Abstract: A cyclone assembly includes a first cyclonic cleaning stage. The first cyclonic cleaning stage includes at least one first stage cyclone having a first stage cyclone chamber. Each first stage cyclone chamber has a height extending between a first stage cyclone chamber air inlet and a first stage cyclone dirt outlet. The cyclone assembly also includes a second cyclonic cleaning stage downstream from the first cyclonic cleaning stage. The second cyclonic cleaning stage includes a plurality of second stage cyclones in parallel. Each of the plurality of second stage cyclones has a height extending between a second stage cyclone chamber air inlet and a second stage cyclone dirt outlet. The second cyclonic cleaning stage has a larger number of second stage cyclones than the first cyclonic cleaning stage, and the height of each second stage cyclone chamber is greater than the height of each first stage cyclone chamber.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus having a suction hose and a hose storage chamber. The suction hose is adjustable between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration and the suction hose is biased to the extended configuration by a biasing member.

Abstract: An automatic cleaning system and an operation method thereof are provided. The automatic cleaning system includes a monitor sensor, a clean robot and a controller. The monitor sensor is disposed on a field and used for monitoring the field to obtain an image. The controller is coupled to the monitor sensor to receive the image, used for analyzing the image to find out an action hot area, and instructs the clean robot to clean the action hot area.

Abstract: A dispersible, nonwoven multistrata wipe material is provided that is stable in a wetting liquid and flushable in use. More particularly, multilayered structures including, but not limited to, two, three, or four layers are provided to form the dispersible nonwoven wipe material. The layers contain combinations of cellulosic and noncellulosic fibers, and optionally a binder or additive.

Abstract: A pump and filter assembly including an impeller adapted to recirculate liquid, a housing defining an interior and exterior, a rotating filter having an upstream surface and a downstream surface, the filter located within the interior such that liquid being pumped through the pump and filter assembly passes through the filter from the upstream surface to the downstream surface to effect a filtering of the liquid, and a granular agent supply with granular agent cleaning the rotating filter by scouring the filter.

Abstract: A window insert for a door includes opposing outer and inner panes, a spacer disposed between and spacing the panes, a first seal forming a seal between the panes, a frame having an outer frame element and an inner frame element sandwiching the panes, and a waterproof welded joint extending about the periphery of the frame elements.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of dispensing a plurality of treating compositions into a multistage automatic washing machine. The method comprises operating a device in the machine. The device comprises at least two chambers. Each chamber contains a treating composition. The chambers are activated in response to input from a sensor. The device has an associated reservoir for collection of wash liquor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling operation of a dishwashing appliance are disclosed. For instance, data indicative of a supply voltage associated with a dishwashing appliance can be received. The supply voltage can be compared to a nominal voltage associated with the dishwashing appliance. One or more voltage control parameters can be determined based at least in part on the comparison. A speed of a motor associated with the dishwashing appliance can be adjusted based at least in part on the voltage control parameters.

Abstract: An endoscope is provided having a video compiler and a recorder. The video compiler continuously receives image signals and creates a video file with the image signals. The recorder receives and stores the video file. The video compiler writes a flag into the video file when a first event occurs.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes an imaging unit having an image sensor to image a subject, a light source emitting illumination light for illuminating the subject, and a laser treatment instrument which can emit laser light for treating the subject during emission of the illumination light. A control device for the endoscope system includes a determination unit which determines a state of use of the laser treatment instrument, and a brightness adjustment circuit which adjusts at least one of exposure time in imaging by the imaging unit and the amount of emitted light of the light source based on the result of determination by the determination unit.

Abstract: A future shape estimation apparatus includes an insertion section, a shape sensor and an insertion section future shape estimation circuit. The insertion section has flexibility and is to be inserted into an observation target object. The shape sensor detects a bending state of the insertion section and outputs a detection signal. The insertion section future shape estimation circuit estimates a future shape of the insertion section after a predetermined lapse of time based on information acquired from the detection signal output from the shape sensor, and outputs the future shape as future estimation shape information.

