Abstract: A retention device for a low-structure food item and method of operation for holding a low-structure food, such as a bun-less sandwich, during preparation, holding, and consumption. The retention device comprises a pair of flat panels having spikes arranged on one side. The panels sandwich the food item above and below to provide a border that supports the food item while held and consumed. The panels have spikes on one side that orient towards the food item to penetrate the food item. The spikes maintain lateral stability of the food item during consumption. In operation, the panels press down on the food item from opposing sides, causing the spikes to penetrate the food item.

Abstract: A security mailbox is configured with a door having an arm on each side of the door that extends downward from the door into a secure mail-holding receptacle. A floor of the mailbox is constructed having longitudinally extending flaps on each side of the mailbox. Each flap has a rail/slide mounted along an underneath side close to the centerline of the mailbox, each rail having a stop at an end near the door. A link extends between a distal end of each arm and a respective rail, with a tension spring that pulls the link and arm toward each other. When the door is initially opened, the arms close the flaps within the first few degrees of door movement by movement of the slides in the rails. When the slides abut the rail stops, the rest of door movement is taken up by the springs.

Abstract: Disclosed is a horizontal juice extractor (100) comprising a main body delimiting a food processing chamber (110) comprising a juice outlet (140), a food entry section (112) having a food inlet (130) and a food compression section (114) extending from the food entry section and having a food pulp outlet (150); a spindle (120) extending through the food processing chamber for transporting food from the food entry section through the food compression section, said spindle comprising a body (122) and a helical member (123) extending from said body; and a drivetrain (160) adapted to rotate the spindle, wherein the food compression section (114) is located in between the food entry section (112) and said drivetrain (160). The food entry section (112) comprises said juice outlet (140) at or near a distal end of said main body relative to the drivetrain, wherein the juice outlet (140) is vertically displaced relative to the food inlet (130).

Abstract: An outdoor food frying apparatus includes a frame having a pot support, a burner element supported upon the frame, and a pot that removably fits the frame. The pot has end walls, a rear wall, a front edge portion, and a bottom wall that gradually increases in curvature from said rear wall to said front edge portion. A basket is pivotally attached to the pot rear wall with one or more hinges. The basket is correspondingly sized and shaped to fit the pot interior. The basket is movable about the hinge between cooking and food discharge positions. The lid is pivotally attached to the pot. The lid is movable between a cooking position wherein the lid covers the pot upper opening and food discharge position wherein the lid rotates at least 180 degrees from said cooking position, forming a tray for receiving food discharged from the basket.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for a funnel assembly for use in a beverage brewing apparatus. The funnel assembly may include an insert that is retained in the funnel assembly to contain a powdered or other similar substance for mixing with liquid within the insert. The insert is configured to extend within a cavity of the funnel assembly and is configured to permit mixing of the substance with the liquid before dispensing the mixture into a portion of the funnel assembly. The insert may include a rim or liquid shield, with at least a portion of the rim or liquid shield engaging a portion of the funnel assembly to retain the insert within the funnel assembly. The insert may further include a flow guide adjacent a drainage aperture, the flow guide at least partially directing the flow of mixture from the insert into a portion of the funnel assembly.

Abstract: Shown are a coffee extraction system and a coffee extraction method using the same.

Abstract: Support devices are provided for a lid of a cooking container such as, for example, a pan, pot or casserole, which includes an annular element suitable for resting on a rim of the container that delimits the opening of a compartment of the cooking container containing food, and a support arm hinged to the annular element. The support arm is provided with attachment elements to the lid and is movable between a lowered position, in which it permits the lid to rest on the annular element so as to close the compartment of the cooking container, and a raised position, in which it distances the lid from the annular element to permit access to the compartment.

Abstract: A multipurpose cooker is composed of a base, a cooker body, cooker feet, a cooker cover, a cooker cover handle, cooker lugs, and a panel assembly and an operating mechanism on the cooker body; and an inner cooker is arranged in the cooker body, characterized in that, a food plate is arranged at the bottom of the inner cooker, a groove hole for placing heating members is opened in the middle of the food plate, and a heating tube as well as a seasoning box and a seasoning box cover outside the heating tube are arranged in the groove hole; and peripheral heating rings are also arranged in the side wall of the inner cooker.

