Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a mute operation method and a mute operation apparatus for an automatic cleaning device, the mute operation method includes: receiving a mute instruction; planning a mute cleaning path according to the mute instruction; switching to a mute mode and performing a cleaning operation according to the mute cleaning path.

Abstract: A device having the ability to alternate between dry spill and wet spill clean-up by simply rotating the head of the device to either the bristle side, for dry material clean-up, or the rubber squeegee side for wet material clean-up. Located on the handle is a release button coupled to the rotatable coupling by which the head rotates about the handle. When this button is pulled or otherwise selectively activated (e.g., pushed, pressed, etc.) the head will now rotate freely allowing the user to alternate between dry and wet clean-up. In an embodiment, the head may be locked at a variety of angles for side sweeping applications such as inside a cabinet, on top of a work bench, etc.

Abstract: A mop includes a handle rod, a mop head, and an actuator handle. The handle rod defines a central handle rod axis. The mop head connects with the handle rod and includes a cleaning element mounting structure, a cleaning element, and a standoff. The actuator handle connects with the handle rod and the cleaning element mounting structure. The actuator handle is movable with respect to the handle rod for moving the mop head with respect to the handle rod between a use position and a storage position.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a tub. The dishwasher further includes a spray arm that includes a main arm and an auxiliary arm. The dishwasher further includes a fixed gear part that is connected to the tub, that is configured to rotatably support the main arm, and that includes teeth along an outer circumferential surface of the fixed gear part. The dishwasher further includes a rotating gear part that is connected to the main arm and that is configured to rotate and engage the teeth of the fixed gear part based on rotation of the main arm. The dishwasher further includes a link unit that is connected to the rotating gear part, the main arm, and the auxiliary arm, that is configured to move based on rotation of the rotating gear part, and that is configured to guide reciprocation of the auxiliary arm through the predetermined arc.

Abstract: A method of opening a door of a household appliance having a cabinet with an open face providing access to a treating chamber where an article is received for treatment according to a useful cycle of operation is provided. The method includes: sensing a presence of at least a portion of a person within a predetermined range of the door and out of contact with the door; and automatically opening the door in response to the sensed presence.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a treating chamber for receiving dishes for treatment according to a cycle of operation and a door assembly selectively moveable to close an access opening to the treating chamber, the door assembly having an interior door panel, an exterior door panel, a window assembly and a window assembly support frame provided on the interior door panel to support the window assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various cleaning systems based on the assemblage of a container, a nozzle, an actuator, and one or more releasable cover members configured to receive an item to be cleaned. Also disclosed is a method for cleaning an item based on the steps of obtaining one of the various cleaning systems, detaching a cover member from the assembly, placing the item in the cover member, dispensing cleaning product into the cover member and waiting a sufficient time for the cleaning product to clean the item. Further disclosed is a cleaning product based on a liquid carrier and a foaming product.

Abstract: A lint roller device for cleaning loose debris from a surface is provided. The lint roller device comprises an elongated support pole having a first end and a second end and a rolling spool having a first end and a second end. The rolling spool is rotatably mounted to the second end of the support pole. A plurality of adhesive sheets are sequentially wrapped about the rolling spool with each sheet individually removable from the rolling spool thereby exposing another adhesive sheet. The adhesive sheets enable a user to effortlessly pick up loose debris from the surface while comfortably standing upright.

Abstract: An arrangement of an image recording apparatus 1 with a storage device (9) on a side of an interface (8) with a camera control unit (2) that faces the camera head (3) and for implementing in the camera control unit (2) a configuration unit (10) with which camera-head-specific information is readable from the storage device (9) and transmittable to an image signal pre-processing unit (4) of the camera head (3) for configuration.

Abstract: The endoscope includes an insertion section 27 to be inserted into a cavity to be observed, a distal end member provided at the distal end of the insertion section 27 and having a hole 48, a tubular member inserted in the hole 48, a fixing member 51 engageable with one member selected from between the distal end member and the tubular member and configured to fix the other member by clamping the other member with the one member in the extending direction of the hole.

