Patents Issued in March 23, 2017
  • Publication number: 20170079488
    Abstract: This invention provides a removable washer that is attachable to a squeegee without dissembling the squeegee. A removable washer is removably attachable to a squeegee including a channel attached to a flat portion at a distal end of a handle. The removable washer includes a main body including an impregnation body, and an attachment portion that allows the main body to be removably attached to the handle of the squeegee. The attachment portion includes a clamping portion that removably clamps the flat portion of the handle of the squeegee.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2015
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventor: Masahiro TAKAKI
  • Publication number: 20170079489
    Abstract: A handheld vacuum cleaner including a handle by which the vacuum cleaner is supported during use and a cyclonic separating unit having a first end and a second end. An inlet duct extends through the first end of the cyclonic separating unit. The cyclonic separating unit is arranged to extend away from the handle such that the first end is further from the handle than the second end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2016
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Applicant: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventor: Stephen Robert DIMBYLOW
  • Publication number: 20170079490
    Abstract: A handheld vacuum cleaner including a handle by which the vacuum cleaner is supported during use, a cyclonic separating unit including a separator having a cyclone chamber which defines a separator axis and an inlet duct having an inlet duct axis which is substantially parallel with the separator axis. The cyclonic separating unit extends at least partly around a portion of the inlet duct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2016
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Applicant: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventor: Stephen Robert Dimbylow
  • Publication number: 20170079491
    Abstract: A handheld vacuum cleaner including a handle by which the vacuum cleaner is supported during normal use and a cyclonic separating unit having a longitudinal axis and a dirt collector at one end of the cyclonic separating unit. The cyclonic separating unit includes an end portion having a closed configuration in which dirt is retained within the dirt collector and an open configuration for the removal of dirt from the dirt collector. The handle has a pistol grip configuration in which the handle is inclined with respect to the cyclonic separating unit to form an angle of not less than 85 degrees and not greater than 140 degrees between the handle and the longitudinal axis of the cyclonic separating unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2016
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Applicant: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventor: Stephen Robert DIMBYLOW
  • Publication number: 20170079492
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cleaning machine (1) comprising a housing (10) and at least one hingeable element (20), as well as to the hingeable element (20) itself. The hingeable element (20) is detachably attachable to said housing via a hinge structure comprising at least two pairs of magnetizable or magnetic member surfaces (H1, E1; H2, E2). At least one surface in each pair exhibits a magnetic force for engagement with the other surface in said pair. A first member surface (E1; E2) in each of said pairs is supported by said hingeable element (20) and a second member surface (H1; H2) in each of said pairs is supported by said housing (10). When said hingeable element (20) is attached to said housing (10), said magnetic force is extending in a direction substantially in parallel with a magnetic centre axis (Am) extending between each first member surface (E1; E2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventor: Christian Thorup Kjaergaard
  • Publication number: 20170079493
    Abstract: A cleaner head including a cleaner head body, a sole plate including a rear portion and flexible lateral side portions that define at least part of the periphery of a dirty air opening. The rear portion and the flexible lateral side portions are movable relative to the cleaner head body such that, in use, the rear portion and the flexible lateral side portions conform to a surface being cleaned in order to maintain a seal between the cleaner head and the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Applicant: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventors: Stuart Lloyd GENN, Ashley James HRIBAR-GREEN
  • Publication number: 20170079494
    Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet and includes a cyclone bin assembly, a screen and a suction motor positioned in the air flow path. The screen is axially removable from the cyclone bin assembly in the absence of removing any other air treatment member and, when positioned in the cyclone bin assembly, the screen is suspended in the cyclone bin assembly from a fixed wall of the cyclone bin assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventor: Wayne Ernest Conrad
  • Publication number: 20170079495
    Abstract: A handle assembly for a vacuum cleaner that includes a handle, a duct, a valve assembly, and a cover. The handle is attached to the duct, which has an inlet end, an outlet end, and a bleed aperture between. The valve assembly includes a valve and an actuator. The valve is moveable between closed and open positions by the actuator to close and open the bleed aperture. The cover surrounds the duct such that an upper part overlies the bleed aperture and valve. Holes are formed in a lower part of the cover. Suction at the outlet causes a primary airflow to be drawn into the duct via the inlet. When the valve is in the open position, the suction causes a secondary airflow to be drawn in through the holes, around the space between the duct and the cover, and into the duct via the bleed aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Applicant: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventors: Oliver Stanton BLANCHARD, Paul Andrew MCLUCKIE
