Abstract: An easy-access over-the-bed bassinet especially useful in hospitals for new mothers that has a barrier to prevent the infant from rolling off a sleeping platform, wherein one wall may be lowered to permit a mother to reach in and cradle the infant. The convertible wall has a restoring mechanism to move it back to its original barrier position upon removal of the weight of the mother's arms. The convertible wall may translate vertically into a frame, or pivot about a bottom edge, or pivot or roll underneath the sleeping platform. The bassinet may include a strap that maintains contact of the mother against the bassinet while breast feeding the baby in the bassinet. The entire sleeping platform may tilt about a horizontal axis, and may rotate about a vertical axis for ease of positioning relative to the mother. The bassinets are mounted on sturdy frames that permit over-the-bed positioning.

Abstract: The infant soothing system is adapted for use with infants. The infant soothing system is a cushion or pillow that that simulates the breathing and heartbeat patterns of a mother. The infant is placed upon the infant soothing system during rest periods during which a bladder contained within the infant soothing system inflates and deflates to simulate the breathing pattern. One or more speakers located within the infant soothing system generate an audible sound that simulates the heartbeat pattern. The infant soothing system comprises a bladder, a base, a pressure system, a sound system, and a control system.

Abstract: A hygienic automatic electric utensil dispenser for use in eating establishments such as hospitals, schools, or other areas where large number of people are eating food in a central area. The dispenser can be refilled using prepackaged stacked plastic utensil in a self-sealing plastic bags without the user ever touching the utensil during the refilling process. The dispenser delivers the utensil in a sanitary method using a plurality of sensors.

Abstract: The present invention is a pre-construction sample that is made of a flexible material and has a product image corresponding to an actual construction product. The pre-construction sample is preferably at least 18 inches in one dimension. The pre-construction sample is preferably produced by a printing process having at least 200 dpi, and more preferably 300 dpi. Kits of pre-construction samples are provided to assist the consumer choosing from among various construction products, such as flooring, decking, countertops, cabinets, windows, shingles, among others.

Abstract: A headphone case is provided that serves as both a case for storing headphones and other objects, and a cushion to be worn around the neck. The case has either a fixed cushion located on different parts of the case, or a material that can be inflated, where the material has an outside layer comprising a cushion material. The case has two halves, a top half and lower half, which are held together by one or more hinges or other means. The headphone case can have a control unit for electronically inflating the material on the case, and for controlling units inside the case for controlling an amount and intensity of heat and vibration. Software can be uploaded to the control unit via a USB port or a Bluetooth antenna for controlling the different functions of the case. An application running on a phone, tablet or computer may control the functions of the various units inside the case.

Abstract: The headrest is a table top pillow. The headrest is self-supporting structure that supports the head of a user in such a manner that a user may lie face down in the headrest. The headrest provides support for the face of the user. The headrest incorporates passages that allow for breathing while lying face down. The headrest is suitable for domestic and medical uses. The headrest comprises a base, a first pad, and a second pad. The first pad and the second pad are mounted on the base.

Abstract: A package includes a cup for storing liquids and a lid for mounting on a brim of the cup. The lid is formed to include a sipping feature so that a consumer can drink liquid from the cup while the lid is mounted on the brim.

Abstract: A garment stretcher. The garment stretcher includes an elongated weight having a first end, a second end, and a midpoint. A first clip is connected to the first end of the elongated weight, a second clip is connected to the second end of the elongated weight, and a third clip is connected to the third end of the elongated weight. Each of the clips is removably securable to a garment such as a shirt. When the elongated weight is secured to the lower end of a hanging garment, the elongated weight exerts a downward force on the garment and causes it to stretch and lengthen over time. The even spacing of the clips ensures that the shirt is stretched in a uniform manner.

Abstract: A brewing unit includes a brewing chamber with first and second brewing chamber portions movable one with respect to the other, and a water heater. Further, the brewing unit includes a structural frame supporting the two brewing chamber portions, and on which forces generated by the pressurized water in the brewing chamber during brewing are discharged. The structural frame includes two side components arranged sideways of the brewing chamber, and two end components mechanically constrained to the side components. One of the two end components includes the first brewing chamber portion. Further, the side components and the end components form a closed structure, whereto the water heater is in turn constrained independently, with separate constraining members, from the first brewing chamber portion and adjacent thereto, outside the closed structure. The forces generated by the pressurized water in the brewing chamber during brewing are also discharged on the water heater.

