Abstract: The subject invention comprises a collapsible display fixture that includes a base, two vertical support posts that can accept vertical display panels, a horizontal crossbar and hinge that connects each vertical support post to the base. The hinge may be one of two forms, either a hinge with an axis of rotation at an angle of 2-6 degrees, or preferably 3 degrees, or a hinge with a rotatable base that allows the hinge to be rotated 2-6 degrees, or preferably 3 degrees. These hinges allow the vertical support posts to be folded down without intersecting or contacting one another. The vertical display panels integrate an internal pin system, whether the panel is solid or a combination of two laminated layers, such that the pins are accessible from the outside to accept hangers, pins, pegs, hooks or other display accessories.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to an improved rack for dispensing individual thermoplastic bags from a bag stack. Embodiments of the invention may be especially beneficial for dispensing individual square-bottomed bags. In an embodiment of the invention, the dispensing rack includes at least one mounting hook; at least one rear deforming member coupled to the at least one mounting hook; and at least one front deforming member coupled to the at least one rear deforming member, the rack configured to hang the bag stack from the at least one mounting hook and deform the bag stack in a serpentine manner between the at least one rear deforming member and the at least one front deforming member when the bag stack is disposed on the rack.

Abstract: A frame and a device for mounting a plurality of frames in a grid. The frame has an axial first mounting member and a second mounting member, the first mounting member having a generally flat portion exposed to and generally flush with a perimeter surface of the frame. The alignment device has a cross-shaped body having a pair of horizontal members and a pair of vertical members intersecting at a common point, the horizontal and vertical members having interior surfaces defining four quadrants, the alignment device further comprising a level attached to the cross-shaped body and a magnet mounted in a recess in one of the horizontal members or vertical members. The alignment device used to position and mount the frame.

Abstract: A floral arrangement holder and writing surface combination assembly includes a housing that has a bottom wall and a perimeter wall that is attached to and extends upwardly from the bottom wall. The perimeter wall has an upper edge defining an opening into an interior of the housing. The perimeter wall includes a front wall having a depression therein. The depression is defined by a rear wall and a peripheral wall is attached to and extends between the rear wall and the perimeter wall. A panel is removably positioned over the depression and a coupler releasably mounts the panel over the depression. A marking utensil for marking on the panel is removably positioned within the depression.

Abstract: A split bed covering for providing individually adjustable sleeping configurations in a single bed, and extending across the split line to form overlapping flaps which prevent drafts and bridging between sleeping partners and disturbances when one partner moves his or her bed coverings.

Abstract: A pillow is provided that includes a first panel having an edge defining a perimeter. A second panel has an edge defining a perimeter. A gusset joins the first and second panels. The gusset has a first porosity. The gusset includes a plurality of ports. The ports each have a second porosity that is greater than the first porosity.

Abstract: A hospitality accessory comprising a first portion of fabric designed to accommodate two people lying down and a pair of pillows coupled thereto. A first rectangular portion of fabric is coupled to the first portion and includes a first handle and a first set of zipper teeth located around at least a part of the first rectangular portion. A second rectangular portion of fabric is coupled to the first portion and includes a second handle and a second set of zipper teeth located around at least a part of the second rectangular portion. The second set of zipper teeth can mate with the first set of zipper teeth such that when said first and second sets of zipper teeth mate, the first and second rectangular portions accommodate insertion of the first portion of fabric and the pair of pillows, and the first and second handles are aligned.

Abstract: A bite proof drinking straw assembly. The drinking straw assembly has a straw comprising an upper portion and a lower portion of different durometers. The upper portion is made of a first material of a first durometer and the lower portion is made of a second material of a second durometer. The second material of the second durometer is different from the first material of the first durometer. An upper end of the lower portion is attached to a lower end of the upper portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to an eating utensil which combines the capabilities of a fork, characterized by function for spearing the food and of a knife characterized by function for cutting the food and can be used by the handicapped and people with decreased functional ability of one of their upper limbs. The eating utensil consists of a handle (1) and a head (5) with formed static spearing tines (9) and mounted rotating cutting tines (8?) and (8?). The handle (1) has a cavity in which a semi-automatic reciprocal spring mechanism (2) is inbuilt. In outer circumferential surface of the handle (1) are formed slots (1?) and sliders with ergonomic shape are placed in them for right (3?) or for left (3?) handed use. When the utensil is positioned laterally for cutting up the food the place of the slider (3?), (3?) coincides with the abutment contact surface of the index finger of the user over the handle (1).

