Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is provided with a dispensing system for applying a treating agent stored on the vacuum cleaner to the surface to be cleaned. The dispensing system can include at least one container for storing a supply of treating agent and a dispenser for dispensing the treating agent to the surface to be cleaned. The dispensing system uses filtered working exhaust air to blow treating agent off the treating agent dispenser.

Abstract: A cleaning implement. The cleaning implement has at least one nozzle to spray liquid onto a target surface, such as a floor. At least one light is provided. The light illuminates the spray, providing qualitative notice to the user where the spray occurs and qualitatively the amount of liquid dispensed. The spray and light may be concurrently activated by a common switch.

Abstract: In a method for operating a dishwasher, in particular a domestic dishwasher, items to be washed arranged in an interior of the dishwasher are washed during a wash program. A quantity of a specific gas in the interior is determined during the wash program, and a hygiene program is started and/or a notification is outputted to a user of the dishwasher relating to a start of the hygiene program as a function of the determined quantity of the specific gas.

Abstract: An assembly includes a transducer and anti-flood device. The transducer receives, as an input, a pressure signal taken by a liquid held in a main container and includes a circuit, for providing, as an output, an electric control signal having a variable parameter representing the pressure signal. The anti-flood device includes a receptacle, a float and a sensor. The receptacle is arranged to receive and hold a part of liquid coming from the secondary container. The float is movably mounted in the receptacle and moves up to a height representing the level reached by the part of liquid. The sensor is configured to detect the height reached by the float and to transmit an electric level-indicating signal representing the height to the circuit. The circuit is designed to apply, to the variable parameter, a correction that is determined as a function of the level-indicating signal according to predetermined criteria.

Abstract: A pump assembly for a dishwashing appliance includes an inner diffuser shell defining a motor housing and an outer diffuser shell spaced apart from the inner diffuser shell to define a diffusing plenum. A motor positioned within the motor housing rotates a wash pump impeller and urges a flow of wash fluid through the diffusing plenum. Within the diffusing plenum, guide vanes extend between the inner diffuser shell and the outer diffuser shell to diffuse and direct the flow of wash fluid.

Abstract: A pump assembly for a dishwashing appliance includes an inner diffuser shell defining a motor housing and an outer diffuser shell spaced apart from the inner diffuser shell to define a diffusing plenum. A motor positioned within the motor housing rotates a wash pump impeller and urges a flow of wash fluid through the diffusing plenum. Within the diffusing plenum, guide vanes extend between the inner diffuser shell and the outer diffuser shell to diffuse and direct the flow of wash fluid. The motor is powered by electrical wires that pass through a hole defined through the outer diffuser shell, through one of the plurality of guide vanes, and through the inner diffuser shell.

Abstract: A warewash machine includes a wash zone having front, left and right access openings. At least one spray arm is disposed above or below the wash zone. A multi-sided hood assembly includes front, left, right and top side sections, the multi-sided hood assembly movable between a lowered closed position for washing and a raised open position for inlet and outlet of wares. The multi-sided hood assembly includes a lower hood unit with front, left and right sides and an upper hood unit with front, left, right and top sides, and a linkage assembly between the lower hood unit and the upper hood unit that causes the upper hood unit and the lower hood unit to move up or down together with the lower hood unit moving faster than the upper hood unit to cause telescoping of the upper hood unit and the lower hood unit as the hood assembly moves.

Abstract: A dishwasher appliance and user interface are generally provided herein. The user interface may be provided on the dishwasher appliance and include a control panel, a button body, a board housing, and a control board. The button body may be slidably mounted to the control panel. The board housing may be disposed behind the control panel along a transverse direction. The board housing may include a planar frame and a resilient cantilever. The planar frame may define a switch aperture in transverse alignment with the button body. The resilient cantilever may extend from the planar frame in forward biased engagement with the button body. The control board may be fixed to the board housing and include a contact switch positioned in transverse alignment with the switch aperture to selectively engage the button body.

Abstract: An open loop drying system includes an intake conduit and an exhaust conduit. The intake conduit and the exhaust conduit are each in fluid communication with an ambient environment. The open loop drying system also includes a heat pipe heat exchanger. The heat pipe heat exchanger includes a condenser section in operative communication with the intake conduit upstream of a wet chamber and an evaporator section in operative communication with the exhaust conduit downstream of the wet chamber. The open loop drying system may be provided in a dishwashing appliance.