Abstract: A packaging system for infant nutritional composition with dosing devices (304, 305), comprises a first dosing device (304) for dispensing a first quantity of said infant nutritional composition, said first quantity being adapted to boys, and a second dosing device (305) for dispensing a second quantity of said infant nutritional composition, said second quantity being adapted to girls, said first quantity being different from said second quantity.

Abstract: In an aspect, the disclosure provides an automatic broiler. The automatic broiler may include a conveyorized cooking surface, a lower heat source below the cooking surface, and an upper heat source above the cooking surface. A cooking chamber may be defined by the cooking surface, the upper heat source, and a broiler housing. A venting through passage, or flue, may extend from the cooking chamber to an opening located above the upper heat source. An air flow restriction plate may be positioned above the venting through passage. The air flow restriction plate may have a perforated flat surface extending across the opening.

Abstract: A multifunction cooking device includes a base unit, a cooking pan, and a cover unit. The base unit includes a base seat that defines an annular receiving space, and a heating unit disposed in the base seat and surrounded by the annular receiving space. The cooking pan is disposed on the base unit, and includes a bottom wall contacting with the heating unit, and a surrounding wall transversely extending from the bottom wall and inserted into the annular receiving space. The cover unit is movably connected to the base unit and covers the cooking pan.

Abstract: A grill includes a cooking surface. The cooking surface includes at least one grate. The grate has internal heating elements operable to raise the temperature of the great above the temperature achievable via a heat source of the grill. The grate may be referred to as a searing station. In one embodiment, the grill is a wood pellet grill, the heat source is burning wood pellets in a burnpot of the grill, and the heating elements are resistive heating elements fully contained within slats of the grate. A searing station is especially suited for wood pellet grills which operate at lower temperatures than conventional gas or charcoal grills because it combines the slow cooking characteristics of a pellet grill with the quick searing capabilities of an infrared gas grill. The searing station may, however, be used in any type of grill.

Abstract: A coffee grinding machine including a first burr and a second burr. At least one of the first burr and the second burr is rotatable about an axis of rotation, the burrs being mutually cooperating to grind coffee. The machine includes a motor which rotates at least one of the burrs with respect to the other, wherein the axis of rotation of the motor does not coincide with the axis of rotation of the burrs so that the coffee which is ground by the grinders is directed to an output of a conveyor cone for use thereof.

Abstract: A slicer includes a tubular main body having a handle, with a first open end and a second closed end. A slicer grip includes an interior blade and a shape that mates with the tubular main body. The grip is configured to allow the blade to extend into the tubular main body and to pass along the length of the tubular main body to slice items contained within the tubular main body.

Abstract: A container assembly includes a thermoformed tub of relatively thin plastic material having a peripheral wall extending to an upper edge and defining a product containing space. A lower rim is connected to the upper edge of the tub, the lower rim defining an opening giving access to the product containing space and being formed of a relatively thicker plastic material. An upper rim is connectable to the lower rim and a lid is provided for selectively closing the opening. By the use of a thin walled thermoformed tub, the amount of material required for forming the body of the container is limited. Furthermore, the lower rim of relatively thicker plastic material provides the required support to the relatively thin material of the peripheral wall, allowing effective connection to the upper rim.

Abstract: A portable shower includes an enclosure that converts between a two-dimensional collapsed configuration and a three-dimensional upright configuration defining a space therein for a person. The enclosure is self-extending and free-standing in the upright configuration, and desirably has a height of at least 4 feet. The enclosure includes a liner, preferably tubular in shape when extended, and an integrally attached collapsible skeleton such as an elastic coil, preferably helical. The elastic coil has a sufficient relaxed size and spring constant to self-expand the liner when constraints are released. A water reservoir connects to a shower sprayer through a hose, and may be integrated in the wall of the enclosure. For instance, a helical sleeve around the liner may constrain both the elastic coil and the hose. A foot pump may be provided along the hose and within the enclosure for easy propulsion of water from the reservoir to the sprayer.