Abstract: The present technology relates to an endoscope apparatus configured to be capable of assisting with setting of an angle of view of immediately before an endoscope is pulled out when the endoscope is pulled out and cleaned and then reinserted during surgery in endoscopic surgery and the like, and a method and program for operating the endoscope apparatus. An image captured by the endoscope apparatus is recorded, a feature value of the image captured is detected, a difference between detected feature values of consecutive images is obtained, and, when the difference is greater than a predetermined threshold value, an index is added to the image captured. Thus, the index is added to an image of immediately before the endoscope is pulled out from a body cavity, and the image is recorded.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes: a CMOS image pickup device configured to output digital signals of a plurality of systems; E/O converters configured to convert the digital signals of the plurality of systems to optical signals respectively; optical fibers configured to transmit the optical signals of the plurality of systems respectively; a transmission amount changer configured to convert a data amount of the digital signal of at least one system; and a metal wire configured to transmit the digital signal, the data amount of which is converted by the transmission amount changer.

Abstract: A connector comprises an upper surface finger-resting portion that extends in the longitudinal axial direction on the outer periphery of the gripping portion, and on which the first finger is placed, a lower surface finger-resting portion on which the second finger or the third finger is rested when the connector is gripped by placing the first finger on the upper surface finger-resting portion, and a guide protrusion portion that is arranged on the same straight line as the upper surface finger-resting portion in the longitudinal axial direction and determines the position to be inserted, in which the connector is directly fitted into the receiving-side connector by directing the finger tip of the first finger that is placed on the upper surface finger-resting portion to the guide groove of the receiving-side connector and inserting the connector.

Abstract: An instrument driving mechanism includes an instrument drive assembly (140) including a first set of wheels (136) coupled to a first end portion and a second set (138) of wheels coupled to a second end portion opposite the first end portion. The first set of wheels is configured to engage an elongated instrument (104) therein such that a rotation plane of the first set of wheels is coplanar with a longitudinal axis of the instrument. The second set of wheels is configured to engage the elongated instrument therein such that a rotation plane of the second set of wheels is obliquely oriented with the longitudinal axis of the instrument wherein motion of the instrument is controlled by controlling rotations of the wheels. The instrument drive assembly mounts to a mounting position (149) of a medical device that permits the instrument to pass therethrough and is configured to fix a position of the instrument drive assembly to enable positioning of the instrument.

Abstract: An endoscope magnification optical system including: a first lens group that has positive power and includes at least a negative lens with a concave surface facing an object side, a positive lens with a convex surface facing an image side, and a doublet obtained by bonding a negative lens and a positive lens; a second lens group that has negative power and includes at least a doublet obtained by bonding a negative lens and a positive lens; and a third lens group that has positive power and includes at least a positive lens and a doublet obtained by bonding a negative lens and a positive lens, is configured such that predetermined conditions are satisfied.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus enables observation using reflected light of white light and observation using fluorescence, and includes: an insertion portion configured to be insertable into a subject; an objective optical system; a transmitting optical system; a camera unit; an optical splitter configured to split light exiting through the transmitting optical system; an optical filter disposed in the transmitting optical system or the camera unit, the optical filter being configured to transmit the reflected light of the white light and the fluorescence and block the reflected light of the excitation light; a first image pickup device for picking up an image of the reflected light of the white light exiting through the optical filter and the optical splitter; and a second image pickup device for picking up an image of the fluorescence exiting through the optical filter and the optical splitter.

Abstract: A surgical headlight system includes an adjustable headband, a light assembly mounted to the headband, a motor assembly mounted to the headband and the light assembly, and electronic controller having a wireless transceiver therein, a power control circuit for varying electrical power delivered to a light source of the light assembly, a power source in electrical communication with the light assembly, the motor assembly, and the wireless transceiver, and a sterilizable wireless controller configured to transmit instructions to the wireless transceiver, the instructions causing the electronic controller to one or more of actuate at least one motor of the motor assembly to alter an orientation of the light assembly, adjust a diameter of an aperture of the light assembly, adjust a spacing between one or more condensing lenses and an objective lens, or operate the power control circuit to increase or decrease electrical power delivered to the light source.

