Abstract: A container is provided with a lid having a push-button trigger mechanism that operates both a drink seal for a drinking opening and a vent seal for a vent opening. The trigger translates in a straight line transverse to a longitudinal axis of the container body during the entire movement of the trigger to define a straight-line actuation stroke. The vent opening is initially opened during a first portion of the actuation stroke of the trigger, and the drink opening is initially opened during a second portion of the actuation stroke of the trigger.

Abstract: A disposable cup sleeve having a wider top side and narrower bottom side formed from a trapezoid-shaped planar material is disclosed herein. On the exterior side, there are two different finger holders to keep the fingers warm by protecting them from the elements. One finger holder is sized to fit a thumb, and another, having an opening facing a substantially opposite direction from the first finger holder, is sized to fit the four non-thumb digits of the hand, or at least a part thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for dressing aid includes a first side arm, a second side arm, a stationary stabilizer bar, a removable stabilizer bar, a first and second attachment clip. The first and second side arms are oppositely positioned of each other along the stationary stabilizer bar and pivotably connected to the stationary stabilizer bar. The first and the second attachment clips are respectively connected to a distal end of the first side arm and the second side arm so that a garment can be secured to the first and second side arms. The apparatus is then utilized to put the garment, wherein the first and second side arms are individually operated about pivot connections of the stationary stabilizer bar. The first and second side arms also form a rigid structure with the removable stabilizer bar that attaches to a proximal end of the first and second side arms.

Abstract: A device adapted to facilitate insertion of a hand into a glove is provided. The device may include a body portion and a handle portion. The body portion may be generally hand-shaped, and include a palm portion and a plurality of digit portions adapted to accommodate the palm and finger portions, respectively, of a user's hand. The plurality of digit portions may provide concave grooves for slidably guiding the fingers of the user's hand. After the device has been partially slid into an inner portion of a predetermined glove, wherein the plurality of digit portions are at least partially received within the respective finger holes of the glove, the user's fingers may ride along the concaved grooves of the plurality of digit portions, guiding the user's fingers into the proper finger holes of the glove.

Abstract: An apparatus to prevent curling of a rug corner. The apparatus includes a rigid and planar V-shaped body having a top surface and a bottom surface. An adhesive layer is applied to at least a portion of the top surface of the body while a removable protective cover is provided over the adhesive layer. Upon removal of the protective cover and exposure of the adhesive layer, the body is adhered to the rug corner by the adhesive. Upon doing so, the body maintains the rug corner in a flat condition thus preventing any curling of the rug.

Abstract: A foldable tree skirt to cover a tree stand for a tree or Christmas tree. The cover includes a plurality of enclosed pockets containing rigid panels therein, and an attachment device for attaching a first end of the cover with a second end of the cover. The cover with the enclosed panels within the pockets of the cover is foldable in a disassemble state. In an assembled state, the cover is releasably secured together to form a three-dimensional enclosure having a substantially continuous sidewall adapted to surround the tree stand of the Christmas tree. The plurality of poles with pole connectors are assembled to removably fit onto the top of the inside sidewall and onto the bottom inside sidewalls of the cover, so as to maintain the three-dimensional shape, i.e. cone shape. The cover can be a single piece that wrappers around the tree stand and/or fits around the tree trunk.

Abstract: A drapery system for forming a window drapery of user-selected length. The system includes first and second drapery sections and at least one fastener for selectively and overlappingly attaching the drapery sections without stitching or sewing. A method of forming a drapery of user-selectable length is also provided.

Abstract: A grill accessory creates a steaming chamber on a grill that has a heat source and a rack of spaced-apart bars over the heat source. The grill accessory includes a cover configured that covers a food item and forms a steaming region below the cover. The cover operates in connection with a vapor generator that receives and holds fluid beneath the cover. The vapor generator has at least one vent opening to release steam into the steaming chamber. The grill accessory is configured so that it can rest upon the grill rack of spaced-apart bars, and so that the vapor generator transmits heat to the fluid in the vapor generator to convert the fluid to steam. The vapor generator releases the steam through the vent opening(s) into the steaming region below the cover. The steam can help melt toppings and/or introduce moisture into food items cooked on the grill.

