Abstract: A flexible mailbox support is assembled by pivotable attachment of a mailbox support arm to a post having two rigid sections separated by a flexible middle section and coverable by a replaceable sleeve, the connection between the support arm and the post uses a single bolt inserted through and joining a flat surface on the arm to a flat surface on the top of the post, formed to be detachable with force, the parallel surfaces being set at an angle of less than 90 degrees from the post and a spring is compressed by the bolt head to adjustably bias the surfaces against one another while allowing the arm to pivot about the axis of the bolt, with a cage providing protection for the mailbox.

Abstract: A rotating mailbox device is provided. The device includes a base plate having a fulcrum post fixed thereto and a position plate having at least one retaining hole defined therein. There is a spring positioned within the retaining hole and a ball bearing positioned at least partially within the retaining hole. The system also includes a box bracket rotatably coupled to the base plate via the fulcrum post. The box bracket has at least one retainer hole defined therein. The box bracket has a first position that aligns a first retainer hole of the box bracket of the at least one retainer hole with a first retaining hole of the at least one retaining hole of the position plate.

Abstract: A drain system for a food preparation machine includes a preparation area drain tray; a rinsing station including a water source; a water collection tray disposed below the rinsing station so as to collect water supplied from the water source; and, a passage from the rinsing station to the preparation area drain tray directing water to flush the preparation area drain tray with water supplied from the water source.

Abstract: Systems (100) and methods (2800) for operating a hot beverage brewer. The methods include receiving a brew basket of a plurality of interchangeable brew baskets (900, 1400, 1800) within a basket chamber (402) of the hot beverage brewer. At least two of the plurality of interchangeable brew baskets are of different brew basket types and designed to hold different amounts of a beverage substance. Thereafter, the hot beverage brewer: automatically detects the brew basket type associated with the brew basket residing within the basket chamber; selects first operations from a plurality of operations that should be performed by the hot beverage brewer based on the brew basket type which was previously detected; and performs the first operations by the hot beverage brewer.

Abstract: The invention pertains to the field of the beverage preparation machines having an ingredient processing module for preparing a beverage with at least one ingredient supplied with a capsule, and their accessories. In particular, the invention relates to a device comprising a container for storing capsules comprising: a first interface for communicating with feedback means; a sensing arrangement for detecting and obtaining information on a capsule in a detection area; a controller configured to send, through the first interface, information related to the detected capsule, to the feedback means.

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 cooking appliance includes an upper housing having a first heating surface, a lower housing operatively connected to the upper housing, the lower housing having a second heating surface, and a splash guard having a plurality of peripheral sidewalls. The splash guard is nestable within the lower housing and extendable therefrom to a position wherein the splash guard substantially surrounds the second heating surface.

Abstract: In summary there is provided in one embodiment a combination of a pan with roasting material used in cooking food. The pan is configured for use to cook food and includes a bottom base having a base periphery edge and a sidewall extending upwardly from the base periphery edge and terminating at a side edge to create a well therebetween. The roasting material is removably secured to the bottom base or the sidewall of the pan. In addition, the roasting material is configured for use in conjunction with the pan to cook food and wherein the roasting material is either a roasting bag and a roasting bag tie for use together with each other, or aluminum foil, such that the roasting material is removed from the bottom base of the pan and used in conjunction with the pan to cook food.

Abstract: An oven for grilling food, is provided with: an outer shell (2), consisting of walls defining an internal volume, including a transparent portion (3); at least one door (4). The volume is subdivided into a zone (5) for heat production by heating elements and a cooking zone (6) including at least one grill (7) on which the food is placed. The at least one door (4) is associated with the at least one grill (7), which is slidingly supported inside the outer shell (2) and includes a bulkhead (8), opposite the door (4) with respect to the grill (7), arranged for closing the cooking zone (6) when the grill is fully extracted from the oven.

