Patents Issued in November 4, 2021
  • Publication number: 20210338014
    Abstract: A novel implement holder is provided. In particular, the present invention provides a utensil holder that allows for a neat and clean work area without unsightly spills from liquids. The invention is particularly suited to kitchens and coffee shops, where there is a need to collect drippings from spoons and other stirring utensils without inadvertently contaminating the stirring utensil and the subject liquids from contact contamination. The invention also provides for absorbent sheets that can be individually dispensed below a suspended utensil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2020
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Inventor: David Russell
  • Publication number: 20210338015
    Abstract: A shower system for use in a shower environment includes a receptor. The receptor includes a fluid collection area and a rim. The fluid collection area includes a base forming a bottom surface of the fluid collection area and an opening extending through the base to allow water to drain from the fluid collection area via the opening. The rim extends outward from the fluid collection area along at least a portion of a perimeter of the fluid collection area. The rim includes a resizing feature configured to facilitate removing a portion of the rim to change a size of the receptor in one or more dimensions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2021
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Applicant: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Stout, Jose Luis Ortiz Palacios
  • Publication number: 20210338016
    Abstract: Hygiene systems are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the hygiene systems include sanitizing products (e.g., wipes and/or sanitizer) and personal protective equipment (e.g., gloves, masks, and/or gowns).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2020
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Inventor: Frank Camera
  • Publication number: 20210338017
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2021
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Inventor: Todd J. Muderlak
  • Publication number: 20210338018
    Abstract: The present disclosure is in one aspect to a dispenser for rolled sheet materials. The dispenser includes a feed roller that is rotatably mounted to a housing of the dispenser housing, and that is configured to feed a predetermined amount of sheet material from the supply of sheet material through a discharge provided along the housing of the dispenser. The dispenser also has a feed roller drive assembly with a drive motor, and a belt transmission assembly. The belt transmission assembly has a drive belt coupled to the drive motor and to the feed roller such that rotation of the feed roller is driven by operation of the drive motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2021
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Inventor: Charles A. Osborne, JR.
  • Publication number: 20210338019
    Abstract: A reusable towel dispenser includes a reusable towel holding compartment including multiple reusable towels stored in a non-structured manner. The dispenser also includes a reusable towel output of the reusable towel holding compartment, the reusable towel output being configured to enable a reusable towel of a group of non-structured reusable towels to be accessed and pulled, from the reusable towel holding compartment, out of the reusable towel dispenser. The dispenser further includes a reusable towel input of the reusable towel holding compartment, the reusable towel input being configured to allow a group of non-structured reusable towels to be concurrently loaded in the reusable towel holding compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2021
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Inventors: Steven Krengel, Hyung Seok Lee, Marianne Grisdale, James Dangora
  • Publication number: 20210338020
    Abstract: Provided in this disclosure is a hand dryer including a mounting structure having a planar surface for adjoining to a planar surface of a mounting wall upon which the hand dryer is mounted. A motor is provided for rotating a fan that generates an air flow. The motor is mounted transversely upon the mounting structure such that a plane of motor rotation is parallel to the planar surface of the mounting wall, and an axis of motor rotation is perpendicular to the mounting wall. The nozzle receives the air flow from the motor, and directs the air flow toward hands of a user. The hand dryer includes air intakes, mounted along opposite sides the motor, for receiving transverse flows of air. The air intake also includes a recessed portion, configured between the air intakes, for receiving the motor, and fluidly connecting the motor to the air intakes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2020
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Applicant: Scott Fetzer SFEG
    Inventors: Daniel K. Amonett, Matthew Quinn, Adam Finch
  • Publication number: 20210338021
    Abstract: Technology associated with automatically raising a toilet seat is described. In an example embodiment, a device for automatically raising a toilet seat includes a fluid-based movement source that generates a force upon actuation and a movement transmission mechanism configured to transfer the force to the toilet seat to raise the toilet seat from a lowered position to a raised position. The fluid-based movement source is fixable to a toilet having a toilet seat and a toilet bowl and the movement transmission mechanism is connected to the fluid-based movement source to receive the force and coupleable to the toilet seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2021
