Abstract: A sliding blackout curtain apparatus is provided to prevent light leaking from the top and sides of a blackout curtain thereby blocking light from doors, windows, or other light sources. In some embodiments, the apparatus may comprise: a traverse rod preferably installed inside the window casing which includes a track that extends along a portion of the traverse rod, and wherein the track is configured to slidably engage a plurality of curtain flap carriers; a curtain comprising a head with a length; curtain fasteners configured to secure the curtain to a wall or other structure, a curtain flap which is joined to the curtain proximate to the head of the curtain and along the length of the head; and a plurality of curtain flap carriers slidably engaged to the track of the traverse rod.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for capturing heat wherein one or more fins are arranged such that hot air is trapped by the fins and must descend below at least one of the fins in order to exit through an outlet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic cooking pot notifying the completion of cooking. More specifically, provided is an automatic cooking pot which has a function of automatically notifying the optimal completion of a broth-based food, which retains a broth even when cooking is completed. Furthermore, if a user puts ingredients into the pot before the water boils, and selects a cooking menu wherein the same boiling time duration is set for the same menu regardless of the amount of food, the automatic cooking pot provided herewith notifies the user when the cooking is completed. In another embodiment, the user may adjust the boiling time duration to be set on a timer unit for the same food within a certain time range according to the amount of the food, on the basis of the variation in data in the boiling time durations depending on the amount of the food which have been measured through experiments beforehand.

Abstract: A sous-vide circulator cooker is disclosed. A sous-vide circulator cooker can include a controller located in a sealed housing. The controller configured to be communicatively coupled to an electronic input device, such as a smart phone or server, and be capable of receiving control instructions from the electronic input device. The sous-vide circulator cooker can also include a submersible pump connected to the sealed controller, an adjustable electrode to detect water level, a clamp enabling the device to be adjustably secured to a container such as a water chamber. The cooker can be used to cook food placed in water within the chamber by heating the water.

Abstract: A vacuum electric kettle includes a vacuum layer disposed between a liner and an outer shell with a heating disc component disposed inside. A matched electrical connector is disposed between the heating disc component and the base that includes a disc body compounded with a heating body. A seal ring clamping platform is arranged at the edge of the disc body. At least two elastic supporting legs are integrated with the disc body and disposed below the clamping platform. A supporting leg locating ring and a seal ring limiting rib are disposed on the liner with a seal ring between the limiting rib and the clamping platform. The heating disc component and the kettle body are positioned in a matched mode through the elastic supporting legs and the supporting leg locating ring. No welding is required between the heating disc component and the kettle body of the vacuum electric kettle.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus includes a base including a lower heating plate and an upper heating unit including an upper heating plate. The cooking apparatus includes a robotic arm connected to the upper heating unit to move the upper heating plate between at least a cooking position adjacent to the lower heating plate and a non-cooking position separated from the lower heating plate based on a control program.

Abstract: An adjustable percolation device and a pressure percolation device including the same are provided to overcome the inconveniences of usage in conventional technologies. The adjustable percolation device includes a first container, configured with an adjusting plate; a second container, configured with a filter and movably connected to the first container; and an inner cup, having a cup wall and a cup bottom configured with a plurality of second slits corresponding to a plurality of first slits. The pressure percolation device including the adjustable percolation device further includes a pressure unit having a sealing portion, wherein an edge of the sealing portion attaches to an inner edge of the cup wall.

Abstract: An infusion extractor is provided including a plunger to be inserted into an infusing container containing the infusion mixture that has vertical inner walls oriented parallel to a vertical axis of the container. The plunger includes a first surface with a seal situated at an edge of the surface. The seal is adapted for sealing against the inner walls of the infusing container as the plunger moves within the container. The plunger also includes a second surface extending from the first surface and defining a second chamber. At least a portion of the extract flow openings are situated at a depth either above or below the first surface along the vertical axis.

