Abstract: A system and method are provided for warming a nutritional substance (i.e. mother's milk or formulated liquids) for ingestion by a neonate. Structurally, the system includes a warmer for holding a container of the nutritional substance as it is simultaneously vibrated and warmed in preparation for the neonate, and it includes a controller which determines how the system will be operated. For an operation of the present invention, a user provides input to the system controller to establish a mode of operation (e.g. warming; warming-frozen; or thawing). The user will also input a predetermined protocol to the controller. During the operation, a heat sensor monitors temperatures of the nutritional substance which are provided as feedback input to the controller for operating the warmer in accordance with the protocol.

Abstract: Instant self-heating containers include a combinable reactant and activator used to generate an exothermic reaction for heating contents of the container. One instant self-heating container includes a target container, a pierceable activator container and a reaction chamber. Piercing the activator container causes activator to combine with the reactant and cause an exothermic reaction that heats the target container. The container may be used as depilatory wax dispenser. Another instant self-heating container includes an outer housing containing a contents pouch and a reactant, and capped by a lid having an activator chamber. Rupturing the activator chamber allows activator to combine with the reactant in an exothermic reaction to heat the contents pouch. Another instant self-heating container includes a flexible outer tube containing contents to be heated, a flexible reaction vessel, and a frangible activator vessel.

Abstract: Components are disclosed as part of a set which may be used to form containers. Components of the set may be interchangeably substituted for one another so that various different possible containers may be made from a set. A set may include an outer vessel having a first cavity, an inner vessel receivable in the first cavity and having a second cavity, a lid assembly removably attachable to the outer vessel, an accessory, a releasable attachment mechanism to removably attach the accessory to the lid assembly so the accessory is received in the first cavity when the lid assembly is attached to the outer vessel, and at least one variant component interchangeable with one of the inner vessel, the lid assembly and the accessory.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a condiment mill capable of separately accommodating and grinding two condiments depending on the axial position of the means for driving the grinding mechanisms of the two condiments and independent of the direction of the rotation of the cover part. The condiment mill of the present invention also comprises an indicator mechanism to clearly indicate which one of the condiments is being ground.

Abstract: A sanitary facility including a washstand of ceramic or porcelain and a piece of support furniture, which carries the washstand and has two side walls and a front wall, on the upper end surfaces of which the edges of the washstand rests. The front and side end surfaces of the washstand are processed in such a way that they are flush with the outside surfaces of the side walls and of the front wall. Veneer, covering the outside surfaces, is applied to the end surfaces of the washstand by an adhesive bond and extends up to the right-angled upper corner of the washstand.

Abstract: A fibrous structure having a basis weight ranging from between about 15 g/m2 and about 120 g/m2 and at least one embossed ply having a surface thereof is disclosed. The surface has a surface area comprising from about 10.0 percent to about 20.0 percent line embossments. Also, a fibrous structure having at least two plies is disclosed. One of the two plies has a basis weight ranging from between about 15 g/m2 and about 120 g/m2 and at least one embossed ply having a surface thereof. The surface has a surface area comprising from about 10.0 percent to about 20.0 percent line embossments.

