Abstract: A capsule coffee machine includes a brewing seat and a brewing assembly. Rotating members are connected to the brewing assembly in a rotatable manner. Two detent members are hinged to the brewing seat and connected to a limit structure of a corresponding rotating member. When the brewing assembly and brewing seat move apart, each detent member is rotated inwardly by a corresponding rotating member so that a coffee capsule can be held between the detent members. When the brewing seat and assembly move towards each other, each detent member rotates outwardly to release the capsule into a making cavity of the brewing assembly. When the brewing assembly and seat are again moved apart, the coffee capsule having been brewed, drops from an interval between the brewing seat and brewing assembly and the detent members rotate back to their original position.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a beverage preparation machine (1) comprising: —a capsule holder (8) for holding a capsule, —a fluid conduction system, —a brewing head (3) having an aperture for receiving said capsule holder (8), and an injection support (17) connected to the fluid conduction system, —an injection plate (18) supported by said support (17), comprising an upper surface (23) connected to the fluid conduction system through said support, characterized in that said injection plate (18) comprises at least one channel (21) independent from the fluid conducting channel connecting its upper (23) and lower (22) surfaces, said channel (21) being suitable for circulating fluid at least from the lower surface (22) towards the upper surface (23) of said injection plate (18), said channel (21) further comprising at least one piercing element (24) having a base (25) attached to said injection plate and an apex (26) directed towards the lower surface (22) of said injection plate.

Abstract: The gripper device (100) comprises a pair of opposite movable jaws (41) having respective coordinated gripping profiles (50) intended to cooperate with corresponding predetermined portions of the lateral surface of a capsule (C) of a first predetermined type so as to define a retaining position for such a capsule (C) in which the capsule (C) is essentially coaxial with a predetermined reference direction (R-R). The jaws (41) are able to assume a relative rest or standby position in which they are close together and inlet portions thereof (41a, 45) are capable of being splayed and passed beyond by a capsule (C) introduced into the machine (1), so as to allow said capsule (C) to be positioned and gripped between the gripping profiles (50) in the retaining position.

Abstract: The invention pertains to the field of the beverage preparation machines having an ingredient processing module for preparing a beverage with at least one ingredient supplied with a capsule, and their accessories. In particular, the invention relates to a device comprising a container for storing capsules comprising: a first interface for communicating with feedback means; a sensing arrangement for detecting and obtaining information on a capsule in a detection area; a controller configured to send, through the first interface, information related to the detected capsule, to the feedback means.

Abstract: A coffee machine comprising water heating means, a pump for supplying water into the heating means and a dispensing unit for extracting the coffee with the heated water is described. The heating means comprise a tubular element inside which the water supplied by the pump flows, and a heating element, separated from the tubular element by an air cavity; the pump and the heating element are connected and regulated by an electronic board, so as to supply into the dispensing unit the heated water in at least two different modes and at a same preset temperature, the different modes corresponding to different types of coffee to be dispensed.

Abstract: A beverage making appliance comprises at least one tube (1) for transporting a liquid, particularly a tube (1) which is provided with a slit (3) extending along a length of the tube (1) between one end (11) of the tube (1) and another end (12) of the tube (1). At the position of the slit (3), the tube (1) is openable, which is advantageous for cleaning purposes. Hence, the tube (1) is very well applicable in appliances such as milk frothers in which liquids are used which are apt to cause contamination of a system for transporting those liquids. It is possible to use elastic material in the tube (1), so that the tube (1) can be folded open for assuming a flat appearance.

Abstract: An infused beverage brewing assembly that includes a solvent flow management system operable to receive and convey a solvent, a solvent temperature management system in fluid communication with the solvent flow management system and operable to modulate the temperature of the solvent, a brewing chamber for housing a solute disposed to receive the solvent to produce an infused beverage resulting from an infusion process, an infusion pressure regulation system with at least one pressure regulation component located downstream of the brewing chamber, operable to selectively and dynamically modify an infusion process pressure greater than a pressure created upstream in the brewing chamber caused by a flow of the solvent through the solute, and operable such that the flow of the solvent through the solute is not singularly contingent on a pressure differential across the at least one pressure regulation component, and an outlet for discharging the infused beverage.

