Abstract: An article of furniture, such as a chair, including a free-swinging seat and a free-swinging backrest. The chair includes a seat and backrest coupled to a chair frame, where the chair frame includes first and second laterally spaced apart components. The first and second components each have a floor strut and a pair of legs that may be arranged in a substantially triangular configuration for supporting the seat. The chair also includes a coupling device, which may include a spring element, coupled to the legs and configured to allow forward movement of the seat and backward movement of the backrest, where movement of the seat and backrest may occur independently of one another. In some embodiments, the maximum movement of the seat and backrest may be limited by restricting movement of the coupling device.

Abstract: A covering (3) for seating or reclining furniture (1), which is composed of a knit and aligned essentially in parallel with the mounting direction in a mounted condition transversely to a mounting direction, is elastically deformable, at least in one area, when under load transversely to the mounting direction. Accordingly it is suitable for adapting well to a body shape of a user.

Abstract: Piano seat that has a structure for raising and lowering that is formed by two pairs of “L” section profiles arranged in a facing manner, two at the bottom and two at the top, which are connected together by individual pairs of scissor-type mechanisms, or assemblies in the form of an “X”, which are articulated and arranged in a facing manner, and also by a series of transverse bars, there being, at the end of the scissor-type mechanism, articulations connecting to the upper and lower profiles, which are stationary and movable, these latter running via oblong slots in the upper and lower “L” profiles; the entire assembly is moved by gas springs actuated by actuators, which results in a seat that is noiseless when adjusted and used, which requires no effort on the part of the user, is easy and convenient to use and also to assemble, and which has no rebound effect and is rigid and robust.

Abstract: An air manifold includes a sheet-like body including first and second spaced, opposing walls and a sealed perimeter. A plurality of divider walls connects the first and second walls together and defines a plurality of air channels within the body. An opening in the body defines an air port cooperable with an air mover. The air port is in fluid communication with the air channels. At least one zone inside the body is free of the divider walls. A group of the air channels are in fluid communication with each other through one the zone. A plurality of air vents located in the first wall are in fluid communication with at least one of the air channels. The air manifold is disposable between a seat cushion element and a structural support of a seat. The first wall of the air manifold faces a backside surface of the seat cushion element.

Abstract: A multifunctional furniture includes a stationary seat frame, a supporting frame, a back frame pivotally connected to the stationary seat frame to move between a sitting mode and a bedding mode, and a leg frame arrangement, which is provided underneath the stationary seat frame, the back frame and the supporting frame. When the back frame is in the sitting mode, the back frame is pivotally extended from the leg frame arrangement to form a predetermined angle of inclination with respect to the stationary seat frame while the leg frame arrangement is arranged to support the stationary seat frame, wherein when the back frame is in the bedding mode, the back frame is pivotally moved to align with the seat frame to form a sleeping area, while the leg frame arrangement is operated to provide extensive support to both the back frame, the stationary seat frame and the supporting frame.

Abstract: A structural framework for a convertible armchair or sofa comprising a box-shaped base supporting a plurality of frames hinged to one another, including a particular frame suitable, alone, for directly or indirectly supporting a seat cushion on one of its sides and, in combination with the other frames, for supporting a mattress on its other side, and mechanisms for the displacement of said frames and of a backrest and supporting foot, in relation to one another and with respect to the base, between: a stable configuration as a sofa or armchair, wherein the frames remain inside said base, where they identify a cavity for containing the folded mattress; and a stable configuration as a bed wherein the frames extend forwards, becoming aligned to define a horizontal resting surface that extends beyond the base and is supported by the foot, while the backrest moves underneath the resting surface, and a stable configuration as a recliner, wherein, by comparison with the configuration as an armchair or sofa, the bac

Abstract: A lift bed having a bed frame with a mattress-supporting platform pivotally mounted on a side wall of the frame so as to function as the lid for a storage compartment within the frame, which also includes pull-out side drawers alongside the storage compartment, and a unified locking mechanism capable of simultaneously locking the drawers and storage compartment. A bellcrank drives a locking member for the storage compartment and a locking member for the drawers, the latter locking member extending freely from the bellcrank to a wall separating the storage compartment from the side drawers. The bed frame includes multifunction corner brackets each of which interconnects perpendicular walls of the frame, hingedly supports the platform, and secures one end of a gas spring which assists in lifting the platform.