Abstract: A machine (1) comprises: —a device (20) for handling a capsule (2); —a frame or a housing (10) covering the device (20), delimiting an opening (12) for passing a capsule (2) through the frame or housing (10) to the handling device (20) and having a curved cross-section (10?) about the opening; and —a barrier means (30) comprising a member (31a; 31b) movable from a closed position for preventing such capsule (2) from passing through the opening (12) to an open position for allowing such capsule (2) to pass through the opening (12). The member (31a; 31b) is movable between its closed position and its open position along a curve (31?) that is generally parallel to the curved cross-section (10?) of the frame or housing (10).

Abstract: A device (1) handles selectively a first capsule (2a) having a first flange (2a?) and a second capsule (2b) having a second flange (2b?) greater than the first flange (2a?). The device comprises a first part (10) and a second part (20) that are relatively movable from a transfer position for inserting and/or removing such capsule (2a, 2b) to an extraction position for extracting such capsule (2a, 2b). The device further comprises separation means (33) for separating such capsule (2a, 2b) from at least one of the first and second parts (10,20) when the first and second parts (10,20) are relatively moved from the extraction position to the transfer position.

Abstract: A beverage preparation apparatus prepares a beverage with a liquid and powders, and includes an agitation unit including an agitation blade which agitates the liquid and the powders and an agitation tank which accommodates the agitation blade, an agitation blade drive portion which rotationally drives the agitation blade, and a control portion which controls the agitation blade drive portion. The agitation blade has a central axis of rotation and is provided with a plurality of blade portions surrounding the central axis of rotation. The control portion controls the agitation blade drive portion so as to switch between forward rotation and reverse rotation of the agitation blade.

Abstract: This invention describes an exchangeable supply pack for a beverage dispensing machine. The pack comprises a doser including a pump assembly comprising a pump channel between an inlet and an outlet, for receiving a fluid from an ingredient container and for pumping it to the outlet. The pump assembly comprises a pump chamber and at least two engaging gears forming a gear pump. At least one of said gears forms a driving gear and comprises a shaft opening for receiving a driving axle of the beverage dispensing machine. The shaft opening coincides with an axle reception opening of a support wall of the pump chamber, and a flexible seal is arranged at least between the driving gear and the support wall. The seal comprises a through opening coinciding with the shaft opening and the axle reception opening for receiving the driving axle. The invention further describes a pump assembly, a doser, and a method of manufacturing such a pack.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein may comprise an infant formula cartridge for preparing infant formula from premeasured quantities of dry or concentrated liquid components. Other embodiments may include a device for preparing infant formula from said cartridge including means for customizing the infant formula preparation to suit specific health issues.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a consumable recognition system for recognizing placement and/or type of consumable containing a food substance for the preparation of a beverage by use of a beverage dispenser. To enable the recognition of placement and/or type of consumable in a simple, foolproof and easily implementable way the system comprises a plurality of magnetic and/or electric field elements (31, 32, 33, 301) for separately sensing a magnetic and/or electric field, wherein said consumable comprises one or more magnetically and/or electrically conductive elements (42, 51, 61, 71, 81, 82, 91, 92) and the sensed magnetic fields depend on at least one characteristic of the one or more magnetically and/or electrically conductive elements, a driver (34) for providing drive currents to said magnetic and/or electric field elements, and a signal processor (35) for recognizing placement and/or type of consumable based on the sensed magnetic and/or electric fields.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a capsule for a beverage production machine, the capsule comprising: an ingredient enclosed within the capsule; and an identifier; wherein the identifier is an area of conductive material incorporating a code pattern, the code pattern consisting of a predetermined arrangement of one or more discontinuities formed in the conductive material, and wherein the capsule comprises an orientation member for directing the alignment of the capsule within the beverage production machine.

Abstract: A drinks preparation machine for preparing a drink can be operated in multiple operational modes and includes a liquid container, a drinks preparation device for preparing the drink using a liquid, at least one fluid line which is connected to the liquid container and drinks preparation device, a receiving device for receiving a liquid filter in a predetermined filter position, a sensor for detecting a liquid filter, and a control device which controls a supply of a liquid from the liquid container into the fluid line. The control device is designed to prompt a liquid to be supplied into the at least one fluid line as a function of the signal of the sensor. In at least one of the operational modes, the liquid supply can be prompted independently of whether a liquid filter is placed in the predetermined filter position, and in at least one other of the operational modes, the liquid supply cannot be prompted when a liquid filter is placed in the predetermined filter position.