Abstract: An expanding curtain may be provided that does not require the addition or installation of a new curved rod and/or any external mechanical devices such as curtain supports, control devices, or adapters to expand the usable space in the enclosure area. Rather, the curtain itself may have the strength, rigidity and/or fortitude to form an outwardly extended shape (e.g., away from the enclosure area) that may hold it in place, thus, expanding the amount of space available for utilization by the user of the enclosure area. The curtain easily and rapidly mounts and thereafter may be easily slidable/manipulated between an open and closed position. The curtain may surround, divide and/or provide privacy to a specific area and/or confined space. The curtain may also maintain a mold, mildew and germ resistant facade, while remaining inexpensive to manufacture.

Abstract: A mounted back cleaning assembly for cleaning the back of a person includes a housing that comprises a front wall, a back wall and a perimeter wall that is attached to and extends between the front and back walls. The perimeter wall has a top side, a bottom side, a first lateral wall and a second lateral wall. A plurality of mounts is attached to the back wall and removably attachable to a vertical surface such that the back wall is secured thereto. A back scrubber unit is mounted on the front wall and moves alternatingly between the first and second lateral walls when actuated. A plurality of water spouts is mounted to the housing and directed outwardly away from the front wall. A conduit is in fluid communication with the water spouts and fluidly coupled to a water supply. A soap dispenser is positioned in the housing.

Abstract: A tissue holder to hold a roll of toilet tissue may include a first toilet tissue holder to hold at a first end the roll of toilet tissue; and a second toilet tissue roll holder to hold at a second to end the roll of toilet tissue. The first toilet tissue holder may include a first tissue holder cylinder to hold the roll of toilet tissue. The second toilet tissue holder may include a second tissue holder.

Abstract: An apparatus for a toilet paper spritzer that is a scalable dispensing device for use with other components, such as toilet paper or paper towels and any fluid, such as water, witch hazel, scented fluids, medicated fluids, colored fluids, to improve hygiene, comfort, prevent or treat symptoms of genital and anal medical conditions, such as hemorrhoids, yeast infection, and the like. The toilet paper spritzer comprises a fluid dispensing chamber with a pump activation system for dispensing fluid onto toilet paper prior to use. The spritzer device can comprise a toilet paper holder. The pump activation system within the toilet paper spritzer can be manually activated, or automatically activated using solar and/or battery powered technology.

Abstract: A paper cutting device includes a support frame, first rotating shaft and cover. The support frame is defined with an accommodation space with a forward opening, and the two ends of the accommodation space are in combination with two side plates in opposite to each other; the first rotating shaft is configured between the two side plates and positioned in the accommodation space, allowing the first rotating shaft to be rotated in the accommodation space; the cover is in movable combination with the two side plates of the support frame and positioned relatively at the forward opening of the accommodation space, the cover adapted to cover the first rotating shaft. Furthermore, a knife assembly is mounted in a breach configured on the first rotating shaft, and protruding shafts configured on the two ends thereof can be slid in corresponding closed annular guide grooves configured on the two side plates.

Abstract: A lightweight portable outdoor toilet system configured to support a user while facing toward a tree or another fixed anchor point during a personal moment. The system can be used to hover directly over the ground or with a detachable pouch configured to support a single use liner.

Abstract: A toilet seat includes a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer. The first layer includes a first wood board. The first layer has a first surface and a second surface. The second layer includes a flexible material. The second layer is coupled to the second surface of the first layer. The third layer includes a second wood board. The third layer is coupled to the second layer opposite the first layer.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is provided. The vacuum cleaner comprising a hand-held device, in which the hand-held device includes: a housing defining an air inlet, an air outlet and an air blowing port therein, the air blowing port being disposed adjacent to the air inlet; a dust cup disposed in the housing and connected with the air inlet; and an electric motor defining a motor chamber, wherein an airflow entering through the air inlet switchably flows out of one of the air outlet and the air blowing port by a switching mechanism after flowing through the dust cup and the electric motor.