Abstract: In described embodiments, the present invention is a cup assembly including a cup holder having a base having a microcontroller, weight sensor and accelerometer incorporated therein, a handle extending upwardly from the base, and a camera support extending upwardly from the base. The camera support supports a digital camera. The digital camera is electronically coupled to the microcontroller. A cup is removably insertable into the cup holder. A method of using the cup assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: In a combination of a garment hanger and a reusable indicator for displaying garment-related information, the indicator can be attached to and removed from a lower neck region of the hanger where a hanger post intersects the hanger body. The hanger includes an indicator retaining member for providing indicator retaining interference with the indicator to retain the indicator at the lower neck region. The hanger further includes structure for providing pivots upon which the indicator can be flexed to remove the indicator from the hanger. The indicator can include a discontinuity for admitting a hanger hook and assisting deformation of the indicator. The indicator can be deformed along the discontinuity to remove the indicator from the hanger.

Abstract: A clothing hanger that allows a user to store clothing garments and accessories, such as shirts, pants, jackets, blouses, necklaces, bracelets, ear rings, finger rings, bangles, wristbands, headbands, scrunchies, etc. in close proximity to one another, that, in combination, form an entire clothing outfit.

Abstract: Floor mats comprising two layers bonded together with an undulating boundary between them. The surface color and/or surface texture of the first layer being different from the surface color and/or surface texture of the second layer. The mats having an interlocking periphery boundary adapted so the mats can be interlocked with adjoining mats to form a continuous planar mat flooring.

Abstract: A mailbox assembly includes a replacement mailbox having an outer surface, a rib extending along the outer surface of the replacement mailbox, a notification device secured to a front end of the replacement mailbox. A method to replace a damaged mailbox includes providing a replacement mailbox having a geometric shape smaller than a geometric shape of the damaged mailbox, sliding the replacement mailbox within the damaged mailbox, and securing the replacement mailbox at a spaced distance within the damaged mailbox with a rib secured to an outer surface of the replacement mailbox.

Abstract: A window shield with a decorative layer bonded/fused with a functional layer. The functional layer comprises materials and/or constructions that can block heat, light, and/or noise from penetrating through the window shield.

Abstract: Squeezing system that comprises at least one female drum (1) and at least one male drum (2), one close to the other and which rotate in a synchronous manner, one in the opposite direction to the other, the female (1) having on its side at least one cavity (6) apt for lodging the fruit to be squeezed, and the male drum (2) likewise having on the side at least one protuberance (5) apt for engaging in a portion of the rotation path and apt for being tightly lodged in the cavity (6) of the female drum (1) during each rotation, compressing and squeezing the fruit; the rotation axle (3) of the female drum (1) not being parallel to the rotation axle (4) of the male drum (2), both crossing at a point in space, being preferably coplanar and concurrent and being deployed one with respect to the other at an angle other than 0° or 180°, in which the female (1) and male (2) drums have one of their bases larger than the other, preferably adopting a a frustoconical shape.

