Abstract: A compact food container organizer by which variously sized food containers and their lids are stored and sorted in a neat and orderly manner. The organizer has a plurality of upstanding pedestals attached to a flat support base. At least some of the pedestals have respective disk-shaped end caps detachably connected to and removable from the tops thereof. The lengths of the upstanding pedestals above the support base and the diameters of the disk-shaped end caps vary so that stacks of different food containers can first be inverted and then positioned over correspondingly sized pedestals so that the bottoms of the containers are seated on opposing end caps connected to the pedestals. A plurality of lid baskets having different sizes are attached to the support base to accommodate therewithin lids of different sizes that cover the food containers.

Abstract: A toothbrush and toothpaste organizing kit includes a housing including a bottom wall and a perimeter wall attached to and extending upwardly from the bottom wall. The perimeter wall has an upper edge defining an opening extending into an interior of the housing. A plurality of interior walls is positioned within the housing. The interior walls are vertically oriented and divide the interior into a plurality of compartments. The compartments include a single toothpaste compartment and a plurality of toothbrush compartments. Each of a plurality of panels has a back side and a front side. The toothbrush compartments each has one of the panels attached thereto and each of the front sides has indicia thereon to indicate an owner of a toothbrush positioned in an associated one of the toothbrush compartments. Each of the toothbrush compartments receives a toothbrush and the toothpaste compartment receives a toothpaste container.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a paper towel product that will capably separate from the paper towel roll as a full sheet, a half sheet or a quarter sheet. A method of making a paper towel with machine direction perforations is also disclosed.

Abstract: A touch-free sheet product dispenser uses a single proximity sensor and allows a user's single hand motion to dispense and cut the sheet product. Embodiments allow the user to dispense and adjust any length of material before cutting.

Abstract: A toilet seat cover main body consisting of a flexible annular fabric and protruding fabric fastened to a portable bag. The cover main body consists of a hemmed inner and outer periphery with only a tubular space in the outer periphery for an elastic band. The protruding fabric is sewn on the rear of the cover main body pointing outward and attached to a portable bag by fasteners. The portable bag consists of an opening and closing flap and fasteners for securely housing cover main body and protruding fabric inside the main inner pocket, smaller outer pockets for personal items, and a carrying strap. The cover main body can be fastened or unfastened from the portable bag with the fasteners on the protruding fabric and portable bag, for cleaning purposes.

Abstract: A ultraviolet bacteria-killing system for water closet cover is described, comprising: a supporting base (1); a UV lamp (2) placed on the base (1); a transparent cover (3) adapted to cover the UV lamp (2) and connected to the base (1); supply means (10) of the UV lamp (2) operatively and externally connected to the UV lamp (2); and level sensor means (6) adapted to control the switching-off of the UV lamp (2) when the water closet cover is lifted to use the water closet.

Abstract: A dust collector for a cleaner and the cleaner are provided, and the dust collector includes: a dust-collection container defining an inner chamber therein and having a dust-laden air inlet and air outlet; a cyclone barrel disposed in the inner chamber and having an air inlet formed in a side wall of the cyclone barrel; a dust-laden air tube defining a first end connected to the dust-laden air inlet and a second end connected to the cyclone barrel air inlet; and a dust baffle disposed between an outer wall of the cyclone barrel and an inner wall of the dust-collection container to cover up a dust depositing area formed between the outer wall of the cyclone barrel and an outer wall of dust-laden air tube.

Abstract: A method of controlling a mobile robot, the method including monitoring a first system of the mobile robot to detect a first error associated with the first system, monitoring a second system of the mobile robot to detect a second error associated with the second system, and when the first error and the second error are detected at the same time, determining that a third error has occurred.

Abstract: An apparatus draws or leads hair and other potential entanglement debris away from the hub of a brush assembly in a vacuum as the brush rotates during vacuuming, thus avoiding or reducing entanglement and attendant problems, and obviating or reducing the need for manual removal of the entanglement. The apparatus has a profile which draws hair and other entanglement debris away from a hub of the brush assembly, or prevents it from reaching the hub, thus enabling the brush/brush assembly to continue to rotate freely. In one implementation, the apparatus attaches to a vacuum brush in an autonomous robotic vacuum.