Abstract: An endoscope includes a bending portion configured to be bent in a plurality of directions, a plurality of joint pieces that configure the bending portion, and cylindrical-shaped wire receivers provided so as to be fixed on an inner circumferential surface or an outer circumferential surface of at least one of the plurality of joint pieces, wherein an insertion direction of a wire is tilted in a circumferential direction with respect to a center axis of the joint pieces, and a direction in which the insertion direction of the wire in one of adjacent joint pieces of the joint pieces that are bent in a same bending direction is tilted is opposite to a direction in which the insertion direction of the wire in the other of the adjacent pieces is tilted.

Abstract: When an air supply conduit is connected to an empty space portion inside an endoscope and air is fed to the empty space portion to perform a leak determination based on a change in the internal pressure of the endoscope which is caused by the air, a surface temperature of the endoscope that is measured by a temperature measurement portion is maintained at a temperature at the time that the leak determination starts, through energy supply control that irradiates far infrared rays onto a surface of the endoscope from a far-infrared ray irradiation portion.

Abstract: A housing watertight mechanism includes, a case member, a lid member configured to be fixed to the case member, an annular elastic member interposed between a first edge portion and a second edge portion, and compressed in an attaching and detaching direction to fill a space between the first edge portion and the second edge portion when the lid member is fixed to the case member, a first portion formed in the elastic member, and a second portion formed in the elastic member, disposed on a side on which the space between the first edge portion and the second edge portion is broadened when the elastic member is compressed in the attaching and detaching direction, and having a larger size in the attaching and detaching direction than a size of the first portion in the attaching and detaching direction.

Abstract: An endoscope and a treatment instrument of the present invention include: an insertion portion that can be inserted into a subject; an electrodeposition portion provided on a surface of the insertion portion and configured to electrodeposit a lubricant applied to an outer surface; and a connection portion configured to connect the electrodeposition portion to one of a direct current power source and a static electricity generation apparatus in a state that the insertion portion is inserted into the subject.

Abstract: A transmission mechanism includes a pulling and pressing member including a distal end portion coupled with a raising stand and a proximal end portion coupled with a raising operation unit and a containing portion containing the pulling and pressing member with the distal end portion of the pulling and pressing member projecting therefrom. The transmission mechanism further includes an elastic member that the distal end portion side of the pulling and pressing member projecting from the containing portion is inserted into the cylindrical elastic member.

Abstract: There is provided herein a tip section of a multi-camera endoscope, the tip section comprising: a front looking camera and a front discrete illuminator to essentially illuminate the Field Of View (FOV) of said front looking camera; a right side looking camera and a right discrete illuminator to essentially illuminate the FOV of said right side looking camera; a left side looking camera and a left discrete illuminator to essentially illuminate the FOV of said left side looking camera; and a multi component cover configured to cover and seal said tip section such as to essentially prevent entry of fluids from the environment of said endoscope to inner parts of said tip section.

Abstract: A rear-viewing endoscope includes a rigid section having first and second ends, and a cavity situated between the first and second ends. The rigid section has a longitudinal length and defining a longitudinal axis (LAR). The endoscope further includes a flexible section having proximal and distal ends, where the proximal end is coupled to the second end of the rigid section; and an imaging unit having first and second ends and a cavity situated between the first and second ends, the second end of the imaging unit coupled to the distal end of the flexible section. An objective lens assembly of the endoscope includes a complementary multiband bandpass filter (CMBF) pair situated within the cavity of the imaging unit. The CMBF filter collimated image rays passing therethrough so as to output filtered image rays. A camera or detector receives the filtered image rays and forms corresponding video information for stereoscopic imaging.

