Abstract: A roasting post comprises a rod having a first end and a second end. The first end is configured to be inserted into the ground. A brace perpendicular to the rod is located at or near the second end. The brace comprises at least one counterbalance hook configured to receive a skewer such that the skewer is held substantially perpendicular to the ground while any food items on the skewer are held over a fire.

Abstract: The invention includes manually operated portable multi-functional herb grinding and vertically dispensing means. The said means is a portable herb grinding device, with storage for raw unused and finished ground dried herbs, that allows grinding and precision vertical dispensing of dried herbs. The said herb grinding device comprising of a manually operated mating grinding rotor and stator, the first of which includes raw material storage and the second part, which removably connects to the said first part, has an integrated storage chamber and precision dispenser. The said first part rotates during the grinding operation and accommodates storage of unused herbs. The said second part is stationary during the grinding operation and accommodates the storage and vertical precision dispensing of the ground product. The dispensing mechanism on the end which can be opened allowing the user to vertically dispense the ground herb in a precise manner or closed for storage or transport.

Abstract: A portable blender includes a handle having at least one first attachment structure, an activation button, and a power activation member positioned for mechanical engagement with the activation button and a power switch. The blender also includes a container body with at least one second attachment structure. The first attachment structure and second attachment structure are configured to engage each other to attach the handle to the container body and to disengage each other to detach the handle from the container body. The blender further includes a container base configured for detachable engagement with the container body. In one configuration, the blender set includes a motor subunit configured for detachable engagement with the container base, and a power subunit configured for detachable engagement with the motor subunit. In another configuration, the blender includes a motor subunit configured for detachable engagement with the container base, and a power subunit included in the handle.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to food preparation appliance with a rotatable tool for chopping and/or mixing a food in a food preparation container, the tool being detachably connected to a shaft, which extends from outside the food preparation container through a passage toward the tool inside the food preparation container in order to be able to drive the tool to rotate. A locking mechanism is provided for producing a locked connection of the tool to the shaft and is equipped so that a releasing and/or a locking of the connection of the tool from/to the shaft can be performed from outside the food preparation container. The present disclosure also relates to an anchoring assembly for the food preparation appliance. It is thus possible to ensure a simple and convenient removal of a prepared food from the food preparation container.

Abstract: A grating device for grating a substantially solid product capable of being grated. The grating device includes a first housing being positioned, shaped and sized for encasing the product to be grated. The grating device also includes a second housing operatively connectable to the first housing, the second housing having a loading section being configured for receiving the product to be grated. The grating device also includes a grating drum rotatably mountable about the second housing, and being positioned, shaped and sized for grating the product from the loading section of the second housing via a rotation of the grating drum against said product. The grating device also includes a biasing assembly operatively cooperable with the first housing for biasing the product to be grated inside the loading section of the second housing towards and against the grating drum.

Abstract: According to one example, a system includes a hollow container and a ladle. The hollow container has a first opening at a proximal end, a second opening at an opposing distal end, and a sidewall that extends from the proximal end to the distal end. The first opening is wider than the second opening. The ladle comprises a handle having a proximal end and a distal end, and further comprises a cup coupled to the distal end of the handle. The cup has an inner surface configured to hold a food item. The cup further has an outer surface configured to substantially seal the second opening of the hollow container from within the hollow container.

Abstract: A chop and catch apparatus comprising a base comprising a base lower member and a base frame member surrounding and bounding base lower member and extending vertically upward therefrom forming an uncovered internal cavity; a support member comprising a spine and a plurality of support member arms, each attached to the spine, such support member freely removable from the base and positioned in the cavity of the base during use; a plurality of trays, each tray freely removable from the base, wherein the plurality of trays are positioned in the cavity of the base during use and at least one tray is positioned on one side of the support member and at least one tray is positioned on the opposite side of the support member; and a cutting board comprising a cutting board center member and a plurality of cutting board arms extending from cutting board center member, such cutting board being removably secured to the base and positioned above the cavity of the base, the plurality of trays, and the support member during

