Abstract: A dishwasher door hinge assembly and spring linkage device is disclosed that enables the spring linkage to be removed from the hinge while the door remains attached to the hinge assembly and to the appliance. This provides in-situ removal of the door from the appliance without requiring the unit to be removed from the cabinet. Both the hinge and the spring linkage have geometry that allow for separation while the appliance remains mounted in final installed state (in-situ).

Abstract: Disclosed are a dish rack and dishwasher having the same. The present invention includes a wash tub forming a wash space, a rack configured to store a dish by being drawably provided within the wash tub, and a plurality of spray units configured to spray water upon the rack, wherein the rack comprises a frame configured to store a dish, a moving roller unit coupled with the frame to move upward and downward, the moving roller unit supporting a guide rail to draw the frame, and a location adjusting unit coupled with the frame, the location adjusting unit configured to selectively fix an upward/downward movement of the moving roller unit and release a fixed state of the moving roller unit to enable the upward/downward movement of the moving roller unit.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes: a camera head configured to examine an interior of a subject and output a result of the examination; and a control apparatus electrically connected to the camera head and configured for the examination result to be inputted thereto from the camera head and to control operation of the camera head. The camera head includes a plurality of devices, and a CPU configured to perform initialization of at least one of the plurality of devices. The endoscope apparatus makes it possible to shorten start-up time of the entire endoscope apparatus.

Abstract: An endoscope includes an observation mode switch to switch observation modes. The observation modes include a dye valid observation mode allowed to acquire an image in which the dye is visually recognized well, and a dye invalid observation mode allowed to acquire an image in which the dye is substantially not visually recognized.

Abstract: An image pickup system including an optical system configured to generate a first optical image and a second optical image having disparity, of an object, includes a storage unit configured to store in advance image formation position information and disparity information of the first optical image and the second optical image, and an image processing unit configured to generate a first image signal and a second image signal for display by respectively cutting out a first region corresponding to the first optical image and a second region corresponding to the second optical image, and the image processing unit includes a luminance value comparing unit configured to compare luminance values of respective pixels in the first image signal and the second image signal, and a detecting unit configured to detect a pixel defect based on the comparison result of the luminance value comparing unit.

Abstract: A housing for an adapter device to secure an eyepiece to a phone case includes a body including a cavity with a spring housing extending therefrom, a retaining member within the body, and a spring positioned within the spring housing of the body and biased against the retaining member. The retaining member is configured to capture the eyepiece within the cavity.

Abstract: The endoscope of the present embodiment is so configured that the forceps port connected to the insertion section can be rotated by connecting, like “L”, the front section from which the insertion section extends and the rear housing section from which the cable extends, and the curving operation lever is placed at a middle position of the L-shaped connection. Thus, the front section serving as the first grasping section and the rear housing section serving as the second grasping section can be shifted to each other as a section to be grasped, and the positions of the curving operation lever and the forceps port and the positions of the fingers match irrespective of the grasping mode, with the result that the operation can be performed comfortably.

Abstract: An endoscope insertion portion includes: a first bending portion disposed on a distal end side; a second bending portion connected to a proximal end of the first bending portion and provided with flexural rigidity higher than flexural rigidity of the first bending portion; a tubular member, a first tubular part of which on a distal end side disposed inside the first bending portion has a bending tendency in a predetermined direction and shape-memorized, and which is provided with a second tubular part on a proximal end side disposed inside the second bending portion; a first wire configured to move the first tubular part and independently bend only the first bending portion; and second wires configured to move the second tubular part and independently bend only the second bending portion.

Abstract: Example embodiments relate to devices, systems, and methods for performing a diagnostic and/or therapeutic action. The system may comprise an elongated main body having a first end. The system may further comprise an anchor assembly attached to the main body near the first end of the main body. The anchor assembly may comprise a first expandable member. The first expandable member may be configurable to expand radially away from the main body. The anchor assembly may further comprise a second expandable member provided between the first expandable member and the first end of the main body. The second expandable member may be configurable to expand radially away from the main body. The anchor assembly may be operable to secure the main body with respect to an interior wall forming the cavity of the patient.