Abstract: A cyclone assembly for a surface cleaning apparatus has an openable lower end, a first cyclonic cleaning stage, a second cyclonic cleaning stage, and an airflow passage from the first cyclonic cleaning stage to the second cyclonic cleaning stage. The lower end is moveable to an open position in which at least a portion of the air flow passage is opened.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes link mechanisms that connect a bumper to be movable in a relatively horizontal direction with respect to a case main body. A coil spring energizes the bumper in a direction separated from the case main body. Obstacle sensors are arranged at positions facing the bumper in the case main body, and detect an obstacle by detecting movement of the bumper, due to contact with the obstacle, in at least one of a direction opposite to an energizing direction of the coil spring and a direction crossing such a direction. A controller controls the drive of a driving wheel based on detection of the obstacle by the obstacle sensor to allow the main body case to travel autonomously. The vacuum cleaner can detect an obstacle brought into contact with the bumper in a wide range with a simple configuration.

Abstract: A lobby dustpan is self-standing, self-closing and comprises a lid-handle coupling feature for receiving a broom head for retaining the broom head in the bucket of the lobby dustpan. The lid of the lobby dustpan substantially covers the opening of the bucket when in a closed position. A lobby dustpan is self-standing, wherein the center of gravity is between the outer contact points of the base. In addition, when the lobby dustpan is standing in an upright position on a horizontal surface, the center of gravity of the handle keeps the lid in a closed position. Furthermore, the center of gravity of the bucket is offset from the pivot assembly which causes the bucket to close when the lobby dustpan is lifted up from an open position. The specific geometry of the lobby dustpan enables a combination of features that heretofore are not available with existing lobby dustpans.

Abstract: An adaptive dosing system having a control module, a flow sensor unidirectionally connected to the control module for reporting a volume of a fluid passed through the system, a pump for dosing a required volume of the fluid and being uni-directionally connected to and controlled by the control module and a communication module bi-directionally connected with the control module, the communication module being configured to connect via Internet with an application server and a database server.

Abstract: Various apparatuses to attach a first medical device to a second medical device are described that allow the physician to grasp only a single device while the other device remains securely attached to the one being grasped. The apparatuses, once they are attached to the first medical device, are designed to be easily and quickly attached and detached to a second medical device, normally only requiring the use of one hand. Furthermore, the apparatuses oftentimes include a base that can easily couple and decouple from the portion that is attached to the second medical device so that if the need arises to separately use the second medical device, it can be decoupled from the first medical device without completely removing the apparatus from the second medical device.

Abstract: A support system including a rail, a lower support, and an instrument support. The lower support is configured to receive a portion of a bronchoscope and to selectively fix the bronchoscope relative to the rail. The instrument support is slidably disposed on the rail and is selectively lockable to the rail. The instrument support is configured to releasably couple to a surgical instrument inserted through the bronchoscope to fix the position of a portion of the surgical instrument relative to the bronchoscope.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for capturing an image sequence using a capsule camera are disclosed. According to the present invention, a first energy-based frame time for the special images is determined based on first light energy perceived by the image sensor and a second energy-based frame time for the regular images is determined based on second light energy perceived by the image sensor. The capsule camera captures the image sequence comprising one or more sets of mixed-type images by configuring the capsule camera to cause a mixed-frame distance between the first energy-based frame time for one special image in a target set of mixed-type images and the second energy-based frame time for one regular image in the target set of mixed-type images smaller than an average frame period.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for direct visual rhizotomy using an elongated tubular sheath. The sheath includes: a proximal end configured to removably receive a cannula; a distal end; a horizontal shaft having a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal end and the distal end; a first cut-away generally defining a first plane at the distal end, the first cut-away characterized by a first angle relative to a vertical plane; and a second cut-away generally defining a second plane at the distal end, the second cut-away characterized by a second angle relative to a horizontal plane. The sheath further includes an endoscope camera disposed at the distal end, the camera having a line of sight substantially orthogonal to the first plane.

Abstract: A medical device comprising an instrument head integral to the medical device having a distal portion, a light source internal to the instrument head coupled to a first channel, a first polarizing filter positioned within the first channel of the instrument head, a second polarizing filter positioned within the second channel for receiving reflected light from the light source, the reflected light received through a sensor axially aligned with the second channel is disclosed herein. The second channel may comprise a distal opening. The second channel may be configured to restrict light from entering the second channel other than by the distal opening. The first polarizing filter may be configured to polarize light from the light source.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reprocessing a medical device includes a decontamination basin, a first flush conduit, a second flush conduit, and a manifold. The first and second flush conduits have respective first and second coupling ports configured to fluidly connect to the medical device positioned within the decontamination basin. The manifold is fluidly connected to the first and second flush conduits and configured to distribute the fluid received therein accordingly. The apparatus also includes a first valve, a second valve, and a primary pump configured to discharge the fluid into the manifold at a predetermined supply flow rate. The first and second valve are positioned respectively in the first and second flush conduits for balancing the respective flow rates discharged therefrom at a first predetermined conduit flow rate and a second predetermined conduit flow rate.

