Abstract: Spa side panels are trapezoidally-shaped and mounted in respective grooves defined by adjacent tapered corner pieces and their mounting brackets to accommodate differences in coefficients of expansion of the respective parts and prevent structural damage. Angled force transfer members are configured to mate with swept back side surfaces of a spa base pan to achieve a pedestal appearance, and the bottom surface of the base pan is constructed to reduce heat transfer to the spa support surface.

Abstract: A foam generator includes a container having a liquid. The container includes a container neck. A bubble generator is mounted to the container. The bubble generator has a liquid piston and an air piston that are mechanically connected together to simultaneously dispense the liquid and a flow of air. The liquid piston extends into the container as a bubble generator input stem. The liquid is received into the bubble generator input stem at a liquid piston intake of the bubble generator input stem. The air piston and the liquid piston feed both air and liquid to a mixing chamber that provides both air and liquid to a pair of mixing screens mounted on a bubble generator output stem. The bubble generator output stem is oriented below the bubble generator input stem. An inverted straw cover fits over the liquid piston intake of the input stem.

Abstract: A potty (10) includes a sidewall (12), basin (14) and a top surface (15) including a seating surface (18). The potty (10) is arranged such that it can be stacked with a similar potty such that a part of one is received within the other. This results in the combined height of the stacked potties being less than twice the height of an individual potty. The potty (10) has a duct (20) that enables liquid to be poured from the basin (14) out of the potty substantially without coming into contact with the seating surface (18).

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a vacuum suction pipe through which impurities are collected together with air. A suction side plate has a central hole which corresponds with the vacuum suction pipe so that the vacuum suction pipe is fitted in the central hole. A holding plate is spaced apart from the suction side plate. A spring unit connects the suction side plate with the holding plate to elastically adjust a distance between the suction side plate and the holding plate.

Abstract: A cleaner head for a vacuum cleaner, comprising an agitator; and a housing defining a chamber which at least partially surrounds the agitator, a dirty air inlet in a lower part of the chamber and a dirty air outlet, wherein a partition is disposed between the agitator and the dirty air outlet such that the partition and the housing define a settling region of the chamber adjacent the dirty air outlet, the partition is provided with a first debris opening and a second debris opening disposed above the first debris opening such that, in use, debris swept past the first debris opening by the agitator is swept towards the second debris opening.

Abstract: Disclosed is a robot cleaner. The robot cleaner includes a case forming the external appearance of the robot cleaner, an agitator rotating and contacting a surface to be cleaned, a dust collector in which foreign substances are collected and a suction unit providing suction force to the dust collector, and the agitator is arranged between the dust collector and the suction unit. Therefore, the robot cleaner reduces loss of suction force generated from the suction unit.

Abstract: A robot cleaner includes a case, a suction device provided in the case, a suction nozzle for sucking dust from a floor by driving of the suction device, a dust collection device for collecting foreign substances contained in the air sucked via the suction nozzle, a driving unit for allowing the case to drive automatically, a controller for controlling the driving of the suction device and the driving unit, and for generating cleaning history information comprising map information on a cleaning area and moving path information, a memory unit for storing the cleaning history information; and a wireless communication module provided in the case to transmit the cleaning history information to the external terminal, when the external terminal asks the cleaning history information.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cleaning brush for a floor cleaner, in particular, a self-propelled and self-steering floor cleaner, including at least one brush unit having a brush body defining a brush axis and being provided with cleaning bristles and having a first end and a second end, the at least one brush unit including at the first end or in the region of the first end a torque receiver device for coupling with a drive device of the floor cleaner. To provide such a cleaning brush which can be reliably mounted on a floor cleaner in a constructionally simple way, the at least one brush unit includes a bearing device for mounting on the floor cleaner, which is arranged between the first end and the second end. The invention also relates to a floor cleaner with a cleaning brush, in particular, a self-propelled and self-steering floor cleaner.

Abstract: A flat wiping cloth for arrangement on a wiping cloth holder includes an elongated base body and an active ingredient that inhibits or suppresses the growth of bacteria or viruses. The active ingredient is allocated to the base body. The base body has at least one of fibers, yarns or fringe, which have free ends that can be oriented to face a surface to be cleaned during use. The active ingredient is distributed within a material of which the fibers, yarns or fringe is made, or is distributed in a component of the base body.