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Inventors: Troy A. Holbrook, Scott A. Holbrook, Steven R. Hutchinson, Christopher J. Knapp
  • Publication number: 20210338022
    Abstract: An accessory for an advanced hygienic excreta system comprising a base disposed around a bowl having a retracted position and an operational position; a seat having a convex surface configured to position a user's rectum below a user's knees when a user is seated on the seat and the seat is in a seated position; a footrest assembly having a footrest wherein the footrest is configured to be received into the base and to extend away from the base to support feet and legs of the user when the user is in a seated position; and, a controller carried by the base and connected to a motor set connected to the seat, footrest assembly and arm rest assembly and configured to receive input from an input device and actuate the motor set to extend and retract the seat, footrest, and arm rest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2021
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Applicant: Think and Ink Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger R. Roff
  • Publication number: 20210338023
    Abstract: A device can include one or more inputs, which, in operation, receive one or more signals indicative of toilet-lid positions and one or more signals indicative of user-toilet proximity; and control circuitry coupled to the one or more inputs. The control circuitry can, in operation, determine a position of a toilet lid based on the one or more signals indicative of toilet-lid positions; respond to a determination that the toilet lid is in a closed position by entering a power-save mode of operation; and respond to a determination that the toilet lid is not in a closed position by selectively generating, based on the one or more signals indicative of user-toilet proximity, toilet-lid-actuator control signals to cause a toilet-lid-actuator to move the toilet lid toward a closed position. Related methods and systems are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2021
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Inventors: Jeff Henderson, Michael A. Sprauve, Scott J. Foster, Ernesto Hueso
  • Publication number: 20210338024
    Abstract: A toilet positionable above a floor comprise a toilet base and a foot ledge structure. The toilet base at least partially surrounds a lower portion of a toilet bowl and defines an inner area that at least partially contains the lower portion of the toilet bowl. The foot ledge structure comprises a foot ledge and a base bracket. The foot ledge is elevated above the floor and is movable between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the toilet base. The base bracket is positioned within the inner area of the toilet base and is configured to elevate the foot ledge above the floor. The foot ledge is movably attached to the base bracket. The base bracket is independently attachable to the floor from the toilet base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2021
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Inventors: Erich D. Slothower, Keith E. Muellenbach
  • Publication number: 20210338025
    Abstract: A nozzle for a cleaner has a nozzle housing, and first and second rotation cleaning units arranged on a lower side of the nozzle housing and spaced apart from each other. Each of the first and second rotation cleaning units includes a rotation plate coupled to a mop. The nozzle includes a first driving device having a first driving motor to drive the first rotation cleaning unit. The nozzle also includes a second driving device having a second driving motor to drive the second rotation cleaning unit. Further, the nozzle has a water tank mounted on the nozzle housing to store water. The nozzle housing includes driving unit covers arranged to surround each of the driving devices. At least one of the driving unit covers includes a first protruding surface, and a second protruding surface positioned higher than the first protruding surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2021
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Ingyu YANG, Hyeri KWON, Sungjun KIM, Jinho KIM, Kyoungho RYOU, Jungwan RYU, Jinhyouk SHIN, Youngsoo KIM
  • Publication number: 20210338026
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner that includes a suction source configured to generate a suction airflow, a dirt collector in fluid communication with the suction source and configured to separate debris from the suction airflow and the dirt collector is configured to store the debris separated from the suction airflow. The vacuum further includes an infrared sensor operable to output a signal corresponding to a distance to an amount of debris stored in the dirt collector, a controller that receives the signal, and the controller is operable to determine a fill level stored in the dirt collector based on the signal. A visual display displays the fill level stored in the dirt collector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2021
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Inventors: Steven Marcus, William Jacob Kozlowski, JR.
