Abstract: An active foodware system includes a mechanical structure supporting a food surface recessed in relation to an area surrounding the food surface; a heating component for heating food received by the food surface; a sensing component for maintaining the heating component at a desired temperature; a wireless communication component; and a visual stimulating component responsive to data from the sensing component or the wireless communication component.

Abstract: A structurally supportive device for constructing a weight-bearing feature in a wet area of a building, such as but not limited to a shelf, seat or step in a shower, bath, tub, sauna, spa or swimming pool, comprising a triangular horizontal support surface with first, second, and third edges, wherein the first and the second edges form a right angle; a vertical presentation surface depending down from the third edge; a horizontal support lip along a bottom edge of the vertical presentation surface; and attachment tabs protruding from the first and second edges, with each tab running at least two-thirds the length of the first or second edge; wherein the tabs protrude sufficiently far to be received into a slot formed into a wall surface finishing material but not so far as to penetrate a waterproof membrane or a wall board, and wherein the horizontal support surface and vertical presentation surface are configured to receive a feature finishing material such as tile, stone or solid surface material.

Abstract: Dispensers of the present technology are configured to receive a replaceable refill cartridge, and may include a back housing, a front cover, a control unit, a refill housing configured to receive a refill cartridge, and a switch board positioned between the refill housing and the back housing. Dispensers may also include at least one refill guide removably connected to the refill housing. The switch board may include at least one switch operatively connected to the control unit. The at least one switch may be a refill recognition switch configured to send at least a refill recognition signal to the control unit indicating that a refill cartridge is present in the refill housing, or a refill size switch configured to send a refill size signal to the control unit indicating a size of the refill cartridge.

Abstract: A wall mounted scrubber apparatus for cleaning and exfoliating includes a base having a front side, a back side, a top side, a bottom side, a left side, and a right side defining a base inside. The top side has an intake aperture extending through to the base inside and the front side has a plurality of output apertures extending through to the base inside. The base inside is configured to hold a liquid soap and release said liquid soap through the plurality of output apertures. A cap is selectively engageable with the intake aperture. A plurality of suction cups is coupled to the back side and is configured to secure the base to a shower wall. A plurality of brushes is coupled to the base. Each brush comprises a cluster of bristles coupled to the front side of the base around one of the output apertures.

Abstract: A support spindle assembly for rotatably supporting a coreless paper roll for dispensing, the support spindle assembly including a spindle base, a spindle element having a central longitudinal axis (X) and having first and second ends, the spindle element being attached to the spindle base at the first end and rotationally fixed in relation to the spindle base and a rotatable sleeve rotatably disposed about the spindle element, and rotatable in relation to the spindle base and to the spindle element. The support spindle assembly includes a resilient member disposed about the first end of the spindle element, which resilient member is arranged to cooperate with the spindle base and with the rotatable sleeve in order to provide the rotatable sleeve with a rotational resistance.

Abstract: An improved toiled system including a urine receptacle with a guide channel is provided, said guide channel having an inlet port that is configured to be positioned closer to the user's point of urination, such that the user may urinate into the inlet port with a greater degree of comfort that a higher percentage of said user's urine will be contained into the urine receptacle. The guide channel is configured to be moved from a retracted to an extended position, said extended position being to allow for use by the user, and said retracted position being to allow for storage of the guide channel out of the way when not being used. In one configuration a toilet with a seat may be used in its conventional manner when said guide channel is in said retracted position. Another significant feature is the use of a return feature, which causes the lid to be in the up position, and the seat in the down position, after use by the user, for the convenience of the next user.

Abstract: A robot cleaner includes: a main body configured to travel a cleaning area, and suck foreign substances from a floor of the cleaning area; an image acquisition unit configured to be disposed in the main body, and acquire an image of a certain area of the front of the main body; a first pattern irradiating unit configured to be disposed in the main body, and irradiate light of a first pattern downward into the area; and a second pattern irradiating unit configured to be disposed below the first pattern irradiating unit in the main body, and irradiate light of a second pattern upward into the area, wherein the first pattern includes a first horizontal line and a first vertical line intersecting with the first horizontal line, wherein the second pattern includes a second horizontal line and a second vertical line intersecting with the second horizontal line, wherein when the light of the first pattern and the light of the second pattern are incident on a certain vertical plane, a first intersection point and a s

Abstract: A vacuum that couples to storage units is provided. The vacuum includes a motor, an internal compartment, and an inlet and outlet that provide fluid communication between the internal compartment and an exterior of the vacuum. The vacuum includes one or more mechanisms to protect internal components from water damage and to prevent debris from escaping the internal compartment when the vacuum is being transported.