Abstract: A cooking device includes a gridiron; a tray positioned to catch material that falls from the gridiron; a cover formed to at least partially enclose the gridiron; a chimney having a chimney base and a chimney top, the chimney base and chimney top forming an airflow passage through the chimney; the chimney, gridiron, and cover arranged such that when the chimney base is placed over a heat source, convection occurs from the chimney base and out through the chimney top, to the cover, and from the cover toward the gridiron, the cover formed with a protruding inner wall above the chimney which forms a junction to channel substantially all of the convection in a motion outward toward sides of the cover and down toward the gridiron; the chimney base and the tray arranged such that when the chimney base is placed over the heat source, heat is radiated from the chimney base toward the tray; the chimney top and gridiron arranged such that when the chimney base is placed over the heat source, heat is radiated from the c

Abstract: In a cutting implement for a food processor, a blade axle is rotatable on a rotation axis thereof in a direction of rotation of the blade axle. At least one blade assembly is mounted on the blade axle. The at least one blade assembly has at least one single-piece arcuate blade having an upper blade section coupled to the blade axle, a lower blade section separate from the upper blade section and coupled to the blade axle, and a middle blade section extending arcuately between and interconnecting the upper and lower blade sections. The single-piece arcuate blade has a leading edge in the direction of rotation of the blade axle, with the leading edge at least in part being configured to define a cutting edge of the single-piece arcuate blade.

Abstract: A kitchen appliance includes a housing enclosing a motor and a switch mechanism. A bowl is removably mountable onto the housing. At least one actuation member is movable between a first position and a second position. A bowl lid is removably mountable onto the upper rim of the bowl. When the bowl lid is properly positioned onto the upper rim of the bowl, the motor is actuated or permitted to be actuated by pressing downwardly on the lid such that at least a portion of one of a plurality of flanges of the bowl contacts at least a portion of the actuation member to force the actuation member to the second position.

Abstract: A guide and drain assembly has a drain channel with a base wall and first and second side walls extending along a longitudinal axis, and a cover extending over the channel. The cover has at least one guide channel extending along the longitudinal axis and positioned between first and second edge members. The at least one guide channel is formed by a first base section positioned between first and second sides. The at least one guide channel is sized to receive an edge portion of a sliding door of a shower door assembly. The base section of the at least one guide channel defines a series of apertures extending longitudinally and providing fluid communication between the guide channel and the drain channel.

Abstract: A receptacle for receiving and dispensing plurality of soap bars, the receptacle including a first “C” channel and a plurality of second “C” channels, each “C” channel among the first and plurality of second “C” channels having a web member and having a pair of flange members, the flange members being selected from the group consisting of upper flanges, lower flanges, lateral flanges, and oppositely lateral flanges, wherein an uppermost flange among the first “C” channel's flange members comprises the second “C” channels' web members; a plurality of drain ports, each port among the plurality of drain ports opening one of the channels among the plurality of second “C” channels at the one of the channel's web member; and base supports adapted for positioning the first and the plurality of second “C” channels adjacent a sink for soap bar receiving and dispensing use.

Abstract: A backflow prevention assembly for global use with dispensers requiring a variety of backflow prevention devices based on regulatory standards is provided. The assembly includes a housing comprising first and second housing members and including quick connector attachments extending therefrom. The quick connector attachments are non-threaded members configured to be attached to the various measurement and types of connections found throughout the world. A cover is provided for venting purposes to reduce the backflow siphoning forces or pressure, which causes the backflow of a product chemistry. Furthermore, a backflow prevention device is configured to be fluidly coupled to the housing of the present invention to provide for one way flow and the prevention of backflow of a product chemistry into a water supply. The flow control may be selected based on the regulatory standards of the location used.