Abstract: A fibrous structure having a density (measured at 95 g/in2) of less than about 0.60 g/cm3 and at least one embossed ply having a surface thereof is disclosed. The surface has a surface area comprising from about 10.0 percent to about 20.0 percent line embossments. Also, a fibrous structure having at least two plies is disclosed. One of the two plies has a density (measured at 95 g/in2) of less than about 0.60 g/cm3 and at least one embossed ply having a surface thereof. The surface has a surface area comprising from about 10.0 percent to about 20.0 percent line embossments.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus may include a surface cleaning head having a dirty air inlet and a support structure moveably mounted to the surface cleaning head. A cleaning unit having an air flow path extending from a cleaning unit air inlet to a clean air outlet, a suction motor and a cyclone chamber provided in the airflow path, and a dirt collection chamber may be configured so that the cleaning unit air inlet is detachably connectable to the support structure to fluidly connect the dirty air inlet. The apparatus can be configured in a use configuration, in which the cleaning unit air inlet is connected to the support structure, and a storage configuration in which the cleaning unit air inlet is disconnected from the dirty air inlet and the cleaning unit is mounted on at least one of the support structure and the surface cleaning head.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner blows hot air to dry objects to be cleaned and prevent adhesion of the objects. The vacuum cleaner includes a first bottom air inlet, a rear air outlet, a housing having an air passage for guiding first air from the first bottom air inlet to the rear air outlet, and an electric blower fan in the air passage to suck up the first air. The housing includes a headwind inlet that inhales second air from outside and guides its flow as a headwind against the flow of the first air preventing adhesion of objects to be cleaned. A bottom air outlet discharges hot air heated when passing by the electric blower fan. A flow direction changer changes the direction of the hot air to the rear and/or bottom air outlets. A user selectively controls the flow direction of the hot air toward the objects to be cleaned, thereby drying them. A headwind blows against the flow of air inhaled into the housing and prevents adhesion of the objects to be cleaned, thereby improving usability.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner hose nozzle attachment formed from two separately molded body sections. The first body section includes spaced and parallel faces, generally triangular, front and rear walls interconnected by a top wall that curves over the apexes of the first and second walls and that connects ends of the front and rear walls. An attachment opening through the rear wall has an inlet to the second body section secured and sealed thereto. The inlet to the second body section comprises a peripheral edge forming a wide-mouthed opening fitted into and sealed to the attachment opening. A funnel wall extends rearward from the top center of the peripheral edge and normal to the rear wall and has a top center straight ridge continuing from the peripheral edge to a top center ridge of a tubular discharge end.

Abstract: A self-righting cleaning appliance of the cylinder type comprises a separating apparatus for separating dirt from a dirt-bearing fluid flow, and a floor-engaging rolling assembly having a recess in which the separating apparatus is received. At least a portion of the separating apparatus is visible as a portion of the outer surface of the cleaning appliance when the separating apparatus is received in the recess, and the cleaning appliance is arranged so that it is urged to return to an upright position if it is tipped onto its side.

Abstract: A rug cleaning head for a traditional rug cleaning application machine is improved. The spray apparatus remains prior art. The vacuum components on the underside of the cleaning head are improved with a focusing diverter arm or a pair of arms forming a “V”. The arm or arms direct the wash water into a reduced size (about a one inch slot) vacuum inlet. The result is much more wash water is collected from the rug due to the combination of a higher speed (reduced size) vacuum inlet stream and the focusing diverter's urging all the wash water into the smaller vacuum inlet. An alternate embodiment uses separate spray/vacuum inlet assemblies on a star shaped hub.

Abstract: A positioning system comprises a sweeper and a positioning device arranged on a ceiling. The sweeper has a lighting component for emitting light. The positioning device at least has a height measuring unit and a plurality of light-sensitive units. The positioning device measures a vertical distance between the positioning device and a floor through the height measuring unit. The positioning device receives the light emitted from the emitting light of the sweeper through the light-sensitive units, and calculates an oblique distance between the positioning device and the sweeper based on different strengths of the light respectively received from each of the plurality of light-sensitive units. Therefore, the positioning device can calculates a parallel distance between the positioning device and the sweeper based on the vertical distance and the oblique distance, and further determines a related position of the sweeper opposite to the positioning device.

Abstract: A washing-drying machine including a scraping device including a reversible fastening system of scraping blades. The reversible fastening system makes it possible to apply the scraping blades to the scraping device in a simple and safe way and as simply to remove them to clean them or replace them when worn out through a flexible fastening mechanism including holes for engaging with support elements provided on the scraping device, and including at least an elastic end portion with a slot for engaging with the undercut of a corresponding locking element, formed in the proximity of end portions of the support.

Abstract: A steam generator for use within a portable steam generating system. The steam generator is composed of a heater coil looped around an inner casing in a helical pattern with a continuous gap left between successive loops. An outer casing encloses the inner casing and heater coil, creating a channel for fluid flow in the gap between successive loops of the heater coil and the inner and outer casings. An opening allows fluid to be pumped in one end of the channel and heated as it travels along the channel. The fluid is superheated by the heater coil loops and is converted into steam and expands upon depressurization after exiting the steam nozzle. This steam generator can be disposed within a handheld housing within a steam generating system.

