Abstract: Embodiments are directed towards regulating flow rate in an espresso machine, during a multi-phase brewing process which includes a pre-brew and an extraction phase. During the pre-brew phase, coffee grounds are slowly pre-wetted and/or out-gassed with a first volume of water delivered at a first flow rate. During the extraction phase, a second volume of water is delivered, at a second flow rate, to extract espresso, where the second volume is delivered at a generally greater pressure than the first volume. The second flow rate is greater than the first flow rate. The flow rates, volumes, and pressures are regulated by the espresso machine, which includes a flow rate regulation assembly that comprises first and second flow paths and first and second valves. Baristas may vary the flow rate, volume, and pressure of water throughout the brewing process by opening, closing, or otherwise adjusting at least one of the valves.

Abstract: A baby formula preparation device including a reservoir assembly, a mixing chamber, a dispensing area, a heating chamber and a control unit operably connected to the reservoir assembly, mixing chamber, dispensing area and heating chamber is provided. The reservoir assembly includes a dry powder reservoir, a water reservoir, a heating element, a dry powder metering device and a water metering device. The mixing chamber is operatively in communication with the dry powder reservoir and water reservoir for mixing a predetermined quantity of dry powder and a predetermined quantity of heated water together to form formula mixture. The mixing chamber further includes a nozzle for dispensing the formula mixture into a baby bottle. The baby formula preparation device further includes a heating chamber for heating a food container.

Abstract: A beverage making machine having a cartridge holder with an upper portion movable in pivotal and/or linear ways relative to a lower portion. An actuator for the cartridge portion may include a handle-actuated spur gear and link to move the upper portion, which may be guided in movement via a cam and cam follower engagement. Information from a cartridge detector may be used based on movement of cartridge holder portions, e.g., as an upper portion moves from an open position to a closed position. A mixing chamber may be held by a drawer so as to be removable, and movement of the drawer may engage/disengage the mixing chamber from a fluid supply.

Abstract: A jug for use with a frothing apparatus. The jug comprising: a vessel body for holding a liquid to be heated; a handle attached to the vessel body, the handle for holding the jug; a user interface for receiving an operation-related user input; a communication means adapted to communicate data associated with the jug to the frothing apparatus; and a controller for controlling the user interface and the communication means. In an embodiment, The frothing apparatus comprises: a steam heater, a steam nozzle, and a steam path providing fluid communication from the steam heater to the steam nozzle for delivering heating steam to the jug; communication means adapted to receive operating data from a cooperating communication means associated with the jug, the data comprising an operation-related user input; and a controller for controlling operation of the steam heater and the steam path based on the operation-related user input.

Abstract: A machine for coffee-based beverages comprises a hydraulic pump adapted to generate pressurized water, a hydraulic circuit, a volume flowmeter and a processing unit. The processing unit is configured to receive a pressure dispensing profile signal indicating the trend of the configured pressure of the pressurized water during the dispensing cycle, said dispensing profile signal comprising a first volumetric portion having a first pressure trend in a first volumetric interval and a second volumetric portion having a second pressure trend in a second volumetric interval, is configured to generate a configuration signal as a function of the first and second pressure trend so as to drive the hydraulic pump, and it is configured to receive the volume measurement signal indicating the measure of the volume of the water at the end of the second volumetric interval and check whether it is equal to the dose volume.

