Abstract: A beverage preparation machine of the type which uses pre-packaged containers of beverage ingredients includes a cartridge recognition device for determining the type of beverage to be prepared from a cartridge inserted into the machine and a variable geometry valve located downstream of a cartridge when inserted in the machine. The valve enables preparation of beverages at a range of pressures by having at least an open position and at least one restricted flow position, and a controller for selecting an initial valve position and controlling the subsequent operation of the valve according to the determination of the type of beverage to be prepared by the cartridge recognition device.

Abstract: A flow limiter system is provided for extracting compounds from raw materials with an extraction column. The flow limiter system may include a flow governor assembly which contains and buffers a flow of pressurized solvent entering the base of the extraction column to prevent the flow of pressurized solvent from drilling into the raw materials packed within the extraction column. The flow governor assembly may further include a first disc with a first set of perforations to direct the surge of solvent through the first disc to transform the turbulent surge of solvent into a column of non-turbulent solvent with a flat surface layer that rises up the extraction column evenly and collectively. Additionally, the flow limiter system may also include a limiter disc including a second set of perforations to allow the extracted effluent to flow through the set of perforations and exit the extraction column.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for dynamic cold brew of flavor materials such as tea and coffee in which the flavor materials are exposed for a short time to turbulent flow water.

Abstract: The device for introducing a filter-holder into a coffee dispenser, comprising a cup-shaped container inside which is housed a perforated filter for containing the coffee powder and from which a handle projects, said cup-shaped container having two tabs arranged to engage in a connection element connected to the coffee machine, characterised in that said connection element comprises sliding means inside which said tabs of said cup-shaped container engage sliding along a straight path.

Abstract: The jug (11) comprises jug body (15) and a beverage frothing device (13) arranged on the jug. The beverage frothing device comprises a steam inlet (23, 25, 27), a beverage inlet (35, 35C), and a frothed beverage outlet (14). The frothing device is slidingly arranged in a seat (19) and is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. In the extended position the frothed beverage outlet (14) projects beyond a side wall of the jug body.

Abstract: A method and system for brewing coffee that allows for control of the temperature of the water as it hits ground coffee and that is adapted for changes in the environment. A coffee machine may include: a water reservoir, a pump, a heating element, a filter holder, a temperature sensor, and a control element. Instead of using boiling water to drive the flow of water from the water container to the filter holder, which method relates the outlet temperature to the water's boiling point, which, in turn, is dependent on altitude and other factors, the coffee machine described herein uses a pump to deliver water from the water container to the heating element and on to the filter holder. The coffee machine also includes a heating element that is not susceptible to frost damage, which may include a silicone layer sandwiched between two metal components, such as aluminum blocks.

Abstract: A heat-generating sheet (1) for IH cooking heaters composed of a laminate sheet including a conductive layer (3) and a dielectric layer (5). The laminate sheet has a bottom section (10) and a peripheral side wall section (13) and can be folded into the shape of a container A having the conductive layer on the inner side; a plurality of first cutlines (7) are formed at intervals in the peripheral direction in the conductive layer corresponding to the peripheral side wall section of the container A formed by folding and reduce or cut off the induction of an eddy current produced by the induction heating of an IH cooking heater, and a reinforcing ring (20) made of a dielectric material is fixed to the dielectric layer corresponding to the periphery of the bottom section of the container A and keeps the shape of the container A.

Abstract: A method for operating a food processor driven by an electric motor for preparing a preparation item based on a recipe prepares the preparation item in a vessel of the food processor in one or more sequential preparation steps, in particular via mixing and/or heating and/or comminuting. In order to further support the user of the food processor during the preparation process, an operating parameter of the food processor is automatically controlled as a function of a repeated, similar behavior of the user while selecting or executing a recipe and/or of a presence of a user in the area of the food processor.

Abstract: An electric cooker comprising a lower housing; a lower die mounted on the lower housing; a hinge shaft; an upper housing pivotally mounted at a rear end via the hinge shaft to the lower housing to turn upward from the lower housing; an upper die mounted on the upper housing, a lower surface of the upper die being capable of being disposed on an upper surface of the lower die; an electric heater disposed in at least one of the lower housing and the upper housing and heating at least one of the lower die and the upper die from back to heat dough between the lower die and the upper die; and a hinge-shaft height adjusting unit changing a vertical position of the upper housing pivotally mounted via a hinge shaft by adjusting height of the hinge shaft.