Abstract: An improved roasting spit comprising a frame and a handgrip. The frame comprises a frame head portion and a frame handle portion mortised in the handgrip. The head portion comprises a base portion and at least one blade, preferably three blades, extending from the base portion with each blade having a notch for interlocking with a like spit. The frame is resistant to deformation under heavy loads at high temperatures. The spit is employed vertically using a suspension hole in the handgrip or impaled in a ground surface. The spit can also be employed horizontally by interlocking the notches with a like spit, inserting the spit in a stand, or propping the spit on rocks. A tip portion of each blade tapers to a tip point along a plurality of triangular faces forming a plurality of cutting edges that allow the spit to easily impale a large mass of meat.

Abstract: The present invention provides a barbecue system for mounting on a wood railing on a deck. By providing a mounting arm, a support leg, and a fire shield, a grill can be safely mounted and free up the deck space.

Abstract: The invention relates to a grill installation kit for a table, comprising a bowl having openings in each sidewall and at the bottom, an ash trap which extends essentially in a plane and can be arranged on the bottom of the bowl spaced by at least one spacer and essentially in parallel to the bottom of the bowl, a firing tray having openings, which firing tray can be arranged on the ash trap spaced by at least one spacer and essentially in parallel to the ash trap, and a grillage (5).

Abstract: An apparatus for making mixed beverages may include a housing, a first hopper for receiving a first beverage ingredient, and a shaving mechanism. The shaving mechanism may include a first body that receives the first beverage ingredient from the first hopper. The first body may include a sidewall, at least one shaving blade and at least one respective opening extending through the sidewall. In use, the shaving blade shaves the first beverage ingredient, the first beverage ingredient is delivered through the opening in the sidewall, and the first beverage ingredient is conveyed within the first body. The apparatus may further include a mixing mechanism including a second body for receiving the first beverage ingredient from the first body.

Abstract: A food processing device includes a dicing kit adapted to be received in a bowl which is coupled to a base. The dicing kit includes a dicing grid disposed within a frame which is coupled to a cover member having a rotating slicing tool disposed there between. The slicing tool is positively captured between the dicing grid frame and the cover member and is further adapted to rotate as powered by a motor disposed in the base portion of the food processor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a food comminution device having a base part, which bears a cutting part, and having an actuation part, which actuation part is articulatedly fixed to the base part and can be pivoted from a loading position toward the cutting part into a closed position in order to push food items for comminution through the cutting part and can subsequently be pivoted from the closed position into the loading position again. The food comminution device is characterized in that the cutting part and the actuation part are constituent parts of a first comminution tool, and in that the base part has at least one further comminution tool, and/or in that at least one further comminution tool is fixed to the base part, wherein the further comminution tool is formed from components other than the cutting part and the actuation part.

Abstract: A storage box (10) suitable for containing a pizza or other foodstuff comprises a tray portion (11) and a lid portion (12), the lid having a face region (20) which extends over the tray portion when the box is in a closed condition, and the lid portion having a pre-fabricated fold line (13) which extends across the face region whereby in use access may be gained to the contents of the box by folding a first region of the lid portion about said prefabricated fold line and whereby the remaining, second region of the lid portion may remain in the original, closed position over the tray portion.

Abstract: A shower accessory that hangs from the shower rod and laterally displaces a hanging shower curtain to provide greater shoulder width for the user.

Abstract: A vessel, such as a bathtub or sink, has a soap dish recessed in the inside wall of the vessel. The recessed soap dish is connected to the overflow drain of the vessel. The soap dish is large enough to receive a bar of soap. The overflow drain holes in the bottom of the soap dish are small enough to prevent the bar of soap from falling into the overflow drain. The recessed soap dish can be placed in the front of the vessel so that the soap dish is hidden from view. The front of the sink is the surface opposing the faucet. The front of the bathtub is the surface that a bather steps over to enter the bathtub.

Abstract: A foam formulation and an aerosol assembly containing the foam formulation and a propellant where the foam formulation is produced as a shaped foam and/or as a foam that has a density less than that of air.

