Abstract: The present invention relates to a beverage preparation device for preparing hot and cold beverages, the device (30) comprising a hot extraction module (10) comprising a brewing unit (1) for injection of hot liquid into a beverage ingredients containing capsule, a hot beverage outlet (2) connected to the brewing unit (1) for dispensing of a hot extracted beverage, and a cooling module (20) comprising a cooling reservoir (5) for receiving the hot extracted beverage, wherein the hot beverage outlet (2) and the cooling module (20) are arranged moveably relative to each other such that the hot extracted beverage may be selectively dispensed from the hot beverage outlet (2) into the cooling reservoir (5) of the cooling module (20) in at least one relative position of the hot beverage outlet (2) and the cooling module (5).

Abstract: A device for filling a receptacle with a beverage and a user interface for allowing a user to select a desired level of fill of beverage in the receptacle. The interface includes a mechanism for detecting an object below the outlet, such that the receptacle can be filled with the beverage up to the user selected level of fill, wherein the detection mechanism is arranged to detect a position of a human finger or a hand-held freely movable pointing instrument, which human finger or pointing instrument is adjacent to and pointing towards a side of the receptacle, so that the level of fill of the receptacle is determined from the detected position of the finger or pointing instrument the user-selected level of fill and the beverage is dispensed to fill the receptacle up to that level. The device is useful in coffee or other beverage dispensing machines.

Abstract: A brewing module for a beverage-preparing machine includes a housing and first and second module parts. The housing has a capsule insertion opening through which the capsule can be inserted. The brewing module parts are movable relative to one another to form a brewing chamber in a first position. After movement from the first position to a second position a capsule located in the brewing chamber falls downward into a capsule container by the action of gravity while, in the second position, the brewing module parts cause a capsule inserted through the capsule insertion opening to be stopped vertically above a height of the brewing position at a capsule detection position. In a third position, a capsule at the capsule detection position can fall downward from the capsule detection position, substantially to the height of the brewing position. The second position is between the first position and the third position.

Abstract: A capsule-detecting module for a brewing module for preparing a brewed drink from a single-serve capsule, including: an optical sensor, especially a camera, for detecting optical properties of the capsule located in a capsule detection position; a capsule detection window made of a transparent material and arranged between the capsule detection position and the camera; and a module cover that closes an access opening and is designed to be opened and/or removed without using any tools, the side of the capsule detection window facing the capsule detection position being accessible through the access opening when the module cover is open or removed.

Abstract: A container for a beverage or foodstuff preparation machine, the container for containing beverage or foodstuff preparation material and including on a surface thereof an arrangement of separate codes encoding preparation information, whereby each code encodes a distinct phase of a preparation process. Also disclosed is a beverage or foodstuff preparation system including the container and an attachment configured for attachment to an element of the system. Further disclosed is a computer program and non-transitory computer readable medium for use therewith. Also disclosed are methods of producing and using these devices and apparatuses.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing unit (1; 13; 15; 17) for an apparatus for supplying a beverage (in particular, coffee) which comprises an infeed section (21) and a dispensing section (23), which comprises three dispensing spouts (31, 32, 33). Two ducts (41, 42) are interposed in parallel between the infeed section and the dispensing section. Each duct receives a respective part of the beverage and has an outfeed (44). A movable member (5; 53; 7) is shiftable to change a liquid transfer path between the outfeeds of the two ducts and the dispensing section: when the movable member is in a first position, the respective parts of beverage are introduced into a same first dispensing spout (31); when the movable member is in a second position, the respective part of beverage of one duct (41) is introduced into a second dispensing spout (32) and the respective part of beverage of the other duct (42) is introduced into a third dispensing spout (33).

Abstract: An automatic apparatus and method for steeping tea which can (i) precisely and automatically control the temperature of the steeping water and the manner in which the water contacts the tea, (ii) retain the tea in a submerged position in the apparatus below the predetermined steeping level of the steeping water, (iii) optimally determine and control the steeping time, (iv) automatically dispense the steeped syrup when the steeping time and process are complete, (v) automatically notify the user of the status of the process, and (vi) provide and accommodate interchangeable steeping chambers formed of different materials which can be selected to provide optimum results for the particular teas chosen by the user, and to enhance the tea making process, as well as serving a decorative function.