Abstract: A stiffener for an endoscope may comprise a rod and a handle. The rod may be configured so that disposing the rod within the channel increases the stiffness of the endoscope shaft. The stiffener may comprise a channel for application of fluid there through. A kit may comprise a plurality of stiffeners of varying rigidity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method to control the image capturing process by tracking the positions of the capsule endoscope. The images are taken only when there is either new position and/or new orientation change of the capsule endoscope. The method provided by the present invention, effectively decreased the total amount of images that a doctor need to review, and improves the power consumption of the capsule endoscope examination process.

Abstract: A capsule medical device guide system includes: a guide unit configured to guide a capsule medical device by a magnetic field; a position detecting unit configured to detect positional information of the capsule medical device; a display unit configured to display information relating to the capsule medical device within a subject; a scale displayed on the display unit and representing a position of the capsule medical device within the subject; a mark representing, on the scale, an area where the magnetic field is in capable of guiding the capsule medical device; a first indicator representing, on the scale, a boundary position of a range in the area; a second indicator representing, on the scale, a current position of the capsule medical device; and a control unit configured to control positions of the first and second indicators on the scale based on the positional information.

Abstract: A tracking system for a target anatomy of a patient can include a medical device having a body (281) having a distal end (290) and at least one channel (292) formed therein, where the body is adapted for insertion through an anatomy (105) to reach a target area (430); an accelerometer (185) connected to the body and positioned in proximity to the distal end; an imaging device (295) operably coupled with the body; and a light source (297) operably coupled with the body, where the accelerometer is in communication with a remote processor (120) for transmitting acceleration data thereto, where the imaging device is in communication with the remote processor for transmitting real-time images thereto, and where an orientation of the medical device and calibration of direction with respect to the anatomy is determined by the processor based on the acceleration data.

Abstract: A fluorescence observation endoscope system includes a light source apparatus configured to include one light emitting body configured to be able to emit light in a first wavelength band which is radiated onto medicine administered to a living body to thereby emit fluorescence, light in a second wavelength band and light in a third wavelength band, a light guide, an image pickup section configured to include an image pickup device to simultaneously receive the fluorescence and reflected light of the light in the second and third wavelength bands, and a signal processing apparatus configured to generate color display images from an image pickup signal of the fluorescence and second and third image pickup signals acquired from the reflected light of the light in the second and third wavelength bands.

Abstract: An image pickup system includes a first LED whose first light emission quantity decreases as a first cumulative lighting time period increases, a second LED whose second light emission quantity decreases as a second cumulative lighting time period increases, an image pickup device configured to pick up an image of an object irradiated with light from the first and second LEDs of which colors are different from each other and generate first and second video signals, and a light-emitting element degradation level correction section in a video signal processing section configured to acquire the first and second light emission quantities based on the first and second cumulative lighting time periods, perform gain adjustment based on a light emission quantity ratio on the first and second video signals and thereby correct a difference in a degradation level between the first and second LEDs.

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings provided herein, a Protective Laryngoscope Housing With Light Source Sterilization can emit pulse UV light at a sufficiently short wavelength to cause Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) to maintain an easily accessible, yet sterile or germicidal environment for laryngoscope handles.

Abstract: A device (100) for cleaning and method of cleaning an endoscope distal end (128) is disclosed. The device (100) may include a sealed longitudinal chamber (110) that may contain a porous structure (132) with fluid, and a brush and a spring (121) loaded brush. A removable substantially airtight closure (146) may be removed to allow an endoscope distal end (128) to be placed into the longitudinal chamber (110) and contact the porous structure (132) and the brush prior to a full cleaning, thereby preventing contaminates from drying and hardening on the endoscope distal end (128) prior to a cleaning and sanitization process. The spring (121) loaded brush may be moved to clean portions of the endoscope distal end (128) including cavities such and tools including an elevator or lifter. A cap may be removed from a airtight connector (120) and a fluid source may be connected to the airtight connector (120) to assist in the endoscope (127) cleaning process.