Abstract: The control circuit for self-turn-off of an automatic machine, connectable to a domestic voltage power line (L1, L2), comprises a logic controller (1) having low electric power supply voltage, a power supply (2) for the logic controller (1), at least one switch (3) to control at least one electrical load (4, 5) of the machine, connected to the logic controller (1), an electrically actuated deviator (6) connected to the logic controller (1) and switchable between machine activation status, in which a main electric power line (7) of the power supply (2) is connected to the power line (L1, L2), and machine deactivation status, in which a secondary electric power line (8) of the power supply (2) is connected to the power line (L1, L2), having a switch (9) normally open activatable by a manual reactivation button on the machine, said normally open switch (9) being connected to the logic controller (1), and electrical energy storage means for maintaining the electric power supply of the logic controller (1) for the

Abstract: Described is a microwavable egg scrambling tray. The tray includes one or more rounded depressions in which uncooked eggs and other ingredients can be placed. The depressions have a ridges therein that help to produce light and fluffy scrambled eggs. Preferably the ridges extend from the central, bottom portion of the depression towards the upper edges of the depression. Further, the ridges may be arranged so as to produce a swirled pattern. The ridges help to agitate or aerate the eggs while they are cooking so as to produce light and fluffy eggs of improved consistency. The tray is capable of being microwaved so that scrambled eggs can be quickly prepared. Additionally, the tray is preferably composed of dishwasher safe materials.

Abstract: A wok lid control apparatus (3) comprises a machine frame (100), a base (11), a drive mechanism (12) and a follow-up mechanism (13). The drive mechanism (12) comprises a linear motor (21), a connecting rod (22) and a wok lid holder (23). The follow-up mechanism (13) comprises a wok lid shaft (31), a bearing (32), and an elastic component (33). The wok lid holder (23) is provided with a through hole (231) for the wok lid shaft (31) to run through. A lower end of the wok lid shaft (31) is fixedly connected to a wok lid (20), while an upper end of the wok lid shaft protrudes through the through hole (231). An upper end of the elastic component (33) is connected to the bearing (32), and a lower end of the elastic component (33) is connected to the wok lid (20).

Abstract: A chopping system generally includes a container having a bottom wall and a sidewall together defining a cavity. The sidewall has a rim, and the bottom wall has an upper surface with a central area having an entirely smooth contour. The system also includes a drive assembly configured for mounting on the rim to cover the cavity, and the system further includes a working assembly comprising at least one working member configured for operative attachment to the drive assembly such that, when the drive assembly is mounted on the rim, the working member is disposed within the cavity. The system further includes a base attached to the working assembly such that the working member is rotatable relative to the base. The base has a bottom surface that substantially mirrors the contour of the upper surface within the central area so as to be seated substantially flush thereagainst.

Abstract: The present invention relates to household food-processing devices. In order to provide a household food-processing device with a mounting system ensuring that it is not possible to touch the processing tool in an operating state, a household food-processing device (10) is provided that comprises a base unit (12), a processing tool unit (14) with a processing tool (18) for processing supplied food, and a receiving unit (16) with a receiving volume (20) for receiving the processed food. The base unit provides a driving force for actuating the processing tool. The receiving unit is mountable to the processing tool unit, and the base unit is mountable to the processing tool unit.

Abstract: The present invention is a set of compatible sized components designed to facilitate the easy and accurate creation of mixed drinks. The set includes a vessel, a shaker lid, and a muddle strainer tool. The muddle strainer tool has a ribbed bottom surface for muddling ingredients and is perforated to allow liquids to pass back and forth between the muddle strainer tool and the vessel. The lid may be equipped with a rubberized seal for use in preparing shaken beverages and may also functions as a coaster. The vessel or muddle strainer may include any of the following on the surface thereof a list of ingredients, recipe, instructions, and measurement lines for preparing a mixed beverage.

Abstract: A food preparation device or system which utilizes pre-packaged food containers to prepare a food item for consumption.

Abstract: A food preparation device or system which utilizes pre-packaged food containers to prepare a food item for consumption.