Abstract: The invention relates to an insert (10) for an apparatus (100) for preparing food by circulation of a flow of hot air in a food basket (14) placed inside a food preparation chamber and having a bottom part (108) with a lower opening area (26) for the circulation of the flow of hot air. The insert comprises an upper surface (12) intended to be arranged below the food basket. The upper surface (12) defines an inclined surface (16) having a downward inclination extending outwards from a middle zone towards a perimeter of the insert. The inclined surface (16) is provided such that the inclination extends at least beyond a vertical projection of the lower opening area (26). The insert further comprises spacers (40) provided on a lower side (42) of the insert to create a clearance gap (44) between the lower side (42) and a bottom surface (46) of the food preparation chamber. This invention allows improving food preparation while minimizing the emission of cooking oil fumes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cooking system for cooking food, the cooking system being functional in a plurality of cooking modes. The cooking system including a housing defining a hollow chamber and including an upper portion defining an opening to the hollow chamber. A lid is positionable relative to the housing to cover the opening to the hollow chamber. At least one heating element is associated with one of the housing and said lid. An air movement device is located in at least one of the housing and the lid to circulate air through the hollow chamber. An air diffuser positionable in the hollow chamber and is configured to impart rotation to air circulating through the hollow chamber when the air diffuser is positioned in the hollow chamber during at least one of the plurality of cooking modes.

Abstract: A cooking grill having a cooking grate, a plurality of gas burners arranged below the cooking grate, and at least one baffle between adjacent ones of the plurality of gas burners having an apex proximate the cooking grate and having a pair of opposite spaced apart walls extending downwardly at least to a level of the plurality of gas burners.

Abstract: A toaster includes a first heating compartment, in which a food to be heated is positionable and a first heating element associated with the first heating compartment and adapted to heat the food positioned in said at least one heating compartment. The toaster further includes a first detection device for recognizing a thickness the food and generating a corresponding detection signal and a control unit acting upon said first heating element, including executing a heating program as a function of said detection signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a handle for a cooking vessel or lid that includes at least one thermoelectric generator. The invention is characterized in that the handle has a releasable locking device and the thermoelectric generator has at least one first contact surface thermally connected to a thermal coupling part that comes into contact under stress with a portion of the cooking vessel or lid when the releasable locking device of the handle is in a locked position on the cooking vessel or lid.

Abstract: An aluminum foil pan carrier system includes a first rigid support arm and a second rigid support arm. The first rigid support arm and the second rigid support arm are configured to support an aluminum foil pan. The aluminum foil pan can have a rectangular shape, a circular shape, or an ovular shape.

Abstract: A wearable fluid-dispensing apparatus that includes a flexible wristband coupled to and surrounding a wrist-arm area of a user, with the wristband having a frame disposed along an outer surface of the wearable wristband and at a ventral side of the user's wrist, an enclosed cartridge coupled to the frame for housing a fluid therein, and a fluid transfer conduit disposed within the enclosed cartridge for transporting the fluid from the enclosed cartridge to a nozzle port on a finger-activatable pump assembly coupled to the frame. The pump assembly defines a nozzle port disposed above a top end of the wristband and angled toward the user's palm, defining a fluid extraction passageway fluidly coupled to the nozzle port and the fluid transfer conduit, and operably configured to translate downwardly toward the fluid extraction passageway fluidly to generate a vacuum therein and emit the fluid on the user's inner hand.

Abstract: The core components of the invention are a frame, an upper carriage rail assembly, a lower carriage rail assembly, a brush, and two motor assemblies. The carriage rail assemblies are housed within a waterproof cover. The top of the cover is configured as a hood to protect the upper carriage rail assembly from water damage. The frame mounts onto the shower wall through the use of suction cups. The carriage assembly attaches to the frame through the use of screws on the frame and keyhole shaped mounting holes on the cover. The brush mounts onto an upper carriage assembly and a lower carriage assembly through the use of flanges. A stepper motor located on the upper carriage assembly drives a pulley system, allowing the brush to move horizontally from left to right and then from right to left.