Abstract: A device for cooking one or more food articles is provided, the device using a hard lid placed directly on top of the food article. The lid applies pressure on the one or more food articles and a cooking surface beneath the one or more food article through mechanical means.

Abstract: A detector configured to indirectly monitor a level of liquid within a container is provided. The detector includes a temperature sensor and a heat producing element proximate to the temperature sensor. A shell is disposed around the temperature sensor and heat producing element, the shell is configured to be disposed within a container and to provide a barrier between liquid disposed within the container and each of the temperature sensor and heat producing element. The heat producing element is configured to transfer heat generated therein to the shell, and the sensor is configured to measure a surface temperature of the heat producing element.

Abstract: Provided is a household electrical appliance for cooking and/or reheating food including: a housing having a tank arranged such as to receive the food to be cooked and/or reheated; a removable cover arranged such as to close the tank while cooking and/or reheating; at least one heating element and a fan arranged such as to create a closed hot air flow while cooking and/or reheating; and a ventilation sheath that includes a suction inlet, arranged on one side of the tank, and a ventilation outlet above the tank. Said ventilation sheath is arranged such as to direct the hot air flow onto the food while cooking and/or reheating. Said appliance is characterized in that the ventilation sheath is in one piece and separated from the cover.

Abstract: An apparatus for grinding herbs including one or more safety functions configured to reduce or prevent injuries.

Abstract: A container includes a body including a lip portion, a base portion, and a wall structure extending between the lip portion and the base portion. The wall structure and the base portion define a cavity. The lip portion extends outwards from the wall structure. The body is configured to be received in a container receptacle defined within a container platform of a blending apparatus when the container platform is in a first position. The lip portion includes one or more engagement features to sealingly engage with a corresponding engagement feature of a blade assembly of the blending apparatus, restrict rotation of the container during rotation of blades of the blade assembly, and restrict translational motion of the lip portion relative to the surface of the container receptacle during rotation of the container platform from the first position to a second position or during rotation of the blades.

Abstract: An arrangement for shaking drinks includes a shaking container and a device placed in a drink in the container. The device texturizes and aerates the drink when the container is shaken. The device has a three-dimensional body constituted of a food-grade, thermally insulating, elastomeric material and is re-usable. The body has a density of about 916 grams per liter, and is dimensioned to almost fully occlude the interior of the container.

Abstract: The invention provides a multi-compartment container for storing and dispensing separately a plurality of consumable liquids that can be mixed in an accurate and repeatable manner. Each storage compartment within the container encloses a predetermined quantity of a consumable liquid, wherein the first compartment is filled with a first liquid and the other compartments are filled with second and third liquids. The individual storage compartments are structurally merged to form elongated dispensing compartments each with a first end and a second end, wherein a one-way outlet positioned at the first end and a one-way outlet located at the second end permits passage of liquid from the storage compartments into the corresponding dispensing compartments. Upon fully inverting the container, the designated outlet of each dispensing compartment is opened, wherein precise amounts of liquids in the first, second, and third compartments are dispensed at constant volume ratio using gravity.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a foamed liquid milk composition including a disposable container with a single dose of the composition which, upon agitation of the container, is aerated, wherein the composition includes milk having a fat content of 0%˜4%, a protein, an edible natural gum, and optionally, an additive.

Abstract: A container system for separately storing and mixing two or more substances. The container system comprises a mixing container having a main container that stores one or more first substances. The main container has a first upper opening. The container system also includes a storage repository coupled to main container, and which stores one or more second substances. The storage repository includes a lip defining a second upper opening, which has an outside diameter smaller than the diameter of the first upper opening. A method and an assembly system for coupling components of a container system. The assembly system may include a conveyor belt and an assembly apparatus with a motor driving a pulley wheel, and a continuous belt rotationally driven by the pulley wheel, the continuous belt rotationally disposed on at least one locking wheel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-functional ladle, which comprises a head made of a soft material, and a handle made of a hard material which comprises a first folding portion and is connected with the head; wherein the head comprises a connecting portion to connect the head and the handle. The connecting portion comprises a second folding portion and a third folding portion, by which the multi-functional ladle can be configured to be a spatula or a ladle. The multi-functional ladle of the invention is ingeniously designed by utilizing the property of the material itself so that the ladle can be easily turned to a spatula or the spatula can be easily turned to a ladle. Therefore the multi-functional ladle can be configured into a tool with two functions.