Abstract: A system and method for ophthalmic surgery in which a portion of the light reflected by the eye passes through a lens that inverts the image and a portion of the light reflected by the eye does not pass through the lens. A digital image of both light that passed through the lens (lens image) and light that has not (peripheral image) is created using an image sensor. A processing resource identifies the boundary between the lens image and peripheral image and inverts at least a portion of either the lens image or the peripheral image to produce a corrected image in which no or only a small portion of the image is inverted as compared to the eye.

Abstract: In a method for interferometrically capturing measurement points of a region of an eye, a plurality of measurement points are captured by a measurement beam along a trajectory, wherein the same trajectory is passed over by the measurement beam in the region during at least a first iteration and a second iteration. The trajectory of the first iteration is rotated through an angle and/or displaced by a distance in relation to the trajectory of the second iteration in order to obtain a more homogeneous measurement point distribution.

Abstract: An ophthalmologic imaging apparatus which captures a tomographic image of a subject's eye using interference light obtained by combining a return light from the subject's eye irradiated by measurement light and a reference light includes a control unit configured to perform (a) control, when a first imaging mode for capturing the tomographic image of the subject's eye is selected, to display the tomographic image as a first tomographic image of the subject's eye on a display unit and (b) control, when a second imaging mode different from the first imaging mode is selected, to display a second tomographic image of the subject's eye on the display unit, the second tomographic image generated using the tomographic image to increase intensity of the second tomographic image higher than that of the first tomographic image.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for determining at least one ocular measurement (pupillary distance, mono pupillary distance and/or heights) of a user, using a consumer-type digital image sensor. The method uses at least one image of the user's head, acquired by the image sensor and containing an object of known size. The calibration parameters of the camera are unknown or known with little precision.

Abstract: A method for measuring eye tracking in a patient and capturing ocular biometric identifying information from the patient may involve: displaying a video to the patient on a stimulus screen of an eye tracking and biometric identification system; tracking movement of the patient's eyes during display of the video via an eye tracking camera of the eye tracking and biometric identification system; capturing ocular biometric identifying information from the patient with an ocular biometric capture device of the eye tracking and biometric identification system; generating, with a computer processor of the eye tracking and biometric identification system, a score representing an ability of the patient's eyes to track the video; and confirming, with the computer processor, an identity of the patient, based on the captured ocular biometric identifying information.

Abstract: Improved scanning ophthalmoscopes for scanning the retina of an eye are discussed in the present disclosure. One example scanning ophthalmoscope includes an uncollimated light source, a first scanning element, a second scanning element, a slit of a first aspherical mirror, and a second aspherical mirror. The uncollimated light source produces a beam of light to illuminate the retina. The beam of light is relayed from the first scanning element onto the second scanning element by the slit of the first aspherical mirror. The second aspherical mirror relays the beam of light from the second scanning element to the pupil of the eye.

Abstract: An optical measurement system: passes a probe light beam through a variable focal length lens to the retina of an eye, and returns light from the retina through the variable focal length lens to a wavefront sensor; adjusts the focal length of the variable focal length lens to provide a desired characteristic to at least one of: the probe light beam, and the light returned by the retina to the wavefront sensor; passes a calibration light through the variable focal length lens to the wavefront sensor while the variable focal length lens is at the adjusted focal length to ascertain the adjusted focal length; and makes a wavefront measurement of the eye from the light returned from the retina of the eye through the variable focal length lens to the wavefront sensor, and from the adjusted focal length ascertained from the calibration light received by the wavefront sensor.