Abstract: An apparatus for storage of toiletries and other bathroom accessories may include a body, a lid, and a removable base. The body may include an outer wall defining a central cavity configured and dimensioned to store a toilet plunger and a toilet paper holder, and the lid may be configured to include a compartment for storing sanitary wipes for easy access through a an opening or slot in the top of the lid. Toilet paper holder may include a sleeve configured and dimensioned to hold rolls of toilet paper and fit over the handle of a plunger stored within the body. The device may include one or more compartments and/or cradles for storing air freshener, extra wipes, and/or other accessories.

Abstract: A ligature resistant holder for a roll of material that is to be disposed within a wall. The holder includes a housing of which at least one side walls has an aperture with which a support assembly is associated. The support assembly includes a support member, a biasing member, a retainer and a support housing. The retainer extends through the aperture and includes portions defining a passage through the retainer. At least partially disposed within the passage of the retainer is the support member. The support member includes an actuation portion, which extends into the chamber, and a stop portion that extends radially relative to the actuation portion and engages the retainer such that axial movement of the button through the passage is limited. The biasing member is at least partially disposed within the support housing and biases the support member for movement within the chamber.

Abstract: A toilet seat assembly for installation on a toilet includes a first toilet seat having a first seat aperture and a second toilet seat having a second seat aperture which is smaller than the first seat aperture. At least one of the first and second seats includes an attaching member for selectively attaching the first and second seats to each other. The first and second seat are hingedly connected to each other. When the first and second seats are attached by the attaching member, the first and second seats can be articulated together by an articulating force exerted on either one of the first and second seats. In one example, the first and second seats each include an attaching member which is a magnetic element such that the first and second seats are selectively attached to each other by a magnetic force generated between the magnetic elements.

Abstract: A bi-functional, touch-free lifter for toilet lid and seat with structure that enables joint lifting of the toilet seat and lid and separate lifting of the lid from the seat. The lifter comprises handle for manual holding of the lifter, engagement part for engaging with the lid, lower support of lifting the seat and flexible neck at the intersection between the handle, engagement part and lower support. The lifter prevents contact with parts of the toilet with high risk for carrying contamination left after use and indirect transfer to other users. Further, users are provided with better sanitary conditions and feeling when not required to be physically exposed to possible contamination accumulated on the toilet seat and lid. Rather only a small area of a user thumb lightly contacts the lifter of the present invention, thus minimizing the exposure to potential contamination.

Abstract: A cleaner includes: a suction motor that generates suction force; a dust separation unit that is disposed behind the suction motor and separates dust from air sucked by the suction force of the suction motor; a dust container that stores dust separated by the dust separation unit; a handle disposed behind the dust separation unit; a battery housing disposed under the handle; and a battery that is detachably coupled to the battery housing and is separable downward from the battery housing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vacuum cleaner having an improved structure for preventing hair or foreign substances from being caught in a wheel. The vacuum cleaner includes a suction nozzle having a suction passage for cleaning a surface to be cleaned by a suction force and a wheel assembly accommodated in the suction nozzle and configured to be rotatable. The wheel assembly includes a wheel and a rotating shaft to rotatably support the wheel. The rotating shaft is inclined relative to a bottom surface of the suction nozzle.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner comprising a separating apparatus comprising a first cyclonic separator and a second cyclonic separator arranged in parallel with the first cyclonic separator, an airflow generator arranged to generate an airflow through the first and second cyclonic separators, and a flow control device for controlling the flow of air through the second cyclonic separator. The vacuum cleaner has a first configuration in which the flow control device is arranged to prevent flow of air through the second cyclonic separator such that, in use, air flows through the first cyclonic separator and bypasses the second cyclonic separator, and a second configuration in which the flow control device is arranged to permit flow of air though the second cyclonic separator such that, in use, air flows through the first and second cyclonic separators.