Abstract: In a soup supply apparatus, when a hopper upper lid and a vertical rotation shaft that has a stirring blade are to be cleaned, at least the hopper upper lid and the vertical rotation shaft are configured to be easily disassembled and to be easily coupled after cleaning as well. In addition, a cylindrical first engaging body on an output shaft side and a cylindrical second engaging body on the vertical rotation shaft side are configured as to be easily and reliably engaged by a free end portion of an upper-portion housing box of a machine body lowered in a downward direction. Furthermore, the apparatus is configured to support the vertical rotation shaft to the hopper upper lid in a stable state.

Abstract: A bucket, the bucket comprising: an inner wall, the inner wall forming a container with a rounded bottom; an outer wall attached to the inner wall via a top bucket surface, the outer wall having a frusto-conical shape and envelops the inner wall, and the outer wall extends down below the rounded bottom, where the bottom of the outer wall acts as a stand for the bucket, and where the outer wall has a bottom diameter at the bottom of the outer wall, and a top diameter at the top of the outer wall, and where the bottom diameter is larger than the top diameter.

Abstract: A portable sink washing station having a filtration system is provided. The portable sink washing station includes an enclosed housing structure having a hingedly connected top surface wherein a sink countertop is disposed underneath the top surface. The sink countertop includes a contoured basin having a drain therein and an extendable faucet member which is in fluid communication with one of two internal reservoirs disposed within the interior volume of the housing structure. One of the internal reservoirs is adapted to hold and store clean water while the other is adapted to hold and store wastewater. At least one filtration system is included to filter the wastewater for transfer and reuse within the clean water reservoir. A pumping system, as well as a heat source, is included within the portable washing sink station to supply warm water to be used through the faucet member on the countertop.

Abstract: A mobile handwashing system includes a soap dispenser and a lid structured to fit both the soap dispenser and a water bottle. In a first embodiment, the water bottle is a rigid water bottle that screws onto the lid. The soap dispenser includes external threading on the reservoir that also screws onto the lid. In a second embodiment, the mobile hand washing system attaches to a plastic disposable water bottle and also includes a soap dispenser. In either embodiment, the system can be used to drink water and also separately to provide soap and water for hand washing or the like.

Abstract: Embodiments of the innovation relate to a wipe dispensing system that includes a wipe supply, a drive assembly disposed in operational communication with the wipe supply, a fluid dispensing assembly, and a wipe dispensing controller disposed in electrical communication with the drive assembly and the fluid dispensing assembly. The wipe dispensing controller is configured to receive a wipe criterion which defines a characteristic of a wipe to be provided by the wipe dispensing system, dispose a portion of the wipe supply between a first position and a second position relative to the fluid dispensing assembly via the drive assembly and based upon the wipe criterion, and apply a fluid to the portion of the wipe supply via the fluid dispensing assembly based upon the wipe criterion to generate the wipe.

Abstract: A dispenser for sheet products includes a housing having a space inside for accommodating a stack of sheet products, wherein the housing includes a dispensing opening for dispensing a sheet product from the front of the stack, an electronic controller configured to receive a pull-out signal indicating the removal of a product from the front of the stack through the dispensing opening and, upon receiving said pull-out signal, to send out a drive signal to transfer a number of sheet products from the front of the stack into a presentation position, and a pull-out detector for detecting the removal of a product from the front of the stack through the dispensing opening and for providing the pull-out signal to the controller.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods of the present disclosure are directed to dispensing wipes that are treated as the wipes move through a housing of a dispenser. Such in situ treatment of the wipes may facilitate, for example, achieving control over one or more of the concentration, composition, or distribution of one or more chemicals carried by the wipes. Further, or instead, the one or more chemicals may be formed within the housing (e.g., just prior to treating the wipes), which may be useful for treating the wipes with chemicals that have limited stability and/or for reducing chemical handling requirements along a supply chain.

