Abstract: A toilet apparatus includes: a toilet seat disposed above a toilet bowl; an image sensor photographing an inside of a bowl of the toilet bowl; and a control unit controlling the image sensor to execute an automatic photographing mode of automatically photographing the inside of the bowl. When acquiring a user’s photographing intention information indicating whether or not the user has an intention to photograph the inside of the bowl, the control unit switches between executing and stopping of the automatic photographing mode based on the acquired photographing intention information.

Abstract: New and novel structure(s) and methods for cleaning, and/or mapping, and/or initiating cleaning and/or extending cleaning surfaces have been disclosed. Additionally, novel means and methods of combining two independent cleaning devices has been disclosed. Additionally, the capacities (vacuum force, battery capacity /debris storage) of one device may be increased by conjoining the two in various modes. As such, the invention at hand uniquely and inventively improves upon the known devices in this field.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cleaning robot. The cleaning robot includes a body, a traveling assembly, a rolling brush assembly and a dust suction assembly. The traveling assembly, the rolling brush assembly and the dust suction assembly are arranged on the body. The dust suction assembly includes a dust box arranged in front of the rolling brush assembly in the advancing direction of the cleaning robot. The rolling brush assembly is configured for sweeping garbage on a ground. The dust box is configured for receiving garbage swept by the rolling brush assembly. The present application is beneficial to increasing the volume and storage space of the dust box, reducing the number of times of cleaning the dust box by the user, and improving the user experience.

Abstract: A cleaning accessory for a vacuum cleaner comprises a housing. At least one rotatable cleaning brush is rotatably mounted to the housing and configured to engage a surface to be cleaned. The at least one rotatable cleaning brush comprises at least one flexible cleaning element projecting outwards from a side of the housing. The at least one flexible cleaning element is arranged to rotate in a cleaning position and rotate in a disengaged position whereby the at last one flexible cleaning element engages the surface to be cleaned when rotating in the cleaning position and the at last one flexible cleaning element is remote from the surface to be cleaned when rotating in the disengaged position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cleaner. A cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a brush; and a removal member that is positioned adjacent to the brush. The brush is rotated to collect garbage, such as hair, located on a floor surface. The collected garbage, such as hair, may be pushed by the removal member and separated from the brush. The garbage, such as hair, separated from the brush may pass through a nozzle housing and may then be collected in a dust bin. Therefore, the garbage, such as hair, attached to the brush can be easily separated and collected without a separate removal process. Accordingly, user convenience can be improved.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a cleaner station including: a housing; a dust collecting motor configured to generate a suction force for sucking dust in a dust bin of a cleaner; a dust collecting part disposed at an upper side in a gravitational direction of the dust collecting motor; a coupling part including a coupling surface to which the cleaner is coupled; and a cover opening unit disposed on the coupling part and configured to open a discharge cover of the dust bin, such that the cover opening unit may automatically open the discharge cover of the dust bin without a user’s effort.

Abstract: A particle collection system and method including a collection inlet aimable at a surface from which particles are to be collected, and a rotatable fixture including at least a pair of nozzles about the collection inlet also aimable at the surface and fluidly connected to a source of compressed fluid in order to dislodge particles from the surface. The rotatable fixture is rotated to generate, as the nozzles rotate about the collection inlet, a vortex dislodging and picking up particles on the surface, entraining the particles, and carrying the particles to the collection inlet.

Abstract: A system for safely capturing dust is disclosed. The system includes a dust containment system including a filter member within the containment unit. The dust containment unit is selectively attachable to a vacuum base whereby the dust containment unit with filter member therein can be selectively disconnected from the vacuum base, sealed, and disposed of, and a new dust containment unit can then be attached to the vacuum base.

Abstract: A filter device for a vacuum cleaner. The filter device has two chambers, of which in each case at least one participates in suction operation of the vacuum cleaner, while a filter element of the other chamber can be dedusted. As a result, while one filter element is being dedusted, suction operation can be maintained through the other chamber of the vacuum cleaner. This advantage is allowed by an elastic membrane, which can change shape and/or move when the chamber to be dedusted is ventilated. The ventilation is effected by a pressure equalizing stream which can pass through a ventilation channel and a ventilation opening into the chamber to be dedusted. As a result of the movement and/or change in shape of the elastic membrane, a dedusting pulse is applied to the filter element, which can ensure, for example, that a solid filter cake is detached and drops into the dust collecting tank of the vacuum cleaner. A method for dedusting a filter device in a vacuum cleaner is also provided.