  • Publication number: 20210338027
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner that includes a suction source configured to generate a suction airflow, a dirt collector in fluid communication with the suction source and configured to separate debris from the suction airflow and the dirt collector is configured to store the debris separated from the suction airflow. The vacuum further includes an infrared sensor operable to output a signal corresponding to a distance to an amount of debris stored in the dirt collector, a controller that receives the signal, and the controller is operable to determine a fill level stored in the dirt collector based on the signal. A visual display displays the fill level stored in the dirt collector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2021
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Inventors: Steven Marcus, William Jacob Kozlowski, JR.
  • Publication number: 20210338028
    Abstract: Disclosed is a robot cleaner. The robot cleaner of the present disclosure comprise: a gas sensor which is disposed inside the robot cleaner and senses suctioned air; and a processor which identifies contaminants on the basis of a sensing value of the gas sensor, and controls the robot cleaner so that the robot cleaner travels while avoiding the identified contaminants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2019
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Inventors: Jangpyo PARK, Seonghwan KIM, Yongwon JEONG
  • Publication number: 20210338029
    Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a cleaning robot, including a housing, a receiving tank, and a liquid storage tank. The housing is provided with a first groove and a second groove spaced apart from each other. The receiving tank is located in the first groove and configured to receive dirt. The liquid storage tank is located in the second groove and configured to store a cleaning liquid. In the cleaning robot of the present disclosure, the receiving tank and the liquid storage tank are arranged separately and spaced apart from each other, such that the volume of the liquid storage tank is increased, thereby allowing a larger area to be cleaned with a tank of water stored.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2020
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Applicant: ShenZhen Silver Star Intelligent Technology CO., LTD
    Inventors: Xiaodan XIE, Changtai XIA, Xiao HU
  • Publication number: 20210338030
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner has a nozzle with an electric motor and a cleaning device driven thereby. A separate suction unit has an electric fan for drawing in air and a collector for separating dust from the drawn-in air. A suction conduit extends between the nozzle and the suction unit so the electric fan draws air and dust in through the nozzle, pulls it through the conduit, and separates the dust from the air in the collector. The conduit further has a rigid pipe having an outer end connected to the nozzle and an opposite inner end and a flexible hose connected between the inner end and the suction unit and opening into the collector. A power unit for the nozzle motor has a housing mounted on the pipe, a lithium-ion battery contained in the housing, and a control contained in the housing and operating the electric motor of the nozzle from the battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2020
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Inventor: Marcus CLEFF
  • Publication number: 20210338031
    Abstract: Disclosed are a robot cleaner and a method for controlling same. The robot cleaner comprises: a travel unit for moving a main body; a communication unit for communicating with a remote control device by using ultra-wideband signals; and a control unit which, in response to a first optical signal emitted from the remote control device to the main body, calculates the position of the remote control device by using the ultra-wideband signals that are output to the communication unit. Also, the control unit recognizes, in response to a second optical signal emitted from the remote control device directly after the first optical signal, the position of a target point corresponding to the second optical signal and calculated on the basis of the determined position of the remote control device, and generates a travel command to move the main body to the recognized position of the target point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2019
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Donghoon KWAK, Jaehwan KO, Hyukdo KWEON
  • Publication number: 20210338032
    Abstract: A vertical surface cleaning device comprising a main body, a cleaning arm, a cleaning head, and leg mechanisms with grippers. The cleaning head applies a cleaning fluid on a surface to carry out a cleaning operation. A waste collector is provided to collect a waste material arising from the cleaning operation. The grippers may remain in a grip or in a release state. The segments of the leg mechanisms are articulatable to configure a first group of the leg mechanisms to stably hold the main body at a first place with the grippers remaining in the grip state. A second group of the leg mechanisms move in a desired direction with their grippers in release state while the first group stably holds the main body. The first group of the leg mechanisms then moves in the same direction while the second group holds the main body at a second place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2021
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Inventor: France Vezina
  • Publication number: 20210338033
    Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus adapted for movement across a surface to be cleaned. The surface cleaning apparatus can dock within a storage tray and charge a power supply. Electrical contacts on the surface cleaning apparatus and the storage tray can be shielded when the surface cleaning apparatus is not docked within the storage tray. Furthermore, the storage tray can include a reservoir for a self-cleaning mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2021
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Inventors: Tom Minh Nguyen, Jacob S. Boles, Jacob Resch, Ying Chun Wong, Jian Hua Tang, Yunfu Wang
  • Publication number: 20210338034
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for controlling a mopping robot including a mopping member for mopping and cleaning a floor. The method includes: if the mopping robot has mopped a first area in a first state with the mopping member at a target degree of cleanliness, performing a mopping member cleaning operation; if the mopping robot has mopped a second area in a second state with the mopping member at the target degree of cleanliness, and if the mopping member satisfies the cleaning condition, performing the mopping member cleaning operation. An apparatus for controlling a mopping robot and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2021
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Applicant: Yunjing Intelligence Technology (Dongguan) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yihao WU, Zhuorui WU, Yupeng ZHANG
  • Publication number: 20210338035
    Abstract: A floor cleaning apparatus is provided. The floor cleaning apparatus includes a liquid container, which includes a container wall and a container inner space, a tank rinsing device, which includes an inlet and outlets that are in flow connection therewith, through which outlets rinsing liquid is dispensable into the container inner space, wherein the tank rinsing device includes a rinsing channel that is able to be acted upon by way of the inlet and that comprises a first channel part and a second channel part joined thereto, said channel parts forming between them a channel inner space of the rinsing channel, which can be flowed through by the rinsing liquid, and wherein the outlets are arranged on the second channel part and are flow connected to the channel inner space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2021
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Inventors: Melanie Ritscher, Alexander Gilich
  • Publication number: 20210338036
    Abstract: A cleaning system includes a tether and a plurality of sponge cleaning devices. Each sponge cleaning device has an opening extending therethrough. The tether has body portion, an elongate holding portion extending from the body portion, a first retainer on the holding portion, and a second retainer on the holding portion between the first retainer and the body portion. The tether holding portion extends through the openings of the plurality of sponge cleaning devices. The tether first retainer removably retains at least one of the plurality of sponge cleaning devices in a use position along the holding portion. The tether second retainer removably retains at least one of the plurality of sponge cleaning devices in a storage position along the holding portion between the second retainer and the body portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2021
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Applicant: FTI Brands LLC
    Inventors: Kevin Blaise Consolo, Christopher Michael Pavlica
  • Publication number: 20210338037
    Abstract: A dishwasher may include a sump configured to store water, a main arm disposed at the sump and configured to supply water from the sump, an auxiliary arm rotatably disposed at the main arm and configured to spray water, and an auxiliary arm connection member disposed at the main arm and configured to rotatably support the auxiliary arm, where the auxiliary arm may include an auxiliary flow passage configured to allow water flow through the auxiliary arm, where the main arm may include a transfer flow passage in fluid communication with the auxiliary flow passage, where the auxiliary arm connection member may include a flow tube disposed at the main arm in fluid communication with the transfer flow passage and the auxiliary flow passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2021
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Inventors: Seyoung WOO, Joonho PYO, Daegyu KIM, Taehee LEE
  • Publication number: 20210338038
    Abstract: The invention proposes a cleaning device (110) for cleaning washware (130). The cleaning device (110) comprises at least one cleaning chamber (114) with at least one application device (148) for applying at least one cleaning liquid (150) to the washware (130) in the cleaning chamber (114). The cleaning device (110) furthermore comprises at least one transportation device (136) for transporting the washware (130) through the cleaning chamber (114) in a transportation direction (138). The cleaning device (110) furthermore has at least one outlet region (142), which is arranged downstream of the cleaning chamber (114) in the transportation direction (138), for removing the washware (130) from the transportation device (136). The cleaning device (110) furthermore has at least one sensor (168) for identifying at least one prespecified type of washware (130).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2019
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Applicant: MEIKO Maschinenbau GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Bruno Gaus
  • Publication number: 20210338039