Abstract: A beverage maker includes a body and a cover movably attached to the body. The body includes therein (among other components), a hot liquid generator (HLG) having a tank, an inlet for receiving liquid into the tank and an outlet, at least one heater in thermal communication with the liquid in the HLG tank, and a discharge port in fluid communication with the outlet of the HLG for discharge of the liquid. The cover is movably attached to the body between a closed position and an open position. At least one valve permits the discharge of the liquid via the discharge port in a closed position of the cover. The at least one valve is mechanically actuated by the cover in the open position of the cover to substantially prevent the discharge of the liquid via the discharge port.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid heating device (10) for a hot beverage machine, comprising: —a flow through heater (18, 18?); —a first tank (12) for receiving liquid (24) to be heated; —a second tank (14) for temporarily storing pre-heated liquid (24?); —a liquid outlet (22) for releasing heated liquid; and —a switching unit (20, 20?, 20?, 20??) which is configured to switch a liquid —the flow cycle of the liquid heating device (10) between a pre-heating cycle, in which liquid (24) flows from the first tank (12) through the flow through heater (18, 18?) and into the second tank (14) in order to temporarily store pre-heated liquid (24?) in the second tank (14), and a end-heating cycle, in which the pre-heated liquid (24?) flows from the second tank (14) through the flow through heater (18, 18?) to the liquid outlet (22).

Abstract: A multifunction cooking device includes a base unit, a cooking pan, and a cover unit. The base unit includes a base seat that defines an annular receiving space, and a heating unit disposed in the base seat and surrounded by the annular receiving space. The cooking pan is disposed on the base unit, and includes a bottom wall contacting with the heating unit, and a surrounding wall transversely extending from the bottom wall and inserted into the annular receiving space. The cover unit is movably connected to the base unit and covers the cooking pan.

Abstract: A container for maintaining human edible contents carried therein at a reduced temperature for an extended period of time is disclosed. The container is configured to have a first appearance and a second appearance and transitions between the first and second appearances at a predetermined temperature to provide a visual indication of the temperature of the container and the contents therein.

Abstract: The ability to grind coffee as needed and in the precise quantity required is key to ensuring quality because once ground it begins to oxidize rapidly and lose much of its flavor and aroma. One embodiment of this invention converts existing coffee grinders into portion controlled grind-on-demand devices, grinding only what is required for immediate use. When used with a remote, wireless activation device to select the portion desired, either by time or by weight, this conversion is possible without any grinder modifications. Additionally, this invention collects usage, date and time information for amount of coffee ground independently from the remote activation device. Inventory, quality and consumption data can be tracked via the internet in real time, independent from its portion control capabilities. Finally, as a wireless device it can collect information from other wireless devices, adjusting the quantity of ground coffee delivered to maintain quality.

Abstract: A mixing appliance assembly includes a housing, which includes a motor and shaft operably coupled with the motor and extending outwardly from the housing. A top handle is operably coupled with a top end of the housing and includes a pulse button and a continuous run switch. A side port is disposed in the housing and configured to receive a port connecting member and includes an interlocking feature. An interlock switch is disposed inside the side port. A switch engagement member is configured to engage the interlock switch such that the continuous run switch can be depressed. A bowl clamp is engageable with the side port and configured to removably secure the housing to a bowl and includes the switch engagement member. A side handle is engageable with the side port and is configured to be removably coupled with the housing and aid a user in handling the mixing appliance.

Abstract: The invention discloses a facilitated cooking method which allows it to stir and heat food on the basis of magnetic fields preferably respectively by induction cooking. A magnetic stirrer heater (110) is preferably propelled by coils (125, 128) and heated by an induction coil (110). A corresponding arrangement and a magnetic stirrer heater are disclosed as well. The combined heating and stirring arrangement can be used for automated cooking by carrying out the stirring and heating of the food according to a time schedule.

Abstract: A blender disk for use in a fluid container is disclosed. A blender disk includes a pattern of ribs, cross members and voids which can interrupt or impede flow through the blender disk. The interruption or impediment to flow can result in mixing of a substance and a fluid within the fluid container. The blender disk can be moveably attached to a straw extending into the fluid container.

Abstract: A utensil for other use in the kitchen or similar venues configured with two side portions and a flexible middle portion formed to bend away from the adjacent side portions. The utensil includes a handle and at least one finger tab extending above and below the middle portion that allow the user to push the middle portion above or below the adjacent side portions and to lock utensil in an open position. The side and middle portions may be configured as a plurality of fork tines or the side and middle portions may be configured as substantially square (rectangular) supports resembling a spatula. Alternatively, the utensil is configured as two separate “L” shaped portions. The combination of the handle, the finger tabs and relatively movable portions allow a user of the utensil to grip food or other items with the utensil.