Abstract: A Serving Utensil Holder made of any material approved for food service. The holder has a 90 degree flange base, round base, hook base or flat base. The base is connected to stationary or adjustable shaft with top end fitted with a utensil holder attachment to hold various types, and sizes of food serving utensils. The 90 degree base and round base have a vertical edge and fit in the well of a buffet line server. The top of the base rest on flat area around the buffet server well. Flat base holder is used on flat areas and can have a bowl for drippings from serving utensil. The hook base enables the utensil Holder to hook on edge of buffet server well to stabilize it without fasteners. Attachments can be permanently made on shaft, or fixed with fasteners allowing other attachments to be used on the same utensil holder.

Abstract: An over sink work station comprising a frame and two or more inserts, the frame having two or more openings with each opening adapted to removably receive an insert and at least a first insert comprising a container.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for fastening a shelf device for bathroom and/or shower implements, to a wall of a room that is provided with a wall coating, wherein the shelf device comprises a basis element extending substantially in a horizontal plane, at least one angled peripheral web, and at least one flange, which is arranged underneath the wall coating of the wall of the room.

Abstract: A dispenser including a housing for containing a reservoir that can store a substance. The housing can include two large opposed spaced apart curved hand actuation surfaces at opposite sides of the housing for engaging opposite sides of the user's palm of the hand when squeezed that are capable of moving towards and away from each other generally along an actuation path. A pump can be connected to and actuated by at least one of the curved hand actuation surfaces for pumping the substance from the reservoir. The pump can include a nozzle positioned in a generally central location of the housing between the two opposed curved hand actuation surfaces and aimed transversely outwardly relative to the front surface of the housing for ergonomic delivery of the substance to a central location of the user's palm of the hand while ergonomically squeezing the two opposed hand actuation surfaces.

Abstract: The invention refers to a soap recycling device that recycles solid soap bar remnants into purified liquid soap or purified reconstituted solid soap bars, depending on a user's selected mode of operation of the device. The soap recycling device includes a heat source that melts the solid soap remnants, a UV emitter that sterilizes the solid soap remnants, and a directional valve that selectively delivers the molten soap fluid to a first receptacle capable of storing the soap in liquid form and delivering it for direct usage, for instance for hand washing, and a second receptacle where the molten soap fluid solidifies and turns into a reconstituted solid soap bar. The device includes a user interface that allows selecting the desired operation mode to either liquid or solid soap formation. The device according to the invention is compact and versatile.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to enforce an effective hand washing technique at a wash station. A hand cleanser controller receives a hand cleanser trigger and responds to receiving the hand cleanser trigger by dispensing hand cleanser and transmitting a reset command. A water dispensing device includes a water dispensing trigger component that detects a user's hand proximate to a water faucet. A controller receives a reset command from the hand cleanser device based upon dispensing of a hand cleanser at a wash station, resets a timer in response to receiving the reset command, receives a water dispensing trigger from a water dispensing trigger component, and in response to receiving the water dispensing trigger, actuates the electrically-actuated water valve to dispense water based upon a determination that the timer has expired. Furthermore, the was station may include audio, video or both for use in training, monitoring and advertising presented to the user having to wash their hands for a period of time.

Abstract: A dispensing system includes a dispensing device for dispensing a material stored within the dispensing device. The dispensing system includes a sensor assembly coupled to the dispensing device and for detecting a size of a user in proximity to the dispensing device. The sensor assembly can activate the dispensing device or provide information to the dispensing device to dispense a quantity of the material that is based on the size of the user detected by the sensor assembly. A method of dispensing a material is also provided.

Abstract: The present application provides a washing device (100) and a method for fabricating the same. The washing device (100) includes a base washing member (108), an attachment washing member (102), and a coupling element (508) coupling the attachment washing member (102) to the base washing member (108). The attachment washing member (102) further includes a bracket (106, 502) and a washing surface (104).

Abstract: A hand drier comprising communication means for communicating data to and/or from the hand drier.

Abstract: An apparatus is adapted to function as a towel rack access door set within a shower door. The apparatus is operatively mounted within the shower door on at least one hinge and has at least one towel rack on at least one (1) side such that the towel rack is generally kept on the outside of the shower door. The apparatus offers the user the ability open the towel rack access door to retrieve the towel without stepping out of the shower itself.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to a dispersible moist wipe comprising hydroentangled fibers and a binder composition. The moist wipe demonstrates high initial wet strength while maintaining effective dispersion in an aqueous environment. The moist wipe has potential application as a flushable surface cleaning product and/or a flushable cleansing cloth.