Abstract: An aquiferous domestic appliance has a treatment compartment and articles to be washed disposed therein are illuminated by means of a light source in such a manner that the user is not blinded by the light source and is able to judge the cleaning result even under bad lighting conditions inside the room.

Abstract: A water spraying apparatus of a dishwasher and the dishwasher comprising the water spraying apparatus are provided. The water spraying apparatus comprises a water source connecting pipe having a water outlet tube, a spraying arm having a water inlet tube, and a connecting device connecting the water source connecting pipe with the spraying arm, in which the connecting device comprises first and second semicircular fitting rings which are adapted to snap-fit with each other to form a connecting ring, the connecting ring is rotatably fitted over the water outlet tube of the water source connecting pipe and positioned in an axial direction of the connecting ring between the water inlet tube of the spraying arm and the water outlet tube of the water source connecting pipe.

Abstract: A method of operating a dishwasher having a wash tub and a reuse tank for storing liquid for subsequent reuse, wherein the condition of the water in the reuse tank may be monitored and/or acted upon to limit the likelihood of undesired effects associated with the growth of micro-organisms in the liquid.

Abstract: A cutlery tray for a dishwasher includes a frame extendably disposed in a washing tub and a plurality of inserts movably disposed on the frame and adapted to hold dishware. The plurality or inserts include a first horizontally displaceable insert and at least one vertically displaceable insert.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new and improved dishwasher utensil basket which eliminates the need to empty the utensil basket or tray in a dishwasher, simply transforming that basket or tray into a drawer organizer and placing it into a drawer. This removable utensil basket saves time and effort and is more sanitary as it eliminates the need to touch each and every utensil. It is also inexpensive and simple to manufacture and easy to use.

Abstract: A household appliance (11) designed to assist parents in the whole process of cleaning, improving the hygiene, storing, and organizing not only feeding bottles, but more extensively a much more diverse range of washable products constantly used for babies and toddlers. The present invention presents one or more compartments (1, 3 and 10) and accessories that will support in a much better way all steps that this type of housework involves. Its configuration, components, characteristics and method of use will provide higher support providing the basis for a much safer, faster, and more efficient way to take care of the cleaning, and organization of many different baby and young children items simultaneously.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes an endoscope including an image pickup section that picks up an image of a subject lumen organ, a recording section that records three-dimensional image information of a lumen organ acquired from a medical diagnosis apparatus, a position estimating section that estimates a distal end position of the endoscope, a lumen-diameter acquiring section that acquires a lumen diameter of the organ in the estimated position of the distal end, a condition determining section that determines whether the acquired lumen diameter is smaller than the reference lumen diameter, an image-change-amount detecting section that detects a change amount of a predetermined parameter in an endoscopic image picked up by the image pickup section, a virtual-endoscopic-image generating section that generates a virtual endoscopic image from any visual point position, and an information recording section that records a position of a distal end of an insertion section and the virtual endoscopic image.

Abstract: Included are a cylindrical holding portion, a groove engageable with a balloon band removed from a balloon engagement groove provided in an outer periphery of an ultrasound transducer unit, a cut portion provided in the holding portion, the cut portion allowing the holding portion to radially expand in a radial direction, and an abutment portion provided on a second opening side relative to the groove on an inner peripheral face of the holding portion.

Abstract: Methods and devices to quickly and accurately locate the sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) while performing a sphenopalatine ganglion block procedure that introduces a medication to the SPG. The methods and devices also prevent the medication applied to the SPG from flowing down a patient's throat during the procedure.

Abstract: A medical robotic system includes an entry guide with surgical tools and a camera extending out of its distal end. To supplement the view provided by an image captured by the camera, an auxiliary view including articulatable arms of the surgical tools and/or camera is generated from sensed or otherwise determined information about their positions and orientations and displayed on a display screen from the perspective of a specified viewing point. Intuitive control is provided to an operator with respect to the auxiliary view while the operator controls the positioning and orienting of the camera.

