Abstract: A container is configured to hold brewing material while brewed by a beverage brewer and includes a receptacle configured to receive and support the brewing material and a cover. The receptacle includes a base, a sidewall, and an open top. The base has an aperture that allows fluid communication from an interior to an exterior of the receptacle. The sidewall extends outward from an interior surface of the base. The open top is located at an outer edge of the sidewall. The cover includes an aperture and a tamping projection, and is configured to engage the receptacle. The tamping projection extends into an interior of the receptacle when the cover engages the receptacle. The container is configured to accept input fluid through the cover aperture and to provide a corresponding outflow of fluid through the base aperture.

Abstract: A container is configured to hold brewing material while brewed by a beverage brewer and includes a receptacle configured to receive and support the brewing material, a porous filter, and a cover. The receptacle includes a base, a sidewall and an open top. The base has an aperture that allows fluid communication from an interior to an exterior of the receptacle. The sidewall extends outward from an interior surface of the base. The open top is located at an outer edge of the sidewall. The cover includes an aperture, and is configured to engage the receptacle. The container is configured to accept input fluid through the cover aperture and to provide a corresponding outflow of fluid through the base aperture. The porous filter is configured to be disposed within the receptacle and to receive and support the brewing material in the path of the fluid flow.

Abstract: A removable ground coffee filler assembly for espresso machine porta-filters, for attachment to commercially available porta-filters as an add-on item, having a filler with a conical and straight sections, and one adapter to attach the filler to the porta-filter. The adapter is secured to the filler by means of a press fit and to the porta-filter by means of multiple spring clip prongs.

Abstract: A magnetic/floating force based brewing structure is used with an outer container. The magnetic/floating force based brewing structure includes an internal receptacle, which includes a receiving section, a floating structure, and an acted magnet, and an effector member, which includes an acting magnet. The acting magnet corresponds to the acted magnet of the internal receptacle for generating an effect of one of mutual attraction and mutual expulsion. With the effect of mutual attraction or expulsion between the acting magnet and the acted magnet, the internal receptacle that receives and holds therein a substance to be brewed can be kept in a position of being immersed in the liquid held in the outer container. Upon releasing the effect of mutual attraction or expulsion of the magnets, the internal receptacle is floated upward by buoyance to achieve an effect of automatically separating the substance to be brewed from the liquid.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes an extraction assembly for use in an automatic espresso brewer. The extraction assembly includes components and methods for controllably extracting espresso beverage from a quantity of brewing substance. The components, assemblies, and methods facilitate improved control and operation of the extraction assembly and improve the reliability of the extraction assembly. The brewing substance is compacted between a pair of opposing pistons. Compacting force is monitored through at least one sensor carried on the extraction assembly to provide a signal to a controller. A predetermined compacting force may be programmed into the system for all brewing cycles or dependent upon the brewing substance used. The pair of pistons operates relative to a brew chamber for use in the espresso extraction process. The pistons provide compacting force and boundaries within the chamber and facilitate removal of a spent brewing substance puck at the end of the brewing cycle.

Abstract: A process for preparing coffee in a dispensing apparatus is described, the apparatus (1) having a feed chute (6) mounted on the supporting frame (2) and being able to rotate with respect to said frame in order to feed the ground coffee to the infusion chamber (3), wherein the feed chute (6) and the infusion chamber (3) are positioned so as to obtain a desired distribution of ground coffee in the chamber (3).

Abstract: An apparatus to prepare beverages comprises a brewing chamber 3 movable by driving means 5, 6 along a vertical path, a first piston 7 and a second piston 9 movable within the brewing chamber 3, a hopper 25 to feed coffee powder to the brewing chamber and a discharge device 21 to discharge a spent coffee cake; the hopper 25 is pivotally mounted in the apparatus to obtain a desired distribution of coffee powder in the chamber.

