Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a health monitoring television, comprising: a physiological parameter acquisition device for acquiring a physiological parameter of a monitored object; a central processor for generating health monitoring information based on the acquired physiological parameter; and an information exhibition device for outputting the health monitoring information to a user. The health monitoring television according to the present disclosure endows the commonly used television in ordinary families with the health monitoring function, i.e., adding the central processor and the physiological parameter acquisition device, so as to enable the monitored object, particularly the old people, to learn their own physical status easily through direct visual and/or audible information.

Abstract: A detection apparatus of vital parameters on a steering wheel is provided. The apparatus includes a horn switch, remote control switches configured to operate devices within a vehicle and a vital signal detector configured to detect a vital signal of an operator. The vital signal detector includes a detection sensor that is configured to detect the vital signal of the operator and a photo sensor that is mounted on the remote control switch. Accordingly, the separate space for the assembling portion of the vital signal detector is not required and the volume of the apparatus and the number of components are reduced. The mountability and the aesthetics are improved.

Abstract: Provided is a living-body information measurement device including a first light emitting element and a second light emitting element each that emits different light in wavelength, a light receiving element that receives the light emitted from the first and second light emitting elements and outputs a received light signal corresponding to an amount of the received light, a separation unit that separates the received light signal into a first received light signal and a second received light signal, a filter that removes noise components of the first received light signal and the second received light signal, and a measuring unit that measures plural living-body information using the first received light signal before the noise components are removed by the filter, the first received light signal whose noise components are removed by the filter, and the second received light signal whose noise components are removed by the filter.

Abstract: A method and system for removing corruption in photoplethysmogram (PPG) signals for monitoring cardiac health of patients is provided. The method is performed by extracting photoplethysmogram signals from the patient, detecting and eliminating corruption caused by larger and transient disturbances in the extracted photoplethysmogram signals, segmenting photoplethysmogram signals post detection and elimination of corruption caused by larger and transient disturbances, identifying of inconsistent segments from the segmented photoplethysmogram signals, detecting anomalies from the identified inconsistent segments of the photoplethysmogram signals, analysing the detected anomalies of the photoplethysmogram signals and identifying photoplethysmogram signal segments corrupted by smaller and prolonged disturbances.

Abstract: There is described a technique using apparatus for recording and analyzing a surface electrocardiogram (ECG) for distinguishing a physiological signal from noise. The technique involves aligning and averaging multiple surface electrogram records taken for repeated pacing sequence with the same interval between pacing stimuli.

Abstract: A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium stores a meal estimation program that causes a computer to execute a process including: acquiring time-series data of heart rate; calculating a feature quantity relating to a second peak appearing after a first peak in which a peak of the heart rate appears first after start of a meal, for each partial data included in the time-series data of the heart rate; determining presence of a meal in the partial data using the feature quantity relating to the second peak calculated for each of the partial data; and estimating a meal time from the partial data determined to include a meal.

Abstract: Provided is a system for measuring biological signals of a user, which includes a sensor module configured to acquire ballistocardiogram (BCG) signals of a user via a present channel, where the present channel is at least one channel of the sensor module, a decomposition module configured to decompose the BCG signals to decomposed signals, a reconstruction module configured to reconstruct at least a portion of the decomposed signals to reconstructed signals, a processing module configured to process the reconstructed signals to at least one of a heart rate, respiration rate, phases of respiration, and blood pressure, and a display module configured to display at least one output corresponding to the at least one of the heart rate, the respiration rate, phases of respiration, and the blood pressure on a display device.

Abstract: Provided is a living-body information measurement device including a first light emitting element and a second light emitting element each that emits different light in wavelength, a light receiving element that receives the light emitted from the first light emitting element and the second light emitting element, a control unit that controls a continuous light-emission period of each of the first light emitting element and the second light emitting element so that the continuous light-emission period of the second light emitting element is shorter than the continuous light-emission period of the first light emitting element, and a measuring unit that measures plural living-body information based on the light received in the light receiving element.

Abstract: An information processing device includes: an information acquisition unit that acquires biometric information from a biometric sensor; a processing unit that generates first report information for reporting stamina information indicating stamina of a user and second report information different from the first report information based on the biometric information; and an output unit that outputs the first report information and the second report information. The second report information includes at least one piece of information among second stamina information which indicates the stamina of the user and is different from the stamina information, third stamina information regarding another user, advice information or alert information regarding an activity of the user, and exercise continuable information regarding the user.

