Abstract: A vacuum cleaner, including a cleaner body; and a dust collector provided in the cleaner body, wherein the dust collector includes a first cyclone provided within an outer case to filter foreign matter and dust from air introduced into the dust collector; a second cyclone accommodated within the first cyclone to separate fine dust from the air introduced into the first cyclone; a screw provided at a lower side of and surrounding the first cyclone, and having at least one vane spirally extended along a flow direction of the air introduced into the outer case to induce the inflow of foreign matter and dust filtered by the first cyclone into a first storage section.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner, including a cleaner body; and a dust collector provided in the cleaner body, wherein the dust collector includes a first cyclone provided within an outer case to filter foreign matter and dust from air introduced into the dust collector; a second cyclone accommodated within the first cyclone to separate fine dust from the air introduced into the first cyclone; and a rotatable shell provided at a lower side of the first cyclone so as to define a first storage section configured to collect foreign matter and dust filtered by the first cyclone between the rotatable shell and the outer case, and wherein the rotatable shell includes a roller facing a lower cover that covers a lower opening of the outer case, the other configured to contact the foreign matter and dust collected in the first storage section during the rotation of the rotatable shell.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner, including a cleaner body; and a dust collector provided in the cleaner body, wherein the dust collector includes a first cyclone provided within an outer case to filter foreign matter and dust from air introduced into the dust collector; a second cyclone accommodated within the first cyclone to separate fine dust from the air introduced into the first cyclone; and a rotatable shell provided at a lower side of the first cyclone so as to define a first storage section configured to collect foreign matter and dust filtered by the first cyclone between the rotatable shell and the outer case, and wherein the rotatable shell includes a skirt that extends downward and outward from an upper portion of the rotatable shell.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner including a cleaner body; and a dust collector provided in the cleaner body, wherein the dust collector includes a first cyclone provided within an outer case to filter foreign matter and dust from air introduced into the dust collector; a second cyclone accommodated within the first cyclone to separate fine dust from the air introduced into the first cyclone; and a rotatable shell provided at a lower side of and surrounding the first cyclone so as to define a first storage section configured to collect foreign matter and dust filtered by the first cyclone between the rotatable shell and the outer case, wherein the rotatable shell includes a skirt having a plurality of steps arranged along a circumference of the rotatable shell.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner including a cleaner body; and a dust collector provided in the cleaner body, wherein the dust collector includes an outer case forming a side appearance of the dust collector; a first cyclone provided within an outer case to filter dust and foreign matter from air introduced into the dust collector; a second cyclone accommodated within the first cyclone to separate fine dust from the air introduced into the first cyclone; and an upper cover mounted on a top of the outer case to cover the first and second cyclones and having an intake guide configured to introduce air into the outer case and an exhaust guide configured to discharge air from which fine dust is separated by the second cyclone.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus has a dirt collection chamber that is external to a cyclone chamber. The dirt collection chamber has a sidewall having a first sidewall portion that extends outwardly away from the cyclone chamber sidewall and a second sidewall portion that extends from the first sidewall portion towards a distal end of the dirt collection chamber. The cyclone chamber has a dirt outlet that faces the cyclone chamber sidewall.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner, including a cleaner body; and a dust collector provided in the cleaner body, wherein the dust collector includes a first cyclone provided within an outer case to filter foreign matter and dust from air introduced into the dust collector; a second cyclone accommodated within the first cyclone to separate fine dust from the air introduced into the first cyclone; and a screw surrounding part of the first cyclone, and configured to be rotatable in at least one direction with respect to the first cyclone, wherein the screw includes a pillar that spans a height of the mesh filter; and a scraper provided on an inner surface of the pillar facing an outer surface of the mesh filter, and configured to sweep off dust and foreign matter accumulated on the mesh filter during the rotation of the screw.

Abstract: A cleaner holder includes a charging stand having a battery accommodating space formed therein in which a battery detachably mounted to a cleaner is accommodated, wherein the battery accommodating space includes: a charging port selectively in contact with a battery terminal provided in the battery; a battery guide configured to perform guiding such that the battery comes into contact with the charging port; and an inlet which extends toward an upper side of the battery guide and through which the battery is inserted or withdrawn, and an upper end of the inlet is higher than an upper end of the battery accommodated in the battery accommodating space.