Abstract: A system (1) for making beverages comprises a capsule (2) containing a powdered food substance which can be extracted to make a beverage, and a capsule holder (9) comprising an infeed opening (11) through which the capsule (2) can be inserted, delimited by an annular edge (12) at the top of which there is a projecting annular element (19) and/or respectively an annular seat (20). The capsule (2) comprises a body (3) comprising a lower wall (5), a lateral wall (6) and a perimetric edge (7) on which there is an annular groove (21) on whose surface there is a bottom zone (23) and, laterally positioned on opposite sides of the bottom zone, two inner lateral faces (24,25), and/or respectively there is an annular tooth (22) on whose surface there is a tip portion (29) and, laterally positioned on opposite sides of the tip portion, two outer lateral faces (30, 31).

Abstract: A hot beverage maker includes a hot liquid generator for receiving a liquid, including at least one heating element for heating the liquid, and a reservoir for receiving an amount of foodstuff. The reservoir is in fluid communication with the hot liquid generator for receiving the hot liquid and making the hot beverage. The reservoir has an outlet for dispensing the hot beverage. The hot beverage maker further includes a sensor for sensing weight of the foodstuff in the reservoir and for generating and outputting electrical signals proportional to the weight of the foodstuff, and a controller for receiving the electrical signals from the sensor and determining a number of scoops of foodstuff present in the reservoir according to the sensed weight of the foodstuff.

Abstract: A self-contained system is provided for cleaning a food flow path in a food processor. The system can be operably engaged without requiring disassembly and reassembly of the food processor or can be operably engaged after a partial disassembly of the food processor. The system includes a control assembly for directing passage of a solution through the food processor without requiring constant operator oversight. The system can employ available positive pressure water supply, such as public utility water pressure to selectively and automatically push solutions, including rinses, backwards or forwards through a food flow path in the food processor, though typically countercurrent to the normal processing food flow. A manifold assembly includes an intake manifold and a distribution manifold, with an induction port and/or access port in the distribution manifold for introducing additives or agents into a controlled motive stream passing through the manifold assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cooking kit (10) comprising a receptacle (100), a lid (200) and a plate (300). The receptacle (100) incorporates a base (101) and a side wall (103) extending from the base (101) and around the entire base (101). The lid (200) is configured to be placed on the receptacle (100). The assembly of the receptacle (100) and the lid (200) defines a closed inside volume. The plate (300) has a shape and dimensions which correspond to those of the receptacle (100). When placed in the closed inside volume, the plate (300) rests at least in part on the side wall (103) and/or on the base (101) of the receptacle (100). The receptacle (100) and the lid (200) are made of heat-stable polymer. The plate (300) is made of heat-stable polymer or of ceramics material.

Abstract: A spacer apparatus for supporting first and second pans in spaced and inter-nesting arrangement, each of the pans having a base and outwardly flared sides with inner and outer side surfaces terminating in a top edge. A body having interconnected and elongated portions terminates in hooks at extending ends thereof. The hooks are adapted to engage perimeter displaced locations of the top edge and sides of a first pan and so that the elongated portions extend across an interior of the pan between the base and top edge. An underside of a second pan is arranged atop the first pan and adapted to contact the elongated portions so that the top edge and outer side surface of the second pan is upwardly spaced relative to the top edge and inner side surface of the first pan.

Abstract: A computer-controlled grill can operate burners based on a set of instructions in the form of a recipe. The grill can provide notifications corresponding to steps of the recipe, to alert the user to perform the steps. The notifications can be provided at the grill, through a connected mobile device, or both. The grill adjusts gas flow to one or more burners based on the recipe steps. If the grill detects that the user has not performed required steps, the grill reduces or shuts off gas flow to the burners.

Abstract: A heating apparatus includes a first heating plate (212) configured to contact a first side of an object to heat the object and a second heating plate (222) configured to contact a second side of the object opposite the first side to heat the object. The heating apparatus also includes an actuator assembly (214, 215, 216, 217) configured to move the at least one of the first heating plate and the second heating plate linearly along a first axis and to move the first heating plate rotationally along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis and rotationally along a third axis perpendicular to the first axis and the second axis.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus, comprising a first cover and a second cover, each with heating elements and hinged together to contact each other, wherein each of the covers includes a plate having at least one cavity in a substantially hemispherical shape to receive a food product for cooking, the at least one cavity in a substantially hemispherical shape in the first plate matches the at least one cavity of the second plate to contact both covers; the heating element of each cover is arranged such that the heating element is in contact with substantially a center of the at least one substantially cavity in a substantially hemispherical shape.