Abstract: A seat and storage unit for a bathtub includes a platform, a support panel and at least one drawer supported by the support panel. The support panel extends from the platform in a substantially perpendicular relationship thereto a distance from a rear end of the platform and with a first side and a second side of the support panel spaced inwardly relative to a first side and a second side of the platform to cooperate with the platform to define a first wall receiving notch and a second wall receiving notch such that a portion of a bottom surface of the platform is positioned on the top end of the sidewalls of the bathtub when the support panel is positioned between the sidewalls of the bathtub.

Abstract: The various embodiments herein provide a modular shower seat connected to a wall structure comprising a mounting base component, a connecting elongated component and a primary functional component. The mounting base component is fixed against a wall structure through a holding medium. The mounting base component comprises a vertical base plate. The vertical base plate comprises a plurality of fastener holes and a plurality of vertical slots. The connecting elongated component is attached to the mounting base component through a plurality of fastening medium. The connecting elongated component comprises a pair of vertical bases. Each vertical base is orthogonally fixed to the vertical base plate by fitting the vertically opposite brackets into the vertically opposite slots of the vertical base plate. The primary functional component is fixed over the connecting elongated component.

Abstract: A shower base panel module that includes: a panel element; a continuous borehole provided on the panel element, an annular body accommodated in the borehole for inserting a drain element. The panel element has a first pan-shaped surface and a second planar surface facing away from the first surface, so that the outer edge of the panel element has a panel thickness that exceeds a panel thickness at the borehole. The annular body protrudes beyond the second planar surface in the drain direction. A reinforcement body, which receives the annular body protruding beyond the planar surface, is placed beneath the second planar surface of the panel element.

Abstract: A method and device for non-abrasively cleansing and exfoliating skin in combination with a cleansing solution. A cylindrical housing comprises a base for engagement with a fluid source and a vacuum source and a skin interface positioned on an end opposing the base and configured to contact and traverse a surface of the skin. The skin interface comprises non-abrasive, or rounded, smooth surfaces for contacting the skin. A combination of variable cleansing fluid delivery to the tip and vacuum pressure removal cleanses and exfoliates skin tissue or debris.

Abstract: An integrated power shower body scrubber may include a main body motor, a transfer system, a control system, a rechargeable battery, and a body service surface, which are all disposed in a water resistant compact case. A rotation disk is driven by a single motor sealed in the main body via a group of transforming gears. The disk wheel rotates clockwise and counterclockwise with different speeds. The control system has controllers and indicators integrated into the water resistant main body of the equipment and easily controlled by the user. The disk wheel is topped by a replaceable top pad which is covered by a top body tower which is disposable upon used. The user's body is scrubbed with body tower to clean the body as desired. The top disk pad can be cleaned through wipe, press, and pinch upon different type materials with outside water.

Abstract: Embodiments include a sports towel that can be assembled around a user. The towel can have a first end that can be formed into an end loop. The towel can have a second end separated from the first end by a length. The second end can pass through the first end to form a looped configuration of the towel such that the first end substantially and continuously surrounds the towel in a widthwise direction. The looped configuration can secure the towel around the user's body.

Abstract: A tissue dispensing system with a rigid overshell having 5 sides and an opened bottom with a tissue withdrawal opening in the top is adapted to receive a bend-to-open pack containing a clip of tissue sheets enwrapped in a capaciously sized overwrap having a medial line of weakness formed therein and situated to allow withdrawal of tissue through the tissue withdrawal opening after the line of weakness is ruptured and the tissue pack is placed in the overshell.

