Abstract: A fibrous article includes non-spherical abrasive particles mechanically anchored to fibers of the article. The abrasive particles include elements having a longitudinal length (L) and a predetermined complex cross-sectional shape extending on a plane perpendicular to said longitudinal length (L). The cross-sectional shape has at least one vertex. An edge extends along the length L from the vertex. The particles further comprise an anchoring element disposed away from the edge. The ratio of said length (L) to a perimeter-equivalent diameter of said predetermined cross-sectional shape “ECD PHull” is between about 0.5 and about 5.

Abstract: A floor treatment device may include a body portion comprising one or more pumps, one or more spray outlets, and one or more reservoir receptacles configured to receive one or more reservoirs. The one or more pumps are operable to be activated and direct liquids to the spray outlets. The device may include swappable heads, each comprising a body connector configured to mate with a head connector of the body portion. In an embodiment, the head connector may include a sensor system and a controller communicatively connected to the sensor system. When one of swappable heads is connected to the body portion, the sensor system is configured to detect the identity of the swappable heads connected, and the controller is configured to selectively activate, based on the identity of the swappable heads, at least one of the one or more pumps.

Abstract: A fluid circulation assembly for a dishwasher appliance includes a collection chamber positioned below a sump. A first outlet conduit extends from a valve and is configured for receiving liquid from a pump when the valve is in a recirculation configuration, and a second outlet conduit extends from the valve and is configured for directing liquid from the pump to the collection chamber when the valve is in a drain configuration. A check valve is configured for obstructing liquid flow from the collection chamber to an unfiltered volume of the sump when the valve is in the drain configuration.

Abstract: A dishwasher having a tub having an open face and at least partially defining a treating chamber for holding dishes during an automatic cycle of operation, a door moveably mounted between an opened position, wherein a user the treating chamber is accessible, and a closed position, wherein the door closes the open face of the tub and dispensing assembly configured to activate an indicator to emit a human-detectable signal in response to a first signal indicating a predetermined amount of treating chemistry and a second signal indicating a predetermined amount of illumination.

Abstract: A dish rack is supported for both selective movement into and out of a washing chamber of a dishwasher tub and vertically relative to the tub, with the vertical adjustment being made by manually grasping and shifting at least one frontal cross bar extending above a front wall of the dish rack to cause pivoting of first and second lever members extending along sides of the dish rack. The side lever members cooperate with latching mechanisms to lift and retain the dish rack in a select raised position.

Abstract: A cleaning device (10; 110; 210), in particular for cleaning hook-and-loop fasteners, includes a plurality of projections (16; 116; 216) which project inclined from a surface (13; 113; 213) of the cleaning device, such that between the projections and the surface (13; 113; 213) there is formed a mouth (17) respectively, the cross-section of which is tapering in an xz-plane from a mouth opening (B, D) in a sharp angled manner towards a vertex (C) wherein the mouth opening (B, D) includes an angle (?) in the xz-plane of 10 to 40° with the vertex (C) as center of the angle (?).

Abstract: An endoscopic system includes an endoscope that obtains image information inside a subject; a first recording medium into which the image information obtained from the endoscope is written; a second recording medium that has a table in which a recording condition for writing the image information obtained from the endoscope into the first recording medium has been recorded; and a controller that obtains, on the basis of an operation time period obtained from the endoscope, a recording condition associated with the obtained operation time period from among the plurality of recording conditions recorded in the table that the second recording medium has, and records the image information in the first recording medium under the recording condition.

Abstract: A apparatus adapted for use in clinically invasive proceedures comprising a plurality of objects forming a system, the object of which being to display to a surgeon or clinician the image of tissues and to improve the visualisation of tissue, and comprising: at least two computers or computer like devices containing microprocessors running independent operating systems; wherein, Component A, is any commercially available Tablet PC or smart phone or computer device capable of displaying high-definition video images having a touch screen capable of the pinch manouver; and is linked by BLUETOOTH® or equivalent to a second computer like device, Component B which has a separate microprocessor and operating system; and is linked using cables to a small sterile disposable component Component C which can attach to existing surgical retractors and comprises a LED (light emitting diode) or equivalent and a CMOS pixel sensor chip or equivalent.