Abstract: A fluid feeding apparatus includes: a first connection portion configured to be connected to a first container in which fluid is stored; a second connection portion configured to be connected to a second container in which fluid is stored; a first flow path that communicates with the first connection portion; a second flow path that communicates with the second connection portion; a resistance portion configured to generate a difference of conduit resistance to cause one of the first flow path and the second flow path to be higher in the conduit resistance than the other flow path; and a switching portion switching a level relationship of the conduit resistance between the first flow path and the second flow path.

Abstract: The invention relates to medical devices for carrying out internal examination, such as laryngoscopes. The laryngoscope is provided with a camera element within a channel inside the blade.

Abstract: An airway intubation device having a one-piece molded body of biocompatible material with an ergonomically designed hand piece for left hand manipulation. The body includes a cap piece and linear-curved-linear insertion piece having a channel in one side thereof for insertion of an endotracheal tube. The channel has a wide entry portal disposed ahead of the hand piece so that a clinician may load the channel with a tube while the insertion piece is in the mouth of the patient without having to view the entry portal. The device includes illumination means and viewing means comprising an eye piece or a video display unit mounted to the cap piece so that a clinician can view the insertion of the tube between the vocal cords of a patient without contact.

Abstract: An optical measuring apparatus includes a first light source, a second light source and a switching unit. The first light source is used to emit a first light toward a first direction. The second light source is used to emit a second light toward a second direction. The switching unit selectively switches to a first mode or a second mode. When the switching unit switches to the first mode, it blocks the second light and let the first light emitted to an aiming region on eyeball to perform an optical aiming and determine an eye axis center position on the eyeball; when the switching unit switches to the second mode, the switching unit changes the second light from the second direction to the first direction to let the second light emitted to the eye axis center position on the eyeball to perform an optical measurement.

Abstract: An optical measurement system and method measure a characteristic of a subject's eye. The optical measurement system receives from an operator, via a user interface of the optical measurement instrument, a begin measurement instruction indicating the start of a measurement period for objectively measuring at least one characteristic of the subject's eye. Subsequent to receiving the begin measurement instruction, the optical measurement system determines whether a criterion associated with the tear film quality of the subject's eye is not satisfied. In response to determining that the criterion is not satisfied, the optical measurement instrument takes one or more corrective actions to measure the characteristic of the subject's eye under a condition wherein the criterion is satisfied.

Abstract: A fundus photography device includes: a fundus illumination optical system that illuminates a fundus of an eye by illumination light; a fundus photography optical system; an OCT optical system; an anterior chamber observation optical system for observing an anterior chamber observation image of the eye illuminated by the anterior chamber illumination light source; a first wavelength separation member that sets a first optical axis commonly shared by the fundus illumination optical system and the fundus photography optical system to be coaxial with a second optical axis commonly shared by the OCT optical system and an anterior chamber observation optical system; and a second wavelength separation member that forms the second optical axis by setting an optical axis of the OCT optical system to be coaxial with an optical axis of the anterior chamber observation optical system.

Abstract: A head health care device and a head care system are provided. The head health care device includes: a body; a plurality of sensing components provided and projected on an outer surface of the body, in which each sensing component is configured to sense head information of a user; and a plurality of health care components provided and projected on the outer surface of the body, in which the health care components are configured to perform health care operations on a head of the user according to a control signal.

Abstract: A patient monitoring system includes one or more wireless sensing devices configured to record physiological data from a patient and one or more processors. An activity analysis module is executable on one or more of the processors to select an activity class from a predefined set of activity classes based on an activity input. A power management module is executable on one or more of the processors to reduce power consumption of one or more of the wireless sensing devices by identifying that one or more of the wireless sensing devices is unreliable based on the activity class, and operating the one or more unreliable wireless sensing devices in a low power mode.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, are provided for remote monitoring. In some example implementations, there is provided a method. The method may include receiving, at a remote monitor, a notification message representative of an event detected, by a server, from analyte sensor data obtained from a receiver monitoring an analyte state of a host; presenting, at the remote monitor, the notification message to activate the remote monitor, wherein the remote monitor is configured by the server to receive the notification message to augment the receiver monitoring of the analyte state of the host; accessing, by the remote monitor, the server, in response to the presenting of the notification message; and receiving, in response to the accessing, information including at least the analyte sensor data. Related systems, methods, and articles of manufacture are also disclosed.

Abstract: A physiological parameter measuring system includes a parameter sensing device attachable to a body of the subject. The sensing device detects at least one physiological parameter when activated, and a reading device monitors a temperature variation over time and determines whether the parameter has been so stabilized as to be reliably detected. A stability indication flag can be stored in the system so that subsequent monitoring of the parameter is instantly performed.

Abstract: A physiological monitoring system includes a near-end portable monitoring module for generating first sensed data, capturing a user's first image, an image sensing module for synchronizing the first sensed data and the first image to form first combination data, and searching and connecting the corresponding near-end portable monitoring module to receive the first sensed data and display the near-end information display module corresponding to the screen of the first combination data, when the first sensed data includes a warning signal, the first combination data is transmitted and stored in the Internet by the second communication unit within a time period from a first time before the warning signal is issued to a second time for releasing the warning signal, and the first combination data within the time period from the first time to the second time is transmitted to the near-end information display module to display the first combination data.

Abstract: Device configured to non-invasively perform tissue monitoring. The device can include at least two light emitting components and at least one photodiode configured to receive reflected light generated from the at least two light emitting components. The at least one photodiode is spaced apart from the at least two light emitting components. The device can include an analog-to-digital converter component configured to generate a digitized detected light signal based on data received from the at least one photodiode. The device can further include a processor configured to execute instructions to process the digitized signals. The device can included an ambient light blocking component configured to surround the at least two light emitting components and the at least one photodiode to prevent external light from entering a region bounded by the ambient light blocking component. The device can also include at least one filter mounted over the at least one photodiode.

Abstract: A system and method for optical tomography including illuminating an object with pulsing stimulus light and pulsing the stimulus light at a repetition frequency having a pulse period that is greater than a dead-time of a detector. Coordinating the pulse with the dead-time of the detector allows for higher powered light source and improves early photon detection.

Abstract: A mobile hyperspectral camera system is described. The mobile hyperspectral camera system comprises a mobile host device comprising a processor and a display: a plurality of cameras, coupled to the processor, configured to capture images in distinct spectral bands; and a hyperspectral flash array, coupled to the processor, configured to provide illumination to the distinct spectral bands. A method of implementing a mobile hyperspectral camera system is also described.

Abstract: A plaque detection apparatus (70) and method make use of an excitation source (72), a light detector (74) and a controller (76). The excitation source (72) outputs wavelength modulated light (?ex) to an evaluation site (80) that has a periodically changing wavelength centered around a wavelength corresponding to a non-linearity in an absorption and/or a fluorescence excitation spectrum for a chosen plaque. The chosen plaque exhibits spectral characteristics different from non-chosen plaque and/or interfering species. The light detector (74) detects light (?site) (84) received from the evaluation site (80), including site reflected light (?refl) and/or site emitted light (?em). The controller (76) operatively couples to the excitation source (72) and the light detector (74) for controlling the excitation source to output the wavelength modulated light and detecting plaque as a function of the detected light (?site) and at least one higher harmonic of the wavelength modulation frequency.

Abstract: An object information acquiring apparatus is used which has an irradiating unit irradiating an object with light with a first wavelength at a first irradiation frequency, an element receiving an acoustic wave generated by the object irradiated with the light to output an electric signal, a processing unit acquiring characteristic information on the object using the electric signal, a scanning unit changing position of the irradiating unit relative to the object, and a controlling unit controlling movement of the scanning unit. The controlling unit controls the scanning unit such that an amount of light to which an identical area of the object is exposed is larger than a smallest value of a maximum permissible exposure at the first irradiation frequency.

