Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus including a body defining an agitation chamber, an agitator partially disposed within the agitation chamber and configured to rotate about a pivot axis, and a debrider at least partially disposed within the agitation chamber. The agitator includes an elongated body having a first and a second end, a sidewall extending radially outward from the elongated body extending between the first and the second ends, and a plurality of bristles extending radially outward from the elongated body. The plurality of bristles are arranged in at least one row adjacent to the sidewall. The debrider includes a plurality of teeth configured to contact a portion of the sidewall as the agitator rotates about the pivot axis.

Abstract: A dust collection guide structure (10) arranged at the bottom (11) of a shell of a dust collection mechanism comprises an air duct suction opening (12) formed in the bottom (11) of the shell and at least one groove (13) formed in the surface of the bottom (11) of the shell. One end of each of the at least one groove (13) communicates with the air duct suction opening (12) to form a dust guide air duct for guiding dust into the air duct suction opening (12), and the other end is in smooth transition connection with the edge of the bottom (11) of the shell.

Abstract: A surface cleaning head with a leading roller may be used to facilitate capturing of debris in the air flow into a suction conduit on the underside of the surface cleaning head. The leading roller is generally positioned adjacent to and in advance of the opening of the suction conduit. The surface cleaning head may have dual agitators—a leading roller and a rotating brush roll—with the leading roller being located in front of the brush roll. The leading roller may have a smaller diameter than the brush roll and may provide a softer cleaning element. The leading roller may also have a bottom portion exposed to the flow path to the suction conduit and at least a top half that is not exposed to that flow path. The leading roller may also float relative to the surface cleaning head and/or may be adjustable relative to the brush roll.

Abstract: A method of providing customized cleaning information, a vacuum cleaner, and a control method thereof are disclosed. The method of providing customized cleaning information includes obtaining information related to a cleaning module from a sensor of a vacuum cleaner, determining whether the cleaning module is in use among pre-registered cleaning modules based on the information related to the cleaning module, storing last used time information of the cleaning module based on the information related to the cleaning module, obtaining current time information, comparing the last used time information with the current time information to determine whether unused time of the cleaning module exceeds an unused time threshold specified for the cleaning module, and providing an indication that the cleaning module needs to be used when the unused time of the cleaning module exceeds the unused time threshold.

Abstract: An autonomous floor cleaning system includes an interlock for physically interlocking an autonomous floor cleaner with a docking station. The interlock selectively engages when the robot is docked at the docking station, and can automatically engage as when a predefined locking criterion is met. The interlock can remain engaged until a predefined unlocking criterion is met. Methods for docking an autonomous floor cleaner with a docking station are disclosed.

Abstract: A cleaning device comprises a surface interaction layer (ML), a cleaning fluid supply (CFF) provided with a cleaning fluid channel (CFC) at the surface interaction layer (ML) for supplying a cleaning fluid to a surface (F) through the surface interaction layer (ML) being in contact with the surface (F), and a dirty fluid drain (DFD) having a dirty fluid channel (DFC) at the surface interaction layer (ML) for draining, by means of underpressure, dirty water from the surface (F) through the surface interaction layer (ML) being in contact with the surface (F).

Abstract: A cleaning device comprises a surface interaction layer (ML), a cleaning fluid supply (CFF) provided with a cleaning fluid channel (CFC) at the surface interaction layer (ML) for supplying a cleaning fluid to a surface (F) through the surface interaction layer (ML) being in contact with the surface (F), and a dirty fluid drain (DFD) having a dirty fluid channel (DFC) at the surface interaction layer (ML) for draining, by means of underpressure, dirty water from the surface (F) through the surface interaction layer (ML) being in contact with the surface (F).

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a surface cleaning apparatus that includes a steam delivery system for steam mopping a floor surface after sweeping dry dirt, dust, hair, and other debris from the floor surface. The surface cleaning apparatus can be configured to perform multiple cleaning functions, including dry sweeping and steam mopping. The surface cleaning apparatus can be convertible between different modes of operation, including at least an upright mode and a handheld mode.