Abstract: A flare-up preventing grill is an apparatus which is useful for preventing and extinguishing flare-ups which occur while grilling. The flare-up preventing grill includes a grill lid and a grill body in which food may be grilled upon a cooking grate. The flare-up preventing grill includes a heat source used for cooking foods and for boiling water contained within a water storage system. Water from the water storage system produces steam and a mist of water droplets when boiled. The flare-up preventing grill includes a baffle system which is permits or restricts the flow of the water droplets within a grill receptacle of the grill body. The grill body includes a steam regulating outlet which controls the amount of water droplets within the grill receptacle. The grill body includes a steam overflow outlet which permits water droplets to exit the grill receptacle when the baffle system is closed.

Abstract: Food processing apparatus and methods for processing food are disclosed. The apparatus may include stored sequences for operating a processing tool. The stored sequences may address various challenging aspects of blending solid foods and/or ice. In some embodiments, particular sequences are implemented with specific processing tools.

Abstract: A hammock tub assembly serves as both a hammock for leisure swinging, sleeping, or resting; and a tub for soaking, hydrotherapy, and pleasure. A suspended non-permeable panel conforms to the shape and weight of the loads. The non-permeable panel is defined by a body portion and a perimeter portion. The body portion supports the solid and liquid loads, conforming to the shapes and weight of each load. The perimeter portion includes fastening points that maintain a fixed position for the body portion for enabling the stretching of the body portion into a generally concave shape. When stretched between the fixed points, the body portion forms a generally concave shape that cradles the solid load and contains the liquid load. The liquid is circulated through a filtering portion. A lighting portion, a sound portion, and a data portion enhance the therapeutic effects.

Abstract: A step comprising a single leg with a platform attached at an obtuse angle that can be leant against the corner of a shower to provide an elevated platform to help with shaving legs or other activities in the shower. The side of the platform and foot of the leg are adapted to frictionally engage the shower wall and floor to resist slipping of the step.

Abstract: A prefabricated shower bench for installation in a tiled shower includes an upper surface having a plurality of peripheral edges, and at least three sidewalls. Each sidewall has an upper edge and a lower edge. Each upper edge is connected along a corresponding peripheral edge of the upper surface. The lower edge of each sidewall terminates in a common plane. One sidewall includes a setback area along the entire lower edge which has a height greater than the height of a sidewall of a prefabricated shower module. The upper surface is horizontal or pitched downwards toward the shower module when the shower bench is installed adjacent to the sidewall of the shower module such that the sidewall of the shower module resides within the setback area, thereby preventing the weight of the shower bench from resting on the sidewall of the shower module.

Abstract: A shower curtain has a lace fabric, a first water-proof layer and a second water-proof layer. The lace fabric has two sides and includes a dense segment and a sparse segment. The first water-proof layer and the second water-proof layer are attached respectively to the sides of the lace fabric.

Abstract: A multi-fit, fast connect, bottle-to-dispenser system for connecting a liquid dispensing pump to a liquid reserve has a universal adapter. The universal adapter attaches to a neck of a bottle and has a first fitting and a second fitting being concentrically stacked, wherein the first fitting has a first plurality of ribs of a first diameter and the second fitting has a second plurality of ribs of a second diameter. The first fitting forming a seal with the neck of smaller bottles and the second fitting forming a seal with the neck of larger bottles. A pass through channel traverses through the first fitting and the second fitting, and allows a connecting tube to be positioned through the universal adapter into the bottle. A dispenser coupling is terminally connected to the connecting tube opposite the universal adapter, joining the connecting tube to a down stem of the liquid dispensing pump.