Abstract: The present invention is a new type of scrub sponge which includes a soft sponge portion and an abrasive pad. According to one embodiment of the invention, the abrasive pad is bonded to the sponge in a recess formed in the sponge so that during normal use, only the surface of the soft sponge will contact the surface of the item being cleaned. Should, during cleaning, the user require a more aggressive scrubbing action, the user may press into the upper side of the soft sponge on an upper side to force the abrasive pad out from its protective recess on the opposing side. The now protruding abrasive pad will contact the surface of the item being cleaned. The action of pushing out the abrasive pad is intuitive to the user since the user will typically push hard on any cleaning implement when they need more aggressive scrubbing action. With the present invention, as the user pushes hard, the more abrasive pad will reveal itself and offer its scrubbing texture to help in the cleaning process.

Abstract: A dry sanitization apparatus or mat comprising copper is disclosed. Systems comprising the mat and methods of use are also disclosed.

Abstract: An endoscopic video recording system with voice control and voice annotation. By utilizing voice control, the system enables hands-free setup and control of video recording. The system is maintained in a “ready for use” state, so clinicians can activate it at any time using voice control.

Abstract: A variable-stiffness actuator system includes a shape-memory member in which a stiffness increases by being heated and decreases by radiating heat, a heating member configured to generate heat, a channel arranged along the longitudinal axis of the shape-memory member, a transfer section configured to selectively supply and stop first and second heat transmission fluids into the channel, and a controller configured to control the transfer section. The controller causes the transfer section to supply the first heat transmission fluid and then supply the second heat transmission fluid into the channel, and further to stop the supply of the second heat transmission fluid so that retention of the first and second heat transmission fluids simultaneously occurs in the channel.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a medical device for accessing a patient's body portion and used for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. Embodiments of the invention may include a particular endoscopic positioning mechanism for placing an endoscope and an additional treatment device within desired body portions in order to assist in diagnosis and treatment of anatomical diseases and disorders. In particular, a medical device according to an embodiment of the invention may include an outer flexible tube and a positioning mechanism configured for rotating one portion of the flexible tube relative to another portion of the flexible tube.

Abstract: An insertion system includes an insertion section and a rigidity variable portion provided in the insertion section. The rigidity variable portion includes a superelastic alloy member whose rigidity starts changing from a high-rigidity state to a low-rigidity state at a temperature, which varies with a degree of bending of the superelastic alloy member, and a heating member capable of switching between presence and absence of heating of the superelastic alloy member. The insertion system also includes a bending state detection sensor that detects a bending state of the rigidity variable portion, and a rigidity variable controller that controls switching between presence and absence of heating of the superelastic alloy member by the heating member to control the temperature of the superelastic alloy member.

Abstract: A flexible tube insertion apparatus includes a flexible tube segmented into segments aligned its central axis and to be inserted into a target body, a variable stiffness portion to vary a bending stiffness of the tube, a detection sensor to detect state information on the tube, a calculator to calculate shape information on the tube based on the state information, and a controller to control a change of the stiffness implemented by the variable stiffness portion. The controller controls the change of the stiffness to a segment corresponding to a displacement portion of an insertion path, in accordance with a displacement quantity of a second path of the tube based on the shape information calculated at a second time, with respect to a first path of the tube based on the shape information calculated at a first time.

Abstract: A flexible tube insertion apparatus includes a flexible tube to be inserted into an insertion target body, a variable stiffness portion that changes a bending stiffness of the flexible tube, a state detection sensor that detects state information of the flexible tube. The apparatus also includes a shape calculator that calculates shape information regarding a shape of the flexible tube based on the state information, an external force calculator that calculates external force information including magnitude of an external force received by the flexible tube based on the state information, and a stiffness controller that controls the variable stiffness portion in accordance with the shape information so that the magnitude of the external force received by the flexible tube becomes smaller than a reference value.