Abstract: A bridge drain for a shower floor consists of two or more bridge support drains supporting cantilevers joined at their distal ends by a bridge deck supporting an overlying drain grate optionally accommodating tiles. The box of a linear drain is replace by a drainage surface floor below the surface of the shower floor, bounded by built up areas of the shower floor and any walls, and drained by the point drains provided by the bridge support drains. Advantages include provision of drainage to the very edge of shower entrances, increased flexibility of installation through only having to install point drains instead of box drain troughs, and increased flexibility of provision of an infinite variety of polygonal perimeter drains to ensure thorough drainage from the shower floor.

Abstract: Since the fitness towel would be conveniently attached to an article of exercise clothing, it would be readily available and easily accessible at all times. It would also reduce the risk of the user misplacing or losing the towel, and would eliminate the need to hang it over equipment such as barbells, weight machines, treadmills, stationary bikes, etcetera, at a health club. This would ensure bacteria left behind by the equipments' previous users were not transferred to the towel and subsequently to its owner, which would enhance hygiene.

Abstract: A disposable wipes dispenser system includes a case that houses a disposable wipes container and a cover that is mounted to a mounting hole disposed within a mounting surface. The case engages the cover from below the mounting surface, and the disposable wipes are accessible from above the mounting hole when the case is engaged with to the cover.

Abstract: The apparatus for dispensing paper towels from a roll includes a base member, an offset flange member and a rod member. The base member can have an actuatable suction cup on a bottom surface. The flange member has a base portion and a mounting portion made integral at a bend, such that the portions are angled to each other. Attaching the base portion to the base member forms an angled surface by the mounting portion such that a downward pulling action dispenses paper towels from the roll. The rod member extends orthogonally from the angled surface and over the base member so that the roll is stably supported at the angle set by the angled surface and the base member. There can be a holding device to maintain position of the roll relative to the rod member and a shield on the top end of the angled surface.

Abstract: An environmentally-friendly, portable waterless toilet for mobile environments that is provides a single-action pedal mechanism to close the lid, advance a continuous bag with waste, and seal the waste in the bag. The toilet uses a continuous bag supply having a predetermined single dose or portion of at least one chemical automatically deposited therein, the at least one chemical functional to kill pathogens in waste that is deposited through an opening in the seat and a corresponding opening of the continuous bag supply. The waste-filled continuous bag supply is at least temporarily sealed by activation of a mechanical sealing mechanism, and released downwardly into a base section, which is connected to a sitting unit, forming an integral, closed system for waterless sanitation.

Abstract: A portable vacuum cleaner comprises a main casing. The main casing includes an electric fan in an internal space thereof. The electric fan introduces air and discharges the air through an air discharge hole. A dust collector is detachably coupled to the main casing to surround the electric fan. The main casing is coupled with the dust collector to form a substantially rectangular body. A suction port is formed in a front surface of the dust collector. A dust filter is positioned in the body between the main casing and the dust collector. A manipulation unit is provided controlling the electric fan.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is provided with a chassis and a suction nozzle coupled with the chassis for both vertical and horizontal movement relative to the chassis. The nozzle can be configured to automatically move vertically upon encountering a predetermined amount of resistance to forward or rearward movement of nozzle over a surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: A vacuum nozzle assembly includes a vacuum that has a hose. The hose has a free end and the free end may be placed within a rock bed thereby facilitating the vacuum to suctionally remove debris from the rock bed. A nozzle is provided that has a first end, a second end and an outer wall extending between the first end and the second end. Each of the first end and the second end are open and the nozzle is substantially hollow. The first end insertably receives the free end of the hose such that the nozzle is in fluid communication with the vacuum. The nozzle may be inserted between rocks in the rock bed thereby facilitating the nozzle to suctionally remove the debris from between the rocks. The nozzle is comprised of a rigid material such that the nozzle is resistant to being damaged by the rocks.