Abstract: Foam dispenser systems and pumps for use in foam dispenser systems are disclosed herein. A refill unit for refilling a foam dispenser system comprises a container for holding a supply of foamable liquid and a pump housing connected to the container. The pump housing comprises one or more connections for connecting to one or more external air pumps, wherein the air pumps supply air pressure to move the foamable liquid into a mixing chamber and to mix air with the liquid in the mixing chamber and create a foamy air-liquid mixture.

Abstract: The aspects of the present disclosure provide a wash cloth for cleaning all areas of a user or an individual's body. The wash cloth includes at least one finger cot. The at least one finger cot has a first side made of a soft absorbing material opposite a second side made of a microfiber material. The first side and second side are fastened together. The wash cloth includes a palm portion in communication with the first side of the at least one finger cot. The wash cloth further includes an elastomeric portion. The elastomeric portion may be in communication with and extends across the palm portion of the wash cloth. The elastomeric portion may be configured to fit over the user's hand and maintains the placement of the wash cloth over the user's hand.

Abstract: A character-shaped porous mitt for housing and dispensing soap comprised of an outer body formed from terry cloth or similar material and a sponge-like material lining an interior cavity containing a soap pocket in which to hold bar or liquid soap that is fastened using a hook-and-loop fastener. An area at the mouth, the body or the rear of the mitt through which the bar of soap or the liquid soap can be received and housed until the soap mixes with water to produce a rich lather with which to cleanse a user's body. Finger pockets or loops are configured to receive the fingers of a user to allow the user to securely hold the mitt, even in the presence of rich lather. A rough-textured portion of the outer body provides added friction between the outer body and skin of a user to allow the user to scrub or exfoliate his or her skin.

Abstract: A dispensable product system including a product housing for a product dispenser that defines a product reservoir. The product housing being mountable to a counter top or wall member having an opening for receiving the product housing through the wall member and opposed major surfaces that are substantially planar. The system includes an opening through a side wall of the housing and a protrusion member positionable from a non-blocking position to a blocking position in that the protrusion member is positionable through the opening from an inside of the side wall of the product housing to project from an outside of the side wall of the product housing for seating against one of the major surfaces of the counter top or wall member to block movement of the product housing with respect to passing through the opening in the wall member in a first direction.

Abstract: A hand carriable surface cleaning apparatus, such as a cyclonic hand vacuum cleaner, is provided wherein a conduit is in communication with the cyclone air outlet. The conduit extends through the pre-motor filter and is in communication with the upstream side of the pre-motor filter.

Abstract: A duster including a sleeve and one or more fibrous bundles attached to the sleeve. The sleeve is constructed to include one or more channels within the interior of the sleeve for receiving prongs of a duster handle. The fibrous bundles are attached to the surface of the sleeve or through the sleeve. The channels within the sleeve may include one or more narrowing areas to facilitate retention of the prongs within the sleeve.

Abstract: A damp mop includes a handle with a bore that defines a reservoir for a volume of cleaning liquid. The neck includes a socket with an outlet chamber and a liquid outlet orifice is defined in the neck in communication with the outlet chamber. A handle tip is engaged with the neck socket and includes a flow passage in fluid communication with both reservoir and the outlet chamber. A rod is located in the handle and includes an inner end with a piston. The rod and piston are selectively manually movable between: (i) a retracted position in which liquid can flow from the reservoir into the outlet chamber; and (ii) an extended position in which the piston blocks flow of liquid. The piston pressurizes the outlet chamber when it moves from the retracted position to the extended position to cause cleaning fluid to be ejected from the outlet orifice.

Abstract: A steam mop with an upright handle assembly pivotally mounted to a foot includes a fluid distribution system having a distributor in the foot that applies steam to a floor surface and an auxiliary hose for steam cleaning above-floor surfaces. The auxiliary hose is mounted to the steam mop by an articulating joint.