Abstract: A robot cleaner station includes a cleaner seating portion including a suction port, a collection device including a collection chamber, and a station suction device configured to generate a suction force such that dirt from the dust collection device is suctioned into the collection chamber, and a connection part having one end connectable to the suction port and another end connectable to the collection chamber. The connection part comprises: a guide unit horizontally extending in the cleaner seating portion, a vortex region, inside the guide unit between one side of the guide unit where the guide unit starts to horizontally extend and the suction port, and where a vortex causing settlement of the dirt is formed, and a ventilation hole configured to allow a flow of external air from the one side of the guide unit at which the guide unit starts to horizontally extend to the vortex region.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a robot cleaner including: a body including a lower body and an upper body for covering the lower body, the body having a space for accommodating a battery, a water container, and a motor therein; a first rotary plate having a lower portion to which a first mop is coupled; and a second rotary plate having a lower portion to which a second mop is coupled, in which the body includes a bottom surface disposed to be directed toward a floor, and a mop support portion disposed on the bottom surface, protruding downward, and configured to be in contact with the first mop and the second mop, and the mops are bent by being brought into contact with the mop support portion, thereby increasing a frictional force between the floor and the mops.

Abstract: A handheld cleaning device includes a surface-moving portion and an upright portion. The surface-moving portion is in contact with a surface to be cleaned and is connected with the upright portion. The upright portion is configured to move the surface-moving portion in a case in which the surface-moving portion is in operation. The handheld cleaning device further includes a power battery configured to supply power to the handheld cleaning device. The surface-moving portion further includes at least two non-coaxial brushrolls configured to clean stains on the surface to be cleaned. The rotation speed of each brushroll is less than 3000 r/min.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a surface cleaning apparatus that includes steam delivery. The apparatus includes a hand-carried body adapted to be hand-carried by a user, the hand-carried body including a supply tank, a recovery tank, a liquid supply pump, a steam supply pump, a heater, and a suction source including a vacuum motor. A flexible hose is mounted to the hand-carried body and a hand-held cleaning tool mounted to an end of the hose.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present application provide robots and vehicles including a chassis, a drive shaft mounted to the chassis, an integrated steering column, and a set of proximity sensors. The drive shaft may be connected to a drive wheel. The integrated steering column may be operably connected to the drive shaft for steering the drive wheel. The set of proximity sensors may be mounted to the integrated steering column. The set may be configured to scan an ambient environment, where the set includes a first proximity sensor and a second proximity sensor respectively oriented towards each of the opposing lateral sides of the chassis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cleaning pad (100) for treating surfaces, in particular smooth surfaces, wherein the cleaning pad (160) has an elastically deformable core (1) and a cleaning cover (2) surrounding said core, wherein a container (4), which has a storage part (6) and a neck (7) in which a spray head (8) is installed, is embedded into the interior of the core (1), wherein an opening (9) above which at least part of the neck (7) is positioned is located in the cleaning cover (2) above the side of the container (4) facing the neck (7). In order to simplify the manufacture of the cleaning pad (100), according to the invention the storage part (8) can be passed through the opening (9), wherein the cross-sectional area of the opening (9) corresponds at least to the cross-sectional area of the storage part (6).

Abstract: A standpipe for a warewashing machine defining a drain aperture, the standpipe having an elongated tubular body having an open top end defined by a top edge and an open bottom end, and a cover portion including a base wall and a continuous sidewall extending downwardly from an outer perimeter of the base wall, wherein a bottom edge of the sidewall of the cover portion extends downwardly beyond the top edge of the elongated body.