Abstract: An ergonomic vacuum-assist scraper tool has an arcuately curved head in which a scraper blade is mounted at either of a front position or a rear position, a handle or grip portion, and a tubular connector portion adapted to receive a male or female vacuum hose fitting. The head has a cavity defined between front and back walls, with the front and back walls converging along an arc to a mouth or slot opening. The grip portion is hollow and tubular, extending proximally from the head, to the vacuum hose-accepting tubular connector. A scraper blade can be removably mounted at either of the blade mounting positions. The tool is formed of upper and lower halves that snap together along a partition line.

Abstract: Cyclone separator apparatus for a cleaning device, including a swirl chamber having a shell wall which delimits a separator space; a dip tube extending into the separator space of the swirl chamber; a negative pressure application connection which is arranged at the dip tube or is operatively connected for fluid communication therewith and is connectable or connected to a suction unit; at least one intake opening which is arranged at the swirl chamber; and at least one discharge opening which is arranged at the swirl chamber, wherein the at least one discharge opening is configured in the form of a slot in the shell wall.

Abstract: An electric vacuum cleaner that can be improved in quietness without increasing in size while securing air intake balance. The electric vacuum cleaner includes an electric blower. The electric vacuum cleaner includes a separating part that separates dust sucked by the electric blower. The separating part includes a first centrifugally separating part that centrifugally separates dust sucked by the electric blower. The separating part includes a plurality of second centrifugally separating parts that centrifugally separates dust smaller than dust to be separated by the first centrifugally separating part. The second centrifugally separating parts communicate with the downstream side of the first centrifugally separating part, and are disposed at positions opposite to each other with respect to the electric blower.

Abstract: An electric vacuum cleaner that secures efficiency and quietness without increasing the size of a main body part. The electric vacuum cleaner includes an electric blower, and a main body part including a first centrifugally separating part that centrifugally separates dust from air containing dust sucked by the electric blower. The first centrifugally separating part includes a dust collecting cup including a dust collecting cup main body that is formed into a bottomed cylindrical shape and turns air containing dust inside, and an exhaust tube part that is formed along the central axis of the dust collecting cup main body and discharges exhaust air of the electric blower from the bottom portion.

Abstract: A toy item cleaning device includes a toy item container, an inlet pipe, a filtering member and a vacuum hose connector. The toy item container has a first side and a second side such that the first and second sides face each other. The inlet pipe is attached to the first side and the filtering member is directly or indirectly attached to the second side. The filtering member has a plurality of vent holes and the vacuum hose connector is attached to the second side. In addition, the vacuum hose connector is adapted to be detachably connected to a vacuum cleaner hose. The toy item cleaning device further includes a vacuum hose adapter which has concentric tubular sections each section of which is adapted to be connected to a specific size of the vacuum cleaner hose. The tubular sections may he telescopic and designed to slide into one another.

Abstract: A floor scrubber with a floor scrubber head having a backing plate to which a pad is secured with the pad adapted to being placed in contact with a surface to be cleaned. The scrubber head includes a motor support to which a motor is mounted with the backing plate being secured to the motor support, with the motor configured to move the backing plate and pad when cleaning a surface. The scrubber head further includes a cover member having an opening through which the motor extends, with the cover member further including a pair of wheels with an outer perimeter of the wheels partially extending beyond a periphery of the cover member.

Abstract: An autonomous floor cleaning robot includes a robot body defining a forward drive direction, a controller supported by the robot body, a drive supporting the robot body and configured to maneuver the robot across a surface in response to commands from the controller, a pad holder disposed on an underside of the robot body and configured to retain a removable cleaning pad during operation of the cleaning robot; and a pad sensor arranged to sense a feature of a cleaning pad held by the pad holder and generate a corresponding signal. The controller is responsive to the signal generated by the pad sensor, and configured to control the robot according to a cleaning mode selected from a set of multiple robot cleaning modes as a function of the signal generated by the pad sensor.