    Abstract: This electronic endoscope system includes an evaluation unit that evaluates an extent of a lesion by processing an image inside an organ image-captured by an electronic endoscope. The evaluation unit includes: an image evaluation value calculation unit that calculates an image evaluation value for the captured image; a lesion evaluation unit that calculates a representative evaluation value of image evaluation values from the image evaluation value for each of a plurality of spaces to evaluate the spread of the lesion; and a lesion evaluation adjustment unit that sets, for an empty section for which a representative evaluation value is not generated, as an estimated representative evaluation value, one image evaluation value for a non-empty section, or a representative evaluation value obtained on the basis of the image evaluation value, and that assigns the estimated representative evaluation value to the empty section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2020
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Applicant: HOYA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ryohey KOIZUMI
  • Publication number: 20210338040
    Abstract: A medical control device includes a display control unit controller configured to display, in a display device configured to display images, a medical image generated from an imaging signal generated by an imaging device configured to receive light coming from an observation target; and a brightness controller configured to control the brightness of the imaging signal in such a way that the display controller displays the medical image having a predetermined brightness. When the dynamic range of the display device is set to a second value that is greater than a first value, the brightness controller is configured to perform control to lower the brightness of the imaging signal as compared to the brightness of the imaging signal for displaying the medical image at the predetermined brightness when the dynamic range is set to the first value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2019
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Applicants: Sony Olympus Medical Solutions Inc., Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Taihei MICHIHATA, Hiroshi MYOKEN, Satoshi MITSUI
  • Publication number: 20210338041
    Abstract: A central control apparatus that centrally controls a plurality of medical devices as controlled devices includes a processor. The processor is configured to: set a function allocated to one or more switches provided in the controlled devices, detect occurrence of an error of the controlled devices and a state of the occurred error, and change, based on a detection result of the error, the function allocated to the one or more switches to a function for restoration from the detected error.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2021
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Akane KITSUNAI
  • Publication number: 20210338042
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a processor. The processor receives an observation image of a subject or the observation image and system information, detects a lesioned part candidate from the observation image, estimates a deterioration risk of endoscopy quality from the observation image or the system information, controls a notification form of the lesioned part candidate from an estimation result of the deterioration risk, and notifies the lesioned part candidate according to the control of the notification form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2021
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mitsutaka KIMURA, Yamato KANDA, Akihiro KUBOTA
  • Publication number: 20210338043
    Abstract: This electronic endoscope system includes an evaluation value calculation unit, an assessment unit, and a representative value determination unit. The evaluation value calculation unit is configured so as to obtain an evaluation value indicating an extent of a lesion in biological tissue in each of a plurality of images captured in a predetermined section along the depth direction of a region in an organ. The assessment unit is configured so as to assess whether the extent of the lesion in the section is changed on the basis of the degree of variation of the evaluation value. The representative value determination unit is configured so as to define a representative value of the section representing the evaluation value, in a different method when the extent of the lesion is assessed to be changed and when the extent of the lesion is assessed not to be changed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2020
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Applicant: HOYA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryohey KOIZUMI, Yosuke IKEMOTO
  • Publication number: 20210338044
    Abstract: A method for identifying material to be removed from a patient may use an imaging device, a display, a control unit, and an insertion device. The method may include obtaining a first set of image data from the imaging device, sending the first set of image data to the control unit from the imaging device, and analyzing the first set of image data based on at least one of a darkness, a contrast, or a saturation. The method may include generating a coded image identifying the material to be removed from the patient to be displayed on the display. The method may further include displaying the coded image on a first screen of the display, and indicating the material to be removed with the insertion device based on the displayed coded image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2021
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Applicant: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter J. PEREIRA, Chad SCHNEIDER, Brandon W. CRAFT, Kimberly DEGRAAF, Jozef SLANDA, James M. GODDARD, Christopher P. GAUVIN
  • Publication number: 20210338045