Abstract: An endoscope reprocessor includes a treatment tank for accommodating an endoscope, a treatment tank temperature measuring section for measuring a temperature of a liquid in the treatment tank, a medicinal solution tank for storing a medicinal solution, a heating section for heating the medicinal solution inside the medicinal solution tank, a first transfer section for transferring a part of the medicinal solution to the treatment tank from the medicinal solution tank, a second transfer section for transferring the medicinal solution in the treatment tank to the medicinal solution tank, and a control unit configured to cause the medicinal solution to circulate between the treatment tank and the medicinal solution tank, when the measurement result by the treatment tank temperature measuring section is lower than a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A wearable otoscope may be capable of wireless or wired communication with a second device, such as a smart phone. Some dual-ear otoscope implementations may be provided in a headphone-like configuration, which may include a headband attachable to earbuds of the dual-ear otoscope. However, some alternative implementations do not include a headband. At least a portion of the dual-ear otoscope may be a disposable component in some examples. In some implementations, functionality of the dual-ear otoscope (such as an illumination angle of light, imaging functionality, etc.) may be controlled according to commands received from the second device. Some examples may include one or more additional sensors, such as temperature sensors.

Abstract: A nasal delivery device can include a nasal prong and an activation member. The nasal prong can comprises an opening at a top and bottom portion of the prong to allow for the passage of an aerosolized treatment agent through the nasal prong. The activation member can be positioned on the nasal delivery device at a location that is spaced apart from the subject's oral cavity when the nasal prong is received into the nostril of the subject. The activation member can be configured to detect a desired exhalation state of the subject and upon detection of the desired exhalation state, the activation member activates the delivery of the aerosolized treatment agent.

Abstract: A laryngoscope includes a blade having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein a blade includes a curved portion adjacent the distal end, a housing within the blade adjacent the curved portion, a light source positioned within the housing, and a handle adjacent the proximal end.

Abstract: A concentration calculation system of an optically active substance, includes: a calculation unit configured to: acquire an amount of change in a polarization state by allowing light having different wavelengths to pass through a cornea and an aqueous humor; and calculate a concentration of a specific optically active substance contained in the aqueous humor by a least squares method based on a theoretical formula which includes a matrix representing a polarization property of the cornea and a matrix representing a polarization property of the aqueous humor and represents a wavelength dependence of the amount of the change, wherein the matrix representing the polarization property of the aqueous humor is represented by a function of an expression representing the wavelength dependence of an optical rotation degree of the specific substance and the expression includes a concentration value of the specific substance as an unknown quantity or a temporal known quantity.

Abstract: A system for measuring microfluctuation of accommodation comprises a measuring module and a processing module. The measuring module includes at least one first sensing element attached to the area around an eye of a testee for measuring an EMG signal. The processing module is coupled with the measuring module for picking up a specific frequency range of the EMG signal as a measurement index of microfluctuation of accommodation, wherein the specific frequency range is between 0.1 Hz and 100 Hz. The system allows the testee to be tested in an open field of view and exempts the testee from experiencing fatigue in the muscle around the eyes. The system is compact and convenient to carry. A method for measuring microfluctuation of accommodation is also disclosed.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to the field of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). This disclosure particularly relates to an OCT system having a configuration that uses a phase sensitive B-scan registration method. In this disclosure, an OCT system may have a configuration that scans a physical object, acquires OCT signals to form B-scans, uses these B-scans to determine an optimal shift in an axial direction by using total phase error between B-scans, and align B-scans, thereby minimizing effects of motion that may occur during scanning of the physical object.

Abstract: A head mounted compact goggle based video oculography system is configured for use in VOG-based neuro-otologic testing. The system comprises: a goggle base surrounding the subject's eyes; an angled hot mirror within the goggle base; at least one digital camera attached to the goggle base along the top side of the goggle base taking images of at least one of the subject's eyes via a hot mirror reflection; an integral display for selectively displaying visual stimulus to the subject through the hot mirror and attached to the goggle base along the rear side of the goggle base; a controller coupled to the display generating each visual stimulus for each neuro-otologic test to be displayed to the subject via the display and coupled to each digital camera and receiving and storing data signals there from, the controller configured to calculate eye related data from the digital camera images during each neuro-otologic test, and configured to display the eye related data to users.