Abstract: In one example, a system includes a deployment catheter defining at least one lumen therethrough. The system further includes a balloon member projecting distally from a distal end of the deployment catheter and defining an area therein, wherein the area is in fluid communication with the at least one lumen. The system further includes a first opening at the distal end of the balloon member, a first instrument lumen extending through the balloon member from the distal end of the deployment catheter to the first opening, and a visualization element disposed within the balloon member for visualizing tissue external to the balloon member.

Abstract: A disclosed cable connection structure includes a circuit board that includes a first main body portion and a second main portion that includes a shield set portion, a shield connection electrode, and a plurality of core wire connection electrodes; and a plurality of coaxial cables each of which is processed such that a core wire, an internal insulator, and a shield are exposed from a tip portion in a stepwise manner, where the core wires are connected to the respective core wire connection electrodes and the shields are collectively connected to the shield connection electrode. The second main body portion and the coaxial cables are positioned within a projection plane of a front surface that is perpendicular to a principal surface of the first main body portion.

Abstract: An overtube for use with an endoscope includes a tube body defining a longitudinal axis, a central channel defined in the tube body and extending along or parallel to the longitudinal axis between proximal and distal end portions of the tube body, and first and second side channels defined in the tube body and extending along or parallel to the longitudinal axis between the proximal and the distal end portions of the tube body. The central channel is sized and configured to receive an endoscope. The first and second side channels are circumferentially spaced part from each other and disposed between the central channel and an outer surface of the tube body. Each of the first and second side channels is sized and configured to receive a retraction device, and each has an elongated arcuate cross section or perimeter at the distal end portion of the tube body.

Abstract: Endoscope assemblies, biopsy caps, and methods for making and using the same. An example endoscope assembly may include an endoscope having a channel formed therein and a port that provides access to the channel. A cap may be coupled to the port. The cap may include a base having a securing member for securing the cap to the port, an outer shell and a brush section disposed within the interior volume adjacent the disk shutter section, the brush section including a plurality of brushes arranged in a helical fashion.

Abstract: A compound sheath comprising: an endoscopic channel arranged for accepting an elongated endoscopic imaging device; a parallel use channel arranged for accepting a catheter-based tool, and a multi-channel hub that couples to the proximal end of the parallel use channel comprising: a rinse port that couples to a fluid reservoir device that injects fluid; a withdrawal port that couples to a vacuum forming device that removes fluid; a tool port for passing a catheter-based tool; wherein the multi-channel hub establishes a fluid channel for fluid communication between the parallel use channel and the rinse port or the withdrawal port, and a mechanical channel for passing therethrough a catheter-based tool between the parallel use channel and the tool port such that fluid from the rinse port or the withdrawal port and the catheter-based tool of the tool port are simultaneously passing all along the parallel use channel.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for providing a surgeon with improved viewing angles during arthroscopic surgical procedures are provided. In some embodiments, a cannula is provided that includes an elongate body that can extend along a longitudinal axis, the body having a proximal end, a distal end, a lumen extending through the body between openings at the proximal and distal ends. The cannula can have a first flange member that can extend at least partially around at least one of the openings, and the first flange member can have a distal-facing surface, where at least a portion of the distal-facing surface can be reflective.

Abstract: An instrument insertion assisting tool includes a wire attaching member, a guide piece, and a first engaging member. The wire attaching member is configured to be attached to a manipulator of an endoscope at a position adjacent to a forceps plug and offset from a seal hole of the forceps plug. The forceps plug is attached to a forceps port of the manipulator and has the seal hole through which a wire is inserted. The guide piece projects from the wire attaching member. The guide piece is configured to direct the wire so that a first portion of the wire is directed along a central axis of the seal hole. The first engaging member projects from the wire attaching member. The first engaging member is configured to direct the wire so that a second portion of the wire is directed along the wire attaching member.

Abstract: The present technology relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and an endoscope system capable of providing an optimal video image to an operator in accordance with surgical scenes. A processing mode determination unit determines, in accordance with surgical scenes, a processing mode for an in-vivo image captured by an imaging apparatus including an imaging element arranged so as to enable pixel shift processing, and an image combining unit processes an image output from the imaging apparatus, in accordance with the processing mode. The present technology is applicable to, for example, an endoscope system for imaging a living body with an endoscope.