Abstract: A hand-held scrubbing tool is formed with an upper dome portion and an incorporated cylindrical base portion which has a predetermined diameter and a generally circular bottom surface. The tool is favorably formed of a comfortable, flexible urethane rubber material that has a durometer value of about 30 A. Hook type material is embedded into the bottom surface of the base portion and is adapted to permit a scrub pad, sanding pad, or the like to be secured to it. The tool may have a design with protruding, tactile features that facilitate a comfortable grip on the tool.

Abstract: A foldable spin flat mop (100) is disclosed that comprises a handle (10); and a mop head (20) connected to the handle. The mop head comprises: at least two independent cleaning plates (21), which together being able to form a coplanar and flat cleaning flat surface; and a connection mechanism disposed to rotatably connect the at least two independent cleaning plates to the handle. The connection mechanism comprises: a plurality of seats (23) provided respectively at the at least two independent cleaning plates; and at least one joint member (24) connecting the plurality of seats; wherein each of the at least two independent cleaning plates is rotatable with regard to the joint member, such that the at least two independent cleaning plates each is capable of freely rotating relative to the handle.

Abstract: A selectively attachable buffer pad for using as an attachment to a conventional drill to buff or polish surfaces includes an attachment member which defines an elongated, rigid shank which is sized and shaped to be secured in the chuck of a conventional drill, a padded layer defining a planar body with a circular shape which is constructed out of a deformable material, and a buffer layer defining a conventional soft fiber buffing pad. Advantageously, the deformable nature of the padded layer enables selectively attachable buffer pad to transfer rotation from the attachment member to the buffer layer while also providing shock absorption. Thus, a conventional drill which is not otherwise suit for buffing or polishing is configured to accomplish the same through its attachment to the selectively attachable buffer pad.

Abstract: A washing machine and/or a fluid flow structure for a washing machine wash tank is provided. The wash tank is generally rectangular and includes a bottom wall, two side walls and two end walls extending upward from said bottom wall. The wash tank further includes at least one flow directional opening in at least one of the walls. In a preferred embodiment, the wash tank includes plurality of flow directional openings positioned along one of the side walls of the wash tank. A fluid flow structure is located within said wash tank, which includes a fluid flow guide surface, and a support for said guide surface. The guide surface includes an expansion structure that is designed to counteract expansion of the guide surface that occurs during operation of the washing machine. In one embodiment the expansion structure is an expansion slot that engages a portion of the guide surface.

Abstract: A water-conducting domestic appliance, in particular a domestic dishwasher, includes a first retaining device which is arranged on an outer wall and which is provided to hold a pipe on the outer wall when the domestic appliance is in operation. The outer wall has an aperture through which the hose is guided, with the first retaining device being arranged above the aperture.

Abstract: A dish treating appliance for treating dishes according to an automatic cycle of operation includes a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber for receiving dishes for treatment according to the automatic cycle of operation, an access opening provided in the tub and through which is had access to the treating chamber, and a door movable relative to the tub to selectively open and close the access opening, the door having an inner surface confronting the access opening when the door closes the access opening, an outer surface, opposite the inner surface, and a window assembly provided in the door and having inner and outer panes.

Abstract: A freestanding domestic appliance includes at least one mounting aid which has at least two functional parts arranged on its front side, wherein a first functional part is configured as a hose holder, wherein a second functional part is configured as an upwardly open hook for mounting additional parts and is arranged at a height below the first functional part. A fastening contour is provided on the backside of the mounting aid for holding the mounting aid on the domestic appliance, and is arranged at a height above the first functional part and on a fastening leg which extends in the opposite direction of the at least two functional parts. A height stop is provided at least on the topside of the fastening leg for preventing an insertion of the freestanding domestic appliance into an installation niche without prior removal of the mounting aid from the freestanding domestic appliance.