Abstract: A handheld window cleaning machine includes a shell assembly in which a water-air separation unit is accommodated; a water tank assembly at a bottom of the shell assembly, a wastewater separation unit in the water tank assembly, an outlet of the wastewater separation unit in communication with an inlet of the water-air separation unit; and a suction nozzle assembly pluggably connected to a front end of the shell assembly, an outlet of the suction nozzle assembly in communication with the wastewater separation unit; an air outlet of the water-air separation unit is open outward, and a wastewater backflow opening at a bottom of the water-air separation unit, and the wastewater backflow opening in communication with an inlet of the wastewater separation unit.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to a triggerless extractor surface cleaning device for cleaning a surface in which a cleaning solution is distributed to the surface and extracted using suction along with dirt and/or debris on the surface in a continuous operation as the extractor moves along the surface. The extractor further comprises an encoder positioned adjacent a wheel of the extractor for detecting a rotational direction and speed of the wheel to generate a signal. Based on receiving the signal, a controller controls operation of a valve to situationally distribute the cleaning solution to the surface depending on a forward rotation of the wheel and independent of user actuation of a trigger positioned on a handle used to propel the extractor along the surface. Distribution of the cleaning solution can be further optimized based on the detected rotational speed of the wheel.

Abstract: An attachment to a portable vacuum or blower device that allows a user to direct the items collected by the portable vacuum or blower device to a separate container in an easy to carry assembly. The attachment to a portable vacuum or blower device has an adapter, an inlet and outlet assembly, and a lid. The lid detachably couples to a bucket or other container allowing the user to discard the bucket and collected items entirely or store the bucket with the collected items, depending on the items collected. The adapter provides attachments to popular portable vacuum or blower devices.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner may include a surface cleaning head, a wand pivotally coupled to the surface cleaning head, and a rotatable canister mount. The rotatable canister mount may include a support through which at least a portion of the wand extends such that the canister mount rotates relative to the wand in response to the wand pivoting.

Abstract: Provided is a self-moving ground processing apparatus and a suction nozzle. The self-moving ground processing apparatus includes at least an apparatus main body and a suction nozzle coupled to the apparatus main body, where, a suction port is formed on the bottom of the suction nozzle, an advancing direction of the suction nozzle during the operation process is set as a forward direction, a front sealing strip is arranged on the front side of the suction port, the front sealing strip and includes a fixed end and a free end extending toward a working surface. The front sealing strip is made of a flexible material, and the front sealing strip is arranged to deviate from the forward direction, so that a projection of the fixed end on the working surface is positioned before a projection of the free end on the working surface.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is described and comprises a handle portion and a housing containing a collection apparatus for removing contaminants from an airstream. Base portion has a suction inlet arranged to draw air into the base portion. At least one, and preferably two brush assemblies are rotatably mounted to the underside of base portion. Each brush assembly comprises a body portion around the circumference of which a plurality of bristles, preferably clumped in bristle tufts are mounted. On the underside of each body portion, a plurality of floor engaging members are disposed. Floor engaging members are configured to engage a surface on which the vacuum cleaner is placed such that when the vacuum cleaner is advanced forward, the floor engaging members grip the surface to cause rotation of the body portion and therefore brush assemblies.