    Abstract: A modular endoscope system comprises an exoskeleton, a camera unit couplable to the exoskeleton, a therapeutic unit couplable to the exoskeleton, a steering unit couplable to the exoskeleton, and a control unit couplable to the exoskeleton. A method for building a modular endoscope comprises determining camera and therapeutic capabilities of the endoscope, selecting an exoskeleton for the endoscope, attaching a camera unit and therapeutic unit, if such capabilities are determined, to the selected exoskeleton to satisfy the determined capabilities, and attaching a control unit to the exoskeleton to control any camera unit and therapeutic unit attached to the exoskeleton. A method of processing modular endoscope components for performing a surgical procedure comprises identifying a patient to receive a treatment, selecting components of the endoscope to perform the treatment, treating the patient with the endoscope, and deconstructing the components of the endoscope into reusable and disposable components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2021
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Inventors: Peter J. Crowley, Kurt G. Shelton, Thomas J. Holman
  • Publication number: 20210338046
    Abstract: An endoscope treatment tool includes: a cap defining a longitudinal axis and a proximal-end opening for insertion of a distal end section of an endoscope to detachably attach the cap to the endoscope; a treatment tool extending longitudinally along an outside of the cap and having a distal end configured for tissue manipulation; and a coupling member extending between the cap and the treatment tool to movably couple the treatment tool to the cap, the coupling member having high flexibility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2021
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Applicants: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Naohisa YAHAGI, Junji SHIONO, Yuya MATSUOKA, Yuya HIDAKA, Yasuhiro TABUCHI
  • Publication number: 20210338047
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides in a first aspect of the invention a device for scanning a human intra-cavity, comprising a housing comprising a part connected to the housing, the part dimensioned for being inserted into said human intra-cavity, a single mounting-interface on the housing, the single mounting-interface configured to removably mount an internal power supply unit for powering the device from an internal power supply within the internal power supply unit, or an external power supply unit for powering the device from an external power supply outside the external power supply unit, the device configured for being changed between two power-operation modes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2019
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Applicant: 3SHAPE A/S
    Inventors: Kasper Krogh HANSEN, Troels Böwadt ARNVED, Frederik JUUL
  • Publication number: 20210338048
    Abstract: A medical device includes: a main body in which an operation face meant for receiving input of position information from a user is formed on a principal face of the main body; a sheet configured to cover the operation face of the main body and cover an area from the principal face to a reverse face of the main body; and a guide that is installed on the reverse face, the guide being configured to hold the sheet in a slidable manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2021
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takehiro YOSHIMURA
  • Publication number: 20210338049
    Abstract: A method of assembly of an endoscope control system including: holding a first control wheel unit in a position; moving a second control wheel unit in an assembly direction to position the second control wheel unit on the first control wheel unit; moving a housing frame in the assembly direction to position the housing frame on the second control wheel unit; moving a second shaft unit in the assembly direction so that a second shaft is positioned to extend through the connection hole of the housing frame and snaps into engagement with the second control wheel unit; and moving a first shaft unit in the assembly direction so that a first shaft is positioned through the second shaft and snaps into engagement with the first control wheel unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2021
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Inventor: Martin Johst Christensen
  • Publication number: 20210338050
    Abstract: An endoscope including a control system including: a first control wheel connected to a first wire drum and to a first steering wire of the endoscope to control the bending operation in a first dimension, the first control wheel having a bearing surface; a second control wheel connected to a second wire drum and to a second steering wire to control the bending operation in a second dimension, the second control wheel having an outer bearing surface positioned farther from the axis of rotation than the bearing surface of the first control wheel; and an outer bearing element including an inner bearing surface positioned farther from the axis of rotation than the outer bearing surface of the second control wheel and abutting the outer bearing surface of the second control wheel so that rotation of the second control wheel is at least partly borne on the outer bearing element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2021
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Inventors: Martin Johst Christensen, Günter Wilhelm Schütz
  • Publication number: 20210338051
    Abstract: An endoscope control system for performing a bending operation in a disposable insertion endoscope, the endoscope control system including a control wheel connected to a wire drum for connection to a steering wire of the endoscope, whereby rotation of the control wheel controls the bending operation, and a multi-disc brake including a stack of at least three brake discs, wherein activation of the multi-disc brake changes the multi-disc brake from a released state to a braking state, a brake torque generated by the multi-disc brake in the braking state braking rotation of the control wheel, the brake torque in the released state being at least partially released.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2021