Abstract: A grout cleaning tool includes a grout cleaning tape. The grout cleaning tape can be provided as a replaceable grout cleaning cartridge containing a supply reel of grout cleaning tape that can be rolled across grout line grooves with an applicator roller. The grout cleaning tape can include a composition therein that is configured to be activated or enhanced by steam and transferred into the grout line to be cleaned when steam is applied to the tape.

Abstract: A pressing spray mop includes a mop rod, a mop head, a water tank seat, a spray mechanism installed at the water tank seat, and a water tank installed on the water tank seat. The water tank seat includes a hollow housing, and two support half casings encapsulating the spray mechanism after having been joggled and placed in the hollow housing, and forming a movement space corresponding to a water drawing member of the spray mechanism. The hollow housing includes a through connecting hole disposed correspondingly to the movement space. The mop rod includes a rod body, a penetration opening disposed on the rod body, and a pressing pin extended into the movement space via the through connecting hole. The pressing pin is driven and displaced by the mop rod in the movement space and presses the water drawing member to cause the spray mechanism to perform spraying.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus including a cleaning head and a housing member supporting a water storage container, a steam generator including a heating element, and a steam outlet. The surface cleaning apparatus further includes an elongate member connecting the cleaning head to the housing member. The elongate member includes a fluid passage communicating with the steam outlet for directing steam towards the cleaning head. The elongate member is releasably connectable to the cleaning head.

Abstract: A warewash machine includes at least one collection tank for collecting wash liquid that is recirculated by a pump and sprayed for cleaning wares within a spray zone of the machine. An overflow path leads from the collection tank, and an automated valve controls flow along the overflow path.

Abstract: A warewash machine includes in-situ tank soil load reduction that involves at least one of: (i) prior to addition of fresh water, draining the collection tank via a path that exits the collection tank at a location lower than a primary overflow path until wash liquid level in the collection tank drops below a standard operating level, and thereafter adding fresh water; or (ii) draining the collection tank via a path that exits the collection tank at a location lower than a primary overflow path while simultaneously adding fresh water; or (iii) adding fresh water such that wash liquid level in the collection tank rises above a standard operating level, and thereafter carrying out draining of the collection tank.

Abstract: Filter assemblies for filtering wash fluid to be circulated by a circulation pump in a dishwasher appliance are provided. A filter assembly includes a first filter member, a second filter member, a first discharge blade, and a second discharge blade. The filter assembly further includes a shaft extending through the first filter member, the second filter member, a first central bore hole of the first discharge blade, and a second central bore hole of the second discharge blade. The shaft includes a body which has an outer surface, the outer surface including a first threaded portion, a second threaded portion, a first unthreaded portion, and a second unthreaded portion. The plurality of first inner threads mesh with the first threaded portion and the plurality of second inner threads mesh with the second threaded portion.

Abstract: A household appliance includes a water inlet configured to connect the appliance to an external water supply; a pressure control device configured to prevent water entering the appliance from the water inlet from exceeding atmospheric pressure; a treatment container configured to treat household items with water; and a seal between the pressure control device and the treatment container configured to prevent gas flowing from the treatment container to the pressure control device.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for removing at least some unwanted material from footwear, feet or an object comprises a frame, and at least one cleaning element and at least one elongate drum, The frame provides an upper surface with at least one cleaning element slot therein. Each cleaning element includes rotating or rotatable unwanted materials transferring surfaces, movably mounted to the frame on an end supported elongate drum. At least a portion of the at least one cleaning element extends outwardly and upwardly through the at least one cleaning element slot so that the at least one cleaning element is adapted to be driven so as to rotate in a certain plane through the at least one cleaning element slot, to provide newly exposed unwanted materials transferring surfaces.