Abstract: In a method and magnetic resonance (MR) apparatus for heart diffusion imaging, when an ECG trigger signal by a computer that operates an MR scanner, the MR scanner is operated to acquire a navigator echo before a stimulated echo sequence, in order to detect diaphragm position information. When the first diaphragm position information is not located in an acquisition window, the stimulated echo sequence is not executed, and the computer waits to receive the next ECG trigger signal. The detection time of the navigator echo after the stimulated echo sequence as well as the acquisition time of the stimulated echo sequence, are thus eliminated when the first diaphragm position information does not meet requirements, so can significantly reduce scanning time, and increase the image SNR.

Abstract: There is disclosed a device for imaging a body. In one arrangement, the device comprises a controller, storage storing electronic program instructions for controlling the controller, a display for displaying a user interface, and an input means. In one form, the controller is operable, under control of the electronic program instructions, to receive input via the input means, where the input comprises a first representation of the body, to process the first representation, to generate a second representation of the body on the basis of processing of the first representation, and to display the generated second representation via the display.

Abstract: There is provided a method and corresponding system and apparatus for image reconstruction based on image data from a photon-counting multi-bin x-ray detector. The method includes determining (S1) parameter(s) of a given functional form of the relationship between comparator settings expressed in voltage in the read-out chain of the x-ray detector and the corresponding energy threshold values expressed in energy based on a fitting procedure between a first set of data representative of a measured pulse height spectrum and a second set of data representative of a reference pulse height spectrum. The method also includes performing (S2) image reconstruction based on the image data and the determined parameter(s). In this way, efficient high-quality image reconstruction can be achieved.

Abstract: In displaying a tomographic image in a slice in a three-dimensional (3D) medical image, for the purpose of achieving better recognition of a vascular structure contained in the slice without degrading spatial resolution of the slice, there is provided an image processing apparatus comprising: identifying section for identifying a slice of interest in a 3D medical image representing an anatomical part including a blood vessel; and projecting section for applying projection processing to pixel values in a slice axis direction of the slice for a region in the 3D medical image including the slice and wider than a slice width of the slice.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging system for generating X-ray projections of an object, the X-ray imaging system including an X-ray device having a single X-ray source (110) for forming a plurality of X-ray beams (104), a filter (120) positioned within the plurality of X-ray beams, an object space where the object to be imaged is accommodated, and an X-ray detector (150) including an array of a plurality of pixels (151 . . . 155). The X-ray device, the filter, and the plurality of pixels are configured such that at least one pixel is exposed to the plurality of X-ray beams. X-ray radiation received by a particular pixel undergoes a same spectral filtration by the filter. Pixels receiving the X-ray radiation undergoing the same spectral filtration are summarized to a pixel subset.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and related computer program products for image-guided radiation treatment (IGRT) are described. For one preferred embodiment, an IGRT apparatus is provided comprising a ring gantry having a central opening and a radiation treatment head coupled to the ring gantry that is rotatable around the central opening in at least a 180 degree arc. For one preferred embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a gantry translation mechanism configured to translate the ring gantry in a direction of a longitudinal axis extending through the central opening. Noncoplanar radiation treatment delivery can thereby be achieved without requiring movement of the patient. For another preferred embodiment, an independently translatable 3D imaging device distinct from the ring gantry is provided for further achieving at least one of pre-treatment imaging and setup imaging of the target tissue volume without requiring movement of the patient.

Abstract: A method for performing an imaging scan of a subject includes positioning a narrow field-of-view camera at a first imaging position to acquire a first set of imaging information of a first object of interest, positioning the narrow field-of-view camera at a second imaging position to acquire a second set of imaging information of a second object of interest, determining emission counts for the first and second sets of imaging information, and utilizing the determined emission counts to generate a value that indicates a probability of a successful medical procedure being performed on the subject.