Abstract: An endoscope includes: an insertion section configured to be inserted into a subject; a bending section disposed on a distal end side of the insertion section and bendable in at least one direction; a distal end member connected to a distal end side of the bending section and having a passage to allow a treatment tool to project from the distal end member; a tube inserted into the bending section to allow the treatment tool to be inserted into the tube and having a recessed portion on an inner surface of a distal end side of the tube; and a connection section having a central axis and having one end fixed to the distal end member to be communicated with the passage, and having a projecting portion at the other end of the connection section, projecting along the central axis so as to be fitted into the recessed portion.

Abstract: An ocular portion coupling apparatus includes: a stepped pipe on which lock balls which are pressed against an eyepiece, are slidably arranged; and a rotation ring placed turnably on a ring placing surface, the rotation ring including a cam surface, wherein the stepped pipe includes convex pieces protruding outward from an outer circumferential surface of the large diameter portion, the convex pieces including one planes, the one planes and the ring placing surface sandwiching the rotation ring, and the rotation ring includes: axis direction grooves through which the convex pieces can pass; slide planes on which the one planes are slidably arranged; and restriction portions configured to prevent the convex pieces from dropping out through the axis direction grooves.

Abstract: Provided is a connection structure for connecting a connection member having an attaching portion attachable to an endoscope, to a wire protective sheath into which an endoscope operation wire is configured to be partially inserted for protection. The connection structure includes: a through-hole disposed in the connection member, the wire protective sheath being insertable into the through-hole; and at least one swaging portion located at a different position from that of the attaching portion to partially constitute a peripheral wall of the through-hole. While the wire protective sheath is inserted into the through-hole, the at least one swaging portion is pressed to partially deform the through-hole, thereby connecting the connection member to the wire protective sheath.

Abstract: Optical systems for flexible and rigid endoscopes that have a low diffraction limit and small geometrical optical aberrations, the systems including an aperture stop where the diameter can be adjusted to select either higher resolution or higher depth of field. The optical systems can include a lens group either to focus on different object distances or on a fixed average object distance. The aperture stop can be adjusted to increase either depth of field or resolution dependent on the endoscopic and surgical situation. Simple symbols help the surgeon to adjust the aperture stop to these situations. The surgeon can either look around the body cavity with large depth of field but moderate overall resolution or focus on a small area with less depth of field but greater resolution. The balance between resolution and depth of field can be adjusted by an automatic image control. Fields in the image field are defined and software used in the camera controller analyzes the sharpness of the different fields.

Abstract: Example embodiments relate to devices, systems, and methods for performing a diagnostic and/or therapeutic action. The system may comprise an elongated main body having a first end. The system may further comprise an anchor assembly attached to the main body near the first end of the main body. The anchor assembly may comprise a first expandable member. The first expandable member may be configurable to expand radially away from the main body. The anchor assembly may further comprise a second expandable member provided between the first expandable member and the first end of the main body. The second expandable member may be configurable to expand radially away from the main body. The anchor assembly may be operable to secure the main body with respect to an interior wall forming the cavity of the patient.

Abstract: A diagnosis assisting apparatus includes a region extraction section configured to extract, from among fluorescence images obtained by picking up images of fluorescence emitted from a desired object, a reference region to be handled as a reference for a fluorescence generation state and a region of interest to be handled as a comparison target of the fluorescence generation state, respectively, a calculation processing section configured to acquire a reference value corresponding to a luminance value of each pixel included in the reference region and calculate a calculation value obtained by dividing the luminance value of the region of interest by a representative value, a storage section configured to store the calculation value calculated by the calculation processing section, and an image processing section configured to cause a display apparatus to display information indicating a variation over time of the calculation value stored in the storage section.

Abstract: An image pickup unit includes: an image pickup device on which an image pickup section is formed; a circuit board having a main surface on which a connection terminal electrically connected with the image pickup section is disposed; an intermediate wiring board including a substrate, an adhesive layer and a wiring pattern, in which a first electrode of the wiring pattern is electrically connected with the connection terminal; a cable having a core wire; and a holding substrate configured to hold the core wire with a second electrode and fixed to the intermediate wiring board by the adhesive layer in a state that the core wire and the second electrode are electrically connected by being in close contact.