Abstract: A robot cleaner comprising: a cleaner body including a controller, the cleaner body having a dust container accommodation part formed therein; a wheel unit mounted in the cleaner body, the wheel unit of which driving is controlled by the controller; and a dust container detachably coupled to the dust container accommodation part, wherein a first opening and a second opening are disposed at the same height in an inner wall of the dust container accommodation part, wherein the dust container includes: an entrance and an exit, disposed side by side along the circumference of the dust container, the entrance and the exit, respectively communicating with the first opening and the second opening when the dust container is accommodated in the dust container accommodation part; and a flow separating part extending downwardly inclined along the inner circumference of the dust container.

Abstract: An autonomous floor cleaner can include a housing, a drive system for autonomously moving the housing over the surface to be cleaned, a controller for controlling the operation of the autonomous floor cleaner, and warning system for issuing an audible warning based on an orientation or operational condition of the robot. Methods for issuing an audible warning are disclosed.

Abstract: A cleaner according to the present disclosure includes: a mop module which includes a pair of spin mops that contacts a floor while rotating clockwise or counterclockwise when viewed from a top and is left-right symmetric with a virtual central vertical plane; a collection module which includes at least one collection unit that collects foreign substances from the floor at a position spaced apart from the mop module in a forward and backward direction, forms a collection space which stores the collected foreign substances, and is left-right symmetric with respect to the central vertical plane; and a body that connects the mop module and the collection module.

Abstract: A sponge used as a cleaning article that employs passive means to deter the growth of microorganisms within the sponge and reduces the possibility of cross-contamination. The sponge is capable of being placed or stowed on a surface in a vertical orientation such that its outer surfaces will be maximally exposed to air, thereby increasing the rate at which moisture can evaporate from the sponge, and therefore, making it less susceptible and more inhospitable to microbial growth. To achieve a practical and reliable degree of stability, a sticky elastomeric gel is incorporated onto the sponge's bottom surface, possessing sufficient adhesive strength to securely maintain the sponge in an upright position, yet permitting the sponge to be easily removed from the surface, while at the same time providing a prophylactic barrier between the sponge and the surface, further reducing the possibility of cross-contamination.

Abstract: A layered scrub having an aspect ratio of between 0.75 and 1.25 is presented, comprising: a) a scrubber layer; b) a sponge layer; optionally c) a rigid boundary layer, which optionally is directly bound to layer c) and/or layer b); and optionally d) a dense sponge layer. In some such embodiments, layers d) and b) are unitary. In some embodiments, the layered scrub has a height of between 5.0 centimeters and 11.0 centimeters and may be generally cubic. In some embodiments, the scrubber layer comprises a non-reticulated hydrophobic polyurethane foam, the sponge layer and/or the dense sponge layer comprises a hydrophilic polyurethane foam, and the rigid boundary layer comprises polyurethane. In some embodiments, dense sponge layer d) bears printed designs or information.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus, such as a fluid delivery or steam mop, comprises a handle assembly comprising a steam distributor and a foot assembly pivotally attached to the handle assembly and comprising a base housing. The foot assembly can be used in two positions, whereby opposing sides of a cleaning pad on the base housing can selectively engage a surface to be cleaned. The foot assembly is further swivelable relative to the steam distributor, such that fluid can be delivered to the surface to be cleaned in both of the two use positions.

Abstract: The present concept a cleaning device comprises; a pole assembly adapted to be detachably connected to a pole end; a head assembly adapted to be detachably connected to a pad; a resilient joint connected at a pole portion to the pole assembly and at a head end to the head assembly, wherein the resilient joint includes a flexible neck disposed between the pole end and the head end. The cleaning device is moveable between a normally retracted position and an extended position, wherein the retracted position the pole assembly pivots about the flexible neck relative the head assembly.

Abstract: A washcloth expander tool for keeping a washcloth in an expanded orientation. The washcloth expander tool comprises a pair of generally curved wands that are connected along a center pivot point. The pair of wands are oriented in an approximately perpendicular configuration when in use. Each end of each wand comprises a washcloth attachment element for attaching to a corner of the washcloth. A rail component is attachable to one of the wands and a finger engaging component can attach to a variety of positions along the rail component. The finger engaging component comprises a plurality of finger loops for a user's fingers to hold the washcloth expander tool attached to the washcloth.