Abstract: A flexible vacuum attachment and method of use is provided for attaching a vacuum section to a vacuum to collect debris from a surface. The vacuum attachment comprises a flexible vacuum nozzle and nozzle opening, An end of the nozzle is attachable to a connector, which is then attachable to a vacuum. The nozzle forms a tube made of flexible material with a suction end. The suction end of the nozzle has a flexible tapered opening that is radially collapsible and foldable in one or more axial directions that can conform to various shapes. The tapered opening may include a rim that extends coplanar to a vacuumable surface. The suction end is capable of beating up and down on a vacuumable surface when operated with a vacuum.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a cleaning robot and a method of controlling the same, and more particularly, to a cleaning robot docking to a station based on a radio frequency (RF) signal and a method of controlling the same. An aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a cleaning robot comprising a cleaning robot antenna unit configured to receive a radio frequency (RF) signal transmitted from a station; and a controller configured to extract a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) value by processing the RF signal received by the cleaning robot antenna unit and control movement of the cleaning robot to dock to the station based on the extracted RSSI value.

Abstract: Provided is a vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner includes a cleaner body including a moving device for moving, a suction device connected to the cleaner body to suction dusts and air and guide the suctioned dusts and air to the cleaner body, the suction device including a handle, a detection device for detecting a distance between the handle and the cleaner body, and a controller determining whether movement of cleaner body is necessary on the basis of the distance between the cleaner body and the handle, the controller controlling the moving device when the movement of the cleaner body is necessary. The controller controls the moving device to allow the cleaner body to avoid an obstacle when it is determined that an operation for avoiding the obstacle is necessary while the moving device operates.

Abstract: A cleaning system is disclosed that includes a vehicle that has a cooling system for circulating a coolant, a diverter coupled with the cooling system that is configured to divert the coolant through a heat exchanger, a pump configured to pump a cleaning solution through the heat exchanger so that the heat exchanger heats the cleaning solution without mixing the coolant and the cleaning solution, and a rotary head cleaner in fluid communication with the heat exchanger for receiving the cleaning solution and applying the cleaning solution to a floor.

Abstract: A touch sensing device of a robot, comprising an inner housing and an outer housing continuously surrounds the inner housing at least at the side face of the inner housing. At least one resilient member used for maintaining an even moving gap between the outer housing and the inner housing and at least one sensing switch used for detecting relative displacement between the outer housing and the inner housing are disposed between the outer housing and the inner housing. The disclosure further provides a robot for mounting the touch sensing device. Since the outer housing surrounds the inner housing, no matter what portion of the robot is colliding with the obstacle, relative displacement occurs between the inner housing and the outer housing, and the robot can detect the collision. Thus the outer housing can provide buffering function from 360° perspective around the robot and detect the touched obstacle.

Abstract: A cleaning robot includes a top cover, a bottom cover formed below the top cover and configured to move by external force, a fixed body provided in the bottom cover, a first opening formed in an upper portion of the bottom cover and a first sensor connected to the fixed body and externally exposed between the top cover and the bottom cover through the first opening.

Abstract: An autonomous coverage robot includes a chassis, a drive system configured to maneuver the robot, and a cleaning assembly. The cleaning assembly includes a cleaning assembly housing and at least one driven sweeper brush. The robot includes a controller and a removable sweeper bin configured to receive debris agitated by the driven sweeper brush. The sweeper bin includes an emitter disposed on an interior surface of the bin and a receiver disposed remotely from the emitter on the interior surface of the bin and configured to receive an emitter signal. The emitter and the receiver are disposed such that a threshold level of accumulation of debris in the sweeper bin blocks the receiver from receiving emitter emissions. The robot includes a bin controller disposed in the sweeper bin and monitoring a detector signal and initiating a bin full routine upon determining a bin debris accumulation level requiring service.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cleaning device, in particular a floor-cleaning device, comprising a cleaning unit which is at least partly covered by an endless cleaning element that can be rotated continuously in relation to a surface to be cleaned during the action upon a surface to be cleaned. In order to devise a cleaning device in which regeneration of the endless cleaning element is particularly comfortable, the cleaning unit comprises at least one first roller part which can be placed on the surface to be cleaned and a second roller part, the radius of curvature of a roller subsection of the first roller part being different from a radius of curvature of a roller subsection of the second roller part.

Abstract: A combination cleaning pad and squeegee wiper tool for cleaning and drying a counter or table top, said tool comprising: (a) a handle component attached to a flat base component at opposed ends of the handle component; (b) a cleaning pad component at least temporarily adhered to a bottom surface of the flat base component; (c) a channel extending along one lateral side of the flat base component; and (d) a squeegee wiper component that extends from the channel at an angle substantially parallel to the flat base component, said cleaning pad component being spaced a set distance from the squeegee wiper component for enabling the squeegee wiper component to dry the counter or table top in a swirling motion without interference from the cleaning pad component.