Abstract: A convolutely wound material having a tail and a body. The tail is bonded to the body with foamed adhesive.

Abstract: The present application pertains to a dispenser for dispensing tissue paper from a volume defined within a dispenser housing, the dispenser housing being made from a flat material, preferably a cardboard material, the dispenser having at least one handling section which can be folded out from a wall of the dispenser housing, the dispenser housing having at least two layers of the flat material at the location where the at least one handling section is situated, wherein the at least one handling section is present in the outer layers of the flat material only such that at least the innermost layer of the flat material remains intact and seals off the volume defined by the dispenser housing at the location where the at least one handling section is present such that the dispenser can be used as a fully-operational dispenser when the at least one handling section is folded out.

Abstract: A dispenser for interfolded napkins, having an upper portion and a lower portion, a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction is disclosed. The dispenser includes a container having a bottom wall extending in a horizontal plane and being arranged at the lower portion of the dispenser, and side walls having upper edges and lower edges and extending from the bottom wall in a vertical direction perpendicular thereto; a dispensing opening arranged at the upper portion of the dispenser opposite to the bottom wall; a weight arranged between the side walls so as to form a stack-supported lid of the dispenser that is movable between an upper position adjacent to the dispensing opening, and a lower position adjacent to the bottom wall; and a weight control means interconnecting the weight and the container, and extending inside the container between a container connection arranged at the lower portion of the dispenser and a weight connection arranged at the upper portion of the dispenser.

Abstract: A dispenser herein includes a container having a bottom wall extending in a horizontal plane, and side walls extending from said bottom wall in a vertical direction perpendicular thereto and defining a dispensing opening opposite to said bottom wall is disclosed. The side walls surround a rectangular supporting surface for supporting a stack of interfolded napkins. The dispenser further includes a cover defining a dispensing mouth and having at least an upper position, such that a space for containing a stack of interfolded napkins is defined between said supporting surface and said cover in said upper position. The container is divided along a horizontal plane being parallel with said horizontal plane of said bottom wall so as to define a bottom portion including said bottom wall, and a wall portion including at least a part of said side walls, said bottom portion being releasably attached to said wall portion by a magnetic lock.

Abstract: The invention relates to a body drier for a shower or bath, formed by a column which longitudinally defines a channel (6) on the inside thereof, said channel becoming progressively narrower from the upper part to the lower part, with a distribution of diffusion openings (7) for the outflow of air on the front part and an opening (8) on the upper part, in relation to which a mouth element (9) is arranged, to which the air outlet of a fan (10) is coupled.

Abstract: A toilet bowl liner is provided that is adapted to be placed along the interior of a toilet bowl and along the base thereof. The liner has a trapezoidal shape and includes a pleated sidewall to allow the liner to expand and contract for different toilet bowl sizes. In use, the sidewalls of the liner abut the walls of the toilet bowl as the base of the liner extends across the lower opening of the toilet bowl. The liner acts as a barrier between the toilet bowel and waste water, whereby the liner can then be flushed along with the contents of the bowl. The liner is therefore flushable and biodegradable, making it suitable for use in septic systems and sewer systems. Overall, the device provides a temporary barrier to reduce accumulation of waste and deposits on the toilet bowl walls, thereby extending the period between necessary cleanings.

Abstract: A scent attachment for a vacuum cleaner. The attachment is a mount with one or more slots adapted to receive one or more scent inserts or discs. The scent inserts may be held securely in the slots by pressure, friction, a spring-lock mechanism, a tab, a lever, or other similar means. The mount is located in the airflow pathway, and introduces a scent into the air being discharged from the vacuum cleaner. The mount may be located on or integrated with the vacuum filter in the debris container.

Abstract: A vacuum hose storage system for a cabinet comprising a kickboard and defining an upper section and a lower section, where the lower section is fronted by the kickboard. The vacuum hose storage system comprises a vacuum unit and a storage tube located within the lower section of the cabinet and behind the kickboard. The vacuum unit is fluidly connected to the storage tube. The vacuum unit is operable to generate a partial vacuum within the storage tube. The vacuum hose is drawn into the storage tube by the partial vacuum within the storage tube.

Abstract: A vacuum attachment comprises a base having an upper face and a lower face, and an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface defines a first flow passage between the upper face and the lower face. The lower face provides a smooth contact surface. A single orifice extends through the base from the outer surface to the inner surface. The orifice is spaced apart from the lower face.