Abstract: A diverter assembly for a dishwasher appliance includes a housing and a cam sleeve with a plurality of passages. The cam sleeve defines a first portion of a plurality of cam teeth. The diverter assembly also includes a diverter plate rotatably mounted within the housing, and the diverter plate includes a plurality of passages and a plurality of guide teeth. Additionally, the diverter assembly includes a cam post coupled to the housing at the cam sleeve. The cam post defines a second portion of the plurality of cam teeth such that the cam sleeve and the cam post collectively form the plurality of cam teeth. The plurality of cam teeth mesh with the plurality of guide teeth at the central passage of the housing such that the diverter plate rotates relative to the housing when the diverter plate vertically translates within the housing.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a pump facility to selectively supply washing liquor to first and second spray apparatuses, an intensive spray apparatus assigned to the first or second spray apparatus and brought into an activated or deactivated state by a switch valve, and a control apparatus for carrying out a washing program and for detecting a first pump flow while the first spray apparatus is supplied with washing liquor and detecting a second pump flow while the second spray apparatus is supplied with washing liquor, so as to form a current differential value as a function of the first and second pump flows and to ascertain a current switch state of the intensive spray apparatus as a function of the current differential value, a number of stored earlier differential values and a predetermined class differential value. The control apparatus adapts the washing program as a function of the current switch state.

Abstract: A composite panel for a dishwasher includes a panel carrier, a first panel element connected to the panel carrier via a first joint arrangement which is arranged in a region of a first inner face of the panel carrier, and a second panel element connected to the panel carrier via a second joint arrangement, which is arranged in a region of a second inner face of the panel carrier. The second panel element has at least one portion in overlapping relation to the first panel element.

Abstract: The sensor housing of the present invention comprises a body and a gasket providing complete sealing within the body. The body comprises a lateral protrusion defining a first side, a second side generally parallel to the first side, and a third side connecting the first side and the second side. The gasket comprises a first leg portion, a second leg portion and a connecting portion. The first leg portion and the second leg portion extend in opposite directions. The connecting portion extends laterally to form a bridge between the first leg portion and the second leg portion. Further, the connecting portion and the second leg portion enclose the first side and the third side of the lateral protrusion, leaving the second side unenclosed by the gasket. The first leg portion comprises a first protrusion and a second protrusion extending outwardly and laterally in the same direction.

Abstract: A method of assembling a dishwashing appliance includes selecting one fan cover from a plurality of fan covers. Each fan cover of the plurality of fan covers is configured to be removably mounted in a vent conduit. The plurality of fan covers are each interchangeable with every other fan cover of the plurality of fan covers. The method also includes mounting the selected fan cover removably in the vent conduit. Such mounting results in the formation of a flow path for air from an ambient environment outside of the dishwashing appliance through the vent conduit and the fan cover. The flow path for air from the ambient environment is partially defined by a wall of the fan cover.

Abstract: A carrier for one or more straws of an appliance such as a dish washing appliance. The carrier and/or rack may be in fluid communication with one or more spray elements when in a stowed position within a dishwasher tub. The one or more carriers may route fluid from the one or more spray elements to wash an interior and/or an exterior of at least one straw. The carrier may include one or more bridges projecting inwardly towards the one or more straws defining one or more pathways for received fluid. The body of the carrier may include a lid and/or latch. The carrier may be adjustable to engage one or more straws of varying lengths. The carrier may include an adjustable end and a fixed end. The carrier may include a biasing mechanism.

Abstract: A carrier for one or more straws of an appliance such as a dish washing appliance. The carrier and/or rack may be in fluid communication with one or more spray elements when in a stowed position within a dishwasher tub. The one or more carriers may route fluid from the one or more spray elements to wash an interior and/or an exterior of at least one straw. The carrier may include one or more bridges projecting inwardly towards the one or more straws defining one or more pathways for received fluid. The body of the carrier may include a lid and/or latch.

Abstract: A portable rack for hanging parts thereon to wash, the rack including three leg members each having a top end and a bottom end, the top ends of the three leg members being configured to be rotatably coupled proximate one another such that the bottom ends of the three leg members are selectively rotatable outward to form a tripod arrangement, a plurality of openings formed along a length of each of the leg members, and a plurality of hook members configured to be selectively installed in, and removed from, the openings in the leg members so as to selectively hang parts therefrom.