Abstract: A speculum includes a first blade member and a second blade member, each of the first and second blade members having a distal end and an opposing proximal end. A portable illuminator having a light source and at least one battery includes a switch that is accessible through a slit or similar feature in the speculum. According to at least one version, the switch includes an extending tab portion that can extend through the slit or the end of a handle portion of the speculum to enable illumination. In another version, the portable illuminator can be attached to an articulation mechanism that is configured for moving the first and second blade members in relation to one another.

Abstract: A scanning endoscope apparatus includes: a light source unit; an illumination fiber inserted inside an insertion portion of an endoscope, the illumination fiber being configured to guide illuminating light from a proximal end to a distal end; an actuator configured to drive the distal end of the optical fiber so that the illuminating light outputted from the illumination fiber is scanned on a subject; a memory configured to store correlation coefficient information on a correlation coefficient between a drive signal for driving the actuator and a displacement amount of the actuator; and a controller, and the controller detects a current of the drive signal for driving the actuator and corrects the drive signal for driving the actuator based on the correlation coefficient information and a value of the detected current so that the displacement amount of the actuator becomes a predetermined value.

Abstract: An endoscope reprocessor includes: a treatment tank configured to allow an endoscope to be disposed inside; a connector including an opening inside the treatment tank; a first conduit extending from the connector; an on-off valve disposed in the first conduit; a leak tester; and a second conduit including a conduit body having a conduit resistance that is higher than a conduit resistance of the first conduit.

Abstract: An optical means includes a disposable removable sterile camera having a proximal and a distal end, said camera being designed to be inserted into the airway lumen of an endotracheal tube, so that the distal end of the camera is capable of illuminating a region of the distal end, and of collecting an image of the illuminated region. The optical means further includes a module having a screen connected to the camera and a light source disposed at the distal end of the camera so that the distal end of the camera is capable of illuminating a region of the distal end of the endotracheal tube and of collecting an image of said illuminated region. The image is then transferred via a transmission component, such as electrical wires, to the screen.

Abstract: A method for placing a set of one or more markers in a luminal network in a patient's body, the method comprising using at least one hardware processor for: receiving image data of the anatomy of a luminal network of a patient and a location of at least one target in said luminal network anatomy; obtaining a rule set defining one or more rules for placing said set of one or more markers in said luminal network anatomy and with respect to said at least one target; during a survey performed by a user via a navigation system in a portion of the luminal network surrounding said at least one target, acquiring, via said navigation system, sample-locations in the surveyed portion of the luminal network; and identifying a set of one or more marker locations for placing said set of one or more markers from said acquired sample-locations, which complies with said rule set.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fully integrated sterilizable one time use disposable tissue visualization device and methods for using such devices. Preferred embodiments of the invention facilitate the visualization of an internal tissue site while causing a minimum of damage to the surrounding tissue. Further preferred embodiments may allow for the delivery of fluids and other treatment to an internal tissue site.

Abstract: Considered herein is a real time wavefront sensor and system to provide live feedback for various vision correction procedures such as LRI/AK refinement, Laser Enhancement, and cataract/refractive surgery, designed to reduce or eliminate interference during an examination and/or a surgical operation. Wavefront sensor modules attached to microscopes can reduce the available working space or working distance for an operator or surgeon. Use of a negative lens, rather than a non-lens optical shield or window, can increase in the working distance for an operator or surgeon to, at least in part, compensate for any reduction in the working space as a result of the attachment of the wavefront sensor module to the microscope.

Abstract: The subject matter of the disclosure relates generally to a MEMS-based position-sensing system and lenses, for example, contact lenses and intra-ocular lenses, manufactured with the position-sensing system employing one or more angular and/or linear accelerometers and/or pressure transducers and methods for detecting position and motion of an eyeball and/or head utilizing the position-sensing contact lenses.