Abstract: An air nozzle comprises a body, the body having a first end for coupling to an air gun, and a second end having bristles, the body having a channel therethrough allowing air (or other fluids) to pass therethrough. In one example, a scraper may be coupled to the second end in place of bristles. A user may then easily clean a surface using the bristles, scraper, and air or water.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a dust collector for a vacuum cleaner, including a first cyclone disposed within an outer case to filter out dust from air introduced from an outside thereof and introduce the air from which dust has been filtered out to an inside thereof, a second cyclone accommodated in the inside of the first cyclone to separate fine dust from the air introduced to the inside of the first cyclone, a first guide vane spirally extended from an annular shaped first space between the first and the second cyclone to induce rotational flow so as to introduce air introduced into the first space to an inlet of the second cyclone, and a second guide vane spirally extended along an inner circumference of the inlet to enhance the rotational flow of air introduced to an inside of the second cyclone through the inlet.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus and a method of executing a cleaning operation are provided. The cleaning apparatus includes a sensor including a plurality of sensors, a memory configured to store at least one instruction, and a processor configured to execute the at least one instruction to control the cleaning apparatus. The processor is further configured to determine properties of a pollutant on a movement path of the cleaning apparatus by using the sensor, determine a cleaning operation of removing the pollutant, based on the determined properties of the pollutant, and execute the determined cleaning operation.

Abstract: A robotic cleaning apparatus for performing a cleaning operation and a method of cleaning a cleaning space therefor are provided. The method includes acquiring contamination data indicating a contamination level of the cleaning space, acquiring contamination map data based on the contamination data, determining at least one cleaning target area in the cleaning space, based on a current time and the contamination map data, and cleaning the determined at least one cleaning target area. The method and apparatus may relate to artificial intelligence (AI) systems for mimicking functions of human brains, e.g., cognition and decision, by using a machine learning algorithm such as deep learning, and applications thereof.

Abstract: A handy-stick type vacuum cleaner is disclosed. The disclosed vacuum cleaner comprises: a first part for collecting dust included in air suctioned to the inside through a suction hole; and a second part including a suction motor and a handle, wherein the first and second parts are hinge-connected so as to communicate with each other.

Abstract: A wet-cleaning apparatus for the wet cleaning of a floor surface includes a hand-guidance part, which is connected for pivoting articulation, about at least two joint axes, to a floor part, which in an operating state rests on the floor surface, and is in torque-transmitting operative connection with the floor part. At least one floor-treatment tool is arranged on the floor part and has two disc tools, which in the operating state rest on the floor surface, can be rotated in opposite directions by at least one drive and are arranged and/or configured such that, in the operating state, there is permanent linear propulsion along a cleaning direction onto the floor part. A suction-bar arrangement is arranged behind the floor-treatment tool, as seen in relation to the cleaning direction, and is intended for the suction removal of liquid from the floor surface.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for performing autonomous self-service are described. A robotic device may identify a status of a chamber associated with the robotic device based on sensor data received from a sensor of the robotic device and pause an autonomous debris collection process of the robotic device based on the identified status. The robotic device may automatically remove a first container from the chamber based on the identified status and discard the first container away from the robotic device. In some examples, the robotic device may discard the first container at a fixed position within a geo-boundary corresponding to the debris collection process. The robotic device may resume the autonomous debris collection process based on an introduction of a second container.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to a triggerless extractor surface cleaning device for cleaning a surface in which a cleaning solution is distributed to the surface and extracted using suction along with dirt and/or debris on the surface in a continuous operation as the extractor moves along the surface. The extractor further comprises an encoder positioned adjacent a wheel of the extractor for detecting a rotational direction and speed of the wheel to generate a signal. Based on receiving the signal, a controller controls operation of a valve to situationally distribute the cleaning solution to the surface depending on a forward rotation of the wheel and independent of user actuation of a trigger positioned on a handle used to propel the extractor along the surface. Distribution of the cleaning solution can be further optimized based on the detected rotational speed of the wheel.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to a triggerless extractor surface cleaning device for cleaning a surface in which a cleaning solution is distributed to the surface and extracted using suction along with dirt and/or debris on the surface in a continuous operation as the extractor moves along the surface. The extractor further comprises an encoder positioned adjacent a wheel of the extractor for detecting a rotational direction and speed of the wheel to generate a signal. Based on receiving the signal, a controller controls operation of a valve to situationally distribute the cleaning solution to the surface depending on a forward rotation of the wheel and independent of user actuation of a trigger positioned on a handle used to propel the extractor along the surface. Distribution of the cleaning solution can be further optimized based on the detected rotational speed of the wheel.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to a triggerless extractor surface cleaning device for cleaning a surface in which a cleaning solution is distributed to the surface and extracted using suction along with dirt and/or debris on the surface in a continuous operation as the extractor moves along the surface. The extractor further comprises an encoder positioned adjacent a wheel of the extractor for detecting a rotational direction and speed of the wheel to generate a signal. Based on receiving the signal, a controller controls operation of a valve to situationally distribute the cleaning solution to the surface depending on a forward rotation of the wheel and independent of user actuation of a trigger positioned on a handle used to propel the extractor along the surface. Distribution of the cleaning solution can be further optimized based on the detected rotational speed of the wheel.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a cleaning robot (10). The cleaning robot (10) comprises a cleaning body (20) and an adjustment mechanism (30). The cleaning body (20) comprises a handle (100) and a working assembly (200), and the working assembly (200) is provided at one end of the handle (100), the working assembly (200) includes a roller (210) and a first driving mechanism (220), and the first driving mechanism (220) can drive the roller (210) to rotate relative to the handle (100). The adjustment mechanism (30) is connected with the first driving mechanism (220), and the adjustment mechanism (30) can adjust the rotational direction and rotational speed of the roller (210) by controlling the first driving mechanism (220).

