Patents Issued in March 24, 2016
  • Publication number: 20160081505
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure include a gimbaled beverage container holder configured to attach to an external object, such as luggage handles or other transport device. The holder may include an outer ring, middle ring, and removable inner ring and may use a center of gravity two axes gimbal to stabilize a beverage in the container in a reduced spill, near vertical position. The beverage container may be accommodated within the removable inner ring, providing two axes, or the larger middle ring, providing one axis, wherein each ring may rotate independently. The outer ring may include at least one attachment device, such as an outer ring arm and/or an outer ring clip, to which may provide interchangeable attachments to most external objects or transport devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Inventor: Donald Joseph Berg
  • Publication number: 20160081506
    Abstract: A multi-positional drink coaster includes a generally planar outer rim defining a periphery of the drink coaster. A base wall skirts downwardly from the outer rim to a base of the drink coaster. The base is configured to rest atop an underlying surface. A flexible central support depends laterally inwardly from the outer rim and includes opposed upper and lower surfaces. The flexible central support area is manually deflectable between a stationary collapsed position and a stationary expanded position. In the collapsed position, the upper surface defines a generally horizontal plane for supporting an object thereon and the lower surface is generally convex. In the expanded position, the flexible central support area forms an ornamental dome structure with both the upper surface being generally convex and the lower surface being generally concave.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2015
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Inventor: Dominick BIZZARRI
  • Publication number: 20160081507
    Abstract: An adjustable clothes hanger (1) is provided for use in retaining a variety of sizes/types of clothing using the same hanger. The adjustable clothes hanger (1) having a main hanger body (2) with two arms (3) extending outwards from a central hanging means (4) at identical but opposing angles to the central hanging means (4). Each arm (3) has an extending element (5) pivotably mounted at an end region thereof such that each extending element (5) has a limited pivoting range about each arm (3). Further, first limiting means (7) are provided to prevent each extending element (5) pivoting outwards beyond the angle at which its associated arm (3) extends. Second limiting means are provided to prevent each extending element (5) pivoting inwards beyond the horizontal plane in which the ends of arms (3) lie.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Applicant: BROMPTON WASHSCAPE LTD
    Inventors: John Hall, Niall McRiner, Andrew Capper, Philip Crewe
  • Publication number: 20160081508
    Abstract: The utility model belongs to the technical field of Christmas trees and particularly relates to a modularized artificial light tree. The present utility model aims to solve the technical problem about providing the artificial light tree which is convenient to use and maintain and on which the adjacent simulative boles are supplied with the power together. In order to solve the aforementioned problem, the present modularized artificial light tree at least comprises a first simulative bole and a second simulative bole, the top of the outer wall of the first simulative bole is fixedly connected with an electric socket I, and the bottom of the outer wall of the second simulative bole is provided with an electric plug II matched with the electric socket I and is fixedly connected with the electric plug II. The electric socket I and the electric plug II are supplied with the power together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2015
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Inventor: Tony Yat Wah WONG
  • Publication number: 20160081509
    Abstract: Provided is a method of cooking for a food-cooking appliance having a reception means designed to receive the food products, a motion-inducing means positioned inside the reception means, and at least one main heating means. The method includes: a first cooking step during which the relative rotation of the reception means and of the motion-inducing means is neutralized and at least one main heating means is operated in order to regulate the temperature to a first set-point value;—and a second cooking step during which the relative rotation of the reception means and of the motion-inducing means is active and at least one main heating means is operated in order to regulate the temperature to a second set-point value higher than the first.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Inventors: Olivier Delrue, François Letain
  • Publication number: 20160081510