Abstract: Dishwasher appliances and vents for dishwasher appliances are provided. The dishwasher appliance includes a chamber for the receipt of articles for cleaning, and a door for selectively opening and closing the dishwasher appliance, the door having an interior wall and a bottom. The dishwasher appliance further includes a conduit disposed within the door. The dishwasher appliance further includes a vent for controlling the egress of fluid from the chamber through the first end, the vent received into the door. The vent includes a generally planer body, and a plurality of aperture assemblies defined in the body. Each of the plurality of aperture assemblies extends generally radially within the plane. The vent further includes a plurality of ribs extending from the body.

Abstract: A method includes providing a lithotripsic device configured to break a stone into one or more fragments in a body lumen and an endoscope which is configured to obtain a captured image in the body lumen. The method further includes processing the captured image and creating a processed image for display on a monitor, and processing and displaying a track of a movement of at least one of the stone or the one or more fragments.

Abstract: In an endoscope system that obtains a captured image inside of a body cavity by use of an insertion unit of an endoscope apparatus which is inserted into the body cavity of a subject, an oscillator outputs an oscillation pulse signal, and receives a reflected pulse signal. A transmission line is provided along the insertion unit near an envelope of the insertion unit, and transmits a pulse signal output from the oscillator. A time calculating unit and an insertion length calculating unit obtain a time difference between the oscillation pulse signal and the reflected pulse signal on the basis of the oscillation pulse signal output by the oscillator and the reflected pulse signal received by the oscillator, and calculate an insertion length of the insertion unit on the basis of the obtained time difference.

Abstract: An information management apparatus that is used in a capsule endoscope inspection system including a receiving device operated by a built-in rechargeable battery and that is capable of communicating with the receiving device.

Abstract: A portal access device has a first member pivotally movable relative to a base. A groove is provided at the first member to be in alignment with a bore at the base, so that a cannula may freely extend through the bore, with a portion of the cannula being frictionally held along the groove of the first member. The first member may be rotatably connected to a second member, so that once the cannula is correctly inserted into a portal, the first member may be pivoted from its vertical position to its horizontal position to bend the cannula into a right angle cannula. The cannula is removed from the portal by pivoting the second member upwardly away from the base. In an alternate portal access device where there is only one arm member, the portal access device may be removed from the portal by being pulled vertically upwards.

Abstract: A steering mechanism for a medical device that is configured for passing through the body cavities of a patient and for passage through an endoscope working channel is described. The mechanism comprises at least one spool having a central hole through which a central axle passes, the spool being rotatable about the axle, and the spool having at least one retaining tube having a lumen therethrough and configured to contain a portion of a drive cable. The drive cables, which may include UHMWPE, are capable of and are effective for deflecting the distal end of a catheter or endoscopic device, while preferably each being at least partially disposed through a retaining tube that is effective to prevent tangling or other binding of the cable(s).

Abstract: A combined tube set for a disposable water bottle for an endoscope includes a cap with threads suitable for attachment to various water bottles. The combined tube set provides a first tube set for rinsing that includes an air and water tubes, air/water connector, and anchor. The combined tube set also provides a second tube set for irrigation that includes an irrigation connector, backflow valve(s), and flexible tubing section.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical method involves an advancement of an endoscope (20) to a target location within an anatomical region of a body and a generation of a plurality of endoscopic video frames (22) as the endoscope (20) is advanced to the target location with the endoscopic video frames (2) illustrating monocular endoscopic images of the anatomical region. For real-time estimation of a depth of an object within monocular endoscopic images (e.g., depth of a bronchial wall within an monocular endoscopic images of a bronchial tube), the method further involves (S41) a determination of an optical flow of one or more image points within a frame time series of the monocular endoscopic images of the anatomical region, and (S42) an estimation of a depth field indicative of a depth of the object within the monocular endoscopic images as a function of the optical flow of the image point(s).

Abstract: A method and device may control energy consumption of in an in vivo imaging device by determining or estimating an amount of energy needed to capture images at a frame rate until a complete passage of the device through a predetermined region of the gastrointestinal tract, and alter or limit the frame capture rate accordingly.

