Abstract: A dish washing machine having a structure improved to increase washing efficiency is provided. The dish washing machine includes a washing tub for washing dishes, an injection unit to inject washing water into the washing tub, and a deflection unit to move inside the washing tub to deflect the washing water injected from the injection unit toward the dishes. The deflection unit includes a first vane to be linearly movable in a direction in which the washing water is injected and a second vane to interwork with the first vane.

Abstract: A lower rack assembly for a dishwasher appliance includes a lower rack and a lift assembly connected to the lower rack. The lift assembly includes a gear assembly that includes an output spur gear and an input drive gear, and includes a first arm extending between a first end and a second end, the first end of the first arm pivotally coupled to the lower rack, the second end of the first arm coupled to the output spur gear. Movement of the input drive gear causes movement of the lower rack along the transverse direction between a retracted position wherein the lower rack is within the wash chamber and an extended position wherein the lower rack is positioned outside of the wash chamber and along the vertical direction between a lowered position and a raised position wherein the raised position is above the lowered position along the vertical direction.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus has a color image obtaining means configured obtain color image data representing a color image of biographic tissues, a lesion determining means configured to determine whether each pixel of the color image is of a lesion part based on the color image data, and a marking means configured to apply a mark indicating a position of the lesion part on the color image based on a result of determination, and the mark is configured such that the color image at a background of the mark can be seen.

Abstract: A medical apparatus includes: an information acquisition section configured to acquire position information and visual line information in an endoscope inserted into a predetermined organ; an image acquisition section configured to acquire an image obtained by observing inside of the predetermined organ from a predetermined viewpoint; an alignment section configured to convert the position information and the visual line information to a coordinate system of a model of the predetermined organ; a position calculation section configured to calculate position information of an inner wall of the predetermined organ opposing in a visual line direction from the predetermined viewpoint; an index generation section configured to generate an index defined based on a predetermined feature; and an image generation section configured to generate an image in which the index and position information of the inner wall are associated, for the image acquired by the image acquisition section.

Abstract: A video processor distributes hardware resources and software resources related to video signal processing performed by a video signal processing unit to a first partition and a second partition, assigns minimal processing from among the video signal processing to the resources distributed to the first partition, assigns processing from among the video signal processing that is other than the minimal processing to the resources distributed to the second partition, monitors anomalies in the resources distributed to the first partition and the second partition, and only resets resources distributed to a partition in which an anomaly has been detected by the monitoring.

Abstract: There is provided a connector for an endoscope that is easy to grip and is easily connected to a light source device. The connector includes: a light guide part, a wireless communication unit, a wireless power receiving unit, a housing section which houses the wireless communication unit and the wireless power receiving unit and in which the light guide part protrudes from a front surface thereof positioned close to a light source device in a connection posture where the connector is connected to the light source device, and a grip section that includes a concave finger placing portion on which a thumb is placed and which is provided on an upper surface thereof on a central axis of the light guide part in a case in which the grip section is viewed from an upper surface of the connector positioned on a vertically upper side in the connection posture.

Abstract: There is provided a connector for an endoscope that is easy to grip and is easily connected to a light source device. The connector includes: a light guide part; a wireless communication unit; a wireless power receiving unit; a housing section which houses the wireless communication unit and the wireless power receiving unit, and in which the light guide part protrudes from a front surface thereof, an upper surface thereof is a curved surface, and a lower surface thereof is a flat surface; a grip section that has a shape in which a cross-sectional area decreases toward a rear portion from a front portion thereof, and includes a concave finger placing portion which is provided on the upper surface; and a finger locking portion that is provided between the housing section and the grip section and locks a forefinger on a lower surface of the connector.

Abstract: There is provided an endoscope capable of realizing equal operability by either a left or right hand without upsizing an operation portion. For this purpose, an operation portion is formed in a bilaterally symmetrical shape; a suction button and a bending lever are disposed at a center in a left and right width direction of the operation portion facing each other; and respective arm portions are disposed in a state of being rotated around a central axis of the bending lever by a predetermined angle relative to up, down, left and right tilt directions defined for the bending lever.