    Abstract: In a method of cooking food in a cooking device, an operator is able to select a specific cooking process from a multitude of predefined automated cooking processes and/or manually select parameters for a manual cooking process, at least one significant cooking process parameter being continuously logged in a memory by a control unit of the cooking device from the start of the cooking process, and it being possible for the operator to change from a manual cooking process to an automated cooking process, and vice versa. Also provided is a cooking device for cooking food, having a control unit including a memory for at least one significant cooking process parameter, and the operating unit offering a changeover switch by which the operator can change from an automated cooking process to a manual cooking process, and vice versa.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Inventors: Michael FINK, Gerd FUNK
  • Publication number: 20160081511
    Abstract: A method of controllably heating nasal rinsing solution inside a neti pot is provided. The method comprises the following steps: providing a nasal rinse system comprising: a neti pot having a main body forming a cavity for receiving a rinsing solution; a spout extending from a top portion of the main body; an opening defined by a top portion of the main body, wherein the opening communicates with the cavity; a lower portion of the main body incorporating a heating element electrically connected to a power source, wherein the heating element provides a thermostat for determining the heat at the heating element; and at least one indicator light that is electrically connected to the thermostat so that the at least one indicator light is activated when the said heat reaches a predetermined temperature; pouring the rinsing solution through the opening; and waiting for the at least one indicator light to by activated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2014
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Inventor: Gary Wayne ACKERMAN
  • Publication number: 20160081512
    Abstract: Disclosed may be a disposable or reusable beverage filter cartridge for use in (a) pressurized flow or drip beverage brewing machines or (b) beverage steeping applications. In a preferred embodiment, the cartridge is defined by a tubiform frame and a filter pocket extending from one end of the tubular frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Inventor: Alan J. Bornt
  • Publication number: 20160081513
    Abstract: A sprayhead for a pour over coffee brewing machine for delivering hot water to coffee grounds held in a brew basket therebelow, has a housing with a water inlet at one end thereof, which is connectable to an intermittent source of hot water. A holding chamber for accumulating a quantity of hot water therein is located within the housing and is connected to the water inlet. A dispensing chamber is located within the housing and below the holding chamber, in use. A bell siphon located in the holding chamber delivers the accumulated quantity of water from the holding chamber to the dispensing chamber, and thence to the coffee grounds, once the water level in the holding chamber rises above an open end of a siphon tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Inventors: Sean Martin Moran, Paul Drewry Pearson, Paul Francis Stack
  • Publication number: 20160081514
    Abstract: A compact apparatus for supporting hand-held cooking utensils above a campfire or other such heat source such that there is no requirement for an operator to hold the utensil handle. The apparatus includes an stake that is driven into the ground such that an elongate portion of the stake extends upwardly from the ground. The elongate portion of the stake slidingly receives an elongate utensil holding assembly that extends outwardly from the stake and reversibly engages the utensils. The height of the utensil holding assembly is adjustable and lockable. The utensil holding assembly includes an inner chamber for storing the stake when the apparatus is not in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2014
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Inventor: Monty C. Cauble
  • Publication number: 20160081515
    Abstract: A system and method that includes selecting a first automated cooking recipe associated with user instructions and device cooking instructions; presenting the user instructions through a first controller device, which comprises providing ingredient preparation instruction and providing instruction on loading a set of ingredients in an automated cooking device; delivering cooking instructions of the automated cooking recipe to the automated cooking device; and directing a cooking routine of the automated cooking device according to the cooking instructions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2015
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Inventors: Khalid Aboujassoum, Tariq Maksoud
  • Publication number: 20160081516