Abstract: A multi-functional wet wipe supply device relates to the technical field of daily necessities and solves the technical problem that the prior art is inconvenient in use and prone to cause pollution. The device comprises a base, a wet wipe compartment and a liquid storage compartment. A turnplate, a wipe pushing rod and a power output unit used for respectively driving the turnplate and the wipe pushing rod are positioned on the base. A plurality of vertical cylindrical wipe positioning holes with open upper and lower ends are positioned in axial symmetry in the turnplate, and a wipe outlet hole and a wipe pushing hole are respectively formed in the inner hole wall and the outer hole wall of each wipe positioning hole. The wet wipe compartment is fixed on the base and located on the periphery of the turnplate, the wet wipe compartment is provided with a compartment port opening upward, and the compartment port is located right below the sliding axis of the wipe pushing rod.

Abstract: A toilet. The toilet comprises an upper bowl defining a first fecal aperture, a lower bowl defining a second fecal aperture, a urine receptacle and a feces receptacle. The upper bowl defines a urine aperture. A raised barrier extends upwardly around a periphery of the second fecal aperture. When a diverter panel is closed urine flows from the upper bowl through the urine aperture into the urine receptacle or urine flows through the first fecal aperture, strikes an upper surface of the diverter panel, and through an opening between a lower surface of the upper bowl and the upper surface of the diverter panel into the urine receptacle. In a third path when the diverter panel is opened urine flows through the urine aperture into the urine receptacle, the raised barrier prevents urine flow into the feces receptacle through the second fecal aperture.

Abstract: An electrically heated toilet seat includes a toilet seat and a heat conduction device disposed in the toilet seat. The toilet seat is composed of a toilet seat main body and an installation lid. At least one of the toilet seat main body and the installation lid is provided with a recessed configuration corresponding to the heat conduction device. The toilet seat main body and the installation lid are joined together to enclose the heat conduction device inside the toilet seat. The heat conduction device has a hollow configuration. The hollow configuration is provided with a detachable heating wire therein. The heating wire is connected with a power junction box. The electrically heated toilet seat can be heated evenly, and the heating wire can be maintained and replaced conveniently.

Abstract: A method for automatically configuring an electronic toilet device includes detecting usage of the electronic toilet device throughout a first time period. The first time period is divided into a plurality of discrete time units. The method further includes recording a usage state for each of the plurality of time units in the first time period based on the detecting and using the recorded usage states to configure an operating schedule for the electronic toilet device for a next time period. The method further includes operating the electronic toilet device throughout the next time period according to the operating schedule while detecting and recording a usage state for each of the plurality of time units in the next time period and periodically configuring an operating schedule for each subsequent time period using the recorded usage states associated with a preceding time period.

Abstract: A storage caddy for a cleaning implement can include a holder configured to receive a wand or cleaning implement and a storage container having a lid connected to the storage container. The storage caddy can also include a tray for holding a first set of cleaning pads and a sleeve for holding a second set of cleaning pads. The first set of cleaning pads can be arranged in an upper portion of the storage container above the second set of cleaning pads, and the second set of cleaning pads can be located in a lower portion of the storage container. The wand or cleaning implement can be configured to receive one of the first set of cleaning pads from the tray or one of the second set of cleaning pads from the sleeve.

Abstract: Applicant has created vacuum apparatuses with improved stability and methods for improving the stability of a wet/dry vacuum. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a motor, a removable drum adapted to store debris collected by the apparatus, and a base that can be adapted to receive the removable drum. The motor can be adapted to be interposed between the removable drum and the base. The methods can include the step of providing a base, the step of providing a removable drum adapted to be coupled to the base, and the step of coupling a vacuum motor to the base such that the vacuum motor is adapted to be disposed beneath the removable drum when the drum is coupled to the base. By relocating the motor of vacuum apparatus beneath the drum, the vacuum's center of gravity can be lowered significantly and, thus, its propensity to tip over is minimized.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner, a battery assembly and a charging stand are provided. The battery assembly may include a plurality of battery cells, and a battery cover configured to support the plurality of battery cells. The battery cover may include a plurality of partition walls, and each of the plurality of partition walls forms a plurality of cell chambers that accommodate each of the plurality of battery cells, respectively, and at least a portion of the plurality of partition walls are spaced apart from each other to form at least one separation chamber.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes an actuator connected to a suction hose to rotate in left and right directions centering on a first rotation axis, or in forward and backward directions centering on a second rotation axis according to movement of the suction hose, a first displacement sensor detecting rotational displacement of the actuator in the left and right directions, and a second displacement sensor detecting rotational displacement of the actuator in the forward and backward directions, and controls activation of a plurality of driving motors according to the rotational displacement of the actuator in the left and right directions and in the forward and backward directions, which are detected by the first displacement sensor and the second displacement sensor, thereby advancing or rotating the main body in the left and right directions.

