Abstract: A baby crib includes a plurality of panels coupled together and having a pair of side panels and a pair of end panels. The side panels are oriented generally parallel relative to one another with each side panel having a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge and a second side edge. The pair of end panels include a first end panel slidably mounted to the side panels proximate the first side edges and a second end panel slidably mounted to the side panels proximate the second side edges. A plurality of support members are detachably coupled to the pair of side panels and are able to support a platform. Each support member is coupled to the side panels in one of a plurality of height positions. The plurality of support members are designed to support a mattress.

Abstract: A foldable enclosure apparatus for a baby bed has a hub device, a supporting assembly and four linking devices. The hub device has four racks. The supporting assembly is disposed around the hub device. Each linking device is connected with the hub device and the supporting assembly. Each linking device has a first linking assembly and a second linking assembly. The hub device is pulled and the racks are moved upwardly. The first linking assemblies and the supporting assembly are moved toward the hub device. The installment of the first linking assemblies and the second linking assemblies has the effects of linkage and balance. Therefore, the foldable enclosure apparatus for a baby bed can be easily, smoothly and steadily folded and spread.

Abstract: A plastic cup dispensing cooler is described. Embodiments of the present invention include a cooler adapted to store and chill a plurality of plastic cups. The cooler can include a pair of spring-loaded cup dispensers with the dispensing end of the cup dispensers located on a top surface of the cooler. Typically, the spring-loaded cup dispensers can be located substantially within the cooler. To cool the plastic cups, the cooler can be filled with an ice and water mixture. The ice and water mixture can be implemented to chill the plastic cups to a temperature ranging from 34° F. to 40° F. Chilling the plastic cups can be implemented to limit waste created by foam formed from pouring a cold beverage into a substantially warmer cup.

Abstract: A product management display system for merchandising product on a shelf includes using a trackless pusher mechanism that travels along a surface on which product is placed and one or more dividers for separating product into rows. The one or more dividers may be engaged to a front rail in two different conditions, locked and unlocked. In a locked condition, the relationship between the divider and the front rail resists alteration in any direction with respect to each other. In the unlocked condition, the dividers may be freely slid laterally along the front rail, while remaining perpendicular to the front rail. The one or more dividers may lock to the front rail through the use of corresponding teeth, resilient surfaces, a locking tab, a locking bar and/or a cam.

Abstract: A merchandizing case may include a housing having first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth walls. The first wall may oppose and may be substantially parallel to the second wall, the third wall may oppose and may be substantially parallel to the fourth wall, and the fifth wall may oppose and may be substantially parallel to the sixth wall. The housing may have an interior volume defined by the first wall, the second wall, the third wall, the fourth wall, the fifth wall, and the sixth wall. A first dispensing opening may be formed in the first wall to provide access to the interior volume and is usable when the housing is supported by the fourth wall. A second dispensing opening may be formed in the second wall to provide access to the interior volume and is usable when the housing is supported by the second wall.

Abstract: A shelving layout concept which allows selective configuration and reconfiguration of the orientation of certain shelving systems within the central portion of a store to create a PrimeZone area including an assembly of End Caps, Center Caps, Power Sets, Corner Boards, Hot Spots and Banner Boards, the combination of which provides a solution for enabling retailers to re-invigorate their Center Store, increase their vendor promotional revenue, and increase their in-store sales due to more favorable consumer response to greater promotional activity and the continuing change of product venues in key areas of the store layout. The concept also includes novel hardware which enables the reconfiguration of the shelving layout to accommodate vendors' desire to change display schemes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mounting artwork to a wall. The apparatus includes a mounting tool adapted to facilitate measuring, positioning, aligning, and installing a piece of artwork. The method includes using the mounting tool to hang a piece of artwork on a mounting surface.

Abstract: A method of using a hanger and marking device includes holding an article adjacent to a wall and determining the exact desired location on the wall for hanging the article; exerting pressure on the article so as to cause a support marker of the device to create a small indent in the wall at the desired location; temporarily anchoring the article to the wall with the support marker of the device; stepping back from the wall and observing the temporarily anchored article on the wall; removing the article from the wall; nailing a nail into the wall at the location marked by the device; hanging the article on the wall by mounting the device with article onto the wall-mounted nail.