Abstract: Disclosed are various examples and embodiments of systems, devices, components and methods configured to detect a location of a source of at least one cardiac rhythm disorder in a patient's heart. In some embodiments, electrogram signals are acquired from inside a patient's heart, and subsequently normalized, adjusted and/or filtered, followed by generating a two-dimensional (2D) spatial map, grid or representation of the electrode positions, processing the amplitude-adjusted and filtered electrogram signals to generate a plurality of three-dimensional electrogram surfaces corresponding at least partially to the 2 D grid, one surface being generated for each or selected discrete times, and processing the plurality of three-dimensional electrogram surfaces through time to generate a velocity vector map corresponding at least partially to the 2 D grid.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting biometrics using a life detecting radar are disclosed. Life detecting radars can include transmit antennas configured to transmit continuous microwave (“CW”) radio signals that reflect back upon making contact with various objects. The signal can be systematically varied in frequency to provide a signal that is essentially continuous with short gaps between transmissions at different frequencies. The reflected return signals are received by one or more receive antennas and processed to detect one or more targets. The received signal can include a static (i.e. constant phase) signal corresponding to reflections from objects that do not move. The received signal can also include a phase varying signal that corresponds to reflections from a living target having measurable biometrics including (but not limited to) breathing patterns and heartbeats. Clutter can be removed and the remaining portions of the received signal are analyzed for target detection.

Abstract: The invention addresses confounding difficulties involving continuous sweat analyte measurement. Specifically, the present invention provides: at least one component capable of monitoring whether a sweat sensing device is in sufficient contact with a wearer's skin to allow proper device operation; at least one component capable of monitoring whether the device is operating on a wearer's skin; at least one means of determining whether the device wearer is a target individual within a probability range; at least one component capable of generating and communicating alert messages to the device user(s) related to: wearer safety, wearer physiological condition, compliance with a requirement to wear a device, device operation; compliance with a behavior requirement, or other purposes that may be derived from sweat sensor data; and the ability to utilize aggregated sweat sensor data that may be correlated with information external to the device to enhance the predictive capabilities of the device.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to an embodiment includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to specify a search start position of a matrix representing inter-regional connectivity between a plurality of regions in a brain based on a result of an analysis on an image of a subject and an attention degree set to each of the regions. The processing circuitry is configured to search the matrix using the search start position.

Abstract: In medical imaging, a fiducial marker facilitates tissue image correlation that allows for image analysis, normalization and correction of the optical exposure and spectral and spatial distribution in order to compensate for the surface reflections, sub surface tissue interactions and spatial orientation of the excitation and imaging axes to the subject tissue. Using a cross comparison, clinicians can model tissue image data in different forms in order to reference and compare data from various spectral components and or from different images. This may enhance human interpretation between images including the variations between images even when the spectral, spatial and optical conditions or the image resolution or sensitivity are compromised. Such may be used to assess cosmetic, moisturizing, therapeutic materials and treatments.

Abstract: The invention described herein features infrared fluorescent protease reporters (iProteases) and methods of use thereof. The iProteases can be used in in vivo and in vitro assays to detect protease activity and disease states associated with protease activity. In a still further embodiment, the present invention provides a kit comprising any of the above described polynucleotides. In a further aspect, the present invention provides a method of in vivo optical imaging. In a still further embodiment, the in vivo imaging is performed in a living animal. In a further aspect, the present invention provides a method of detecting protease activity, the method comprising expressing a polypeptide according to any of those described above in a cell.

Abstract: A smart phone or tablet includes pulsed laser diodes generating light with near-infrared wavelengths between 700-2500 nanometers. First lenses direct light from the laser diodes to tissue. An array of pulsed laser diodes generates light with near-infrared wavelengths between 700-2500 nanometers. Second lenses form light from the array into spots directed on the tissue. An infrared camera synchronized to the laser diodes and the array generates data based on light reflected from the tissue. The smart phone or tablet generates a two-dimensional or three-dimensional image using the data from the infrared camera. The smart phone or tablet includes a wireless receiver, a wireless transmitter, a display, a voice input module, and a speaker.

Abstract: Bending stresses experienced by a pressure sensor mounted to a fractional flow reserve catheter when tracking the catheter through the vasculature creates a distortion of the sensor resulting in an incorrect pressure reading or bend error. In order to isolate the sensor from bending stresses, the sensor is mounted with one end coupled to the distal end of the shaft while the other end of the sensor is not coupled to the catheter so that a portion of the sensor is spaced apart from the distal end of the shaft.