Abstract: A surgical device includes a plurality of cameras integrated therein. The view of each of the plurality of cameras can be integrated together to provide a composite image. A surgical tool that includes an integrated camera may be used in conjunction with the surgical device. The image produced by the camera integrated with the surgical tool may be associated with the composite image generated by the plurality of cameras integrated in the surgical device. The position and orientation of the cameras and/or the surgical tool can be tracked, and the surgical tool can be rendered as transparent on the composite image. A surgical device may be powered by a hydraulic system, thereby reducing electromagnetic interference with tracking devices.

Abstract: An endoscope includes: an illuminator configured to guide illumination light from a light source capable of emitting the illumination light intermittently and apply the illumination light to an object; an imaging element including a light receiver where multiple pixels configured to receive light and perform photoelectric conversion to generate electric signals are arranged in a two-dimensional matrix, and a reader configured to sequentially read the electric signals per horizontal line from each of the multiple pixels; a generator configured to, based on a first vertical synchronization signal that is input from an external processor and reference timing of exposure of the imaging element with the illumination light, generate a second vertical synchronization signal for controlling timing at which the reader reads the electric signal; and an imaging controller configured to cause the reader to read the electric signals sequentially according to the second vertical synchronization signal.

Abstract: An illumination optical system according to the present invention is provided with: an illumination-light guiding portion configured to guide illumination light emitted from a light source portion; and an illumination-light deflecting portion configured to emit the illumination light guided thereto by the illumination-light guiding portion after deflecting the illumination light by means of reflection, wherein, in one cross-section along a direction in which the illumination light travels, the illumination-light guiding portion has a pair of total reflection surfaces in which the distance therebetween gradually increases in a forward traveling direction of the illumination light, and the illumination-light deflecting portion is provided with an emission surface from which the illumination light guided by the illumination-light guiding portion is emitted, and a reflection surface that has a convex shape facing the emission surface and that reflects the illumination light guided by the illumination-light guidin

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter is directed to volume expanders for use with endoscopes, particularly concerning low-pressure applications, such as sterilization. A volume expander may include an enclosure having a port and a wall including an outer surface and an inner surface, and a vent cap disposed proximate the port. The port may be a single port to which the vent cap is affixed. The volume expander permits gas within recesses of an endoscope to expand, but provides a barrier between the recesses of the endoscope and the surrounding environment.

Abstract: An ear ailment diagnostic device and method in accordance with the present disclosure generally comprises a pair of earpieces, which both further comprise a light source, a magnification lens, an air conduction channel and a miniature camera. The earpieces may optionally comprise a thermometer and/or tympanometer. Each earpiece is coupled to an air conduction tube, an insufflator and an electrical wiring/data tube which is coupled to a computer. The insufflator may be manually, electronically, or battery powered. In the preferred embodiment the computer comprises a smart phone with data processing capability and wireless communication capability. Any data sent from the device can then be interpreted and diagnosed in a remote location so that an accurate treatment is prescribed.

Abstract: An intraoral scanning device comprises a hand-held housing and a confocal imaging device disposed in the hand-held housing. The confocal imaging device has a predetermined astigmatic aberration disposed in a light path thereof to asymmetrically focus light in a predetermined manner, wherein the light is associated with an image of a portion of an object captured by the confocal imaging device.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying out an eye-related measurement on a person includes a device for generating a fixation target with a holographic element. To generate the fixation target, the holographic element is illuminated by a light source. As a result of the illumination, the fixation target arises as a virtual holographic object. The eye-related measurement is conducted on an eye or the eyes of the person fixating the fixation target. Information is conveyed to the person by switching between different fixation targets.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying out an eye-related measurement on a person includes a device for generating a fixation target with a holographic element. To generate the fixation target, the holographic element is illuminated by a light source. As a result of the illumination, the fixation target arises as a virtual holographic object. The eye-related measurement is conducted on an eye or the eyes of the person fixating the fixation target. Information is conveyed to the person by switching between different fixation targets.