Abstract: Duvet inserts are provided with at least two chamfered or beveled corners to prevent overhanging of the corners. Additional drag caused by the overhanging corners and frequent handling of duvet inserts by the corners causes migration of fillers contained therein and this is mitigated by the chamfered corners. Again, sectional barriers, preferably by stitching zigzag, waves or triangle wave stitches along the periphery of duvet inserts are capable of minimizing migration of fillers. Furthermore, quilted or line stitches on at least two corners can also be provided to contain the fillers. Duvet inserts of the present disclosure are durable and chamfered corners provide a neat and tailored look thereby enhancing bed presentation and also avert accidents such as tripping over the overhanging portion.

Abstract: An improved foam pillow including multiple foam layers, with one or more of the layers including multiple channels designed to reduce the firmness of the layer, as well as enhance cooling air flow through the pillow, thereby increasing comfort to the user by approximating the feel of a down pillow. In some examples, the improved foam pillow includes a single unified top layer equipped with channels running through its center, and optional additional layers for height adjustment. In some further examples, the improved foam pillow includes multiple layers made from different types of foam to achieve cost savings. In still further examples, channels are provided in multiple layers to maintain a desired comfort and feel.

Abstract: An apparatus is described that permits a user to quickly and effortlessly separate an egg shell from the body of a hard-boiled egg. The apparatus has a hollow body into which an egg is inserted, a convex shaped bottom section and a convex shaped top portion. Additionally, the interior surface of the hollow body has a number of protrusions that contribute to peeling action. Eggs are inserted into the apparatus, water is added, the apparatus is sealed, the user agitates the apparatus for a short time, and then pours out the separated egg and egg shell along with the water.

Abstract: A beverage holder includes a cup configured to receive and support a beverage and an arm directly coupled to the cup. The arm includes a first vertical wall and a second vertical wall. The first and second vertical walls define a slot configured to receive an arm of a chair. The beverage holder also includes a strap having a first end fixed to the arm and a second end removably coupled to the arm. A leveling mechanism is configured to allow the cup to be tilted relative to the arm and selectively fixed in place such that a user can vertically align the cup.

Abstract: A tray and tray insert with holes designed to prevent plates, bowls, or drinking cups from sliding or falling off the tray. The holes are cut or formed into the tray, allowing for the bowls and plates to sit in and locked in place by the dishwasher safe tray insert, preventing sliding and knock overs of the plates or bowls.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a disposable glove and applying it to the hand of a user in which a stream of air drawn into an enclosed glove applying chamber through a constricted opening aligned with the heel of the glove inflates the topmost glove in a stack of gloves in the chamber so that a user can readily insert his hand into the glove. After the user has donned the glove on the hand, a wall of the chamber is opened to permit the user to readily withdraw his hand from the glove applying chamber while the air flow which originally inflated the top-most glove is disrupted. Upon closures of the chamber wall, the re-established air flow automatically inflates the next lower glove in the glove stack to prepare the next glove for receipt of another hand.

Abstract: A closet hanger for handbags is comprised of a single solid horizontal rod, having two upper hooks which may be hung from a closet rod in a substantially parallel configuration. The horizontal rod provides a plurality of lower hooks, from which handbags or other bulky articles may be hung. The upper hooks are permanently affixed to the horizontal rod by piercing the solid horizontal rod and are configured perpendicular to the horizontal rod.

Abstract: A portable table mounting storage basket apparatus that is quickly attachable and detachable by way of two small “L”-shaped brackets at the top of the backside, and a large removable “U”-shaped bracket centered at the backside with a “T”-shaped formation at the top of the end of the “U” that is not making contact and is protruding from the back of the basket. The two small “L”-shaped brackets at the top are to attach the apparatus to the top of a table, while the large removable “U”-shaped bracket with “T” formation is to be placed under a table to hold the apparatus in place when weight is placed into the basket. The “U”-shaped bracket with “T” formation is removable so as to allow the invention to fit onto a table with a larger edge. The large “U”-shaped bracket extends significantly further from the basket than the small “L”-shaped brackets to provide stability while making contact with the bottom surface of a table, especially when supporting significant weight in the basket.

