Abstract: According to one aspect of the present disclosure, because there is no need for a user to pick dust or the like adhered to an outer circumferential surface of the grill off by hand, the vacuum cleaner is easy to use. In addition, when removing dust or the like adhered to an outer circumferential surface of the grill, generation of secondary contamination around the case can be prevented. A cyclone dust collector, the cyclone dust collector comprises a case configured to accommodate dust separated from suctioned air, a first cover configured to open, and close a bottom of the case and a grill assembly provided to be detachable from the case.

Abstract: A cyclonic separator assembly having a first end, a second end, and an inlet for receiving a flow of dirty air. A separation chamber receives dirty air from the inlet and includes an air flow outlet formed within the separation chamber configured such that air is drawn through the outlet in a direction generally towards the first end of the separator assembly. The chamber further includes a dirt outlet defining an opening in a wall of the separation chamber. The assembly further includes a passage defining an air flow path from the air flow outlet towards a separator outlet in a direction generally towards the second end of the separator assembly such that, in use, the separator outlet is adapted to communicate with the suction inlet of the cleaner body so as to draw dirty air into the separator assembly.

Abstract: Vacuum cleaning devices include foldable wands to provide a storage configuration and/or facilitate use. A vacuum cleaning device includes a wand having a first end coupled to a vacuum unit and a second end coupled to a vacuum head or surface cleaning head. The wand defines an air passage allowing air to pass from the surface cleaning head to the vacuum unit and includes a flexible air passage along at least a portion of the wand. The wand also includes a plurality of segments pivotably connected together such that the wand is foldable about 180° in a forward direction until the vacuum unit is positioned proximate a top of the surface cleaning head, thereby providing a storage configuration.

Abstract: A self-propelled dust-collecting robot includes a main body having wheels, a dust-collecting unit collecting dust on a floor surface, infrared sensors each including an infrared transmission element that emits infrared light toward the floor surface and an infrared reception element that receives the infrared light reflected at the floor surface, and a controller controlling the wheels on the basis of a reflectance of the infrared light obtained from each infrared sensor. The controller, during running, determines whether the reflectance is higher than or equal to a predetermined threshold value. Upon determining that the reflectance is higher than or equal to the threshold value, the controller controls the wheels to perform an avoidance action with the position where the reflectance is detected being a virtual wall, thereby to control the self-propelled dust-collecting robot to perform cleaning within a cleaning range defined by a reflection member.

Abstract: A method and corresponding arrangement are provided for controlling a mobile cleaning robot for cleaning of a building. A cleaning program with cleaning tasks is loaded into a control unit of the cleaning robot, the current position of the cleaning robot in the building is determined, the respective cleaning tasks are carried out taking into account the current position of the cleaning robot, and based on the current position of the cleaning robot and the cleaning task to be performed at the respective position, at the request of the control unit a building management system activates facilities located at the respective position, so that a corresponding cleaning task is able to be carried out for the cleaning robot.

Abstract: The system herein disclosed and claimed is a sponge-based cleaning device with self-contained detergent reservoir.

Abstract: The washcloth includes a pouch with an opening, the opening having an elastic fabric around the perimeter of the opening enabling the opening to be stretched to fit a soap bar larger than the opening itself and into the pouch. The soap bar is inserted into the pouch, thereby enabling a person to hold and use the soap bar and washcloth concurrently while bathing or showering. The washcloth enables a person to wash a portion of the body with one hand while holding the washcloth with the soap bar in direct contact with the body while the soap bar is retained in the pouch. The flexible opening also maintains the soap bar in the pouch as the soap bar being used by the person in the shower or bath shrinks. The washcloth may also be inverted and soap is applied indirectly to a portion of the body through the washcloth.

Abstract: A scrubbing device designed to provide support for the hand and wrist during use by utilizing an extension onto the forearm.

Abstract: A warewash machine for washing wares includes a chamber for receiving wares, the chamber having at least one spray zone. A spray system is provided in the spray zone for spraying liquid onto wares for cleaning. A tank captures sprayed liquid that falls within the spray zone. The tank includes a primary recirculation path for delivering liquid from the tank to the spray system, and a secondary recirculation path for delivering water out of the tank and back into the tank, without spraying within the spray zone, in order promote mixing within the tank.

Abstract: A dish washing machine includes a plurality of jet nozzles which jet washing water, a sump which stores washing water, a pump which includes a pumping motor pumping the washing water stored in the sump and a housing comprising a plurality of outlets, and a distributor which distributes the washing water pumped by the pump to the plurality of jet nozzles through the plurality of outlets. The distributor includes at least one opening and closing member configured to be rotatable in the housing of the pump to selectively open and close the plurality of outlets, and a distributor motor which rotates the at least one opening and closing member about a motor shaft which faces a direction different from a direction which a motor shaft of the pumping motor faces.