Abstract: A pan cleaning system is provided having a support carriage with one or more track supports and one or more track guides. An indexing conveyor provides a stream of baking pans and indexes the pans onto the support carriage as single pans. One or more twists in the track supports are provided such that the pans admitted by the indexing conveyor are turned at least substantially perpendicular relative to the horizontal plane of the machine. One or more frame assemblies having one or more sets of swing arms mounted on it is provided. With one or more secondary conveyors coupled to th frame assemblies. One or more cleaning subsystems are releasably coupled to the swing arms.

Abstract: Among other things, a method is disclosed which comprises the following: acquiring at least one set of acceleration data indicative of a progression of measured acceleration values; determining at least one set of evaluation data at least partially based on the acquired acceleration data, wherein determining the evaluation data comprises determining whether one or more characteristic actions have been performed by a user, and if so, performing the following: storing an action data representing the one or more actions that is included in the determined evaluation data or is at least a part of the determined evaluation data; and outputting or causing the output of the determined evaluation data. A device for executing and/or controlling this method, a system with one or more devices for executing and/or controlling this method and a computer program for executing and/or controlling this method by a processor are further disclosed.

Abstract: [Problem] It is desired to provide a technology capable of improving visibility of a fluorescence image. [Solution] Provided is an image processing apparatus that includes a feature detecting unit configured to detect a feature of first image data that is obtained by capturing an image of a blood vessel by ICG fluorescence imaging, and an enhancement processing unit configured to control a degree of an enhancement process performed on the first image data, on the basis of the feature.

Abstract: A processor device includes an image signal acquiring unit, an image processing unit, and a display control unit. The image signal acquiring unit acquires a digital image signal corresponding to an observation mode from an endoscope. The image processing unit includes a region-of-interest-mode image processing unit. The display control unit performs switching control of switching between a first display method in which an endoscopic image is displayed in real time and a second display method in which a recognition result list is displayed.

Abstract: An operation switch includes an elastic operation member, a pressing member, and a switch main body. The elastic operation member is formed of an elastic member, and includes a dome portion on one end side and a circumferential plane portion on the other end side. The dome portion is formed in a dome shape in a natural state, elastically deformed to a balanced state with a predetermined tension different from the natural state, and held as a dome shape. The pressing member moves by deforming the dome portion, and presses an electric switch. The switch main body includes a recess for switch in which an electric switch is disposed, a housing hole in which the pressing member is housed, and a central protrusion around which an inner plane of the circumferential plane portion of the elastic operation member is disposed.

Abstract: Provided is an endoscope that can appropriately illuminate an insertion direction side of an insertion part, a treatment tool and a treatment target region thereof and can reduce the diameter of a distal end part of the insertion part.

Abstract: Provided is an endoscope treatment tool including: a tubular distal-end member that is attached to the distal end of an endoscope; an outer sheath having a channel extending in a direction along a longitudinal axis of the endoscope; a treatment-tool body; a linear connector that connects the distal-end member and the treatment-tool body. The treatment-tool body includes a bendable long insertion portion that is inserted through the channel, a treatment portion with which treatment is performed, and a rotating member. The rotating member includes a through-hole that extends along a plane intersecting the longitudinal axis and through which the connector is inserted. When the treatment-tool body is pushed in the longitudinal direction, the connector guides the treatment portion along a locus centered on an axis intersecting a plane including the axis of the distal-end member and the axis of the channel.

Abstract: A medical imaging device includes an elongated shaft having proximal and distal ends, a handle detachably connected to the shaft, and a connector assembly. The connector assembly comprises a plug at the proximal end of the shaft with an outer circumferential wall and a first plurality of electrical terminals, and a receptacle in the handle with a cavity for the plug. An image sensor is at the distal end of the shaft, and a plurality of electrical conductors electrically connected to the image sensor, are electrically connected to the first plurality of electrical terminals. An inner circumferential wall of the receptacle includes a second plurality of electrical terminals, and the outer circumferential wall of the plug has a plurality of apertures therein through which the first plurality of electrical terminals establishes an electrical connection with the second plurality of electrical terminals when the plug is inserted in the receptacle.