    Abstract: A beverage multi-tool includes an appliance and a cap. The appliance functions as a stopper, pourer, aerator and muddler. The appliance is made primarily of wood, specifically of oak or another wood with flavor enhancing properties for a liquid such as liquor or wine. A rubber or other compressible-material grommet is disposed at an end of the appliance adjacent to the pourer. The grommet has a plurality of concentric rings. A cap may be included which functions as a shot measurer and/or shot glass. The cap is held in place by concentric rings about the grommet closest to the pourer, the rings being slightly larger in diameter than an inner diameter of a receptacle of the cap. Other concentric rings disposed opposite the pourer end may have different diameters and are configured for fitting bottles having a variety of neck inner diameters. An air channel acts as a vacuum breaker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2015
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Applicant: Quercus, LLC
    Inventors: Samuel Centioli, Conan Storlie
  • Publication number: 20160081517
    Abstract: The present invention describes a novel packaging container with a dual purpose used in conjunction with ice cream and frozen dessert mixes that do not require the use of ice cream machines. The container acts as a primary or secondary packaging for the powdered mixes in its first role, and as a foam creation and whisking vessel that contains indicators critical to the proper operation of the mixes, such as target overrun run level and or whisking target indicators for various types of desserts made using the mixes. The Container may contain optional modifications, such as static mixers and homogenizers, that enhance the performance of the mixes and improve the stability and quality of the finished product. The container can be made from a variety of materials in a variety of shapes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Applicant: TANGENT FOODS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
    Inventor: Jareer Mansour Abu-Ali
  • Publication number: 20160081518
    Abstract: A soap holding bathing assistance device for holds and dispenses soap from a container usable to scrub a person when bathing includes a container having a closed end and a peripheral wall extending from the closed end defining an interior space of the container. The container has an open end opposite the closed end wherein the container is configured for receiving soap into the interior space of the container. The container is constructed of an absorptive material wherein the container is configured for applying soap to a bather. An exterior surface of the container is abrasive wherein the container is configured for removing dead skin as the container is used to apply soap to the bather. A closure inhibits the soap from passing through the open end of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Inventor: Joshua Todd
  • Publication number: 20160081519
    Abstract: Devices, apparatus and systems for preventing towels from slipping off a towel holder are disclosed. The apparatus, devices and systems may include a surface that provides a frictional interface between the towel and towel holder. The towel includes a first surface and an opposite surface. Preferably, at least one surface is made of all fabric, while the opposite surface includes a portion that prevents the towel from slipping off a towel holder. In one embodiment, an insert is sewn, stitched, or otherwise attached to the towel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Inventors: Teresa MANKO, Mark MANKO
  • Publication number: 20160081520
    Abstract: A window cleaning apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first cleaning unit and a second cleaning unit attached on opposite surfaces of a window, respectively, through a magnetic field, and moving on the opposite surfaces of a window. The window cleaning apparatus includes a first magnetic module included in the first cleaning unit, a second magnetic module included in the second cleaning unit, and a control part moving or rotating at least one of the first and second cleaning units when the magnetic field between the first and second cleaning units is out of a normal range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2013
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Applicant: INTELLECTUAL DISCOVERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Man-Hyun RYU, Dong-Kyu KIM
  • Publication number: 20160081521
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a vacuum cleaner including a first cleaning module to perform a cleaning of a floor and a second cleaning module detachably coupled to the first cleaning module and configured to perform a cleaning in a handheld manner while detached from the first cleaning module, wherein the second cleaning module includes a connecting pipe to deliver inlet force to an inlet of the first cleaning module while connected to the first cleaning module, a handle connected to one side of the connecting pipe, having an inside space, and provided in a shape in which a rear surface thereof is open, a connecting hose connecting the connecting pipe to a dust collector, and a connector having a hose support provided to support the connecting hose, and to connect the connecting pipe to the connecting hose, and the hose support is disposed to support the connecting hose rounded along an inner side of the handle in a state that the connector is coupled to an inside space of the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2015