Abstract: A transparent electrodynamic screen (EDS) enables automatic removal of dust to protect and enhance performance of solar collectors and similar components. A pattern of transparent conductive electrodes are deposited over a glass or polymer outer surface of a solar collector, and embedded under a thin, transparent dielectric fluoropolymer film or silicon dioxide coating. When energized by three-phase voltages at frequencies in the range 5 to 20 Hz, the electrodes produce an oscillating electric field and a traveling electrodynamic wave that charges the particles on the surface and exerts coulomb and dielectrophoretic forces to lift the dust from the surface and transport it to an edge of the collector, thereby clearing the screen. The EDS can be incorporated in the collector in an integrated way during manufacture or retrofitted to existing conventional collectors.

Abstract: A device, comprising a float, basin, and basin cover, is removably attached to interior rungs of a dishwasher via clip-hooks, and stabilized with a tongue arm, design features of the clip-hooks, and the cooperating portions of the basin or cover. The float rises to a completed water cycle ‘clean’ position as basin fills with water. The basin may block view of the float when in a ‘dirty’ position. The float provides visual indication of a completed water cycle, and therefore ‘clean’ dishes, after rising as a result of water introduced into the basin via holes in the cover. Water that was introduced into the device automatically leaves the chamber via one, or more, discharge holes/openings in the basin, while the float remains in the ‘clean’ position because of one or more retainers; e.g., magnetic force from one or more magnets. Retainers can generated and communicate position status to a smartphone.

Abstract: An imaging element includes: a plurality of pixels; first vertical transfer lines; a second vertical transfer line; a reference voltage generator configured to generate a first reference voltage for a column-black reference signal, a second reference voltage for a line-black reference signal and a third reference voltage for phase adjustment; a phase adjusting signal generator configured to output a phase adjusting signal corresponding to the third reference voltage; a first reference signal generator configured to generate a column-black reference signal corresponding to the first reference voltage; a second reference signal generator configured to generate a line-black reference signal corresponding to the second reference voltage; and a timing generator configured to drive the phase adjusting signal generator, the first reference signal generator and the second reference signal generator to transmit the phase adjusting signal, the column-black reference signal and the line-black reference signal, respectiv

Abstract: An imaging system having an imaging assembly having an imaging device for generating imaging signals corresponding to images of anatomy of a patient disclosed. The imaging assembly, which may be a component of a feeding tube assembly, transmits the imaging signals generated to a console, which presents images generated corresponding to the imaging signals on a display. A reference menu is presented on the display including menu items, which correspond to reference materials including photographs, video recordings, audio recordings, diagrams, animations, and/or text. Each of the materials provides information about anatomy, patient preparation, imaging catheter preparation, imaging catheter placement, imaging catheter operation, imaging catheter features, console preparation, console operation, console features, system operation, system features, and/or contact information.

Abstract: A device for quickly advancing/retracting a biopsy tool (or other driven object) into position through a colonoscope or other such scope. The device includes a drive actuator, a transmission for coupling the actuator to a driven object (biopsy tool), an attachment assembly that couples the device to the endoscope, such as to a biopsy port on the endoscope, an electronic control unit, and a user interface. Preferably, the driver/biopsy tool coupling consists of a motor and a combination of gears and friction rollers.

Abstract: An endoscope and optical system for an endoscope having rod lenses and correction lens groups where the number of relay lens systems is greater than the number of correction lens groups in the endoscope and optical system of the endoscope.

Abstract: An endoscopic instrument system for performing endoscopic interventions via a natural access path, including a flexible endoscope with an endoscope handle and an elongate endoscope shaft introducible into a hollow space in a body, wherein the endoscope shaft includes a steerable end section and at least one instrument channel, and also includes an endoscopic instrument with a handle, an elongate instrument shaft and a tool which can be actuated by a pull and/or push element arranged within the instrument shaft and connected to the handle and to the tool, wherein the endoscopic instrument can be introduced into the instrument channel for conducting manipulations in the hollow space in the body, and wherein the instrument shaft includes a continuous flexible tube that is connected, such that it is rotationally fixed, to the handle and to the tool with respect to a longitudinal direction of the tube.