Abstract: An autonomous floor cleaning robot includes a body, a controller supported by the body, a drive supporting the body to maneuver the robot across a floor surface in response to commands from the controller, and a pad holder attached to an underside of the body to hold a removable cleaning pad during operation of the robot. The pad includes a mounting plate and a mounting surface. The mounting plate is attached to the mounting surface. The robot includes a pad sensor to sense a feature on the pad and to generate a signal based on the feature, which is defined in part by a cutout on the card backing. The mounting plate enables the pad sensor to detect the feature. The controller is response to the signal to perform operations including selecting a cleaning mode based on the signal, and controlling the robot according to a selected cleaning mode.

Abstract: A multi-function cleanout tool for use with a surface cleaning apparatus such as an extraction cleaner or vacuum cleaner includes a nozzle cleaning implement and a brush cleaning implement.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus including a cleaning head having a body that defines a footprint to sit adjacent a surface to be cleaned, the body including first and second parts that are moveable relative to one another between a first configuration and a second configuration, such that the area of the footprint is greater when in the first configuration than when in the second configuration.

Abstract: Cleaning articles including a heat engine incorporated therein. The cleaning article may include a substrate (e.g., a non-woven wipe) including one or more layers. The heat engine may be in the wipe or pad, and includes a reactive metal composition which upon contact with a salt water (e.g., saline) composition, reacts to produce heat. The cleaning article may thus produce water vapor and/or steam upon activation of the heat engine. A venting structure may be provided adjacent to or surrounding the heat engine that includes an impermeable material (e.g., impermeable to water and/or air or other gas), which includes one or more vents through the impermeable material. The venting structure directs water vapor and/or steam to a desired face of the cleaning article, away from the user. A heat barrier layer may insulate a user's hand from the generated heat, and/or a handle may be attachable to the pad.

Abstract: Cleaning articles including a heat engine incorporated therein. The cleaning article may include a substrate (e.g., a non-woven wipe) including one or more layers. The heat engine may be in the wipe or pad, and includes a reactive metal composition which upon contact with oxygen, reacts to produce heat. The cleaning article may thus heat water or a cleaning composition, and may produce water vapor and/or steam upon activation of the heat engine. A venting structure may be adjacent to the heat engine, and may include one or more vents through the impermeable material. The venting structure may allow air to access the reactive metal composition, and/or may direct water vapor and/or steam to a desired face of the cleaning article, away from the user. A heat barrier layer may insulate a user's hand from the generated heat, and/or a handle may be attachable to the pad.

Abstract: A recyclable cleaning article. The cleaning article includes a recyclable polymer handle to be manipulated by a user. The cleaning article also includes a cleaning head attached to the handle. The cleaning head has a plurality of flaccid cleaning elements. Each cleaning element includes a plurality of cords, and each cord is formed of recyclable polymer filaments. The cords of each cleaning element are interlaced together.

Abstract: A cleaning implement for use with a sheet, the cleaning implement comprising a handle and a cleaning head pivotally connected to the handle by a universal joint, and wherein the cleaning head comprises at least two ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic regions.

Abstract: In-line processes for producing scrubby substrates, and related scrubby substrate cleaning articles. The process may include melting a polymer resin material, and extruding or otherwise dispensing the molten polymer resin material through one or more orifices of a heated nozzle, into a stream of hot inert gas, which attenuates the molten resin, so that the resin forms into elongated globules (rather than fibers or filaments). Such globules may have irregular cross-section and/or irregular thickness along a length of the globules. Alternatively, the molten resin may be formed into substantially continuous or discontinuous string or chain pattern of abrasive fibers, exhibiting a high frequency, low amplitude substantially linear pattern on the base substrate. In either case the globules or abrasive fibers are collected onto at least a portion of a base substrate layer to form a scrubby substrate that is more abrasive than typical meltblown materials.