Abstract: A system automatically captures a fundus image with limited user interaction such that the fundus image has one or more desired characteristics. The system can retrieve at least one image from an image capture device, process the at least one image digitally to generate a processed image, detect at least one point of interest in the processed image, determine that each of the at least one point of interest is representative of a corresponding feature of the eye, and obtain a fundus image of the eye based on the at least one image.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to form a biometric based information communication system are described. In some examples, the biometric based information communication system comprises biomedical devices with sensing means, wherein the sensing means produces a biometric result. In some examples the biometric based information communication system may comprise a user device such as a smart phone paired in communication with the biomedical device. A biometric measurement result may trigger a communication of a biometric based information communication message.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to form a biometric based information communication system are described. In some examples, the biometric based information communication system comprises biomedical devices with sensing means, wherein the sensing means produces a biometric result. In some examples the biometric based information communication system may comprise a user device such as a smart phone paired in communication with the biomedical device. A biometric measurement result may trigger a communication of a biometric based information communication message.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention relates to a processor based method for generating positional and other information relating to a stent in the lumen of a vessel using a computer. The method includes the steps of generating an optical coherence image data set in response to an OCT scan of a sample containing at least one stent; and identifying at least one one-dimensional local cue in the image data set relating to the position of the stent.

Abstract: An endoscope for determining the depth of a partial area of a cavity by a triangulation analysis may include a projection channel for projecting a pattern onto a surface of the cavity and an imaging channel provided for imaging an image of the projected pattern reflected by the surface of the cavity. The projection channel may have at least one diffractive optical element for producing the pattern, a collimator, and a focusing lens. The focusing lens may be arranged between the collimator and the diffractive optical element.

Abstract: A mechanically and/or magnetically navigable catheter has an elongate body having a proximal and a distal end. At least one mechanically or magnetically responsive element is associated with the distal end of the elongate body for navigating the distal end in the body. At least one fiber optic sensor extends substantially along the length of the elongate body for use determining the location of at least one point along the length of the elongate body, which can be used as an input an automated navigation system.

Abstract: Image processing systems are described which utilize various methods and processing algorithms for enhancing or facilitating visual detection and/or sensing modalities for images captured in vivo by an intravascular visualization and treatment catheter. Such assemblies are configured to deliver energy, such as RF ablation, to an underlying target tissue for treatment in a controlled manner while directly visualizing the tissue during the ablation process.

Abstract: A gastric tube temperature sensing apparatus for use during gastric or surgical procedures on a patient includes a gastric tube, such as an NG or OG tube, having a proximal end opposite a distal end and defining a tubular configuration. The gastric tube includes a flexible construction and defines a plurality of spaced apart openings proximate the distal end. An esophageal temperature device includes a temperature sensor situated in the gastric tube proximate the distal end thereof and a temperature monitoring element operatively connected to and displaced from the temperature sensor. The temperature monitoring element is situated external from the gastric tube and in communication with the temperature sensor, such as by wires. The temperature monitoring element may be electrically connected to a vitals monitor or the like. The apparatus includes an adapter for coupling a proximal end of the gastric tube to another device such as a suction pump.

Abstract: A probe cover for medical thermometer has a matching feature for preventing its use with an incompatible thermometer. A mechanical matching feature of the probe cover includes at least one of a fold, a step, or a series of holes or indentations that are respectively matched to a ridge, a valley or series of pins formed on the front end of a compatible thermometer. When applied to the compatible thermometer, the mechanical matching feature permits the probe cover to be fully seated on and retained by the probe, thereby placing the thermometer in condition for use. Alternatively, an opto-electronic matching feature of the probe cover includes a reflective layer for use with an opto-electronic detection circuit of a compatible thermometer. When applied to the compatible thermometer, the opto-electronic detection detects the reflective layer and places the compatible thermometer in an operational state for use.

