Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes: a cleaner body including a battery chamber; a motor provided in the cleaner body to provide suction force; a battery detachably mounted in the battery chamber to provide electric power to the motor; a battery cover rotatably mounted in the cleaner body to open and close the battery chamber; and a charging stand on which the cleaner body is held and which includes an opening prevention rib located on a rotation path of the battery cover in a state in which the cleaner body is held on the opening prevention rib and preventing opening of the battery cover.

Abstract: Provided is a vacuum cleaner including a cleaner body; a suction hose connected to the cleaner body and configured to suction dust; a moving wheel installed at the cleaner body; a main motor provided inside the cleaner body and configured to generate a suction force for suctioning the dust; a base frame provided inside the cleaner body and configured to form a space partitioned from the main motor; a battery unit provided inside the base frame and configured to supply electric power; a rear opening formed at a rear surface of the cleaner body and opened for entering the battery unit; a rear cover configured to open and close the rear opening; and a battery guide formed at both side surfaces of the base frame to extend toward the rear opening and configured to guide entering and withdrawing of the battery unit.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a cleaner body including a suction motor for generating suction force and a suction part communicating with the cleaner body to suck in air and dust. The cleaner body includes a main body, wheels for moving the main body, and a battery detachably provided at a back side of the main body to supply power to the main body.

Abstract: Provided is a vacuum cleaner including a cleaner body having a motor generating a suction force; a dust container provided at a front end of the cleaner body and configured to collect dust sucked through a suction port; a cover member rotatably installed at an upper end of the cleaner body and opened and closed to selectively accommodate an upper portion of the dust container; a suction hose of which one side is connected to a suction portion suctioning the dust and the other side is connected to the cover member; a link assembly configured to connect between the cover member and the cleaner body; and a link assembly accommodating portion formed at one side of the cleaner body so that at least a part of the link assembly is inserted and configured to restrict the link assembly when the cover member is opened and thus to allow the cover member to be maintained in an opened state.

Abstract: A telescopic extension, typically for an electric household appliance, is described, said telescopic extension comprising: an inner tube, an outer tube, wherein said inner tube and said outer tube are slidable telescopically relative to one another, wherein said inner tube comprises, on an outer surface thereof, a plurality of deformations of predetermined shape; a sleeve fitted inside said outer tube, at one of its ends; a constraining device configured to lock sliding of the inner tube with respect to the outer tube, when said constraining device is at least partially engaged in one of said deformations; a slider and elastic means, wherein said slider cooperates with said constraining device under the action of said elastic means; and an actuating device operatively connected to said slider, wherein said slider comprises a guiding device for providing a guided movement between said slider and said constraining device.

Abstract: A system and related apparatus and method for delivering fluid to and from a bottom center of a floor-operation pad on a rotary-motion flooring machine while the pad is rotationally operating on a horizontal underfoot surface, the system comprising a fluid-delivery hub comprising: a plurality of fluid entry openings disposed on an outside circumferential surface thereof; an equal plurality of fluid flow channels commencing at the fluid entry openings, angling downward and inward from the fluid entry openings toward a center of the fluid-delivery hub, and terminating at an equal plurality of fluid exit openings proximate a bottom center of the fluid-delivery hub; and a floor-operation interface at a bottom of the fluid-delivery hub configured to directly or indirectly attach a floor-operation pad thereto, for operating on a floor.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a fixed universal vehicle mounted sweeper assembly. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the sweeper assembly includes a plurality of brush strips, wherein the brush strips are positioned in a series of rows, such rows spaced apart in substantially parallel arrangement. Each of the plurality of brush strips is mounted to an underside of the assembly via a plurality of receiving channels. Each such cavity is adapted for affixing brush strips to the sweeper assembly. The sweeper assembly is modular, such that the components of such assembly can be packaged in a standard utility skid, and assembled in such a way that the structural integrity of the completed sweeper assembly is maintained.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a floor includes a housing, wheels by which the apparatus is adapted to move; a motive device for moving the apparatus, a steering mechanism, and a cleaning assembly including a cleaning unit and an offset mechanism adapted to move the cleaning unit to or from an offset position projecting beyond one lateral side of the apparatus. In another embodiment, an apparatus for cleaning a floor includes a housing, wheels by which the apparatus is adapted to move, a motive device for moving the apparatus, a steering mechanism, and a cleaning assembly including a cleaning unit and a swing mechanism indirectly linking the cleaning unit to the steering mechanism such that when the apparatus is in an operative mode, the cleaning unit reorients its position in synchronization with the path of travel of the apparatus. Optionally, a lifting device may raise and lower the cleaning assembly.