Abstract: A brewing system for brewing a single cup capsule beverage of different sizes is disclosed which comprises a funnel for receiving capsules of different sizes having an upper end for receiving the capsules therein, a lower end having a delivery spout, an upper needle, and a lower needle, a support collar adjacent the upper end of the funnel for receiving therein the capsules, and an eject mechanism connected to the support collar for pivoting the support collar away from the upper end of the funnel to eject the capsule out of the support collar.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices and methods for brewing and steeping tea. The devices and methods for brewing and steeping tea utilize steam, heated liquid, agitation, and recirculation.

Abstract: A machine for preparing liquid food products using capsules includes a dispensing assembly having a first part and a second part designed to define an infusion chamber between them, a loading arrangement for the insertion of the capsule, an actuation system, a control system, and an arrangement for heating the fluid. A processor of the control system is prearranged for controlling at least the heating arrangement and the feeding arrangement. Encoded instructions contained in a memory of the control system has sets of brewing information that are differentiated from each other according to a type of capsule. The processor is prearranged for comparing an image acquired by an optical sensor device with reference images of the capsules that are encoded in the memory and for associating a set of brewing information to a corresponding type of capsule to select an operation mode.

Abstract: A proportional valve for a fluid-treatment machine has a main body provided with a first connection element and with a second connection element to the hydraulic circuit of the machine. Inside of the main body there are at least one inlet duct and at least one outlet duct. Inside of the main body, in an inner chamber obtained between the inlet duct and the outlet duct, there is an actuation piston capable of selectively putting in communication the inlet duct with the outlet duct. The actuation piston is operatively connected to an actuation mechanism that comprises one elastic actuation member made of a shape-memory alloy and an electric current generating device, operatively connected to the elastic actuation member in order to modify the value of the elastic force applied on the actuation piston through a temperature variation caused by the passage of electric current inside the elastic actuation member.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for handling baby bottle and preparing formula bottle for a baby. The apparatus and method disclose automated process that washes, sterilizes and dries a baby bottle, a baby bottle nipple and cap and any other related parts and automatically feeds formula powder, from a powder container or from a powder capsule, to the bottle along with the right amount of water in a defined water temperature. The apparatus is adapted to keep a prepared formula bottle for long periods by chilling the bottle and is adapted to heat the formula bottle prior to its intended use to a defined use temperature.

Abstract: Provided is a baking set including a disposable baking pan and a corresponding detachable baking paper. The components of the baking set can be used together for cooking and serving purposes or they can be used separately. When used together as a set, after use, the user can either dispose of the set or detach the baking paper from the disposable baking pan to reuse the disposable baking pan. The baking set may further include another baking paper which may serve as a lid for steam cooking by attaching the baking paper upside down over the baking pan.

Abstract: A safety timer device, for a cooking appliance connected to an energy source, the cooking appliance having a heat generating component in communication with a heat controller. A timer communicates with the heat controller configured to count down a predetermined cooking time. An alarm unit, in communication with the timer, is configured to communicate an alarm signal for a predetermined alarm time after the cooking time expires.

Abstract: A toasting device includes a housing, a plurality of heating spikes extending outwardly from an upper surface of the housing, and a controller electrically coupled to the internal heating elements of the plurality of heating spikes, the controller configured to control electrical power to the plurality of heating spikes to thereby control temperature. At least one of the plurality of heating spikes includes a thermocouple coupled to the controller for measuring temperature. An upper surface of the housing includes a plurality of rail attachment holes for connecting rail portions to the housing.

Abstract: Described are embodiments of a grilling apparatus and associated methods that can include a bottom portion defining a cavity and a firewall. The firewall can be positioned within the cavity defined by the bottom portion such that the cavity can be divided into a first section and a second section, where the first section can retain a heating element. A grate assembly that can include a grate and a handle can be positioned within the bottom portion and can be configured to rotate relative to the bottom portion. The grilling apparatus can include a lid that can be configured to cover at least a portion of the grate assembly.