Abstract: A random orbit scrubber comprises a main body having a front end and a rear end, a squeegee assembly coupled to the rear end of the main body, and a cleaning head assembly coupled to the front end of the main body. The cleaning head assembly can include a cleaning element structured for contact with a floor surface. The cleaning head assembly can further include a motor that is operable to impart rotational and orbital movement on the cleaning element. The cleaning head assembly can also include one or more arcuate cleaning fluid manifolds each having a plurality of dispensing points to distribute cleaning fluid in one or more locations on top of and in front of the cleaning element. The arcuate cleaning fluid manifolds can include variable flow nozzles and can be mounted to a carriage that rotates about the cleaning head assembly.

Abstract: A portable device for receiving a liquid from a floor via a squeegee or another scraping implement includes a container having a bottom and an opening that is distanced from the bottom, a ramp that extends from the opening of the container to a position generally levelled with the bottom, the ramp being adapted to receive the squeegee in a scraping movement thereon, and a handle portion that is more distanced from the bottom of the container than the opening thereof. The handle portion is adapted to receive a blade portion of the squeegee in order to move the device therewith.

Abstract: A cleaning element includes a fiber assembly having a plurality of fibers extending in a predetermined direction and a nonwoven fabric provided on the fiber assembly. A first fusion bonded part extends in a cross direction traversing the predetermined direction to fusion-bond the fiber assembly and the nonwoven fabric, and a plurality of second fusion bonded parts is provided discontinuously in the cross direction to fusion-bond the fiber assembly and the nonwoven fabric. Each of the second fusion bonded parts has a first area and a second area. A length in the predetermined direction from the first fusion bonded part to the first area is different from a length in the predetermined direction from the first fusion bonded part to the second area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dishwasher. The dishwasher according to the present invention includes a tub for providing a washing space, a rack for accommodating dishes in the tub, a spray nozzle for spraying wash water toward the dishes accommodated in the rack, a sump for supplying the wash water to the spray nozzle, a pump for pumping the wash water stored in the sump to the spray nozzle, a supply pipe connecting the sump and the spray nozzle, and an air jet generator disposed in a supply flow path formed by the supply pipe to suck outside air to the wash water flowing along the supply pipe and crush the air to thereby form air bubbles.

Abstract: A dish washing machine includes a door, a main body in which a washing tub for opening and closing the front opening of the door is provided, and a basket configured to be installed in the washing tub to be able to move in and out of the washing tub and to contain dishes. A sensing unit is configured to sense a basket identifier and a door identifier. A driving unit is configured to drive a vane. A controller is configured to control the driving unit such that cleaning is performed for each dish storage area of the basket based on the sensed result of a sensing unit. The controller determines the area where the dishes are laid, and controls the driving unit to clean the dish storage area where the dishes are laid.