Abstract: An automatic mopping device with a driving worm arranged transversely includes an upper covering plate, an outer shell, a transmission member, an electrical component, a bottom cover, a chassis and a mopping ring assembly, and further includes a gear ring securing turntable, a mounting base and a motor cover. The overall height of the mopping device is between 60-64 mm, and the transmission member includes 2 wheels whose width is between 8-15 mm. The transmission member further comprises a perpendicularly arranged worm A and a horizontally arranged worm wheel B, a cylindrical spur gears A, B, C, a duplex gear and an internal gear ring. The duplex gear includes a cylindrical spur gear D and a planet gear. The worm wheel A and worm B are respectively meshed with the driving worm. The gear ring securing turntable is immovably connected to the internal gear ring, while the internal gear ring is meshed with the planet gear. The chassis is immovably connected to the gear ring securing turntable.

Abstract: Cleaning robots may use floor-type-detection techniques as a trigger for autonomously altering various floor-cleaning characteristics. In some examples, a controller circuit of the robot is configured to determine a flooring type as a function of a signal from a motion sensor indicative of a change in pitch caused by the robot crossing a flooring discontinuity. In some examples, the controller circuit is configured to determine a flooring type based on a power draw signal corresponding to the cleaning head assembly of the robot.

Abstract: The present utility model belongs to the technical field of cleaning tools and particularly relates to a multifunctional broom in order to solve the problems such as a single function of existing brooms. The multifunctional broom comprises a broom pole and a broom head disposed at one end of the broom pole, wherein a broom head housing axially movably disposed on the broom pole is provided in the periphery of the broom head, an opening for allowing the lower end of the broom head to extend from the broom head housing is formed at the lower end of the broom head housing, and a contractible positioning mechanism for enabling the broom head housing to be positioned on the broom pole, when the length of the lower end of the broom head extending from the broom head housing is adjusted to a desired length, is provided between the broom pole and the broom head housing.

Abstract: An all-in-one cleaning device, e.g., such as may be used in cleaning the inside of a shower. The device may provide the ability to dispense a cleaning composition carried within the device itself. The device may include a container housing including an internal reservoir for holding a cleaning composition, and a wall defining a scrubbing side of the container housing. The wall may include a dispensing orifice through which the cleaning composition is dispensed. A hook may be provided extending from the container housing, which is engageable with a substrate (e.g., a scrubbing pad) positioned over the wall defining the scrubbing side of the container housing. An end of the substrate may be held in place over the wall by the hook. Another end of the substrate may be held in place by a hook and loop attachment structure.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a dishwasher that includes a linear type injection structure with an easily separable filter assembly. The dishwasher includes a washing tub configured to wash dishes, a sump configured to store washing water injected toward the washing tub, and a coarse filter located at a bottom plate of the washing tub and configured to filter foreign substances included in the washing water. Here, the coarse filter includes a first coarse filter including filter holes through which the washing water that drops to the bottom plate passes, and is configured to protrude from the bottom plate of the washing tub, and a second coarse filter located below the first coarse filter.

Abstract: Flexible frameworks are described including a plurality of at least one structural component having a waveform axially stacked and configured to form at least one internal conduit.