Abstract: Exemplary apparatus for obtaining information for a structure can be provided. For example, the exemplary apparatus can include at least one first optical fiber arrangement which is configured to transceive at least one first electro-magnetic radiation, and can include at least one fiber. The exemplary apparatus can also include at least one second focusing arrangement in optical communication with the optical fiber arrangement. The second arrangement can be configured to focus and provide there through the first electro-magnetic radiation to generate the focused electro-magnetic radiation. Further, the exemplary apparatus can include at least at least one dispersive third arrangement which can receive a particular radiation (e.g., the first electro-magnetic radiation(s) and/or the focused electro-magnetic radiation), and forward a dispersed radiation thereof to at least one section of the structure.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus for an endoscope includes: an image pickup device unit including an image pickup device; a lens unit including a moving lens; an actuator apparatus for an endoscope, the actuator apparatus including a first elastic member having an urging force that makes a moving lens frame be arranged at a first observation position, a second elastic member making the moving lens frame be arranged at a second observation position, and a shape memory alloy wire having a property of extending/contracting due to an applied current; a driving force transmitting wire arranged on a distal end side of the shape memory alloy wire; a pressing member, upon receipt of an elastic force from the second elastic member, pressing the moving lens frame to the second observation position; and a fixing portion that fixes the driving force transmitting wire and the shape memory alloy.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes an imaging section that includes a phase difference detection element for implementing phase detection autofocus, and acquires a captured image, a phase difference calculation section that calculates a phase difference based on a signal output from the phase difference detection element, a lens position selection section that selects a lens position that is either a near point-side lens position or a far point-side lens position based on the phase difference, the near point-side lens position and the far point-side lens position being discrete lens positions set in advance, and a driver section that changes a lens position of the imaging section to the lens position selected by the lens position selection section.

Abstract: Waypoints for a steerable medical device are stored as the steerable medical device is moved within a patient. The stored waypoints are an ordered sequence of locations. The ordered sequence of locations defines a safe path within the patient for moving an articulatable portion of the steerable medical device. The articulatable portion of the steerable medical device is constrained to follow the safe path as the articulatable portion moves within the patient. For example, the articulatable portion of the steerable medical device is constrained to remain within a boundary region enclosing the safe path as the articulatable portion of the steerable medical device follows the safe path.

Abstract: A capsule endoscope system includes: a capsule endoscope configured to be introduced into a subject; a guiding unit that generates a magnetic field to guide the capsule endoscope; a guidance magnetic field control unit that switches between ON and OFF of the magnetic field; a body posture discriminating unit that discriminates a body posture of the subject; a model extracting unit that extracts a body posture model according to the body posture of the subject, from among prepared body posture models, and extracts an organ model according to the body posture of the subject, from among prepared organ models; and a display control unit configured to: superimpose the organ model according to the body posture of the subject, on the extracted body posture model when the magnetic field is ON; and display the extracted body posture model and to hide the organ model when the magnetic field is OFF.

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 an insertable lighting device that includes an optical fiber assembly 40 that resides slidably within the elongated interior cavity 58 of an introducer sheath 10 that includes an incision blade 12 on the first (or forward) end 49 thereof, which can be inserted through a cavity wall 32 and into an internal cavity 97. The introducer sheath 10 is also slidably positionable over and along the optical fiber assembly 40. The insertable lighting device also includes a light source assembly 22 which includes a light source 20 that introduces light into the optical fiber 18 of the optical fiber assembly 40. The first optical fiber assembly end 43 is adapted to emit light therefrom. The present invention also relates to a method of illuminating an internal cavity with the insertable lighting device.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus for controls, in one image capture region, image capture of a plurality of high-magnification images having a viewing angle smaller than the viewing angle of the image capture region. A presentation unit presents for selection a plurality of basic patterns each representing a distribution of positions at which to respectively capture high-magnification images. An adjustment unit adjusts, in accordance with an instruction of the operator, an image capture condition of the plurality of high-magnification images associated with the basic pattern selected from the plurality of basic patterns. A control unit causes an image capture apparatus to capture the plurality of high-magnification images in the image capture region in accordance with the adjusted image capture condition.