Abstract: The juicer has a screw to be rotationally driven, attachment 40 having the screw therein for crushing frozen food between the inner peripheral surface and the screw, and a case having a first discharge port for discharging the processed food. It further has a lid having an inlet disposed on the case, and the main body that has a case-mount section in the upper section and rotationally drives the screw. Attachment 40 has a drum section for crushing the frozen food between the inner periphery surface and the screw and second discharge port 32 that is connected to the inlet of the first discharge port of the case for leading the food to the first discharge port. Second discharge port 32 has discharge path 35 in which a part at least between inlet 35A and outlet 35B has a cross-section area different from those of other parts. Attachment 40 variously controls textures of the processed food.

Abstract: A cold brewing coffee device that produces coffee without any suspended solids in the product. The devices uses a false bottom in the initial tank to hold the coffee beans and water is pumped between the initial tank and a second tank. Using an inverted P trap in the piping allow for reduced suspended solids in the final product. The end product is a high quality cold brewed beverage that is defined by the beverages clarity and lack of visible suspended solids, wherein the resulting product has a distinct look compared to other brewed beverages (i.e. producing a product that is cleaner than competing products without the need for a filter).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device comprising: a support arranged to receive a capsule provided with a front face, a ring, a rear face, and a casing and defining a container; injection means arranged to introduce an infusion liquid into the capsule; an infusion chamber having a substantially vertical opening arranged to be in fluid communication with a filter wall; and an outlet.

Abstract: A system for automated detection in beverage dispensing machines suitable for receiving at least a first and second type of exchangeable supply pack adapted to contain a product to be supplied in the operation of the system equipped with means for automatically performing presence of supply detection. More particularly, the detection of the presence and the contents of exchangeable supply packs in beverage dispensing machines is automated. A pack-in-place detection is provided by emitting light and measuring the presence of the emitted light on one light detector, the system determines the absence or the correct/incorrect placement of the supply pack.

Abstract: The techniques described herein provide a globally networked on-demand coffee blending and brewing system. In particular, the system herein can hold coffee beans of distinctly different origins and taste profiles in sealed environmentally controlled “smart hoppers”, and can dynamically grind and blend any combination of available beans based on “flavor profiling” to create a user's desired cup of coffee. Additionally, the network connectivity of the system herein provides advanced collaboration within the coffee community, such as for sharing coffee blends, providing feedback to all levels of the supply chain, and indicating fair trade authenticity.

Abstract: Reservoir assemblies for beverage dispensers, and docking station assemblies, are provided. A reservoir assembly includes a reservoir, the reservoir including a body defining an interior. The reservoir assembly further includes a lid connectable to a top end of the reservoir, the lid spaced from the top end along the vertical direction. The reservoir assembly further includes a riser disposed between the reservoir and the lid, the riser including a sidewall extending along a vertical direction between a bottom end and a top end, the sidewall defining an interior. The bottom end of the riser is connected to the top end of the reservoir, and the top end of the riser is connected to the lid. The reservoir assembly further includes a fill tube extending through the sidewall of the riser for flowing fluid into the interior of the reservoir.

Abstract: The brewing system disclosed herein includes a reservoir for storing ambient temperature water used to brew coffee. A pump displaces water from the reservoir to a heater tank for heating thereof before delivery to a coffee cartridge in a brew head. Initially, the pump displaces a small volume of heated water under pressure through a rotating inlet needle to pre-wet and pre-heat coffee grounds in the cartridge. The pump then pumps a fairly consistent and larger volume of heated water under pressure to the cartridge via the spinning needle. Near the end of the brew cycle, the pump pumps a small quantity of air to purge the brewer head conduit, the brew head check valve, and the spinning needle, and to purge coffee from the coffee cartridge and to reduce dripping.

Abstract: Combined water dispensers and coffee making devices are disclosed, which include a cabinet configured to house a water bottle in a bottom half of the interior portion of the cabinet; a cold tank that is configured to receive water from the water bottle, which is connected to an evaporator; one or more hot tanks that are configured to receive water (directly or indirectly) from the cold tank, which are connected to a heating coil to heat the water that is contained therein; and a coffee making device located on a top side of the cabinet. The coffee making device receives water from the hot tank, receives a disposable cartridge that contains coffee grinds for a single-serving of coffee, causes water to contact the coffee grinds to produce a coffee beverage, and employs a set of spikes to make water entry and exit apertures in the cartridge.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a space heater that includes a space heater that includes a main body configured to cover a gel fuel canister when received into the main body, the main body including a height and wherein a middle location along the height of the main body has a larger circumference than both a top location along the height of the main body and a bottom location along the height of the main body. A structure is disclosed located on a top of the main body configured to receive a can of foodstuff. A base is disclosed including a plurality of grip elements extending vertically from the base configured to receive a gel fuel canister.