Abstract: Devices and methods for locating sinus ostia and positioning a guide wire within the sinus ostia. The subject devices include a shaft having a distal end, a proximal end, a curved region located between the distal and proximal ends, and an interior channel, an extensible and retractable guide wire movably mounted within the interior channel and a probe tip joined to the guide wire. Certain devices further include expandable portions for engaging and treating body anatomy.

Abstract: A disclosed ophthalmologic apparatus includes an image acquisition unit configured to acquire a fundus image of an eye to be examined on the basis of returning light from a fundus that is obtained by irradiating the fundus of the eye with light; and a correction unit configured to correct the fundus image in accordance with a degree of clouding of a clouded portion of the eye such that, among color components contained in the fundus image, a ratio of a color component, in the fundus image, that is scattered by a clouded portion of the eye at a higher rate increases against a ratio of another color component.

Abstract: The present invention defines a method of correcting for eye movement during optical coherence tomography imaging. The method includes imaging (by scanning) a fundus of an eye to obtain a fundus image (for example, using an SLO); scanning the fundus to obtain a plurality of tomographic images (for example, using OCT); determining, at predetermined intervals, an alignment of the tomographic images with respect to the fundus image, and, if it is determined that there is a misalignment, determining the number of tomographic images that have been scanned in the predetermined interval since the previous alignment determination; determining the offset by which the tomographic images are misaligned; applying the offset to the next tomographic image to be scanned and rescanning the determined number of tomographic images that were scanned during the interval between misalignment being determined and offset being applied.

Abstract: An ophthalmic imaging apparatus performs imaging to produce a tomographic image of a fundus of an examined eye based on interference light obtained by combining measurement light and reference light, determines whether aliasing has occurred in the tomographic image, when it is determined that the aliasing has occurred, moves a position in which an optical path length of the measurement light and an optical path length of the reference light match from a retina side to a choroid side of the examined eye, and generates a fundus image based on the tomographic image that has been produced through imaging in a state where the position has been moved to the choroid side.

Abstract: An example method for automatically measuring a subject's phoria while the subject fixates on a visual target can include capturing an image of at least one of the subject's eyes using an image capturing device after covering and uncovering the at least one of the subject's eyes. The image can include a reflection of light from at least one of the subject's eyes. The method can also include analyzing the image to identify a position of the reflection of the light within at least one of the subject's eyes, and determining a phoria measurement based on the position of the reflection of the light within at least one of the subject's eyes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the detection of visual function losses. The method comprises analysing the optical quality of a patient's eye based on one or more retinal images thereof or based on information relating to retinal images corresponding to an eye having an anterior segment and intraocular means that are healthy. The method comprises: detecting a visual function loss of the visual system of functional or pathological etiology, based on the result of the aforementioned analysis; and determining if this loss is due to a reduced and/or limited neural response, which induces alterations in the innervation of the intrinsic ocular muscles of the eye.

Abstract: The vision protection method and system thereof is provided to ensure a viewer to rest his/her eyes after viewing on an electronic device for a certain period, wherein the eyesight protection method includes the steps of detecting one of more working parameters of the viewer in responsive to a preset working threshold in a working mode of the electronic device during the viewer is working on a current work displaying by the electronic device; switching the working mode of the electronic device to a resting mode; and switching the electronic device from the resting mode back to the working mode to resume the display of the current work of the electronic device. Therefore, the viewer is enforced to rest his/her eyes after every certain period.

Abstract: A computer-implemented patient monitoring system includes a patient data monitoring system on a first computing system, including a patient medical data query engine configured to generate one or more rule execution requests. The monitoring system further includes a network circuit communicating with the medical database system and one or more remote patient care computing devices. The remote care computing devices in turn include a patient medical data repository and a query response engine configured to respond to received rule execution requests. Responding to rule execution requests includes verifying the validity of a rule execution request, identifying data in the patient medical data repository responsive to the rule execution request, and transmitting response patient medical data responsive to the rule execution request.

Abstract: In one implementation, an apparatus estimates body core temperature from an infrared measurement of an external source point using a cubic relationship between the body core temperature and the measurement of an external source point is described, estimates temperature from a digital infrared sensor and determines vital signs from a solid-state image transducer, or determines vital signs from a solid-state image transducer and estimates body core temperature from an infrared measurement of an external source point using a cubic relationship between the body core temperature and the measurement of an external source point; after which the estimated and/or determined information is transmitted to an external database.