Abstract: A diaphragm apparatus for the collimation of an X-ray bundle of an X-ray device is provided for scanning an examination object. An X-ray device including the diaphragm apparatus is also provided. In an embodiment, the diaphragm apparatus includes two diaphragms in the form of slotted diaphragms arranged in series in the direction of the X-rays and mounted to be positionable with respect to one another. Each of the diaphragms includes a fixed diaphragm aperture corresponding to maximum collimation of the X-ray bundle and a region that is impermeable to X-rays, which in each case includes an extension corresponding to the diaphragm aperture corresponding to the maximum collimation.

Abstract: A method including the steps of: providing a plurality of diagnostic programs associated with characteristics of developing dentition of a patient; performing an initial assessment of the patient corresponding to the developing dentition of the patient wherein the initial assessment uses an imaging device to locate points in a mouth of the patient wherein the imaging device generates imaging data; transferring the imaging data to a central processing unit wherein the central processing unit obtains measurements associated with selected points in the mouth of the patient and predicts future orthodontic conditions of the patient based upon the measurements; and providing a report of findings of the initial assessment to the patient with treatment recommendations based upon the findings.

Abstract: A method includes receiving radiation with a hybrid data detection system of an imaging system. The hybrid data detection system includes a hybrid data detector array with a set of spectral detectors and a set of integrating detectors that are arranged along a transverse axis of an examination region. The method further includes generating a set of truncated spectral projections with the first set of spectral detectors. The method further includes estimating a set of spectral projections for the integrating detectors. The method further includes combining the set of truncated spectral projections and the estimated set of spectral projections. The method further includes estimating a set of spectral projections based on the combined set to produce a complete set of spectral projections. The method further includes processing the complete set of spectral projections to generate volumetric image data.

Abstract: A radiography system is provided. The radiography system includes a radiographic device arranged in a movable manner, a measuring device to measure at least one of external force and torque applied to the radiographic device, and a drive device to move the radiographic device based on a direction and magnitude of the at least one of the force and torque measured by the measuring device.

Abstract: An overall controller of a console acquires a radiation image of an imaging subject captured by a radiation image capture device for radiographic imaging. The overall controller also acquires body thickness information indicating a body thickness of the imaging subject in a direction in which radiation passes through. The overall controller also adds to the radiation image an assist line image that have would be expected to be obtained if a predetermined member had been disposed and captured at a position inside the imaging subject determined based on the acquired body thickness information, or at a position between the imaging subject and the radiation image capture device.

Abstract: A diagnosis support device, which is suitable for comparing different diseases, is provided, along with others. In the diagnosis support device, the input of an MRI brain image of a subject is received, and a shrinkage score, which represents the degree of shrinkage of the brain, is calculated based on the MRI brain image. Subsequently, sites to be compared in the brain are identified. Then, a degree of shrinkage, which represents the degree of shrinkage of each of the identified sites, and a shrinkage ratio, which is the ratio between the degrees of shrinkage of the sites, are calculated, and then compared and displayed.

Abstract: Presented herein are efficient and reliable systems and methods for calculating and extracting three-dimensional central axes of bones of animal subjects—for example, animal subjects scanned by in vivo or ex vivo microCT platforms—to capture both the general and localized tangential directions of the bone, along with its shape, form, curvature, and orientation. With bone detection and segmentation algorithms, the skeletal bones of animal subjects scanned by CT or microCT scanners can be detected, segmented, and visualized. Three dimensional central axes determined using these methods provide important information about the skeletal bones.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an image processing device including: a radiographic image acquisition section that acquires a radiographic image, the radiographic image generated by stitching together radiographic images of an imaging subject imaged by plural radiation detectors, each of which includes a detection face for detecting radiation; a purpose acquisition section that acquires information indicating an interpreting purpose; and an adding section that adds a predetermined assist line to the radiographic image, on the basis of at least one of a reference object corresponding to the interpreting purpose in the radiographic image acquired by the radiographic image acquisition section or the information indicating the interpreting purpose.

Abstract: A method for generating a combined contrast medium and blood vessel representation of contrast-enhanced image data of breast tissue to be examined includes capturing first and second contrast-medium-influenced x-ray projection measurement data of the breast tissue with respective differing first and second x-ray energies. First and second image data sets are reconstructed based respectively on the first and second measurement data. A dual-energy image data set is ascertained based on the first and the second image data sets. A blood vessel image is ascertained based on at least one image data set. A blood vessel image is represented together with the dual-energy image data set in a combined contrast medium and blood vessel representation. An image data generating system is also provided.