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tak Soo KIM, Joo Seok JEONG, Oh Kyu KWON, Dong Houn YANG, Dong Hun YOO, Sang-Woo LEE, Yun Won JUNG
  • Publication number: 20160081522
    Abstract: A robot cleaner includes a cleaner body, a suction unit, and a cyclone unit. The cyclone unit has a first suction opening and a second suction opening for sucking air, and a first cyclone and a second cyclone for passing air therethrough, the air having dust filtered therefrom by a centrifugal force. A first guiding member and a second guiding member extend upwardly from the suction unit toward the cyclone unit with an inclination angle, the first guiding member for connection between the suction unit and the first suction opening, and the second guiding member for connection between the suction unit and the second suction opening. A dust box communicated with a dust discharge opening is provided at a front side of the cyclone unit so as to collect dust filtered by the cyclone unit. The dust box is partially or wholly accommodated between the first and second guiding members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Jongsu KIM, Hwang KIM, Sungil PARK
  • Publication number: 20160081523
    Abstract: A robot cleaner includes a cleaner body for forming appearance of the robot cleaner, a driving unit mounted to the cleaner body and configured to generate a suction force, a suction unit provided at the cleaner body and configured to suck dust-contained air by the driving unit, a first guiding member and a second guiding member communicated with the suction unit, respectively, and spaced from each other, and a cyclone unit configured to filter dust from air sucked through the suction unit using a centrifugal force. The cyclone unit has a first suction opening and a second suction opening communicated with the first guiding member and the second guiding member, respectively. The cyclone unit further has a first cyclone and a second cyclone configured to pass dust-filtered air therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2015
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jongsu KIM, Jihwan KIM, Sungil PARK
  • Publication number: 20160081524
    Abstract: A rug cleaning head for a traditional rug cleaning application machine is improved. The spray apparatus remains prior art. The vacuum components on the underside of the cleaning head are improved with a focusing diverter arm or a pair of arms forming a “V”. The arm or arms direct the wash water into a reduced size (about a one inch slot) vacuum inlet. The result is much more wash water is collected from the rug due to the combination of a higher speed (reduced size) vacuum inlet stream and the focusing diverter's urging all the wash water into the smaller vacuum inlet. An alternate embodiment uses separate spray/vacuum inlet assemblies on a star shaped hub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Inventor: Dennis Queen
  • Publication number: 20160081525
    Abstract: A robot cleaner is disclosed. The robot cleaner includes a cleaner body, a dust suction unit and a dust collection unit mounted in the cleaner body, and a driving device configured to move the cleaner body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2015
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Inventors: Hwang KIM, Sungil PARK
  • Publication number: 20160081526
    Abstract: A self-propelled working device is provided with a housing and a pivot bearing arranged on the housing. At least one operating element is arranged on the housing. At least one lid is pivotably supported on the housing and is provided with a bearing section interacting with the pivot bearing. The at least one lid has a closed position and covers in the closed position the operating element. The lid has a first part and a second part connected to the first part. The bearing section is formed on the first part of the lid. The second part of the lid covers the operating element. When a constructively predetermined pulling force is applied to the second part, the second part detaches from the first part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2015
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Inventors: Clemens Gottinger, Gerhard Auer
  • Publication number: 20160081527
    Abstract: A cleaning device is provided to which an easily removable and replaceable cleaning element can be attached. The cleaning device comprises an applicator head having a top side and a bottom side and defining holes there through which are sufficient in size and number that cleaning liquid collecting on the top side readily flows through the applicator head The applicator head also includes a handle mount attached to the top side of said applicator head for pivotally attaching a handle and a plurality of spaced-apart hooks extending from the bottom side of said applicator head and placed around the peripheral edge of said holes, said hooks comprising a shaft with a bard extending from the end of said shaft said barb facing in and extending over the adjacent hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Applicant: GEERPRES, INC.