Abstract: A warewash machine for washing wares includes a chamber for receiving wares, the chamber having at least one wash zone with an associated spray system for spraying liquid onto wares passing therethrough, wherein a downstream drying zone includes a blower for blowing air onto wares passing therethrough. The blower includes an ambient intake operatively connected to an ambient air flow path, a machine intake operatively connected to an internal machine air flow path and an exhaust intake operatively connected to a machine exhaust air flow path.

Abstract: A dishwasher including a utensil basket having a front wall, a side wall, and a bottom wall, wherein at least a portion of the front wall is movable between a first and second position, relative to the basket.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus has a color image obtaining means configured obtain color image data representing a color image of biographic tissues, a lesion determining means configured to determine whether each pixel of the color image is of a lesion part based on the color image data, and a marking means configured to apply a mark indicating a position of the lesion part on the color image based on a result of determination, and the mark is configured such that the color image at a background of the mark can be seen.

Abstract: Non-white light from an endoscope (201) of a teleoperated surgical system (200) is used to illuminate a surgical site (203). A camera (220L) captures an image of the surgical site, and the image is displayed on a monitor (251). The non-white light illumination minimizes noise in the images of the surgical site presented on the monitor relative to images captured using white light illumination and displayed on the monitor.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes: a blood vessel sharpness calculation unit configured to calculate blood vessel sharpness representing sharpness of a visible vascular pattern in a mucosa region in which a mucosa in a lumen is shown in an intraluminal image; an abnormal candidate region extraction unit configured to extract a sharpness reduction region in which the blood vessel sharpness is reduced, as a candidate region for an abnormal region in which the visible vascular pattern is locally lost; and an abnormal region determination unit configured to determine whether the candidate region is the abnormal region based on a shape of the candidate region.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus is provided in an imaging system having an image capturing unit. The image capturing unit is configured to irradiate a subject with light and to generate first image data representing a first image based on the light reflected from the subject and having first spectral characteristics, and to generate second image data representing a second image based on the light reflected from the subject and having second spectral characteristics different from the first spectral characteristics. The image processing apparatus includes: a computing unit that determines a degree of correlation between the first image and the second image; and a control unit that causes the image capturing unit to generate the first image data at a preset frame rate, and controls timing to generate the second image data instead of the first image data based on a determination result of the degree of correlation.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes: a blood vessel sharpness image creation unit configured to create a blood vessel sharpness image representing sharpness of a blood vessel region in which a blood vessel is shown in an intraluminal image; an abnormal candidate region extraction unit configured to extract a region in which the sharpness is decreased in the blood vessel sharpness image, as a candidate region for an abnormal region in which a visible vascular pattern is locally lost; and an abnormal region determination unit configured to determine whether the candidate region is an abnormal region, based on extension information indicating a state of the blood vessel region extending in a neighborhood of the candidate region.

Abstract: A bending device with which bending motions can be controlled with ease and good controllability includes a plurality of elastic tubes disposed inside an elastic tube. The elastic tubes each include an elastic tube body and a non-stretching body. The portion of the elastic tube body opposite the portion in which the non-stretching body is fixed inflates in a circumferential direction of the elastic tube body in response to increase in its internal pressure, causing the elastic tube to bend. The portion of the elastic tube body in which the non-stretching body is fixed is thicker than the remaining portion of the elastic tube body.

Abstract: A medical device for tissue resection and related methods of use are disclosed. The device may include an elongate member having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the elongate member may include a distal portion defining an end face and a cavity extending distally therefrom. The distal portion may further include multiple sections configured to transition between a first position and a second position different from the first position. The medical device may further include a mechanism configured to adjust a volume of the cavity by moving at least one of the multiple sections from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: The observation system images a specimen under illumination lights applied at different timings through irradiation windows arranged near one image sensor, generates optical information included in each image, calculates values of light volumes included in the optical information output from identical-point originated pixels, which have imaged an identical point as the same characteristic point on the specimen, in the respective pixels as a relative distance from an image sensor, compares the optical information between the pixels, and determines the identical point on the specimen as a flat surface portion or an inclined portion on the basis of a comparison result, associates the distance with the flat surface portion or the inclined portion, estimates a surface shape of the specimen, and displays a three-dimensional image of the specimen.