Abstract: A cleaner holder includes: a first body having a first charging port configured to charge a cleaner; a second body protruding to a front side of the first body; and a battery accommodating space recessed downward from an upper surface of the second body to accommodate a battery detachably mounted to the cleaner, wherein a second charging port configured to charge the battery is provided in the battery accommodating space, and a cleaner guide configured to perform guiding such that terminals of the cleaner come into contact with the first charging port is provided in the second body.

Abstract: A cleaner holder according to an embodiment includes: a charging stand body having at least one charging port for charging a battery of a cleaner, a support connected to the charging stand body; and a base supported on a floor and connected to the support, wherein the base includes: an inner base surrounding at least a portion of the support; an upper cover coupled to the inner base on an upper side of the inner base and configured to support an outer peripheral surface of the support; and a lower cover coupled to the inner base on a lower side of the inner base and configured to support an inner peripheral surface of the support.

Abstract: A cleaner holder includes a first body having a first charging port configured to charge a cleaner, a second body protruding from the first body to support the cleaner, and a battery accommodating space recessed in one surface of the second body and configured to accommodate a battery detachably mounted to the cleaner. A second charging port configured to charge the battery is provided in the second body.

Abstract: A cleaner holder includes a charging stand body that includes a charging terminal configured to charge a battery of a cleaner, a base configured to rest on a floor, a support that connects the charging stand body to the base, and a wall surface fixing part that is configured to be interposed between a rear surface of the charging stand body and a wall surface and to fix the charging stand body to the wall surface.

Abstract: A cleaner holder includes a first body having a charging terminal to charge a cleaner; a second body connected to the first body, configured to support the cleaner and having an accommodation space in which a battery is accommodated; and a locking part rotatably connected to the first body and configured to fix the cleaner, wherein when force having predetermined magnitude is applied to the locking part in one direction, the locking part is rotated in a first direction to be coupled to the cleaner, so that the cleaner is fixed, and wherein when force having predetermined magnitude is applied to the locking part in the other direction, the locking part is rotated in a second direction opposite to the first direction to be uncoupled from the clean.

Abstract: A portable liquid dispensing apparatus is described, which comprises a battery, a heating element, a liquid reservoir, a pump, an outlet, and a pipe, extending from the reservoir to the outlet and passing adjacent the heating element. In operation, the pump drives liquid from the reservoir into and through the pipe while the power source causes the heating element to heat the liquid passing through the portion of the pipe adjacent to the heating element to be expelled from the outlet at a temperature greater than the ambient temperature.

Abstract: A DuraLock scrubber and scraper attachments with replaceable surface scrubbing and scraping capability, that includes providing a removable/replaceable surface scrubbing and scraping attachments, and attaching the elements to the mop head holder for scrubbing and scraping the floor surface. This provides a mop handle with surface scrubbing and scraping capability and includes an attachment for rigid connection to a mop handle, which is adapted to carry replaceable surface cleaning element(s). The replaceable elements can be a scraper, scrubbing pad or bristles or other abrasive materials that can be interchanged or replaced depending upon the job or as the components wear without requiring removal of the mop head and further allows the replacement of the mop head without requiring removal and reinstallation of the elements.

Abstract: A cleaning cartridge and a handling unit of a cleaning system are provided. The cleaning cartridge comprises an outer housing having a mouth; a cap for sealing the housing at the mouth; a stiffening component attached to the cap; and a cleaning element attached to the stiffening component, and the cartridge is receivable in and dispensable from the handling unit; the stiffening component has a compact position and an expanded position, and in the compact position, the stiffening component and cleaning element fit into the housing and the housing is sealable by the cap; and in the expanded position, the stiffening component expands the cleaning element to provide a cleaning surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning mops comprising a top plate adapted to be engaged upon and spaced apart from a floor surface so as to form a cavity therebetween, an open face formed along an edge between the top plate and the floor surface and a plurality of protrusions extending from the top plate in a direction toward the floor surface, spaced apart along the open face, and a conduit extending between a proximate and a distal end, the proximate end extending through the top plate so as to place an interior of the conduit in fluid connection with the cavity, the distal end having a connector operable to be engaged in fluidic communication with an in-wall vacuum outlet.