Abstract: Embodiments herein are related to hydrophilic open cell foams. In an embodiment, an article is included having an open cell foam structure. The open cell foam structure can include a hydrophilic polyurethane polymer comprising a reaction product of a polyol and/or polyamine component and an isocyanate, the polyol and/or polyamine component comprising a mixture of functionalized and non-functionalized polyols and/or polyamines in a ratio by weight of about 5:95 to about 95:5 of functionalized to non-functionalized.

Abstract: A mop head includes a main body portion and first and second ear portions connected to the main body portion. The ear portions each have flat bottom surface that is coplanar with a flat bottom surface of the main body portion when the ear portion is in an undeflected state. The ear portions are resiliently deflectable relative the main body portion.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a dishwasher capable of supplying wash water to dishes stored in a case to remove contaminants from the dishes. The dishwasher includes a case providing a washing space and having an opening surface, a rack provided in the case to provide a storage space for washing objects, a door for opening and closing the opening surface to withdraw the rack from the case, and an injection section provided in the case to spray wash water toward the rack.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a rack provided with interior and exterior corner nozzles to direct washing fluid onto interior and exterior surface portions of an object placed in a corner of the rack.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a dish washing machine. The dish washing machine includes a washing tub in which dishes are stored, a nozzle provided at one side of the washing tub to spray washing water, a vane configured to move in the washing tub and deflect the washing water sprayed from the nozzle toward the dishes, a vane holder movably combined with a rail configured to guide a movement of the vane and configured to support the vane, a driving source configured to generate power for driving the vane to reciprocate, a belt driven to transfer the power generated by the driving source to the vane, and a direction changing member with one end configured to rotate with respect to the vane holder and another end configured to rotatably move with the belt when a movement direction of the vane is changed.

Abstract: A dishwasher container that can hold breast pump parts. The container can include a bottom fabric panel, a pair of side fabric panels, a divider panel, and a closure. The panels can include flexible fabric strands and spaces between the flexible fabric strands. The pair of side fabric panels can be connected to the bottom fabric panel at a bottom seam around a circumference of the bottom fabric panel and extending away from the bottom fabric panel to an opening at a top end. The divider fabric panel can be within an interior space formed by the bottom and side panels. The closure can enclose the interior space when fastened.

Abstract: A bottle rack is provided. For example, a bottle rack can include a reservoir, a perforated tray and a first pivot housing member. The reservoir is for retention of a liquid. The perforated tray can enable the liquid to pass through to the reservoir. The first pivot housing member includes a first peg to hold an article. The first pivot housing member comprises an axle within the first pivot housing member. The first peg is rotatable via the axle.

Abstract: This application describes a footwear storage bag having a fabric bag body and an attached fabric mitten for cleaning, shining, or polishing footwear. The mitten may be attached to the bag body or to a means for closing the bag. The bag body and mitten may have a variety of shapes.

Abstract: A lens and/or a view screen of an electronic device having at least one case can be cleaned by wiping the view screen with a cleaning component wherein the cleaning component is configured to selectively couple to the at least one case or some other substrate using a magnetic attractive force. The cleaning devices may have secondary applications such as securing fly fishing lures, activating or deactivating a device having a magnetic switch, or preventing sunglasses from sinking. They may also be manufactured without a cleaning component for use with the secondary applications.