Abstract: A dual purpose fryer for continuous preparation of fried products is disclosed. The dual purpose fryer may include an elongated cooking trough configured to hold a volume of cooking oil and including a plurality of fluid connected cooking zones. The temperature of the cooking oil within each cooking zone is established by controlling a flow rate of hot cooking oil into the cooking zone through a hot oil fryer inlet and a flow rate of cool cooking oil from the cooking zones through a cool oil fryer outlet. The temperature of the cooking oil within each of the cooking zones collectively establishes a thermal profile across the elongated cooking trough.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting hot food pans to a chafing dish, including a frame for holding a hot water pan, a hot water pan, a food pan carrier ring, a food pan and lid. The food pan carrier ring configured to overlay the rim of the hot water pan and configured to accept a food pan within the interior of the ring. The ring is capable of being vertically lifted to capture the food pan within the ring and transport the food pan to the chafing dish. The food pan and ring is inserted into the chafing dish. Later the ring is used to lift the food pan out of the chafing dish and transport it to the kitchen.

Abstract: The invention discloses a multifunction food processor with a body which provides power, a base, a connector for connecting stirring tool set on the body, a container which is coaxial with the connector, a body support is arranged between the body and the base, one side of the body support connects with the body vertically, the body can rotate surrounding the body support multi-angle vertically, the other side with the base vertically. The body support includes a first connection component, a second connection component, a connector, an elastic element, a guide pillar and a button. The multifunction food processor's body can rotate multi-angle with different stirring tool for different use such as blender, chopper and juicer. It is easy and safe for using.

Abstract: A dicer includes a body providing a motor, a container and a container cover, a feeding tube extending on the container cover, a push rod in the feeding tube, a power output shaft in the container, deceleration components and cutter disks on the output shaft. The cutter disks comprises a slicing cutter disk and a dicing cutter disk, a block in the container cover, a handle in the slicing cutter disk, and through-holes in the dicing cutter disk. The dicer is able to cut food into pieces with the same shape and size. The deceleration components are provided in the container and have simple structure, which occupy small space. The handle is provided on the slicing cutter disk for facilitating to detach the slice cutter disk for cleaning, and a through-hole is defined in the dicing cutter disk for facilitating to detach the dicing cutter disk for cleaning.

Abstract: Multi-grater set (1) including at least a first and a second grater (2, 3), arranged opposite one another, and a handle part (8). The first and second graters (2, 3) are arranged in such a way that they can be disassembled, to be in an assembled working position or a separated position, particularly for cleaning, and in that the handle part (8) is arranged so as to be removable from the first (2) or the second grater (3) in order to cover the first (2) or the second grater (3) in the assembled position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus related to a system for attaching a grab bar into existing framing using, for example, a transition board is described. The transition board is attached to a grab bar wall via securing mechanisms that ensure the transition board is properly secured to the grab bar brackets. The securing mechanisms are located in an under channel of the transition board. The transition board with the grab bar attached is then securely installed by securing the transition board to wall studs through the transition board and the wall, resulting in a secure installation.

Abstract: A floor support structure for a bathtub or a shower tray floor, taking the form of a separate element to be used in conjunction with a traditional bathtub or shower tray floor, or as a unitary shower tray floor formed with the support structure integrated therein. The supports include a hollow plastic shell having a lower surface for lying on a planar subfloor, an upper surface contoured to the desired shape and a peripheral sidewall extending there between. Preferably, a drain hole is formed in the plastic shell which also interconnects the upper and lower surfaces thereby defining a hollow interior cavity. The cavity is filled with expandable thermoplastic foam beads which are expanded in place with steam in order to substantially fill the interior cavity thermally bonding the beads together and to the shell interior wall. The expanded foam bead is capable of being compressed without substantial permanent set.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing paper toweling from a roll of paper toweling includes a rotary damper resisting formation of overspin slack in the paper toweling resulting from a pulling force applied to the paper toweling. Control mechanism changes the rotary damper from an operative condition to an inoperative condition responsive to reduction of the diameter of the roll of paper toweling.