Abstract: A bed step device is provided for assisting a human or pet in climbing into and/or out of a bed. The device includes a base, at least one step attached to the base, and a retention member attached to the base. The retention member is configured to be disposed and retained between opposed surfaces of a bed, typically either the opposed surfaces of a mattress and a box spring or those of a box spring and a bed frame. The disposition of the retention member between the opposed surfaces results in a retention force, typically a friction force, to resist sliding movement of the device across a floor surface on which the device is supported. The retention member may be a rigid panel or a flexible sheet. The base and step or steps may comprise a folding staircase linkage or a rigid, unitary housing including a storage compartment.

Abstract: A plurality of sheets made of an elastic material such as vinyl and polypropylene are joined together by high-frequency gluing to form an airtight bag body. Then, the bag body is inflated by being filled with air to form a mannequin resembling the shapes of the upper and lower halves of a body. Regarding an upper bag body portion resembling the upper half of the body and a lower bag body portion resembling the lower half thereof, gussets are coupled through curved junction lines with sheets that form the respective base parts. A joining jig is used to join the sheets, thereby forming an airtight bag body. The foregoing provides an inflatable mannequin and a method of manufacturing the same that can express a natural and realistic body shape and that never damage the brand image of clothes a person who sees the mannequin wearing the clothes has.

Abstract: A rack for holding water sports equipment includes a substantially upright surface, an arm, a pedal, and a linkage between the pedal and the arm. The arm is configured to hold a piece of water sports equipment between the arm and the substantially upright surface. The arm is movable away from the substantially upright surface, against a force biasing the arm toward the substantially upright surface, to allow the piece of water sports equipment to be inserted or removed from between the arm and the substantially upright surface. The pedal is positioned and configured to be moved from a closed position to an open position by a force applied by a human foot and to return to the closed position when that force is removed. The pedal is directly or indirectly connected to the arm in order to move the arm away from the substantially upright surface when the pedal is moved from the closed position to the open position.

Abstract: Display cases are designed to be mounted on at least one vertical support, such as a wall, pillar, or series of poles. The display cases include a display drawer that has a closed position within the display case and an open position beneath the display case. The display cases can be single sided, having a display drawer only on its front side, or double sided, having a first display drawer on its front side and a second display drawer on its rear side.

Abstract: Shelving units having an adjustable width. The shelving units here provide structural stability and simple adjustment of width to accommodate varying product sizes. The distance between side walls of the shelving units can be adjustable in two manners. First, the distance is continuously adjustable from within a range established by slots located in a base portion of side wall components. Second, a further range of shelving unit depth may be generated by changing the orientation of the side wall components. The side wall components of the shelving units may be formed in an L shape with one side longer than the other. By rotating the side wall components, a new range of product widths may be accommodated by the shelving unit. The shelving units may also include a simple mechanism that can be used to advance products toward the front of the shelf.

Abstract: A bagging system that permits one or two plastic bags to be filled at the same time, one of which can be filled more fully as it is supported by a three-sided support off from a three-sided bag rack. A cross bar can be used to help create two separate areas in which two plastic bags are filled. The same bagging system can also be used with non-plastic and non-standard bags by placing such bags inside of the system, between the three-sided support and the three-sided bag rack, and securing handles of the bag to the bagging system.

Abstract: A device designed to ensure a smooth and tight fit of the sheet over the mattress, which includes a locking pin or convex cap and a base comprising a horizontal, bottom plate and a vertical plate with a locking hole or protrusion, respectively, whereby the sheet may be fit smoothly and tightly over the base and the locking pin inserted into the locking hole, or the convex locking cap fit over the protrusion, thus ensuring a smooth and tight fit of the sheet over the mattress.