Abstract: Electronic dispensers and refill units for electronic dispensers are disclosed herein. An exemplary electronic dispenser includes a housing, a processor and a first battery secured to the dispenser. The first battery provides power to the processor. The dispenser further includes actuator drive circuitry for causing the dispenser to move an actuator to dispense fluid from a refill unit. In addition, the dispenser includes a rechargeable energy storage device for providing power to the actuator drive circuitry. Circuitry for charging the rechargeable energy storage device is also provided. The dispenser includes a holder for holding a refill unit and a connector for releasably connecting to a second battery that is provided with the refill unit. The second battery is installed in the connector when a refill unit is installed in the dispenser and removed from the connector when the refill unit is removed from the dispenser.

Abstract: Provided is a towel product that ensures equivalent performance as the prior art in terms of water absorbency property and the like, while improving pile retention property. A towel is formed from a warp, a weft and a pile. The warp comprises sets of warp yarns. The pile comprises pile yarns that form the upper and the lower. The warp density is 27-33 threads/inch, and the weft density is 49-58 threads/inch. The pile ratio is 3.8-6.2. The configuration of 1 repeat is composed of 5 picks, and the configurations of 1 repeat are repeated. The 3 picks corresponding to weft yarns W2-W4 and thereof W7-W9 compose the pile forming section. The 2 picks corresponding to weft yarns W5 and W6 compose the ground woven fabric section. The pile formed in the pile forming section has 3-6 snarls, preferably 4-5, and in the diagram, 4.

Abstract: A toilet paper dispenser device holds and sequentially dispenses for use a plurality of rolls of toilet paper. The device includes a chute for holding rolls of toilet paper. Rollers are coupled to the chute and positioned to extend across a bottom end of the chute for supporting one roll of toilet paper in a use position adjacent the bottom end of the chute. A forward opening in a front section of the perimeter wall permits dispensing sheets from of the roll of toilet paper in the use position. A retainer is coupled to the chute to obstruct passage of the rolls of toilet paper through the chute. An actuator is coupled to the chute and operationally coupled to the retainer such that manipulation of the actuator releases one of the rolls of toilet paper into the use position.

Abstract: A method of dispensing a user-determined length of sheet product from a roll of sheet product via a sheet product dispenser is provided. The method includes the steps of providing the roll of sheet product rotatably supported by the sheet product dispenser for dispensing sheet product therefrom, wherein the roll of sheet product rotates in response to a pull force applied to a tail portion of the roll of sheet product; and providing, via the sheet product dispenser, a pull force resistance opposing the rotation of the roll of sheet product, wherein the pull force resistance is between 36 grams-force and 96 grams-force throughout a majority of a life of the roll of sheet product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automobile child safety seat that includes a potty feature allowing the containment of a child's urine and excrement discharge in a container under the seating cushion and in which the potty feature, after being unfixed, can slide out forward for access to the collected discharge. Further, the present invention is directed to an automobile child safety seat that easily converts to a potty by the convenient removal of the seating cushion to gain access to an opening to discharge a child's urine and excrement into the container.

Abstract: A closing mechanism for a toilet is integrated within a pivoting member, or lid, of the toilet, providing a self-closing lid. The self-closing lid includes a sensor to detect when a user of the toilet leaves a field of view of the sensor. The sensor sends a signal to actuate a motor, which may include a closing member, to rotate the pivoting member from an open position to a closed position. Rotation is achieved by biasing engagement of the motor and/or closing member with a surface of the toilet.

Abstract: The invention discloses a hinge device for mounting a toilet seat cover, comprising an upper stand, a lower stand and a locking pin. The lower stand is provided with chutes while the upper stand is equipped with inserts matching the chutes, and the inserts and the chutes are matched with each other, by which the upper stand can be inserted into the lower stand along the set direction. The rod of the locking pin is mounted on the lower stand, the inner end of the rod extends to a limiting stand on the lower side of the upper stand, the inner end of the rod is provided with a limiting stopper. By this design, a safety apparatus is added for the separation of the upper stand from the lower stand so that the utility model is safer.