Abstract: A shoe sanitizing method includes the pouring of a sanitizing agent on an absorbent pad positioned in a housing to saturate the absorbent pad with the sanitizing agent. A person steps on the absorbent pad with a shoe such that a bottom of the shoe is cleaned with the sanitizing agent. The shoe is removed from the absorbent pad and the absorbent pad is removed from the housing for cleaning or replacement when the absorbent pad is soiled.

Abstract: An energy-based surgical system includes at least one electrosurgical instrument and an endoscope configured to capture video data of a surgical site including the at least one energy instrument. The system also includes an endoscope controller configured to process the video data to determine contextual data pertaining to one of the surgical site or the at least one energy instrument. The system further includes an energy generator coupled to the at least one energy instrument, the energy generator configured to output energy to the at least one energy instrument and to control energy based on the contextual data.

Abstract: A first input coupling and a second input coupling are coupled to rotatably drive an output coupling at the same time. In one embodiment, the output coupling rotates a robotic surgery endoscope about a longitudinal axis of the output coupling. A first motor drives the first input coupling while being assisted by a second motor that is driving the second input coupling. A first compensator produces a first motor input based on a position error and in accordance with a position control law, and a second compensator produces a second motor input based on the position error and in accordance with an impedance control law. In another embodiment, the second compensator receives a measured torque of the first motor. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A medical image processing device includes an image processing unit configured to perform image processing on a captured image obtained by capturing a subject image. The image processing unit includes: a memory configured to store the captured image; and a noise processing unit configured to enable execution of writing of the captured image into the memory and readout of the captured image from the memory individually, and execute noise reduction processing of reducing noise of the captured image of the current frame based on the input captured image of the current frame and the captured image of the past frame read out from the memory, the noise processing unit being configured to execute readout stop processing of stopping readout of the past frame from the memory at a predetermined timing and writing the captured image of the current frame into the memory without executing the noise reduction processing.

Abstract: Medical software tools platforms utilize a surgical display to provide access to specific medical software tools, such as medically-oriented applications or widgets, that can assist surgeons or surgical team in performing various procedures. In particular, an endoscopic camera may register the momentary rise in the optical signature reflected from a tissue surface and in turn transmit it to a medical image processing system which can also receive patient heart rate data and display relevant anomalies. Changes in various spectral components and the speed at which they change in relation to a source of stimulus (heartbeat, breathing, light source modulation, etc.) may indicate the arrival of blood, contrast agents or oxygen absorption. Combinations of these may indicate various states of differing disease or margins of tumors, and so forth. Also, changes in temperatures, physical dimensions, pressures, photoacoustic pressures and the rate of change may indicate tissue anomalies in comparison to historic values.

Abstract: An illustrative system includes first and second electrical circuits, a free space optics interface assembly, and a feedthrough assembly. The free space optics interface assembly may include an optical transmitter having an input that is electrically coupled to the first electrical circuit, and an optical receiver having an output that is electrically coupled to the second electrical circuit. The feedthrough assembly electrically connects the input of the optical transmitter to the first electrical circuit and includes a first conductive receptacle electrically coupled to a first input pin of the optical transmitter, a second conductive receptacle electrically coupled to a second input pin of the optical transmitter, a first conductive pad providing electrical connection of the first input pin of the optical transmitter to the first electrical circuit, and a second conductive pad providing electrical connection of the second input pin of the optical transmitter to the first electrical circuit.

Abstract: A method performed by a computing system comprises receiving a collected set of spatial information for a distal portion of an instrument at a plurality of locations within a set of anatomic passageways and receiving a set of position information for a reference portion of the instrument when the distal portion of the instrument is at each of the plurality of locations. The method also comprises determining a reference set of spatial information for the distal portion of the instrument based on the collected set of spatial information and the set of position information for the reference portion of the instrument and registering the reference set of spatial information with a set of anatomical model information.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for sphincterotome device with visualization capabilities. The distal tip section of the sphincterotome device has a diameter of about 5 fr and is controlled by a control wire to bend to a variety of degrees. The present disclosure further relates to systems and methods for artificial intelligence (AI) aided ERCP procedures and a combination of sphincterotome with visualization capabilities and AI aided ERCP procedures.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for performing simultaneous white balance of a plurality of cameras, located at a distal tip of an endoscope. Further provided are systems including the white balance apparatus and methods of using the same.