Abstract: A dishwasher is provided including a washing chamber with a sump and a hydraulic arrangement. The hydraulic arrangement may include the sump, a circulation pump, one or more spray arrangements, and a washing liquid storage tank. The circulation pump may include an inlet and a first outlet, the inlet being connected to the sump and the first outlet being connected to the one or more spray arrangements, wherein the circulation pump may be arranged to pump washing liquid from the sump to the one or more spray arrangements via the first outlet. The circulation pump may include a second outlet connected to the washing liquid storage tank wherein the circulation pump may be further arranged to pump washing liquid from the sump to the washing liquid storage tank via the second outlet.

Abstract: A dishwasher rack assembly including a bottom wall formed of a first set of wire rods in parallel, uniform spaced relation to each other perpendicular a second set of wire rods in parallel, uniform spaced relation to each other, the first and second sets of wire members defining open, square lattice areas. One or more support members are coupled intermediate opposing wire rods of the first or second set within a selected lattice area. Each support member comprises an upwardly directed, support frame for optimally positioning the objects to be washed, the opposed ends thereof extending into mounting receivers that are adapted to be positionally coupled between opposed wire rods of the bottom wall of the dishwasher rack.

Abstract: A medical apparatus system includes a first communication section provided in a medical apparatus and configured to transmit battery use information including information concerning a residual capacity of a first battery, a charger including a power supply section configured to charge a second battery, and a control section configured to set a charging current of the power supply section on the basis of the battery use information and battery charging information including a residual capacity of the second battery such that a capacity insufficiency residual time, which is time until the residual capacity of the first battery changes to a state of residual capacity insufficiency, is equal to or longer than a charging completion residual time, which is time until the second battery changes to a completely charged state.

Abstract: An endoscope which can reduce time and labor for cleaning processing is provided. The endoscope includes: a distal end portion body which is provided on the distal end side of an insertion portion; a rotating shaft which is rotatably supported in the distal end portion body; an elevator which is coupled with one end of the rotating shaft; an elevator erecting lever which is coupled with the other end of the rotating shaft; an operating wire which rotates the rotating shaft through the elevator erecting lever by operation of an operating member and raises the elevator; a partition wall which includes a holding hole to support the rotating shaft; and a seal member which is disposed between the holding hole and the rotating shaft, at least part of the seal member being exposed to a surface side facing the elevator of the partition wall.

Abstract: There is provided herein a tip section of a multi-camera endoscope, the tip section comprising: a fluid channeling component for a tip section of a multi-camera endoscope, the fluid channeling component comprising one or more fluid channels configured for flowing for insufflation and/or irrigation fluid, and one or more support elements adapted to receive, support and/or secure a flexible electronic circuit board and/or one or more of a front camera, a side camera, an optical assembly, and a light source attached thereto; and a folded flexible electronic circuit board.

Abstract: For providing an, ultrasound endoscope capable of obtaining a favorable elastography image by a simple configuration without upsizing a distal end portion, an ultrasound endoscope is configured having an ultrasound probe arranged at a distal end rigid portion, an auxiliary water feeding channel opening through which fluid is ejected from a vicinity of the ultrasound probe in a projecting direction of the ultrasound probe, an auxiliary water feeding channel communicating with the auxiliary water feeding channel opening, and an adjustment valve for variably adjusting a flow rate of the fluid flowing through the auxiliary water feeding channel among two or more states.

Abstract: There is provided an endoscope which can clean a distal end portion promptly and easily. An elevator housed in an elevator housing space of a distal end portion body is coupled with an erecting lever of an erecting lever housing chamber through a rotating shaft. A rotating shaft receiving portion formed with an engagement hole engaged with the rotating shaft and an engagement hole loosely fitted thereto is provided in the elevator, the elevator is retreated from the elevator housing slit by loosely fitting the elevator to the rotating shaft in cleaning.

Abstract: The endoscope includes: a rotating shaft in a distal end portion body of an insertion portion; an elevator which is coupled with one end of the rotating shaft; an elevator erecting lever which is coupled with the other end; an operating wire which rotates the rotating shaft through the elevator erecting lever to erect the elevator; a partition wall including a holding hole to support the rotating shaft; and a seal member disposed between the holding hole and the rotating shaft. The configuration of the rotating shaft and a positional relation between the rotating shaft and the seal member are improved so as to reduce time and labor taken for cleaning processing of the endoscope.