Abstract: A method for operating a self-propelled floor cleaning device, in a first operating step, drives the floor cleaning device across a first treatment path across the floor to be cleaned according to a predetermined driving strategy, or according to a predetermined algorithm, which is calculated on the basis of data, which are detected by sensors and thereby carries out a first cleaning step by a first cleaning device. In the first operating step, areas of the floor surfaces to be cleaned, which are cleaned in at least a second operating step by a second cleaning device, or which are excluded from the cleaning by the second cleaning device, are determined. A floor cleaning device, which is suitable for carrying out the method, has a chassis, a first cleaning device for dry cleaning a floor surface, and a second cleaning device for wet cleaning areas of the floor surface.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having an improved structure capable of enhancing suction performance includes a suction unit provided in a main body, the suction unit including an impeller disposed to suck air by rotating about an axis thereof, and a diffuser disposed to guide air discharged from the impeller. The diffuser includes an inner casing, an outer casing disposed to be spaced apart from an outer circumference of the inner casing and to form a path through which the air discharged from the impeller flows, and a plurality of vanes disposed at the inner casing to guide the air discharged from the impeller to the path, and the plurality of vanes protrude toward the outer casing to cross at least a part of the path.

Abstract: A vacuum accessory tool that includes a nozzle body having a first end and a second, spaced apart end and at least one light emitting element that emits light that will illuminate a surface to be cleaned by the accessory tool is described. The light emitting element is protected by a protective housing that protects the element when the tool is inserted into areas during cleaning, yet still allows the light to illuminate surfaces during operation.

Abstract: A cleaner head for a vacuum cleaning appliance includes a main body, a front agitator and a rear agitator, each agitator being rotatable relative to the main body, a mechanism for rotating the front agitator and the rear agitator, and a surface agitating edge located between the front agitator and the rear agitator.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is provided with a necked-down suction channel formed in a housing adapted for movement over a surface to be cleaned. The housing further includes a suction nozzle and an agitator chamber. The necked-down suction channel has a height that is less than the height of the agitator chamber.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a power head, a collection drum, and a filter. The filter of the present invention is of rectangular cross section about the vertical axis, but is curved away from the power head under the blower along at least one horizontal axis.

Abstract: A vacuum accessory tool that includes a nozzle body having a first end and a second, spaced apart end and at least one light emitting element that emits light that will illuminate a surface to be cleaned by the accessory tool is described.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus is capable of both vacuum cleaning and steam cleaning, and can be operated in a vacuum cleaning mode and a steam cleaning mode. In the vacuum cleaning mode, power is supplied to the vacuum motor, and the heated vapor generator is inoperable. In the steam cleaning mode, power is supplied to the heated vapor generator, and the vacuum motor is inoperable.

Abstract: A scrubbing apparatus for scrubbing debris off a surface comprises a handle having a grip area on a first end, a support extension extending from the handle from a second end and a receiver for a bottle cap at a distal end of the support extension. The apparatus uses recycled bottle caps as a scraping or scrubbing surface. The apparatus gives the user a mechanical advantage over trying to grasp a bottle cap for the same use. The apparatus allows the user to get their hand a safer distance from a rough, dirty, wet, hot or cold surface while scraping or scrubbing the surface.

Abstract: A cleaning article. The cleaning article has a laminate construction. The cleaning article has a width and comprises a sheet, having an inwardly oriented face and an outwardly oriented face opposed thereto. An absorbent core is joined to one face of the sheet. A hydrophilic gather strip element having strips is joined to the sheet. The core has a core width and the gather strip element has a gather strip width which is greater than the core width. The differential widths provide a construction which allows the strips to advantageously present a dynamically changing area to the target surface during cleaning, under normal usage conditions. By changing the surface area, more liquids, and associated debris, can be cleaned from the target surface.

Abstract: A cleaning article. The cleaning article has a laminate construction. The cleaning article comprises a sheet and a hydrophilic gather strip element joined together at plural bonds. The gather strip element has plural layers superimposed upon one another, providing strips extending outwardly from the bonds. Different layers are differentially bonded, to provide a construction which allows the strips to advantageously present a dynamically changing area to the target surface during cleaning, under normal usage conditions. By changing the surface area, more liquids, and associated debris, can be cleaned from the target surface.