Abstract: The endoscope has an elongated outer tube 2 and an optical element unit 3 provided inside the outer tube 2, the outer tube 2 has an inner layer 21 configured by a soft resin, a reinforcement layer 22 provided outside the inner layer 21, and an outer layer 23 configured by a soft resin covering the reinforcement layer 22; and the optical element unit 3 has an image transmission portion for image transmission 31, a laser transmission portion 32, and a fiber bundle for illumination 33 to fill the space between an inner surface 21a of the inner layer 21, an outer surface 31a of the image transmission portion 31, and an outer surface 32a of the laser transmission portion 32.

Abstract: Provided is an endoscope that can suppress increase in the temperature of a distal end portion of an insertion section while preventing increase in the number of components and increase in the diameter of the distal end portion.

Abstract: Provided is an endoscope capable of reliably illuminating a treatment tool delivered from a treatment tool delivery port and a treatment target region thereof. An endoscope includes a distal end part body that is provided on a distal end side of an insertion part and has a distal end, a proximal end, and a longitudinal axis; the treatment tool delivery port that is formed in the distal end part body and delivers the treatment tool inserted into the insertion part; an elevator that is rotatably supported in the treatment tool delivery port of the distal end part body and controls a delivery direction of the treatment tool delivered from the treatment tool delivery port; and a first illumination window that is provided on the distal end part body. The first illumination window is provided in a proximal end side region at a position shifted from the treatment tool delivery port to a proximal end side of the distal end part body in the distal end part body.

Abstract: An exemplary capsule apparatus is provided, which includes a capsule having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. A terminal portion of the capsule at the first end has a tapered end that has a section which curves toward a center of the terminal portion. Additionally, a tethered capsule apparatus includes a capsule configured to provide imaging optics having an orifice provided at least one end thereof. A tether having a proximal end and a distal end is also be provided. The distal end of the tether has an enlarged end portion that has a width that is greater than a width of a neighboring portion, and the enlarged end portion can be positioned and configured to be secured in the orifice.

Abstract: Provided is a vital stain inspection method for distinguishing between cancer cells and normal cells within a lumen, or on the serous membrane side of an organ, by means of laser irradiation after organ tissue has been stained by curcumin, Red #3 or Red #106, which are edible color dyes.

Abstract: An endoscope is provided that includes a first component, a second component, a light source, an image capturing element, and a light guide. The second component has a proximal end and a distal end with proximal end coupled to the first component. The light source is integrated in the first component and includes a laser and a converter. The laser emits primary light and the converter converts the primary light at least partially into secondary light that has a different wavelength. The image capturing element is arranged at the distal end. The light guide has an optical fiber that extends through the second component. The converter is coupled to the proximal end such that the primary and secondary light is injected into the optical fiber, is conducted from the proximal end to the distal end, and emitted at the distal end.

Abstract: Disclosed is optical observation equipment for identifying the forming process of a malignant tumor, which is provided with a receiving space and a transparent front end. The optical observation equipment comprises: a light-guide fiber, a laser emitter, a focusing device, a white light emitter, an image sensor, a high gain amplifier and an encoding and emitting device, wherein the light-guide fiber extends to the transparent front end from the receiving space; the laser emitter emits laser with a wavelength of 340 nm±20 nm and an energy of 0.3˜0.

Abstract: A magnifying glass captures an image of a tooth by a plurality of cameras for observation. The plurality of cameras includes a narrow range camera capturing an image of the tooth in a narrow image capturing range and a wide range camera capturing an image of the tooth in a wide image capturing range. The magnifying glass includes a three-dimensional position calculator detecting a three-dimensional position of at least the tooth based on the wide range image captured by the wide range camera; a blur correction processor correcting a blur of the narrow range image captured by the narrow range camera, based on a change in a three-dimensional positional relationship between the tooth, the three-dimensional position of which has been detected by the three-dimensional position detector, and the narrow range camera; and an image display portion displaying at least the narrow range image having the blur corrected.

Abstract: In a first example, a nasopharyngeal mirror device includes a handle, a convex mirror configured to move with respect to the handle, and an anti-fogging device configured to reduce condensation on the convex mirror. In a second example, a method includes inserting a convex mirror of a nasopharyngeal mirror device into a mouth of a patient and moving the convex mirror with respect to a handle of the nasopharyngeal mirror device such that a tissue of interest of the patient is viewable within the convex mirror. The method also includes capturing an image of the tissue of interest with a camera of the nasopharyngeal mirror device while the tissue of interest is viewable within the convex mirror.