Abstract: A toilet seat and lid lifting and flushing device for connecting to a toilet. The toilet seat and lid lifting device includes a pedal operatively connected with a pivotal lid lever and a pivotal seat lever. A flush assembly includes a cable operatively connected to the pedal, a flush arm operatively connected to the cable, and a flush base receiving the flush arm. The seat lever is pivoted in a first direction upon application of a downward force to the pedal. The seat lever and the lid lever are pivoted in a second direction upon application of an upward force to the pedal. Application of an upward force to the pedal causes downward movement of the flush arm to initiate a flush cycle.

Abstract: An apparatus for raising and lowering a toilet seat that can easily be installed, for example by hand without tools, on a toilet, for example one that only has a seat and not a lid as commonly found in public venues. The apparatus includes a pedal base, a pedal, a seat bracket, and a lifter lever. The pedal is pivotally connected to the pedal base and coupled to the seat bracket so that movement of the pedal induces movement of the seat bracket and the lifter lever. The lifter lever is positioned under a toilet seat so that as the lifter lever is moved, the toilet seat is raised, and as the seat bracket rotates back down by reverse action on the pedal, the toilet seat is lowered.

Abstract: A luminous rotating shaft of toilet seat cover includes a shaft sleeve with two ends that the toilet seat cover is rotatably pivot joined to, a luminous unit with a front light source, a rear light source and a battery module. The luminous unit is detachably assembled in the shaft sleeve. The shaft sleeve has a front window corresponding to the front light source. The front light source provides light to the toilet through the front window. The shaft sleeve has a rear window corresponding to the rear light source. The rear light source provides light to the toilet water tank or the wall through the rear window. The luminous unit includes two photosensors that collect light at the front side and at the rear side of the shaft sleeve. The front light source and the rear light source startup to provide light if the photosensors both collect no light.

Abstract: A blower/vacuum being interchangeable between a blower configuration and a vacuum configuration is provided. The blower/vacuum includes a blower assembly attachable to a base in the blower configuration and a vacuum assembly attachable to the base in the vacuum configuration. The blower/vacuum includes a fan member that has both a first fan and a second fan integrally formed together, wherein the first fan is utilized to generate air flow in the blower configuration and the second fan is utilized to generate air flow in the vacuum configuration.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner includes a body having a nozzle assembly, a handle assembly, a cleaning wand and a connection mechanism between the nozzle assembly and the canister assembly. That connection mechanism may be a pivot or a swivel. A suction generator and a dirt collection vessel are carried on the body. Further, the upright vacuum cleaner includes a supplemental cleaning tool and a swivel connection between a first end of the cleaning wand and the supplemental cleaning tool.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner includes a body. A dirt collection vessel and a suction generator are carried on the body. A cleaning wand is releasably held in a home position on the body. A supplemental cleaning tool is attached to the distal end of the cleaning wand when the cleaning wand is in the home position. The upright vacuum cleaner includes a first auxiliary operating mode wherein the cleaning wand and supplemental cleaning tool are removed together from the home position for use in a cleaning application and a second auxiliary operating mode wherein a cleaning wand is removed from the home position for use in the cleaning application and the supplemental cleaning tool is retained in the home position. Either auxiliary operating mode may be adopted without handling the supplemental cleaning tool.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a body having a nozzle assembly and a handle assembly. A suction generator and a dirt collection vessel are carried on the body. The vacuum cleaner also includes a cleaning wand, a supplemental cleaning tool connected to the first end of the cleaning wand and hose connected to a second end of the cleaning wand. Further the vacuum cleaner includes an airstream path passing serially through the nozzle assembly, the supplemental cleaning tool and the cleaning wand.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner includes a body having a nozzle assembly and a canister assembly. A suction generator and a dirt collection vessel are both carried on the body. Two wheels support the vacuum cleaner on a surface to be cleaned. Those wheels are connected to the nozzle assembly by an axle. A swivel connecting the nozzle assembly and the handle assembly is secured to the nozzle assembly by that axle.

Abstract: A robotic vacuum cleaner includes a movable side arm. The side arm is inwardly pivotable into the inside of a housing of the robotic vacuum cleaner by a spring mechanism in the event of contact with an obstacle. The side arm is mounted on a rotary shaft so as to be pivotable and linearly displaceable along an elongate hole.