Abstract: Endoscopes comprising a reusable hand-piece and separable disposable shaft assembly are illustrated and described. The reusable hand-piece includes a housing having an articulation control mounted thereto and an electronics module mounted thereto. The articulation control includes control knobs and concentric drive shafts for articulation. The electronics module includes a battery, a control board, and an optical and/or electrical connector. The separable disposable shaft comprises a housing having an articulation wire actuating assembly mounted thereto and an optical and/or electrical connector mounted thereto. When the housing of the hand-piece and the housing of the separable disposable shaft assembly are joined together, the articulation control engages the articulation wire actuating assembly and the optical and/or electrical connector of the reusable hand-piece engages the optical and/or electrical connector of the disposable shaft assembly.

Abstract: A medical detection attachment includes: an attachment body attached to a connection portion between a light guide configured to guide a laser beam and a rigid endoscope configured to irradiate a subject with the laser beam via the light guide; a first detector provided in the attachment body and configured to detect connection between the attachment body and the rigid endoscope; and a second detector provided in the attachment body and configured to detect connection between the attachment body and the light guide.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to the field of medical instruments. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a biopsy cap and endoscope biopsy cap housing with improved stability and stress distribution to securely and removably attach to an endoscope biopsy port. In one example, a biopsy cap housing may include a first center-split half comprising a first half of an upper and lower chamber and first pivot member, and a second center-split half comprising a second half of an upper and lower chamber, and second pivot member, wherein mating surfaces of the first and second center-split halves may be configured to interlock to define the upper and lower chambers.

Abstract: A reliability data obtaining system and method using multi-angle scanning includes a scanner configured to scan an object at multi-angles and a controller configured to generate and align real-time three-dimensional (3D) surfaces based on a plurality of pieces of data obtained from the scanner and assign characteristic information to unit cells included in the real-time 3D surfaces obtained via multi-angle scanning. The characteristic information may include a resource density, a curve of an object, an object color, a reliability color, position information, etc. According to the disclosure, a degree of accumulation of the resource density may be limited according to the position information so that data having various angle ranges may be accumulated in each unit cell. Thus, an intraoral model having minimized data distortion and having high reliability may be obtained.

Abstract: Disclosed is an endoscopic imaging system, comprising a camera, a plurality of GRIN lenses, a processor, and a memory. Each GRIN optical lens can have a first end configured to be inserted into a cavity of a subject and receive light reflected from a point of interest in the cavity of the patient and a second end configured to transmit the light to the camera. The light can be representative of a distinct image of a perspective view of the point of interest relative to the respective GRIN optical lens. The system can: generate image data corresponding to the light received from each of the plurality of GRIN optical lenses; deconvolve the image data to generate deconvolved image data representative of the distinct images; and generate, using the deconvolved image data, 3D image data representative of a 3D image of the point of interest.

Abstract: Provided is an electronic endoscope (1), comprising an insertion portion (2) and an operation portion (3) sequentially connected to each other. The insertion portion (2) comprises a front end portion (21) and a bending portion (22). The end face of a distal end of the front end portion (21) has an inclined surface (211). The inclined surface (211) crosses with the end face of the distal end of the front end portion (21) to form an edge line (216). The edge line (216) is parallel to a bending direction of the bending portion (22). The electronic endoscope (1) can achieve better delivery with low costs for use environments.

Abstract: A controllable bending tube is applied to an endoscope device having an endoscope lens module disposed on an end of the controllable bending tube and includes a first wire, a second wire, and a plurality of helical coil portions connected in series to integrally form a helical tube body with a helical pitch. A first retaining slot and a second retaining slot are formed at first sides and second sides of at least two of the plurality of helical coil portions respectively, and two first nodes protrudes axially at third sides and fourth sides of the at least two of the plurality of helical coil portions respectively. The first and second wires are movably disposed through the first and second retaining slots for controlling a bending direction of the helical tube body.