Abstract: A histopathology system includes an elongated, cylindrical probe having scanners connected to a distal end of the probe and configured to capture digital images of tissue, a mesh net connected to the distal end of the probe and configured to grasp tissue, and control circuitry configured to expand and contract the mesh net to grasp the tissue being examined. The system includes an outer sheath into which the probe is inserted having one or more tabs extending from the outer sheath to affix the outer sheath at one or more locations. An elongated, cylindrical introducer device guides the outer sheath through a bodily orifice or surgical incision when the introducer device is inserted into the outer sheath. At least one server with processing circuitry is configured to digitally stain a tissue image obtained by the scanners of the tissue, and match the tissue images to stored tissue samples.

Abstract: A visualization system includes a surgical microscope assembly for viewing a surgical region under magnification. The surgical microscope assembly is provided with a computer unit having a display for displaying image data. A detection arrangement is configured to detect endoscopic images in the surgical region and is operatively coupled to the surgical microscope assembly. A circuit actuable by a viewing person is configured to detect actuation data. The circuit is configured to set an operating state of the surgical microscope assembly matched to the detection arrangement in response to a presence of the actuation data for the surgical microscope assembly.

Abstract: A holding mechanism includes a fixed holding portion and a rotary holding portion. The rotary holding portion switches the holding state of the holding mechanism by rotation to either a first state in which the rotary holding portion holds, together with the fixed holding portion, a guide member at the operation portion, or the second state in which the rotary holding portion fixes, together with the fixed holding portion, the guide member.

Abstract: An endoscope having an elongate shaft, an objective arranged in a distal end region of the shaft for generating an image of an object field in an image plane. The objective having a beam splitter, and an image recorder for recording the image of the object field and an optical waveguide for forwarding illumination radiation from a proximal region to the distal end region of the shaft. The endoscope being embodied as a contact endoscope, a sensor area of the image recorder arranged in the image plane and an emergence portion of the optical waveguide adapted to forward at least some of the illumination radiation to the beam splitter to illuminate the object field.

Abstract: The overtube includes a slider within an overtube body, which guides an endoscope and a treatment tool into a body cavity. An endoscope-coupled part and a treatment tool-coupled part are provided inside the slider, and the slider has a dead zone where the forward and backward movement of either the endoscope or the treatment tool does not interlock with the movement of the other and a sensing zone where the forward and backward movement of either the endoscope or the treatment tool interlocks with the movement of the other. A contact surface of the overtube body with a body wall is constituted of a wall surface member that serves as a rotation-preventing wall surface for preventing rotation in a rotational direction with an axial direction of the overtube body as a center.

Abstract: Embodiments of a system and method for processing and recognizing non-contact types of human input to prevent contamination are generally described herein. In example embodiments, human input is captured, recognized, and used to provide active input for control or data entry into a user interface. The human input may be provided in variety of forms detectable by recognition techniques such as speech recognition, gesture recognition, identification recognition, and facial recognition. In one example, the human input recognition techniques are used in connection with a device cleaning workflow used to obtain data and human input during cleaning procedures while minimizing cross-contamination between the contaminated device or person and other objects or persons. In another example, the human input recognition techniques are used in connection with a device tracking workflow used to obtain data and human input while tracking interactions with and locations of the contaminated or uncontaminated device.

Abstract: This endoscope device can simplify the determination of the moving direction of a focusing lens, and can improve the accuracy of auto focusing. The endoscope has the following elements: an optical system having a focusing lens; a lens moving unit which moves the focusing lens along an optical axis thereof; an image capturing unit which obtains an optical image of an object from the optical system as a plurality of images each of which has a different focal position from each other; a moving direction determining section which determines whether to change the observation depth on the basis of the plurality of images, and determines a moving direction toward which the focusing lens is to be moved on the bases of the images; and a drive control unit which controls the lens moving unit to move the focusing lens toward a determined moving direction.