Abstract: A photoacoustic apparatus includes a light irradiation unit, an acoustic wave receiving unit that receives an acoustic wave generated by irradiating the object with light emitted from the light irradiation unit and that outputs an electric signal, a control unit that controls the light irradiation unit, and a processing unit that processes the electric signal. The control unit controls the light irradiation unit so that a density of a distribution of emission positions in a plurality of times of light emission by the light irradiation unit is higher in an inner part of the distribution of the emission positions than in an outer part of the distribution. The acoustic wave receiving unit outputs a plurality of electric signals corresponding to the plurality of times of light emission by receiving acoustic waves generated by the plurality of times of light emission. The processing unit acquires image data on the basis of the plurality of electric signals.

Abstract: It is sometimes difficult for an operator who is not well familiar with an apparatus to acquire a desired image. An object-information acquisition apparatus includes a light source configured to emit light, a photoacoustic-wave detecting unit configured to detect photoacoustic waves generated when the light is applied an object, a measurement-mode selecting unit, and a measurement-condition determination unit configured to determine at least one of measurement conditions including a wavelength of the light to be emitted by the light source and a central reception frequency of the photoacoustic-wave detecting unit on the basis of the measurement mode selected by the measurement-mode selecting unit.

Abstract: Method of operating a non-invasive blood pressure, NIBP, monitor to measure the blood pressure of a subject, the NIBP monitor comprising a cuff, a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure in the cuff and for outputting a pressure signal representing the pressure in the cuff and a physiological parameter sensor, the method comprising obtaining a first measurement of pulse rate or heart rate for the subject during inflation of the cuff, the first measurement being obtained from the pressure signal; obtaining a second measurement of the pulse rate or heart rate for the subject during inflation of the cuff, the second measurement being obtained from the physiological parameter sensor; comparing the first measurement and the second measurement; and estimating the reliability of a blood pressure measurement obtained by the NIBP monitor during inflation of the cuff based on the result of the step of comparing.

Abstract: A measurement apparatus for measuring biological information includes a sensor that executes selectively at least a first detection mode or a second detection mode, and a controller. The controller controls switching to the second detection mode based on output of the sensor while the sensor is in the first detection mode.

Abstract: A hospitalization management system including a heart failure analyzer that receives diagnostic data including at least sensor data representative of one or more physiological signals sensed from a hospitalized patient using one or more sensors and assesses risk of rehospitalization for the patient using the diagnostic data. The outcome of the risk assessment is used during and following the patient's hospitalization for reducing the risk of rehospitalization.

Abstract: A system and method for inductive heating applications includes positioning one or more inductive heating elements in a location, delivering electromagnetic radiation, by a radiation source, to heat at least a portion of the one or more inductive heating elements, and detecting, by a detector, the heat generated by the one or more inductive heating elements. The system and method also include controlling, by a processing unit, a condition based on the detected heat.

Abstract: Tools and techniques for estimating a probability that a patient is bleeding or has sustained intravascular volume loss (e.g., due to hemodialysis or dehydration) and/or to estimate a patient's current hemodynamic reserve index, track the patient's hemodynamic reserve index over time, and/or predict a patient's hemodynamic reserve index in the future. Tools and techniques for estimating and/or predicting a patient's dehydration state. Tools and techniques for controlling a hemodialysis machine based on the patient's estimated and/or predicted hemodynamic reserve index.

Abstract: A method, an apparatus, and a kit including the apparatus and a fluorescence agent are provided for measuring a time-varying change in an amount of blood in a tissue volume, and include exciting a fluorescence agent in the blood, acquiring a time-varying light intensity signal during a pulsatile flow of the blood through the tissue volume, the pulsatile flow having a systolic and a diastolic phase resembling a conventional photoplethysmogram, and processing the acquired signal by applying a modified Beer-Lambert law to obtain a measurement of the time-varying change in the amount of blood in the tissue volume. The instantaneous molar concentration of the fluorescence agent is determined by utilizing a concentration-mediated change in a fluorescence emission spectrum of the fluorescence agent. There is further provided a fluorescence agent for use in the method.