Abstract: Provided is a slit lamp microscope capable of controlling irradiation of slit light and background illumination light interlockingly. Embodiment includes a main illumination system, background illumination system, observation system and controller. The main illumination system includes a first light source unit that outputs first light and slit forming unit that forms a slit with changeable width, and illuminates an eye with the first light having passed through the slit. The background illumination system includes a second light source unit that outputs second light, and illuminates a peripheral area of an eye area irradiated with the first light. The observation system includes an eyepiece lens, imaging device, and group of optical elements that guides reflected light of the first light and reflected light of the second light from the eye to the eyepiece lens and imaging device. The controller interlockingly controls the main illumination system and second light source unit.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for monitoring an orbital area, including an eye, of a patient during surgery. A flexible pressure-sensitive element is configured to be responsive to a change in pressure applied thereto. The pressure-sensitive element is adapted to be applied over and adhered to the orbital area so as to be disposed over and conformed to a closed eyelid and the eye associated therewith, to sense pressure affecting the eye of the patient. A measuring arrangement is in communication with the pressure-sensing element, wherein the measuring arrangement is configured to determine a change in a property of the pressure-sensitive element in response to the pressure-sensitive element experiencing a change in pressure applied thereto. Associated methods are also provided.

Abstract: A system can comprise an orthopedic sleeve, a processor, and a database. The orthopedic sleeve can be configured to be worn over a joint of a user and can comprise at least one sensor and a communicator. The at least one sensor can be operable to monitor at least one activity parameter associated with the joint, and the communicator can be configured to communicate activity data associated with the at least one activity parameter of the joint. The processor can be configured to receive the activity data from the communicator, and the database in communication with the processor can be configured to store the activity data. Additional apparatus, methods, and systems are disclosed.

Abstract: A monitoring system includes a transmitter and a receiver to detect motion, wherein frequency waves are transmitted by the transmitter and reflected waves are received by the receiver; and an analyzer that calibrates a training signal during a training phase to develop a model and wherein the analyzer applies the model with the wireless signal during an operational phase to determine position or body parameters.

Abstract: Monitoring behavior of a rodent within a cage includes applying a vibration stimulus to a component of the cage and after applying the vibration stimulus, sensing a signal from a piezoelectric sensor within the cage, the sensed signal indicative of a behavioral response of the rodent. A plurality of attributes of the signal can be determined and the attributes can then be stored in a manner that associates the behavioral response of the rodent with the vibration stimulus.

Abstract: Methods for performing orthopaedic surgical procedures using a handheld scanner are disclosed. The methods include, generally, performing one or more intra-operative scans using a handheld scanner, generating scan data from the intra-operatives scans, and comparing the scan data to a surgical plan. The scan data and other feedback data are used to validate the position and orientation of orthopaedic prosthetic component implanted in a body of the patient.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for real-time characterization of spatially-resolved tissue optical properties using OCT/LCI. Imaging data are acquired, processed, displayed and stored in real-time. The resultant tissue optical properties are then used to determine the diagnostic threshold and to determine the OCT/LCI detection sensitivity and specificity. Color-coded optical property maps are constructed to provide direct visual cues for surgeons to differentiate tumor versus non-tumor tissue. These optical property maps can be overlaid with the structural imaging data and/or Doppler results for efficient data display. Finally, the imaging system can also be integrated with existing systems such as tracking and surgical microscopes. An aiming beam is generally provided for interventional guidance. For intraoperative use, a cap/spacer may also be provided to maintain the working distance of the probe, and also to provide biopsy capabilities.

Abstract: Device and methods for the incorporation of Quantum-Dots for spectroscopic analysis into biomedical devices are described. In some examples, the Quantum-Dots act as light emitters, light filters or analyte specific dyes. In some examples, a field of use for the apparatus and methods may include any biomedical device or product that benefits from spectroscopic analysis.

Abstract: The present application discloses a system for monitoring blood pressure. The system comprises a blood pressure cuff including a connector having an identifier associated with a blood pressure cuff size and a blood pressure measurement device comprising an emitter and a detector, the detector operatively connected to a processor. When the blood pressure cuff connector is mated with the measurement device, the emitter is positioned to direct radiation at the identifier and the detector is positioned to receive radiation from the identifier and generate a signal. The processor then determines the blood pressure cuff size based on the signal received from the detector.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a plurality of acoustic detectors detecting an acoustic wave from an object and outputting an electric signal, including a first and a second acoustic detectors each having a first and a second frequency sensitivity characteristics to output a first and a second electric signals, the first and the second frequency sensitivity characteristics are different, a memory holding a correction function created based on a third frequency sensitivity characteristics obtained from the first and the second frequency sensitivity characteristics, and an information processor correcting the first and the second electric signals using the correction function, thereby acquiring corrected electric signals and generating image data representing object information.