Abstract: In a method to obtain measurement data from the stomach of a patient using an endoscope, a degassed aqueous drink solution is administered to the stomach of the patient and the measurement data are acquired with the degassed aqueous drink solution present in the stomach.

Abstract: A surgical device includes a plurality of cameras integrated therein. The view of each of the plurality of cameras can be integrated together. 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 images 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 at least partially transparent. A surgical device may be powered by a hydraulic system, thereby reducing electromagnetic interference with tracking devices.

Abstract: An illumination system for variable direction of view instruments is disclosed generally comprising an endoscope having a longitudinal axis and a variable view vector that pivots about a pivot axis angularly offset from the longitudinal axis. The view vector has an attendant viewing field that travels along a path as the view vector pivots, defining a viewing range. A source of illumination is arranged in a plane offset from the plane in which the view vector pivots and provides an annular, solid angle of illumination that covers the viewing range. In certain embodiments, the pivot axis is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and the illumination plane is parallel to the pivot plane. In some embodiments, the source of illumination is a plurality of light emitting diodes arranged around the pivot axis.

Abstract: A method of defogging and cleaning a laparoscope includes: (1) inserting a laparoscope into a sheath; (2) inserting the laparoscope and sheath into a body cavity; (3) providing gas to a plurality of gas lumens within a wall of the sheath such that the gas flows through the gas lumens and over a lens of the laparoscope to defog the lens while the laparoscope is in the body cavity; and (4) providing a fluid comprising a surface-active agent to a fluid lumen within the wall of the sheath such that the fluid flows through the fluid lumen and over the lens to clean the lens while the laparoscope is in the body cavity.

Abstract: Electric power of a required voltage is supplied to an endoscope distal end portion, and a distal end temperature is prevented from being higher. An imaging device having an imaging element, and its peripheral circuit and a first circuit part including a first regulator as a power circuit are built in the endoscope distal end portion. The first circuit part is connected to a second circuit part via a cable. The second circuit part includes a second regulator supplying electric power to the first regulator. By the overcurrent detection function of a temperature detecting unit or a regulator arranged, when at least one abnormality of a temperature abnormality and an overcurrent in the distal end portion is detected, the output of at least one of the first regulator and the second regulator is stopped, and supply of power to the distal end portion is stopped.

Abstract: The invention discloses an oral endoscope detection system and a detection method thereof. The oral endoscope detection system comprises an insertion portion, a camera unit arranged in the insertion portion, a displacement information acquisition module, an operation mode setting module, a signal transmission module, an operation unit connected with the insertion portion, an image control processing module and a display device. An image displayed on the display device is a positive visual image of a subject part by using the invention, so that the operator can better operate a subject oral cavity to avoid the situation that the operator cannot make correct judgment because detection images taken by oral endoscopes in the prior art are upside down or skew.

Abstract: A laryngoscope is described for inserting into a mouth of a patient having a tongue, the laryngoscope comprising a handle and an elongate blade detachably fixed to the handle in a plane angularly disposed with respect to the longitudinal axis of the handle. The blade includes a stationary portion and a movable portion having a surface for engaging the tongue of the patient, the movable portion mounted to the stationary portion of the blade for rotation about an axis substantially along the longitudinal axis of the blade. An operating member is manipulated by user for rotating the movable portion of the blade, wherein laryngoscopy of the patient by manipulation of the handle includes at least a rotating motion of the movable portion of the blade.

Abstract: The present technology relates generally to devices and methods for intravascular evaluation of blood vessels. Many embodiments of the technology relate to the intravascular evaluation of blood vessels before, during and after creation of autologous valves. In one embodiment, for example, the present technology is directed to a method comprising intravascularly delivering a delivery catheter to a target location adjacent a vessel wall and engaging the vessel wall along a portion of the delivery catheter. The method can further include imaging a cross-section of a dissection pouch using a visualization element, and determining a physical parameter of the vessel wall based on the image of the cross-section of the dissection pouch.