Abstract: A dispensing device including a support body wherein there are provided first and second dispensers, adjacent one another, for a washing agent and a rinsing agent, respectively; and an electrically-controlled actuator device, coupled to the first dispenser such that when the door is closed a first energisation of the actuator device causes the dispensing of the washing agent, and coupled to the second dispenser through a transmission mechanism predisposed to become enabled to operate after a first energisation of the actuator device after the door is closed, to allow the dispensing of the rinsing agent as a consequence of at least one subsequent energisation of the actuator device. The second dispenser has a main chamber adapted to contain a plurality of doses of rinsing agent and a dosing chamber having a predetermined volume. During displacement obturator between the rest position and the loading position, the main chamber remains permanently uncoupled from the discharge conduit.

Abstract: A dishwasher drying system includes an air inlet configured to receive hot, humid air from a tub of a dishwasher. The dishwasher drying system also includes an air outlet configured to discharge the air to an ambient environment outside the dishwasher. The dishwasher drying system further includes an air moving device configured to cause the air to move from the air inlet to the air outlet. In addition, the dishwasher drying system includes a thermal storage heat exchanger positioned within an airflow path of the moving air, the thermal storage heat exchanger configured to absorb heat and condense moisture from the moving air as the moving air contacts the thermal storage heat exchanger during a dishwasher drying cycle.

Abstract: An adhesive roller assembly is provided having a non-cylindrical roller. The non-cylindrical roller is rotatably affixed to a handle's distal end. In addition, adhesive tape is helically wrapped about the roller, and the adhesive tape includes perforations so as to facilitate the breaking of the adhesive tape into individual segments. Because the roller has a non-cylindrical circumferential surface, the adhesive tape is deformed to have a non-cylindrical exterior. The roller, and consequentially exterior of the adhesive tape, can take various forms. In preferred embodiments, the roller and tape exterior have a concave, convex, undulating, dimpled or bumpy surface. The adhesive tape is made of material providing increased elongation.

Abstract: A hysteroscopy device with an image capturing structure located at a distal end of an elongated member and communicating video signals with a monitor. The elongated member and the image capturing structure being dimensioned for insertion into the patient's uterus through cervix.

Abstract: A flexible tube insertion apparatus includes a tubular insertion section, a variable stiffness section that causes change of bending stiffness of the insertion section, in regard to continuous segments defined in an axial direction of the insertion section, on a segment-by-segment basis, and a stiffness connecting portion. The stiffness connecting portion is arranged across at least a pair of adjacent segments of the segments. The stiffness connecting portion causes change of bending stiffness of a portion between the pair of segments in such a manner that the bending stiffness of the portion between the pair of segments is continuous with bending stiffness of the pair of segments, in accordance with change of the bending stiffness of the portion between the pair of segments by the variable stiffness section.

Abstract: The present invention relates, generally, to controlling a steerable instrument having an elongate body. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system and method for sensing the shape of a steerable instrument and controlling the steerable instrument in response to a control signal from a user input device and a shape signal corresponding to the sensed shape of at least a portion of the steerable instrument. The present invention also relates to a system for sensing the shape of a flexible instrument with an optical shape sensor.

Abstract: A coupling mechanism includes a base and a lever. The base is configured to couple to an external fixture. The lever is pivotably coupled to the base and transitionable between a clamped configuration and an unclamped configuration. A first pair of opposed arms extends from the base and a second pair of opposed arms extends from the lever in opposed relation to the first pair of opposed arms. In the clamped configuration the second pair of opposed arms are proximate the first pair of opposed arms, and in the unclamped configuration the second pair of opposed arms are spaced apart from the first pair of opposed arms. At least one of the first pair of opposed arms or the second pair of opposed arms includes a step thereon. The step is configured to receive and retain a surgical tool therein in the clamped configuration.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus comprises a processor comprising hardware. The processor is configured to implement a motion amount calculation process and a focus control process. The processor implements the motion amount calculation process that calculates a plurality of local motion amounts, calculates a correlation between each of the plurality of local motion amounts and a peripheral local motion amount, and calculates the relative motion amount based on a local motion amount among the plurality of local motion amounts that has the correlation higher than a given correlation. And the processor implements the focus control process that calculates a cumulative motion amount by accumulating the relative motion amount over N frames (wherein N is a natural number equal to or larger than 3), and causes the imaging section to perform a focus operation when it has been determined that the cumulative motion amount is larger than the first threshold value.