Abstract: A wrist worn heart rate monitor includes a photoplethysmogram (PPG) sensor and an inertial sensor. Signals from the inertial sensor are used to identify and remove noise from the PPG signals. An initial heart rate value is selected from a number of heart rate candidates that remain in the resulting PPG spectrum and is used to track the heart rate of the user. The PPG spectrum is monitored while tracking the heart rate to determine if the selected initial heart rate value is in error. The PPG spectrum may be monitored by determining a correlation of possible heart rate candidates in each PPG spectrum to the previous heart rate candidates and resetting the heart rate value accordingly. Additionally or alternatively, the PPG spectrum may be monitored by determining when only a single heart rate candidate is present in consecutive PPG spectra and resetting the heart rate value accordingly.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, circuits, assemblies, devices, systems and associated machine executable code for biological sensing, wherein a composite bio-parameter sensor assembly, device, or system detects one or more biological parameters of a subject person, utilizing at least a first sensor, of a first sensor type and having a first sensing surface, to optically detect one or more parameters of a pulse of the subject, and a second sensor, of a second sensor type and having a second sensing surface substantially aligned with the first sensing surface, to electrically detect one or more parameters of a pulse of a subject.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are described for acquiring heart sound timing content to enhance pulse waveform analysis.

Abstract: A biological-information detecting device includes a case section worn on a subject, a detection window of a detector configured to detect biological information of the subject being provided on a first surface on the subject side of the case section, a band section attached to the case section, and a pad section provided around the detection window on the first surface of the case section. An air entry path for the air to enter the detection window is provided in the pad section.

Abstract: Provided herein are implantable and bioresorbable sensors that are specifically designed to be implanted, function for an operational lifetime, and at some point after the operational lifetime to be resorbed by the body in such a manner so as to avoid having to remove any part of the sensor. This avoids a second impact on the patient otherwise associated with sensor removal. The sensors have a substrate and an electronic device supported by the substrate. A barrier layer isolates the electronic device from surrounding environment, including a biofluid, during use. Each of the substrate, electronic device, and barrier layer have a bioresorption rate during use to provide controlled bioresorption such reliable measure of one or more parameters occur over and an operational lifetime, and after a bioresorption lifetime greater than the operational lifetime, no detectable portion of the implantable and bioresorbable sensor remains at an implantation site.

Abstract: A nerve probe array has a connector made of a flexible material; and a plurality of probes coupled to the connector, each of the plurality of probe having an electrode formed at a body thereof. The plurality of probes are arranged with intervals in a length direction of the connector, and the connector surrounds an outer circumference of a nerve, and the plurality of probes pierce the outer circumference of the nerve and are inserted into the nerve.

Abstract: A neuromonitoring system comprises a plurality of needle electrodes, a ground electrode, a monopolar stimulating probe having an electrode tip and configured to be coupled to a cable, and a stimulating probe sleeve. The sleeve is adapted and configured to be removably coupled to the monopolar stimulating probe. The sleeve has a slot and is configured and adapted to coaxially slide relative to the monopolar stimulating probe between a first retracted position and a second advanced position. The electrode tip generates an omnidirectional signal when in use while the sleeve is in the retracted position or in an uncoupled position. The electrode tip generates a unidirectional signal when in use while the sleeve is in the advanced position.

Abstract: A system and method for ECG electrode and leadwire connection integrity detection are provided herein. The system includes a plurality of electrodes wherein a uniform spectral energy signal is to be injected into a subset of electrodes of the plurality of electrodes. The system also includes a computing device. The computing device includes a display, and the computing device is communicably coupled to the plurality of electrodes. The computing device is configured to acquire input signals from an electrode and determine a frequency response from the electrode based on the input signal from the electrode. The computing device is also configured to determine impairments in the electrode and leadwire connection using the frequency response.