    Inventor: Joseph J. Fodrocy
  • Publication number: 20160081528
    Abstract: A warewash machine includes a housing at least in part defining a chamber for cleaning wares and a sump for collecting hot cleaning water that is recirculated through the chamber during cleaning A drain path is provided for draining cleaning water from the sump and a fresh water input line includes at least a fresh water input that receives fresh water. A waste water heat recovery arrangement includes one or more plate heat exchanger units that transfer heat from the draining cleaning water to the incoming fresh water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Inventors: Alexander R. ANIM-MENSAH, Bryan J. Waechter
  • Publication number: 20160081529
    Abstract: A steerable stereoscopic endoscope comprising: a shaft having a distal end, a proximal end, and an articulating region therebetween; stereo image acquisition means disposed at the distal end of the shaft for acquiring stereo images of a remote site; and means for steering the portion of the shaft distal to the articulating region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2015
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Inventors: Douglas D. Sjostrom, Yuri Kazakevich, William Bopp
  • Publication number: 20160081530
    Abstract: An endoscope system includes: an endoscope having a field of view in front of a distal end portion of an insertion portion; an insertion assisting instrument including a conduit having an inner portion through which the insertion portion can be inserted and an angle operation portion that varies an angle of a distal end portion of the conduit; an image generation section that generates an image corresponding to the field of view of the endoscope; a rotation angle calculation section that calculates a rotation angle indicating to what extent the insertion portion inserted through the inner portion of the conduit is rotated with respect to the insertion assisting instrument, based on the image generated by the image generation section; and an image rotation section that rotates the image so as to display the image, with the rotation angle being offset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Katsuichi IMAIZUMI, Tetsuhide TAKEYAMA, Yuji SAKAI, Yoshinari OKITA
  • Publication number: 20160081531
    Abstract: An endoscope leak inspection apparatus includes an endoscope connecting section communicably connected to an inside of an endoscope, a gas feed section that communicates with the endoscope connecting section and feeds gas, a measuring section that measures an internal pressure of the endoscope, an endoscope-information recognizing section that recognizes serial numbers uniquely allocated to individual endoscopes, a storing section that stores the serial numbers and measurement results of the measuring section in association with each other, a threshold setting section that sets a threshold on the basis of measurement results in past having the same serial number stored in the storing section, and a leak determining section that compares the threshold and a measurement result by the measuring section and determines presence or absence of a leak of the endoscope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2015
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Michifumi YOSHIE
  • Publication number: 20160081532
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure may include a medical device comprising a flexible elongate member including a longitudinal axis and a tool connected to the elongate member at a pivot axis, wherein the tool may be configured to conduct electricity and deliver a fluid, and wherein the tool may be configured to pivot towards either side of the longitudinal axis relative to the elongate member at the pivot axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Applicant: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul SMITH, Naroun SUON, Samuel RAYBIN, John B. GOLDEN
  • Publication number: 20160081533
    Abstract: A system, device and method for serializing and authorizing a single use imaging device are provided. In one embodiment, the invention provides a single use imaging device comprising a memory having a stored code that includes a unique serial identifier. In another embodiment, the invention provides a system for authorizing a single use imaging device comprising a single use imaging device with an image of a verification object that includes a serial identifier uniquely associated with the device, a control unit capable of electronically receiving the verification object image, a decoder capable of extracting a serial identifier from the verification object image, a database of authorized serial identifiers, and means for determining if the single use imaging device is authorized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2015
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Applicant: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventor: Lucien Alfred Couvillon, JR.
  • Publication number: 20160081534
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to medical devices and, more particularly, to medical devices with electrical connectors. In one embodiment, a medical device may include a medical connector having one or more contacts configured to enable communication between the medical device and a medical monitor according to a Universal Serial Bus (USB) standard. The medical connector may also include an interface region disposed at least partially about the one or more contacts. The interface region may be configured to physically couple to a mating connector of the medical monitor. Additionally, the interface region may include a geometry or a dimension that does not comply with the USB standard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2015
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Inventors: Daniel Lisogurski, Friso Schlottau, Jonathan Snyder, Saba Bakhshi Khayani, Andy S. Lin
  • Publication number: 20160081535