Abstract: A foaming machine providing a fluid foam and/or a food product foam, the machine being configured to receive an in-line heating device, the in-line heating device includes a primary heating unit and a heating cartridge. The heating cartridge includes an inner heating path. A system for providing a hot fluid foam and/or a hot food product foam.

Abstract: A computer-controlled grill can operate burners based on a set of instructions in the form of a recipe. The grill can provide notifications corresponding to steps of the recipe, to alert the user to perform the steps. The notifications can be provided at the grill, through a connected mobile device, or both. The grill adjusts gas flow to one or more burners based on the recipe steps. If the grill detects that the user has not performed required steps, the grill reduces or shuts off gas flow to the burners.

Abstract: An barbeque device (9) to prolong fuel burning comprising multiple vertical walls that are cut from a single strip such that they provide fuel containment and air openings without removing or discarding any material needed to provide air openings for the fuel.

Abstract: A multi-leveled cooking apparatus is an apparatus that is used to prepare food. The apparatus includes an enclosure, a heat source, at least one convectively-heated cooking mechanism, a radiatively-heated cooking mechanism, a first duct, and a second duct. The enclosure is used as a structural base to mount the aforementioned components, and to maintain and regulate temperature fluctuations. The heat source sends hot air through the first duct and the second duct to heat the at least one convectively-heated cooking mechanism. The heat source is also in contact with the radiatively-heated cooking mechanism. A series of tubes within the enclosure provide adequate dispersal of combustible gaseous material, and an ignition starter allows the user to ignite the gas contained within the present invention. Removable grates are arranged at various heights within the enclosure, allowing customization of the size of the working space as well as improving accessibility for sanitization.

Abstract: A natural material grinding and cutting device provides a tool for processing natural materials. One portion of the tool is used to slice materials into strips and another portion of the tool is used to process materials into mulch or fine particulate. A two piece embodiment of the device includes a top structure rotatably coupled to a bottom structure. The underside of the top structure and the topside of the bottom structure include open faced chambers for disposing a set of cutting projections or teeth. When the top structure joins to the bottom structure, the open faced chambers combine to form a grinding chamber for grinding natural materials. The bottom structure further includes a cutting portion comprising a cutting chamber, a blade, and a base. In some examples, the blade is removably disposed a slot located in the lower middle portion of the cutting chamber.

Abstract: A blender includes abase and a container unit mounted rotatably and detachably on the base. The container unit includes a container, and a blade assembly disposed on a bottom portion of the container. The base includes a first push portion adjacent to the blade assembly which has a second push portion. When the container unit is rotated relative to the base until the second push portion contacts with the first push portion, the first push portion pushes upward the second push portion as the container unit is continuously rotated relative to the base so as to move the container unit upwardly and away from the base.

Abstract: A grinder specially adapted for grinding herbs has a sheet with unique groove and hole patterns forming a grinding area. Although it is a manual grinder, the grinder does not require the use of cutting blades, making it much safer to use. The grinder is particularly suitable for grinding softer herbs.

Abstract: A container and lid storage device is provided. The container and lid storage device includes a telescopic spine connected to a planar base, wherein the telescopic spine provides a plurality of support arms movable between a collapsed condition and an extended condition. A support hand is provided along a distal end of each support arm, each support hand dimensioned and adapted for supporting a plurality of containers, wherein each support hand is adapted to support a predetermined size different than that of an adjacent support hand. As a result, in the collapsed condition the support hand nests in downwardly adjacent containers.

Abstract: A shower system includes a panel. The panel is configured to be mounted on a ceiling within a showering enclosure. The panel includes a deflection surface that includes a plurality of deflection features that are configured to redirect water that is incident upon the deflection surface at an upward angle toward a location directly beneath the panel.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an adjustable hosting device with a holder/brackets for soap that rest on an oval designed dish and allows the soap to stand and never touch the bottom of the soap dish. The hosting device is configured in different sizes to accommodate different shapes and molds of soap.