  • Publication number: 20170079496
    Abstract: A robot cleaner system may include a robot cleaner that may be automatically driven while performing a cleaning operation, a recharging base that receives the robot cleaner, and a remote control device that remotely controls the robot cleaner. The remote control device may also generate mapping information between an actual region and a virtual region based on image information generated by a camera provided on the robot cleaner, and/or image information generated by a camera on the recharging base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventors: Sangyun KIM, Younggie KIM
  • Publication number: 20170079497
    Abstract: A robot cleaner system may include a robot cleaner that may be automatically driven while performing a cleaning operation, a recharging base that receives the robot cleaner, and a remote control device that remotely controls the robot cleaner. The remote control device may also generate mapping information between an actual region and a virtual region based on image information generated by a camera provided on the robot cleaner, and/or image information generated by a camera on the recharging base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventors: Sangyun KIM, Younggie Kim
  • Publication number: 20170079498
    Abstract: A robot cleaner system may include a robot cleaner that may be automatically driven while performing a cleaning operation, a recharging base that receives the robot cleaner, and a remote control device that remotely controls the robot cleaner. The remote control device may also generate mapping information between an actual region and a virtual region based on image information generated by a camera provided on the robot cleaner, and/or image information generated by a camera on the recharging base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventors: Sangyun KIM, Younggie KIM
  • Publication number: 20170079499
    Abstract: An autonomous coverage robot includes a chassis having forward and rearward portions and a drive system carried by the chassis. The forward portion of the chassis defines a substantially rectangular shape. The robot includes a cleaning assembly mounted on the forward portion of the chassis and a bin disposed adjacent the cleaning assembly and configured to receive debris agitated by the cleaning assembly. A bin cover is pivotally attached to a lower portion of the chassis and configured to rotate between a first, closed position providing closure of an opening defined by the bin and a second, open position providing access to the bin opening. The robot includes a body attached to the chassis and a handle disposed on an upper portion of the body. A bin cover release is actuatable from substantially near the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2016
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventors: Mark Steven Schnittman, Zivthan A. Dubrovsky, Jeffrey W. Mammen, Aaron Solochek
  • Publication number: 20170079500
    Abstract: A movable device has a base which can be moved on a surface using a travel gear, which may improve and design a movable device such that it can be moved on a surface without major damages and in a trouble-free manner, wherein the base is associated with one or more detectors configured to detect obstacles and/or with dampers configured to damp impact and/or with carriers configured to carry along particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2015
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventors: Markus Rueckheim, Christian Mast
  • Publication number: 20170079501
    Abstract: A water-carrying household appliance includes a receiving unit for receiving at least one signal from an external device coupled to the household appliance, a number of actuators for executing a plurality of programs, and a selector unit for selecting a program from the plurality of programs as a function of the at least one signal received. The actuators are controlled by a control unit so as to execute the selected program.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2015
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventor: Caroline Heiligenmann
  • Publication number: 20170079502
    Abstract: Fluid circulation systems for dishwasher appliances are provided. A dishwasher appliance includes a tub that defines a wash chamber. A fluid circulation system includes a sump for receiving fluid from the wash chamber. The sump includes a chamber having a sidewall and a base wall. The fluid circulation system further includes a pump, the pump including an impeller disposed within the chamber. The fluid circulation system further includes a filter at least partially disposed within the chamber and surrounding the impeller, the filter including a sidewall, the sidewall defining a plurality of perforations extending therethrough. The fluid circulation system further includes a shelf cantilevered from the sidewall of the sump towards the filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventor: John Edward Dries
  • Publication number: 20170079503
    Abstract: Fluid circulation systems for dishwasher appliances are provided. A fluid circulation system includes a sump and a pump. The fluid circulation system further includes a filter at least partially disposed within a chamber of the sump and surrounding an impeller of the pump, and an outlet conduit for flowing fluid from the sump to a wash chamber. The fluid circulation system further includes a manifold disposed proximate an outer surface of a sidewall of the filter, the manifold defining a plurality of apertures for flowing fluid therethrough and towards the outer surface of the sidewall of the filter, and a valve disposed within the outlet conduit, the valve movable between a first position wherein fluid flowed through the valve is exhausted from the valve into the outlet conduit and towards the wash chamber and a second position wherein fluid flowed through the valve is diverted to the manifold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventor: John Edward Dries
  • Publication number: 20170079504
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber and a sprayer for spraying liquid to the treating chamber. The sprayer may include a liquid passage provided in the interior of the body, at least one upper outlet extending through the upper surface of the body and in fluid communication with the liquid passage, at least one lower outlet extending through the lower surface of the body and in fluid communication with the liquid passage, and a valve body moveable relative to the body to fluidly couple the at least one upper outlet and the at least one lower outlet to the liquid passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2016
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventors: Mark S. FEDDEMA, Chad T. VANDERROEST
  • Publication number: 20170079505
    Abstract: An endoscope bending portion includes a tubular member provided with a treatment instrument channel and a string guide configured to hold wires, an interval of a plurality of first slots formed in a first tubular region on a distal end side is made to be smaller than an interval of a plurality of second slots formed in a second region at an intermediate portion, and a third interval of a plurality of third slots formed in a third tubular region is also made to be smaller than the interval of the plurality of second slots, and a dimensional ratio between a width and the interval of the first slots, a dimensional ratio between a width and the interval of the second slots and a dimensional ratio between a width and the interval of the third slots are equalized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2016
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Sho NAKADE
  • Publication number: 20170079506
    Abstract: An image processing device includes a processor including hardware. The processor is configured to: identify an image selected according to a user input operation received by an input device, from among a plurality of first images acquired by a capsule endoscope, as an identified image; determine whether or not the identified image is one of a plurality of second images acquired during a reciprocating movement of the capsule endoscope; and in response to the identified image being determined to be one of the plurality of second images, extract an image acquired in a first forward path or a last forward path of the reciprocating movement from among the plurality of second images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2016
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takeshi NISHIYAMA, Katsuyoshi TANIGUCHI
  • Publication number: 20170079507
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Applicant: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Caitlin Q. Donhowe, Amir Belson, Kristoffer J. Donhowe, Kenneth R. Krieg, Eric M. Storne, Thomas J. Yorkey, Jun Zhang
  • Publication number: 20170079508
    Abstract: An endoscope device includes: an insertion unit having segments continuously provided along an axial direction of the insertion unit and configured to be inserted into a lumen; a state quantity calculating unit configured to calculate a state quantity of each segment; variable rigidity portions provided for each segment to allow bending rigidity of each segment to be variable; an origin specifying unit configured to specify an origin segment among the segments in setting a segment range indicating which segment the bending rigidity is to be changed or in setting the bending rigidity, based on the state quantity of each segment; and an operation controller configured to: set the segment range or set the bending rigidity of each segment, based on the origin segment; and decrease bending rigidities of two or more continuously provided segments based on the set segment range or on the set bending rigidity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2016
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yuichi IKEDA
  • Publication number: 20170079509
    Abstract: The insertion device includes an insertion portion that is inserted into a lumen, a fixing portion that is provided at an insertion part of the insertion portion to be inserted into the lumen, and fixes the insertion portion at a first position inside of the lumen, and a positioning portion that is attached to a part of the insertion portion exposed to the external of the lumen and provided in the outer part of the lumen. The positioning portion positions the insertion portion at a second position outside of the lumen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2016
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiromitsu OKADA, Atsushi WATANABE
  • Publication number: 20170079510
    Abstract: An elongated optical guidewire assembly, such as for optically imaging a patient from within another catheter, can have a lead portion and a probe portion. A connector between the lead and probe portions can include a bore including first and second bore ends. The first bore end can include a substantially circular cross-sectional profile. The second bore end can include a substantially non-circular cross-sectional profile. The bore can be configured to receive the optical guidewire assembly at the first bore end and configured to deform the optical guidewire assembly at the second bore end such that probe and lead ends of the optical guidewire assembly are deformed into a substantially non-circular profile and located between the first and second bore ends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2016
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventor: Michael J. Eberle
  • Publication number: 20170079511
    Abstract: A device for accessing tissue within a body lumen comprises an elongated body portion defining a lumen and an anchoring mechanism including an expanding structure on a distal portion of the elongated body portion. The anchoring mechanism moves the expanding structure from an insertion configuration in which the expanding structure is constricted against the device to an operative configuration in a body in which the expanding structure expands away from the device without altering a length of the anchoring mechanism in combination with a control. mechanism for selectively engaging the anchoring mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventors: Gary LEANNA, Kurt GEITZ, Oscar R. CARRILLO, JR., Kevin RICHARDSON
  • Publication number: 20170079512
    Abstract: Systems and methods for viewing stereoscopic video images are disclosed. In one example, a stereoscopic video imaging and tracking system can include a first video camera to generate a first video feed of a subject, and a second video camera spaced a distance from the first video camera to generate a second video feed of the subject, wherein the first video camera and the second video camera are directed toward a convergent point to provide a stereoscopic image of the subject. The system can also include a tracking system to cause the first video camera and the second video camera to follow a tracking point to maintain stereopsis of the subject, and a zooming device associated with the first video camera and the second video camera. The zooming device can provide variable magnification of the stereoscopic video image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventor: Neil T. Jessop
  • Publication number: 20170079513
    Abstract: A method of assessing Fallopian tubal patency includes introducing a distension medium into a patient's uterus, introducing a contrasting medium into the uterus, and observing the contrasting medium, for example, via a hysteroscope, to determine whether the contrasting medium flows into one or both Fallopian tubes. A device for assessing Fallopian tubal patency includes a chamber for receiving contrast media, a flow path through the chamber for delivering distension media to a patient's uterus, and a flow controller for regulating the flow of distension media to the patient's uterus. The flow path is configured to permit flow of contrast media from the chamber into the flow path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventor: John Parry
  • Publication number: 20170079514
    Abstract: A fluid plug unit includes a cylinder connected to a first conduit and a second conduit, and a piston configured execute switching between a first position where leakage of a fluid in the first conduit to an outside is suppressed, and a second position where the fluid is sucked. The fluid plug unit includes a first passage configured to communicate with the first conduit and the second conduit when the piston is disposed in the first position, and to shut off communication with the first conduit when the piston is disposed in the second position, and a second passage configured to shut off communication with the first conduit when the piston is disposed in the first position, and to communicate with the first conduit and the second conduit when the piston is disposed in the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2016
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hidetada SUEYASU
  • Publication number: 20170079515
    Abstract: An endoscope reprocessor invention includes: a medicinal solution tank configured to store medicinal solution; a concentration measuring portion arranged in the medicinal solution tank so that a permeation membrane is submerged in the medicinal solution; a gas generating portion including a vaporizing portion configured to vaporize a part of the medicinal solution to generate gas and arranged at a position where the gas that floats upward in the medicinal solution is in contact with the permeation membrane; and a controlling portion connected to the concentration measuring portion and the gas generating portion and configured to perform first control to drive the concentration measuring portion in a state that the gas generating portion is stopped and second control to drive the concentration measuring portion in a state that the gas generating portion is driven.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2016
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tomokazu IWASAKI
  • Publication number: 20170079516
    Abstract: An endoscope reprocessor includes a concentration meter including a permeation membrane, a medicinal-solution storing section including a holding section configured to hold the concentration meter such that the permeation membrane is disposed at a predetermined water level, the medicinal-solution storing section storing the medicinal solution to a water level higher than the predetermined water level, a liquid discharge section configured to discharge the medicinal solution from the medicinal-solution storing section, a liquid supply section configured to supply liquid to the permeation membrane of the concentration meter, and a control section connected to the liquid discharge section and the liquid supply section, the control section driving the liquid supply section to wet the permeation membrane when the medicinal solution in the medicinal-solution storing section is lower than the predetermined water level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2016