Abstract: A dust collector with a dust collecting bag includes a housing defining a dust collecting chamber; a bracket in the dust collecting chamber; an operating member connectable with the bracket; the dust collecting bag being mounted to a supporting plate; and the bracket being rotatable around a rotating member from a first position to a second position. The housing further includes a connecting member, and the operating member includes a first state and a second state. When the operating member is in the first state, the bracket is located at the first position, and the supporting plate mounted on the bracket is connected with the connecting member. When the operating member is in the second state, the bracket drives the supporting plate to move towards the second position so that the supporting plate is separated from the connecting member, and the supporting plate is separated from the bracket.

Abstract: A dust extractor (1) includes a motor (30) and a blower fan (40), which is disposed downward of the motor and is connected to the motor. The dust extractor further includes a flexible (pliable) support member (50; 500), which has a lower-end portion (52) connected to the motor and suspends the motor.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a cleaning robot and a method of controlling the same, and more particularly, to a cleaning robot that changes a moving path by detecting an obstacle through a change in permittivity detected while driving about a cleaning space, and a method of controlling the same. The cleaning robot comprises a main body; a driver configured to move the main body; an obstacle detector including an electrode plate provided on the bottom of the main body and a touch IC configured to detect a change in capacitance detected by the electrode plate and; and a controller configured to determine the obstacle based on a signal transmitted by the obstacle detector, and to control the driver.

Abstract: The present disclosure relate to a cleaner and a controlling method, more particularly, to a vacuum cleaner that is configured to control a suction power and a duct pickup performance based on the material of the floor and the amount of the dust and foreign substances placed on the floor, and a controlling method of the same.

Abstract: A floor cleaning device includes a horizontal portion and a vertical portion. The horizontal portion is capable of moving on a floor to be cleaned. The vertical portion is rotatably disposed on the horizontal portion. The horizontal portion includes a washing unit. The washing unit includes a rolling brush, a detergent liquid outlet, a detergent liquid tank and a pump. The rolling brush is capable of washing the floor to be cleaned. The detergent liquid tank communicates with the detergent liquid outlet. The pump conveys the detergent liquid from the detergent liquid tank to the detergent liquid outlet and finally to the floor to be cleaned. The detergent liquid may serve as an interface active agent of the floor to be cleaned. The detergent liquid cooperates with the rolling brush to scrub the floor to be cleaned.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a robot cleaner including a driving motor, a communication interface configured to receive, from an external cleaner, first cleaning record information including cleaning path information generated based on location information of the external cleaner, a memory configured to store second cleaning record information including the cleaning path information generated based on location information of the robot cleaner, and a processor configured to generate a cleaning plan of the robot cleaner based on the first cleaning record information and the second cleaning record information and control the driving motor such that the driving motor travels according to the cleaning plan.

Abstract: A method for generating an area map for a floor processing device, wherein first and second floor processing devices detect feature data of an environment and process them into first and second area maps. The first floor processing device identifies an object based on a unique identifier of the object as an anchor point and stores relative positional information of the anchor point in a coordinate system of the first area map. The second floor processing device recognizes the same object as an anchor point known to the second floor processing device, and stores relative positional information of the anchor point in a coordinate system of the second area map. The first and second area maps are combined into a common global area map based on the relative positional information of the anchor point contained therein, and the unique identifier is a code that clearly identifies the object.

Abstract: Drying and/or cleaning cloth with a square surface with two sides which are each delimited by two longitudinal edges and two transverse edges, wherein the drying and/or cleaning cloth in the area has an opening for reaching through at least one transverse edge or one longitudinal edge.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a memory unit for storing a number of washing programs, a control device configured to carry out a washing program from the number of washing programs; and a communication unit configured to retrieve a specific washing program from an external device in accordance with a status information relating to an external household appliance, and to store the retrieved specific washing program in the memory unit, said control device carrying out the stored specific washing program.

Abstract: A warewash machine for washing wares includes a chamber for receiving wares, the chamber having an inlet side, an outlet side, multiple spray zones between the inlet side and the outlet side, and a conveyor arrangement for moving wares along a conveyance path through the multiple spray zones in a ware travel direction. A prescrapping zone is located toward the inlet side of the chamber, the prescrapping zone having a blow-off system comprising a plurality of prescrapping nozzles and a compressed air feed line for delivering compressed air to the prescrapping nozzles.