Abstract: A photoacoustic apparatus includes an emitting unit that emits light onto an object; a receiving unit that receives a photoacoustic wave generated from the object irradiated with the light and outputs a signal; a first calculating unit calculates, based on the signal, an initial sound pressure distribution in a first region; a control unit causes the initial sound pressure distribution to be displayed; an acquiring unit acquires first information on a second region, designated within a region of the initial sound pressure distribution, and based on the first information, second information on a third region; a second calculating unit that calculates, based on the first information, propagation of the light in the third region to calculate a light fluence distribution in the second region; and a third calculating unit calculates, based on the initial sound pressure distribution and the light fluence distribution, an object information distribution in the second region.

Abstract: An apparatus for acquiring object information includes at least one receiving unit configured to receive an acoustic wave occurring in an object and output a signal, a liquid level acquiring unit configured to acquire information regarding a position of a liquid level of acoustic matching liquid provided between the object and the at least one receiving unit, and a processing unit configured to acquire object information by processing the signal by using the information regarding the position of the liquid level.

Abstract: A fabric with an integrated sensor array and optionally with an integrated display; the fabric may be mounted to the surface of an object to be measured or monitored. The fabric may comprise multiple laminar layers, such as sensor layers, processing layers, display layers, and cladding layers for protection and sealing. Data analysis performed by processing layers may include beamforming operations, frequency filters, or any desired transformations. An illustrative display uses a layer of liquid crystal cells sandwiched between polarizing filter layers. An illustrative sensor array is an array of piezoelectric acoustic sensors formed by adjacent layers of calcium carbonate cells and potassium bitartrate cells. An application of acoustic sensor arrays may include for example a patch attached to a person's skin that senses and displays the location and size of blood vessels under the skin using the sound generated by blood flow.

Abstract: A vascular impedance measuring device may comprise a processing component capable of processing raw pressure and flow wave data and a pressure measuring component capable of providing pressure wave data from a specified point in a vessel and forwarding the pressure wave data to the processing component. The device may further include a flow measuring component capable of providing flow wave data from the specified point or a point near the specified point in the vessel and forwarding the flow wave data to the processing component. The processing component processes the raw pressure and flow wave data to produce an estimation of vascular impedance of the vessel from the specified point of measure and may provide data to a feedback system for therapy.

Abstract: Implantable in vivo sensors used to monitor physical, chemical or electrical parameters within a body. The in vivo sensors are integral with an implantable medical device and are responsive to externally or internally applied energy. Upon application of energy, the sensors undergo a phase change in at least part of the material of the device which is then detected external to the body by conventional techniques such as radiography, ultrasound imaging, magnetic resonance imaging, radio frequency imaging or the like. The in vivo sensors of the present invention may be employed to provide volumetric measurements, flow rate measurements, pressure measurements, electrical measurements, biochemical measurements, temperature, measurements, or measure the degree and type of deposits within the lumen of an endoluminal implant, such as a stent or other type of endoluminal conduit.

Abstract: A wearable electronic system including a base member having an upper surface and a lower surface with the lower surface having a skin-adhering adhesive thereon. At least one sensor is positioned on the upper surface and configured to sense pulse when the base member is adhered to a user's skin. A controller is configured to receive pulse data from the at least one optical sensor and output information representative of a health condition of the user. The base member is manufactured of a flexible, biocompatible material.

Abstract: Automatic method, as well as the related system and the tools allowing the same to be executed, for measuring and processing blood pressure starting from a detected pressure signal, the method operating in the time domain for discriminating whether the detected signal is an adequate measurement or not and, where it is not, time domain analysis automatically selects a low-pass filter to, possibly iteratively, apply to the detected pressure signal for having correct values and wave form of the blood pressure.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the measuring and monitoring of blood pressure. More specifically, embodiments may apply the theory of applanation tonometry for the measurement of blood pressure. Some embodiments provide a method for measuring mean arterial pressure. Some embodiments provide a device that may be worn by a user that may non-invasively measure and monitor blood pressure of a user. In some embodiments, the invention generally relates to sensor arrays for use with a wrist-worn device to measure blood pressure. Embodiments of the sensor array designs described may be configured to improve resolution by decoupling nodes of the sensor array.