Abstract: A lighting unit has a plurality of light sources that emits excitation light having relative spectral distributions different from each other. An imaging unit simultaneously captures an image of fluorescent light emitted from the subject by the excitation light and an image of reflected light obtained by reflecting the excitation light by the subject, to generate a captured image. The arithmetic unit calculates a relative spectral distribution of the fluorescent light emitted from the subject by using the information about the relative spectral distribution of the reflected light for each of the plurality of light sources stored in the memory and the captured image for each of the plurality of light sources generated by the imaging unit.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus in an endoscopic system includes a light source unit having lasers with different peak wavelengths, the lasers being divided by peak wavelength into narrow band light source groups, a color imaging unit that detects the illumination color of illumination light, a memory that stores an appropriate illumination color for each narrow band light source group, an output calculator that, for each narrow band light source group, compares the illumination color obtained upon light emission by the lasers belonging to the narrow band light source group with the appropriate illumination color of the narrow band light source group and calculates an appropriate output for each of the lasers belonging to the narrow band light source group, and a light source controller that controls the lasers on the basis of the calculated appropriate output.

Abstract: A method by which Spatial 3D stereoscopic video is generated with a dual camera subassembly in a hand held device. The 3D Left-Right Multiplexed Spatial Stereoscopic video stream is wirelessly coupled to a processing system for simultaneous visualization comparison with intraoral cavity digital dental impression 3D CAD formatted files, Cone Beam Panoramic Computed Tomography images, Optical Coherence Tomography planar images and Panoramic X-ray image digital files for Stereoscopic visualization on stereoscopic displays and occluding viewing glasses.

Abstract: An endoscopic illumination system includes at least two light sources, an illumination system, a multiplexer, at least two detectors, and a light source controller. The multiplexer includes at least two input ports and an emission port. The multiplexer can propagate light that is input from the input ports to the emission port separately or after multiplexing the light. The multiplexer can output a portion of light propagating between the input ports and the emission port. The detectors detect the light propagating between the input ports and the emission port in each wavelength band. The light source controller adjusts the amount of light emitted from the light sources. The amount of light emitted from each light source is thereby appropriately adjusted even when multiple light sources are turned on simultaneously.

Abstract: The cooling unit includes: an opening part through which the cooling media flow in; a first flow path; a second flow path; a first heat generation section; a second heat generation section; a first heat dissipation section that is thermally connected to the first heat generation section, and is disposed in the first flow path; and a second heat dissipation section that is thermally connected to the second heat generation section, and is disposed in the second flow path. The second flow path is disposed between the first and second heat generation sections and the first flow path, and the first heat dissipation section has a thermal resistance value smaller than a thermal resistance value of the second heat dissipation section.

Abstract: Method and apparatus embodiments can generate a volume fluorescence image of a tooth. Method and apparatus embodiments can project structured light patterns onto a tooth and generate a contour (volume) image of the tooth surface from acquired corresponding structured light projection images; then acquire one or more fluorescence images of the tooth generated under blue-UV illumination. A composite image that shows fluorescence image content mapped to the generated contour image can be transmitted, stored, modified and/or displayed.

Abstract: A test of visual function and/or functional vision may be performed at varying luminance levels. A first course may be selected for a subject. A given course may comprise a layout having a beginning point, at least one turn, at least one obstacle, and an ending point. The first course may be illuminated with a first luminance level based on an estimated lower light sensitivity cutoff. The subject may be prompted to perform a first run of the test. The test may comprise, from the beginning point to the ending point, navigating the layout of the first course by walking around the at least one turn and avoiding the at least one obstacle. A determination may be made as to whether the subject successfully completed the first course based on one or both of speed or accuracy.