Abstract: A system for guiding an ophthalmic procedure is disclosed. The system includes a housing assembly with a head unit configured to be at least partially directed towards a target site in an eye. An optical coherence tomography (OCT) module and stereoscopic visualization camera are at least partially located in the head unit and configured to obtain a first set and a second set of volumetric data, respectively. A controller is configured to register the first set and second set of volumetric data to create a third set of registered volumetric data. The third set and second set of registered volumetric data are rendered, via a volumetric render module, to a first and second region. The first region and the second region are overlaid to obtain a shared composite view of the target site. The controller is configured to extract structural features and/or enable visualization of the target site.

Abstract: Various examples of methods, systems and devices are provided for ophthalmic examination. In one example, a handheld system includes an optical imaging assembly coupled to a user device that includes a camera aligned with optics of the optical imaging assembly. The user device can obtain ocular imaging data of at least a portion of an eye via the optics of the optical imaging assembly and provide ophthalmic evaluation results based at least in part upon the ocular imaging data. In another example, a method includes receiving ocular imaging data of at least a portion of an eye; analyzing the ocular imaging data to determine at least one ophthalmic characteristic of the eye; and determining a condition based at least in part upon the at least one ophthalmic characteristic.

Abstract: A system to determine a binocular alignment, comprises a first optical unit, including a first display, to display images for a first eye, actuatable along a longitudinal direction according to a simulated distance and an optical power of the first eye, and a first eye tracker assembly, to track a gaze direction of the first eye, adjustable in a horizontal lateral direction to accommodate a pupillary distance of the first eye; and a second optical unit, including a second display, to display images for a second eye, actuatable along the longitudinal direction according to a simulated distance and an optical power of the second eye, and a second eye tracker assembly, to track a gaze direction of the second eye, adjustable in the horizontal lateral direction to accommodate a pupillary distance of the second eye; and a computer, to determine the binocular alignment based on the gaze directions.

Abstract: Provided is a method for an ophthalmic examination by an ophthalmic examination system including an ophthalmic examination apparatus and an examiner-side apparatus that is connected to the ophthalmic examination apparatus by a network and is provided with an interface for input/output, the method including: a transmission step of transmitting an error signal from the ophthalmic examination apparatus to the examiner-side apparatus upon occurrence of an error in the ophthalmic examination apparatus; a selection step of, upon the examiner-side apparatus receiving the error signal, notifying an examiner of the occurrence of the error via the interface and also accepting selection input for selecting any of a plurality of predetermined handling methods of the error; a response step of the examiner-side apparatus transmitting a response signal to the ophthalmic examination apparatus on the basis of the selection input; and a notification step of, upon the ophthalmic examination apparatus receiving the response sign

Abstract: System and method for imaging a target site with a housing assembly having a head unit configured to be at least partially directed towards the target site. An optical coherence tomography (OCT) module and stereoscopic visualization camera are at least partially located in the head unit and configured to obtain a first set and a second of volumetric data of the target site, respectively. A controller is configured to register the first set of volumetric data with the second set of volumetric data to create a third set of registered volumetric data. The third set of registered volumetric data and second set of volumetric data are rendered, via a volumetric render module, to a first and second region. The first region and the second region are overlaid to obtain a composite shared view of the target.

Abstract: A pressure-sensing device includes a device frame, a flexible membrane, a pressure sensor, and device electronics. The device frame includes a base surface that rests on a supporting structure and a frame attachment region located opposite to the base surface such that the frame attachment region is raised from the supporting structure when the base surface is resting on the supporting structure. The device frame also includes a seating surface. The flexible membrane is attached to the frame attachment region such that the device frame and the flexible membrane enclose a pressure chamber. The seating surface extends outward around the flexible membrane and the flexible membrane protrudes above the seating surface. The pressure sensor is configured to generate a pressure signal. The device electronics are configured to determine the pressure in the pressure chamber based on the pressure signal.

Abstract: This system is a network of sensor nodes with multiple sensors at each node. The nodes are used in combination with a wearable garment to enable multiple types of data to be combined together to produce a fuller picture of a body's physiological state; such as during physical therapy. In addition, the system utilizes acoustic imaging to measure muscle activation. The system transmit this data to a host computer to visualize various data comparisons.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing data communication in medical systems are disclosed.