Abstract: An endoscope includes a substantially rigid shaft having a distal end and a proximal portion, the shaft having a first lumen and a second lumen separate from the first lumen, the second lumen containing one or more objective lenses disposed at the distal end thereof. A housing is mounted on the proximal portion of the shaft, the housing including an eyepiece mount and a light input port. An image fiber bundle is disposed in the second lumen, the image fiber bundle extending proximally from adjacent the one or more objective lenses to the eyepiece mount. An illumination fiber bundle is disposed in the second lumen, the illumination fiber bundle extending proximally from the distal end of the shaft to the light input port.

Abstract: A sheath assembly for an endoscope includes an elongate tubular body and a plug. The endoscope has a handle portion and a scope portion extending therefrom to a tip. The body includes first and second wall sections and extends along a longitudinal axis between first and second distal openings. The first wall section extends radially about the longitudinal axis to define a scope lumen. The scope portion is receivable in the scope lumen. The second wall section extends radially about a portion of the first wall section and longitudinally between second distal and proximal end openings. The first and second wall sections define an integral suction lumen in fluid communication with a first source of negative pressure. The plug is mated with the distal end opening for closing the scope lumen and includes at least one suction opening disposed in co-registration with the first distal end opening.

Abstract: This cycloduction measurement device is provided with a blood vessel position recognition unit and a first angle calculation unit. The blood vessel position recognition unit recognizes the position of a blood vessel in a sclera region in an eye image, and acquires information pertaining to the position of the blood vessel. The first angle calculation unit calculates the angle of cycloduction on the basis of the first information pertaining to the position of a predetermined blood vessel acquired by the blood vessel position recognition unit during actual measurement of cycloduction, and a second information pertaining to the position of the predetermined blood vessel while in a reference state.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a video game to map macular visual acuity comprising a test where a fixation point is ensured by brief simultaneous presentation of central and pericentral targets. The game may be implemented on a hardware platform including a video display, a user input device, and a video camera. The camera is used to monitor ambient light level and the distance between the device and the eyes of the test subject. The game serves as a macular acuity perimeter that produces a map of the acuity of an eye that may be compared with normative data. The type of acuity tested is preferably Vernier acuity, but resolution acuity can also be tested. The test results are transmitted to a health care professional by telecommunications means to facilitate the diagnosis or monitoring of age-related macular degeneration or other relevant eye diseases.

Abstract: A monitor/display is used to display a vision test. A patient is spaced a predetermined distance from the monitor/display during the testing procedure, and individual, multiple LED housings are equally spaced about a center point of the monitor/display to direct light toward the patient during at least a portion of the test procedure. The light emanating from the individual housings is a diffuse, unfocused light to simulate glare, and the intensity of the light may be selectively altered. Conducting vision testing under glare conditions determines if there is any reduction or fall off in the patient's vision under such circumstances and provides an indication of whether the patient may require cataract surgery or has another ocular problem. An assembly allows an existing vision testing system to be easily modified to provide glare light testing capabilities.

Abstract: A medical system (10) and method monitor a patient. Patient data for the patient received. The patient data includes vital sign measurements and laboratory results. A vital signs instability index (VIX) regarding a physiological condition of the patient is calculated from the received vital sign measurements. A laboratory instability index (LIX) regarding the physiological condition is calculated from the received laboratory results. The VIX and the LIX are integrated into an indicator of patient deterioration.

Abstract: A stand-alone MR or hybrid PET-MR imaging system incorporating a surface stationary RF coil structure is disclosed. The imaging system includes a support assembly comprising a cradle to accommodate a subject and a bridge to receive the cradle and provide for translation therealong to enable an acquisition of imaging data. An RF coil structure is positioned between the bridge and the cradle, and includes a base portion, a cover portion, and an array of RF coil elements positioned on the cover portion. The cover portion includes contoured features that enable placement of RF coil elements in proximity to a subject and to provide a constant and uniform gap between the RF elements and the cradle. The RF coil structure also includes structural elements that support the cradle when rolling over the array of RF coil elements without deforming the RF coil elements.