Abstract: Provided are an endoscope and a hardness adjustment device configured so that an arrangement space of built-in components in an operation portion can be ensured and that burden on a coil spring and a wire can be reduced. In an operation portion, a retained portion of a coil spring unit is retained at a first radial position by a coil spring holder as a first retainer, and a base end portion of a wire unit is retained at a second radial position by a wire holder as a second retainer. A base end portion of the coil spring unit is retained at a third radial position by a coil spring contact portion as a third retainer.

Abstract: A flexible robotic endoscopy slave system includes an endoscope body and a flexible elongate shaft extending therefrom into which at least one tendon driven robotic endoscopic instrument is insertable; a docking station with which the endoscope body is releasably dockable; and a translation mechanism for selectively longitudinally displacing the endoscopic instrument(s) within the flexible elongate shaft when the endoscope body is docked. The translation mechanism can carry and selectively displace actuators that drive each robotic endoscopic instrument by way of tendons. At least one degree of freedom (DOF) of robotic instrument motion is controlled by a pair of actuators and a corresponding pair of tendons. Actuation engagement structures releasably couple the actuators to an adapter structure for driving each endoscopic instrument. Tendon pretensioning can occur automatically under programmable control.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to calibration target devices, assemblies and methods for use with imaging systems, such as a stereoscopic endoscope. A calibration assembly includes: a target surface extends in three dimensions with calibration markers and a body with an interface that engages an endoscope so the markers are within the field of view. A first calibration marker extends along a first plane of the target surface and a second marker extends along a second plane of the target surface. The planes are different and asymmetric relative to the field of view as seen through the endoscope. Three-dimensional targets, in particular, enable endoscopic calibration using a single image (or pair of images for a stereoscopic endoscope) to reduce the calibration process complexity, calibration time and chance of error as well as allow the efficient calibration of cameras at different focus positions.

Abstract: An endoscope includes a universal cord which is connected to an operation section at one end thereof and which is configured to connect an external device to the operation section; a first switch which is disposed at about the same position as a connecting position to the universal cord along a longitudinal axis of the operation section; and a second switch which is disposed on a side opposite to the insertion section via the first switch along the longitudinal axis of the operation section, and which is formed to be higher than the first switch in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A multi-camera endoscope includes a the tip section comprising: a front looking camera and a front discrete illuminator to essentially illuminate the field of view of said front looking camera; a right side looking camera and a right discrete illuminator to essentially illuminate the field of view of said right side looking camera; a left side looking camera and a left discrete illuminator to essentially illuminate the field of view of said left side looking camera; and a multi-component cover configured to cover and seal said tip section such as to essentially prevent entry of fluids from the environment of said endoscope to inner parts of said tip section. The tip cover includes removable or repositionable window components which provide access to internal components of the tip for repair or removal, without removing the main tip cover.

Abstract: The invention relates to an endoscope head on a deflecting end of an endoscope, comprising an MID (molded interconnect device) molded element (1) comprising at least one conducting path (21-28) applied on the same; at least one electronic instrument (3) which is seated in the MID molded element (1) and can be electrically supplied by said at least one conducting path (21-28) thereof; and a sensor (6). The invention further relates to an endoscope head on a deflecting end of an endoscope, comprising an endoscope head body (1) with at least one conducting path (21-28) applied on the same; at least one electronic instrument (3) which is seated in the endoscope head body (1) and can be electrically supplied by said at least one conducting path (21-28) thereof; and at least one pulling cable (4) whose pulling cable anchoring (41) is seated in the endoscope head body (1); wherein the at least one pulling cable (4) is electrically connected to the at least one conducting path (21-28) of the endoscope head body (1).

Abstract: A treatment instrument lifting adjusting portion including a lifting member and an operation wire is disposed outside of a treatment instrument guiding-out path including an exit member and a tube in a distal end portion. Thus, cleaning work can be performed by inserting, for example, a brush into the treatment instrument guiding-out path, and is easily performed similarly to an endoscope of a type having no treatment instrument lifting function.

Abstract: An endoscope sheath is provided comprising a sheath tube extending along a longitudinal axis between a proximal end and a distal end, the sheath tube is configured to receive at least a portion of an endoscope; a hub connected to the proximal end of the sheath tube; and a hub adapter engaging the hub and configured to engage the endoscope, wherein the sheath tube can rotate about the longitudinal axis without rotation of the hub adapter, and wherein the sheath tube is restricted from moving axially along the longitudinal axis relative to the hub adapter.