Abstract: A chair commode. The chair is designed to look like a functional, decorative furniture piece while providing the utility of a chair that a person can relieve himself or herself thereupon. The chair provides a seat with a hole to a seat housing. A removable bowl is disposed in the seat housing to receive objects passing through the hole.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cover for a toilet bowl comprising: a rotary flange formed at a rear portion; a cover member rotatably coupled to the rotary flange; a toilet seat to which the cover member is coupled; a rotary support panel coupled to the toilet bowl and having a spherical rotary guide groove formed therein; a rotary member coupled to the rotary support panel so as to rotate and connecting the cover member and the toilet seat to the toilet bowl; a rotary assembly provided at the rear of the toilet seat and connected to an end of the rotary member to rotate the rotary member when the positions of the toilet seat and the cover member have been changed; and a water flushing device for operating a water flushing means by using a rotational force.

Abstract: An automated washing system for vertical surfaces of buildings can include a frame, a main brush rotatably disposed in the frame, at least two bumper wheels provided to opposing ends of the frame where the at least two bumper wheels can contact the vertical surfaces of building during a cleaning operation; and an electric drive motor disposed adjacent one of the opposing circular ends of the main brush.

Abstract: A floor cleaner including a recovery tank in fluid communication with a vacuum source and a suction inlet. The recovery tank is configured to store cleaning fluid drawn through the suction inlet from a surface by the vacuum source. The recovery tank includes a tank body and a strainer. The tank body has a lower end wall and a sidewall that extends upwardly from the lower end wall and an inlet duct that extends upwardly from the lower end wall. The strainer is positioned inside the tank body, the strainer movable from a lowermost position to a removed position. The strainer includes a perforated body and an aperture through the body, the inlet duct extends through the aperture of the strainer, and the strainer engages an outer surface of the inlet duct retaining the strainer onto the inlet duct.

Abstract: A central vacuum cleaning system includes an inlet valve mounted at various locations in a structure or RV and connected to the inlet end of a vacuum conduit. A section of hose is slidably mounted within the conduit and extends from the inlet valve for cleaning an adjacent area. The hose includes a hose plug connected with a distal end of the hose. The hose plug includes an annular channel and an orthogonally aligned slot. The hose plug may also include a first seal and a second seal.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a foot assembly having a suction inlet thereon, a suction source in fluid communication with the suction inlet to produce a working airflow there through, and a dirt container in fluid communication with the suction inlet and suction source. The foot assembly further comprises a body defined by a central portion and a pair of extension arms, a rotatable agitator on each extension arm, and a drive assembly configured to counter-rotate the agitators. The counter-rotating agitators are operable to cooperate with the suction source to direct dust and debris towards the suction inlet.

Abstract: An automatically moving floor processing device has a housing, at least one drive element that is driven by an electric motor and can rotate around a drive axle for movement purposes, and at least one contact element that moves ahead of the drive element in the direction of movement, which extends from a housing underside of the housing in the direction of a surface to be processed. In order to make it easier to overcome obstacles, a contact surface of the contact element pointing in the direction of movement and/or a connecting line that connects the contact surfaces of two contact elements be oriented nonparallel to the drive axle of the drive element, and be spaced apart from a contact surface of the drive element by a distance relative to the direction of movement that is less than one diameter of the drive element.

Abstract: An assembly that includes a particle collecting container and a cyclone pre-separator placed on the particle collecting container, where the particle collecting container has a rectangular container bottom and four container peripheral walls which extend upwards from the container bottom and define a horizontal outer contour of the particle collecting container, and where the cyclone pre-separator has a particle outlet which is designed to dispense particles which have been separated in the cyclone pre-separator into the particle collecting container. The horizontal outer contour defined by the container peripheral walls tapers towards the container bottom and the particle collecting container can be stacked into an identical particle collecting container.

Abstract: A handheld vacuum cleaner is provided with a hand-carriable body housing the components of a vacuum collection system, which can include a working air path through the body from an air inlet to an air outlet. An air deflector is positioned in opposition to the air inlet and directs a working airstream from the air inlet downwardly within a debris removal assembly.