Abstract: A method and device for detecting a blood flow rate are disclosed. The method comprises steps: providing a detection light source, and projecting a light of the detection light source onto a skin of a living body and reach a blood vessel; using a photo sensor to receive a plurality of polarized light beams which are formed by the light of the detection light source reflected by expanding or contracting the blood vessel, wherein the photo sensor respectively generates a first PPG signal and a second PPG signal in blood vessel expansion and contraction; using a microprocessor to acquire at least one first PPG signal and at least one second PPG signal, calculating an offset of received light beams and a time derivative thereof according to a sequence of the first PPG signal and the second PPG signal, and converting the offset and time derivative into a blood flow rate.

Abstract: A blood pressure cuff less dependent on individual's arm shape with downsized dimensions is introduced with medical approval accuracy. The present invention comprises an occlusion component configured to occlude the artery, and a flexible plastic core to limit the degree of freedom of said occlusion component towards body portion, and a spacer occupying the volume between said core and said occlusion component to improve the compliance towards body portion.

Abstract: An ambient light filter configured to filter ambient light noises from an optical current that is at least partially caused by an optical pulse sequence emitted by a light emitting device, can include: a sample and detection circuit configured to sample the optical current and to obtain a current component in a first mode, and to remove the current component from the optical current and to generate a detection signal in a second mode; a current amplifier configured to receive the detection signal, and to generate an amplified current signal; and a control circuit configured to switch the sample and detection circuit between the first and second modes, where the control circuit switches the sample and detection circuit to the first mode in at least one optical pulse gap, and switches the sample and detection circuit to the second mode when a next optical pulse arrives.

Abstract: A method, a computer readable media and a hand-held device, the hand-held device may include a first sensor that is positioned such as to be contacted by a first hand of a user when the user holds the hand-held device; a second sensor that is positioned such as to be contacted by a second hand of the user when the user holds the hand-held device; wherein at least one sensor of the first sensor and the second sensor is a hybrid sensor that comprises an electrode, an illumination element and a light detector; and a health monitoring module arranged to process detections signals from the electrode and from the light detector such as to provide processed signals that are indicative of a state of the user.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are disclosed for simulating the wrist pulse patterns to be used for teaching and practicing pulse diagnostic techniques in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and other alternative medicines. The method represents the wrist pulse patterns and artery responses by use of six characteristic qualities: width, depth, strength, rhythm, length, and propagation. One embodiment of the invention uses a processor to drive three solenoids. The three plungers of the solenoids produce time-varying forces that simulate the wrist pulse waves felt by the user's fingers when evaluating pulse patterns in humans or animals. Via a force sensor, the processor detects the compression force from the palpating fingers and classifies said force into one of the three ranges (shallow, middle, and deep). A purity of pulse waveforms representing the various pulse patterns defined in TCM are pre-programmed into the processor in terms of their characteristic qualities and compression forces.

Abstract: Heart condition and function can be quantified using repolarization measures and/or repolarization indices derived from a time-frequency transform of an electrocardiogram, e.g., based on points in time associated with the T wave. The electrocardiograms, time-frequency maps derived therefrom, and/or indices obtained by analysis of the time-frequency maps and electrocardiograms may be assembled into a user interface. Further embodiments are described.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device may include a system for mapping the electrical activity of the heart. The system may include a catheter shaft with a plurality of electrodes. The system may also include a processor. The processor may be capable of collecting a set of signals from at least one of the plurality of electrodes. The set of signals may be collected over a time period. The processor may also be capable of calculating at least one propagation vector from the set of signals, generating a data set from the at least one propagation vector, generating a statistical distribution of the data set and generating a visual representation of the statistical distribution.

Abstract: An electrocardiography (ECG) physiological monitoring system including an ECG sensor assembly further having at least a first capacitive electrode fabric layer configured to electrically couple to the subject's skin and detect ECG signals, a second reference electrode fabric layer that is configured to shield the first capacitive electrode fabric layer from electromagnetic interference, an electronics module that is in direct communication with the ECG sensor assembly and programmed to control the ECG sensor assembly, process ECG signals therefrom, and wirelessly transmit the processed ECG signals, and transmission conductors that are configured to provide a signal communication path between the electronics module and the ECG sensor assembly.