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Inventors: Martin Refslund Nielsen, Martin Johst Christensen, Günter Wilhelm Schütz
  • Publication number: 20210338052
    Abstract: A handheld endoscope has a disposable, single-use portion that includes a fluid hub, cannula, distal tip and is steerable by the operator though actuation of one or two levers. The endoscope also includes multiple-use portion that has a handle and display module. The distal tip includes LED illumination and an imaging module that feeds live video to the display module that is rotatable to allow viewing by the operator and others. The single-use and multiple-use portions mate and un-mate with each other via physically separated mechanical and electrical connectors. The component of the endoscope can be supplied to users in different combinations of pre-assembled configurations, some in a sterile package. The single use portion can include grasper device that can be actuated by an operator using an actuation tab.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2021
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Inventors: Xiaolong Ouyang, Chih-Yu TING, Shih-Ping WANG
  • Publication number: 20210338053
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling positioning of wires and/or tubing that extends from a handle of a medical device. An exemplary apparatus includes a device attachment mechanism configured to removably attach to a handle of a medical device and a guide component configured to maintain a plurality of different positions relative to the device attachment mechanism and the handle of the medical device. The guide component allows a user to alter the direction (i.e., biases) any wires or tubing, such as electrical wires or saline tubes that extend from the handle to other instrumentation, such as pumps or generators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2021
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Inventors: Taylor N. Tyson, Peter A. Lambe, Michael S. Smith
  • Publication number: 20210338054
    Abstract: A surgical system comprises a network accessible database configured to store calibration data for an endoscopic image capture device. The surgical system also comprises an image processor configured to be communicatively coupled to the endoscopic image capture device to receive image data of a surgical site during a surgical or diagnostic procedure. The image processor is configured to retrieve the calibration data from the network accessible database via a network connection. The image processor is further configured to process the received images based on the retrieved calibration data. The surgical system further comprises a user control system coupled to the image processor and configured to receive the processed images from the image processor. The user control system comprising a display configured to display the processed images. The calibration data is periodically or dynamically updated on the database to account for changes in the surgical system or new calibration methodologies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2019
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Inventors: Jonathan HALDERMAN, Brian D. HOFFMAN, Derek C. LIOU, Ian E. MCDOWALL
  • Publication number: 20210338055
    Abstract: A flexible tube insertion device includes a flexible and elongated insertion portion, a rigidity changeable mechanism extending in a longitudinal direction of the insertion portion in a rigidity changeable range of at least part of the insertion portion and configured to change bending rigidity of the rigidity changeable range, and a processor configured to perform, on the rigidity changeable mechanism, control for changing an insertion shape of the insertion portion being inserted into a subject. The rigidity changeable mechanism performs, in accordance with control by the processor, operation for sequentially increasing bending rigidity of the rigidity changeable range in a direction from a central part of the rigidity changeable range to each end part of the rigidity changeable range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2021
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryo TEZUKA, Takeshi TAKAHASHI
  • Publication number: 20210338056
    Abstract: Apparatus for performing lavage and suction at a surgical site, the apparatus comprising: a first sleeve having a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end; an irrigation/suction tube mounted to the first sleeve for delivering fluid into, or removing fluid from, the surgical site; a second sleeve having a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end, wherein the lumen of the second sleeve is configured to receive the first sleeve and an endoscope in a side-by-side disposition, with the distal end of the first sleeve being movable relative to the distal end of the second sleeve and the distal end of the endoscope; an aft balloon mounted to the second sleeve; an inflation/deflation tube mounted to the second sleeve and in fluid communication with the interior of the aft balloon; a pair of push tubes slidably mounted to the second sleeve; and a fore balloon mounted to the pair of push tubes, such that the fore balloon can
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2021
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Inventors: Yukio Nakajima, Amos Cruz, Thomas Harvey, Danielle Brucato
  • Publication number: 20210338057