Abstract: A dishwasher having an improved structure so that a height of a rack assembly may be adjusted includes: a main body; a tub provided inside the main body and having an opening; a door provided to open or close the opening of the tub; and a rack assembly disposed inside the tub to accommodate tableware, wherein the rack assembly includes: a frame including a loading portion on which the tableware is placed, the loading portion including a fixing plate and a lifting plate provided to be movable up and down; an operating member provided to be capable of adjusting a height of the lifting plate; and a lifting induction member provided to connect the operating member and the lifting plate, and wherein the lifting plate moves in conjunction with the lifting induction member by the operation of the operating member.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope processor includes: a converting means for converting each of a plurality of pieces of pixel data that are made up of n (n?3) types of color components and constitute a color image of a biological tissue in a body cavity into a piece of pixel data that is made up of m (m?2) types of color components, m being smaller than n; a correlation value calculating means for setting a reference axis that is related to a target illness and, for each pixel of the color image, calculating a correlation value with a predetermined reference that is related to the target illness; and an evaluation value calculating means for integrating the correlation values calculated for the pixels and setting a sum of the correlation value obtained by the integrating as an evaluation value that is related to the target illness.

Abstract: An endoscope of the present invention is provided with: an insertion portion that possesses flexibility and that has, in a distal-end portion in order from a distal-end side along a longitudinal axis, a first bending portion that is configured to bend in a first direction that intersects the longitudinal axis and a second bending portion that is configured to bend in a second direction that is different from the first direction; and a bending drive portion that is connected to a proximal end of the insertion portion, that causes the bending portions to work together, and that causes the first bending portion to bend in the first direction and also causes the second bending portion to bend in the second direction.

Abstract: Borescopes and related methods that are configured to preclude or minimize imaging in hazy and/or smoky conditions. In some embodiments, the borescope may comprise a shaft made up, at least in part, of a material that is electrically non-conductive material and/or thermally non-conductive, and a tip positioned at a distal end of the shaft. The tip may comprise at least one light source, such as an LED or array of LEDS, configured to deliver electromagnetic radiation in which no more than about 20% of the total spectral output is in the infrared spectrum. The electromagnetic radiation delivered from the at least one light source may comprise a spectrum having at least one of a local maximum and a global maximum between about 450 and about 495 nm. The at least one light source may be configured to deliver between about 20 and about 75 lumens of visible light.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising: a sleeve adapted to be slid over the exterior of an endoscope; an aft balloon secured to the sleeve; an inflation/deflation tube carried by the sleeve and in fluid communication with the interior of the aft balloon; a pair of hollow push tubes slidably mounted to the sleeve, the pair of hollow push tubes being connected to one another at their distal ends with a raised push tube bridge, the raised push tube bridge being configured to nest an endoscope therein; and a fore balloon secured to the distal ends of the pair of hollow push tubes, the interior of the fore balloon being in fluid communication with the interiors of the pair of hollow push tubes, wherein the fore balloon is capable of assuming a deflated condition and an inflated condition, and further wherein (i) when the fore balloon is in its deflated condition, an axial opening extends therethrough, the axial opening being sized to receive the endoscope therein, and (ii) when the fore balloon is in its inflated condition, the ax

Abstract: A system for visualizing a tissue region of interest comprises a deployment catheter defining at least one lumen therethrough and a hood projecting distally from the deployment catheter. The hood defines an open area that is in fluid communication with the at least one lumen. The system also comprises a delivery catheter sized to extend through the lumen. The delivery catheter includes a distal portion extendable distally from the deployment catheter and into the open area defined by the hood. The distal portion extends distally from the deployment catheter is articulatable within the open area.