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiromasa AKAHORI
  • Publication number: 20170079517
    Abstract: This invention is regarding an instrument (1) that is intended for use in the medical field for imaging and early diagnosis of larynx cancer. The instrument described in the invention involves LED illumination (1.1.3), which are driven at a frequency that is related to the fundamental frequency of the patient sound, a microphone (1.1.4) to acquire the fundamental frequency of the patient; an indirect laryngoscope section (1.1) that consists of a semi transparent mirror (1.1.1), and a power section (1.3) that provides the electrical current that is necessary to power up the instrument for early diagnosis of larynx cancer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2015
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventors: Murat ÖZCAN, Mehmet ÇAYÖREN, Ismail KURTOGLU, Mustafa Tunaya KALKAN, Ibrahim AKDUMAN, Güray Ali CANLI
  • Publication number: 20170079518
    Abstract: A metal laryngoscope blade is provided for use in a laryngoscope including a laryngoscope handle to form an operative generally L-shaped configuration. The blade comprises a metal laryngoscope spatula having a longitudinal centerline, a proximate end and a distal end correspondingly adjacent to and remote from the laryngoscope handle in the operative generally L-shaped configuration, a top surface and a bottom surface correspondingly facing away from and towards the laryngoscope handle in the operative generally L-shaped configuration. The distal end has a leading safety tip contact zone including a front edge and opposite leading side edges meeting the front edge at leading corners. The blade further comprises a non-metal safety tip mounted on said distal end to embed said safety tip contact zone therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2015
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventors: Aviram ELBAZ, Moshe KOHEN
  • Publication number: 20170079519
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods are provided for performing a biopsy within a patient's lung using an access sheath or catheter including a distal portion sized for introduction into an airway of a lung. An ultrasound imaging device is deployable from the distal portion for imaging tissue adjacent the body lumen, and a needle or other biopsy may be advanced from the distal portion into surrounding tissue, e.g., to obtain a tissue sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventors: Arthur Wai Sung, Ryan J.F. Van Wert, Benjamin Goggio Cohn, Vidya Bhat, Jennifer Fasman, Neeraj Kumar, Hong Vo
  • Publication number: 20170079520
    Abstract: An endoscope particularly suited for endocranial procedures and a method of using the endoscope. In some examples the endoscope is rigid except for a bend/tilt portion near a distal end of a rigid tube that is inserted in a patient's cranium, which distal end is controlled in a degree and direction of tilt with a finger operated controller at the endoscope's handle. Some examples use telescoping tubes that allow customizing the endoscope size for specific procedures. A distal portion of the endoscope can be disposable, supplied in a sterile package for a single procedure, thus taking into account contamination dangers that are particularly high for intracranial and certain other interventions and the fact that it can be difficult or impossible to effectively autoclave heat-sensitive components of certain endoscopes or effectively sterilize them using other techniques.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventors: Po-Hao Huang, Sheng-Chi Lin, Feng-Cheng Chang
  • Publication number: 20170079521
    Abstract: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) scan data is used to automatically detect and characterize vitreoretinal membranes in a spatially precise manner to generate a mask image. The mask image may characterize various aspects of a vitreoretinal membrane. The mask image is then overlaid with an optical image of the retina to enable visualization of the vitreoretinal membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2015
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventors: Hugang Ren, Lingfeng Yu
  • Publication number: 20170079522
    Abstract: A Slit-lamp-or-Microscope-Integrated-OCT-Refractometer system includes an eye-visualization system, configured to provide a visual image of an imaged region in an eye; an Optical Coherence Tomographic (OCT) imaging system, configured to generate an OCT image of the imaged region; a refractometer, configured to generate a refractive mapping of the imaged region; and an analyzer, configured to determine refractive characteristics of the eye based on the OCT image and the refractive mapping, wherein the refractometer and the OCT imaging system are integrated into the eye visualization system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2016
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventors: ALEXANDER N. ARTSYUKHOVICH, Z. ARAS ASLAN, LINGFENG YU, MIKHAIL BOUKHNY
  • Publication number: 20170079523