Abstract: A self-heating assembly includes a product container for holding a product to be heated and a heater container coupled to the product container. There is a reaction space between the product container and the heater container. There is a support structure (made, for example, of open cell foam) in the reaction space and a granular second reactant distributed throughout the support structure. There is a liquid first reactant in the reaction space. A frangible membrane is configured so that, when intact, it separates the liquid first reactant from the support structure and from the granular second reactant. The liquid first reactant and the granular second reactant are adapted to exothermically react upon contact with one another. The support structure is permeable to the liquid first reactant and is configured to support and substantially maintain the distribution of the granular second reactant throughout the support structure before and during the exothermic chemical reaction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cooking apparatus and method for cooking a food item using a cooking apparatus, the method characterised by the steps of: using transmission means of a remote computing device to send cooking control data to receiving means of the cooking apparatus when the transmission means is positioned near or adjacent to the receiving means, and operating a processor means of the cooking apparatus to process the cooking control data when received to perform a cooking process to cook a food item placed in a cooking cavity of the cooking apparatus. The present invention provides an oven that receives cooking control data or information from a remote mobile computing device, such as a smart phone or other portable hand-held, device. The cooking control data is processed by the cooking apparatus for the purposes of setting cooking instructions specific to the food item to be cooked.

Abstract: A cooking appliance includes an upper housing having a first heating surface, a lower housing operatively connected to the upper housing, the lower housing having a second heating surface, and a splash guard having a plurality of peripheral sidewalls. The splash guard is nestable within the lower housing and extendable therefrom to a position wherein the splash guard substantially surrounds the second heating surface.

Abstract: A skewer with a glow-in-the-dark handle for holding food over a flame includes an elongate wooden body with a sharpened first end and a second end covered by a sleeve or cap formed of a phosphorescent material.

Abstract: The invention provides a collapsible barbeque (10) comprising a frame (12) which carries a trough (14) and a number of leg assemblies (16) hingedly attached to the frame (12) which support the frame (12) above a surface, such as the ground. The trough (14) includes a rigid floor (20) to provide a heat support surface and collapsible sidewalls (22) which connect the floor (20) to the frame (12). The barbeque (10) is movable from an open, operative configuration in which the collapsible sidewalls (22) are extended and the leg assemblies (16) are hinged outwardly from the frame (12) to a closed, portable configuration in which the collapsible sidewalls (22) are collapsed and the leg assemblies (16) are folded flat against the frame (12). In one embodiment of the invention, the barbeque (10) includes support panels to support cooking utensils thereon.

Abstract: A charcoal grill (1) includes a housing (5), which forms a first pair (3) of opposing side walls (2) and a second pair (4) of opposing side walls, a charcoal receptacle (6) arranged in the housing (5) and a cooking grid (7) having a handle (8) that protrudes beyond the housing. An a first distance is provided between the charcoal receptacle (6) and the cooking grid (7) with direct or indirect support of the cooking grid (7) on supporting sections (9) formed by the first pair (3) of side walls (2). A second distance between the charcoal receptacle (6) and the cooking grid (7) is predetermined by supporting sections (9) formed by the second pair (4) of side walls (2), so that the distance between the charcoal receptacle (6) and the cooking grid (7) can be adjusted by realignment of the cooking grid (7) and placing the cooking grid (7) on the supporting sections (9) of the other pair (3, 4) of side walls (2).

Abstract: A barbecue grill (1) includes a housing (2) for receiving the charcoal and a plurality of functional parts (4) fastened to the housing (2) on an inner side (3) of the housing (2). Each functional part (4) has a plurality of bearing surfaces (6), onto which a cooking grid (5) is able to be positioned. The cooking grid (5) is positioned on corresponding bearing surfaces (6) of the functional parts (4) depending on the orientation of said cooking grid (5) at variable distances from the charcoal. Each functional part (4) forms bearing surfaces (6) arranged offset relative to one another vertically and in the peripheral direction of the housing (2).