Abstract: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) scan data of a subject is acquired over a region of interest which can include an optic disc or a macula of a retina. Layer boundaries of retinal layers are identified in the OCT scan data to facilitate measurements. In one aspect, a measurement related to ratio value between a total backscattered signal intensity of one or more target layers of the retina and a total backscattered signal intensity of one or more reference layers is computed on a location-by-location basis within a region of interest of the OCT scan data. Measurements can be collected, aggregated, analyzed, and displayed in connection with other information taken or derived from the OCT scan data.

Abstract: A system for obtaining low-angle circumferential optical access to an eye of a subject. The system includes a light source to generate a beam of light; a beam steering mechanism to steer the beam of light a focusing lens to focus the beam of light; and a contact lens to direct the beam of light into the eye of the subject, the contact lens including a tapered reflective surface to direct the beam of light into the eye of the subject.

Abstract: An ophthalmic apparatus determines, based on information indicating a tilt of an object in a tomographic image, a direction in which luminance information of the tomographic image is to be combined. Then, the ophthalmic apparatus combines the luminance information of the tomographic image along the determined direction, thereby generating a plane image of the object.

Abstract: A system for testing the vision of a subject incorporating eye movement tracking is disclosed herein. The system includes a head motion sensing device configured to measure a velocity or speed of a head of a subject, an eye movement tracking device configured to measure an eye movement of the subject, a visual display device configured to display one or more visual objects so that the one or more visual objects are visible to the subject; and a data processing device operatively coupled to the head motion sensing device, the eye movement tracking device, and the visual display device, the data processing device being specially programmed to carry out the steps of the vision tests. A method for the testing the vision of a subject incorporating eye movement tracking is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A method for non-invasive observations of a fundus using an ophthalmoscope is provided. The method includes illuminating a retinal region of an eye by projecting an illumination pattern of illumination light onto the retinal region, at least one of detecting a portion of fluorescent light emitted from the retinal region and detecting a portion of illumination light reflected from the retinal region, thereby capturing a series of images of the retinal region at a plurality of different relative positions of the retinal region with respect to the illumination pattern projected onto the retinal region, wherein between the capturing of at least two images of the series the relative position of the retinal region with respect to the illumination pattern projected onto the retinal region is shifted in a non-controlled manner, and processing the captured images to extract a sub-resolution image of the retinal region.

Abstract: An ophthalmic instrument for viewing an eye under examination, wherein the instrument includes image capture means (26) for capturing an image of said eye and data processing means (40, 42, 46) for converting said image into a computer readable file, wherein the instrument carries a memory (44, 200), which may be detachable, for storing said file for subsequent transfer to a computer.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes an acquisition unit that, when a medical measurement device is connected to a portable communication terminal, acquires specifying information for specifying the medical measurement device via the portable communication terminal, a first receiver that receives, via the portable communication terminal, measurement result information of a measurement target person measured by the medical measurement device by executing a driver program corresponding to the specifying information, a second receiver that receives, from the portable communication terminal, measurement target person information for specifying the measurement target person measured by the medical measurement device, an accumulator that accumulates the measurement target person information and the measurement result information in association with each other, and a transmitter that transmits accumulated information to one of the portable communication terminal and a medical care worker communication termin

Abstract: A system for providing continuous monitoring of a patient includes: a first monitor device configured to measure one or more physiological attributes associated with the patient, the first monitor device being a contactless device; and a second monitor device configured to measure one or more physiological attributes associated with the patient, the second monitor device including one or more sensors contacting the patient; wherein, upon an alarm condition by the first monitor device, the second monitor device is configured to measure a physiological attribute and suppress the alarm condition when the second monitor device detects a non-alarm condition.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes: an image acquiring unit configured to acquire image information representing an image acquired by irradiating a gland duct with excitation light and observing fluorescence generated in the gland duct; a fluorescence intensity computation unit configured to compute a value corresponding to intensity of the fluorescence as fluorescence intensity based on the image information; and an image determination unit configured to determine whether or not an endocrine cell exists in the gland duct based on the fluorescence intensity computed by the fluorescence intensity computation unit, and to determine abnormality of the gland duct based on a determination result of the endocrine cell.