Abstract: An infusion process apparatus for making a beverage includes a container, an insert which initially holds a measured amount of an infusible material and later holds this same material in the form of the grinds that are filtered from the beverage, an elongated plunger, a filtering basket attached to the plunger, and a means adapted to releaseably lock with the insert so as to remove it and its grinds contents from the container as the filtering basket is withdrawn from the container—thereby providing for easy cleanup of the process' grinds, and wherein the filter basket's bottom is adapted to compress the filtered infusible material that has been forced down into the insert by the filter basket's downward movement and to adhere to the insert's contents while stopping the infusion process so that the beverage does not acquire the characteristic bitterness and burnt taste that is associated with an over-infused brew.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for making beverages by infusing a dose of product to be infused comprising: an infusion chamber defined by a first and a second chamber portions wherein at least one is movable; an actuator arranged to control the closure of the infusion chamber; a closure device comprising upstream closure means and downstream closure means allowing or preventing entry to or exit from the infusion chamber, respectively; the system being arranged such that the system comprises at least one incoming fluid pipe configured to supply the infusion chamber with fluid to be infused, and being characterized in that the first chamber portion, interconnected with the actuator, comprises at least partially said incoming fluid pipe.

Abstract: A machine for preparing liquid food products using capsules includes a dispensing assembly, a loading arrangement, an actuation system and a control system, including a processor, a non-volatile memory and an optical sensor device for acquiring characteristic information associated to an end wall of the body of a capsule. The actuation system is prearranged so that movements of the first part and the second part of the infusion chamber take place in a direction generally transverse to a direction of movement of the capsule determined by the insertion guide. The optical sensor device is mounted laterally with respect to the insertion guide. The loading arrangement has first retaining elements, which define an intermediate retention position of the capsule, in such a way that the control system is able to acquire the characteristic information by the optical sensor device when the capsule is in the intermediate position of retention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vertical grill formed by a metal cabinet (1, 25) in the form of a six-sided polyhedron with equal parallel faces, the grill (2, 19) being inserted via the front face (11, 24) carrying at least two guides (4, 23) fixed in the upper part of the cabinet (1, 25), along the upper face and inside, and a container (9, 20) being arranged below the cabinet (1, 25). The grill (2, 19) is a grating that has a preferably rectangular form divided into two equal parts the size of the largest faces of the cabinet (1, 25), that are connected by means of a hinge-type element on one end and by means of a handle (3, 18) on the opposite end, the heat source being arranged inside the cabinet (1, 25).

Abstract: A portable fire pit grill is provided. The grill includes a housing formed by at least one sidewall. The sidewall includes a top end forming a top opening and a bottom end forming a bottom opening forming an internal housing within. The present invention further includes a grate covering the top opening of the sidewall. A bottom plate is pivotally attached to the bottom end of the sidewall. The bottom plate includes an opened position and a closed position. The opened position includes the bottom plate pivoted away from the bottom end and the closed position includes the bottom plate pivoted towards the bottom end and thereby covering the bottom opening.

Abstract: The present invention is embodied in a grill configured for quick assembly, a method of partially pre-assembling the grill for shipping from the factory in a container, and a method of assembling the grill when removed from the shipping container. The grill comprises a firebox assembly for mounting on a cart assembly, the cart assembly having first and second support assemblies and at least one linking member interconnecting them. A hinge or pivot in the mid-portion of the linking member divides it into first and second linking member portions, and the opposite ends of the linking member portions are pivotally connected by hinges or the like to the first and second support assemblies. The linking member holds the first and second support assemblies together in a partially pre-assembled state, and the pivotal connections of the linking member portions allow the two assemblies to be folded for packaging in a shipping container.

Abstract: A fire pit table with a rotatable tray assembly is disclosed herein. The fire pit table includes a base portion including a burner assembly and a storage compartment configured to hold a gas supply cylinder; a tabletop portion supported on the base portion, the tabletop portion having a central aperture disposed therethrough that is circumscribed by an annular ledge portion of the tabletop portion; and a rotatable tray assembly configured to cover the central aperture of the tabletop portion. The rotatable tray assembly includes a base portion configured to be disposed on the annular ledge portion of the tabletop portion, a tray support structure, the tray support structure coupled to the base portion of the rotatable tray assembly; and a tray top member supported by the tray support structure, the tray top member is configured to rotate relative to the tabletop portion of the fire pit table.