Abstract: A novel wipe set and a novel wiping method in which the wipe set is used are provided. With the wipe set comprising a first wipe impregnated with 50 to 200 mg of a sodium hypochlorite aqueous solution per gram of the wipe, a second wipe impregnated with 30 to 110 mg of a sodium thiosulfate aqueous solution per gram of the wipe, and a third wipe impregnated with 4 to 110 mg of a sodium hydroxide aqueous solution per gram of the wipe as well as by the wiping method in which the wipe set of the present invention is used, an anticancer agent spilled on a working table, for example, can be removed effectively.

Abstract: To provide a cleaning tool exhibiting excellent cleaning effectiveness. The present invention relates to a cleaning tool comprising a cleaning sheet, and a holding tool for holding said cleaning sheet. The cleaning sheet is provided with: a brush part capable of cleaning an object to be cleaned; a base part; and insertion parts for the holding tool. The brush part is configured from a fiber, and is provided with first brush regions and second brush regions. The second brush regions are provided with protruded regions configured so as to be longer than the first brush regions.

Abstract: A flood detection sensor for a dishwasher appliance is provided. The flood detection sensor includes features that allow for detection of flood events or tub overfills without sacrificing performance or efficiency of the dishwasher during normal operating conditions and for secure mounting to a tub lip of the dishwasher.

Abstract: A dishwasher appliance includes a drain basin defined at a bottom of a sump of the dishwasher. The drain basin defines a discharge port and a drain pump is in fluid communication with the discharge port for selectively urging a flow of wash fluid through the discharge port to an external drain during a drain cycle. A check valve assembly includes a check valve removably positioned over the discharge port between the drain pump and the drain basin and a positioning arm attached to the check valve for positioning and locking the check valve in place.

Abstract: An integrated component for supplying and treating water for a dishwashing machine having a washing tank includes a monolithic body of plastics material, within which an inlet conduit for water, a chamber containing substances with water-softening properties, into which the inlet conduit leads, a salt-containing reservoir arranged in the lowermost portion of the body and having a filler tube for loading the salt and to be connected to the washing tank, a compartment for blowing out vapours having an inlet opening to be connected to the washing tank and an outlet opening, an outlet conduit of water, a conduit for supplying water to the reservoir to produce the brine, and a conduit connecting the reservoir to the chamber are defined. The monolithic body has at least one protrusion, to which a sealing gasket is associated, for the direct connection within an opening of corresponding shape of the washing tank.

Abstract: In an embodiment the present invention provides a dispensing device for introducing a pourable detergent in metered amounts into a treatment chamber of a program-controlled cleaning appliance, in particular a dishwasher, the dispensing device including: a supply container for holding the detergent, the supply container having a reservoir chamber and a metering chamber terminating in a dispensing opening, the metering chamber being provided by a metering element that is movably disposed within the supply container and is movable from a non-metering position to a metering position; and a carrier unit which is rotatable by a motor and is configured to replaceably receive the supply container.

Abstract: An adjustable conduit and docking assembly for use in a dishwasher appliance is provided. The adjustable conduit and docking assembly includes a conduit configured for receiving a docking station at different heights so as to accommodate a height adjustment of a rack assembly to which the conduit is attached. The conduit and docking assembly includes a multiport docking station to provide this functionality.

Abstract: A medication confirmation method and apparatus for confirming administration of medication employing an inhalable medication administration apparatus. The method of an embodiment of the invention includes the steps of capturing one or more video sequences of a user administering medication employing the inhalable medication administration apparatus, storing the captured one or more video sequences, capturing one or more audio sequences of the user administering medication employing the inhalable medication administration apparatus and storing the captured one or more audio sequences. At least one of the stored video sequences and at least one of the stored audio sequences are then analyzed to confirm that the user has properly administered the medication.