Abstract: A wet cleaning device, has a cleaning roller that is rotatable about a roller axis, the cleaning roller having a cleaning covering. The wet cleaning device has a deceleration element and a guide element for supporting the removal and discharge of liquid and/or dirt from the cleaning roller to a liquid channel. The deceleration element has an impact edge in opposite direction to the fibers of the rotating cleaning covering, wherein the guide element is arranged in the direction of rotation of the cleaning roller behind the impact edge. During a regeneration operation of the wet cleaning device, the impact edge is arranged so far apart between the fibers of the cleaning covering that free ends of the fibers project outward in the radial direction beyond the impact edge, and in the event of an impact on the impact edge, are deflected in the direction of the guide element.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus includes a housing including an upright handle assembly and a base mounted to the upright handle assembly and adapted for movement across a surface to be cleaned. The surface cleaning apparatus is further provided with a fluid delivery system comprising a fluid dispenser configured to dispense fluid to a brushroll and at least one fluid delivery channel forming a portion of a fluid delivery pathway. The fluid delivery channel can extend adjacent to a portion of the suction nozzle assembly. An interference wiper interfaces with a portion of the brushroll to remove excess liquid from the brushroll.

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: A cleaning roller for a cleaning appliance, in particular a wiping roller for a wet cleaning appliance, or a cleaning appliance having such a cleaning roller processes an area to be cleaned. The cleaning roller has a roller core that can rotate about a longitudinal axis and has a bearing for a drive shaft and a roller cover surrounding the roller core in the circumferential direction. The roller core, based on a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, has several spring elements formed beside one another in the circumferential direction of the cleaning roller, each of which extends from the bearing to the roller cover.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus such as an extractor has an upright section moveably mounted to a surface cleaning head. The upright section comprises a first stage liquid separator and a second stage cyclone separator, wherein the liquid collection container and the solid collection chamber are emptyable concurrently.

Abstract: A wet cleaning device, in particular a wet mop, has a cleaning roller mounted rotatably about a roller axis and a roller cover surrounding, at least in part, the cleaning roller in the circumferential direction, which roller cover has at least one movable cover element for elective sealing and/or exposing of an opening region of the roller cover. In order to enable a changeover of the wet cleaning device from a wiping operation to a regeneration operation in a particularly convenient and time-saving manner, according to the invention, the wet cleaning device has a first cover element and a second cover element which, based on a circumferential direction of the cleaning roller, can be moved in opposition to each other in order to seal and/or to expose the opening region from opposite circumferential directions.

Abstract: A wet-cleaning appliance, in particular a wet mop, has a cleaning roller, which is mounted in a rotatable manner about a roller axis, and a roller cover, which encloses the cleaning roller in the circumferential direction, at least in part, and has at least one displaceable covering element for optionally closing and/or releasing an opening region of the roller cover. In order to create a wet-cleaning appliance which, as far as the user is concerned, can be transferred in a particularly convenient and reliable manner from mopping operation to regeneration operation, the displaceable covering element should be coupled to the cleaning roller by a gear mechanism, in particular a toothed gear mechanism, such that the cleaning roller can be displaced by virtue of the covering element being displaced or the covering element can be displaced by virtue of the cleaning roller being displaced.

Abstract: An apparatus traps items missed by standard manual floor cleaners, by catching debris that goes over a top surface of a floor cleaner head. The preferred apparatus is adapted for a conventional dust mop with a pivotal/swing handle, and has a connection system with an elongated vertical slot extending parallel to the right-to-left length of the dust mop head and allowing the pivotal/swing handle to freely slide right and left in the slot. The preferred apparatus is also pivotal forward and rearward relative to the dust mop head so that the apparatus pivots forward and rearward with the handle when the handle pivots forward and rearward. The combination of the dust mop and debris-catching apparatus provide great versatility in mopping and debris-catching direction and orientation, including low to the floor under furniture, equipment, or other objects.

Abstract: A washing machine and/or a fluid flow structure for a washing machine wash tank is provided. The wash tank is generally rectangular and includes a bottom wall, two side walls and two end walls extending upwardly from said bottom wall. The wash tank further includes at least one flow directional opening in at least one of the walls. In a preferred embodiment, the wash tank includes a plurality of flow directional openings positioned along one of the side walls of the wash tank. A fluid flow structure is located within said wash tank, which includes a fluid flow guide surface, and a support for said guide surface. The guide surface includes an expansion structure that is designed to counteract expansion of the guide surface that occurs during operation of the washing machine. In one embodiment the expansion structure is an expansion slot that engages a portion of the guide surface.