Abstract: A video imaging system is provided. The video imaging system is configured to maintain a video image displayed on a display unit in a predetermined orientation based upon a use. The video imaging system includes an endoscope, a camera head unit, a camera control unit configured to determine a focal distance, and a display control unit. The display control unit is configured to process the focal distance to determine a use. The use is processed by the display control unit so as to maintain the video image in the predetermined orientation. The contextual information may be focal distance, image data or endoscopic orientation.

Abstract: Some implementations of the disclosure are directed to detachable endoscope shafts assemblies including detachable endoscope shafts. In one implementation, an endoscope assembly comprises: an endoscope housing comprising a distal connector including first circuitry configured to receive one or more image signals or supply power from the endoscope housing; and a detachable endoscope shaft comprising: a distal segment configured to be inserted in a patient cavity; an attachment segment proximal to the distal segment, the attachment segment configured to be removably coupled to an instrument or adapter; and a proximal connector configured to removably and electrically couple to the distal connector, the proximal connector including second circuitry configured to electrically couple to the first circuitry.

Abstract: A method of generating a color image using a monochromatic image sensor. The method includes sequentially illuminating a surface in a plurality of colors, one color at a time. The monochromatic image sensor captures a plurality of image frames of the surface based on the plurality of colors. The plurality of image frames are identified, and at least one feature in the target of the plurality of image frames is highlighted. Color intensities of the plurality of image frames are normalized. A color intensity map of the target for each of the plurality of image frames is generated. A correlation score is determined by comparing each color intensity map of the plurality of image frames. The color image is generated based on the correlation score.

Abstract: A method and device for adjusting and controlling parameters of the illumination area of ophthalmological devices including for example, brightness, color/color temperature, area shape, polarization state. The arrangement according to the invention includes an actuating unit that adjusts the desired lighting parameters, an illumination unit that generates illumination radiation having the desired illumination parameters, a decoupling element that decouples a part of the illumination radiation, a sensor element that analyzes the decoupled part of the illumination radiation and an evaluation unit that evaluates the sensor data and that determines the actual illumination parameters of the illumination radiation. According to an example embodiment of the invention, the sensor element is a spatially resolving image sensor.

Abstract: A medical light source device includes: a first light source configured to emit laser light; a second light source configured to emit measurement light for measuring a connection state between a light guide configured to guide the laser light and an emission optical system configured to irradiate a subject with the laser light through the light guide to the light guide; and a control unit configured to control output of the laser light in the first light source based on return light of the measurement light emitted from the second light source.

Abstract: A medical device reduces the risk of operating room fires caused by light sources by shielding the illuminated light cable from directly interacting with surgical drapes or patient skin. The device includes a silicone housing that mates circumferentially over existing endoscopic light cables and a thermal insulator can be positioned over the light emitting tip of the cable.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a scanner head assembly, including: a scanner host and a scanner head. The scanner host includes a base section and an insertion head section forming an integral structure with the base section, and the insertion head section is provided with a switch. The scanner head includes a scanner head body. The scanner head body has a cylinder. The insertion head section is nested in the cylinder of the scanner head, and the switch is fitted with the scanner head to realize control of the scanner host. The technical solution of the disclosure effectively solves the problem that it is not convenient for the scanner head assembly in the art known to inventors to switch between scanning states when using different scanner heads.

Abstract: The present invention is a kit designed with a novel sized catheter valve capable of directing fluid easily through two separate paths or restricting fluid passage completely. The novel catheter valve is easy for an operator to use due to the relatively large valve control. The novel valve catheter also has a color code as an added safety measure.

Abstract: A device for preventing air escape and maintaining colonic air distension can include a body, a distal gasket coupled to a distal end of the body, a proximal gasket coupled to a proximal end of the body, and a diaphragm coupled to the proximal gasket. The distal and proximal gaskets can form a fluid-tight seal with a colonoscope positioned within central bores of the distal gasket, the body, and the proximal gasket, and the diaphragm can conform to and form a fluid-tight seal with at least one of an anus and a stoma of a subject.

Abstract: A non-transitory, computer readable, storage medium stores an optometry control program including a self-optometry application program. The self-optometry application program, when executed by a first information processing device, causes the first information processing device to perform executing an assistance operation to assist in a progress of a self-optometry for an examinee when a problem occurs during the progress of the self-optometry.