Abstract: A suction nozzle intended for a hard-surface suction apparatus has a specifically adjustable and/or uniform flow-speed profile over the entire width of the suction mouth, may, as a result of the specifically adjusted flow resistance, use a suction subassembly with the lowest level of power possible, a suction nozzle intended for a hard-surface suction apparatus, having a basic body with an intake surface, which is adjoined by a suction channel, wherein, in order to form a suction flow, a suction subassembly can be connected to a side of the basic body, the side being directed away from the intake surface, wherein the basic body has a base wall, a top wall and side walls, wherein the basic body is subdivided into suction chambers by at least two intermediate walls.

Abstract: Multi-function combined brush (1) for vacuum cleaner. A brush (1) for vacuum cleaner of a “combined” type, i.e. a brush (1) capable of changing the operating mode without being obliged to replace the accessory, whose main feature consists of its possibility of alternating its functions, for instance carpets, floors, and liquids, by way of a pedal (7) featuring one static position. Very advantageously, the innovative solution according to the present application makes it possible to embody a combined brush (1) capable of performing different functions in one device.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a main body, a cleaning tool assembly connected to the main body to be movable in at least one axial direction, a handle part connected to the main body and configured to receive an applied force of a user, a detection part provided in the handle part and configured to detect a magnitude and a direction of the force applied to the handle part, and a control part configured to control the movement direction of the cleaning tool assembly based on the detected direction of the force and to control the movement distance of the cleaning tool assembly based on the detected magnitude of the force. In this way, the steering performance may be improved by reducing a horizontal load felt by a user when the user holds and moves the handle of the cleaner, fatigue felt when performing the cleaning operation may be removed by removing a vertical load applied by the handle, and convenience may be improved.

Abstract: An autonomous cleaner having: a cleaner body in which a cavity is defined; and a dust container removably fitted in the cavity, the dust container having an air and debris inlet, and an air outlet for admitting an air flow through the dust container. The dust container has a dust compartment for the debris, and the ratio between the dust compartment volume and the cleaner body volume is within the range 0.1 to 0.2.

Abstract: A robotic cleaning device having a main body , an opening in a bottom side of the main body for removing debris from an area to be cleaned, a brush adjacent to the opening and a propulsion system configured to move the robotic cleaning device across the area. The robotic cleaning device may further include a positioning system having an obstacle detecting device configured to detect obstacles and a processing unit. The obstacle detecting device is configured to record positional data, and the processing unit is configured to generate a cleaning pattern from the positional data, the cleaning pattern including at least one spiral pattern having an outer periphery. The spiral pattern is arranged so that the robotic cleaning device spirals inwards from the outer periphery towards a centre of the spiral pattern, and the brush faces the outer periphery while the robotic cleaning device follows the spiral pattern.

Abstract: A robotic cleaning device having a main body, a propulsion system configured to move the device across a surface and an obstacle detecting device configured to detect obstacles. The device further includes a processing unit configured to position the robotic cleaning device with respect to the detected obstacles from obstacle detecting device output data, and further to control the propulsion system to move the robotic cleaning device across the surface. The processing unit is configured to identify a landmark and its position from the obstacle detecting device output data, to derive at least one characteristic from the landmark to create and store a generated landmark signature. The processing unit is also configured to compare the generated landmark signature with predetermined landmark signatures and to determine whether the generated landmark signature matches one of the predetermined landmark signatures or not and operate the robotic cleaning device based on the determination.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a two sided two thumbed cleaning mitt system which is reversible for wet and dry cleaning purposes using both sides. It has a hand compartment which includes a palm region, two separate thumb regions, and a four fingers region between the two separate thumb regions. Attached to the exterior surface of the front side of the mitt is a cleaning pad which can be saturated with a cleaning solution. Attached to the exterior surface of the rear side of the mitt is a dry pad which can be used for drying and polishing. When not in use, the pads are covered. When needed, each pad cover is removed individually and the pad is ready for usage. After the objects are thoroughly cleaned, the cleaning mitt can be reversed and the objects can be dried and polished. When the job is finished, the cleaning mitt can be disposed.