Abstract: A dishwasher according to the present invention comprises: a tub providing a washing space; a sump communicating with the tub through a recovery hole, and storing washing water; and a flow path portion installed on one surface of the tub, and supplying washing water to the tub and the sump. The flow passage portion includes: a water supply passage connected to a water supply source and receiving washing water; a first flow passage connected to the water supply passage and receiving washing water, and supplying washing water to the tub; and a second flow passage connected to the water supply passage and receiving washing water, and supplying washing water to the sump. The present invention has the advantages in that washing water can be supplied simultaneously to the tub and the sump, and washing water flowing in reverse in the sump can be prevented even when there is negative pressure in washing water being supplied to the sump.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dishwasher (100) including a tub (11) configured to accommodate washing targets, spray arms (3, 5) provided within the tub (11) to spray washing water to the washing targets, a base (12) configured to support the tub (11), a sump (13) provided within the base (12) to store washing water, a pump (8) configured to supply washing water stored in the sump (13) to the spray arms (3, 5), a support body (91) fixed to the inside of the base (12) and located above the pump (8), at least two connection parts (95) configured to connect the pump (8) to the support body (91) and to damp vibration generated by the pump (8), and restriction parts (97) protruding from the base (12) to restrict the movement range of the pump (8) held by the connection parts (95).

Abstract: Disclosed is a washing pump for spraying washing water or steam to wash dishes or cooking appliances, and a dishwasher including the same. The washing pump according to the present invention includes: a housing; a partition wall which is vertically divides an inner space of the housing; an impeller which is rotatably disposed over the partition wall in the housing to cause washing water to flow; a heater which is disposed under the partition wall to heat the washing water in the housing so as to generate steam; and a steam discharge pipe which is disposed over the partition wall to discharge the steam, generated by the heater, to an outside of the housing. Accordingly, steam may be generated by the heater and discharged.

Abstract: A dishwasher has a treating chamber with four corners and a rotatable sprayer located within the treating chamber, where the sprayer includes two conduit segments which rotate about two different axes and a spray head which rotates about yet another axis. The combined rotation of the conduit segments moves the spray head in a non-circular path around the treating chamber.

Abstract: A dishwashing appliance includes a first water storage tank, a second water storage tank, and a heat pipe heat exchanger comprising a condenser section and an evaporator section. The evaporator section is in operative communication with the first water storage tank and the condenser section is in operative communication with the second water storage tank.

Abstract: A drying system includes a tub defining a wet chamber, a water storage chamber, an inlet defined in the tub and providing fluid communication into the wet chamber and a heat pipe heat exchanger. The heat pipe heat exchanger includes a condenser section and an evaporator section. The condenser section is in operative communication with the inlet upstream of the wet chamber and the evaporator section is in operative communication with the water storage chamber.

Abstract: A bracket is disclosed that may be configured to hold a rack of a dishwasher against a wall of a washing chamber of the dishwasher. The bracket may include a first bracket member comprising a first fastening element configured to fasten the first bracket member to a first mounting portion of the rack. The bracket may further include a second bracket member slidably arranged to the first bracket member along a first direction. The second bracket member may include a second fastening element configured to fasten the second bracket member to a second mounting portion of the rack upon a sliding movement of the second bracket member in the first direction. The present disclosure further relates to a rack comprising a bracket and a dishwasher comprising a rack.

Abstract: A stereoscopic endoscope apparatus includes: an image pickup device configured to pick up optical images for a right eye and a left eye; a similarity degree determination portion configured to receive input of an image signal for the right eye and an image signal for the left eye outputted from the image pickup device, and calculate a similarity degree between the image for the right eye and the image for the left eye; and an image signal output portion configured to switch and output a three-dimensional image signal formed of the image signal for the right eye and the image signal for the left eye and a two-dimensional image signal formed of either one of the image signal for the right eye and the image signal for the left eye, based on the similarity degree calculated by the similarity degree determination portion.