Abstract: A system or method for measuring human ocular performance can be implemented using an eye sensor, a head orientation sensor, an electronic circuit and a display that presents one of virtual reality information, augmented reality information, or synthetic computer-generated 3-dimensional information. The device is configured for measuring saccades, pursuit tracking during visual pursuit, nystagmus, vergence, eyelid closure, or focused position of the eyes. The eye sensor comprises a video camera that senses vertical movement and horizontal movement of at least one eye. The head orientation sensor senses pitch and yaw in the range of frequencies between 0.01 Hertz and 15 Hertz. The system uses a Fourier transform to generate a vertical gain signal and a horizontal gain signal.

Abstract: Various embodiments relate to systems and methods for performing eye examinations using an HMD that is able to present an image to each eye individually and then to both eyes simultaneously. Because the HMD, rather than a patient, controls conditions (e.g., glare, brightness) during the examination, test results are more likely to be accurate and reliable. In some embodiments, the HMD employs voice recognition to replicate the conversational exchange that would typically occur between the patient and the ophthalmologist or optometrist. The HMD may also be configured to change the visual environment experienced by the patient during testing. Further yet, the HMD, or another distinct computing system, may be configured to identify abnormal test results in real-time and, in some embodiments, the examination is modified accordingly. For example, tests scheduled to be performed during the examination can be modified or removed and new tests can be added.

Abstract: Systems and methods for sub-aperture correlation based wavefront measurement in a thick sample and correction as a post processing technique for interferometric imaging to achieve near diffraction limited resolution are described. Theory, simulation and experimental results are presented for the case of full field interference microscopy. The inventive technique can be applied to any coherent interferometric imaging technique and does not require knowledge of any system parameters. In one embodiment of the present application, a fast and simple way to correct for defocus aberration is described. A variety of applications for the method are presented.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting a traumatic brain injury (TBI). The system comprises a sensing arrangement and a control unit. The sensing arrangement collects eye movement data of a user. The control unit is in communication with the sensing arrangement and configured to compare the eye movement data to one or more baseline measurements of eye movement dynamics. The control unit is also configured to generate an alert indicating the presence or severity of the TBI for delivery to control unit administrator if the eye movement data diverges from one or more of the baseline measurements by a threshold amount.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for measuring angular direction of individual photoreceptors in an eye. A light source is projected through the pupil of the eye onto the retina. An image of the light reflected back from the plurality of photoreceptors is captured at a first focal depth and then at a second focal depth, where the first focal depth is different than the second focal depth. At least one individual photoreceptor is identified in both images and a lateral difference of the position of the identified photoreceptor is measured. The angular direction of the photoreceptor is then calculated based on the measured lateral difference.

Abstract: Methods and systems for suppressing shadowgraphic flow projection artifacts in OCT angiography images of a sample are disclosed. In one example approach, normalized OCT angiography data is analyzed at the level of individual A-scans to classify signals as either flow or projection artifact. This classification information is then used to suppress projection artifacts in the three dimensional OCT angiography dataset.

Abstract: An ophthalmic apparatus capable of selectively performing a first imaging mode in which imaging of a subject's eye is performed in a first state where an attachment unit is not attached, and a second imaging mode in which imaging of the subject's eye is performed in a second state where the attachment unit is attached. The ophthalmic apparatus includes: an operation unit; an attachment state determination unit to determine whether or not the attachment unit is attached; a correspondence determination unit to determine whether or not the correspondence between the imaging mode designated by a use of the operation unit and an attachment state of the attachment unit obtained by the attachment state determination unit is appropriate; and a controller to perform control for prohibiting imaging in at least the designated imaging mode when the correspondence determination unit has determined that the correspondence is not appropriate.

Abstract: An external data retrieval apparatus receives a low resolution version of a physiological signal from an active implantable medical device and determines if the physiological signal represents a clinically significant event. The apparatus provides an indication of such determination to the implantable medical device. If the physiological signal does represent a clinically significant event, the apparatus receives a full download of the physiological signal from the implantable device.