Abstract: A knife cleaning station comprises a soaking station, a scrubbing unit, and a drying unit. Each station comprises its own chamber. The interior of the body and each station is able to be removed for cleaning, customization, and repair. In some embodiments, the cleaning station comprises more or less stations as appropriately desired. A handheld knife cleaner comprises a frame with one or more brush pads, and a palm protector. In some embodiments, a finger guide allows grip and stability when a knife is being cleaned. The one or more brush pads are able to be interchanged for a variety of different tasks.

Abstract: Dishwasher appliances and methods for operating dishwasher appliances are provided. A dishwasher appliance includes a cabinet defining a wash chamber for the receipt of articles for washing, a sump for collection of fluid from the wash chamber, and a filter positioned between the wash chamber and the sump for filtering the fluid from the wash chamber. The dishwasher appliance further includes a fluid circulation system, the fluid circulation system including a lower spray assembly and a second spray assembly disposed above the lower spray assembly along a vertical direction. The fluid circulation system further includes a cleaning spray assembly independent of the lower spray assembly and the second spray assembly, the cleaning spray assembly oriented to emit fluid towards the filter.

Abstract: Spray tines for bottle washer assemblies of dishwasher appliances are provided. A spray tine includes a conduit extending between a first end and a second end and defining a passage for flowing wash fluid therethrough. At least a portion of the conduit extending between the first end and the second end has a curvilinear cross-sectional profile when viewed in a length-wise cross-section. The spray tine further includes a head integral with the conduit, the head extending from the second end of the conduit and defining a portion of the passage. The spray tine further includes a plurality of outlet apertures, at least one of the plurality of outlet apertures defined in one of the conduit or the head. Each of the plurality of outlet apertures is in fluid communication with the passage for flowing wash fluid from the passage therethrough.

Abstract: A display apparatus for a living body insertable apparatus includes an inserting unit configured to be inserted into a living body, and a power unit configured to generate a propulsive force for the inserting unit in the living body. The display apparatus includes a driving force detector, a display calculator, and a display controller. The driving force detector acquires a value relating to a driving force of the power unit. The display calculator determines a display area of a gauge configured to have the display area varying according to the driving force, based on the value. The display controller outputs a signal to display the gauge on a display device.

Abstract: A wire apparatus includes a sheath arranged in an endoscope, a wire inserted in the sheath and configured to move in an axial direction or rotated in the sheath, and the wire is configured such that processing of coating including a binder component is performed only to a range of the wire, the range being exposed from the sheath and a powder lubricant which does not include the binder component is applied to at least a range of the wire, the range being inserted in the sheath.

Abstract: An endoscope button unit includes a housing having two housing portions, a claw portion that is capable of being locked to a cylinder, and is provided at the housing portion, a connection portion that connects the two housing portions, a ring-shaped portion that is placed at an upper portion of the housing portion and is capable of being pulled with use of a finger or a jig, and a connection portion that connects the housing portion and the ring-shaped portion.

Abstract: This endoscope imaging device is to improve focus adjustment accuracy between an imaging element and an objective lens. This endoscope imaging device has an objective lens unit frame holding objective lenses, and an imaging element supporting frame fitted onto an outer side of the objective lens unit and holding an imaging element. The lateral cross-sectional shape of a fitted portion of an outer surface of the objective lens unit frame and the lateral cross-sectional shape of a fitted portion of an inner surface of the imaging element supporting frame are different, and in the fitted portions, a contact portion where said two frames come into contact, and a gap portion where said two frames do not come into contact are formed, and also the objective lens unit frame and the imaging element supporting frame are cemented by a photosetting glue filled in the gap portion.

Abstract: A sheath assembly for an endoscope includes an elongate tubular body and a plug. The endoscope has a handle portion and a scope portion extending therefrom to a tip. The body includes first and second wall sections and extends along a longitudinal axis between first and second distal openings. The first wall section extends radially about the longitudinal axis to define a scope lumen. The scope portion is receivable in the scope lumen. The second wall section extends radially about a portion of the first wall section and longitudinally between second distal and proximal end openings. The first and second wall sections define an integral suction lumen in fluid communication with a first source of negative pressure. The plug is mated with the distal end opening for closing the scope lumen and includes at least one suction opening disposed in co-registration with the first distal end opening.