    Abstract: A scanning endoscope includes: an optical fiber that guides illuminating light and emits the illuminating light from a distal end; an actuator for swinging a distal end of the optical fiber; a first tubular member that encloses a distal end of the optical fiber and the actuator; a holding portion that holds the optical fiber so that a distal end of the optical fiber is swung by the actuator; a second tubular member that encloses the first tubular member; a fixing portion that is disposed in an area perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the optical fiber, the area being aligned with a position where the holding portion is disposed, and fixes the first tubular member to the second tubular member; and a distal end fixing portion that is provided at a distal end of the first tubular member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2015
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yuji SAKAI, Katsushi WATANABE
  • Publication number: 20160081536
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to a diagnostic and therapeutic device. According to some aspects of the invention, the device may be composed of a flexible sheet that is wrapped around the endoscope shaft to form a flexible overtube. The overtube may include an inflatable positioning ring that may be inflated after placement of the overtube just proximal to the tip of the endoscope or colonoscope to secure the position of the overtube within the body cavity. The overtube also may include an inflatable sealing band within the internal surface of the overtube that when inflated create a seal around the endoscope shaft. According to other aspects of the invention, the device may be a catheter with an occlusion balloon at its free end portion that is carried by the overtube and extends beyond the tip of the endoscope. Inflation of the positioning ring, sealing band and occlusion balloon may define an examination compartment within the body cavity at the tip of the endoscope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Inventor: Ashkan Farhadi
  • Publication number: 20160081537
    Abstract: An endoscope accessory comprises a flexible sheet wrapped around the endoscope shaft to form a flexible overtube. The overtube has an inflatable positioning ring just proximal to the tip of the endoscope or echoendoscope to secure the position of the overtube within the body cavity. The overtube also has a sealing band within the internal surface of the overtube that when inflated create a seal around the endoscope shaft. Another part of the device is the catheter with an occlusion balloon at its free end portion that is carried by the overtube and extends beyond the tip of the endoscope. Inflation of the positioning ring, sealing band and occlusion balloon defines an examination compartment within the body cavity at the tip of the endoscope that can be filled with air or water for improving the quality of the endoscopic examination with regular endoscope of echoendoscope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Inventor: Ashkan FARHADI
  • Publication number: 20160081538
    Abstract: An insufflation and irrigation valve for an endoscope including a valve housing with a substantially cylindrical bore closed at one end by a bottom into which a gas inlet and outlet, and an irrigation inlet and outlet open, an outer plunger which is movable in the bore between an open position, in which the irrigation outlet is connected to the inlet, and a closed position, and an inner plunger movable in a longitudinal bore of the outer plunger, open toward the bottom, for connecting the gas outlet to the gas inlet in a position near the bottom and for separating the gas outlet from the gas inlet in a position remote from the bottom, wherein the gas inlet opens into the bore of the valve housing at a location nearer the bottom than the gas outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2015
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Inventors: Clemens Rebholz, Peter Tobien
  • Publication number: 20160081539
    Abstract: A laryngoscope (10) includes a video camera ((13) at the patient end of its blade (11) that supplies video signals to a processor (14) in the handle (12). The processor (14) supplies signals to a display (15) supported on the handle (15). The laryngoscope also has a connector (17) on its handle (12) to which is connected the output of a video bougie guide (20) used with the laryngoscope. A switch (18) on the handle (12) enables the user to select which video output is shown on the display (15). Alternatively, images from both the bougie (20) and the laryngoscope (10) can be shown at the same time side-by-side on the display (15).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Applicant: SMITHS MEDICAL INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
    Inventor: Eric Pagan
  • Publication number: 20160081540
    Abstract: An endoscope cleaning/disinfecting apparatus includes: a cleaning/disinfecting tank, a first detection section, a second detection section, a cleaning/disinfecting section, a cleaning/disinfecting detection section, an alerting section, a determination section that if, after reception of the endoscope in the cleaning/disinfecting tank is detected by the first detection section, removal of the endoscope from the cleaning/disinfecting tank is detected by the second detection section despite no detection of driving of the cleaning/disinfecting section by the cleaning/disinfecting detection section, determines that the uncleaned/undisinfected endoscope is removed from the cleaning/disinfecting tank, and a control section that if it is determined by the determination section that the uncleaned/undisinfected endoscope is removed, drives the alerting section to issue a warning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2015
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shintaro SUZUKI
  • Publication number: 20160081541