Abstract: Present embodiments relate to a paper roll securing apparatus having biased wings, housed with two spaced apart side sections which function to: house and support the set of biased wings, create a space for the displacement of the expired roll, and allow the side sections to be perpendicularly coupled to the base portion. As a new roll begins to be inserted and the force of the new roll is applied, the set of biased wings begin to extend upward from their static position to allow the expired roll to be ejected from the apparatus in a single fluid motion. Once the expired roll has been ejected, and the force applied is removed, the biased wings begin to return to their static position and capture the hollow region of the new roll and return it to the static position.

Abstract: A paper toweling dispenser includes an electric motor driven toweling support roller, a handle for rotating the toweling support roller and a one-way clutch including a stabilized pawl, which allows the handle to rotate the toweling support roller only in a single direction of rotation transporting toweling on the toweling support roller to an exit opening of the dispenser when the electric motor does not drive the toweling support roller.

Abstract: A dispenser for a roll of web material, such as a center feed roll includes: a body having a first end wall provided with a dispensing opening for dispensing a leading end of the web material at the center of the roll, a second end wall opposite to the first end wall, and a sidewall connecting to the first and second end wall. The dispenser also includes a stabilizing device that is insertable into the roll to prevent the roll from collapsing towards its center. The stabilizing device includes a plurality of protrusions protruding from at least one of the first or second end wall towards the other of the first or second end wall, and the protrusions are disposed closer to the sidewall than to a center axis of the body.

Abstract: A refillable dispenser for pre-moistened wipes includes a flexible pouch. The pouch has a front wall, a back wall, and an interior space therebetween. A dispensing opening is formed in the front wall, and a movable cover can cover the dispensing opening. The dispenser includes a seam that can be opened to an open position and resealed to a closed position to connect the front wall to the back wall. The open position defines a refill opening. The dispenser includes a front wall eyelet extending through the front wall and a back wall eyelet extending through the back wall, and the front wall eyelet is superposed over the back wall eyelet. The dispenser includes a handle connected to the pouch via a handle connector. The handle connector extends through the front wall eyelet and the back wall eyelet.

Abstract: A quick installation hinge seat of a closestool cover plate includes two hinge shafts and two support seats. Each hinge shaft has a pin hole for connection of a pin provided on each support seat. A button switch is mounted between the two hinge shafts to control the pin in the pin hole. The button switch includes a hinge pipe, a button seat, a lock control rod slidable in the radial direction of the hinge pipe, a spring, and a button to press the lock control rod. Two ends of the lock control rod are axially inserted in the two hinge shafts respectively and slideable radially. Each of the two ends of the lock control rod has a locking plate and an unlocking plate. The locking plate and the unlocking plate are arranged in a stagger manner. Each pin has a locking groove and an unlocking groove thereon.