Abstract: An imaging system for the fluorescence-optical visualization of a two-dimensional or three-dimensional object is provided. The imaging system comprising an illumination unit, which is designed and provided for emitting optical radiation in a predetermined wavelength range in order to illuminate the object and excite a fluorescent substance contained in the object, and a capturing unit, which is designed and provided for capturing an optical signal from the region of the object and for splitting the optical signal into a fluorescence signal having a first wavelength range and a signal of visible light having a second wavelength range. The optical capturing unit has an optoelectronic converter having a plurality of partial regions and serving for converting the fluorescence signal into a first electronic data signal and the signal of visible light into a second electronic data signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spectroscopic imaging system using autofluorescence and reflectance images to diagnose tissue. A preferred embodiment of the invention uses a plurality of light sources to illuminate a tissue region to provide the fluorescence and reflectance images, respectively.

Abstract: An accurate measurement can be made of the light absorbance of deep layer tissue such as in a human body or a fruit. The thickness of fat is computed. A first specific distance and a second specific distance corresponding to the computed fat thickness are computed based a predetermined relationship between the fat thickness, the first specific distance, and measurement sensitivity of a surface layer and measurement sensitivity of a deep layer when light is received at a position the first specific distance away from a light emitting means. A third specific distance and a fourth specific distance are computed corresponding to the computed fat thickness based on a predetermined relationship between the fat thickness, the third specific distance and a measurement sensitivity of an intervening layer and a measurement sensitivity of the deep layer when light is received at a position the third specific distance away from the light emitting means.

Abstract: An optical coherence tomography (OCT) apparatus includes: a light source; an OCT optical system including: a first light splitter which splits light emitted from the light source into measurement and reference lights, a second light splitter which splits the measurement light into first and second beams, an optical delay path to generate an optical path length difference between the first and second beams, a scan optical system which scans the respective beams on an object to be examined in a transverse direction, a reference optical system, and a detector which receives a spectrum of composite light in which reflected lights of the first and second beams from the object, and the reference light from the reference optical system are combined; and an arithmetic controller which processes an interference signal output from the detector to obtain first and second tomographic images formed respectively by the first and second beams.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides devices and methods for the modulation of retinal stimulation and/or retinal signal processing. Such methods may be useful for the diagnosis, treatment or prevention of a disease or disorder. The disclosed methods may comprise visual intervention by using lenses, prisms, mirrors, and/or filters (e.g., occluders) to alter the amount and/or direction of light on to the retina.

Abstract: A photoacoustic imaging apparatus includes holding members configured to hold a subject, an acoustic wave conversion unit configured to receive an acoustic wave generated by irradiating the subject, which is held by the holding members, with light from a light source and convert the acoustic wave into an electric signal, a processing unit configured to generate image data from the electric signal, and an imaging unit configured to capture an optical pattern generated on a light diffusion member by emitting the light to the light diffusion member arranged on a surface of a side where the subject is irradiated with the light in the holding members where the holding members contact the subject in holding the subject, wherein the processing unit calculates light absorption coefficient distribution in the subject based on the optical pattern captured by the imaging unit and the electric signal acquired by the acoustic wave conversion unit.

Abstract: A monitoring device receives a measurement signal obtained by a pressure sensor in an extracorporeal fluid system, such as an extracorporeal blood circuit for a dialysis machine which is in contact with a vascular system of a subject via a fluid connection. The monitoring device processes the measurement signal to identify pressure data that represents pulses originating from a first physiological phenomenon in the subject, excluding the heart of the subject. The first physiological phenomenon may be any of reflexes, voluntary muscle contractions, non-voluntary muscle contractions, a breathing system of the subject, an autonomous system of the subject for blood pressure regulation, or an autonomous system of the subject for body temperature regulation. The monitoring device may detect, present, track or predict a disordered condition of the subject using the pressure data, or monitor the integrity of the fluid connection based on the pressure data.