Abstract: A food warming apparatus for use with an open outdoor campfire or fire pit, the apparatus comprising a substantially vertical heat collection element shaped to act as a substantially vertical support element connected with a substantially horizontal warming tray element having openings to dissipate heat and provide temperature variability across the surface of the warming tray. The substantially vertical support element is of a curved panel shape extending upward from the ground and serving to both shield a user from a fire as well as conduct heat upwards from a fire to the warming tray and food or food containers placed thereon. The apparatus is made of a fire resistant, durable, and at least partially conductive material such as metal. Embodiments include those made for larger family size fire circles as well as small lightweight and foldable embodiment suitable for transport and camping.

Abstract: A toaster includes a first heating compartment, in which a food to be heated is positionable and a first heating element associated with the first heating compartment and adapted to heat the food positioned in said at least one heating compartment. The toaster further includes a first detection device for recognizing a thickness the food and generating a corresponding detection signal and a control unit acting upon said first heating element, including executing a heating program as a function of said detection signal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the movement of a food product in a container is described. The apparatus can be cleanable, portable, and fully automated. It can include a main container for holding the food product and one or more other containers for holding a substance, such as liquid. The main container can be moved between the one or more other containers so that the food product is immersed in the substance (e.g., liquid) in the one or more other containers. Any of the containers can be heated to heat the food product. This movement of the main container can be used run fully automated cycles (e.g., sprouting, rinsing, soaking, cooking, cleaning, etc.) that do not require user interaction.

Abstract: A system for measuring frying oil acid value and providing frying oil acid value information in real time according to the present invention includes a fryer provided in a branch shop, configured to cook fried food, and having a function of measuring TPM value of frying oil, a POS terminal configured to manage frying oil information and customer information including phone numbers of customers of the branch shop, an integration server configured to collect and analyze the frying oil information and the customer information, and a customer terminal configured to make an order of the fried food via a communication with the POS terminal or the integration server. According to the present invention, a sanitary dining environment can be provided since shops cannot arbitrarily reuse frying oil, and a brand image can be improved by providing a real-time information service to customers.

Abstract: A food preparation appliance generally comprises a handle, a blade member operatively coupled to the handle and rotatable about a rotation axis. A first shroud is coaxial with the blade member and defines a blade chamber in which the blade member is at least in part disposed. A second shroud is coaxial with the first shroud. The first shroud has an upper side opening through which food processed by the blade member within the blade chamber of the first shroud may exit the blade chamber. The second shroud is positioned and configured relative to the first shroud such that food exiting the blade chamber through the upper side opening contacts the second shroud.

Abstract: A skewer for securing a food item and insertion into an aperture of a skewer holder, the skewer comprising a retention portion at one end of the skewer configured to receive and secure the food item; a grip portion at an opposite end of the skewer; and an engagement portion. The engagement portion has a compressed configuration when in contact with an inner surface of the aperture in which the longest cross-sectional width across the engagement portion is less than a shortest cross-sectional width of the aperture. The engagement portion also has an expanded configuration when not in contact with the inner surface in which the longest cross-sectional width across the engagement portion is greater than the shortest cross-sectional width of the aperture.

Abstract: A system for cheese grating that includes: a container, where the container holds grated cheese; a top-grating surface on the container; and a slotted bottom opening within the container. The container may be designed in various shapes and sizes. The system may further include a lever on the container to actuate the slotted bottom opening. Further, the present invention includes a method of grating cheese including the steps of: applying cheese across a top grating surface; accumulating grated cheese in a container below the top grating surface; and dispensing the grated cheese through a slotted opening on a bottom surface of the container. The step of dispensing may preferably include actuating a lever on the container.

Abstract: A manually-operated tool includes two mobile jaws which are reciprocally hinged by a cross pin to form a compass opening beak, and two control handles which are reciprocally hinged to be compass-moveable to one another, and are each connected to a relevant jaw to allow the user to open and close the beak moving the two handles; the proximal end of the first handle being rigidly integral to a first jaw; the proximal end of the second handle being mechanically connected to the second jaw by an epicyclic gear train which is arranged coaxial to the cross pin, inside a cavity formed in the body of the second jaw.

Abstract: A system for storing and cooking food comprises or consists of a computer having a control module, data storage, an input and an Internet connection. The system also includes a refrigeration unit having a freezer, a refrigeration station, a heating unit including a microwave oven as well as a convection oven, a grill, a 3D food printer and a transfer mechanism for transporting food from a storage facility to a microwave oven and/or a convection oven. In addition, a control mechanism delivers preselected frozen food from the freezer to the microwave oven and a transfer mechanism delivers defrosted food to the convection oven. The system further includes a clock and a timer, a liquid sprayer for basting the food and an alarm to indicate that the food is ready by a third transfer mechanism for moving the food to a warming oven.