Abstract: A stain removal kit includes a cleaning formula, rinse agent and a super absorbent cloth for stain removal. A stain removal guide is preferably included to provide a stain removal regimen. Cleaning formula and a rinse agent or agents are alternately applied to the fabric in the presence of the super absorbent cloth. The cleaning formula and rinse agent are absorbed into the super absorbent cloth with the stain material to completely remove stains The kit is preferably provided as a portable packet or container easily used or stored in a variety of locations where stain removal may be desired.

Abstract: A distal end component includes: a transparent resin outer layer portion that is made of a transparent first resin member and configures a surface of a distal end portion; an internal structure portion that is made of a second resin member and is provided in tight contact with an inner surface of the transparent resin outer layer portion; a plurality of component fixing holes provided in the internal structure portion; and lens sections provided in the transparent resin outer layer portion, the lens sections respectively facing distal end surfaces of illumination optical sections and a distal end surface of an observation optical section

Abstract: Techniques, systems, and devices are disclosed for obtaining optical images of a targeted object or scene such as a person's organ or tissue based on a fiber bundle having imaging optical fibers and optical phase modulation for improved imaging quality without using an objective lens to receive light from a target. Among its applications is an endoscope that bears no lens at the distal end, which affords miniaturization and bendability, and that has adjustable focal distance.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a processor comprising hardware. The processor is configured to: acquire a movement amount of a capsule endoscope in a movement direction of the capsule endoscope, based on information transmitted from the capsule endoscope including an imaging sensor; and determine whether to associate a first image captured by the imaging sensor with a second image, which is captured by the imaging sensor and is captured at a time different from a time in which the imaging sensor captures the first image, based on an imaging distance of the imaging sensor in the movement direction, and the movement amount.

Abstract: Medical endoscope imaging systems and methods of using the same are disclosed. The imaging systems can have an endoscope having an image sensor, a display housing having an image display, a communication link configured to couple the image sensor to the image display, and a camera housing having a camera-sensor. The display housing can be configured to be detachably coupled to the camera housing. The camera-sensor can be configured to receive signals from the image display.

Abstract: A dividing wall member is provided inside a specific bending piece selected from a plurality of bending pieces, an internal space of the bending piece is divided by the dividing wall member into a first space that opens corresponding to one rotating shaft, of rotating shafts that form a left and right pair, and a second space that is larger than the first space and opens corresponding to another rotating shaft, of the rotating shafts that form a left and right pair, and rotating shafts that form an upper and lower pair, a signal cable is inserted as a first internal component inside a first space, and a pair of light guides and a treatment instrument insertion channel are inserted as second internal components inside the second space.

Abstract: Provided is a manipulator system including: a manipulator provided with an insertion section, a movable section disposed at a distal end of the insertion section, and a drive unit that is disposed at a proximal end of the insertion section and that drives the movable section; an operation input unit with which an operation input to the manipulator is input; a control unit for controlling the drive unit based on the operation input; an endoscope; an overtube having a first channel and a second channel; and a unit for calculating a shifted angle of the endoscope relative to the first channel about a longitudinal axis, wherein, on the basis of the shifted angle, the movable section is rotated relative to the second channel to match the up/down direction of a coordinate system fixed to the endoscope and the up/down direction of a coordinate system fixed to the movable section.

Abstract: A surgical system includes a bronchoscope, an extended working channel defining an elongated passageway and adapted to extend through the bronchoscope, and a valve in fluid communication with the passageway of the extended working channel. The surgical system further includes an elongated surgical instrument configured and dimensioned to be inserted through the extended working channel. During operation, a fluid is able to flow from the valve and through the extended working channel such that the fluid travels within an annular area surrounding the elongated surgical instrument positioned within the extended working channel.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling lateral movement of a medical capsule system. A capsule housing is configured to be inserted into an anatomical structure of a patient. The multichannel tether is coupled to a rear of the capsule and includes at least one liquid exhaust channel conveying liquid to the capsule housing. The plurality of liquid exhaust ports are positioned around an outer circumference of the capsule housing and each configured to controllably expel liquid laterally from the capsule housing at varying rates to affect lateral movement of the capsule housing.