Abstract: Disclosed are a mobile device and method which include acquiring, by an image acquisition unit installed in a mobile device, an image of eyes of a patient while light provided by a light source reflects from an optical surface of the eyes of the patient; and obtaining, by a processor installed in the mobile device, ocular misalignment measurements, including a magnitude and a direction of ocular misalignment in the eyes of the patient, using the acquired image or set of images.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for the identification and characterization of fluid accumulation in the retina using OCT imaging. The disclosed methods and systems are directed to the automated segmentation of retinal fluid using 2D or 3D structural OCT scan images. Approaches for visualization and quantification of both intraretinal and subretinal fluid are presented. Methods are also disclosed for using OCT angiography data to improve the quality of retinal fluid segmentation, and to provide combined visualization of fluid accumulation and retinal vasculature to inform clinical interpretation of results.

Abstract: A technique for retinal images includes configuring a dynamic illuminator to illuminate the retina with an illumination pattern. An image frame of the retina is captured while illuminated with the illumination pattern. The configuring and the capturing are iterated to sequentially reconfigure the dynamic illuminator to illuminate the retina with a plurality of different illumination patterns and to capture a plurality of image frames each illuminated with one of the different illumination patterns. The image frames are combined into a composite retinal image.

Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to systems and methods for combining data from different types of sensors. In an embodiment, a medical system is included. The medical system can include a first sensor configured to produce a first value for an analyte and a second sensor different than the first sensor, the second sensor configured to produce a second value for the analyte. The medical system can also include a controller configured to receive the first and second values. The controller can create a blended analyte value from the first value and second value. Other embodiments are included herein.

Abstract: An actively-powered temperature data logger patch with wireless data communication includes a first substrate layer, a second substrate layer, a non-adhesive release layer, and an electronics inlay disposed between the first and second substrate layers. The electronics inlay includes a sealed, flexible battery, and a flexible circuit having a temperature sensor. An outer face of the non-adhesive release layer is has release properties. A replaceable adhesive includes a carrier substrate, a structural adhesive coated on a first face and attached to the outer face of the non-adhesive release layer, and a skin-contact approved adhesive coated on a second opposite face. In another example, an auxiliary sleeve having an exterior surface with an adhesive configured to be removably applied to a subject, may partially enclose the temperature data logger patch in an internal compartment.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for processing physiological data streams broadcast by at least one associated medical information sensor (18) is provided. The apparatus includes: a first hub (6) including a first radio (12) configured to receive an individual medical information data stream broadcast by the at least one associated sensor (18) at a data stream carrier frequency and to transmit a non-electrical signal carrying the individual medical information data stream; a second hub (8) including a second radio (14); and a non-electrical communication link (16) between the first radio (12) and the second radio (14) via which the non-electrical signal carrying the individual medical information data stream is communicated from the first radio (12) to the second radio (14).

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, patient monitoring systems, apparatus, and methods that change the operation of an ambulatory medical device (AMD) using geographic location information.

Abstract: A detection device which, when an arrhythmia occurs, can prompt rapid taking of a countermeasure against the arrhythmia, and an alarm system having the detection device are provided. A portable detection device 10 has: a measuring section which can measure an electrocardiogram in a state where the section is applied to the body surface of the user; an analyzing section which analyzes whether the electrocardiogram contains an abnormal waveform indicating an arrhythmia or not; and a transmitting section which, if the analyzing section detects the abnormal waveform, transmits a detection signal indicating that the abnormal waveform is detected, to a communication terminal 20 around the user.

Abstract: A health-monitoring system has IoT-vitals sensing nodes joined to a patient's body, sensing vital characteristics, employing wireless transmission circuitry transmitting sensed data by a short-range network, and a local gateway having wireless circuitry receiving transmitted data from the IoT-vitals sensors, software (SW) executing on a processor from a non-transitory medium, the SW processing the transmitted data received, and transmission circuitry transmitting processed data over a long-range network.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the current disclosure are directed toward physiological monitoring of patients, and more particularly, systems, devices and methods for physiological monitoring of patients with a continuous or near-continuous transmission and analysis of monitored physiological data during the monitoring process. In some embodiments, a physiological patient monitoring system is provided which includes a physiological monitoring device which comprises a housing disposed on a patch, and the patch is configured for removable attachment to or proximate the skin of a patient, the housing including at least one memory. Antenna disposed on the housing transmit radio-frequency (RF) waves towards a targeted portion of an internal tissue of the patient and receive reflected RF waves from the internal tissue. RF circuitry in communication with the at least one memory perform an RF-based measurement of a lung fluid level of the patient during a predetermined time period.