Abstract: Provided is a wire driving device including: wires one ends of which are attached to a movable member; pulleys to which the other ends of the individual wires are secured; driven gears that are coaxially secured to the individual pulleys; a drive gear that is connected to a driving source; and movable gears that are disposed between the drive gear and the individual driven gears and that can transmit the motive power of the driving source to the driven gears from the drive gear. The movable gears are provided in a movable manner so that the movable gears engage with the drive gear and the driven gears when the drive gear is rotated in a direction, and so that the engagements of the movable gears with at least one of the drive gear and the driven gears are released when the drive gear is rotated in the other direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for altering the field of view of an endoscope image, comprising: at least one endoscope having a wide-angle lens in said endoscope's distal end; at least one camera located in said endoscope's proximal end, adapted to image a field of view of said endoscope image by means of said wide-angle lens; and a computer program which, when executed by data processing apparatus, is configured to select at least a portion of said field of view; wherein said portion of said field of view is selectable without physically maneuvering said endoscope or said wide-angle lens such that a virtual maneuvering of said field of view is provided.

Abstract: A laryngoscope with integrated and controllable suction includes a handle and a blade. A suction port is at the proximal end of the handle and is configured for connection to an air source. The suction port defines an opening into one or more air flow paths defined through the laryngoscope, which each terminate at one or more intake ports. In some embodiments, a valve is interposed into each air flow path to regulate air flow along each air flow path. Such a valve is operably connected to a switch mounted on an exterior surface of the laryngoscope, such that manipulation of the switch causes the valve to open or close, thus allowing the physician or other medical professional to control the air flow and selectively apply constant or intermittent suction.

Abstract: A swing prism for an endoscope with a variable viewing direction, the swing prism including: a flat light inlet surface, a flat light outlet surface, and a flat mirror surface, wherein the flat light inlet surface and the flat light outlet surface are arranged at a 90° angle relative to each other and are each arranged at a 45° angle relative to the flat mirror surface, the swing prism is configured as a cylinder-section-shaped body with a base surface configured as a circle segment, and a cylindrical axis of the cylinder-section-shaped body is perpendicular to the flat light outlet surface, and in a projection onto the flat light outlet surface, the flat light inlet surface constitutes a chord which delimits the circle segment.

Abstract: A set of prisms with a variable viewing direction including: three prisms; the first and third prisms each have a light entrance, mirror surface and light exit surfaces, the second prism has a beam path surface having light entrance and exit regions and at least two mirror surfaces, the first prism is pivoted relative to the second prism about an axis of rotation that runs through the mirror surface of the first prism and one of the at least two mirror surfaces of the second prism, and the third prism is immovably arranged with respect to the second prism, and the second prism is sectionally wider than the first and/or third prisms transversally to a beam path such that at least one lateral wider section of the single beam path surface of the second prism extends on at least one side beyond the light entrance surface of the third prism.

Abstract: An insertion apparatus includes a distal end member formed at a distal end portion of an insertion section inserted into a subject, a cylindrical member disposed in the distal end member, and an annular coupling ring into which the distal end member is inserted, a projecting section of the cylindrical member being pinched between the coupling ring and the distal end member.

Abstract: A manipulator includes an insert part capable of being inserted into the body cavity, a turning part configured to turn the insert part, an operating unit configured to operate the insert part and the turning part, a driving unit configured to drive the insert part and the turning part, and a control unit configured to control the driving unit in association with operation of the operating unit.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes: an insertion portion; a front view observation window configured to acquire a first object image; a first image pickup device configured to generate a first image pickup signal; a side view observation window configured to acquire a second object image; a second image pickup device configured to generate a second image pickup signal; an inclination angle detection portion configured to detect a rotation around an axis and generate inclination information; and a video processor configured to generate an image signal representing a state that an image represented by the second image pickup signal is made to revolve following the rotation and arranged with respect to an image represented by the first image pickup signal, based on the inclination information, the first image pickup signal and the second image pickup signal, and output the image signal to a display portion configured to display the image.

Abstract: Exemplary apparatus can be provided which includes a capsule catheter first arrangement, a tether second arrangement which connected to the first arrangement; and a weighted structure connected to or provided in the first arrangement. For example, the weighted structure can have a particular weight that causes the first arrangement to interact with gravity. In this exemplary manner, that the first arrangement can be controllably translated and positioned within a luminal anatomical structure and/or provide information about anatomic features of imaged organ.

Abstract: A capsule endoscope includes a flexible substrate which is integrally formed by disposing an illumination substrate section, a first wiring substrate section, an imaging element substrate, a second wiring substrate section, and a signal-processing substrate section in a row in sequence and an illumination control circuit which includes an illumination control signal output unit and an illumination driving unit, wherein the light-emitting elements are LEDs, wherein the illumination driving unit is disposed on the imaging element substrate section or the illumination substrate section, and wherein the illumination driving unit includes a transistor array which is formed by a plurality of transistors, the plurality of transistors corresponding to each of the light-emitting elements provided in the illumination unit and generating illumination currents in accordance with the illumination control signal.

Abstract: This endoscope has an observation optical system provided in a distal end of an inserted portion of the endoscope, for observation of an object, and plural illumination optical systems provided in the inserted portion, for illuminating a certain angle of view, wherein one illumination optical system having the widest light distribution is distant from the observation optical system relative to another illumination optical systems having the narrowest light distribution, and the following conditional expression is satisfied, 0.6?|?S·fW/?W·fS|?1.0??(1) wherein fW is a focal length of the widest light distribution optical system, fS is a focal length of the narrowest light distribution optical system, ?W is an outer diameter of the lens nearest to the object within the widest light distribution optical system, and ?S is an outer diameter of the lens nearest to the object within the narrowest light distribution optical system.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes: an illumination unit that emits illumination light; a light receiving unit having pixels arranged on horizontal lines to receive light from an object irradiated with the illumination light, and to perform photoelectric conversion on the received light to generate pixel signals; an imaging controller that controls the pixels to sequentially start exposure for each horizontal line, and to sequentially read the pixel signals from the pixels belonging to the horizontal lines after a lapse of an exposure period from start of exposure; an illumination controller that switches between illumination states in a reading period for sequentially reading the pixel signals for each horizontal line, and controls an amount of the illumination light such that an integrated value of the amount of the illumination light during one frame period immediately after switching of the illumination states is the same as that during next one frame period.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an endoscope. The endoscope includes a light source; an optical fiber having a light entrance portion and a light exit portion such that light containing image information on a site irradiated with light from the light source enters through the light entrance portion and light passing through the optical fiber exits through the light exit portion; and an image acquisition device acquiring the image information, wherein the image acquisition device includes: an image sensor acquiring information of light passing through the optical fiber; a transmission matrix storage unit previously storing a transmission matrix indicating a transmission state of various light components entering the light entrance portion; and an image recovery unit recovering the image information from the information of light acquired by the image sensor through compressed sensing using a sparse representation based on the transmission matrix.

Abstract: The present specification describes a system and method for computing the temperature of the tip of a multiple viewing elements endoscope based on a measurement of junction temperatures of light emitting diode (LED) illuminators inside the tip. The measurement of temperature is used for taking corrective action if the temperature exceeds a limit. The temperature measurement is used for optimizing image parameters, as the performance of image sensors is affected by changes in ambient temperature.

Abstract: A dental mirror includes a handle, a mirror arranged at one end of the handle, and a pipe connected to the handle and extended beyond the mirror. The pipe is partially formed with a plurality of liquid-sucking holes. When dentist uses the dental mirror, it can suck up liquid or debris in oral cavity of the patient.

Abstract: A method for accessing the interior of a joint, wherein the joint comprises tissue which defines a boundary of the joint, the tissue comprising an interior surface facing toward the interior of the joint and an exterior surface facing away from the interior of the joint, the method comprising: providing a light-emitting needle assembly comprising a hollow needle having a light source at the distal end thereof; and observing the interior surface of the tissue from the interior of the joint as the needle approaches the exterior surface of the tissue.

Abstract: A vaginal speculum includes a spreading element and at least two electromyographic sensors. At least one of the electromyographic sensors is mounted in or on the spreading element. The electromyographic sensors generate signals indicative of electromyographic activity in a vagina, cervix, or uterus.

Abstract: An eyeblink measurement method includes a step of detecting reflected light from a part including a target person's eyelid and eye and outputting an image signal of the reflected light, using a photodetector, a step of calculating a position of a corneal reflected light produced on the eye in the part and a position of the eyelid in the part based on the image signal, a step of correcting the position of the eyelid based on the position of the corneal reflected light, and a step of calculating a feature amount regarding blinking based on a temporal change in the corrected position of the eyelid.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and systems for automatically detecting an optic disc in a retinal fundus autofluorescence image. A monochromatic image of a retina is obtained by stimulated autofluorescence. The image is processed using filters and machine learning to identify blood vessel segments and to identify pixels as possible optic disc pixels. The possible optic disc pixels are grouped into clusters, and a best fit circle (or portion thereof lying within the image) is fitted to each cluster. The circle may be enlarged to improve image contrast at the circumference of the circle. Blood vessel segments that intersect the circle are identified, and metrics are derived from such intersecting blood vessel segments. These metrics are assessed by machine learning processes to determine the probability that each cluster contains the optic disc, and the contours of the optic disc are further determined by analysis of the possible optic disc pixels.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are presented for obtaining high-resolution 3-D images of a sample over a range of wavelengths, optionally with polarisation-sensitive detection. In preferred embodiments a spectral domain OCT apparatus is used to sample the complex field of light reflected or scattered from a sample, providing full range imaging. In certain embodiments structured illumination is utilised to provide enhanced lateral resolution. In certain embodiments the resolution or depth of field of images is enhanced by digital refocusing or digital correction of aberrations in the sample. Individual sample volumes are imaged using single shot techniques, and larger volumes can be imaged by stitching together images of adjacent volumes.

Abstract: A method for determining optical properties of a corneal region. The method includes the steps of obtaining a combined tear film aqueous layer plus lipid layer thickness; obtaining a tear film lipid layer thickness; subtracting the tear film lipid layer thickness from the combined tear film aqueous layer plus lipid layer thickness to obtain a tear film aqueous layer thickness; and determining a corneal layer refractive index based on the tear film lipid layer thickness and the tear film aqueous layer thickness.

Abstract: An ophthalmologic apparatus which is capable of preferably executing position matching between an eye and optical system is provided. An ophthalmologic apparatus of an embodiment includes an examination optical system, supporting part, driver, two or more imaging parts, analyzer and controller. The examination optical system is used for an examination of the eye. The supporting part supports a face of a subject. The driver moves the examination optical system and the supporting part relatively and three-dimensionally. The two or more imaging parts substantially simultaneously photograph an anterior eye part of the eye from different directions. The analyzer obtains a three-dimensional position of the eye by analyzing two or more photograph images acquired by the two or more imaging parts substantially simultaneously. The controller controls the driver based on the three-dimensional position to relatively move the examination optical system and the supporting part.

Abstract: In a perimetry to be conducted, designating an inspection region through a region designator, a perimeter is configured to set a required time of the perimetry (upper limit time) through an upper limit condition setter and to determine total number or positions of stimulus presentation spots based upon the upper limit time. In such a configuration, an examinee knows the time to finish the inspection, and is able to highly keep his (her) concentration in comparison with a case where the required time is not known, thereby improving precision of the inspection.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an optometric apparatus includes a movement mechanism system and left and right optometry units. The movement mechanism system is suspended from an arm. The left and right optometry units are configured to be moved by the movement mechanism system. The left and right optometry units each include an optical element applying part, a target presenting part, and an objective measurement part. The optical element applying part is configured to selectively apply a plurality of optical elements to a subject's eye. The target presenting part is configured to selectively present a plurality of visual targets to the subject's eye. The objective measurement part is configured for performing objective refraction measurement of the subject's eye.

Abstract: A method for selecting an intraocular lens (IOL) to be implanted into an eye, in which the selection is based on a non-paraxial approach. In a ray tracing method for selecting an intraocular lens to be implanted into an eye with a simplified, centered optical system, in addition to the preoperatively measured biometric values, the effective lens position of the corresponding eye and the optical transfer function of the IOLs are used, which are calculated for a standardized distance behind the equatorial plane of the IOL. The method may be used to select an intraocular lens to be implanted into an eye and is equally suitable for spherical, aspherical, toric and multifocal IOLs.

Abstract: An information system and a method for providing information in correlation with light that is incident on an eye includes a holographic element disposed in front of the eye and a device capable of recording optical signals which detects light that is incident on the eye via the holographic element. The device capable of recording optical signals detects light which is diffracted by the holographic element before the light impinges on the eye such that the diffracted light does not enter the eye.

Abstract: A method of determining retinal degeneration of photoreceptors and/or the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) of a subject includes measuring two-photon induced fluorescence inner and/or outer segments of the photoreceptor cells and/or retinal pigment epithelium to assess photoreceptor cell death and retinal pigment epithelium cell death or degeneration.

Abstract: A system for multi-scale closed-loop eye tracking to compensate for translation and rotation motion while imaging in vivo a surface area of an internal structure of an eye of a subject includes a narrow field imaging device optically coupled to an optical path to receive light reflected from the surface area of the structure of the eye. A wide field camera is optically coupled to the optical path by a beam splitter disposed in the optical path. A tracking mirror is disposed in the optical path between the beam splitter and the structure of the eye. A control process algorithm actively compensates substantially in real time for both translational and rotational movements of the eye. A system where a torsional correction device causes a rotating movement of a subject's head and a method for multi-scale closed-loop eye tracking are also described.

Abstract: Aspects relate to a portable device that may be used to identify a critical intensity and an anaerobic work capacity of an individual. The device may utilize muscle oxygen sensor data, speed data, or power data. The device may utilize data from multiple exercise sessions, or may utilize data from a single exercise session. The device may additionally estimate a critical intensity from a previous race time input from a user.

Abstract: A computing device receives analyte data produced by an analyte monitoring sensor over a communications link from at least one first device. Health data, comprising at least part of the analyte data, may be communicated over a communications link to at least one second device in response to a request. The first device may be positioned over the analyte monitoring sensor using signal strength and location information. External analyte data may be employed to calibrate the analyte monitoring sensor.

Abstract: A physiological monitoring system for monitoring a user's physiological status and/or first image includes a near-end portable monitoring module, an image sensing module and a near-end information display module. The near-end portable monitoring module senses the user's physiological status by a sensing unit to generate first sensed data, and the first communication unit transmits the first sensed data. The image sensing module receives the first sensed data through the second communication unit, and the image capturing unit selectively captures the user's first image. The near-end information display module receives the sensed data by the third communication unit, and the first display unit displays a frame corresponsive to the first sensed data. The physiological monitoring system may be applied in the fields of security surveillance, pet monitoring, home care or medical institutes.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring biological status through contactless sensing that includes a sensing device with at least one video imaging device; a sensor data processing unit, wherein the sensor processing unit when in a respiratory sensing mode is configured to extract a set of primary components of motion from image data from the video imaging device; a biological signal processor that when in a respiratory sensing mode is configured to identify at least one dominant component of motion and generate a respiratory signal; and a monitor system.

Abstract: In medical imaging, a fiducial marker facilitates tissue image correlation that allows for image analysis, normalization and correction of the optical exposure and spectral and spatial distribution in order to compensate for the surface reflections, sub surface tissue interactions and spatial orientation of the excitation and imaging axes to the subject tissue. Using a cross comparison, clinicians can model tissue image data in different forms in order to reference and compare data from various spectral components and or from different images. This may enhance human interpretation between images including the variations between images even when the spectral, spatial and optical conditions or the image resolution or sensitivity are compromised. Such may be used to assess cosmetic, moisturizing, therapeutic materials and treatments.