Abstract: Provided is a capsule endoscope in which an objective lens unit includes, at the extreme object side, a lens which is a meniscus lens having negative power and disposed with the convex surface thereof towards the object side, so that the convex surface thereof faces the exterior. An illumination unit includes a light source and an illumination window member. The light source is disposed so as to surround the circumference of the lens. The illumination window member is formed in an approximately circular ring shape that surrounds the circumference of the lens and is positioned closer to the image side than an outermost diameter section in the convex surface of the first lens, through which a light flux passes. A light-blocking member that blocks the entry of illumination light into the objective lens unit is disposed between the illumination window member and the lens.

Abstract: A solid state image sensor includes: a light receiving unit where a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements storing charges according to a received light amount are arrayed; a reading unit configured to read an imaging signal based on the charges stored by the light receiving unit; and a color filter. The color filter includes filter units where each the red, green, and blue filters arrayed in four rows and four columns. The filter units are arrayed in a lattice shape. The filter unit is partitioned into read units. Each read unit includes two filters where each transmits light of the same wavelength band are adjacent to each other in one direction. The reading unit is configured to collectively read charges stored by two photoelectric conversion elements corresponding to the read unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cleaner for an endoscope, the cleaner being used inside a living body during an endoscopic, surgical procedure. In particular, an object of the present invention is to reduce the burden on a physician and the patient during an endoscopic surgical procedure. The present invention therefore relates to a cleaner for cleaning debris from an endoscope and/or endoscopic accessories, such as an endoscope lens and/or an endoscope hood (attachment), inside a living body. The present invention also relates to an antifoulant for antifouling treatment of an endoscope and/or endoscopic accessories. The antifoulant may comprise, for example, (i) a nonionic surfactant with an HLB of 1 to 11 and (ii) a nonionic surfactant with an HLB of 11 to 20.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes: first and second cooling units configured to cool first and second light source portions; an image pickup portion configured to generate a picked-up image; and a cooling control portion configured to control amounts of light emission of the light source portions while maintaining an amount-of-light ratio so that the brightness of the picked-up image becomes the target brightness and control cooling based on the information about the amount-of-light ratio and the brightness control information; wherein the cooling control portion decides a cooling capacity of the first cooling units and a cooling capacity of the second cooling units for cooling the respective light source portions for which the amounts of light emission are controlled, at the cooling ratio, so as to cause the light source portions to be included within a predetermined temperature range, based on the brightness control information.

Abstract: A medical probe includes a hollow needle body, a light-transmitting optical module and an imaging module. The hollow needle body defines a needle passage extending along an axis of the needle body, and includes an outer tubular wall surrounding the needle passage. The outer tubular wall includes a penetrating section formed with a forward penetrating end, and a needle opening formed in the penetrating section and communicated with the needle passage. The light-transmitting optical module is disposed inside the needle passage, includes a light entering region and transmits the light within the needle passage. The imaging module is disposed in the needle passage to receive and process the light transmitted through the light-transmitting optical module.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a new and improved endoscopic-enabled mouth gag for routine ENT procedures, such as adenoidectomy and nasopharyngeal biopsy. The invention modifies the existing mouth gag, provides a stable and adjustable placement for an endoscopic device potentially employed during an ENT procedure, and is to replace the outdated surgical method where the surgical field is visualized indirectly via a handheld mirror (with or without the preexisting mouth gag). The inventive endoscopic-enabled mouth gag not only provides enhanced visualization of the surgical field for a clinician, assistants, and trainees, but also enables a clinician to perform the procedure bimanually (with both hands).

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and techniques for capturing, processing and generating digital ophthalmic images using conventional ophthalmic lenses. Certain embodiments processor implemented gesture-based control methods that provide for an eye care specialist to use a gesture-based imaging trigger to capture images of selected ocular structures through a traditional ophthalmic lens.

Abstract: Techniques are provided that detect the onset and/or progression of glaucoma from analyzing the area and or volume of suppression and inferior retinal nerve fiber layers.