    Abstract: An endoscopic system uses the distribution of a luminance level of a photographic image taken by an imaging unit at the distal end of an endoscope to determine whether an observation window has fogged up, and then raises the temperature by a heater and remove the fog on the observation window.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2015
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masashi YASUE
  • Publication number: 20160081542
    Abstract: A laryngoscope insertion section comprising a tube guide including at least an inferior tube guiding member and a superior tube guiding member, wherein the thickness of the insertion section in a first region is less than the external diameter of the largest diameter endotracheal tube in an operating range of endotracheal tube sizes plus the thickness of the inferior tube guiding member plus the thickness of the superior tube guiding member. Typically, the insertion section comprises an elongate member and the tube guide is lateral of the elongate member. Typically, an endotracheal tube is retained within the tube guide in flexural tension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2015
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Inventors: Matthew John Ross MCGRATH, Morgan James WALKER
  • Publication number: 20160081543
    Abstract: A photorefraction ocular screening device for assessing vision and corresponding disorders associated with the human ocular system is provided. More specifically, the present invention provides for a photorefraction ocular screening device employing advanced methods of pupil detection and refractive error analysis. The photorefraction ocular screening device is comprised of an LED arrangement configured with a plurality of irradiation sources serving as visual stimuli, wherein the visual stimuli may be presented in varying illumination patterns to the pupils of an examinee for expanding the range of ocular responses that can be used to determine refractive error.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Inventors: Richard Allen Mowrey, Martin Edson Rivers, Rejean Joseph Yvon Bruno Munger
  • Publication number: 20160081544
    Abstract: A pattern stimulus system is described that includes a hemispherical concave surface, a plurality of illumination sources, and a controller. The illumination sources are arranged on the hemispherical concave surface in a plurality of annular rows and a plurality of radial columns. The control is configured to operate the illumination sources to display a checkerboard pattern by illuminating a first subset of the illumination sources and dimming a second subset of the illumination sources. The control is further configured to invert the checkerboard pattern by dimming the first subset of the illumination sources and illuminating the second subset of the illumination sources. Methods are also described for using the pattern stimulus system to evaluate a condition of the eye and to diagnose diseases of the eye.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2014
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Inventors: John HETLING, Zahra DERAFSHI, Shresta PATANGAY
  • Publication number: 20160081545
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to an optical system for inspecting an eye, having an OCT system which is configured to generate a measurement beam, which is incident on an object region in a converging manner to form a measurement focus. The OCT system has a beam expander which is disposed along the measurement beam between the scanning system and the objective lens and generates an intermediate focus between the scanning system and the objective lens. The OCT system is configured to generate different values of a beam waist diameter of the beam waist by means of controlling the controllable beam expansion of the beam expander. At the different values of the beam waist diameter, an axial beam waist position of the beam waist is substantially identical.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2015
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Inventors: Christoph HAUGER, Artur Högele
  • Publication number: 20160081546
    Abstract: A head mountable device for measuring eye movement includes: a frame; a camera system comprising a first camera, wherein the camera system is coupled to the frame, and is configured to obtain a first set of images of a first eye of a user; and a first liquid crystal display (LCD) shutter configured to control passage of light to the first eye based at least in part on a first control signal, the first LCD shutter is configured to operate in a first primary mode and a first secondary mode, wherein the first LCD shutter is configured to allow less light to reach the first eye in the first secondary mode than in the first primary mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Applicant: GN OTOMETRICS A/S
    Inventor: Hamish MACDOUGALL
  • Publication number: 20160081547
    Abstract: An eye tracking and gaze fixation detection system, includes an electronically scannable optical illumination system emits polarized near-infrared (NIR) light to a retina in an eye of a subject; an optical detection system arranged in an optical path of the NIR light after being reflected from the retina of the eye of the subject, the optical detection system providing a detection signal; and a signal processing system communicates with the optical detection system to receive the detection signal, wherein the optical illumination system emits the polarized NIR light to illuminate at least a portion of a scanning path, wherein the scanning path is a spatially closed loop across a portion of the retina in the eye of the subject that repeats periodically over time, and wherein the signal processing system is configured to determine at least one of a gaze direction and a gaze fixation based on the detection signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Inventors: Boris I. Gramatikov, David L. Guyton, Kristina Irsch
  • Publication number: 20160081548