Abstract: A bowl includes a flexible, continuous wall; an annular latch disposed on a lower portion of an inner surface of the flexible, continuous wall and inclined downward, inward; a hollow bottom member integrally formed with the flexible, continuous wall; a magnet disposed in the hollow bottom member; an annular groove formed between the annular latch and a joining portion of the inner surface of the flexible, continuous wall and an inner surface of the hollow bottom member; an internally threaded boss disposed on a bottom of the hollow bottom member; and a cover including an externally threaded projection threadedly fastened in the internally threaded boss. An edge of the cover is disposed in the annular groove. A portion of top of the cover adjacent to its edge is urged downward by the annular latch so as to hold the magnet secure.

Abstract: A lid for a beverage container or travel mug is provided that has one or more visual indicators to identify the location of the pour spout opening of the container or mug in low light conditions.

Abstract: A drinking mouthpiece comprising a resilient body through which fluid flows from a rear opening through to a front opening, the body having a contoured longitudinal upper profile for lying against a portion of the palate of a mouth and a contoured longitudinal lower profile for lying against a tongue; wherein a forward end of the mouthpiece near the front opening has a cross-sectional profile that tapers to two opposing sides of the mouthpiece, and also has a bulging area on the lower profile that provides a reference point against which the tongue can lie.

Abstract: The present invention is an adjustable hanger which allows for using a single hanger to be utilized for multiple different sized clothes. The shoulders utilize a locking button system. In some embodiments spring or magnetic clips are used on the horizontal beam of the hanger.

Abstract: A decorative tree comprises a base, a pole inserted in the base, and plural hoops that are pivotably connected in series prior to complete assembly of the tree. The lowest hoop is attached to the outer rim of the base, an uppermost hoop is provided to connect toward the top of the pole, and one or more intermediate hoops are interposed between the lowest and uppermost hoops. Each hoop has a pivotable connection to an adjacent hoop. The connection of a particular hoop to a lower adjacent hoop is formed on one side of the hoop and a connection of that particular hoop to an upper adjacent hoop is formed on a substantially opposite side of the hoop. Upon complete assembly of the tree, the uppermost hoop is extended toward the top of the tree and the hoops are expanded upward so as to form a decorative pattern of hoops with alternating angular orientations. The hoops may be of one or more shapes and sizes and may be wrapped with light strips to illuminate the tree.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a tea brewer, which includes a container main body having a top side concavely provided with a receiving space for receiving liquid and coffee powder (or tea leaves) and a bottom side formed with a through hole in communication with the receiving space, at least one engaging element each provided on the bottom side and having at least one groove, a water-stopping plate having a post which extends into the receiving space through the through hole and peripherally provided with at least one guide rail each of which is movably received in the corresponding groove, and a water-stopping block detachably connected to the post and located in the receiving space. Since each guide rail extends into the corresponding groove with ease and without being compressed or deformed, it is easy for a user to remove the water-stopping plate from the tea brewer for cleaning.

Abstract: A grilling device comprising an upper shell and a lower shell, an upper pan disposed under the bottom of the upper shell, and a lower pan disposed under the top of the lower shell, wherein the top surface of the lower pan is slant from the middle to both the front side and the rear sides, and the bottom surface of the upper pan is corresponding to the shape of the top surface of the lower pan. the oil can be discharged both from the front side and the rear side, thus the oils can be discharged more quickly; food with arc shape can be cooked because the pan is with arc shape too; the spice box can add the taste to the food; in cooking vegetable, water can be put in the spice box to maintain the water content of the vegetable, or maintain the other food not be too dry.

Abstract: A new portable slow cooker capable of engaging a lid and a liner container can is provided to prevent the soup from spilling out. The structure of the present invention comprises a cooking body, a liner container, a lid and a handle, wherein the liner container is disposed within the cooking body, and the lid is disposed on the opening of the liner container. The handle is spanned over the lid and has, lower ends in vertically slidable cooperation with handle boxes disposed at aside surface of the cooking body. The handle is locked by the handle boxes when slides to an lowest position, so as to press the lid to form a sealing engagement with the liner container. As long as the handle is pushed to the lowest position, being locked, the lid and the liner. container can be engaged to prevent the soup from spilling out.