    Abstract: The method include: (a) displaying at least one dynamic target image of at least one sign over a display area; (b) receiving subjective feedback from the subject indicating that the subject is positioned at a maximum distance of best acuity (MDBA) from the target image, wherein the MDBA is the maximum distance in which the subject recognizes the sign; (c) measuring one or more parameter associated with distance, during the time the subject has reached the MDBA distance, using at least one sensor; (d) estimating the MDBA by estimating the distance between the eye of the subject and the display area in which the target image is displayed by using the sensor data and (e) calculating the refractive error of the eye according to the estimated MDBA and characteristics of the target image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventor: Ofer Limon
  • Publication number: 20170079524
    Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods are provided for quantifying inter-ocular suppression in binocular vision impairment. The systems, apparatus, and methods may include a stimulus presentation device and a controller which present different stimuli to each eye of a patient. The stimuli can include letters, numbers, or shapes which are arranged in rows, and columns with a stimulus presented to each eye in a location corresponding a stimulus presented to the other eye. The combined contrast of corresponding stimuli equals a predetermined value, and this contrast can be adjusted with each iteration of stimuli presented. This adjustment can be based upon the patient's reports of what is seen and adjustments made by an algorithm executed by the controller. Suppression can thus be determined in terms of visual field location and quantified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2015
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventor: Peter Bex
  • Publication number: 20170079525
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein include devices, systems, and methods for determining tear film break-up time and for detecting eyelid margin contact and blink rates, particularly for diagnosing, measuring, and/or analyzing dry eye conditions and symptoms. The apparatus and methods for determining tear film break-up time and for detecting eyelid margin contact and blink rates, particularly for diagnosing, measuring, and/or analyzing dry eye conditions and symptoms may employ ocular surface interferometry (OSI) devices or other imaging and display devices capable of imaging and displaying a picture of a patient's eye during tear film break-up time and blink rate related procedures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventors: Donald R. Korb, Stephen M. Grenon, Caroline Blackie, Timothy R. Willis, Steve Bacich
  • Publication number: 20170079526
    Abstract: To evaluate the accommodation function of an eye in detail, an accommodation function evaluation apparatus includes an accommodative stimulus applying unit, a measurement unit, and an analyzer. The accommodative stimulus applying unit is configured to apply an accommodative stimulus to the eye. The measurement unit is configured to perform optical coherence tomography for a target site in the eye including at least part of the crystalline lens. The analyzer is configured to analyze data obtained by the optical coherence tomography of the eye, to which the accommodative stimulus is being applied, to generate evaluation information related to the accommodation function of the eye.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2015
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOPCON
    Inventor: Takaichi TAMURA
  • Publication number: 20170079527
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a pupillary response scanning device and methods for use in performing swinging flashlight test, brightness saturation test, color discrimination test, and color blindness test. The device may include: a housing configured to provide a first isolated eye enclosure for a first eye and a second isolated eye enclosure for a second eye of a patient; one or more visible light sources, one or more infrared light sources, one or more imaging devices in each isolated eye enclosure; and a control system that may be configured for manipulating the visible light sources, infrared light sources and the imaging devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2016
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventors: Ehsan Daneshi Kohan, Yaser Mohammadian Roshan, Amirhossein Vejdani, Farzad Hamidi
  • Publication number: 20170079528
    Abstract: A contact lens is placed on a patient's eye during ophthalmic surgery, such as vitreoretinal surgery. The contact lens rests on a cornea of an eye of a patient during the surgery and is supported by a contact lens mounting speculum having multiple degrees of freedom to accommodate small movements of the eye while enabling alignment to an optical axis of the surgical microscope. The contact lens mounting speculum may be used with different patients, speculum blades, contact lenses (direct and indirect), and lens mounting positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2015
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventors: Mark Farley, Steve Charles
  • Publication number: 20170079529
    Abstract: An optical coherence tomography (OCT) system with dual optical coherence tomography probes is provided comprising: an optical scope comprising a distal end; a first OCT probe; and, a second OCT probe, each of the first OCT probe and the second OCT probe mechanically attached to the optical scope, the first OCT probe and the second OCT probe being substantially paraxial and configured to focus on a same scanning area, the optical scope configured to optically image the same scanning area using the distal end, the first OCT probe having a higher resolution than the second OCT probe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2015
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventors: Siu Wai Jacky Mak, Michael Frank Gunter Wood
  • Publication number: 20170079530