Abstract: There are disclosed systems, devices, and methods for generating insights relating to patient health using a social networking platform interconnecting a patient with a plurality of care givers. The patient is provided access to a computer application configured to solicit and collect patient data from the patient, the computer application selected based on at least one characteristic of the patient. First patient data reflective of the health condition of the patient, as collected by the computer application, are received through the social networking platform. A communication from a care giver is transmitted to the patient through the social networking platform. Second patient data reflective of the health condition responsive to the transmitted communication are received through the social networking platform. The first and second patient data are analyzed to determine at least one insight relating to health of the patient; and a report is generated to present the insight.

Abstract: A roll-to-roll printing process for large scale manufacturing of nanosensor systems for sensing pathophysiological signals is disclosed. The roll-to-roll manufacturing process may include three processes to improve the throughput and to reduce the cost in manufacturing: fabrication of textile based nanosensors, printing conductive tracks, and integration of electronics. The wireless nanosensor systems can be used in different monitoring applications. The fabric sheet printed and integrated with the customized components can be used in a variety of different applications. The electronics in the nanosensor systems connect to remote severs through adhoc networks or cloud networks with standard communication protocols or non-standard customized protocols for remote health monitoring.

Abstract: The invention provides both systems and kits for medical imaging of nerves in the head and neck of a subject.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a catheter-based system of image-guided internally-administered treatment of medical conditions such as, for example, pancreatic cancer. A distal end of a catheter is positioned at a target site inside a patient's body. An imaging probe extended through the catheter collects image data of patient tissue at the target site. The image data is processed and a treatment plan is developed. A radiation source positioned at the distal end of the catheter without removing the catheter. In this way, images collected at the target tissue site can be used to develop a treatment plan and to guide the localized positioning and operation of a treatment device at the same internal tissue site—thereby providing higher resolution imaging than external-based imaging modalities and reduced exposure to radiation as compared to externally applied radiation therapies.

Abstract: Imaging systems for fluorescence guided surgery are provided. An imaging system comprises a light source unit for providing one or more illumination and excitation lights to a target, a detection unit for detecting reflectance and fluorescence from the target, an optical train for directing the one or more illumination and excitation lights from the light source unit to the target and for directing the reflectance and fluorescence from the target to the detection unit, and a control unit for controlling the light source unit and the detection unit. Imaging methods for fluorescence guided surgery are also provided.

Abstract: An acoustic wave detector that detects an acoustic wave from a subject, an optical fiber that guides light emitted from a light source to a probe body, and a light guide member that guides light from a light entrance end, which is optically coupled to the optical fiber, to a light exit end, which is located in the vicinity of the acoustic wave detector, are provided. The light guide member is secured in the probe body with a securing material provided at least partially around the light guide member. The conditional expression below is satisfied: sin?1(n2/n1)×(180°/?)<90°??i where n1 is a refractive index of the light guide member, n2 is a refractive index of the securing material, and ?i is a spread angle of incoming light from the optical fiber.

Abstract: A process for detecting activity of a person, in which movements of the person are measured by at least one sensor attached to the person, and respective components of the movements due to external activity and due to physiological activity are separated. The process obtains a signal of the sensor, filters the signal to derive a filtered signal, the filtering including partitioning the signal of the center into a low frequency component and high frequency component, and subtracts the filtered signal from the signal of the sensor. The filtering further variably extracts portions of the high frequency component according to a criterion of either a minimal level or a minimal instability of the signal of the sensor, and the filtered signal includes the low frequency component and the extracted portions of the high frequency components.

Abstract: An integrated multifunction sensor, a mobile integrated sensor device, and process are described that include a sensor, where the sensor is used primarily for a first purpose other than as an electrode. In an implementation, an integrated multifunction sensor includes a multifunction sensor configured as a sensor and a first electrode, the multifunction sensor including a lid coupled to a first side of the sensor, where the lid includes a semi-conductive material, and an analog device connected to the lid; where the multifunction sensor is configured to couple to a controller that receives health information from the first electrode and a second electrode. In some embodiments, the integrated multifunction sensor can include an integrated optical sensor. In some implementations, a second electrode may be located elsewhere in a mobile integrated sensor device and complete a differential circuit.