Abstract: A quick release toilet seat fastener for attaching a toilet seat to a toilet bowl. The quick release toilet seat fastener includes a fastener body having a fastener shaft and a plurality of ribs, wherein each of the plurality of ribs is connected to and positioned along the fastener shaft. Each of the plurality of ribs is flexible, having a inner curved surface and an outer curved surface that converge along a distal edge and delineate a horizontal cross section in conjunction with the fastener shaft. The fastener body is secured to a hinge base, wherein a flange head of the fastener body is positioned flush against the surface of the hinge base. A rib gap is positioned in between the plurality of ribs and the flange head, providing a region of empty space to allow for the full flexibility of each of the plurality of ribs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cleaner-head for a vacuum cleaner. The cleaner-head has a housing, this housing being connected to a hinged soleplate assembly which can be opened and closed to provide access to the inside of the housing. In accordance with the invention, the soleplate assembly is a clip-on assembly which a user can manually un-clip from the housing, as required, to detach the soleplate assembly for separate cleaning or replacement.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a vac motor and a separating assembly for separating out dust particles entrained in an airflow drawn through the separator by the vac motor. The separating assembly is a multi-stage separating assembly comprising a primary separation stage and a secondary, non-cyclonic separation stage which is downstream of the primary separation stage, the non-cyclonic separation stage comprising a flow bend for changing the direction of the airflow thereby to separate out dust particles entrained in the airflow. A primary dust collector is provided for collecting dust particles separated out by the first separation stage, and a secondary dust collector is provided for collecting the dust particles separated out by the flow bend, wherein the primary dust collector at least partly surrounds the secondary dust collector.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a vac-motor and a dust separator for separating out dust particles entrained in an airflow drawn through the separator by the vac-motor. The separator is a multi-stage separator incorporating a cyclonic primary separation stage, a non-cyclonic secondary separation stage which is downstream of the primary separation stage and a cyclonic tertiary stage which is downstream of the secondary stage. In accordance with the invention, the secondary stage includes a flow bend for changing the direction of the airflow thereby to separate out dust particles entrained in the airflow. The vacuum cleaner also includes a primary dust collector for collecting dust particles separated out by the primary separation stage, a secondary dust collector for collecting the dust particles separated out by the flow bend and a tertiary dust collector for collecting dust separated out by the tertiary separation stage.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner comprising a vac motor and a separating apparatus for separating out dust particles entrained in an airflow drawn through the separator by the vac motor. The separating apparatus incorporates a non-cyclonic separation stage , the non-cyclonic separation stage comprising a flow bend for turning the airflow to separate out some of the dust particles entrained in the airflow, and a dust collector for collecting the dust particles separated out by the flow bend. The dust collector incorporates an opening, the flow bend being formed by a partition which divides the opening into a flow bend inlet and a flow bend outlet, the partition extending part-way into the dust collector so that airflow entering through the flow bend inlet is then forced to bend around the partition inside the dust collector before exiting through the flow bend outlet.

Abstract: An extractor includes a base movable along a surface having an agitator. The extractor also includes a distribution nozzle, a suction nozzle, and a suction source in fluid communication with the suction nozzle and operable to draw fluid and dirt from the surface, a recovery tank in fluid communication with the suction source to receive and store the fluid and dirt drawn, a supply tank supported by the base and in fluid communication with the distribution nozzle to supply cleaning fluid, a pump in fluid communication with the supply tank and the distribution nozzle to deliver fluid from the supply tank to the distribution nozzle, a motor operable to drive the agitator and the pump, and a drive mechanism coupled to the motor, the agitator, and the pump and operable to selectively connect the agitator and the pump to the motor to alternately drive the agitator and the pump.

Abstract: Embodiments include a cleaning head assembly for a floor surface maintenance machine. The cleaning head assembly can include a hub (or cleaning head housing) and a pad or a brush driver, wherein the driver attaches to and aligns axially with the hub (or cleaning head housing) in a touch-free manner.

Abstract: A cleaning cloth constructed of an upper sheet and lower sheet that are joined together for form an interior cavity into which additional cleaning cloths, cleaning materials, abrasive materials, scented materials, etc. can be placed. The cleaning cloth includes strips that can be used to connect the cleaning cloth to a mop head or other surface.

Abstract: Dishwasher appliances and methods are provided. A dishwasher appliance includes a chamber and a door, the door having an interior wall and a bottom. The dishwasher appliance further includes a conduit disposed within the door, the conduit defining a passage extending between a first end and a second end, the first end defined in the interior wall for the egress of fluid from the chamber, the second end defined in the door for the egress of fluid from the conduit. The dishwasher appliance further includes a vent for controlling the egress of fluid from the chamber through the first end, the vent received into the door, and a fan disposed within the passage, the fan operable to flow fluid from the chamber into the conduit. The dishwasher appliance further includes a controller in communication with the fan, the controller operable to activate the fan during a wet cycle.

Abstract: An automatic dishwasher having a tub defining a treating chamber and a housing physically separate from the tub and defining a sump to receive liquid sprayed into the tub, the housing having an inlet fluidly connected to a liquid outlet of the tub and an outlet fluidly coupled to a sprayer located within the tub to define a recirculation path for the sprayed liquid.

Abstract: Dishwasher appliances are provided. A dishwasher appliance includes a tub defining a chamber for the receipt of articles for cleaning, a sump for collecting liquid from the chamber, a fluid circulation conduit for circulating liquid in the tub, and a first pump downstream of and in fluid communication with the sump. The dishwasher appliance further includes an adsorption assembly, the adsorption assembly including a desiccant module and an adsorption conduit extending through the desiccant module. The dishwasher appliance further includes a second pump downstream of and in fluid communication with the adsorption conduit, the second pump further upstream of the sump. The dishwasher appliance further includes a first heater spaced from the adsorption assembly, the first heater operable to heat liquid flowed therethrough from the first pump.