Abstract: A medical device configured to facilitate a minimally invasive surgical procedure is provided. The medical device includes a housing having an attachment portion configured to removably engage with a scope. The medical device also includes a first deflector engaged with the housing and configured to engage with a distal end of a first treatment tool. The first deflector permits movement of the distal end of the first treatment tool independent of the housing. The medical device further includes a second deflector engaged with the housing and configured to engage with a distal end of a second treatment tool. The second deflector permits movement of the distal end of the second treatment tool independent of the housing.

Abstract: An elevator assembly to be accommodated in the leading end section of the endoscope includes an assembly body, an elevator, and an elevation lever. The elevator includes an elevator rotation shaft portion, the elevation lever includes a lever rotation shaft portion, and the assembly body includes a bearing hole for supporting the rotation shaft portions and. The elevator rotation shaft portion is inserted into the bearing hole from a recessed portion of the assembly body, and the lever rotation shaft portion is inserted into the bearing hole from a side opposite to the recessed portion, and then the shaft portions are coupled to each other.

Abstract: An elevator provided in a treatment tool leading section of a leading end section of the endoscope includes a wide body portion that is provided on a distal end side with respect to a rotation shaft, and has a width more than that of a narrow body portion provided on a proximal end side. The wide body portion projects through an opening in an upper portion in an elevator accommodation groove in a state where the elevator rises most. The wide body portion prevents the treatment tool from dropping into a gap in a side when the elevator is lying. Meanwhile, when the elevator is cleaned with a cleaning brush, raising the elevator enables side faces of the elevator to be easily cleaned.

Abstract: Various apparatuses to attach a first medical device to a second medical device are described that allow the physician to grasp only a single device while the other device remains securely attached to the one being grasped. The apparatuses, once they are attached to the first medical device, are designed to be easily and quickly attached and detached to a second medical device, normally only requiring the use of one hand. Furthermore, the apparatuses oftentimes include a base that can easily couple and decouple from the portion that is attached to the second medical device so that if the need arises to separately use the second medical device, it can be decoupled from the first medical device without completely removing the apparatus from the second medical device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure include an endoscope tip assembly for use on an endoscope, during procedures. The endoscope tip assembly may include a base, configured to receive an endoscope tip configured to not disengage from the endoscope tip during a procedure. The endoscope tip assembly may also include a plurality of struts, connected by a webbing, that may fold flat during insertion, and may assume a balloon-like shape during withdrawal.

Abstract: A controller operates in different operating modes to control movement of a distal tip of a medical instrument when inserting and retracting the medical instrument through linked body passages. When inserting the medical instrument, the controller normally operates in an automatic navigation mode unless manually overridden to operate in a manual mode. When retracting the medical instrument, the controller normally operates in a zero-force mode to allow the distal tip to freely move so that it may comply with the shape of the passages as the medical instrument is being retracted through the linked body unless manually overridden to operate in a manual mode.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to an apparatus comprising an elongate flexible tube sized to be received within a tract and having a proximal end and a distal end; a drive mechanism coupled to the proximal end of the tube; and a liquid column extending from the proximal end to the distal end; wherein the drive mechanism is configured to cause movement of the liquid column within the tube to impart forward momentum to the tube and thereby promote advancement of at least the distal end of the tube within the tract when at least the distal end is received within a part of the tract.

Abstract: Robotic, telerobotic, and/or telesurgical devices, systems, and methods take advantage of robotic structures and data to calculate changes in the focus of an image capture device in response to movement of the image capture device, a robotic end effector, or the like. As the size of an image of an object shown in the display device varies with changes in a separation distance between that object and the image capture device used to capture the image, a scale factor between a movement command input may be changed in response to moving an input device or a corresponding master/slave robotic movement command of the system. This may enhance the perceived correlation between the input commands and the robotic movements as they appear in the image presented to the system operator.

Abstract: An optical instrument for capturing stereo images includes two optical devices for producing a real image in each case, two carriages, which are each movable along a predetermined path relative to one of the optical devices, two image sensors, each with a light-sensitive surface for capturing the respective real image, with one of the image sensors in each case being fastened to the carriage, and one reflecting surface in the beam path between the optical device and the image sensor in each case.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes an illumination section, a color component ratio measurement section and a light quantity ratio adjustment circuit. The illumination section including a light source sequentially or simultaneously radiates an illumination light being a plurality of narrow-band lights having wavelengths different from each other and having light quantities which are independently controllable each other, on an observation object. The color component ratio measurement section measures a color component ratio of the illumination light. The light quantity ratio adjustment circuit adjusts a light quantity ratio of the narrow-band lights based on an output from the color component ratio measurement section and performs color correction to cause the illumination light to be a desired color.