    Abstract: An ophthalmoscope device includes a support structure, an image capture device, and a display device. The support structure is configured to be worn by a subject. The image capture device is configured to capture images of the eye fundus of the subject. The display device is configured to overlay images in the field of view of the subject. The overlaid images are used to align the pupil/fovea orientation axis with the optical axis of the image capture device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2015
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Inventors: Ynjiun Paul Wang, Ervin Goldfain, Eric G. Petersen
  • Publication number: 20160081549
    Abstract: A method of operating an eye surgery system comprises operating actuators of a stand such that an apparatus for measuring the refraction of an eye is located in a measurement position relative to the eye; measuring at least one condition of the eye and determining at least one condition value representing the at least one measured condition of the eye; measuring the refraction of the eye and determining at least one refraction value presenting the measured refraction of the eye, wherein a time distance between the measuring of the condition of the eye and the measuring of the refraction of the eye is smaller than a predetermined duration; and outputting the at least one refraction value representing the measured refraction of the eye only when the condition value representing the measured condition of the eye is within a predetermined range of values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Inventors: Marco WILZBACH, Markus SEESSELBERG
  • Publication number: 20160081550
    Abstract: A disclosed telemetry system comprises an Nth number of telemetry devices and an equal number of standard disposable circular electrode patches. A body of each telemetry device in the system includes a female snap receptor configured to attach to a single male snap post of an electrode patch. A wireless transmitter module is disposed in direct connection with each female snap receptor. Each wireless transmitter module transmits a signal to an electrical ground thereof to a receiver. A wireless receiver module is configured to receive and to process an Nth number of transmitted signals from the Nth number of telemetry devices into an Nth?1 number of signals where the number of signals is greater than zero. An interface on each telemetry device threads the devices in series to a single grounding device based on a connection and a disconnection of the single female snap receptor to the wireless transmitter module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2015
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Inventor: Darin Slack
  • Publication number: 20160081551
    Abstract: Systems and methods for processing, transmitting and displaying data received from an analyte sensor, such as a glucose sensor, are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method for transmitting data between a first communication device associated with an analyte sensor and a second communication device configured to provide user access to sensor-related information comprises: activating a transceiver of a first communication device associated with an analyte sensor at a first time; and establishing a two-way communication channel with the second communication device; wherein the activating comprises waking the transceiver from a low power sleep mode using a forced wakeup from the second communication device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2015
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Inventors: Thomas Miller, Mark Dervaes, Phong Lieu, Peter C. Simpson, Shawn Larvenz, Jacob S. Leach, Sebastian Bohm
  • Publication number: 20160081552
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include a photodiode that can detect optical radiation at a broad range of wavelengths. The photodiode can be used as a detector of a non-invasive sensor, which can be used for measuring physiological parameters of a monitored patient. The photodiode can be part of an integrated semiconductor structure that generates a detector signal responsive to optical radiation at both visible and infrared wavelengths incident on the photodiode. The photodiode can include a layer that forms part of an external surface of the photodiode, which is disposed to receive the optical radiation incident on the photodiode and pass the optical radiation to one or more other layers of the photodiode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2015
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Inventors: Steven J. Wojtczuk, Xuebing Zhang, William J. MacNeish, III
  • Publication number: 20160081553
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the 3D measurement of the skin surface and near-surface skin layers by means of a confocal sensor with integrated color camera arranged in a handheld device, wherein said handheld device being moved by an operator via a sensor head to the location of the skin to be examined and a color image of the skin surface then being captured, where-upon the sensor being automatically changed over to confocal operation during which an image stack is generated by the simultaneous capturing of a multitude of all pixels necessary to create a complete image, said stack consisting of confocal images extending into the interior of the skin, with the entire area extending axially into the skin interior being scanned layer by layer in Z direction, wherein after capturing the measuring data an evaluation is performed resulting in a 3D image of the topography of the skin to be generated, and, moreover, from the image stack captured sectional images of the skin and skin volume are computed down
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Applicant: MIKROSKIN GMBH
    Inventors: Mark WEBER, Juergen VALENTIN, Marcus GRIGAT
  • Publication number: 20160081554
    Abstract: A viewing navigation grid and imaging display especially useful for viewing recorded skin images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2015
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Inventors: Karleen Seybold, Clara Curiel, Brian Lau, Karim Alami