Abstract: The cover removal tool of the endoscope includes an enclosure, which is a fit hole that is fitted to cover the distal end cover having a locking portion and mounted on the distal end assembly, which is provided at the tip of the insertion section. The cover removal tool is provided with a protrusion that protrudes inside the enclosure. When the cover removal tool is fitted with the distal end cover being into contact with its interior, the protrusion comes into contact with part of the edge of the opening of the distal end cover and pushes in the peripheral direction. As the edge of the opening is pressed while being twisted, the distal end cover is broken by plastic deformation, and the lock with the locking portion is thereby released.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes: an endoscope including a side-viewing observation unit that includes a field of view in a lateral direction of an insertion part to be inserted into an object to be observed and a second protruding portion that protrudes from the insertion part and forms a blind spot in the field of view of the side-viewing observation unit; an image acquisition unit that acquires a side-viewing observation image by using the side-viewing observation unit; a monitor that displays the side-viewing observation image; and a display control section that allows at least a part of the blind spot of the side-viewing observation image in which the second protruding portion is shown up not to be displayed, and displays the side-viewing observation image on the monitor.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus comprises a processor comprising hardware. The processor is configured to implement a motion amount calculation process and a focus control process. The processor implements the motion amount calculation process that calculates a plurality of local motion amounts, calculates a correlation between each of the plurality of local motion amounts and a peripheral local motion amount, and calculates the relative motion amount based on a local motion amount among the plurality of local motion amounts that has the correlation higher than a given correlation. And the processor implements the focus control process that calculates a cumulative motion amount by accumulating the relative motion amount over N frames (wherein N is a natural number equal to or larger than 3), and causes the imaging section to perform a focus operation when it has been determined that the cumulative motion amount is larger than the first threshold value.

Abstract: A capsule endomicroscope has a predetermined axial length and a diameter smaller than the axial length. The endomicroscope can acquire images of a surface of a hollow organ, and includes a microscopic image acquisition assembly having an optical axis oriented in a radial direction of the endomicroscope to acquire microscopic images of a section of the surface of a hollow organ present in a predetermined image acquisition area on a radial outer surface of the endomicroscope through a housing of the endomicroscope that has sectionally light-transparent material. A light source emits light rays in a radial direction through the light-transparent material of the housing during image acquisition. The light source and the light-transparent material of the housing located between the light source and the predetermined image acquisition area are interconnected to each other such that no refraction interface exists between the light source and the image acquisition area.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes a first light source that emits visible light, a second light source that emits non-visible light, an image sensor that generates a first image including a subject through first photoelectric conversion using the visible light and generates a second image including a subject that emits fluorescence emission light due to excitation by the non-visible light through second photoelectric conversion using the non-visible light, and an output device that alternately switches between and outputs the first image and the second image. The second light source starts light emission by a predetermined time before start of the second photoelectric conversion due to driving of the driving circuit.

Abstract: Provided is a medical imaging device comprising: a color separation prism that has a dichroic film configured to split light into first light belonging to a visible light wavelength band and second light belonging to a fluorescence wavelength band; a fluorescence image sensor that is provided at an output side of the color separation prism and that is configured to image at least part of the second light belonging to the fluorescence wavelength band separated by the dichroic film; a visible light image sensor that is provided at the output side of the color separation prism and that is configured to image at least part of the first light belonging to the visible light wavelength band separated by the dichroic film; and a bandpass filter that is disposed between the color separation prism and the fluorescence image sensor, wherein the fluorescence image sensor and the visible light image sensor are arranged such that an optical path difference between an optical path length of a fluorescence optical path for t

Abstract: An illuminator apparatus and method for illuminating an object field imaged by a rectangular image sensor having a first aspect ratio is disclosed. The apparatus includes an optical fiber having a proximal end disposed to receive a plurality of input light beams, each light beam having differing spectral properties, the optical fiber being operable to transmit the light beams along the fiber to a distal end of the optical fiber. The apparatus also includes an integrating element disposed to receive the light beams from the distal end of the fiber and combine the light beams to produce a generally homogenous illumination beam at a rectangular output face of the integrating element. The apparatus further includes an illumination projector operable to project an image of the output face of the integrating element into the object field to produce a generally rectangular illuminated region of the object field substantially corresponding to the portion of the object field imaged by the rectangular image sensor.