Abstract: An X-ray CT apparatus according to an embodiment includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to detect X-rays that have passed through a subject by using a detector and to acquire projection data on a basis of a detection result. The processing circuitry is configured to obtain position information of a highly X-ray absorbent member in the body of the subject. The processing circuitry is configured to derive information about transmission paths of the X-rays in accordance with a processing effect of an artifact reducing process performed on the highly X-ray absorbent member, on the basis of the position information of the highly X-ray absorbent member.

Abstract: An X-ray image detection system includes a charge accumulation device, a switch device, a comparator device and an analog to digital converter. The charge accumulation device receives current produced by a pixel and converts the current to a voltage signal. The switch device has an input terminal, a first output terminal, and a second output terminal. The input terminal is connected to the charge accumulation device to receive the voltage signal. The comparator device is connected to the first output terminal for generating first or second indication signal according to the voltage signal. The analog to digital converter is connected to the second terminal. When the first indication signal is generated, the input terminal of the switch device is connected to the first output terminal. When the second indication signal is generated, the input terminal of the switch device is connected to the second output terminal.

Abstract: A radiation tomographic imaging apparatus is characterized in comprising: a first reconstructing section for reconstructing a plurality of temporally different first radiation tomographic images for a required slice position; an information-on-movement acquiring section for acquiring information on movement of a body part in a subject based on the plurality of first radiation tomographic images; an information creating section for creating a motion profile MP indicating a temporal change of the information on movement; an identifying section for identifying a time Ts when motion of the body part in the subject stops based on the motion profile MP; and a second reconstructing section for reconstructing a second radiation tomographic image for the subject at the time Ts.

Abstract: In order to provide a data processing device and the like, capable of performing highly accurate reference correction even in a case where an object protrudes in reference channels in most of the measurement views, an image processing device (data processing device) of an X-ray CT apparatus calculates a unit air calibration reference value which is a value per unit tube current of an air calibration reference value which is reference data measured during air calibration, calculates a reference value (estimated reference value) corresponding to an X-ray condition in the main scanning on the basis of an output tube current value in the main scanning and a unit air calibration reference value, and corrects normalized reference data obtained by normalizing a measured reference value in the main scanning with the estimated reference value, to be included in an allowable error range, so as to remove the influence of protrusion.

Abstract: Ultrasound-based acoustic streaming for deciding whether material is fluid is dependent upon any one or more of a variety of criteria. Examples are displacement, speed (230), temporal or spatial flow variance, progressive decorrelation, slope or straightness of accumulated signal to background comparisons over time, and relative displacement to adjacent soft tissue. Echogenicity-based area identification is combinable with the above movement characteristic detection in the deciding. Fluid pool identification is performable from the area-limited acoustic streaming testing and ultrasound attenuation readings. Candidates from among the areas (210) are screenable based on specific shapes or bodily organs detected. Natural flow can be excluded from streaming detection by identification of blood vessels (206). Processing for each FAST ultrasound view (202), or for the entire procedure, is performable automatically, without need for user intervention or with user intervention to identify suspected areas.

Abstract: The embodiments disclose an ultrasound system comprising: a probe configured to obtain ultrasound data relating to scanning region including at least part of a pleural interface of a lung; and a data analyzer, configured to automatically detect information for determining lung sliding and/or lung point using one or more cross correlation maps derived from the data. The embodiments also disclose a method thereof.

Abstract: A whole breast ultrasound image-capturing device comprises: a platform comprising an opening formed thereon; a mechanical driving system mounted in the opening and comprising a frame mounted on the mechanical driving system, a rotary module comprising a first gear, a second gear engaged with the first gear, and a drive motor connected to the first gear, and a radial movement drive comprising a translation mechanism radially movable; an array probe mounted in the radial movement drive; a holder connected to the translation mechanism to fix the array probe; a gel plate connected to a cam surface of the second gear through connecting frames, mounted on the holder, and comprising a plate opening enclosing the array probe to expose the array probe out of the gel plate; a film assembly mounted in the frame and comprising a film frame mounted in the frame and a film mounted in the film frame.