Abstract: An OCT probe for imaging patient tissue may include an actuation system arranged to displace an optical fiber within a cannula. The actuation system may include a driver actuatable to displace a portion of the optical fiber, with the driver acting in an angled direction relative to the axis of the cannula. The actuation system also may include a pivot feature operably engaged with the optical fiber in a manner permitting the optical fiber to pivot on the pivot feature when the driver actuates to displace the portion of the optical fiber.

Abstract: A dental apparatus (4) is provided. The dental apparatus includes a handle (6). A controller (20) operably couples to the housing and includes a calibration module (44) configured to calibrate the dental apparatus. The dental apparatus emits a modulated excitation signal and the calibration module compares a detected modulated fluorescence signal with first and second reference values such that if a difference between the detected modulated fluorescence signal and the second reference signal is greater than a difference between the first reference value and the second reference value then the first reference value is updated.

Abstract: An object information acquiring apparatus includes a light irradiating unit that radiates light to an object to generate a photoacoustic wave, a transducer that receives the photoacoustic wave, outputs a photoacoustic signal, transmits and receives an ultrasound wave beam to and from the object, and outputs an ultrasound echo signal, a determining unit that determines whether there is an object on an optical path from the light irradiating unit, and an image processor that generates internal image data of the object using the photoacoustic signal.

Abstract: An anatomical mapping system includes a plurality of mapping electrodes, a plurality of mechanical sensors, and a mapping processor associated with the plurality of mapping electrodes and mechanical sensors. The mapping electrodes are configured to detect electrical activation signals of intrinsic physiological activity within an anatomical structure. The mechanical sensors are configured to detect mechanical activity associated with the intrinsic physiological activity. The mapping processor is configured to record the detected activation signals and associate one of the plurality of mapping electrodes and mechanical sensors with each recorded activation signal. The mapping processor is further configured to determine activation times of the intrinsic physiological activity based on a correlation of corresponding electrical activation signals and mechanical activity.

Abstract: A physiological monitoring system may use photonic signals to determine physiological parameters. The system may vary parameters of a light drive signal used to generate the photonic signal from a light source such that power consumption is reduced or optimized. Parameters may include light intensity, firing rate, duty cycle, other suitable parameters, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the system may use information from a first light source to generate a light drive signal for a second light source. In some embodiments, the system may vary parameters in a way substantially synchronous with physiological pulses, for example, cardiac pulses. In some embodiments, the system may vary parameters in response to an external trigger.

Abstract: There is provided a physiological measurement device including a light source, an image sensor and a processor. The light source illuminates a skin surface with a first brightness value and a second brightness value. The image sensor receives scattered light from tissues below the skin surface, and outputs a first image frame corresponding to the first brightness value and a second image frame corresponding to the second brightness value. The processor calculates an intensity comparison index between the first image frame and the second image frame, calculates perfusion data according to the first image frame and/or the second image frame, and identifies a contact status according to the intensity comparison index.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrode designed for implantation into the central nervous system (CNS) of a mammal, wherein said electrode is substantially coated with interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) or a coating composition comprising it, and the IL-1ra actively inhibits scarring on or around the surface of the electrode when implanted into the CNS. The electrode of the invention may be used for brain recording and/or stimulation, and can thus be used for treatment of a brain dysfunction, a brain disease or disorder, or a brain injury, as well as for brain computer interface, brain machine interface, or electrotherapy.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system, method and/or apparatus is configured to effect MR imaging where data corresponding to MR signals is transmitted from a radio frequency (RF) receive coil to the MRI data processor via a path that includes a near-field wireless communication (NFC) connection. A receiver for the NFC connection is selected from of the one or more wireless signal receivers that are arranged on a restraining belt when the restraining belt is placed, during operation of an MRI system for imaging an object located on a patient table, over at least a portion of the object and the receive RF coil is located between the restraining belt and the object.