Abstract: A dishwasher cavity for a household dishwasher includes a U-shaped dishwasher cavity casing, a U-shaped frame connected to the dishwasher cavity casing and supporting the dishwasher cavity casing, and a hinge plate provided on the frame. The frame includes a receiving portion. The hinge plate includes a depth positioning portion, which is received in a form-fit manner in the receiving portion of the frame to fix the hinge plate to the frame in a depth direction of the dishwasher cavity.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an improved pan cleaning machine that has a cleaning section that comprises a plurality of frames for mounting a sequence of interchangeable modular cleaning mechanisms. It can include quick-release mounting arrangements so that cleaning mechanisms can be quickly changed for cleaning different types of pans or to replace brushes or other wearing parts of cleaning mechanisms when they require replacement. In some embodiments, the frames for mounting the cleaning mechanisms can comprise swing arms so that the cleaning mechanisms can be swung away from the cleaning position so that the cleaning mechanism can be removed and replaced without interrupting the operation of the machine. If the machine is stopped, the swing arm can still be used to facilitate access to the cleaning mechanism to reduce the time needed to complete the maintenance or replacement.

Abstract: A household dishwasher includes a rinsing container, a washing item receptacle, a guide mechanism for moving the washing item receptacle from a starting state within the rinsing container to an end state outside the rinsing container and vice versa, and a lifting mechanism for raising the washing item receptacle from a starting position to an end position and to lower it from the end position to the starting position. The lifting mechanism includes a lifting lever pivotably connected to the rinsing container and the guide mechanism and having a guide contour for arresting the washing item receptacle in the end position when lifted from the starting position to the end position and in the end state when lowered from the end position to the starting position so that the washing item receptacle is only movable from the starting state to the end state in the starting position and vice versa.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a telescopic shoe drying device comprises a body, and a heater connected to the body. The body comprises a base and a heat supply pipe, the heat supply pipe is disposed on the base, hot air generated by the heater is transported out of the heat supply pipe, the heat supply pipe comprises an inner pipe, an outer pipe, and a locking mechanism. When the at least two locking bases are in the extended position, the locking mechanism is in a locked state and locks the outer pipe and the inner pipe.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes a medical device that is capable of communicating with a peripheral medical device, a control terminal apparatus that generates a control command for controlling the medical device, an adapter that communicably connects the control terminal apparatus and the medical device and is capable of being communicably connected to a plurality of network apparatuses over a network, and a second monitoring apparatus that monitors a state of connection between the medical device and the peripheral medical device and a state of connection between the adapter and the network apparatuses established over the network.

Abstract: The present specification is directed towards endoscopes, such as colonoscopes, that provide a broader field of view and allow extended access of surgical tools and also enable efficient packing of all necessary elements in the tip section, while maintaining their functionality. Also described are methods and systems for capturing and displaying still and video images using an endoscope corresponding to a left-side looking, a front-looking and a right-side looking viewing element of an endoscopic tip generated in a native aspect ratio.

Abstract: [Object] To implement exposure control of high accuracy that does not rely upon a characteristic of an optical system. [Solving Means] There is provided a surgical controlling device including an exposure controlling section configured to perform exposure control based on a luminance detection value detected from a biological image, in which the exposure controlling section corrects, on the basis of information regarding an identified surgical optical device, the luminance detection value so as to correct luminance unevenness arising from the surgical optical device. Further, there is provided a control method including performing, by a processor, exposure control based on a luminance detection value detected from a biological image, in which the performing the exposure control further includes correcting the luminance detection value so as to correct, based on information regarding an identified surgical optical device, luminance unevenness arising from the surgical optical device.

Abstract: An image compression device of an endoscope apparatus includes a compression processing control unit, a storage unit, a first compression parameter generating unit, a second compression parameter generating unit and a compression parameter determining unit. The first compression parameter generating unit generates a first tentative compression parameter based on a transferable data amount. The second compression parameter generating unit generates a second tentative compression parameter based on a storage capacity of the storage unit. The compression parameter determining unit compares the first tentative compression parameter and the second tentative compression parameter to select a parameter with which a data amount after compression becomes smaller as a selected parameter. The compression processing control unit updates a compression parameter with the selected parameter and performs compression processing using the updated compression parameter.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for maneuvering an endoscope (SFME) during a medical procedure, comprising a. at least one maneuvering system, adapted to maneuver said endoscope in at least two degrees of freedom (DOF); and, b. at least one joystick unit in communication with said maneuvering system, adapted to operate said maneuvering system; wherein operation of said joystick results in movement of said endoscope by means of said maneuvering system.