Abstract: An outdoor food frying apparatus provides a frame that includes a cabinet having an open top and a open bottom. The frame can be in the form of a plurality of cabinet walls supportive upon a plurality of legs. A burner element is supported upon the frame and within the cabinet interior. The burner element includes a pair of spaced apart burner sections. A pot removably fits the cabinet interior resting upon the pot support in a cooking position. The pot has a v-shaped bottom comprised of a pair of panels that intercept to form a obtuse angle. The pot also includes a plurality of generally flat pot side walls. One of the burner sections directs a flame against one of the bottom panels, the other of the burner sections directing a flame against the other of the bottom panels. In one embodiment, the pot has a drain opening fitted with a valve for controlling the flow of fluid from the pot after cooking has completed.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating an operating fluid, the apparatus comprising a closed circuit for a working fluid, the closed circuit having first and second heat exchangers and a compressor therebetween, the first heat exchanger having a heat input side for connection to an external fluid heat source and a heat output side for vaporizing working fluid within the closed circuit, the compressor being a vapor compressor adapted to compress the vaporized gaseous working fluid from the first heat exchanger to form a higher pressure gaseous working fluid, and the second heat exchanger having a heat input side for receiving and condensing the higher pressure gaseous working fluid from the compressor and a heat output side for heating an external operating fluid. A corresponding method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A solid state thermite reaction composition is provided comprising a fuel component, an initiating oxidizer, a primary oxidizer, a fluxing agent and a thermal diluent. According to other aspects, a heating device, a heating element and an activation mechanism are provided. The heating device comprises a heating chamber defining an interior space for receiving and storing a substance to be heated, a reaction chamber disposed within the heating chamber, a solid state thermite reaction composition disposed within the reaction chamber such that it is physically isolated from and in thermal communication with the interior space of the heating chamber, and an activation mechanism having an actuator. The activation mechanism is in communication with the composition disposed within the reaction chamber and the reaction composition is inert until the activator mechanism is actuated.

Abstract: A cooking container for an electronic oven includes a housing unit having an entrance through which hot air enters; and a support unit on the housing unit, configured to have placed thereon one or more cooking objects to be cooked by the hot air.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hand blender having a processing tool for mixing or comminuting foodstuffs. The hand blender has an electric motor, a power source with a first pole electrically connected to the electric motor and a second pole electrically connected to the electric motor, a controller, first and second mechanical switches having a first position and a second position, an electromechanical element for detecting the position of the first mechanical switch, and an electrical switch for detecting the position of the second mechanical switch.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a novel utensil for transferring ingredients into a container with a small opening and for minimizing ingredient spillage during the transfer. In some embodiments, the utensil comprises a hollowed-out scoop, a cover that folds over the scoop to cover ingredients in the scoop, a funnel through the bottom of the fold-over cover, a handle for orienting the scoop, a hinged element that is connected at opposite sides to the scoop and the cover at a scooping end of the hinged element and is connected to the handle at the other end of the hinged element.

Abstract: A dual chambered body scrubber with pump apparatus including an elongate handle having each of a first chamber and a second chamber adjacently disposed therein, each of said first and second chambers in fluid communication with a pump member, wherein movement of a pump switch between each of a first position and a second position alternately pressurizes each of the respective first chamber and the respective second chamber, whereby extant fluid disposed within each of said first and second chambers is selectively and forcibly exuded from a primary cavity through a head unit for application upon a body of a user.

Abstract: A mounting driver for undermounting a sink to a support surface includes a support bar shaped and dimensioned for positioning between an underside of the sink and a wall of a cabinet at an angular orientation relative to the wall. The support bar includes a first end and a second end. The mounting driver also includes a mounting bracket shaped and dimensioned for fixed attachment to the wall of the cabinet, the mounting bracket including a recess shaped and dimensioned to receive the second end of support bar. With the first end of the support bar pressed against the underside of the sink, the second end of the support bar is secured within the mounting bracket rigidly secured to the wall of the cabinet.

Abstract: An infant bather having a flexible water bath supported by a frame. The frame has a scissors fold such that the flexible water bath folds one way to an open configuration for bathing an infant and folds the other way to a closed configuration for storage.