Abstract: A side brush for a robotic vacuum cleaner includes a brush core, a plurality of bristle clusters having a first length, and a plurality of further bristle clusters having a shorter length than the first length. The plurality of bristle clusters and the plurality of further bristle clusters are regularly distributed over a circumferential surface of the brush core.

Abstract: A steam device is provided, including a clean water supplying arrangement, a steam generator which is fluidically connected to the clean water supplying arrangement, a cleaning agent supplying arrangement, a mixing arrangement for clean water and cleaning agent that is fluidically connected to the clean water supplying arrangement and the cleaning agent supplying arrangement, a discharge arrangement for fluid and a control arrangement by which operating modes of the steam device are settable, wherein, by means of the discharge arrangement, steam is dischargeable in a steam mode and a mixture of clean water and cleaning agent is dischargeable in a cleaning agent mode, and wherein the control arrangement has a rinsing unit which, once the cleaning agent mode is at an end, operates a rinsing mode in which the discharge arrangement is rinsed with clean water.

Abstract: A ceramic surface mineral deposit scrapper is used to remove mineral deposits from ceramic surfaces by scrapping the surface. The scrapper can be manufactured from plastic. A shaft of plastic is cut at an acute angle which provides a cutting edge that can extend over nearly a 108° arc. A handle is mounted to the other end of the shaft. The scrapper removes the mineral deposits without scratching the surface of the ceramic.

Abstract: A condition warning system for an apparatus such as a pot and pan washing machine, a control system and control methods for a pot and pan washing machine are provided. The condition warning system includes a control system that monitors operational, safety or compliance parameters of an apparatus, and a light that illuminates a location below (or above) an operator's direct line of sight, and which is outside of the operator's direct line of sight. The control system and control methods include a punitive wash action lockout, an extended wash cycle time, and a deep clean wash cycle.

Abstract: A washing device comprises a drawer compartment and a top compartment. The drawer compartment is selectively movable out and in between, respectively, an open and a closed position. The drawer compartment receives a plurality of laboratory consumables held by a rack. The top compartment is positioned above the drawer compartment when the drawer compartment is in its closed position. The top compartment houses a manifold dispenser that is selectively movable up and down between, respectively a loading/unloading position and a washing position. The manifold dispenser comprises at least one liquid input and a plurality of liquid outputs that operably direct fluid to contact the plurality of laboratory consumables held by the rack when the manifold dispenser is in its washing position and the drawer compartment is in its closed position.

Abstract: A light-emitting probe mounting kit that can easily be combined with and externally mounted to a medical device that is selected by an operator. The light-emitting probe mounting kit for a medical device is provided with: a light transmission section that transmits light from a light source; a light-emitting probe that is connected to the light transmission section and that emits the light that is transmitted by the light transmission section; and externally mounting sections that are for externally mounting the light-emitting probe to an outer portion of a medical device that is inserted and used within a living body. The externally mounting sections comprise a heat-shrinkable tube having a space into which the medical device can be inserted prior to heat shrinkage. The heat-shrinkable tubes are fixed to the light-emitting probe.

Abstract: An improved interface between the surgeon and an endoscope system for laparoscopic surgery, holding a laparoscopic camera and/or controlling an automated endoscope assistant includes at least one wireless transmitter with at least one operating key, at least one wireless receiver, at least one conventional laparoscopy computerized system loaded with conventional surgical instrument spatial location software, and conventional automated assistant maneuvering software, software loaded onto the conventional laparoscopy system that enables a visual response to the depression of at least one key on the wireless transmitter as well as an interface with the conventional automated assistant maneuvering software so as to achieve movement of the endoscope, and at least one video screen.