Abstract: According to embodiments, a biosignal measuring device includes a driver, an electric signal acquirer, a voltage signal generator, and an amplifier. The driver drives one or more light emitting elements to emit an optical signal having a light intensity that varies periodically. The electric signal acquirer acquires an electric signal corresponding to the amount of light of the optical signal reflected off the inside of a biological body, or corresponding to the amount of light of the optical signal transmitted through the biological body. The voltage signal generator outputs a voltage signal from which a frequency component which is equal to or lower than a predetermined frequency contained in the acquired electric signal has been removed. The amplifier amplifies the voltage signal and outputs an amplified signal.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus 100 includes a wearing portion 110 to be worn by a subject, and a sensor unit 120a and a sensor unit 120b each supported by the wearing portion 110 and having a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit, wherein the sensor unit 120a and the sensor unit 120b, in acquiring a biological-information of the subject when the wearing portion 110 is worn by the subject, are arranged having a distance of 35 mm or less from each other along a predetermined blood vessel of the subject.

Abstract: An electronic device may include an optical source capable of supplying light to an adjacent user's body part having blood flow therein and an optical sensor capable of sensing light from the user's body part. The electronic device may also include at least one gain stage coupled to the optical sensor and a compensation circuit coupled to the at least one gain stage and capable of generating a compensated output signal. The compensation circuit may include a memory capable of storing ambient light compensation data, and a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) coupled to the at least one gain stage and capable of compensating for ambient light based upon the stored ambient light compensation data. The electronic device may also include a processor capable of generating a user's heart rate based upon the compensated output signal.

Abstract: Light-blocking structures for optical physiological parameter measurement devices or sensors are disclosed. Such structures may include barrier walls and protrusions that further include intermeshing surface profiles designed to promote light-blocking capabilities at small scales to offset potential gaps that may occur due to assembly tolerance stack-ups.

Abstract: Light-blocking structures for optical physiological parameter measurement devices or sensors are disclosed. Such optical physiological parameter measurement devices or sensors may include two photodetectors and a photo-emitter, as well as barrier walls that are interposed between the photo-emitter and the photodetectors. The barrier walls may have recesses that intermesh with surface profiles of protrusions that are attached to or part of a window of the optical physiological parameter measurement devices or sensors.

Abstract: An optical measurement module is disclosed that includes three or more recessed regions separated from each other by two or more barrier walls, the recessed regions including at least two distal recessed regions. The optical measurement module may also include first and second photo-emitter elements that emit light in different spectrums and first and second photodetector elements. One or more of the second photo-emitter elements may be located in one of the distal recessed regions, and the second photodetector element may be located in one of the other distal recessed regions. The first photodetector element may be located in a recessed region other than the recessed region where the second photodetector element is located, and the one or more photo-emitter elements may be located in one of the recessed regions other than the one where the first photodetector element is located.

Abstract: Heart condition and function can be visualized and/or quantified using time-frequency maps derived from the time-frequency transform of one or more electrocardiograms. The electrocardiograms, time-frequency maps derived therefrom, and/or indices obtained by analysis of the time-frequency maps and electrocardiograms may be assembled into a user interface. Further embodiments are described.

Abstract: Methods and systems for mapping and displaying cardiac structures are disclosed. The method includes sensing cardiac electrical signals at a plurality of points and generating a cardiac map of at least a portion of one or more cardiac structures based on at least a portion of the sensed cardiac electrical signals. A surface map having a corresponding first position relative to the cardiac map is generated. The surface map includes a first surface point, where a first cardiac electrical signal feature is represented on the surface map at the first surface point if a corresponding first cardiac electrical signal is sensed at a point that is located within a threshold distance of the first surface point. The cardiac map and the surface map, at the first position, are displayed. The surface map may be repositioned to a second position.