Abstract: An optical coherence tomography (OCT) image composed of a plurality of A-scans of a structure is analysed by defining, for each A-scan, a set of neighbouring A-scans surrounding the A-slices scan. Following an optional de-noising step, the neighbouring A-scans are aligned in the imaging direction, then a matrix X is formed from the aligned A-scans, and matrix completion is performed to obtain a reduced speckle noise image.

Abstract: Methods and systems for improving quantification of OCT angiography data are disclosed. The disclosure specifically relates to methods for compensating for the effect of tissue reflectance to improve the accuracy and repeatability of OCT angiography measurements. These improvements are effected by deriving and then utilizing a dynamic thresholding approach to process decorrelation data to properly classify flow versus non-flow data in OCT angiograms. The disclosed methods overcome quantification errors associated with within-scan variations in reflectance as well as repeatability problems associated with differences in scan quality over successive imaging sessions.

Abstract: Computer aided visualization and diagnosis by volume analysis of optical coherence tomography (OCT) angiographic data. In one embodiment, such analysis comprises acquiring an OCT dataset using a processor in conjunction with an imaging system; evaluating the dataset, with the processor, for flow information using amplitude or phase information; generating a matrix of voxel values, with the processor, representing flow occurring in vessels in the volume of tissue; performing volume rendering of these values, the volume rendering comprising deriving three dimensional position and vector information of the vessels with the processor; displaying the volume rendering information on a computer monitor; and assessing the vascularity, vascular density, and vascular flow parameters as derived from the volume rendered images.

Abstract: A contact lens for use with a surgical microscope may be equipped with an anti-fogging device to prevent obscuring the view of a surgeon due to condensation during ophthalmic surgery. The anti-fogging device may deliver thermal energy to a surface of the contact lens to heat the contact lens above an ambient dew point. The thermal energy may be delivered by an air duct with a fan nozzle, a fluid duct in thermodynamic contact with the contact lens circulating a heat transfer fluid, or generated with electrical energy to an electrical heating element disposed on the surface of the contact lens. The thermal or electrical energy may be delivered via a handle for supporting the contact lens during surgery.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sensing, recording and analyzing data representative events of memory lapses and function uses a wearable device (e.g., wrist, armband, pendant) having sensors to detect user gestures and vital signs for transmission and analysis by a computation unit to predict the onset of cognitive impairment related diseases.

Abstract: A biological signal acquirer is attached to a subject and acquires a biological signal of the subject. A transmitter carried by the subject transmits the biological signal. A first communication port and a first camera are installed in a first location and connectable to a network. A second communication port and a second camera are installed in a second location and connectable to the network. A biological information acquiring device is connectable to the network and provided with a switcher. The switcher acquires, when communication establishment between the transmitter and the first communication port is detected, the biological signal through the first communication port as well as a first image taken by the first camera, and acquires, when communication establishment between the transmitter and the second communication port is detected, the biological signal through the second communication port as well as a second image taken by the second camera.

Abstract: The present technology relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program capable of facilitating fixed-point observation on skin condition. The information processing device according to an aspect of the present technology acquires an image that shows a predetermined feature point of a user who is a measurer of skin condition, and a measurement portion of skin condition, and analyzes the image, and then recognizes a position of the feature point. Furthermore, information indicating the measurement portion is displayed at a predetermined position on the image while setting, as a reference, the recognized position of the feature point. The present technology is applicable to information processing devices such as a tablet terminal, a smartphone, and a personal computer.

Abstract: A temperature measurement device, comprising a spectral measurement system, configured to determine the absorbance of tissue at a plurality of frequencies, and an analysis system, configured to determine the temperature of the tissue from the determined absorbance, wherein water has a temperature dependent absorption at one of the plurality of frequencies that is different than that at another of the plurality of frequencies.

Abstract: Procedures, implantable wireless sensing devices, and sensor assemblies suitable for monitoring physiological parameters within living bodies. Such sensor assembly includes a sensing device and an anchor for securing the sensing device within a living body. The sensing device comprises a housing having at least one internal cavity and a transducer and electrical circuitry within the at least one internal cavity. The sensing device further comprises an antenna that is within the at least one internal cavity or outside the housing. The housing has at least one additional housing portion in which the transducer, the electrical circuitry, and the antenna are not located. The anchor has a metal portion that surrounds the at least one additional housing portion so as not to surround the transducer, the electrical circuitry, or the antenna.