Abstract: An anoscope has a tubular body member and a sliding insert that removably covers an opening or window in the body member. The hollow body member is provided on an inwardly facing surface, along a channel or lumen of the body member, with a non-reflective or light-absorbing coating.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes obtaining an image of a retinal fundus. A plurality of features is extracted from the image of the retinal fundus. The plurality of features includes at least one feature based on anatomical domain knowledge of the retinal fundus and at least one response of a pre-trained deep convolutional neural network to at least a portion of the image of the retinal fundus. The retinal fundus is determined to belong to a left eye or a right eye, based on an analysis of the plurality of features.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for managing, optimizing subject information, recommending ophthalmologic assessments, and performing diagnostic assessments. The system includes a computing device having an image-capturing device and a display. The system includes a computer application that is executable on the computing device and operable to receive information regarding a subject, recommend ophthalmologic tests based on the information received, and perform ophthalmologic assessments on a subject. Performance of the ophthalmologic assessments causes the application to generate information regarding the ophthalmologic health of the subject, analyze the information generated, and present results of the analysis on the display.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining the thickness of a retina. A single beam is used to illuminate the retina of a patient. Interference between reflections off different layers within the retina cause autocorrelation in the returned signal. An FFT applied to the autocorrelation signal reveals the strongest autocorrelation, which indicates the distance between the nerve fiber layer (NFL) and the layers between the inner segment/outer segment (IS/OS) and the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), the dominant scatterers. By analyzing autocorrelation, a single beam can be used. This avoids the problem of movement of the patient, arising in the use of a standard OCT interferometer, resulting in a simpler and less expensive technique of measuring retinal thickness.

Abstract: Channel separation in ophthalmologic systems is achieved by introducing a small angle between each beam incident on the scanner. The multiple channels are emitted from multiple emitters positioned such that their respective beams reach an X-Y scanner with small angular separations between the beams. This removes the need for dichroic components to combine the multiple channels into a single beam. This also allows the emitters to use the same wavelength if desired, such as in a combined SLO and OCT system in which it may be desirable to use the same light source in order to reduce the cost and complexity of the system.

Abstract: A sensing device with an odd-symmetry grating projects near-field spatial modulations onto an array of closely spaced pixels. Due to physical properties of the grating, the spatial modulations are in focus for a range of wavelengths and spacings. The spatial modulations are captured by the array, and photographs and other image information can be extracted from the resultant data. Pixels responsive to infrared light can be used to make thermal imaging devices and other types of thermal sensors. Some sensors are well adapted for tracking eye movements, and others for imaging barcodes and like binary images. In the latter case, the known binary property of the expected images can be used to simplify the process of extracting image data.

Abstract: An ophthalmic analysis device for analyzing OCT motion contrast data including blood vessel information of a subject eye acquired by an ophthalmic OCT, includes: an analysis processing means configured to analyze the OCT motion contrast data to acquire a measurement result related to a capillary area of the subject eye, wherein the analysis processing means an alleviating process for alleviating the influence of great blood vessels having blood vessel diameters larger than those of capillaries on the measurement result to acquire the measurement result related to the capillary area.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for performing a photorefractive assessment. The system comprises a computing device including an image-capturing device, a display device, and a computer application that is executable on the computing device and operable to perform a method including receiving input specifying subject information, capturing an image using the image-capturing device containing eye pupils of a subject, and analyzing the image captured to determine a distance between the subject and the image-capturing device using the subject information and predetermined interpupilary distance information. A remediation action may be performed if the distance determined is not within an appropriate distance range for the photorefractive assessment. An illuminance level of the environment may be analyzed using the image captured to determine whether lighting conditions are appropriate for performing the photorefractive assessment.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for predicting whether a patient has been exposed to an agent. Physiological data is recorded from the patient during a first time interval, and one or more features are extracted from the physiological data. A plurality of classifiers is identified, wherein each classifier is trained using training data for a respective specific post-exposure time interval. For each classifier and based on a respective subset of the one or more features, a patient state classification that indicates an initial prediction of whether the patient has been exposed to the agent is determined. An indication of a prediction that the patient has been exposed to the agent is provided when a number of patient state classifications indicating a positive initial prediction that the patient has been exposed to the agent exceeds a first threshold.