Abstract: A remote health monitoring system, method and device is disclosed. The systems utilize one or more sensors, data aggregation and transmission units, mobile computing devices, processing, analytics and storage (PAS) units, and a framework based on a novel location- and power-aware communication systems and analytics to notify and manage patient health. Methods to transmit data to a PAS unit through the patients' smart phone that is connected to internet, abnormality detection in the data, advanced analytical diagnostics and communication system between the health service provider (HSP) and patient are also provided. The health monitoring systems, methods and devices allows for continuous monitoring of the patient without disrupting their normal lives, provides access even in sparsely connected and remote regions which lack good healthcare facilities, allows intervention by specialized practitioners, and sharing of resource or information in the existing healthcare facilities.

Abstract: A method for calculating values indicative for the local spatial structure of conducting properties of heart muscle tissue. The method uses a continuous ROI where there may exist a CC, each point of the ROI being associated with a value of a given spatial distribution. The method for each one of the points: spans rays within the ROI in multiple 3-D directions using coordinates of a reference coordinate system of each point, providing a structure with a plurality of rays with a given geometry; defines a sequence of sampling points on each ray of said structure; maps the value of the spatial distribution on each defined sampling point of each ray of the structure; classifies each ray of the structure by assigning a single value, providing an associated ray value; and reduces each structure to a single point value in view of said geometry and their associated ray value.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a storage unit, a cutting-out unit, and a display controller. The storage unit is configured to store an image of fluorescence emitted from an observation target area of a living body in a recording medium as a fluorescence image of the observation target area, the image of fluorescence being captured with a first definition, the image of fluorescence being obtained by applying excitation light to the observation target area to which a fluorescent reagent is added in advance. The cutting-out unit is configured to cause a user to select at least a partial area of the fluorescence image and to cut out the selected area as a fluorescence image of a ROI area. The display controller is configured to cause a display unit to display the fluorescence image of a ROI area with a second definition that is lower than the first definition.

Abstract: A photoacoustic probe is used, which includes: a reception element configured to receive an acoustic wave generated in and propagated from an object which is irradiated with light; an elastic body configured to contact with the object when receiving the acoustic wave and to diffuse or transmit the light having a wavelength that generates the acoustic wave; an acoustic matching layer disposed between the elastic body and the reception element; and a reflection film disposed between the acoustic matching layer and the elastic body.

Abstract: A blood vessel imaging temperature measurement method is provided. The method comprises the steps of finding blood vessels, displaying a measurement position, and aligning for temperature measurement to achieve visual and precision temperature measurement. The temperature measurement is quite visual, instead of the traditional technology that uses a blind measurement method corresponding to a position to be measured, thereby solving the problem that the temperature measurement is not accurate enough in the traditional technology.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a system that utilizes measurements indicative of respiration in order to estimate an aerobic activity parameter, such as oxygen consumption (VO2), maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max), or energy expenditure (EE). In one embodiment, this system includes at least one inward-facing head-mounted thermal camera (CAM) and a computer. Each CAM, from among the at least one CAM, is configured to take thermal measurements of a region below the nostrils (THRBN) of a user. THRBN are indicative of an exhale stream of the user, such as an exhale stream from one, or both, of the nostrils and/or the exhale from the mouth. The computer calculates, based on THRBN, the aerobic activity parameter. Optionally, the computer generates feature values based on data comprising THRBN and utilizes a model to calculate the aerobic activity parameter based on the feature values.

Abstract: A pulse wave detecting device includes a sensor section and a control unit. The sensor section is rotatable about a first axis and is rotatable about a second axis. The control unit determines a rotation angle about the second axis based on DC components of a plurality of a pressure detecting elements included in at least one of element rows. Then, the sensor section is pressed against the body surface in a state that the sensor section is controlled in the optimal roll angle, the pulse wave is detected based on pressure signals detected from the pressure detecting elements and the vital information is calculated based on the detected pulse wave.