Abstract: There is provided herein a tip section of a multi-viewing element endoscope, the tip section comprising: two or more side-pointing viewing elements positioned at or in proximity to a distal end of said tip section, wherein each of said two or more side-pointing viewing elements having a discrete illuminator associated therewith, wherein the field of view provided by the two or more side-pointing viewing elements covers a front and side views; a working channel configured for insertion of a surgical tool; and a pathway fluid injector for inflating and/or cleaning a body cavity into which the endoscope is inserted.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include an endoscope including a distal chamber and related methods of use, for example, with an endoscopic instrument.

Abstract: A fixing sleeve that is fitted outward on a connecting portion between a connecting pipe and a treatment tool inserting tube for fixation of the connecting portion comprises a cylindrical sleeve body, an arc-shaped portion that is connected to a proximal end side of the sleeve body, is formed to be coaxial with a sleeve center axis of the sleeve body and has a center angle smaller than 180°, and a projection portion that is formed along a peripheral direction of the sleeve center axis on an inner peripheral surface in the arc-shaped portion in a radial inside of the sleeve center axis. A part of the treatment tool inserting tube is flexibly deformed in a convex shape by the projection portion, and the part thereof is supported by the projection portion.

Abstract: An imaging unit includes: a semiconductor package having an image sensor and having a connection electrode on a back side thereof; a circuit board having connection electrodes on front and back sides thereof, the connection electrode on the front side being connected to the connection electrode of the semiconductor package; a deformed circuit board having first, second, and third faces and having connection electrodes on the first, second, and third faces, respectively, a connection electrode on the first face being connected to the connection electrodes of the circuit board; an electronic component mounted on the back side of the circuit board; and cables connected to the connection electrodes on the second and third faces. The electronic component is housed in a recess of the deformed circuit board. The circuit board, the deformed circuit board, and the cables are located within a projection plane in an optical-axis-direction of the semiconductor package.

Abstract: A capsule endoscope includes: an imaging unit that images a subject and to acquire an image of the subject and is set to either of a first mode and a second mode; a data acquiring unit that acquires data other than an image; and a control unit that switches a mode of the imaging unit between the first mode and the second mode based on an analysis result of the image and an analysis result of the data. The control unit switches the mode of the imaging unit to the second mode based on the analysis result of the data when the mode of the imaging unit is set to the first mode, and switches the mode of the imaging unit to the first mode based on the analysis result of the image when the mode of the imaging unit is set to the second mode.

Abstract: An endoscope includes a rigid section having an opening situated between two ends. The endoscope also includes a handle for manipulation and at the first end. An image capturing device is near the second end and is configured to provide a first view when pointed in a first direction. The image capturing device is moved with respect to a longitudinal axis of the rigid section in response to a movement of an extension portion of a shaft located in the opening and operatively coupling the handle and a first base part resulting from the manipulation of the handle. A fixing member is rigidly coupled to the rigid section and pivotably coupled to the first base part at a second pivot portion of the first base part, and a second base part is pivotably connected to the fixing member at a pivot portion of the second base part.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes a head portion including an image pickup device, and a connector portion integrally connected with the head portion via a cable. The head portion includes: an electronic shutter register configured to store a set value for controlling an image pickup device, among control data transmitted from the connector portion; and a communication circuit configured to, based on information indicating whether or not to transmit the set value for controlling the image pickup device, among the control data transmitted from the connector portion, to a register provided in the image pickup device, perform control of whether or not to transmit the set value stored in the electronic shutter register to the register provided in the image pickup device.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes: an insertion portion; an observation window provided on the insertion portion to acquire a first subject image from a forward direction; an observation window provided on the insertion portion to acquire a second subject image from a lateral direction different from the forward direction; an illumination window to emit first illumination light in the forward direction; an illumination window to emit second illumination light in the lateral direction; an aperture to adjust an amount of light of the first illumination light and an amount of light of the second illumination light; a control section to integrate amounts of opening of the aperture to calculate an integrated value; and an illumination light amount control section to control the amount of light of the first illumination light and the amount of light of the second illumination light based on the integrated value.

Abstract: Violet narrowband light Vn and green narrowband light Gn produced by a light source device are supplied to a complementary color type endoscope, and simultaneously applied to an observation object. In a complementary color type imaging device, first mixed pixels and second mixed pixels, which sense both of the violet narrowband light Vn and the green narrowband light Gn, are read out. The light amount ratio Z of the violet narrowband light Vn to the green narrowband light Gn is set in such a range as to make the light amount of the violet narrowband light Vn larger than the light amount of the green narrowband light Gn, and make a signal value of the second mixed pixel higher than a signal value of the first mixed pixel.