Abstract: An inserting state acquiring section is configured to acquire inserting state information of an inserting section that is to be inserted into an insertion subject, and an insertion subject shape acquiring section is configured to acquire insertion subject shape information that is shape information of the insertion subject. A positional relation calculating section is configured to be input the inserting state information and the insertion subject shape information and to calculate a positional relation of the inserting section to the insertion subject, and an output section is configured to output the calculation result of the positional relation calculating section as display information.

Abstract: A relative position information acquiring section acquires relative position information, in relation to an insertion subject, of a portion of an inserting section which becomes a position detection object. An image acquisition position calculating section calculates an image acquisition position that is at least one of an image acquisition region, a part of the image acquisition region and a point in the image acquisition region, by use of the relative position and shape information of the insertion subject. A display calculating section sets a display format on the basis of weighting information of the image acquisition position calculated on the basis of a weighting index parameter. An output section outputs the display format and the image acquisition position.

Abstract: A suction button unit for changeover between a suction source and a suction opening includes a piston chamber extending axially. A suction port hole is formed at a lower end of the piston chamber, for connection with the suction opening. An exhaust port hole is formed in a chamber inner wall of the piston chamber, for connection with the suction source. A piston rod is received in the piston chamber, has a first piston end protruding upwards, for shifting from a first position to a second position upon depression. The exhaust port hole is externally opened in case the piston rod is in the first position, but caused to communicate with the suction port hole in case the piston rod is in the second position. A tilting device tilts the piston rod relative to an axial direction of the piston chamber while the piston rod is in the first position.

Abstract: A piston is inserted into a piston passage of a cylinder. The piston is displaced between a first position of a non-contact state and a second position by a pressing operation. At the first position, a suction source connection port of the cylinder faces a circumferential groove of the piston and a suction source conduit communicates with an outside atmosphere. At the second position, the suction source connection port faces an outer peripheral surface opening and the suction source conduit communicates with a suction connection port. A V-shaped opening portion as a correction opening portion is formed in the outer peripheral surface opening. The V-shaped opening portion causes an increment of a communication opening width at which the suction source connection port overlaps with the outer peripheral surface opening to be three times or less an increment of a pressing stroke of the piston.

Abstract: A video endoscope including: a tube forming an interior, a window formed at a distal end of the tube; an image sensor; a support in the interior for supporting the image sensor, said image sensor viewing through the window; a conductor arranged on the support, the conductor electrically connecting the image sensor, and a closing wall at a proximal end of the tube through which a pin extends, said pin being in contact with the conductor on the support, wherein the support abuts an inner face of the closing wall such that a surface region of the support on which the conductor is mounted contacts the closing wall at an angle at the point where the pin is located such that a portion of the pin protrudes into the interior and rests in a parallel manner on the surface region of the support and makes contact with the conductor.

Abstract: A video endoscope system includes a reusable control cabinet and an endoscope that is connectable thereto. The endoscope may be used with a single patient and then disposed. The endoscope includes an illumination mechanism, an image sensor, and an elongate shaft having one or more lumens located therein. An articulation joint at the distal end of the endoscope allows the distal end to be oriented by the actuators in the control cabinet or actuators in a control handle of the endoscope. Fluidics, electrical, navigation, image, display and data entry controls are integrated into the system along with other accessories.

Abstract: Medical devices including devices and systems for endoscopic interventions that may access the biliary tree. An example biliary catheter system may include an endoscope having a working channel formed therein. An endoscopic instrument may be disposed in the channel. The endoscopic instrument may have a tool channel formed therein, a distal end, and a plurality of stabilizing members extending from the distal end. The plurality of stabilizing members may be configured to surround the ampulla of Vater during a biliary tract intervention.

Abstract: Improved methods, systems and apparatus relating to wide field fluorescence and reflectance imaging are provided, including improved methods, systems and apparatus relating to removal of background signals such as autofluorescence and/or fluorophore emission cross-talk; distance compensation of fluorescent signals; and co-registration of multiple signals emitted from three dimensional tissues.