Abstract: An apparatus for intraoral scanning includes an elongate handheld wand comprising a probe at a distal end of the handheld wand, one or more light projectors coupled to the handheld wand, and one or more cameras coupled to the handheld wand. Each camera comprises a camera sensor and objective optics comprising one or more lenses. Each camera is configured to focus at an object focal plane that is located between 1 mm and 30 mm from the lens that is farthest from the camera sensor. The apparatus further includes a fluorescent transparent film deposited on a surface selected from the group consisting of: a window of the probe through which light exits and enters the probe, and a transparent surface that is not integral to the probe.

Abstract: An optical system for a stereo-video endoscope, the optical system including: first and second lens system channels having first and second optical elements on first and second optical axes, respectively, the first and second optical axes being parallel to each other; wherein the first and second optical elements are each arranged symmetrically relative to each other about a plane of symmetry between the first and second lens system channels and the first and second optical elements comprise first and second D-cut lenses, respectively, each of the first and second D-cut lenses having a boundary surface which is set back relative to the plane of symmetry; and the boundary surface of each of the first and second D-cut lenses are inclined with respect of the plane of symmetry.

Abstract: Embodiments of a robotic medical system comprise a steerable instrument that includes a bendable body and a connector assembly configured to detachably connect the bendable body to an actuation unit. A controller is configured to control the actuation unit. The connector assembly comprises a connection receptor coupled to the actuation unit and a connecting shaft coupled to the bendable body. The connecting shaft includes a plurality of driving rods that are attached in a one-to-one correspondence to a plurality of driving wires and that detachably attach to the connection receptor. In a connected state where the bendable body is connected to the actuation unit via the connector assembly, the controller causes the actuation unit to transmit an actuating force from an actuator to a driving rod, and the driving rod actuates or moves a driving wire in a same direction as the actuating force applied by the actuator.

Abstract: A surgical robotic system automatically calibrates tubular and flexible surgical tools such as endoscopes. By compensating for unideal behavior of an endoscope, the surgical robotic system can accurately model motions of the endoscope and navigate the endoscope while performing a surgical procedure on a patient. During calibration, the surgical robotic system moves the endoscope to a target position and receives data describing an actual position and/or orientation of the endoscope. The surgical robotic system determines gain values based at least on the discrepancy between the target position and the actual position. The endoscope can include tubular components referred to as a sheath and leader. An instrument device manipulator of the surgical robotic system actuates pull wires coupled to the sheath and/or the leader, which causes the endoscope to articulate.

Abstract: Presented are methods for determining the position and orientation of medical tools inserted through a working channel of an endoscopic device or through a trocar and visible in images gathered by the visualization systems and methods for conducting measurements with said tools.

Abstract: An endoscope aid is attachably and detachably attached to a treatment tool insertion channel of an endoscope where a suction tube joins. The endoscope aid includes a flexible tubular member having a length equal to or larger than a length ranging from at least an inlet-side end part of an outlet portion of the treatment tool insertion channel, which is maintained in the shape of a straight pipe regardless of bending of a bending part of the endoscope, to an inlet of the treatment tool insertion channel. The tubular member has a distal end part that has an outer periphery in sliding contact with an inner peripheral surface of the outlet portion of the treatment tool insertion channel and is disposed at the outlet portion, and a communication part that allows an outlet of the treatment tool insertion channel and the suction tube to communicate with each other.

Abstract: An endoscope system has an overtube having a proximal end and a distal end, and a main lumen and a sub lumen; an endoscope having a channel and inserted into the main lumen; a flexible shaft being advanceable and retractable in the sub lumen; a curved needle having a proximal end and a distal end; and a needle holder configured at a distal end of the shaft to hold the curved needle, wherein the held curved needle is movable to a first position protruding from a distal end opening of the sub lumen, and due to a rotation around the longitudinal axis, part of the curved needle held by the needle holder is movable from the first position in front of the distal end opening of the sub lumen to a second position in front of the channel of the endoscope inserted into the main lumen.

Abstract: A hinge construction hingably connects a first member and a second member which are rotatable about an axis of rotation having an axial direction. A first bearing structure comprises first and second support structures having cylinder surface segment shaped first and second bearing surfaces at a radial distance from the axis of rotation, and configured to slidingly engage each other. Second and third bearing structures comprise third, fourth, fifth and sixth support structures having third, fourth, fifth and sixth bearing surfaces, the third and fourth bearing surfaces, and the fifth and sixth bearing surfaces configured to slidingly engage each other to absorb a force having a force component in the axial direction. A fourth bearing structure comprises seventh and eighth support structures having cylinder surface segment shaped seventh and eighth bearing surfaces at a radial distance from the axis of rotation, and configured to slidingly engage each other.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product for estimating future axial elongation of an individual's eye as a way to predict and track refractive error progression of an individual. The method includes: receiving, via a computer interface, data relating to refractive change in a prior pre-determined time period for the individual from a reference timepoint; receiving data representing an age of the individual and data representing a current axial length value of the eye as measured at the reference timepoint; calculating, by said processor, a future axial elongation of the eye as a function of the age of the individual, the current axial length value of the eye as measured at the reference timepoint, and the refractive change in the prior pre-determined time period; generating, an output indication of said computed axial elongation of the eye, and using said output indication to select a myopia control treatment for said individual.

Abstract: An ophthalmic device including a scanning optical system configured to scan an examined eye with light from a light source, a fixation light source configured to illuminate fixation light onto the examined eye through the scanning optical system so as to function as a fixation target, and a fixation light scanning section configured to scan the fixation light synchronized to scanning of the scanning optical system such that an illuminated fixation target does not move a specific distance or greater due to scanning of the scanning optical system.

Abstract: An ophthalmic instrument including a light source, an optical system to guide light from the light source onto a right eye retina of a subject and/or onto a left eye retina of the subject, and a control section to control the optical system so as to perform a visual field test on the right eye retina and/or the left eye retina by the light being shone onto the right-eye retina and/or the left-eye retina.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for performing a vision-related assessment of a patient, the method comprising: receiving information pertaining to each of a plurality of visual assessment-related tests that are performed on the patient, wherein each of the plurality is selected from the group consisting of: Random Dot; Clarity; Near Point; Central Point; Dynamic Acuity; Static Acuity; Northeastern State University College of Optometry (NSUCO) Pursuits; NSUCO Saccades; and Cover; and determining a Status, Symptoms, and Performance (SSP) Score for the patient based at least in part on results of each of the plurality of visual assessment-related tests performed on the patient.

Abstract: A ophthalmic apparatus may include: a first light source configured to output first light to be irradiated to an anterior segment of a subject eye; and a second light source configured to output second light to be irradiated to a retina of the subject eye. The apparatus may be configured capable of executing a first examination using the first light reflected from the anterior segment and a second examination using the second light reflected from the retina. A wavelength of the second light outputted from the second light source may be smaller than a wavelength of the first light outputted from the first light source.

Abstract: A physician prescribes an ocular imaging unit to a patient, which the patient sets up in the home to self-monitor his/her ocular anatomy. Typically, the unit connects to a smartphone, and the patient can use an app to operate the system. When the patient experiences a problem with his/her eyes, the patient initiates a remote evaluation, and the system transmits an alert to a remotely located physician, signifying the need for a pre-diagnostic evaluation. The physician then performs an initial evaluation remotely over the Internet using the home ocular imaging unit to obtain images or live video of the patient's ocular anatomy. The physician remotely makes a pre-diagnostic assessment regarding whether an in-person diagnostic examination of the ocular anatomy is warranted, and then communicates this to the patient. In some cases, the imaging unit captures images, both of the retinas and exteriors of the eyes, and also performs vision tests.

Abstract: A large field-of-view adaptive optics retinal imaging system and method with common optical path beam scanning, the system comprises: a light source module (1), an adaptive optics module (2), a beam scanning module (3), a defocus compensation module (4), a sight beacon module (6), a pupil monitoring module (7), a detection module (8), a control module (9) and an output module (10). The beam scanning module is configured in different scanning modes for carrying out different scanning imaging functions including a large field-of-view imaging function, a small field-of-view high-resolution imaging function and a large field-of-view high-resolution imaging function. The system is simple in structure, and the common optical path structure can obtain three types of retinal imaging images, which meets the requirements of different application scenarios and improves the application range of retinal imaging.