Abstract: A capsule device and a method for the capsule device remain in a very low power state and monitor whether it enters a desired section of the gastrointestinal track. The capsule device is coated with an enteric material that is expected to dissolve after it enters the small bowel. In the monitoring state, the capsule device captures a first image using the camera and the light source at a first frame rate substantially below a target frame rate. The capsule device compares first information related to the first image with second information related to a coating image corresponding to the coating. If the first information does not matches the second information, the capsule device declares that the coating has dissolved and the capsule device configures the camera to capture third images at the target rate after declaring that the coating has dissolved.

Abstract: An endoscopic system includes: an endoscope acquiring an image of an inside of a subject; and a processing device performing image processing on the acquired image. The endoscope includes: an imaging unit outputting the image of the inside of the subject as an electrical signal; and an optical transmission unit converting the electrical signal into an optical signal and transmitting the optical signal to the processing device via an optical fiber. The processing device includes: an optical reception unit receiving the optical signal transmitted from the optical transmission unit and converts the received optical signal into an electrical signal; a curvature-detecting unit detecting a curvature of the optical fiber, and a control unit controlling at least one of characteristics of the electrical signal output from the imaging unit and characteristics of the electrical signal output from the optical transmission unit based on the detection result of the curvature-detecting unit.

Abstract: In a minimally invasive surgical system, an image capture unit includes a prism assembly and sensor assembly. The prism assembly includes a beam splitter, while the sensor assembly includes coplanar image capture sensors. Each of the coplanar image capture sensors has a common front end optical structure, e.g., the optical structure distal to the image capture unit is the same for each of the sensors. A controller enhances images acquired by the coplanar image capture sensors. The enhanced images may include (a) visible images with enhanced feature definition, in which a particular feature in the scene is emphasized to the operator of minimally invasive surgical system; (b) images having increased image apparent resolution; (c) images having increased dynamic range; (d) images displayed in a way based on a pixel color component vector having three or more color components; and (e) images having extended depth of field.

Abstract: An endoscope light source system includes a light source module, an insertion module and a light guide path. The light source system further includes a light connector which is provided on the light guide path and optically connects an auxiliary light guide path to the light guide path, such that auxiliary light is guided to the light guide path from the auxiliary light guide path which guides the auxiliary light; and an irradiation module which emits at least one of light-source light which is guided by the light guide path and the auxiliary light which is guided by the light guide path, to an outside of an endoscope as illumination light, and radiates the illumination light to a to-be-illuminated part.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes alight source, a bendable insertion section to be inserted into an observation target, a light guide path which is provided in the insertion section and which guides light emitted from the light source, an illumination light emitter which is provided at the distal end of the insertion section and which emits at least some of the light guided by the light guide path to the observation target as illumination light, a curvature sensor which detects a bending shape of at least part of the insertion section, and an illumination light controller which controls an optical characteristic of the illumination light on the basis of the bending shape of the insertion section detected by the curvature sensor.

Abstract: A multiple target optical imaging apparatus performs optical imaging of a plurality of physically-separated imaging sites using a light source, a two-dimensional detector and a plurality of fiber bundles. Each fiber bundle has a distal end positioned adjacent to a different one of the imaging sites, and conveys source light from its proximal end to its distal end, while conveying an optical signal from its respective imaging site from its distal end to its proximal end. The optical signals may be simultaneously detected on different regions of the detector. The system is small, and may be used to image sites on an ambulatory animal, with the light source and detector located in a portable housing attached to the animal. Different types of imaging may be used, including fluorescence imaging, hyperspectral imaging, or polarization imaging.

Abstract: A device for determining the presence of abnormal fluid in a middle ear of a subject includes an elongated probe, a first light source housed within the elongated probe, and a second light source housed within the elongated probe. The elongated probe includes a distal end for inspection of an ear. The First light source is configured to convey an optical beam through a tympanic membrane associated with the middle ear of the subject, without puncturing the tympanic membrane. The second light source is configured to convey light through the distal end of the elongated probe and illuminate the tympanic membrane.