    Abstract: An endoscope distal end portion includes: an imaging unit including an imaging element configured to capture a subject image, and a reinforcement frame made of metal, the reinforcement frame being configured to hold the imaging element; a distal end frame including an insulating member and having a through-hole through which the imaging unit is inserted; a conductive exterior member having a distal end side connected to a proximal end side of the distal end frame and a proximal end side connected to a ground of an external device; and a conductive member including an electroconductive member, one end thereof being electrically and mechanically connected to the reinforcement frame, a part thereof being electrically connected to the exterior member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2021
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Nau SATAKE
  • Publication number: 20210338058
    Abstract: An observation instrument includes an instrument shaft having a distal end and a proximal end, and an optical arrangement extending at least sectionally through the instrument shaft. The optical arrangement includes at least one optical component that is accommodated in a support shaft. The support shaft is arranged in the instrument shaft in an at least sectionally axially displaceable manner and is preloaded distally.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2021
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Inventors: Peter EISENKOLB, Johannes EISENLAUER, Stefanie MAICHLE, Florian WANNER
  • Publication number: 20210338059
    Abstract: An endoscope distal end structure includes: an imaging unit; a signal cable; and a distal end frame including a housing portion, and a cable connection portion configured to connect the signal cable. The housing portion is a recess formed on a distal end side of the distal end frame. The housing portion includes a side surface and a bottom surface provided with a connection terminal. At least a part of the cable connection portion is provided with a cable connection electrode that connects a core wire of the signal cable on a distal end side from a bottom surface of the housing portion with reference to the optical axis direction of the imaging unit. The connection terminal and the cable connection electrode are connected by a wiring pattern formed in the housing portion, an outer periphery of the distal end frame, and the cable connection portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2021
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shigeru HOSOKAI
  • Publication number: 20210338060
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for medical imaging. The system may comprise an optical adapter. The optical adapter may comprise a housing that comprises (1) a first end configured to releasably couple to a scope and (2) a second end configured to releasably couple to a camera. The optical adapter may comprise an image sensor coupled to the housing. The optical adapter may comprise an optics assembly disposed in the housing. The optics assembly may be configured to (1) receive light signals that are reflected from a target site within a subject's body and transmitted through the scope, and (2) reflect a first portion of the light signals onto the image sensor while permitting a second portion of the light signals to pass through to the camera.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2021
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Inventors: Stephen Tully, John Oberlin, Emanuel DeMaio, Liam O'Shea, Vasiliy Buharin, Thomas Calef
  • Publication number: 20210338061
    Abstract: Provided is an endoscope capable of suppressing the displacement of a movable optical frame due to bending of a bending portion. An endoscope according this embodiment includes an insertion portion that includes a distal end portion, a bending portion, and a soft portion in order from the distal end side, a movable optical frame (37) that is built in the distal end portion and capable of advancing and retreating in an axial length direction of the insertion portion, an operation coil (13) that is connected to the movable optical frame (37) and capable of advancing and retreating in the axial length direction of the insertion portion, and a protection coil (44) through which the operation coil (13) is inserted and which penetrates at least the bending portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2020
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Applicant: HOYA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Toshiyuki KATAYAMA
  • Publication number: 20210338062
    Abstract: The invention relates to an endoscope head including a camera, a housing element made from transparent material which surrounds the camera at least laterally and at least in portions and extends to the distal end of the endoscope head, and including at least one illumination unit which is arranged laterally from the camera and/or proximally from the camera. The invention further relates to an endoscope comprising such endoscope head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2019
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Applicant: HOYA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Anh Minh DO
  • Publication number: 20210338063
    Abstract: An assembly for performing intranasal endoscopy on a patient includes a mouth gag defining a central cavity, where the mouth gag is configured to be at least partly received in an oral cavity of the patient, and an outer cannula defining a central lumen, where the outer cannula is configured to be introduced through the central cavity of the mouth gag. The assembly also includes an endoscope extending through the central lumen of the outer cannula and configured to be advanced into a nasal cavity of the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2019
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Inventor: Daryl BODNER