Abstract: The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, ultrasound image generation apparatus and method transmit ultrasound waves to a subject into which a puncture tool is inserted, receive reflected waves reflected from the subject and the puncture tool, and generate echo signals of time-sequential frames based on the received reflected waves, and generate an ultrasound image of the subject based on the generated echo signals. These apparatus and method generate a differential echo signal between time-sequential frames from the echo signals, perform a tip detection process based on the differential echo signal to thereby detect at least one tip candidate including a tip end of the puncture tool, highlight a tip candidate of the puncture tool detected to thereby generate a tip image, and display the tip image of the highlighted puncture tool so as to be superimposed on the generated ultrasound image.

Abstract: Devices and methods for fetal imaging with shear waves are described. In some embodiments, a fetal imaging device includes, but is not limited to, at least one ultrasound source configured to apply one or more ultrasonic signals to a body; at least one ultrasound receiver configured to receive one or more ultrasonic signals from the body, the received one or more ultrasonic signals being associated with one or more shear waves transmitted through one or more portions of the body as a result of the applied one or more ultrasonic signals; and a controller configured to identify one or more portions of a fetus within the body based upon the one or more shear waves transmitted through the one or more portions of the body.

Abstract: Devices and methods for fetal imaging are described. In some embodiments, a method of fetal imaging includes, but is not limited to, detecting at least one portion of a fetus within a body based upon one or more ultrasonic signals received from the body; identifying the at least one detected portion of the fetus; determining at least one non-detected portion of the fetus based upon the identification of the at least one detected portion of the fetus; and inferring an identification of the non-detected portion of the fetus based on the identification of the at least one detected portion of the fetus.

Abstract: Devices and methods for fetal imaging are described. In some embodiments, a fetal imaging device includes, but is not limited to, a garment wearable over a portion of a body bearing a fetus; one or more ultrasound sources coupled to the garment and configured to apply one or more ultrasonic signals to the body; a first array of ultrasound receivers coupled to the garment and configured to receive one or more ultrasonic signals from the body; and a second array of ultrasound receivers coupled to the garment and configured to receive one or more ultrasonic signals from the body, the second array of ultrasound receivers being independently addressable and spatially separated from the first array of ultrasound receivers.

Abstract: Pose of an ultrasound transducer is recovered. In one approach, inertial measurement units are positioned on the ultrasound transducer. The measurements from the inertial measurement units are used with pose or measurements from another position sensor (e.g., x-ray, electromagnetic, or optical) to improve accuracy and/or provide pose information at a greater rate. In another approach, a curve, line, or other connected shape of light emitting diodes are incorporated into the transducer. Optical tracking, with a filter specific to the light emitting diodes, using the connected shape pattern is used to determine the pose.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for storing an ultrasonic scan image and an ultrasonic device. The ultrasonic device may include: an image acquiring unit configured to scan a target object to obtain an image; a buffer unit configured to store the obtained image; a processing unit configured to compute a similarity of a frame of the image; and a storage unit, wherein when it is determined that the computed similarity of the frame is less than a threshold, the processing unit stores frames with a similarity equal to or greater than the threshold previous to the frame in the storage unit. Therefore, the image may be stored automatically based upon the similarity information of the frame of the ultrasonic scanning image.

Abstract: In backscatter coefficient imaging, a backscatter coefficient of one region of interest relative another region of interest is used to avoid calibration. The system effects are removed by using a frequency-dependent measure of the backscatter. The relative frequency-dependent backscatter coefficient is determined by an ultrasound scanner.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic device including an ultrasound image acquirer that acquires a plurality of ultrasound image signal frames; an angle information acquirer that acquires angle information of an ultrasound probe when each frame is being acquired; an evaluation determiner that analyzes the frames to determine whether an object image portion is included; a disease score calculator that calculates a disease score that quantitatively indicates a degree of disease from a signal of the object image portion; and a display controller that makes the diagnostic image be displayed. A diagnostic image includes an ultrasound image of a frame selected from the frames, a disease activity information indicator that indicates a degree of disease, and an angle information image portion that indicates angle information.

Abstract: An imaging system includes an imaging device (10) configured to acquire an image in a multi-beat acquisition mode. A quality scoring module (115) is stored in memory and is configured to evaluate changes in the image between portions of a multi-beat cycle to compute a quality score (136) indicating a suitability of the image. A display (118) is included for viewing the image and displaying the quality score as real-time feedback for the image.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for obtaining biological material and/or biological information from a sample with a heterogeneous matrix, to the uses of said device, to methods implementing said device, and to kits for obtaining biological material and/or biological information from a sample with a heterogeneous matrix, comprising the different constituents of said device.