Abstract: A blood pressure cuff is defined by a first sheet, having an opening, and a second sheet. The second sheet is attached to a bottom of the first sheet to form an interior inflatable portion between the first sheet and the second sheet, with the opening of the first sheet fluidly interconnecting the interior inflatable portion with an exterior of the cuff. The blood pressure cuff is made from a single type of material and can be recycled, biodegradable, or composted.

Abstract: A measurement device includes an ear canal connection configured to be inserted into an ear canal, a shaft extending from the ear canal connection along an insertion direction, a biological sensor configured to be turnable about the shaft relative to the ear canal connection and a controller configured to measure the biological information based on a biometric output obtained from the biological sensor.

Abstract: Described is an apparatus which comprises: a current source to generate a current having AC and DC components; a current-to-voltage converter to convert the current or a copy of the current to a voltage proportional to a resistance, the voltage having AC and DC components that correspond to the AC and DC components of the current; a first sample-and-hold circuit to sample and filter the AC component from the voltage and to provide an output voltage with the DC component; a second sample-and-hold circuit to sample the output voltage; a voltage-to-current converter to convert the sampled output voltage to a corresponding current; and an amplifier to receive the output voltage.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide for monitoring a user's heart rate. One embodiment comprises a heart rate monitor that includes a pair of contacts that are configured to electrically couple to one of a pair of sensors in a garment worn by a user. The monitor detects a change in impedance across the contacts, and responsive to the impedance being below a threshold, the monitor senses a cardiac electrical activity of the user utilizing the pair of sensors. The monitor calculates a heart rate of the user based on the cardiac electrical activity, determines if the heart rate is within a range of heart rate values, and responsive to the heart rate being within the range of heart rate values, the monitor simultaneously transmits the heart rate utilizing different protocols to at least one external device.

Abstract: A system is provided that furnishes expert procedural guidance based upon patient-specific data gained from surgical instruments incorporating sensors on the instrument's working surface, one or more reference sensors placed about the patient, sensors implanted before, during or after the procedure, the patient's personal medical history, and patient status monitoring equipment. Embodiments include a system having a surgical instrument with a sensor for generating a signal indicative of a property of a subject tissue of the patient, which signal is converted into a current dataset and stored. A processor compares the current dataset with other previously stored datasets, and uses the comparison to assess a physical condition of the subject tissue and/or to guide a procedure being performed on the tissue.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring the impedance and impedance changes in a body segment are disclosed. By utilizing an ECG buffer, at least one plethysmograph buffer, and concurrently performing at least extraction of an ECG waveform stored in the ECG buffer and extraction of impedance waveforms stored in the at least one plethysmograph buffer, enhanced signal-to-noise ratios of output signals of impedance plethysmographs are achieved. In an embodiment, improved waveform selection using template matching is also achieved. With template matching, a new candidate waveform is compared in shape to the previous average waveform and may be accepted for current averaging based on the comparison.

Abstract: An optical electrode having a plurality of electrodes, including a recording electrode having a roughened surface and an optical light source configured to emit light, wherein at least a portion of the light impinges on the recording electrode. Also disclosed are methods of producing an optical electrode and an opto-electronic neural interface system.

Abstract: In a system and method for non-contact mapping of an anatomic structure, the spatial position of an electrode is determined independent of a previously generated three-dimensional model of the anatomic structure. A position of the electrode relative to a boundary surface of the model is determined, along with a corresponding point on the boundary surface of the three-dimensional model that is closest to the relative electrode position. A signed distance (d) of the relative electrode position from the corresponding closest point on the boundary surface is determined, wherein a positive signed distance indicates the relative electrode position is exterior to the model. In such an instance, the boundary surface is perturbed (e.g., expanded outward) at least in part as a function of the signed distance (d) until the relative electrode position lies interior to the model.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to signal processing. In accordance with example embodiments, methods and apparatuses involve using at least two electrodes that sense an ECG signal. A denoising module is communicatively coupled to the at least two electrodes, and receives the ECG signal sensed by the sensing electrodes. The denoising module includes circuitry that conditions and digitizes the ECG signal, and a computing circuit that processes the digitized ECG signal to denoise the ECG signal. A communications circuit generates a communication including the denoised ECG signal for access by a remote device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of diagnosing whether a subject with no known history of atrial fibrillation is suffering from atrial fibrillation, or not, said method comprising the steps of a) determining the amount of a BNP-type peptide in a sample of said subject; b) comparing the amount the BNP-type peptide to a reference, and c) assessing intermittent ECG recordings obtained from said subject over a period of at least one week by using a handheld ECG device.