Abstract: A semi-automated or fully automated method for preparing foods are described. In a first step the method calls for providing a computer having a data storage, an input mechanism for inputting a plurality of food selections and their locations as well as alternative menus in the data storage, a processing control unit and a display unit for displaying the available food items and alternative menus. The method also incorporates food processing equipment including a mixer, a microwave oven, a conventional oven and preferably a warming oven as well as a 3D food printer, a timer and a mechanism for issuing signals. Further, the method includes the step of providing a remote control operatively connected to the computer for displaying items in inventory, alternative menus and cooking instructions as well as a mechanism for activating the processing control unit as well as food processing equipment for preparing selected items.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a cooking apparatus having a base; a cooking container configured on the base; and a top lid that is configured to cover the cooking container so as to allow multiple modes of cooking, wherein the top lid is coupled with at least one magnetron that acts as a source of microwaves, such that in at least a first configuration, covering of the top lid enables microwave cooking using the magnetron, and in at least a second configuration, the cooking container is used to enable any or a combination of induction, open flame, radiation, convection, and conduction cooking.

Abstract: A work surface for cutting or carving food which is elevated off a counter top allowing room underneath to collect any liquids generated. The surface is gently sloped away from the edges leading to a hole in the interior of the board through which liquids are neatly collected in a container (not part of the invention) beneath the board. The subtly curved surface does not impede the use of the board for chopping purposes. The elevated surface also allows a container to be placed beside the board into which chopped food can quickly and conveniently be swept off the surface.

Abstract: A shower seat comprises a frame having a length and a width, wherein one of the length and width is adjustable. The shower seat further includes a cover enclosing the frame and accommodating the frame in an extended position and a contracted position. The shower seat is adapted for use adjacent a surface within a shower.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for providing a bar of soap with a handle. A perforated attachment plate, or the like (which may be referred to as a “wafer”) may be integrated into the body of the bar of soap, below a surface thereof. The handle, which may be in the form of a flexible strap, may have a lower portion extending underneath the wafer, and an upper portion extending as a loop from the wafer to outside of the bar of soap. A user may insert their hand into the loop to grasp and manipulate the bar of soap with handle. Various embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A sanitary wipe having an inner moistened towelette. The moistened towelette is a paper core that is moistened with a first volume of the liquid that is between 50% and 98% of the volume needed to saturate the towelette. The moistened towelette is wrapped in tissue paper, such as the kind traditionally used as toilet paper. The tissue paper is folded into a first section and a second section. The moistened towelette is interposed between the twp sections of tissue paper. As such, the tissue paper touches the skin when pressed against the skin. The moistened towelette, the first section of tissue paper and the second section of tissue paper are all manufactured so that they lose physical integrity when saturated in water. In this manner, the sanitary wipe maintains integrity during use, but degrades sufficiently in a toilet to be flushed.

Abstract: A system for dispensing paper product at a food-selling establishment. The system includes a point-of-sale device for entering details of a particular sale transaction, with the point-of-sale device being configured to output a slip containing specific indicia associated with the particular sale transaction. A dispenser of paper product is configured to obtain information from the specific indicia on the slip and to dispense a predetermined quantity of paper product in response to the obtained information.

Abstract: The double dispenser comprising of a cup with detachable trash bag underneath cup, also deck top container with divider down the middle of each consists of a plastic lid. The first seal is a clear plastic with lines cut to each compartment to dispense. The second is a round thicker plastic lid to cover both sides.

Abstract: A hand dryer includes a housing including a hand insertion portion and nozzles communicating with the hand insertion portion, a high-pressure air stream generation device placed inside the housing, hand detection sensors detecting a user's hand inserted into the hand insertion portion, a control unit that, when the hand detection sensors detect the user's hand, operates the high-pressure air stream generation device to cause an air stream to jet out from the nozzles, and a drain tank collecting droplets blown off the user's hand and scattered in the hand insertion portion. The hand dryer includes a drain conductive plate placed to face the top surface of the drain tank and a control circuit detecting the water level of the drain tank based on capacitance generated in the drain conductive plate.