Abstract: Provided is an endoscope that can suppress breakage of an optical fiber and has excellent assemblibility and handlability. An endoscope includes a light guide that guides illumination light created by a light source device from the light source device via an operating part of the endoscope to a distal end part of an insertion part of the endoscope through an interior of an endoscope. The light guide includes a first optical fiber bundle; a first protective tube that covers the first optical fiber bundle from the distal end part to the operating part; and a second protective tube that is connected to a proximal end part of the first protective tube and covers the first optical fiber bundle. The first protective tube is made of a non-porous (solid) fluororesin. The second protective tube has a bending stiffness smaller than the first protective tube.

Abstract: A three-dimensional wiring substrate includes: a front plate having an electrode pad electrically connected to a solid-state image sensing device; a rear plate protruding toward a rear side of the front plate from an outer peripheral portion of a rear surface of the front plate; an internal conductor connection pad which is disposed on the rear surface and to which an internal conductor of a coaxial cable is electrically connected; an external conductor connection pad which is disposed on a connection-side main surface which is a surface on an opening angle side of the rear plate with respect to the rear surface and to which an external conductor of the coaxial cable is electrically connected; and an inter-pad connection wiring that secures at least one of electrical continuity of the internal conductor connection pad and electrical continuity of the external conductor connection pad.

Abstract: A cleaning sheath for an endoscope according to various aspects of the present technology includes an open ended sheath coupled to a fluid line. The sheath is configured to receive an endoscope within the interior of the sheath wherein both the sheath and the endoscope may be inserted into a trocar during use. The sheath is further configured to direct a cleaning fluid onto the optics end of the endoscope to clear away any visual obstructions without requiring the removal of the endoscope from the trocar.

Abstract: An apparatus for oral imaging has a light source energizable to generate a light frequency signal ranging from a minimum to a maximum frequency. An image acquisition apparatus scans the generated light frequency signal to successive positions on a sample surface and to combine a returned signal from each successive position with the generated light frequency signal. The image acquisition apparatus has a detector that obtains a beat frequency signal from the combined returned signal and the generated light frequency signal. A processor that is in signal communication with the detector generates a processed beat signal from the combined signals, wherein the processed beat signal is indicative of the distance from the tunable laser source to the sample surface at the corresponding position. A display is in signal communication with the processor and is energizable to display distance data according to the processed beat signal for each scanned position.

Abstract: A dental suction mirror for suctioning liquids and particles from an oral cavity of a patient, includes a tubular hollow main body having an inner surface, an outer surface, a longitudinal axis, and a connection opening for a tube and a suction opening. The inner surface has a mirrored surface that can be observed through the suction opening, with the mirrored surface being arranged in such a manner that the oral cavity can be observed at least in some regions via said mirrored surface. The hollow base body has a central wall along its longitudinal axis, which divides the hollow space at least in some regions into a first hollow channel and a second hollow channel.

Abstract: A vaginal speculum which includes a fixed blade and a movable blade. The movable blade designed to be extended or retracted as required in order to adjust to the length of the vaginal canal of the patient undergoing surgery. A vaginal speculum is further designed with a blade angle assembly which allows and controls the angle of the blades in relation to its base. Also provided is a mechanism to adjust the height of the blades above the base.

Abstract: A method for generating a radial alignment guide for an eye includes collecting preoperative alignment data relative to a pupil from an eye that is not dilated. The method also includes locating a pupil center of the eye while dilated. The method further includes displaying the alignment data on an image of the dilated eye relative to the pupil center. In particular embodiments, software embodied in a computer-readable medium is executable by a processor to perform the steps of such a method.

Abstract: The present invention is an OCT imaging system user interface for efficiently providing relevant image displays to the user. These displays are used during image acquisition to align patients and verify acquisition image quality. During image analysis, these displays indicate positional relationships between displayed data images, automatically display suspicious analysis, automatically display diagnostic data, simultaneously display similar data from multiple visits, improve access to archived data, and provide other improvements for efficient data presentation of relevant information.