Abstract: A light-conducting device for an endoscope to conduct illuminating light to the distal end of the endoscope including a curved, rigid portion with a predetermined spatial configuration, such that the curved, rigid portion is foreseen for positioning on a distal end of an endoscope, such that the curved, rigid portion has its rigid property at least either before insertion of the light-conducting device into an endoscope or before configuration of a direct or indirect mechanical connection of the light-conducting device with an inner shaft for an endoscope or before configuration of a direct or indirect mechanical connection of the light-conducting device with an outer shaft for an endoscope.

Abstract: A plenoptic otoscope enables three-dimensional and/or spectral imaging of the inside of the ear to assist in improved diagnosis of inflammations and infections. The plenoptic otoscope includes a primary imaging system and a plenoptic sensor. The primary imaging system includes an otoscope objective and relay optics, which cooperate to form an image of an inside of an ear at an intermediate image plane. The plenoptic sensor includes a microimaging array positioned at the intermediate image plane and a sensor array positioned at a conjugate of the pupil plane. An optional filter module may be positioned at the pupil plane or one of its conjugates to facilitate three-dimensional and/or spectral imaging.

Abstract: An implant delivery system can be configured to deliver an inflatable implant into a bladder via a urethra. The delivery system can comprise an elongate tubular body, an inflation tube and an implant decoupler. The tubular body can comprise a central lumen configured to hold an inflatable implant in an initial un-inflated state for delivery of the implant into the bladder. A method of use can include passing a distal tip of the elongate tubular body into the bladder. The implant can be inflated and released into the bladder.

Abstract: A system for positioning an interchangeable tool in a body cavity includes a channel having a lumen in direct communication with the body cavity; a tool introducer having a longitudinal axis and a distal end, the tool introducer capable of traveling through the channel lumen; and a tool holder covering at least a portion of the interchangeable tool that is pivotally connected to the tool introducer allowing angular positioning of the interchangeable tool after the tool holder emerges from the channel into the body cavity. A method for engaging an interchangeable tool with a distal portion of a tool manipulator in a body cavity includes inserting a tool introducer into a channel, orienting the distal portion of the tool manipulator in the body cavity; emerging the interchangeable tool from the channel into the body cavity; and positioning the interchangeable tool eccentrically to the lumen of the channel.

Abstract: An ophthalmic image processing method, a non-transitory computer readable medium encoded with instructions for a computer to perform a method for processing images from an ophthalmic apparatus and an ophthalmic apparatus that irradiates an eye of a subject and gathers return light from a fundus of the eye. The ophthalmic apparatus may also comprise a wavefront sensor. The wavefront sensor may output to the memory, wavefront information that is representative of a wavefront of the return light from the fundus. The ophthalmic apparatus may also comprise a pupil monitor. The pupil monitor may output to the memory, a macro ocular portrait of the eye. The processor may produce an overlay image in which the wavefront information is overlaid on top of the macro ocular portrait.

Abstract: A mask for performing an eye exam of a subject includes one or more optically transparent sections for transmitting an incident light beam therethrough and incident on the subject's eye. In some embodiments, the one or more optically transparent sections are coated with an anti-reflective coating configured to reduce reflection of the incident light beam by the one or more optically transparent sections. In some embodiments, the one or more optically transparent sections may have a portion thereof that is tilted with respect to the incident light beam when the mask is optically interfaced with the docking portion of an ophthalmic instrument, such that the incident light beam forms a finite angle of incidence with respect to the corresponding portion of the optically transparent sections.

Abstract: A system and method for assessing optical corrective needs of a patient. The system includes a computer system including a processor adapted to run at least a refractive software application thereon, an input device in communication with said processor and adapted to receive input from a user, and a displace device in communication with said processor and adapted to display information, and refractive eyewear including electrically adjustable left and right lenses selectively controllable to adjust at least a sphere power of the respective lenses and in communication with the processor. The refractive software application receives input from the input device and the eyewear controller, and selectively adjusts the sphere power of the left and right lenses, controls information displayed on said display device, and stores information regarding the sphere power of the respective left and right lenses.