Abstract: A system comprising a biometric monitoring device including a housing including a platform to receive at least one foot of the user, a body weight sensor to generate body weight data, processing circuitry to calculate user weight data which corresponds to the user's weight, using the body weight data, and communication circuitry to: (a) receive user identification data which identifies the user or a portable activity monitoring device, and (b) transmit the user weight data to data storage associated with the user identification data. The system further includes the portable activity monitoring device including a housing having a physical size and shape that is adapted to couple to the user's body, a sensor to generate sensor data, and communication circuitry to receive physiologic data which is based on the user weight data, and processing circuitry to calculate activity data using the sensor data and physiologic data.

Abstract: A central arterial blood pressure waveform is developed from pressure waveforms obtained from proximal and distal blood pressure cuffs on the brachial artery of an arm that are inflated to a supra-systolic pressure, The proximal and distal cuff pressure waveforms associated with at least one cardiac ejection cycle are sensed, The propagation times of a blood pressure pulse from the entry of the artery to the proximal cuff and from the proximal cuff to the distal cuff are calculated, permitting calculation of a reflection coefficient of the pressure pulse at one of the proximal and distal cuffs. Assuming a physical model of wave propagation along the artery between the aorta and the proximal and distal cuffs, an estimated pressure waveform at the opening of the artery can be determined.

Abstract: A piezoelectric pump is provided with an actuator containing a piezoelectric element and a vibrating sheet; a first diaphragm, positioned opposite the actuator, with a first connecting hole provided therein; a pump chamber formed by the space between the actuator and the first diaphragm; and a second diaphragm positioned opposite the first diaphragm. The part of the second diaphragm opposite the first connecting hole is provided with an opposing wall portion that prevents a fluid that has been introduced into the pump chamber via the first connecting hole from flowing back towards a suction side via the first connecting hole.

Abstract: Finger cuff adjustability is provided in a measurement cylinder assembly in a unique manner which accommodates the size and space limitations inherent in a mouse-based blood pressure measurement device. The exterior radial surface of the inflatable cuff is adhered to a pull-tab which is longer than the cuff length and has a tab end channeled through a pair of rings, one of which is fixed or stationary and the other of which is an adjustment ring. Rotation of the adjustment ring either pulls or pushes the tab end through a slit in the fixed or stationary ring depending upon the direction of ring rotation. Pulling the tab end causes the adhered finger cuff to forcefully collapse around the user's finger in firmer engagement therewith and to compensate for a finger of smaller diameter. Pushing the tab end causes the adhered finger cuff to forcefully open to a larger profile to loosen the engagement with a finger and to compensate for a finger of larger diameter.

Abstract: A biological information monitor includes: a first measuring unit which measures a pulse wave propagation time of a patient; a second measuring unit which measures a blood pressure of the patient; a calculating unit which calculates an estimated blood pressure value of the patient based on the pulse wave propagation time of the patient; a setting unit which sets a threshold; and a determining unit which compares the estimated blood pressure value with the threshold. The second measuring unit is activated to measure the blood pressure of the patient at least one of at time intervals and at a time when an operator operates the second measuring unit, and the second measuring unit is activated to measure the blood pressure of the patient by the determining unit based on the comparison result.

Abstract: A monitoring system that may include an emission feature capable of emitting light into tissue, a modulator portion capable of modulating the emitter at a modulation frequency to generate photon density waves, a detection portion capable of detecting photons of the photon density waves after propagation through the tissue and capable of providing a distribution of detected photons over a time period for the photon density waves, and an analysis portion capable of calculating a skewness of the distribution and making determinations relating to a value of a physiologic parameter of the tissue based at least in part on the skewness of the distribution.