Abstract: An introduction device includes an operation main body, a bending section capable of bending in a first direction and a second direction, a first rotary body configured to be operated at a time of bending the bending section in the first direction, and a second rotary body configured to be operated at a time of bending the bending section in the second direction, the second rotary body being configured such that a part of an outer edge is located on an extension plane which is defined by extending the first surface, or the part of the outer edge is located more on the distal-end direction side of the first shaft portion than the extension plane.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter provides systems and/or methods that facilitate employing a universal handle that provides various functionality and communicates with various network(s), device(s), and the like. The universal handle can be a handheld device that is auto-configured to implement rich functionality. Further, the universal handle can support remote diagnostic, prognostic, and control capabilities. Moreover, the universal handle can mate with disparate device(s), network(s), instrument(s), node(s), universal handle(s), and so forth to communicate data there between. Applications of the universal handle can be medically related, industry related, military related, etc. The universal handle can collect data directly and/or by controlling managed external device(s); the collected data can thereafter be analyzed, aggregated, stored, transmitted, outputted, and so forth by the universal handle.

Abstract: An endoscopic instrument according to the invention includes an elongate tube, which has an axially continuous and substantially cylindrical main lumen for receiving a shaft of an endoscope lens system, and a tool, which is arranged at a distal end of the tube and can be controlled via an elongate transmission element from a proximal end of the tube, wherein the tube has an axially continuous secondary lumen which adjoins the main lumen in a transverse direction, is connected to the main lumen via a narrowed transition area and receives the transmission element. The invention also relates to an endoscopic instrument system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for unobstructed visualization and ablation, particularly of the pulmonary veins, are described herein. Such a system may include a deployment catheter and an attached imaging hood deployable into an expanded configuration as well as one or more expandable anchors which are temporarily securable within a respective pulmonary vein while allowing blood flow to pass through the anchor unimpeded. With the one or more non-impeding anchors secured within a respective pulmonary vein, ablation of the tissue surrounding the ostium or several ostia may be effected with the catheter while the tissue is under direct visualization.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a tissue gripping device. The device comprises a head with contact face attachable to the distal end of at least one hollow member. The contact face has one or more openings in flow communication with a suction device though the at least one hollow member wherein a negative pressure gradient can be applied across the one or more openings to allow the head to grasp tissue. The device may comprise flexible members to facilitate the navigation of internal organs. Additionally, the head can have one or more tool holes. The tool hole can house an ejecting surgical clip for medical procedure. The device may further be attachable to a sensor or another medical device. The grasping allows fixation and manipulation of tissue, traversal of the small intestine, and counter traction for tool insertion.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to detecting insufficient volume of a fluid aspiration. During aspiration of fluids, a pressure trace is obtained using a pressure transducer. An algorithm is applied to detect short shot (i.e., insufficient aspiration) instances utilizing characteristics of the pressure trace. In addition, the fluid probe geometry may be optimized to improve the accuracy of the detection, and temperature may be obtained to correct the pressure trace to account for fluid viscosity and thereby further improve the accuracy.

Abstract: An endoscope includes an image pickup unit and a treatment instrument channel. The image pickup unit and the treatment instrument channel are adjacent to each other. The image pickup unit includes an objective lens and an image pickup device. In a pixel formation region of the image pickup unit, a segmentation region is set as a region read out as a region for displaying a video. A center of the segmentation region is disposed to be shifted from a center of the pixel formation region toward the treatment instrument channel An optical axis of the objective lens is parallel to a center axis of the treatment instrument channel The center of the segmentation region is located on the optical axis.

Abstract: A multi-point light-delivering device, comprising a waveguide carrying light along a longitudinal axis and including multiple optical windows, through which the carried light is out-coupled from the waveguide. The waveguide comprises a tapered region along which the optical windows are distributed, wherein each optical window out-couples a specific subset of propagating modes of the carried light to which the optical window is matched.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein describe systems and methods for a dental device that is configured to be worn on a user's finger, and inserted into the mouth of a patient. The dental device may be comprised of rigid and/or semi-rigid materials, wherein when dental device is inserted between an upper set and lower set of the patient's teeth, the dental device may maintain the patient's mouth in an open position.

Abstract: An endobronchial tube comprising at least two lumens of different lengths for selectively associating with a patient about at least two locations relative to the Tracheal Carina.