Abstract: A toaster comprises a housing having at least one food item receiving slot defined in a top surface, at least one spring-loaded food item support, first and second opposing end plates within the housing, first and second opposing grill wire assemblies positioned between and generally perpendicular to the first and second end plate, a lifter bracket selectively movable between an up position and a down position, and first and second pivoting guide rods. Each guide rod cooperates with a first guide arm of a corresponding grill wire assembly such that each guide rod restrains inward movement of a corresponding one of the first and second grill wire assemblies when each guide rod is in a first position and such that each guide rod does not restrain inward movement of a corresponding one of the first and second grill wire assemblies when each guide rod is in a second position.

Abstract: An apparatus for toasting a food item is arranged to receive and support said food item during toasting. The apparatus includes a heating element arranged to heat the surface of the food item by radiant heat and a fan arranged to blow air across the food item. The apparatus is arranged to operate in a first mode in which the fan is operative and a second mode in which the fan is reduced in speed or turned off. The apparatus is arranged to change from the first mode to the second mode automatically upon a predetermined condition being met. Other ways of moving air across the food item that do not use a fan are also disclosed.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus comprises a heated compartment to warm cooking media that may be packaged in metal containers or the like. The heater system includes at least one heater disposed at a location to heat the bottom of the unused cooking medium container. The heater system may also include at least one heater disposed at a location to heat at least one side of the unused cooking medium container. A cooking apparatus comprises at least one supply reservoir, a fluid motive device, various enclosed cooking medium conductors or lines, a three-way valve that introduces air for purging the lines, and a cooking medium receiving system.

Abstract: The THE SALAD DRYER uses a de-watering process which provides very dry and crisp salad greens in an automated appliance. The general process used in THE SALAD DRYER is evaporation due to wind/air being forced through a salad tumbling perforated drum.

Abstract: A fruit or vegetable cleaning device comprising a lid and a bowl. The bowl has a plurality of vertical blades dividing the bowl into a plurality of chambers, each blade having a plurality of circular opening near the center of the bowl and elongated openings proximal to a bowl wall; and the bowl having openings on a part of a bowl edge and said lid having a recessed edge with opening thereon, said lid recessed edge adapted to be inserted into said bowl edge, said lid recessed edge openings and said bowl edge openings having a first mode exclusive of each other to form a leak proof enclosure to shake the fruit or vegetable and a second mode inclusive of each other to allow liquid to be drained away from said bowl; and a circular screen positioned below said vertical blades.

Abstract: A cocktail shaker is configured to store ingredients for making a cocktail. Multiple ingredients may each be kept in their respective containers and the containers may be stored in the cocktail shaker. To make a cocktail, a person may open the shaker, access the containers of ingredients of the cocktail and use the shaker to mix the ingredients, thereby preparing the cocktail. The shaker may also be used as a glass to drink the cocktail.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for combining food items is disclosed. A food preparation system includes a container, a lid and a divider. The container includes first and second sections for holding food items, the first and second sections defined at least in part by the divider. The divider includes a first partition and, in some embodiments, further includes a partition support The partition support includes at least two compartment for receiving food items. In some embodiments, the lid has have a volume equal to or greater than the sum of a first volume of the first section and a second volume of the second section.

Abstract: A cooking utensil caddy for storing a plurality of cooking utensils sideways during and after cooking in an organized fashion, comprising a rigid container having a plurality of curved compartments for holding and storing cooking utensils. Each of the curved compartment having a lowered front wall with a u-shaped cutout for holding the cooking utensils in place.

Abstract: A storage and assist assembly for a shower includes a first member, a second member, and an elongated member. The first member is configured to be coupled to an upper portion of a fixed wall member. The second member is configured to be coupled to a lower portion of the fixed wall member. The elongated member is removably coupled between the first and second members and is configured to receive one or more storage accessories thereon.