Abstract: A wireless sensor device capable of constant operation without replacement of batteries. The wireless sensor device is equipped with a rechargeable battery and the battery is recharged wirelessly. Radio waves received at an antenna circuit are converted into electrical energy and stored in the battery. A sensor circuit operates with the electrical energy stored in the battery, and acquires information. Then, a signal containing the information acquired is converted into radio waves at the antenna circuit, whereby the information can be read out wirelessly.

Abstract: A sensor system has a first tag including a first communication circuit, and a second tag including a second communication circuit. The first tag is operative to initiate a first wireless transmission for reception by the second tag, the wireless transmission pertaining to a measurement effected by the first tag or the second tag. The second tag is operative to wirelessly communicate data representing the measurement to a reader device.

Abstract: A system and method for imaging tissue including an endoscope capable of illuminating tissue with white and near infrared light.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical data processing method of determining a three-dimensional shape of a medical support device for supporting an anatomical body part of a patient, the method being constituted to be executed by a computer and comprising the following steps acquiring body part geometry data describing a geometry of the anatomical body part; acquiring medical procedure data describing an envisaged medical procedure to be carried out on the patient; acquiring atlas data describing a general three-dimensional shape of the anatomical body part; determining, based on the body part geometry data and the medical procedure data and the atlas data, support device geometry data describing the geometry of the support device.

Abstract: In part, the disclosure relates to an analysis system in communication with one or more sources of brain region or brain tissue-specific spectroscopy data; and computer-executable logic, encoded in memory of the analysis system, for interpreting brain region or brain tissue-specific spectroscopy data, where the computer-executable logic is configured for execution of: processing the brain region or brain tissue-specific spectroscopy data to obtain one or more spectroscopic graphical representations of the brain region or brain tissue-specific spectroscopy data; co-registering such representations with regions of interest in imaging data obtained relative thereto, where the imaging data is obtained simultaneously with the spectroscopy data; and displaying a first visual representation of co-registered brain region or brain tissue-specific spectroscopy data and imaging data.

Abstract: An aspect of some embodiments of the present invention relates to a method for determining one or more characteristics of a region of interest. The method includes providing stimulation for exciting the region of interest for a first selected time period; monitoring mechanical response of the region of interest for at least a second time period after said first time period; processing data indicative of said mechanical response, and determining data on one or more measures of motion of the region of interest; utilizing data on one or more measures of motion for yielding at least one damping parameter indicative of damping of the mechanical response of the region of interest, and determining at least one characteristic of the region of interest in accordance with at least one damping parameter.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for imaging and monitoring a tissue, such as a cerebral cortex, of a subject. Access to imaging a tissue, such as cerebral cortex, may be provided by removing a portion of a bone, such as a portion of a skull of the subject. A prosthesis, such as an optically transparent prosthesis, may be used to replace the portion of the skull removed and may be conformed to the same 3D contour of the bone that was removed. A data acquisition system, such as an imaging system, may then be affixed to the skull prosthesis and may be used to acquire image data of the tissue of the subject at high spatial and temporal resolution and without interference from intervening bone material.

Abstract: This health condition management system includes a measurement terminal including a Raman spectroscopy device and a mobile terminal; a server; and a hospital terminal. The mobile terminal transmits measurement data from Raman spectrometry to the server, and the server determines a tooth condition on the basis of a predetermined determination algorithm from the received measurement data, and transmits same to the mobile terminal and the hospital terminal. In addition, the server selects a dental clinic to visit on the basis of the determined condition and registration information, and transmits same to the mobile terminal. Appointment/reception assistance is also performed between the mobile terminal and the hospital terminal, with the ability to determine an appointment date and time.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and systems for identifying a tissue characteristic in a subject. Identifying a tissue characteristic may comprise accessing a database comprising a first set of data from a first image obtained from a first tissue region of the subject and a second set of data from a second image obtained from a second tissue region of the subject; computer processing the first set of data and the second set of data to (i) identify a presence or absence of one or more features indicative of the tissue characteristic in the first image, and (ii) classify the subject as being positive or negative for the tissue characteristic based on the presence or absence of the one or more features in the first image; and generating an electronic report which is indicative of the subject being positive or negative for the tissue characteristic.