Abstract: A surgical system is disclosed, and includes a surgical fastening apparatus and an access device. The access device defines an internal lumen configured to receive the surgical fastening apparatus. The access device also includes a proximal portion and a distal portion being more flexible than the proximal portion. The access device is reconfigurable between a first condition and a different, second condition in which the distal portion of the access device is configured to fold radially inwardly and proximally upon movement of the surgical fastening apparatus therewith.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for determining contact lens intolerance in contact lens wearer patients based on tear film characteristics analysis and dry eye symptoms are disclosed. In embodiments herein, imaging of the ocular tear film is performed during contact lens wear. An analysis of the image of the ocular tear film is performed to determine one or more tear film characteristics of the ocular tear film. The tear film characteristics can be used to determine the effect or possible effect of contact lens wear on the ocular tear film, and thus be used to determine contact lens intolerance of the patient. The tear film characteristics used to analyze contact lens intolerance based on images of the ocular tear film involving contact lens wear may include dry eye symptoms, including but not limited to tear film (e.g., lipid and/or aqueous) thickness, tear film viscosity, and tear film movement rate in the eye.

Abstract: A composite ocular blood flow analyzer uses pneumatic tonometric techniques and structures to produce accurate, stable, and repeatable readings of intraocular pressure. A computer processes the intraocular pressure readings to produce data relating to various aspects of ocular blood flow that can be used diagnostically to identify abnormalities in the eye and other parts of the body.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing a visual field test of a patient are described. One example method for performing the visual field test of the patient using a visual field testing device having a refractive correction element, a patient support, and a motor operably attached to one of the refractive correction element or the patient support includes positioning the patient's head relative to the device using the patient support. An image showing the position of the eye relative to the refractive correction element is collected. The relative displacement of the eye with respect to the refractive correction element is determined based on the collected image. The motor is actuated in a manner to reduce the determined displacement. A series of test stimuli is displayed to the patient's eye and responses to the test stimuli are received from the patient. The responses are analyzed to make an assessment of the patient's visual field.

Abstract: A method for testing a patient's (2) visual field using testing apparatus. A fixation target is provided on a display (3) at a known target position and the patient's (2) direction of gaze is tracked using an eye tracker to determine the patient's point of regard. A marker (5) is provided on the display (3) indicating the patient's (2) point of regard, where the marker (5) moves with movement of the patient's (2) point of regard. It is detected when the marker (5) is moved to the fixation target and a new target is then provided on the display at a further known target position. The new target is recorded as detected if the marker (5) is moved to the new target, with the new target then becoming the fixation target. The steps are repeated for further new targets for determining the patient's (2) visual field based on the positions of the new targets that have been detected.

Abstract: Systems and methods for imaging tissue are described. Particularly, systems and methods of imaging an inner limiting membrane, epi-retinal membrane, or posterior vitreous cortex of a patient's eye are disclosed. Imaging an inner limiting membrane, epi-retinal membrane, or posterior vitreous cortex may include applying a stain to the inner limiting membrane, epi-retinal membrane, or posterior vitreous cortex of the patient's eye, causing the stain to produce fluorescent light having a wavelength within a near-infrared range, capturing the fluorescent light, and producing an Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) image of the inner limiting membrane, epi-retinal membrane, or posterior vitreous cortex with an OCT imaging system that is configured to detect light within the near-infrared range.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical system for examining an eye by means of optical coherence tomography. The OCT system is designed in such a way that at least a first and a second state of the optical system can be selectively set by controlling the variable optical unit. In the first state, the OCT measurement beam has a measurement focus at an object distance from the objective, wherein the object distance has a value between 50 millimeters and 400 millimeters. In the second state, the measurement beam has defocussing at the same object distance, wherein the defocussing corresponds to a distance of a virtual or real focus from a position of the object distance that is greater than 100 millimeters.

Abstract: A technology for achieving a reduction in size of an ophthalmic apparatus capable of performing a plurality of kinds of measurements performed before cataract surgery is provided. An ophthalmic apparatus is described that includes a refractive power measurement unit and an eyeball information measurement unit. The refractive power measurement unit is configured to project light from a light source onto a subject's eye and detect returning light thereof to determine refractive power of an ocular optical system of the subject's eye. The eyeball information measurement unit is configured to project light from the same light source onto the subject's eye and detect returning light thereof to determine eyeball information representing structure of the subject's eye.