Abstract: A storage system for a shower enclosure includes a first wall member, a second wall member, and a storage accessory. The first wall member includes a corner defining a recessed portion. The first wall member further includes a corner notch disposed along the corner within the recessed portion, and a first side notch disposed along an inner side surface of the first wall member adjacent the recessed portion. The second wall member is coupled to the first wall member at an end of the corner adjacent the recessed portion and is oriented perpendicular to the first wall member. The second wall member includes a second side notch disposed along an inner side surface of the second wall member. The storage accessory is removably coupled between the first wall member and the second wall member at the corner notch, the first side notch, and the second side notch.

Abstract: A shower door assembly includes a header, a door, and an elongated member. The header includes a track and a channel disposed above the track. The door is in moving engagement with the track. The elongated member is received within and slidably coupled to the channel and is configured to be moved within the channel between a first position to allow for removal of the door from the track, and a second position to substantially impede upright movement of the door when the door is moved along the track between an open and a closed position.

Abstract: A shower receptor includes a generally planar base surface, a deck surface, and a threshold surface. The generally planar base surface includes a drain opening. The deck surface extends upward from the generally planar base surface and along an outer side periphery thereof. The threshold surface extends upward from the generally planar base surface and along a front periphery of the base surface. The deck surface is spaced apart from the threshold surface to define a gap. The deck surface is substantially coplanar with the threshold surface.

Abstract: A personal hygiene, motion activated system which offers a streamline hand washing/cleaning system. The dual chambers, separated by an attached front dispensing tri-fold paper towel dispenser, provide an all-in-one touch free system. SaniPro Hand Care Center, provides a new benchmark for personal sanitation and rejuvenation, for both public and private bathroom and kitchen environments.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure include a vacuum attachment for cleaning sprinkler heads. The vacuum attachment may include a cleaning extension head having a hollow upper head tube tapering to a hollow lower head tube, wherein the upper head tube has a larger diameter than the lower head tube. The upper head tube may have an upper head tube opening configured to accommodate a facility sprinkler, and the lower head tube may be configured to accommodate a vacuum hose, such that the vacuum hose is configured to removably attach to the cleaning extension head. In some embodiments, the attachment may also include a universal extension device to help users reach sprinklers on higher ceilings.

Abstract: A cyclonic portable vacuum cleaner/dust collector has a cyclonic chamber and a filter chamber. The filter chamber contains a filter cartridge with a hollow core positioned over the discharge opening of a motor plate that closes the filter chamber. A vacuum blower is mounted on the motor plate, with an intake tube at the discharge opening of the motor plate. An anti-deflagration screen mounted upon the discharge opening of the cover plate of the filter chamber. The anti-deflagration screen is in the form of a metal mesh creating a multiplicity of small passages to permit exhaust air flow from the filter chamber but blocking any flame front. The screen may be hemispherically domed.

Abstract: Systems and indicators of cleaning effectiveness are provided for deployment in an environment where samples of different vacuum cleaners are displayed for consideration by potential purchasers or renters of such vacuum cleaners to facilitate comparisons of cleaning effectiveness between or among the different vacuum cleaners.

Abstract: A robot floor cleaning system features a mobile floor cleaning robot and an evacuation station. The robot includes: a chassis with at least one drive wheel operable to propel the robot across a floor surface; a cleaning bin disposed within the robot and arranged to receive debris ingested by the robot during cleaning; and a robot vacuum configured to pull debris into the cleaning bin from an opening on an underside of the robot. The evacuation station is configured to evacuate debris from the cleaning bin of the robot, and includes: a housing defining a platform arranged to receive the cleaning robot in a position in which the opening on the underside of the robot aligns with a suction opening defined in the platform; and an evacuation vacuum in fluid communication with the suction opening and operable to draw air into the evacuation station housing through the suction opening.

