Abstract: This disclosure relates to a novel system, device, and method for providing a sleeping bag with an integrated ground mat that provides thermal comfort by effectively retaining heat and is lightweight, compact, and easily packed for transport or storage. The sleeping bag with integrated air mattress allows the user to bring only one item that doubles as a sleeping bag and a ground mat. Additionally, the integrated ground mat remains positioned under the user while the user is sleeping. The sleeping bag may have an integrated ground mat, an inner shell, an outer shell, insulation between the inner and outer shells, an upper portion and a lower portion forming a sleeping cavity, an opening for access into the sleeping cavity, a draft tube, and a means for opening and closing the sleeping bag opening.

Abstract: A pair of dispensing devices is provided that exhibits an optical illusion that two identically sized such dispensing devices appear to be different sizes.

Abstract: A shaker device has a flow gate operated by gravity or by inertial force applied to the flow gate. The bottom of the gate has a plurality of spikes that fit within a plurality of openings in a cap. The flow gate may be a separate device to attach to a container or be attachable to a conventional shaker cap through which fluent material would fall. The flow gate slides upon one or more posts to prevent rotation thereon and misalignment. In a non-pouring position, the spikes prevent debris from entering in the shaker.

Abstract: A utensil system for ergonomically cooperating with a person's hand includes a scoop utensil with a forward scoop, a central portion generally triangular shaped in cross-section, and a rear portion. A knife utensil comprises a forward blade and a bulbous grip fixed with the forward blade and adapted for holding in the person's palm. When the knife utensil and the scoop utensil are reversely oriented in a nested configuration, the bulbous grip of the knife utensil fits within the forward scoop of the scoop utensil, and the rear portion of the scoop utensil fits around the forward blade of the knife utensil. A second scoop utensil being a mirror image of the scoop utensil may be fixed with the knife utensil in the nested configuration simultaneously with the scoop utensil. The scoop utensils and knife utensil, when all forwardly aligned and magnetically attached, may assume a presentation configuration.

Abstract: A serving container includes a structure for holding one or more utensils. In one approach, a removable insert is provided within the holding structure. In another approach, the holding structure is removable and forms a part of the sidewall of the serving container. The holding structure can also be embodied in a ledge sized to receive a handle of a utensil or can be formed on a lid to the serving container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drinking straw comprising: a thermoplastic wall having an elongate container portion; liquid permeable closures closing off the container portion; at least one effervescent tablet disposed within the container portion such that a clearance is left between the inner side of the wall and the at least one tablet; a hygroscopic filler disposed at both sides of the at least one tablet within the container portion.

Abstract: A flotation device used to house beverages above a water surface that the user is occupying. The main body will be made from polyethylene (PE) or copolymer foam, with connector arms made of plastic attached to additional floatation balls (made of polyethylene or copolymer foam) all intended to keep the beverage holder above the water surface. Alternative versions include an attachment to a user to prevent floating separation between device and user. In kit form the flotation device has four connector arms each with a flotation ball at one proximate end thereof and the distal end thereof being secured to the beverage holder.

Abstract: A lighted artificial tree including a first trunk body, a second trunk body, a first electrical connector inside the first trunk body, and a second electrical connector inside the second trunk body. The first trunk body is keyed to the second trunk body such that the first trunk body is rotationally locked to the second trunk body. The first electrical connector is keyed to the second electrical connector such that the first electrical connector is rotationally locked to the second electrical connector.

Abstract: A shower curtain (or conventional drapes) and series of clips integral with an upper edge of the shower curtain. The clips are a single pre-fabricated member including a lower/shower curtain portion and upper/hanger portion. The shower curtain portion is configured to retain a shower curtain while the hanger portion is configured to attach to a shower curtain rod. A retention member may be square-shaped, rectangular or the like and may be received by an internal space defined by layers of shower curtain material. The shower curtain portion defines a space and opening for allowing the clip to fit onto a shower curtain rod. Advantageously, when attached to the shower curtain rod using the series of clips described herein, the shower curtain is substantially flat or flush relative to the shower curtain rod and/or the clips are concealed in part or completely from a position outside of the shower/bathtub.