    Abstract: Certain aspects relate to apparatuses and techniques for non-invasive optical imaging that acquires a plurality of images corresponding to both different times and different frequencies. Additionally, alternatives described herein are used with a variety of tissue classification applications, including assessing the presence and severity of tissue conditions, such as burns and other wounds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventors: John Michael DiMaio, Wensheng Fan, Jeffrey E. Thatcher, Weizhi Li, Weirong Mo
  • Publication number: 20170079531
    Abstract: A flavored sleeve assembly for imparting a flavor to an oral thermometer includes a sleeve that may be slid onto a temperature probe when the temperature probe is inserted into a mouth. A flavor layer is coupled to the sleeve. The flavor layer imparts a flavor in the mouth thereby enhancing an appeal of having the sleeve being positioned within the mouth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2015
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventor: Lori A. Scarborough
  • Publication number: 20170079532
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring body core temperature includes a light guide. The light guide can be coupled to an earpiece, or it can be a standalone device. The apparatus also includes a sensor positioned at one end of the light guide, and a processor coupled to the sensor. The sensor is operable to sense infrared radiation from an infrared source at the opposite end of the light guide. The processor is operable to determine a temperature of the infrared source at the opposite end of the light guide via a transfer function that correlates a measurement of the infrared radiation observed by the sensor and an effect of radiation of the light guide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventors: Christopher Scott Larsen, Brian Keith Olmsted
  • Publication number: 20170079533
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatuses to assess vascular stiffness of a subject, and to assess diabetes or hypertension from the assessment of vascular stiffness. Example embodiments comprise determining arrival at a peripheral site of a blood pressure wave as a function of time relative to the cardiac cycle of the subject at a plurality of measurement conditions, wherein at least two of the conditions are characterized by at least one of: (a) different central transmural pressure, (b) different peripheral transmural pressure; assessing vascular stiffness from the determinations at the plurality of measurement conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2016
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventors: Mark Ries Robinson, Elena A. Allen
  • Publication number: 20170079534
    Abstract: Methods, systems, computer-readable media, and apparatuses for obtaining blood pressure measurements are presented. The blood pressure measurements may be obtained by determining a pulse-transit time (PTT) as a function of a photoplethysmography (PPG) measurement and electrocardiogram (ECG) measurement. A mobile device includes outer body sized to be portable for a user of the mobile device. The mobile device also includes a plurality of light emitting components distributed along at least one portion of the mobile device and a plurality of light collecting components configured to measure reflected light from the plurality of light emitting components reflected off of blood vessels within the user. The light emitting and light collecting components are distributed along the at least one portion of the mobile device. The mobile device may also include a light guide configured to direct light emitted by the at least one light emitting component toward blood vessels with the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventors: Igor TCHERTKOV, Evgeni Yurij POLIAKOV, Russell Wayne GRUHLKE, Russel Allyn MARTIN, Evgeni Petrovich GOUSEV, Muhammed Ibrahim SEZAN
  • Publication number: 20170079535
    Abstract: Methods, systems, computer-readable media, and apparatuses for obtaining blood pressure measurements are presented. The blood pressure measurements may be obtained by determining a pulse-transit time (PTT) as a function of a photoplethysmography (PPG) measurement and electrocardiogram (ECG) measurement. A mobile device includes outer body sized to be portable for a user of the mobile device. The mobile device also includes a plurality of light emitting components distributed along at least one portion of the mobile device and a plurality of light collecting components configured to measure reflected light from the plurality of light emitting components reflected off of blood vessels within the user. The light emitting and light collecting components are distributed along the at least one portion of the mobile device. The mobile device may also include a light guide configured to direct light emitted by the at least one light emitting component toward blood vessels with the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventors: Igor TCHERTKOV, Evgeni Yurij POLIAKOV, Russell Wayne GRUHLKE, Russel Allyn MARTIN, Evgeni Petrovich GOUSEV, Muhammed Ibrahim SEZAN
  • Publication number: 20170079536
    Abstract: A method and apparatus of compensating for a differential error between a plurality of body surface sensors, where each sensor respectively comprises a transmitter and a receiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Applicant: HUNTLEIGH TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
    Inventors: Stephen John COOK, Francis Gregory BAILY, Philip MORRIS, Nigel AJ GOUGH
  • Publication number: 20170079537
    Abstract: Technologies and implementations for wearable healthcare devices are generally disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventors: Karen E. McEwen, Erick Michael Roane, Cameron Pollock, Kyle Cote