Abstract: Provided are a method for simultaneously detecting fluorescence and Raman signals for multiple fluorescence and Raman signal targets, and a medical imaging device for simultaneously detecting multiple targets using the method. The method includes: injecting at least one marker particle comprising Raman markers and receptors into the body of an animal, which can be a human; irradiating a laser beam onto the body of the animal; and detecting the optical signals emitted by the marker particle after the irradiation of the laser beam separately as fluorescence signals and Raman signals. The simultaneous detection of multiple targets may be performed even without scanning optical signals emitted by the marker particle individually with different optical fibers. As an examination may be performed by injecting surface-enhanced Raman marker particles, weak Raman signals may be augmented so as to obtain a more accurate diagnosis result in real time.

Abstract: A processor of a handheld apparatus receives orientation signals from an orientation sensor of the handheld apparatus. The orientation signals indicate the direction that a camera of the handheld apparatus is aimed. The processor can also receive touch signals from a touch sensor of the handheld apparatus. The touch signals can indicate that the handheld apparatus is contacting a user (e.g., is being held by the user). The processor controls the camera to automatically obtain video based on, for example, the orientation signals indicating that the direction that the camera is aimed is within a previously established acceptable orientation range. The processor automatically recognizes items within the video to identify a face within the video, and automatically analyzes changes of the face within the video over time to identify the heart rate, respiration rate, emotional state, stress level, etc., exhibited by the face within the video.

Abstract: A pulse-wave detection device acquires an image. Furthermore, the pulse-wave detection device executes face detection on the image. Furthermore, the pulse-wave detection device sets the identical region of interest in the frame, of which the image is acquired, and the previous frame to the frame in accordance with a result of the face detection. Moreover, the pulse-wave detection device detects a pulse wave signal based on a difference in brightness obtained between the frame and the previous frame.

Abstract: Systems and methods for imaging a three-dimensional (3D) biometric object, including receiving the 3D biometric object into a scanning area. An image of the 3D biometric object is generated using photo-acoustic tomography by illuminating one or more veins in the 3D biometric object using a light source, and detecting acoustic waves resulting from absorption of light from the light source by the one or more veins. A 3D vein image is output based on the acoustic waves detected.

Abstract: Certain embodiments are directed to an interventional device and methods of use of an interventional device comprising all-optical photoacoustic imaging and optionally further comprising at least one medical treatment device.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe includes a light irradiating portion configured to radiate light for generating ultrasonic waves from a light absorber, an ultrasonic transducing portion configured to transduce the ultrasonic waves to an electric signal, and a light guide member configured to introduce light from a light source to the light irradiating portion. A light irradiating region of the light irradiating portion is included within an ultrasonic receiving region of the ultrasonic transducing portion.

Abstract: An insert includes: an insert body that has an opening and has an inner cavity therein; a light guide member that is inserted into the inner cavity of the insert body and guides light emitted from a light source; a light emitting portion that emits light guided by the light guide member; a light absorption member that generates photoacoustic waves by absorbing the light emitted from the light emitting portion; and a proximal end portion that has an inlet of liquid and a chamber communicating with the inlet and the inner cavity of the insert body. The inner cavity has a space for flow of the liquid, and liquid injected through the inlet is capable of flowing from the opening of the insert body through the chamber and the space for flow of the liquid.

Abstract: A body temperature detection and control system, including a temperature sensing module configured to sense a body temperature, a processing module configured to determine whether the sensed body temperature is outside of a predetermined temperature range, and a response module configured to, if the sensed body temperature is determined to be outside of a predetermined temperature range, provide at least one of a notification and a remedial measure.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a system or biological sensor configured to determine when to perform a biological measurement based on a body part position. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of determining volume flow rate of a bodily fluid in a biological conduit includes determining a cross-sectional area of a biological conduit using a velocity vector map representing moving entities or moving fluid portions in a bodily fluid flowing within the biological conduit, calculating an average speed of the moving entities or moving fluid portions in the bodily fluid flowing across the determined cross-sectional area of the biological conduit, and calculating volume flow rate of the bodily fluid in the biological conduit from the determined cross-sectional area and the calculated instantaneous or average speed. A series of velocity vector maps may be collected over time so as to generate a flow rate profile representing flow rate as a function of time.

Abstract: A medical device system and method for monitoring a cardiovascular pressure signal to identify an atrial arrhythmia that includes a sensor sensing a cardiovascular pressure signal and a pressure analysis module that is configured to determine at least one of an interval dispersion and an amplitude dispersion of the sensed pressure signal, compare the at least one of an interval dispersion and an amplitude dispersion of the sensed pressure signal to a dispersion threshold, and determine whether the atrial arrhythmia is occurring in response to the comparing