Abstract: For characterizing spatial-temporal dynamics of a medium (1) excitable for deformation, an elastic model of the medium is defined. The medium is imaged at consecutive points in time to obtain a series of images. Shifts of structures of the medium (1) between the images of the series are determined. A dynamic description of a temporal development of spatial deformations of a predefined elastic model of the medium (1) is adapted to match the shifts of the structures; and temporal developments of rate of deformation patterns in the medium (1) are identified from the dynamic description.

Abstract: There are provided Nano-Opto-Mechanical sensors for measuring concentration of a component in a gas flow, methods for their use and system comprising the same.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for non-invasive determination of the potential presence of one or more loss-of-function mutation(s) in the gene encoding for filaggrin. The method of the invention comprises (i) obtaining a vibrational spectrum from the stratum corneum of the individual; (ii) determining the local natural moisturising factor content from the vibrational spectrum; (iii) optionally repeating steps (i) and (ii); and (iv) comparing the local natural moisturising factor content of the individual to a reference value, wherein said stratum corneum is stratum corneum of a location of the body of said individual at which said one or more loss-of-function mutation(s) in the gene encoding for filaggrin has a stronger influence on the natural moisturising factor concentration than other factors influencing the natural moisturising factor concentration.

Abstract: An apparatus can be provided which can include a laser arrangement which can be configured to provide a laser radiation, and can include an optical cavity. The optical cavity can include a dispersive optical first arrangement which can be configured to receive and disperse at least one first electro-magnetic radiation so as to provide at least one second electro-magnetic radiation. Such cavity can also include an active optical modulator second arrangement which can be configured to receive and modulate the at least one second radiation so as to provide at least one third electro-magnetic radiation. The optical cavity can further include a dispersive optical third arrangement which can be configured to receive and disperse at least one third electro-magnetic radiation so as to provide at least one fourth electro-magnetic radiation.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for removing strands of hair from a near-infrared spectroscopy. The apparatus for removing strands of hair from a near-infrared spectroscopy may comprise: an arch-shaped main body worn on the head of a user, having a plurality of protrusions formed at an inner side part of the arch-shaped main body, and configured to expose a portion of scalp by arranging the strands of hair; a probe configured to come into close contact with the scalp; and a sensor configured to be accommodated inside the probe and receive light.

Abstract: Certain aspects relate to apparatuses and techniques for non-invasive optical imaging that acquires a plurality of images corresponding to both different times and different frequencies. Additionally, alternatives described herein are used with a variety of tissue classification applications, including assessing the presence and severity of tissue conditions, such as burns and other wounds.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing an indication of the well-being of an individual are disclosed. In particular, the systems and methods utilizes data obtained from physical sensors such as heartbeat monitors and social media platforms for deriving and/or assigning an indication of the individual's feelings or emotional well-being, are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an imaging device (100) for generating an image of a patient (P), the imaging system (100) comprising: a camera arrangement (10), which is configured to provide a first image information (I1) of the patient (P) using a first wavelength band, and which is configured to provide a second image information (I2) of the patient (P) using a second wavelength band. The first wavelength band and the second set of wavelength band are different; and the first and/or second image information comprises landmark information of landmarks (M) of a patient (P). The landmark information is derived by at least one wavelength band outside the visible spectrum. Further, a data processor (30) is provided, which is configured to generate a fused image (IE) based on the first image information (I1) and the second image information (I2), and which is configured to detect the landmarks (M) in the fused image (IE).

Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring and monitoring intracavitary tissue temperature. The system may include a catheter shaft with a circuit board disposed therein, the circuit board having an array of sensors disposed thereon. The catheter shaft may have an opening and an expandable structure surrounding the opening to provide a field of view of the intracavitary tissue for the array of sensors through the opening. The system may include a software-based programming system run on a computer such that a clinician may review information indicative of temperature of the intracavitary tissue, and be alerted if the temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold.