Abstract: A beverage production apparatus includes a mixing chamber for producing a beverage from a soluble ingredient and a liquid, and a chamber receiving area for receiving the mixing chamber. The mixing chamber is removable from the chamber receiving area. The chamber receiving area includes an upper part, and the upper part is removable from the beverage production apparatus.

Abstract: An appliance for heating and/or frothing milk, in which steam or a mixture of steam and air acting as a heat carrier is injected into the milk, with the heating unit including an inner steam channel and an outer annular channel for the milk. The outer annular channel coaxially surrounds the inner steam channel, with hot steam or a mixture of steam and air being supplied at an upstream end of the steam channel and with milk being supplied at an upstream end of the annular channel. To improve the heat output and the energy efficiency of the heating unit and to reduce the maintenance requirement, the steam channel and the annular channel are separated from one another, with their downstream ends opening out into an outlet channel for discharging the heated and/or frothed milk.

Abstract: A dispensing assembly (2) for a machine for the preparation of liquid food products comprises a preparation chamber (7, 8) and a hydraulic circuit (20), which is configured for supplying water and/or steam to the preparation chamber (7, 8). The preparation chamber (7, 8) is configured for receiving at least one dose (9) of a precursor of a liquid food product and for dispensing the liquid food product following upon passage of water and/or steam through the preparation chamber (7, 8). The preparation chamber comprises a first chamber part (7), preferably configured for introducing water and/or steam, and a second chamber part (8), preferably configured for dispensing the liquid food product.

Abstract: The present description provides a cooking instrument that may be used in a microwave oven. In some embodiments, the cooking instrument includes a body member having a cooking surface and a microwave absorptive layer thermally connected to the cooking surface.

Abstract: A social grill method and system can include: a social surface including a top surface, a side extension, and a rounded edge between the top surface and the side extension, the side extension extended down away from the top surface; a chassis mounted below the social surface, the chassis including a fixed connection and a lid pivot; a mounting bracket coupled to the lid pivot; a lid coupled to the mounting bracket, the mounting bracket configured to rotate about the lid pivot and enable an open configuration with the lid retracted under the social surface and a closed configuration with the lid extending up over the social surface.

Abstract: A rotatable grilling device that may be used to rotate a grilling surface relative to a heat source of a grilling device. The rotatable grilling device may comprise a support structure for supporting the grilling surface relative to the heating device. The support structure may allow for rotation and the efficient transfer of heat to the grilling surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a portable brick pizza oven that may be prefabricated as such, or converted from a grill using a conversion kit. The portable brick pizza oven or converted grill utilizes a bottom plate as a mount for a height adjustment assembly that can be used to adjust the height of a rotatable turntable that is situated in a bowl. The turntable is connected to a driveshaft that extends down through the bowl, through a motor that rotates the driveshaft, and rests within the height adjustment assembly. The bowl is covered with a lid that has a number of bricks specifically placed such that the bricks are heated by a heating element situated within the bowl and facilitate the flow of convection currents throughout the portable brick pizza oven. The heating element heats the turntable and the bricks to a temperature that is suitable for baking pizzas in a similar fashion to that of a commercial pizza oven.

Abstract: This grills temperature is controlled by the use of thermocouple to turn a fan on and off which supplies air to the fuel. The thermocouple signal is sent to a chip, which amplifies the signal. The signal is sent to another chip, which compares thermocouple voltage to a voltage supplied from a voltage divider circuit. When the set point of the voltage divider circuit is above the thermocouple voltage, the fan will turn on supplying air to the fuel, which will increase the temperature. When the voltage of the thermocouple reaches the set point voltage of the voltage divider circuit, the fan will turn off. The fan can also be operated by a timer circuit to turn the fan on and off at different time intervals. A switch on the control panel lets you select which method you want to use. The design of the grill makes it easy to add charcoal and clean out ashes. The removable tray gives you an option to prevent flare-ups so you don't have to constantly monitor the grill.

Abstract: The invention provides a combustion cooker with an integrated and optionally removable thermoelectric generator.

Abstract: The utility model discloses an automatic lifting device for a toaster carrier, comprising a machine base, carriers, sliding guide pillars, a slide seat, a rocker arm, a motor and a motor mounting base. The motor is fixed on the motor mounting base, and an output rotation shaft of the motor is connected with the slide seat via the rocker arm. The motor mounting base is provided with an upper trigger switch and a lower trigger switch corresponding to swinging positions of the cam. The motor drives the rocker arm to rotate so as to drive the slide seat to rise and fall, thus the automatic control of the rising and falling of the carriers is achieved.

Abstract: Described is a reusable thermal insulating container sleeve. The reusable thermal insulating container sleeve is composed of an insulating polymer material and at least one thermally reflective material attached to the insulating polymer material. These materials increase the thermal insulating properties of the sleeve. The materials also prevent the buildup of condensation on the cup which is a common problem among other cup sleeves. The materials are also malleable, durable, and foldable, which permit the sleeve to be reusable. Furthermore, various embodiments of the invention include a sleeve that has a top and/or bottom portion which would cover the bottom of the beverage and further increase the thermal insulating properties of the sleeve. Finally, the present invention includes a method of insulating beverages.

Abstract: A cutting board assembly for cutting a fruit includes a base that may be positioned on a support surface. The base may support a fruit. A clamp is slidably coupled to the base and the clamp may be manipulated. The clamp engages the fruit when the fruit is positioned on the base. Thus, the fruit is restrained on the base.

Abstract: A cushion for a hot tub or spa is molded in a rotational molding process. The cushion includes a decorative outer surface made from a plastic material (e.g., an outer wall and side walls, etc.). The cushion includes a a back surface for interfacing with a hot-tub shell or spa shell with at least one projection extending from the back surface towards the decorative surface. The at least one projection is for supporting the force of an object that is resting on the cushion. The cushion if formed in a rotational molding process.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of mounting a shower curtain rod, and/or a shower curtain rod assembly, that includes an adhesive support to supplement the conventional mounting. The adhesive support is preferably incorporated in caps that cover the junctions between the rod and the walls between which the rod is mounted.

Abstract: Embodiments provide systems, apparatus and methods for cleaning a vagina. Embodiments include a handle; and a cleaning bulb coupled to the handle, the cleaning bulb having a shape including a plurality of ridges and grooves extending longitudinally along a length of the cleaning bulb, the cleaning bulb formed from a ridged material and adapted to be used to wipe the walls of a vagina upon insertion thereof. Numerous additional aspects are disclosed.

Abstract: A bathing wand (10) can include a handle (24) including a grasp (20). The grasp (20) can include a first section (34) and a second section (36). The first section (34) and the second section (36) can form a loop hole (38) configured to receive a user's hand. The bathing wand (10) can also include a wand head (12) and a bathing implement (16). The bathing implement (16) can be coupled to the wand head (12). In some configurations, the bathing wand (10) can include a vertebrae system (30).

Abstract: The invention describes a method for manufacturing a portable fluid dispensing device that comprises a hand-held applicator that includes a pocket that is configured to receive one hand of a user. The pocket partitions the hand-held applicator into a rear portion and a front portion.

Abstract: Apparatus for washing and drying hands including a generally horizontal chamber having a defining wall, a central axis, an open end with an inwardly curved peripheral lip, a closed end, a top micro-spray nozzle arranged in the wall above the central axis, two side micro-spray nozzles arranged in the wall on opposed sides of the central axis, an air inlet arranged in the wall above the central axis, an air outlet arranged in the wall below the central axis, and two side air ducts exteriorly surrounding the wall to connect the air inlet to the air outlet, wherein in use liquid is sprayed from the top and side micro-spray nozzles to collectively establish a liquid curtain of micro-sprays across the central axis of the chamber, and air circulates within the chamber and recirculates around the chamber from the air outlet to the air inlet.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a liner comprised of flexible material which is inserted into a potty and is intended for use by children. The flexible liner has a hole therein through which the handle of the potty can be inserted for easy removal of the potty. The liner is further equipped with means for closing the liner neat its neck. A flexible liner is made up of permeable materials having an inner absorbent layer and the outer non permeable layer.

Abstract: A canister vacuum cleaner is disclosed, which includes an exterior casing that has a top half and a bottom half. An interior area of the bottom half of the casing houses a motor that is configured to generate a suction force, which is ultimately transmitted through a tube and an appended flexible hose. By positioning the motor at the bottom half of the casing, the vacuum cleaner exhibits a more preferred and ergonomic center of gravity. The canister vacuum cleaner is bagless—and does not require the use of a disposable bag to capture and retain dirt and debris that the vacuum cleaner extracts from the environment. In some cases, the vacuum cleaner utilizes a first, second, and third means for cyclonic separation of dirt and debris.

Abstract: A base plate for a suction head for vacuum cleaners or a similar electric household appliance is described, said base plate comprising a lower face configured as to be directed towards the surface to be vacuumed, an opposite upper surface and a base plate channel open towards the surface to be vacuumed, wherein the base plate channel comprises a front edge and a rear edge, wherein at least the surface of the lower face which extends along the front edge of the base plate channel and at least the surface of the lower face which extends along the rear edge of the base plate channel lie in a same plane.

Abstract: A carpet cleaning assembly includes a nozzle that may be fluidly coupled to a vacuum. The nozzle may be manipulated thereby facilitating the nozzle to engage a carpet. A plurality of tongs is provided and each of the tongs is coupled to the nozzle. Each of the tongs may penetrate the carpet. Each of the tongs may dislodge debris in the carpet thereby facilitating the debris to be vacuumed from the carpet.

Abstract: A method and a device for scraping paint off from a surface and further configured with a vacuum cleaner for vacuuming scraped material. The device includes a cylindrical handle, a dorsal handle, a replaceable blade, a graduated shaped box, and a rotating adaptor. The cylindrical handle provides control and further includes a proximal end, and a distal end. The replaceable blade attached at proximal end of cylindrical handle for scraping paint off from surface. The graduated shaped box accommodates replaceable blade. The rotating adaptor integrated at proximal end of the cylindrical handle to adapt according to the size of the cylindrical handle to accommodate a vacuum hose attached with the vacuum cleaner and further allow full rotation of the attached vacuum hose. The replaceable blade is spaced apart from graduated shaped box in such a way that air from the vacuum cleaner flow between the replaceable blade and the graduated shaped box.

Abstract: A cleaner includes a cleaner body including a main cleaning unit for generating suction force, a nozzle assembly rotatably connected to the cleaner body and including a suction port for sucking in air and dust, and an auxiliary cleaning unit connected to the nozzle assembly and including a cloth supporter to which a cloth is attached. The nozzle assembly includes a front wheel and a rear wheel spaced apart from the front wheel, and a shaft of the rear wheel is relatively movably connected to the nozzle assembly to change a contact area between the cloth and a floor.

Abstract: A moving robot includes a main body, a drive assembly moving the main body, and a cleaner head performing cleaning on a cleaning area in which the main body is positioned, wherein the drive assembly includes a main wheel, a motor generating a driving force, a gear box connected to the main wheel and the motor and transferring the driving force from the motor to the main wheel, and a leg member disposed on a shaft connecting the main wheel and the gear box and providing thrust independently of the main wheel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a floor surfacing machine (1) comprising a frame (2) that is carried by a first wheel (3) and a second wheel (4). The floor surfacing machine (1) further comprises a first motor (6), a handle arrangement (7), at least one planetary head (15) that is rotatably mounted to the frame (2) and at least one satellite surfacing head (19, 20, 21) that is rotatably mounted to the planetary head (15), where the first motor (6) is arranged to propel the planetary head (15). The floor surfacing machine (1) comprises a first control unit (10), and a remote control panel (11) which in turn comprises a second control unit (12) that is arranged to communicate with the first control unit (10). The floor surfacing machine (1) also comprises a second motor (22) that is arranged to propel the satellite surfacing heads (19, 20, 21) such that the planetary head (15) and the satellite surfacing heads (19, 20, 21) are independently operable.

Abstract: An autonomous coverage robot includes a cleaning assembly having forward roller and rearward rollers counter-rotating with respect to each other. The rollers are arranged to substantially maintain a cross sectional area between the two rollers yet permitting collapsing therebetween as large debris is passed. Each roller includes a resilient elastomer outer tube and a partially air-occupied inner resilient core configured to bias the outer tube to rebound. The core includes a hub and resilient spokes extending between the inner surface of the outer tube and the hub. The spokes suspend the outer tube to float about the hub and transfer torque from the hub to the outer tube while allowing the outer tube to momentarily deform or move offset from the hub during impact with debris larger than the cross sectional area between the two rollers.

Abstract: A deck tool has a blade edge with unsharpened bumps and an end projection. The blade fits into a gap between planks, where the unsharpened bumps permit sawing of soft gap-clogging material but do not damage structural members. The projection can hook material so that the material may be pulled from the gap or can scrape material from the top of a supporting structure. A handle of the tool may be directly held in hand and may include a feature for attachment of an extension that permits a user to stand upright while using the tool on a plank floor.

Abstract: A cleaning device for combining the use of a mop or broom and a sponge. The modular cleaning system for broom and mops will allow a user to lower a connected sponge when desired. The sponge is easily attachable and detachable from the broom or mop. The device eliminates the need for a user to bend down or strain their back while cleaning. The sponge is retractable via a lever.

Abstract: Provided is a combination broom and cleaning fabric adapter apparatus. The apparatus may include a planar plate having a first and a second surface. The plate may be configured to position a cleaning fabric on the first surface. The first surface may include grippers to grip the cleaning fabric onto the first surface. A stick attachment device may be connected to the second surface for attaching a standard broom or mop stick to the plate at a first location on the plate. The stick attachment device may be configured to allow the stick to pivot freely in two-dimensions relative to the plate. A broom brush attachment device may be connected to the second surface adjacent an edge of the plate for attaching a broom brush to the plate.

Abstract: A dishwashing machine is used for pre-rinse operation of soiled dishes. A cavity is configured and arranged to contain the soiled dishes. A nozzle is proximate the cavity and is in fluid communication with the cavity. An accumulator pan accumulates wash and rinse water including cleaning chemicals used in a previous cycle of the dishwashing machine. A fluid passageway interconnects the nozzle and the accumulator pan. A pump directs the accumulated wash and rinse water from the accumulator pan to the nozzle via the fluid passageway for pre-rinse operation of the soiled dishes in the cavity, and the nozzle directs the accumulated wash and rinse water into the cavity with the soiled dishes to assist in removing soil from the soiled dishes prior to a wash cycle of the dishwashing machine. The wash cycle utilizes fresh wash water.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for an image pickup unit, the method including: a step of bonding plural lens wafers, on which optical components are formed, and forming a lens unit wafer including plural lens units; a step of bonding a bending optical element wafer including plural bending optical elements to a first surface of the lens unit wafer such that the plural bending optical elements are respectively opposed to the plural lens units and forming an optical unit wafer; a step of separating and individualizing the optical unit wafer for each of the lens units and the bending optical elements and manufacturing plural optical units; and a step of respectively bonding solid-state image pickup devices to emission surfaces of lights of the bending optical elements of the optical units.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a medical device. The medical device may include an elongate member, having a proximal end and a distal end and at least two lumens extending therebetween. At least one of the lumens may be an imaging lumen configured to hold an imaging device, and an imaging device may be disposed inside the imaging lumen. A signal transmitting device may extend longitudinally through the imaging lumen. A distal end of the signal transmitting device may be operably coupled to the imaging device and a proximal end may be operably coupled to a processor. The processor may be located outside of the imaging lumen. The signal transmitting device may transmit signals between the imaging device and the processor. A grounded, braided catheter may be disposed within and extend the length of the elongate member, surrounding the imaging lumen.

Abstract: An endoscope includes: an insertion portion including a bending portion bendable at least in a vertical direction on a distal end portion side; an operation portion to which a proximal end portion of the insertion portion is connected; a traction wire including a first end and a second end, connected to the insertion portion at the first end, and configured to bend the bending portion by being pulled; a fixing member fixed to the second end of the traction wire; a holding member configured to hold the fixing member; and a pulley turnably provided inside the operation portion and including a disposing portion where the holding member is disposed.

Abstract: An endoscopic pedicle probe has an elongate body with a proximal end and a distal end. A tip on the distal end is pushed into the pedicle to form the hole, and an enlarged head on the proximal end enables a surgeon to manipulate the probe. The body has an inner shaft with a cylindrical sleeve telescopically engaged over it. An endoscope extends through a longitudinal bore in the shaft, with a camera at the tip end connected with a monitor to enable a surgeon to visually observe the area being treated. A light extends through another bore to illuminate the area, and a further bore conducts irrigation fluid to and from the area. The sleeve is made of electrically non-conductive material and the shaft and tip are made of electrically conductive material to enable stimulation of nerves at the treatment area.

Abstract: A distal end cover of an endoscope includes a peripheral edge portion configured to form an opening that externally exposes a space in which a raising base is housed, in a distal end member; a planned-to-be-torn-apart section including a tear starting point disposed on the peripheral edge portion, and a thin portion that is connected to a to-be-torn-apart section of the peripheral edge portion torn from the tear starting point, on an inside surface of a surface facing the opening or an inside surface of at least one side surface that connects the peripheral edge portion and the surface facing the opening; and an engagement portion configured to be engaged with an outside surface of the distal end member by engaging in a direction intersecting the outside surface.

Abstract: Systems and methods employing a small gauge steerable catheter including a locatable guide with a sheath, particularly as an enhancement to a bronchoscope. A typical procedure is as follows. The location of a target in a reference coordinate system is detected or imported. The catheter is navigated to the target which tracking the distal tip of the guide in the reference coordinate system. Insertion of the catheter is typically via a working channel of a convention bronchoscope. Once the tip of the catheter is positioned at the target, the guide is withdrawn, leaving the sheath secured in place. The sheath is then used as a guide channel to direct a medical tool to target.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes: a light source device for sequentially emitting illumination light of three colors; an image sensor having pixels to perform photoelectric conversion on light from an object irradiated with the illumination light and output image signals; an illumination controller for causing the light source device to emit the illumination light of two colors during a one-line exposure period of the image sensor; and a calculation unit for calculating each color component signal for each horizontal line, based on a relational expression using an output value of a horizontal line, among output values of the image signals in a latest frame, a frame located one frame before the latest frame, and a frame located two frames before the latest frame, using each illumination period per one-line exposure period of each color in each frame, and using each exposure period of each color with respect to the horizontal line.

Abstract: Provided is an optical fiber scanner including: an illumination optical fiber that optically guides illumination light and outputs the light from a distal end thereof; an elastic section that engages with a base side of the illumination optical fiber relative to the distal end thereof and that is formed of an elastic material; piezoelectric elements fixed to a side surface of the elastic section, each piezoelectric element being polarized in a radial direction of the illumination optical fiber and receiving an alternating-current voltage in a polarization direction so as to cause the illumination optical fiber to vibrate via the elastic section; and a stationary section that has an engagement hole engaging with the elastic section at a position away from the piezoelectric elements toward the base side and that supports the illumination optical fiber in a cantilevered manner via the elastic section engaged with the engagement hole.

Abstract: An endoscopic device in which the empty spaces between the plurality of tubes, wires, and cables are utilized as a channel that enables liquid or gas to flow from the handle section to the distal tip is described. Also described is a method of reducing the diameter of an endoscope device by utilizing the empty spaces between the plurality of tubes, wires, and cables as a channel that enables liquid or gas to flow from the handle section to the distal tip. Additionally a distal tip comprising a pattern of alternating grooves and lands on its outer surface and a cap that fits tightly over the lands is described. The tight fitting cap changes the grooves into closed channels through which liquid or gas can flow.

Abstract: An endoscope reprocessor includes: a connector to which an endoscope is connected; a fluid supplying section that supplies fluid to the connector; an electromagnet arranged at the connector and including a magnetic material and a coil wound around the magnetic material; a current supplying section; a magnetic force switching portion configured to switch a strength of a magnetic force to at least one of a first strength and a second strength weaker than the first strength; and a control section configured to switch the strength of the magnetic force by controlling the magnetic force switching portion while driving the fluid supplying section.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a medical instrument involves initiating a flow of a pressurized fluid across a surface of the medical instrument, the pressurized fluid having a pressure that is greater than a standard operating room supply, and terminating the flow of the pressurized fluid after a predetermined duration.

Abstract: An integrated medical bite block is engaged by a user's teeth and installed into the user's mouth. The bite block includes a through passageway, an upper grove, and a lower grove. The through passageway is penetrating through the bite block. One end of the through passageway comprises an inlet opening, the other end comprises an oral opening. The oral opening is connected with the user's mouth. An upper surface of the bite block provides the upper grove configured for receiving one or more upper teeth (maxillary teeth) of the user, and a lower surface of the bite block provides a lower grove configured for receiving one or more lower teeth (mandibular teeth) of the user. One distance between the lower grove and the oral opening is greater than the other distance between the upper grove and the oral opening, thereby the invention serves to extend forward the mandible and reposition a malposition between the mandible and the maxilla of the user.

Abstract: Background reduction apparatuses and methods of Ocular Surface Interferometry (OSI) employing polarization are disclosed for measuring a tear film layer thickness (TFLT) of the ocular tear film, including lipid layer thickness (LLT) and/or aqueous layer thickness (ALT) and can be used to evaluate and potentially diagnosis dry eye syndrome (DES). In certain disclosed embodiments, a multi-wavelength light source can be controlled to illuminate the ocular tear film. Light emitted from the multi-wavelength light source undergoes optical wave interference interactions in the tear film. An imaging device can be focused on the lipid layer of the tear film to capture optical wave interference interactions of specularly reflected light from the tear film combined with a background signal(s) in at least one image. The at least one image can be processed and analyzed to measure a tear film layer thickness (TFLT), including lipid layer thickness (LLT) and/or aqueous layer thickness (ALT).

Abstract: An optical coherence tomography device includes an OCT optical system that irradiates a tissue of the subject's eye with measurement light from a light source, and detects interference between reference light and the measurement light reflected from the tissue by using a detector, and a processor, in which the processor performs a generation process of acquiring A-scan data based on a signal output from the detector in a cycle of 300 kilohertz or more and generating three-dimensional OCT data at any time based on the acquired A-scan data, and performs an analysis process on each piece of the three-dimensional OCT data generated at any time through the generation process, so as to output a real-time analysis result of the three-dimensional OCT data which is generated at any time.

Abstract: An ophthalmic device is provided with an illumination optical system configured to irradiate light irradiated from a light source as parallel light to a subject's eye at an oblique angle, the light source is configured to emit coherent light; an image capturing optical system including a light receiving element and configured to capture a reflected image by receiving first reflected light and second reflected light by the light receiving element, the first reflected light being reflected from an anterior surface of a cornea of the subject's eye, the second reflected light being different from the first reflected light and reflected from a posterior surface of the cornea of the subject's eye; and a controller configured to calculate a thickness of the cornea by using the reflected image captured by the image capturing optical system.

Abstract: A method of identifying iris is provided. The method includes providing a plurality of incident lights entering an eye located at a reference position; setting a first, second and third reference points; forming a first, second and third measuring glint by the incident lights after the eye moves to a measuring position; capturing an eye image of the eye including a first, second and third measuring glint images and an iris image; analyzing a gray scale value of the eye image to obtain the positions of the first, second and third measuring glints; and calculating a variation of the distance between the first measuring glint and the second measuring glint, a variation of the distance between the second measuring glint and the third measuring glint to obtain an resolution variation of the iris image when the eye is located at the measuring position.

Abstract: An emergency call apparatus, an emergency call system and a backup method thereof are provided. The emergency call system includes a bedside station, a managing server and at least one target device. In the method, the bedside station detects a triggering signal of an emergency call and then detects a network connection with the managing server. In response to detecting the network connection is connected, the bedside station transmits a request of the emergency call to the managing server and establishes an emergency call connection with the at least one target device according to connection information of the at least one target device stored in the managing server. In response to detecting the network connection is disconnected, the bedside station establishes the emergency call connection with the target device according to a backup of the connection information of the target device stored in the bedside station.

Abstract: A transmission device can be carried by the subject. A biological signal recording device can perform wireless communication with the transmission device. A transmitter transmits biological signal data corresponding to a biological signal of a subject. A storage stores the biological signal data. A receiver receives the biological signal data. A recorder records the biological signal data received by the receiver. A detector detects a missing portion in the biological signal data recorded by the recorder or a receipt of the biological signal data by the receiver. A notifier notifies the missing portion or transmits an acknowledgment of the receipt to the transmission device. A complementary transmitter retrieves biological signal data corresponding to the notified missing portion from the storage or identifies unreceived biological signal data and retrieves the identified biological signal data, and transmits the retrieved biological signal data.

Abstract: A system for optical coherence tomography includes a source of optical radiation, an optical fiber, and a graded index fiber attached to a distal end of the optical fiber. The optical fiber and the graded index fiber are together configured to provide a common path for optical radiation reflected from a reference interface at a distal end of the graded index fiber and from a target.