Abstract: A suction cleaner and an operation method thereof are provided. The suction cleaner includes a housing, a holding part, an impeller module, at least one sensing device, and a controller. An end of the housing has a dust-suction opening. The impeller module is located inside the housing, and a channel is located between the impeller module and the dust-suction opening. The controller is electrically connected to the sensing device to drive and adjust the rotation rate and the suction force of the impeller module, and thus the power consumption of the suction cleaner can be reduced.

Abstract: A dishwashing detergent composition comprising a malodor control component, and methods of cleaning dishware are provided. In some embodiments, the dishwashing detergent composition comprises at least one volatile aldehyde and an acid catalyst.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a control device controlling a dishwashing cycle for cleaning items to be washed, a dishwashing chamber for the items to be washed, an inlet valve for controlled filling the washing chamber with washing liquid, and a circulating pump for circulating the washing liquid in the dishwashing chamber. The inlet valve is opened during a primary filling phase having a duration sufficient to fill the dishwashing chamber with a nominal amount of washing liquid and allowing the circulating pump running to run concentrically at a rated speed. A concentricity monitoring unit performs a concentricity check at the end of the primary filling phase to ascertain whether the circulating pump is running concentrically at the rated speed. The filling sequence is terminated when the circulating pump is running concentrically, whereas the filling sequence is continued when the circulating pump is not running concentrically.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a locking system for a drawer of a drawer dishwasher and a method for unlocking a drawer of a drawer dishwasher. The locking system includes a locking device for locking a drawer of the drawer dishwasher to a chassis or frame of the dishwasher; an opening attempt sensor for detecting an opening attempt of the drawer; and a control unit connected to the opening attempt sensor and the locking device. The control unit is arranged to trigger stop of a dishwasher pump of the dishwasher based on a detected opening attempt, and wherein the control unit is further arranged to trigger the locking device to unlock after the dishwasher pump has been stopped. Thereby, there is provided a reliable and safe way of opening the drawer during a washing program without the risk of hot water splashing out onto the user or onto the floor.

Abstract: A floor cleaning tool is disclosed. The floor cleaning tool comprises a mop head including a perimeter, a working surface and back surface, opposite the working surface. The working surface includes a contact surface and a recessed surface. The contact surface is on a portion of the working surface for making contact with the surface to be cleaned. The contact surface includes a first capturing edge and a second capturing edge. The recessed surface is on a portion of the working surface and includes a first side surface recessed from the first capturing edge of the contact surface and a second side surface recessed from the second capturing edge of the contact surface. The entire contact surface is nonlinear.

Abstract: A steam appliance having a split handle with the upper part biased away from the handle base and an actuator for a water pump. When the appliance is pushed, the handle upper part is depressed and displaces a pump actuator to activate the pump. Use of a steam frame and steam towel allows an iron to be used as a steam cleaner. When a pole is mounted on the upper handle part, the appliance may be used as a steam mop that is activated by pushing the pole which depresses the handle to actuate the pump.

Abstract: A water-guiding household appliance that includes a filter arranged in a line system, the filter including at least one filter element; and a base body, wherein the at least one filter element is secured to the base body in a pivotable manner at a rotation point and structured to be moved between a filter position and a cleaning position.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a dishwasher cavity having a base, a sump below the dishwasher cavity base, a collecting channel that catches liquid leaking over an upper edge of the sump, and a drainage element that drains liquid collected in the collecting channel past an electrical component that is in a region of the sump.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a plastic frame that is fixed to a treatment container. The front of the treatment container has a filling opening which can be closed by a door. The treatment container has a container casing, which comprises side walls, a container roof, and the frame. The frame forms a front face of the treatment container and is connected to the container casing in an interlocking manner.

Abstract: An appliance including a treatment container having a container door pivotable about a pivot axis, and a door-weight compensating device for at least partially compensating a weight of the container door. The door-weight compensating device may include a spring which is connected by a tension transmitter in a spring force transmitting manner to the container door. In an exemplary embodiment, the container door includes a deflector pivotally disposed about the pivot axis, the deflector having at least two sliding surfaces for deflecting the tension transmitter.