Abstract: In one implementation, an apparatus estimates body core temperature from an infrared measurement of an external source point using a cubic relationship between the body core temperature and the measurement of an external source point is described, estimates temperature from a digital infrared sensor and determines vital signs from a solid-state image transducer, or determines vital signs from a solid-state image transducer and estimates body core temperature from an infrared measurement of an external source point using a cubic relationship between the body core temperature and the measurement of an external source point; after which the estimated and/or determined information is transmitted to an external database.

Abstract: In one implementation, an apparatus estimates body core temperature from an infrared measurement of an external source point using a cubic relationship between the body core temperature and the measurement of an external source point is described, estimates temperature from a digital infrared sensor and determines vital signs from a solid-state image transducer, or determines vital signs from a solid-state image transducer and estimates body core temperature from an infrared measurement of an external source point using a cubic relationship between the body core temperature and the measurement of an external source point; after which the estimated and/or determined information is transmitted to an external database.

Abstract: In one implementation, an apparatus estimates body core temperature from an infrared measurement of an external source point using a cubic relationship between the body core temperature and the measurement of an external source point is described, estimates temperature from a digital infrared sensor and determines vital signs from a solid-state image transducer, or determines vital signs from a solid-state image transducer and estimates body core temperature from an infrared measurement of an external source point using a cubic relationship between the body core temperature and the measurement of an external source point; after which the estimated and/or determined information is transmitted to an external database.

Abstract: Diffuse optical tomography systems and methods are described herein. In a general embodiment, the diffuse optical tomography system comprises a plurality of sensor heads, the plurality of sensor heads comprising respective optical emitter systems and respective sensor systems. A sensor head in the plurality of sensors heads is caused to act as an illuminator, such that its optical emitter system transmits a transillumination beam towards a portion of a sample. Other sensor heads in the plurality of sensor heads act as observers, detecting portions of the transillumination beam that radiate from the sample in the fields of view of the respective sensory systems of the other sensor heads. Thus, sensor heads in the plurality of sensors heads generate sensor data in parallel.

Abstract: A method of determining a temperature of a patient includes determining that a temperature measurement device is located within at least one of a distance range and an alignment range of a portion of a measurement site of the patient, providing an indication to a user of the device that the device is located within the at least one of the distance range and the alignment range, and determining, with the device, a first temperature of a first location on the portion of the measurement site without contacting the patient with the device. Such a method also includes determining, with the device, a second temperature of a second location on the portion of the measurement site without contacting the patient with the device, wherein the second location is different from the first location. Such a method further includes determining a third temperature of the patient based on the first and second temperatures.

Abstract: A system uses continuous tracking of sleep activity and heart rate activity to evaluate heart rate variability immediately before transitioning to an awake state, e.g., at the end of the last phase of deep sleep. In particular, a wearable, continuous physiological monitoring system as described herein includes one or more sensors to detect sleep states, the transitions between sleep states, and the transitions from a sleep state to an awake state for a user. This information can be used in conjunction with continuously monitored heart rate data to calculate heart rate variability of the user at the end of the last phase of sleep preceding the user waking up. By using the history of heart rate data in conjunction with sleep activity in this manner, an accurate and consistent recovery score can be calculated based on heart rate variability.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide for ambulatorily sensing pulmonary artery pressure from within a patient, and producing a pulmonary artery pressure measurement from the sensed pulmonary artery pressure. Power is ambulatorily provided within the patient to facilitate sensing of the pulmonary artery pressure and producing of the pulmonary artery pressure measurement. Acute pulmonary embolism is detected based on a change or rate of change in the pulmonary artery pressure measurement. An alert is preferably generated in response to detecting pulmonary embolism.