Abstract: One example embodiment is a device for detecting fullness of a bladder of a subject. The device includes a distension sensor, an electromyography (EMG) sensor and a microcontroller. The distension sensor is located on a waistband of a pant and detects changes to a curvature of skin adjacent the bladder. The EMG sensor is located in the pant and includes two EMG electrodes that detect potential difference caused by contractions of the bladder. The microcontroller processes signals received from the distension sensor and the EMG sensor and generates, based on the signals, an output value that indicates the fullness of the bladder.

Abstract: An electromagnetic (EM) probe for monitoring at least one biological tissue. The EM probe comprises a spiral antenna conductor (not shown) and an EM radiation absorbing layer (92) mounted along the antenna. The EM radiation absorbing layer has a plurality of substantially concentric frame shaped regions (93A-C) corresponding to portions of said spiral antenna having equal surface of antenna conductor, any of said plurality of concentric frame shaped regions has an EM radiation absorption coefficient different than any other of said neighbouring concentric frame shaped regions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for superimposing known patterns, characteristic of a region, on (real) images of said region. The device comprises, a memory in which patterns are stored, which are representative of a selected region, of known position and orientation with relation to a common reference and processing means, for determining a pattern representative of the selected portion in the memory, on receipt of the designation of at least one portion of an observed image of the selected region, taken at a selected angle and at least one representative attribute of said region, taking account of the attribute selected, then superimposing the determined pattern on the selected portion of the image taking account of the selected angle.

Abstract: Devices and methods obtain and use endovascular electrograms in a number of clinical applications and settings. In one embodiment, methods for triggering analysis of an endovascular ECG waveform are based on the detection of a peak in a skin-based ECG waveform in order to determine a location of an indwelling medical device, such as a catheter. In another embodiment, the position of a catheter or other medical device within the vasculature can be determined by analysis of the energy profile of a detected P-wave. In yet other embodiments, magnetic connecting devices are used for establishing an operable connection through a sterile field.

Abstract: An animal monitoring device configured as a bolus for oral administration to reside in the reticulorumen of a ruminant animal. The animal monitoring device includes a memory element, a processor in communication with the memory element and a computer code contained in the memory element. The computer code includes a power management module executable by the processor to regulate power use by the bolus based on determination of remaining energy stored in an energy source and the determined power requirements over a pre-determined life cycle of the bolus.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating obstructive sleep apnea by first performing an assessment of the patient that involves observing the patient's upper airway during a tongue protrusion maneuver. The assessment may, for example, be done using endoscopy to observe the upper airway while the patient is awake in the supine position. An adequate response of the upper airway during the tongue protrusion maneuver is indicative of likely therapeutic success with hypoglossal nerve stimulation, and may be used for making clinical decisions. The principles of the present invention may be applied to other therapeutic interventions for OSA involving the upper airway.

Abstract: A device for measuring an expanded internal orifice of a patient includes an orifice-expanding device, a pressure measuring device, and a size-measuring device. The size-measuring device measures a dimension of the orifice after it has been expanded by the orifice-expanding device.

Abstract: A person support apparatus includes one or more thermal image sensors whose outputs are analyzed to perform one or more functions. Such functions include automatically turning on a brake, automatically turning on one or more lights, detecting when a patient associated with the person support apparatus has fallen, enabling a propulsion system of the patient support apparatus to be used, automatically controlling one or more environmental controls, and/or automatically arming an exit detection system after entry of a patient onto the person support apparatus. Multiple thermal images may be generated from multiple sensors to generate stereoscopic thermal images of portions of the person support apparatus and its surroundings.