Abstract: Disclosed is a coaxial non-mydriatic multispectral fundus camera, including: an illumination unit configured to emit light; a diffusion lens configured to diffuse the light incident from the illumination unit; an illumination lens configured to irradiate the light incident from the diffusion lens at a predetermined emission angle; a mirror configured to reflect the light incident from the illumination lens; a polarizing beam splitter configured to transmit P-polarized light of the light incident from the mirror and reflect S-polarized light thereof; an objective lens configured to image a fundus using the light incident from the polarizing beam splitter and then enlarge a returning image of the fundus; a short-range eyepiece lens configured to reduce or enlarge the image of the fundus enlarged by the objective lens; and an imaging device configured to acquire a fundus photograph from the image of the fundus received from the short-range eyepiece lens.

Abstract: A system is provided for advanced health monitoring and diagnosis based on wearable nano-biosensing networks. Nanophotonic and wireless communication technologies are synergistically leveraged to bridge the gap between nano-biosensing technologies and commercial wearable devices. Embodiments of the presently-disclosed system may include: (1) a nanoplasmonic biochip, implanted subcutaneously and built on a flexible substrate; (2) a nanophotonic smart band or wearable device that is able to collect in-vivo signals on-demand and relay them wirelessly to the user's smartphone by means of a secure data transfer; and (3) advanced signal processing techniques implemented on a remote processor to extract relevant data from the received signals and provide a diagnosis in real-time.

Abstract: A wearable, open and adjustable MRI head coil system having an assembly of support members, panels, or portions defining one or more access openings. The support members, panels, or portions can support, house, or otherwise include radiofrequency receiver antennae or imaging coils such that the assembly is positionable or wearable by a patient for MRI scanning. The radiofrequency receiver antennae or imaging coils, and other devices can be simultaneously in contact with a patient's head, thereby enabling use during diagnostic, therapeutic, surgical, or other interventional procedures.

Abstract: Described herein are apparatuses for dental scanning and components of apparatuses for dental scanning. A component of a dental scanning apparatus may include a beam splitter, a transparency and an image sensor. The component may have a first surface and a second surface. The transparency may be affixed to the first surface of the beam splitter, and may comprise a spatial pattern disposed thereon and be configured to be illuminated by a light source of the dental scanning apparatus. The image sensor may be affixed to the second surface of the beam splitter, wherein as a result of the transparency being affixed to the first surface of the beam splitter and the image sensor being affixed to the second surface of the beam splitter, the image sensor maintains a stable relative position to the spatial pattern of the transparency.

Abstract: A spectrometer may include: a tunable on-chip laser source configured to irradiate a biological tissue with laser radiation; a photodetector configured to receive the laser radiation reflected from the biological tissue; and at least one processor. The tunable on-chip laser source may include: a semiconductor gain chip having a gain bandwidth for operating the tunable on-chip laser source in a predetermined wavelength range; and a plurality of resonator cavities connected between the semiconductor gain chip and the at least one processor, and configured to perform a coarse high-speed measurement and a fine measurement to measure a spectrum of the laser radiation reflected from the biological tissue.

Abstract: A medical instrument is described that includes an optical source, an optical fiber, and a waveguide patterned upon a substrate. The optical fiber receives radiation from the optical source and includes a first segment and a second segment. The second segment is rotated about an optical axis relative to the first segment. The waveguide receives radiation from the optical source and guides a beam of radiation. The waveguide includes a first waveguide segment designed to impart a first differential group delay on the beam of radiation and a second waveguide segment designed to impart a second differential group delay on the beam of radiation. A sum of the first differential group delay and the second differential group delay is substantially zero.

Abstract: A photoacoustic remote sensing system (NI-PARS) for imaging a subsurface structure in a sample, has an excitation beam configured to generate ultrasonic signals in the sample at an excitation location; an interrogation beam incident on the sample at the excitation location, a portion of the interrogation beam returning from the sample that is indicative of the generated ultrasonic signals; an optical system that focuses at least one of the excitation beam and the interrogation beam with a focal point that is below the surface of the sample; and a detector that detects the returning portion of the interrogation beam.

Abstract: A temperature sensing system includes an insulator having a thermal resistance that is controllable from a first thermal resistance to a second thermal resistance, and at least one temperature sensor operable to sense temperature at first and second sides of the insulator. A processor is configured to control the thermal resistance of the insulator to change from the first thermal resistance to the second thermal resistance.