Abstract: An automatic unattended-monitoring visual acuity inspection device is disclosed. The inspection device includes an inspection panel, an inspector and an isolation wall arranged opposite to the inspection panel. The isolation wall is provided with a wireless signal transmitter configured to transmit a visual acuity indication signal to the wireless signal receiver through a network. The wireless signal receiver is configured to transmit the received visual acuity indication signal to a processor. The processor is configured to process the visual acuity indication signal and transmit a process feedback to the inspection panel. The device may prevent achieving a high level of visual acuity of the person to be inspected by cheating behaviors, thereby highly inspecting a real visual acuity level of the person to be inspected.

Abstract: A monitor/display is used to display a vision test. A patient is spaced a predetermined distance to the monitor/display during the testing procedure, and individual, multiple LED housings are equally spaced about a center point of the monitor/display to direct light toward the patient during at least a portion of the test procedure. The light emanating r the individual housings is a diffuse, unfocused light to simulate glare, and the intensity of the light may be selectively altered. Conducting vision testing under glare conditions determines if there is any reduction or fall off in the patient's vision under such circumstances and provides an indication of whether the patient may require cataract surgery or has another ocular problem. An assembly allows an existing vision testing system to be easily modified to provide glare light testing capabilities.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a calculation unit configured to calculate information indicating similarity among a plurality of tomographic images, and a generation unit configured to generate a tomographic image from the plurality of tomographic images based on the calculated information indicating similarity.

Abstract: To acquire information on sections of an object with high accuracy even if the area to be imaged with a single scan is wide. A scanning unit is configured such that an angle of linear scanning of a fundus with illuminating light is 47 degrees or greater in the air. A light-source unit 10 includes a MEMS-VCSEL 601 whose coherence length during the sweeping of the frequency of the light is 14 mm or longer.

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

Abstract: A device and method for marking corneal tissue. The device includes an ink reservoir portion and an ink resist portion. The ink reservoir portion is annular in shape and the ink resist portion occupies a central area within the annular shape. The ink reservoir portion and the ink resist portion are sized and structured to interface with the central cornea and to apply ink to the corneal tissue. The method includes applying ink to the cornea in an annular pattern.

Abstract: In line-scan scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO) a narrowband of wavelengths is required. For greater flexibility the frequencies of this narrowband should be selectable. This is possible using a broadband tunable single mode source, but such a solution is expensive. A system is provided in which an extended broadband source is used. Light from the extended source passes to a diffraction grating, which introduces a wavelength dependent angular separation when reflecting the light. By rotating the diffraction grating, only light of a selectable narrowband passes through a fixed output slit for use by the line-scan SLO system. Alternatively, the diffraction grating can be fixed and a rotatable mirror lying between the diffraction grating and the output slit can be used to select the wavelengths reaching the line-scan SLO system.

Abstract: An implant for determining intraocular pressure includes at least one electrical pressure sensor for measuring the intraocular pressure, at least one microchip that is connected to the pressure sensor, and at least one antenna that is connected to the microchip, the microchip generating digitally encoded data from the electrical signals of the pressure sensor, which data can be transmitted by an antenna, using electromagnetic waves, to a receiver located outside the eye, and components being accommodated in a small housing, the outer dimensions of which are limited such that the implant can be positioned between the sclera and the choroid of the eye, is improved in that the pressure sensor is accommodated on an outer housing side of the implant, which outer housing side is brought into contact with the choroid in the eye.

Abstract: According to an ophthalmic examination system of an embodiment, a user interface of an examination instruction apparatus is used to enter an instruction for examination. A first communication unit sends the instruction to an ophthalmic examination apparatus in real time. An examination optical system of the ophthalmic examination apparatus includes an optical element applied to an eye and a projection system that projects an examination light beam onto the eye through the optical element. An information presentation optical system includes a display and a light guide system that guides a display light beam from the display to the eye through the optical element. A second communication unit receives the instruction from the examination instruction apparatus. A controller displays the instruction received by the second communication unit on the display in real time.