Abstract: Eyewear, according to various embodiments, comprises at least one biometric sensor that is adapted for taking a biometric reading from the wearer when the wearer is operatively wearing the eyewear and for transmitting the results of the biometric reading to one or more computer processors for use in determining whether the wearer is a particular individual. The eyewear may also include a wireless communications device for transmitting a signal (e.g., to a remote computing device) that confirms the identity of the wearer as the particular individual. A remote computing device, or other device, or individual, may then, based at least in part on receiving the signal, grant wearer access to a computer program, computing system, and/or a particular physical space.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods, devices, and systems for automated measured correction of the eyes and provision of sunglasses and eyeglasses for individuals, including individuals with a visual acuity of 20/20 or better. Methods, devices and systems for remote measurement of refraction by an examiner away from the measurement system are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for assessing heart failure can include an image sensor configured to capture image data of a patient, a sensor configured to capture sensor data for the patient, a memory configured to store the image data and the sensor data, and a processor coupled to the image sensor, the sensor, and the memory. The processor is configured to receive image data in response to detecting a biological condition from the sensor data, wherein the biological condition is indicative of psychophysiological health and cardiac health. The processor is further configured to detect a visual characteristic from the image data, wherein the visual characteristic is indicative of heart health, and, in response to detecting the visual characteristic, provide an indication that the patient is experiencing a worsening of heart failure.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing data communication in medical systems are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of adaptive image acquisition includes obtaining a guide image of patient tissue; receiving an intraoperative image of a portion of the patient tissue from an imaging instrument; and storing the intraoperative image. The method includes comparing the intraoperative image with the guide image to identify at least one region of the guide image matching the intraoperative image; and determining whether the at least one region identified meets at least one accuracy criterion. When the at least one region meets the at least one accuracy criterion, the guide image is rendered with an indication of the at least one region on a display. When the at least one region does not meet the at least one accuracy criterion, the method includes receiving and storing a further intraoperative image; combining the further intraoperative image with the intraoperative image; and repeating the comparing and determining.

Abstract: What is disclosed is an apparatus for enabling privacy for patients undergoing breast cancer screening in a non-clinical setting. One embodiment of the present apparatus comprises an enclosure in which a person can remove one or more garments to expose their breasts to a thermal camera for breast cancer screening. The enclosure is such that at least the breast area of that person is shielded from view by third parties. The apparatus also comprises a thermal camera for capturing thermal images of the exposed breast area. The thermal camera is connected to a robotic arm that changes the camera angle relative to real-world coordinates so that thermal images can be taken of the breast area from any angle between a frontal view and a left/right lateral view. A processor which executes a software interface tool for semi-automated or automated breast cancer screening based on the thermal images of the breast.

Abstract: This photoacoustic imaging device (100) comprises: a display unit (40) that rewrites a screen (40a) at a predetermined refresh rate (RC) and that displays an image on the screen; and a control unit (30) that performs the acquisition of a detection signal and irradiation with light by a semiconductor light-emitting-element light-source unit at a sampling cycle (SC) shorter than the cycle of the predetermined refresh rate, and that creates an image to be displayed on the display unit from the detection signal detected according to the sampling cycle.

Abstract: A bio-monitoring system for armor plates. A piezoelectric sensor is used to measure flexing of an armor plate resulting from a wearer's respiration. The resulting measurements are used to determine at least one of a respiration rate and a heart rate of the wearer. Additional bio-monitoring sensors may be used. The system may be used in combination with an armor plate damage detection system.

Abstract: The utility model relates to a device for measuring the heartbeat, respiration, and body temperature of a human body, comprising of a shell and a base, wherein a PCB board, a buzzer, and a multi-point infrared temperature sensor and a camera are arranged in the shell. The infrared temperature sensor is used for temperature sampling of M×N sampling points, where M?3, N?3, and the camera is used for acquiring the video image of the measured object.