Abstract: Intravascular devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method of assembling an intravascular device is provided that includes positioning a first tubular member around a plurality of conductors and a core member; advancing a first of the plurality of conductors through an opening of the first tubular member; positioning a first conductive member around the first tubular member; and electrically coupling the first of the plurality of conductors to the first conductive member. In some embodiments, an intravascular device is provided that includes an insulating member positioned around a plurality of conductors and a core member and a conductive member positioned around the insulating member, wherein at least one of the plurality of conductors extends through an opening in the insulating member and is electrically coupled to the first conductive member.

Abstract: Intravascular devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, the intravascular devices include at least one pressure sensing component within a distal portion of the device. In that regard, one or more electrical, electronic, optical, and/or electro-optical pressure-sensing components is secured to an elongated substrate such that the pressure-sensing component is mounted perpendicular to a central longitudinal axis of the device. In some implementations, the elongated substrate has a cylindrical profile. Methods of making, assembling, and/or using such intravascular devices and associated systems are also provided.

Abstract: A method of determining a blood pressure of a patient includes determining a plurality of pressure pulses, wherein each pressure pulse of the plurality of pressure pulses comprises a profile having a maximum profile height. The method also includes determining a pulse score associated with the plurality of pressure pulses, wherein the pulse score is determined based on the profiles of the pressure pulses and the maximum profile heights. The method further includes determining that the pulse score is above a pulse score threshold, and generating, in response to determining that the pulse score is above the pulse score threshold, a pulse curve based on the maximum profile heights. The method also includes determining the blood pressure of the patient without completely occluding a blood vessel of the patient, wherein the blood pressure is determined based on a plurality of values corresponding to respective points on the pulse curve.

Abstract: The location of a user's head, for purposes such as head tracking or motion input, can be determined. For example, a computing device (e.g., a tablet, mobile phone, etc.) can utilize one or more detectors or other image classifiers to detect the presence objects such as features of the face in images captured by one or more cameras of the computing device. Based on the detected feature(s), the subject technology provides embodiments for detecting a heart rate of the user of the computing device without requiring invasive procedures or addition sensors on the computing device by selecting a region of interest for analyzing color or other image data measurements over a period of time. Changes in color at the select region of interest may be further processed to extract a user's heart rate using techniques described further herein.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for performing procedure on tissue with flow monitoring using flow sensors. The devices include an elongated member, and at least one flow sensor disposed on the elongated member. The flow sensor includes at least one temperature sensor and at least one heating element having a cavity. At least a portion of the at least one temperature sensor is housed in the cavity. A temperature measurement of the temperature sensor provides an indication of the flow rate of a fluid proximate to the flow sensor.

Abstract: Apparatus, including a flexible insertion tube, having a distal segment that is configured to be inserted into a body organ. A plurality of elastic branches are connected to the distal segment of the insertion tube at different, respective locations and extend transversely away from the insertion tube at the respective locations. There are one or more respective electrodes disposed on each of the elastic branches and there are conductors traversing the elastic branches so as to couple the electrodes to the insertion tube.

Abstract: A medical display system (16) and method display physiological signals. A physiological signal of a patient (14) is received, the physiological signal spanning a period of time. Signal quality of the physiological signal over the period of time is determined. An ECG signal (52) is displayed using a compressed time scale and the determined signal quality (54)n over time is displayed adjacent to the displayed physiological signal.

Abstract: A method for quantifying, during pacemapping, a comparison of a BSPM of interest to a pace site BSPM. The method may include receiving at a computing device a plurality of ECG signals from an acquisition system. The pace site BSPM may be calculated using the plurality of ECG signals. The BSPM of interest may be compared to the pace site BSPM, by: retrieving the BSPM of interest from memory accessible by the computing device; and, calculating one or more comparison metrics for the BSPM of interest as compared to the pace site BSPM. An indication of similarity between the BSPM of interest and the pace site BSPM based on the comparison metric calculated may be displayed on a user interface in communication with the computing device.

Abstract: A graphical user interface (GUI) including: (a) a group definition module adapted to accept a user input defining groups; (b) a data receiver operable to receive a plurality of individual measurement input datum indicative of status of a substrate; (c) a grouping module configured to assign each of said individual measurement input datum to one of said groups to produce grouped data; and (d) an output module adapted to output the grouped data.