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: A drive device includes a filter section that includes an optical filter, a transmission section that rotates around a rotation shaft, a first groove portion that is formed to the transmission section, a protruding portion that is formed to the filter section, in contact with the first groove portion, and that moves the filter section from a first position to a second position by moving along the first groove portion in coordination with rotation of the transmission section, and a second groove portion that is formed continuously with the first groove portion, and that is provided along a tangent line direction passing through the protruding portion that is on a circle having the rotation shaft of the transmission section at a center and a radius that is a distance between the rotation shaft and the protruding portion, when the optical filter section is moved to the second position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an intubation system comprising insertion unit to be connected to a bending section of a medical instrument comprising an inner elongated shaft structure being capable of torque transmission around its length axis and an outer elongated shaft structure surrounding the inner elongated shaft structure and having a continuous outer surface, and an orientation controller being attached to the inner elongated shaft, such that when the orientation controller rotates, the bending section turns around itself.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an achromatic endoscope which employs a diffractive microlens. Along with a broadband rotary joint and a custom 800 nm SD-OCT system, ultrahigh-resolution 3D volumetric imaging over a large area becomes possible. The diffractive microlens can be used directly with a GRIN lens, making the endoscope design simpler and cost effective. Preliminary ex vivo 3D intraluminal imaging was performed with the endoscope in conjunction with a home-built broadband rotary joint and a spectral-domain OCT system, demonstrating the performance of the diffractive endoscope. Considering the miniature OCT imaging probe is the required component for using the OCT technology in internal organs, the proposed approach will have a broad impact on endoscopic OCT imaging by improving OCT resolution in any applications that involve a miniature OCT probe, as intravascular OCT imaging, gastrointestinal (GI) tract imaging, airway imaging etc.

Abstract: An endoscopic device includes an optical guide head connfigured to be at least partially inserted into a body or a cavity in order to view or image an object or a site that is poorly accessible to the naked eye. The optical guide head of such an endoscopic device is formed from an optical rod with a refractive index gradient.

Abstract: An endoscope having a handle with a handle housing arranged at a proximal end of the endoscope and an insertion tube extending from said handle and terminating in a tip part of a bending section at the distal end of the endoscope, the bending section comprises a distal tubular end segment and a plurality of articulated bending segments, the bending section comprises an intermediate segment between the proximal distal end segment and the plurality of articulated bending segments, wherein the intermediate segment is longer than a bending segment and the distal end segment.

Abstract: According to some embodiments of the invention there is provided a colon cleaning system comprising: a working channel, a vacuum source, a separate vacuum pipe provided alongside the working channel, and a sensor positioned at a conduit connected externally to the working channel, the sensor configured for providing an indication related to pressure within at least a segment of the working channel. In some embodiments, the system comprises a controller configured for controlling one or more parameters of a vacuum induced in the separate vacuum pipe, the parameter determined according to the pressure related indication provided by the sensor.

Abstract: A medical device is provided that comprises: (i) an expandable capsule that can be swallowed by a patient and positioned to a target tissue within the patient, (ii) an endoscope attached to the capsule for obtaining an image of the target tissue at a wavelength of interest, and (iii) a thin tube or wire configured to position the device to the target tissue. The thin tube or wire is expandable. The capsule can be swallowed in stages to position the device at different locations within the gastrointestinal tract. The thin tube or wire can deliver electromagnetic radiation for visualization of the target tissue. The thin tube or wire can provide a passage of a biopsy device for access to the target tissue. In some instances, the capsule comprises a band which rotates around the capsule to clean the capsule. In some instances, the capsule collects multispectral or hyperspectral information.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes: a light source unit that alternatingly emits first illumination light and second illumination light; an imaging means for generating a first image signal of a subject illuminated by the first illumination light, and generating a second image signal of the subject illuminated by the second illumination light; a first image signal storing means for storing the first image signals; a second image signal storing means for storing the second image signals; an image evaluation value calculating means for calculating at least one of image evaluation values based on the first image signals and image evaluation values based on the second image signals; an image signal selecting means for selecting a first display image signal and selecting a second display image signal based on the image evaluation values; and a displaying means for displaying a first image and a second image that are based on the first display image signal and the second display image signal respectively.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system for a spectrally encoded endoscope comprising a focusing lens encompassed by an light guiding component and spacer, wherein the focusing lens is substantially ball or semi-circular in shape, and the refractive index of the focusing lens is greater than the refractive index of the spacer.