Abstract: A method for operating a water-conducting domestic appliance is provided. During at least one of a plurality of successive partial program steps, a first medium is heated at least at times by means of a first heating element and items undergoing treatment are heated by applying the heated first medium to the items. When the first heating element is inactive, a second medium is heated at least at times by means of a second heating element and the items undergoing the treatment are heated by the heated second medium.

Abstract: A dishwasher and a method for operating a dishwasher, wherein a liquid is heated at least twice with a first heater, and wherein the first heater is an air heater.

Abstract: An accessory for supporting crockery in a dishwasher comprises a generally U-shaped main body having a pair of legs and a connecting portion that connects the pair of legs, at least one of the legs having a free end that is adapted to be releasably attached to a crockery basket in the dishwasher when in an installation position, and a smoothly radiused portion connecting each leg to the connecting portion, wherein the legs are spaced apart in the installation position a sufficient distance to promote stability of the crockery.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for diagnosing a user's health state are provided. The apparatus includes including a voice detecting unit which detects and monitors a user's voice; a voice analyzing unit which extracts a voice feature from a voice detected by the voice detecting unit, based on a health state to be diagnosed; a voice diagnosing unit which diagnoses a health state of the user by comparing the voice feature extracted by the voice analyzing unit with an abnormal state reference, and which monitors a change in the health state; and a diagnosis outputting unit which outputs information regarding the health state and a health state change diagnosed by the voice diagnosing unit.

Abstract: Provided is an image processing device including an illuminating portion that irradiates a subject with illumination light and excitation light; a fluorescence image-acquisition portion that acquires a fluorescence image by capturing fluorescence generated at the subject; a return-light image-acquisition portion that acquires a return-light image by capturing return light returning from the subject; a color-image generating portion that generates a plurality of color images by adding different types of color information that constitute a color space to the acquired fluorescence image and return-light image; and an image combining portion that combines the plurality of color images that have been generated, wherein at least one of the fluorescence image and the return-light image is subjected to, by the color-image generating portion), correction processing in which exponents for distance characteristics, which are approximated to exponential functions, for the fluorescence image and the return-light image are

Abstract: Provided herein are water-tight, portable endoscopes that include the light and power source incorporated into a sealed compartment (also referred to herein as sealed canister) within the endoscope handle. The description also features water-tight, endoscope handles that include the light and power source incorporated into a sealed canister within the handle. In some embodiments, the sealed compartment contains all of the electronic components of the endoscope.

Abstract: An endoscopic system includes a sheath having a flexible sheath body. A tip is attached to a distal end of the sheath body. A handle is attached to the proximal end of the sheath body. A steerable section may be provided in the sheath adjacent to the tip. Steering controls may then be provided on the handle for steering the steerable section. Lumens extend from the tip to the handle. The distal end of each lumen is sealed to the tip. Bodily fluids can only enter into the lumens and not other areas within the sheath. In some embodiments, a shapelock assembly has an elongated hollow body positionable within the sheath body. The shapelock body may be switched between generally rigid and flexible conditions. The sheath provides a sterile barrier around the shapelock body. The shapelock assembly can be readily reused and the sheath may be disposable. In other embodiments, the flexible sheath has a composite construction that provides improved torque transmission capabilities.

Abstract: Measured locations of position sensors on a steerable medical device are used to determine the insertion depth of the steerable medical device with respect to a foundation point, which is initialized by an operator. The insertion depth, in turn, is used to determine the state of each segment that has passed the foundation point, i.e., is distal to the foundation point.

Abstract: There is provided an inside observation apparatus of an endoscope and the like which can perform an inside observation for irradiating an illumination light to a minute area of a surface of an object (for example, a living tissue) having a light scattering property and detecting a back-scattered light of the illumination light, can increase a detected light amount by a simply and low cost configuration by making an area of a detection region larger than an illumination region, and can reduce a time necessary to detect an body (for example, a blood vessel) to be observed and detect a region deeper than a conventional region.