Abstract: The present cleaning attachment, for engagement to a rim of a utility bucket, permits the pushing or sweeping of solid and liquid waste up a ramp and into the interior space of the bucket. The ramp of the attachment is connected to a frame configured to engage the rim of the bucket. A waste retention wall at the back of the ramp creates a contained volume and blocks the waste from exiting the bucket once swept in.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a household appliance (1) comprising a front wall (2); an opening (3) that is disposed on the front wall (2) and that enables the items to be placed therein; a cover (4) closing the opening (3), a tenon (5) disposed on the cover (4); and a lock (9) disposed on the front wall (2) and having a body (6) that remains behind the front wall (2), a latch (7) that is pivotally connected to the body (6), that the tenon (5) rotates by pushing while being placed into the body (6), that enables the tenon (5) to be kept inside the body (6) and that has a locking position (C) wherein the tenon (5) is kept inside the body (6) and a free position (0) changed by rotating as the tenon (5) is dislodged, and the lock (9) further having a spring (8), one end of which is connected to the body (6), one end to the latch (7), that is compressed by the rotation of the latch (7) and that enables the latch (7) to resume its former position by transferring the stored energy to the latch (7) when the latch

Abstract: A method of operating a dishwasher having a wash tub and a reuse tank for storing liquid for subsequent reuse, wherein the condition of the water in the reuse tank may be monitored and/or acted upon to limit the likelihood of undesired effects associated with the growth of micro-organisms in the liquid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stemware holder unit (1) for holding a stemware (23) in a predetermined position in a dishwasher cup shelf (13), said stemware holder unit (1) comprising a flexible holding element (2) adapted to hold a stem (22) of said stemware (23). The holding element (2) comprises a first attachment portion (3) and a second attachment portion (4) adapted to be movably interconnected with said dishwasher cup shelf (13). The stemware holder unit (1) has a loading state, in which said holding element (2) is adapted to receive said stem (22) of said stemware (23), and a secured state, in which said holding element (2) is adapted to secure said stem (22) of said stemware (23), and wherein, in said loading state, said holding element (2) is essentially unfolded, and in said secured state, said holding element (2) is folded and essentially enclosing said stem (22) of said stemware (23).

Abstract: Provided is an endoscopic operating system, including: a sensor section for detecting movement of at least one of a head part and an upper body of an operator; a control section for driving one or more actuators, corresponding to the movement detected by the sensor section; a holding arm unit supported to be reciprocatable and rotatable by the actuator and one or more displacing mechanisms connected to the actuator; an image capturing section provided at an arbitrary part of the holding arm unit through a joint section capable of freely change an image capturing angle by the actuator; and a display section for displaying an image captured by the image capturing section on a screen.

Abstract: A light source apparatus includes: a control section that acquires information relating to a ratio of a light amount value for light with second wavelength band to a light amount value for light with first wavelength band, obtains a light amount value for the light with the first wavelength band so that an observation image has a predetermined brightness, and, from the information relating to the ratio, determines a light amount value for the light with the second wavelength band, and generates light adjustment information for making first and second semiconductor light sources emit light with the light amount value for the light with the first wavelength band and the light amount value for the light with the second wavelength band; and a drive section that, based on the light adjustment information generated by the control section, drives the first and second semiconductor light sources.

Abstract: An endoscope includes: an insertion portion that includes a distal end portion in which an image sensor and a laser diode are disposed, a bending portion, and a flexible portion, the image sensor outputting an image pickup signal, the laser diode converting the image pickup signal into an optical signal; an operation portion; an universal cord; a connector; an optical fiber that is inserted through the insertion portion and transmits the optical signal; and a stress relief portion that changes an effective length L1 of the optical fiber in accordance with a stress applied to the optical fiber, the effective length being a length of the optical fiber along an insertion direction thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and system which combines a stylet with imaging and display capabilities to enable visualization of confined spaces.

Abstract: An electromechanical drive system with drop-in capability allows manipulation of the majority of existing endoscopes. The invention does not require retrofitting of existing endoscopes and maintains the current clinical workflow. The drive system can be controlled through a human/machine interface, which could consist of a variety of different input devices, including a joystick, keyboard, or game controller.