dynamics of the plurality of characteristic intervals as a function of a plurality of preceding characteristic intervals and durations of corresponding heart beats over a chosen period time, assessing a stability of the function over the chosen period of time, and predicting ventricular arrhythmias based on detected instabilities in the dynamics of the characteristic intervals.

Abstract: A cardiac signal generator includes a portable housing, a memory, a processing device, a digital to analog converter, and at least one analog output. The memory stores programming instructions including instructions defining a plurality of mathematical relationships. The processing device is configured to execute the programming instructions to generate a sequence of output values using the plurality of mathematic relationships as a function of time, wherein the sequence of output values defines a sampled waveform output simulating an ECG signal and having linear portions and at least one curved portion. The processing device furthermore provides the sequence of output values at an output. The digital to analog converter is operably coupled to receive the sequence of output values from the output, and generates an electrical signal having a waveform corresponding to the sampled waveform output. The analog output is operably coupled to the digital to analog converter.

Abstract: An ambulatory medical device including a plurality of electrodes configured to be disposed at spaced apart positions about a patient's body, an electrode signal acquisition circuit, and a monitoring circuit. The acquisition circuit has a plurality of inputs each electrically coupled to a respective electrode of the plurality of electrodes and is configured to sense a respective signal provided by a plurality of different pairings of the plurality of electrodes. The monitoring circuit is electrically coupled to an output of the acquisition circuit and is configured to analyze the respective signal provided by each of the plurality of different pairings and to instruct the acquisition circuit to select at least one of the plurality of different pairings to monitor based on at least one of the quality of the respective signal, a phase difference between the respective signal and that of other pairings, a position of electrodes relative to the patient's body, and other criteria.

Abstract: In Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI) the reconstruction requires the knowledge of a so called system function. This function describes the relation between spatial position and frequency response. For reasonable resolutions and field of views the system function becomes quite large, resulting in large acquisition times for the system function and high memory demand during reconstruction. The present invention proposes to reduce the size of the system function matrix by making use of structural properties of the matrix. Such properties are, for instance, spatial symmetries reducing the number of columns and identical responses at different frequencies reducing the number of rows. In other embodiments the matrix can be transformed to a sparse representation using appropriate base functions.

Abstract: Characteristics of a user's heart are detected. In accordance with an example embodiment, a ballistocardiogram (BCG) sensor is used to detect heart characteristics of a user, and provide a BCG output indicative of the detected heart characteristics. The BCG output is further processed using data from one or more additional sensors, such as to reduce noise and/or otherwise process the BCG signal to characterize the user's heart function.

Abstract: An apparatus including a sheath defining a distal surface for placement on a skin surface, a device support movable between a proximal and distal position, and adapted to support a medical device, a sharp support movable between a proximal position and a distal position and adapted to support a sharp for inserting the medical device under the skin surface and extending through a portion of the device support, a handle movable between a proximal position and a distal position relative to the sheath and adapted to urge the device support and the sharp support from a proximal to a distal position to insert the sharp under the skin surface, and a driver for advancing the sharp support towards the proximal position when the sharp support reaches the distal position.

Abstract: The invention concerns an analytical device containing a lancet comprising a lancet needle and a lancet body, the lancet needle movable relative to the lancet body and the lancet body composed, in the area of the tip of the lancet needle, of an elastic material in which the tip of the lancet needle is embedded, and an analytical test element connected to the lancet body. The invention also concerns an analytical device containing a lancet comprising a lancet needle and a lancet body in the form of a hollow body in the area of the tip of the lancet needle and surrounds the tip of the lancet needle, the lancet needle movable relative to the lancet body and the hollow body composed at least partially of an elastic material, and an analytical test element connected to the lancet body. The invention concerns a process for manufacturing an analytical device.

Abstract: Provided is a method of detecting infection in a wound caused by an infecting organism at a wound site. Also provided is a system for detecting an infection in a wound at a wound site. Additionally, a porous pad comprising luciferase is provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide amperometric analyte sensors having multiple related structural elements (e.g. sensor arrays comprising a working, counter and reference electrode) and algorithms designed for use with such sensors. While embodiments of the innovation can be used in a variety of contexts, typical embodiments of the invention include glucose sensors used in the management of diabetes.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment providing one or more improvements includes a media analysis apparatus and method in which human mental response to media is objectively determined.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing or treating disease associated with a gut or intestinal tract includes collecting samples of gut microbiota from along an intestinal tract of a patient; perturbing the intestinal tract of the patient; and obtaining a response of the perturbing the intestinal tract of the patient. The method can be implemented using one or more capsules designed for introducing stimuli into the gut or intestinal tract, observing the response to the stimulus, and treating the gut or intestinal tract in view of the response to the stimulus and further in view of acquired empirical data compiled into a database.

Abstract: A device for obtaining a standard 12-lead ECG and a rhythm strip, comprising: a personal ECG device to which nine skin monitoring electrodes are electrically connected, either directly or via an electrodes belt and which presents an array of at least 6 precordial electrodes that are anatomically positioned for the user, two belt mounted limb electrodes and one flying electrode, such that the skin monitoring electrodes deployed on the belt in combination with those directly connected to the personal ECG device permit the acquisition of ECG data for the rhythm strip and the standard 12 lead ECG, and wherein the ECG device includes a communication module for transferring the ECG data to a remote data center via a mobile device.

Abstract: A method for predicting health compromise in a fetus comprises acquiring one or more EEG signals and a fetal heart rate (FHR) signal from the surface of the head of a fetus; and determining the spectral edge frequency (SEF) of the one or more EEG signals. A repetitive temporal correlation between the FHR signal and the SEF of the one or more EEG signals is indicative of fetal health compromise. A system for detecting the correlation between FHR signal and the SEF of the one or more EEG signals and predicting fetal health compromise is also described.

Abstract: A tissue oximetry device utilizes at least three or at least four different wavelengths of light for collection of reflectance data where the different wavelengths are longer than 730 nanometers. The three or four wavelengths are utilized to generate a range of reflectance data suited for accurate determination of oxygenated hemoglobin and deoxygenated hemoglobin concentrations. The relatively long wavelengths decrease optical interference from certain dyes, particularly methylene blue and PVPI, which may be present on tissue being analyzed for viability and further enhance the generation of accurate reflectance data. The wavelengths are 760 nanometers, 810 nanometers, and 850 nanometers, or 760 nanometers, 810 nanometers, 850 nanometers, and 900 nanometers.

Abstract: The presence of a cardiac pulse in a patient is determined by evaluating physiological signals in the patient. In one embodiment, a medical device evaluates optical characteristics of light transmitted into a patient to ascertain physiological signals, such as pulsatile changes in general blood volume proximate a light detector module. Using these features, the medical device determines whether a cardiac pulse is present in the patient. The medical device may also be configured to report whether the patient is in a VF, VT, asystole, or PEA condition, in addition to being in a pulseless condition, and prompt different therapies, such as chest compressions, rescue breathing, defibrillation, and PEA-specific electrotherapy, depending on the analysis of the physiological signals. Auto-capture of a cardiac pulse using pacing stimuli is further provided.