Abstract: A biopsy device with a hollow shaft is suggested, the shaft having a wall and a distal end portion, wherein a sidewardly facing notch is formed in the distal end portion. At least two optical fibers are arranged in the wall of the shaft so that end surfaces of the fibers are arranged in a longitudinal direction at opposite positions with respect to the notch.

Abstract: Inventive embodiments disclosed herein include a sampling device. The sampling device includes a tubular main body having a length and defining a lumen, the tubular main body defining a lumen that extends the length of the tubular main body, the tubular main body having a distal end sized for insertion into a body cavity and having a proximal end defining threads; and a flexible sample container, comprising threads for engagement with the tubular main body wherein the lumen of the tubular main body is in communication with the flexible sample container when the container is engaged.

Abstract: A wireless foot control apparatus allows an operator to control multiple medical devices during an endoscopic medical procedure. The apparatus comprises a control console with controls designed for foot operation to control various medical devices. The controls include one or more foot pedals and foot switches to control the devices, including a selection switch to allow selection of the device to be controlled at a particular time. The console transmits signals over a wireless medium, to cause a remote receiver unit to select the device to be controlled and to control the selected device over a wired medium, in response to operation of the foot controls. The console may include a rechargeable battery, which may be sealed within the console's housing and charged inductively when the console is placed in a charging station. The receiver unit and the charging station can be separate units or integrated within a single housing.

Abstract: An instrument for endoscopic applications, including a tubular member having a handling end portion having a flexible portion and actuating devices located at the other end portion, and longitudinal elements for transferring the movement of the actuating devices to the handling end portion resulting in a change of orientation thereof, whereby the handling end portion includes at least two independent flexible portions, whereby the actuating end portion has a corresponding number of actuating devices, and whereby each actuating device is connected by its own set of longitudinal elements to a part of the handling end portion for effecting a change of orientation of one of the flexible portions.

Abstract: A spray assembly for dispensing a mixture is provided. The spray assembly includes a connector configured for operable engagement with a first and second source of component and a source of pressurized fluid, and a tip operably connected to the connector. The tip includes an opening and defines a mixing chamber between the connector and the opening of the tip, and an insert member configured to be received in the mixing chamber. The insert member includes a plurality of radially extending slots on at least one end of the insert. The plurality of radially extending slots is configured to mix the first and second components prior to the mixture exiting the opening in the tip.

Abstract: A method facilitates the treatment of the spine of a patient by providing simultaneous access through at least a first opening and a second opening formed in the patient. For example, the method can include the acts of positioning the patient on a surgical table, providing the first opening into a posterior portion of the patient, providing the second opening into a lateral portion of the patient, inserting a first device through the first opening into the patient to contact the spine in a first direction that is transverse to the coronal plane of the patient, and inserting a second device through the second opening into the patient to contact the spine in a second direction that is transverse to the sagittal plane of the patient, where the first and second openings are accessible simultaneously, and, when the first and second devises are inserted into the patient, the position of the patient is stationary with respect to a portion of the table.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for minimally open orthopedic spine surgery are disclosed. A first flexible screw-based retractor is designed to be coupled to each pedicle screw inserted into adjacent vertebral bodies. A retractor system is provided in which a first retractor blade is mounted to one of the screws and a second movable retractor blade is moved away from the first blade, in a medial direction, to create a working channel through which the disc space may be accessed for passing instruments and implants. Light may be incorporated into the device to illuminate the surgical field. One or all of the retractor blades may be made of a sterilizable plastic or metal and be disposable or reusable.

Abstract: A tissue retractor device within the scope of the present invention generally includes a frame, an actuating mechanism, and a plurality of blades. The actuating mechanism generally includes at least one cam that encourages automatic toe-out of the blades. The tissue retractor eliminates the need for bulky secondary blade mechanisms to prevent undesired blade deformation at the surgical site. The toe-out motion occurs simultaneously along with the opening of the blades. The present invention further provides for depth adjustment of the blades by means of an adjustable screw assembly.