Abstract: An autonomous cleaning robot comprises a chassis, at least one motorized drive wheel mounted to the chassis and arranged to propel the robot across a surface, and a pair of cleaning rollers mounted to the chassis and having outer surfaces exposed on an underside of the chassis and to each other. The cleaning rollers are drivable to counter-rotate while the robot is propelled, thereby cooperating to direct raised debris upward into the robot between the rollers. A side brush is further mounted to the chassis to rotate beneath the chassis adjacent a lateral side of the chassis about an upwardly extending side brush axis, and the outer surface of a first of the cleaning rollers of the pair extends laterally beyond the outer surface of a second of the cleaning rollers of the pair and laterally beyond the side brush axis, such that the first cleaning roller defines a cleaning width spanning the side brush axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cleaning implement comprising hybrid foam and to a method of cleaning a hard surface with said cleaning implement.

Abstract: A medical system is provided comprising a medical device including a handle and a mechanism for moving a distal end of the medical device; an auxiliary medical device comprising a basket retrieval device including a basket sheath disposed over a basket wire and received into a working channel of the medical device; a knob assembly in communication with the basket retrieval device, the knob assembly rotatable so that the basket sheath, wire, or both move within the working channel; and a base removably connecting the auxiliary medical device to the handle wherein the handle and the base are configured to be simultaneously gripped with a hand, and wherein the mechanism is configured to be moved with a first finger to move the distal end of the medical device and the knob assembly is configured to be rotated with a second finger to move the basket sheath wire, or both.

Abstract: At least a part of the one characteristic change section is arranged at a position different from at least apart of the other characteristic change section in a circumferential direction of an optical sensor. At least a part of the one characteristic change section is arranged at a position different from at least a part of the other characteristic change section in an axial direction of an optical sensor.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a sealing component for an endoscope plug at an end of which a plug connection end to be sealed is arranged. The sealing component comprises: a body part having a blind hole-like endoscope plug insertion opening into which the plug connection end of the endoscope plug is sealingly insertable, and a fastening portion for the fastening at an endoscope cable of the endoscope whose endoscope plug comprises the plug connection end sealingly insertable into the blind hole-like endoscope plug insertion opening.

Abstract: Manufacturing errors are suppressed, and the precision of positioning between an image-acquisition device and an objective lens is improved.

Abstract: A capsule endoscope system includes: a capsule endoscope configured to be introduced into a subject; a guiding unit that generates a magnetic field to guide the capsule endoscope; a guidance magnetic field control unit that switches between ON and OFF of the magnetic field; a body posture discriminating unit that discriminates a body posture of the subject; a model extracting unit that extracts a body posture model according to the body posture of the subject, from among prepared body posture models, and extracts an organ model according to the body posture of the subject, from among prepared organ models; and a display control unit configured to: superimpose the organ model according to the body posture of the subject, on the extracted body posture model when the magnetic field is ON; and display the extracted body posture model and to hide the organ model when the magnetic field is OFF.

Abstract: In a first aspect the invention is a video camera head comprising an objective lens assembly and a solid state imager (SSI) comprised of a solid state pick up device and integrated circuitry adapted to produce an output video signal. The SSI is configured to allow video signals to be sent from the SSI and power to be supplied to the SSI by means of four or less electrically connecting pads. In a second aspect the invention is a video camera head comprising a 0.7 mm×0.7 mm sensor and an integral 1.4 mm inner diameter light ring. In a third aspect the invention is a visualization probe comprising illumination means and a video camera head of the first aspect. The visualization probe has a maximum outer diameter of 2.8 mm or less. In a fourth aspect the invention is a medical device comprising a visualization probe of the third aspect. The medical device has a maximum outer diameter of 3.2 mm or less.

Abstract: A device and method for cleaning or defogging a surgical scope during minimally invasive surgery, including a casing which houses a sponge and a heating element configured to be accessible to the surgical scope and the casing is configured to removably attach to a trocar during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: A medical device configured for insertion into a body may include an elongate member extending from a proximal end to a distal end, and the distal end may be configured to be positioned inside the body. The medical device also may include an optical fiber disposed in a lumen of the elongate member and also may include an illumination source configured to emit light through the optical fiber. The illumination source may be disposed on a first surface of a heat dissipating member. An oscillating member also may be included in the medical device. The oscillating member may face a second surface of the heat dissipating member and may be configured to direct air at the second surface of the heat dissipating member.