Abstract: A system is provided for monitoring analyte in a host, including a continuous analyte sensor that produces a data stream indicative of a host's analyte concentration and a device that receives and records data from the data stream from the continuous analyte sensor. In one embodiment, the device includes a single point analyte monitor, from which it obtains an analyte value, and is configured to display only single point analyte measurement values, and not any analyte measurement values associated with data received from the continuous analyte sensor. Instead, data received from the continuous analyte sensor is used to provide alarms to the user when the analyte concentration and/or the rate of change of analyte concentration, as measured by the continuous analyte sensor, is above or below a predetermined range. Data received from the continuous analyte sensor may also be used to prompt the diabetic or caregiver to take certain actions, such as to perform another single point blood glucose measurement.

Abstract: Provided are wireless temperature sensors. A temperature sensor with a flexible, large-area printed thermistor can include an negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor for temperature sensing, a control circuitry for electrically connecting with the NTC thermistor and obtaining the temperature sensed by the NTC thermistor, a power source for providing power supply to the NTC thermistor and the control circuitry, and a frame element for supporting the NTC thermistor, the control circuitry and the power source, where the frame element is at least partially thermally insulated to establish thermal equilibrium within the temperature sensor. The temperature sensor can sense the temperature in a fast and accurate way due to fast thermal equilibrium established within the sensor.

Abstract: A respiratory medicament and therapy data system capable of using a “breath actuated” monitoring device that monitors patient interactions with all respiratory therapy and drug delivery devices. It generates a signal based on the magnitude, direction and duration of the inhalation and exhalation pressures generated by a patient. This allows the tracking and wireless reporting of the various therapeutic and medicament delivery sessions with respect to such parameters as delivery date, time, duration, total delivered dose and the like. The respiratory medicament and therapy data system provides a fool-proof system for recording and immediately displaying the results of the respiratory therapy or drug delivery that have been algorithmically derived on a localized device and that can be sent to the medical provider's patient treatment database (health portals) for later, remote review by medical personnel.

Abstract: A method for detecting evidence of a stroke in a patient may involve securing a volumetric integral phase-shift spectroscopy (VIPS) device to the patient's head, transmitting a first signal from a first transmitter of the VIPS device through a left hemisphere of the patient's brain to a receiver of the VIPS device, transmitting a second signal from a second transmitter of the VIPS device through a right hemisphere of the patient's brain to the receiver, and detecting the evidence of the stroke, with the VIPS device.

Abstract: There is a need for a compact instrument and microscope that maps the vibration fingerprints of biomolecules and chemicals in a sample such as brain, breast, cervix, and arteries. One can use spontaneous Raman scattering to accomplish this; however, the problem is low scattering efficiency to 10?5. With the availability of continuous wave diode laser at numerous wavelengths from 375 nm-1800 nm for parametric nonlinear difference vibrational mixing to enhance Stimulated Raman process within materials. A seed beam at Raman frequency is used with pump laser beam. In this way one can map in 2D and 3D images of the vibrations associate with disease changes. Scanning a pair of laser beams can map the location of vibrations within cells, smears, membranes, arteries, and tissues of animal and human.

Abstract: Sterile and non-toxic pharmaceutical compositions of near IR, closed chain, sulfo-cyanine dyes and methods for visualizing tissue under illumination with near-infrared radiation are provided.

Abstract: An object information acquiring apparatus is used which includes: a laser medium; a temperature controlling unit for controlling a temperature of the laser medium; an excitation unit for exciting the laser medium; a control unit for controlling the temperature controlling unit and the excitation unit; a probe for receiving acoustic waves that are generated when an object is irradiated with a laser beam from the laser medium; and a processing unit for acquiring characteristic information relating to the object from the acoustic waves, wherein the control unit does not operate the excitation unit until the temperature of the laser medium falls within a predetermined range.

Abstract: In an acoustic wave detection probe provided with a light guide section that guides measuring light such that the measuring light is outputted toward a subject and an acoustic wave transducer that detects a photoacoustic wave generated in the subject by the projection of the measuring light, the light guide section includes a homogenizer that flat-tops an energy profile of the measuring light entered from the upstream side of the optical system, a light condensing member that condenses the measuring light transmitted through the homogenizer, and a bundle fiber which includes a plurality of optical fibers and is disposed such that the measuring light transmitted through the light condensing member enters from an entrance end of the bundle fiber.

Abstract: The invention describes a method for extracting several physiological parameters such as cardiac cycle parameters with one single measurement over a time period and for monitoring mechanical and electrical cardiac activity. The invention finds its use in providing continuous monitoring of heart mechanical and electrical activities over time. Such signal may be transmitted to clinics of family doctors to keep track of the subject's health.