Abstract: A cooking pot includes a pot body having a bottom wall and a peripheral wall and defining a cooking cavity within the peripheral wall; and a fluid reservoir including a surrounding wall provided at a mid-portion of the pot body and defining a fluid cavity for receiving a predetermined amount of liquid therein. During dry cooking process, the peripheral wall of the pot body is directly heat-conducted for dry cooking the food within the cooking cavity while the surrounding wall of the fluid reservoir is heat-conducted through the liquid for dry cooking the food within the cooking cavity.

Abstract: Foldable/collapsible cookware is shown having a flexible cooking layer, attached in face-to-face orientation with a heat-heat receiving layer having at least two parts. The first and second parts of the heat-receiving surface are movable between a first cooking position in which the flexible cooking layer is substantially unbent, and a second storage position in which the flexible cooking layer is substantially bent upon itself.

Abstract: Beverage production device for producing a beverage from a single-use capsule containing a beverage ingredient, comprising: a brewing unit that receives the capsule in a cavity defined by first and second engaging members that enclose the capsule and press it at a flange-like rim in a liquid seal-tight manner. At least one of the first and second engaging members comprises a substantially annular pressing portion for applying a sealing pressure on the flange-like rim of the capsule, the first and second engaging members being configured in relative closure at the nip to leak to a liquid injected in the cavity when a capsule is not present. One of at least the first or second engaging members comprises, at its annular pressing portion, at least one passage arranged for controlling liquid leakage only within a limited angular radial direction when the first and second engaging members are closed at the nip.

Abstract: A disposable package having a reservoir filled with an ingredient to be combined with a base liquid. The package has a moulded plastic body with a bottom and a circumferential wall. The package is sealed by a top sealing film. The body has a column at its lower end integral with the centre of the bottom. The top sealing film is such that a base liquid feed lance can passed through the film and engage with the upper end of the column to dispense base liquid into the channel of the column. The column has apertures. The bottom has a multitude of filter holes or discharge openings, and a flexible portion around the column. A bottom sealing film is provided which breaks upon relative motion of the column to the lower operative position, creating one or more outflow openings in the film for outflow of the product from the package.

Abstract: An adapter for single serving cartridges includes a coffee maker readable identification feature. The identification feature may be visual (for example any feature which may be read or a bar code), a readable magnetic strip, a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), or any feature able to contain information and provide that information to a reader. The adapter may be configured for known disposable single serving cartridges, and may include one or more needles to puncture the cartridges for use. The identification feature may inform the coffee maker that an adapter carrying a disposable single serving cartridge is in use, and adjust the coffee maker accordingly.

Abstract: A device for discharging milk and/or milk froth, including a pump to convey milk from a container, a flow-heater, and an output for discharging milk, embodied cooperating with each other such that milk conveyed via the pump and heated via the flow-heater can be discharged from the output. At least one steam generator is provided cooperating with the flow-heater such that downstream in reference to the flow-heater and upstream in reference to the output, steam can be fed to the milk for an additional heating step. An air valve to create milk froth is provided, and the air valve is openable to introduce air upstream in reference to the flow-heater.

Abstract: A rapid preparation method of high-quality hot water, includes steps of: a) calculating a temperature difference between an inlet water temperature and an predetermined outlet water temperature, determining an adjacent heating power pair from heating curves of the pipeline heater according to the temperature difference and a predetermined flow rate, wherein the heating power pair is corresponding to one of time points in a slow nonlinear heating area K, then selecting the heating power pair for preparing to heat water in the pipeline heater; and b) inputting the water with the predetermined flow rate into the pipeline heater, heating with one of the heating power pair selected in the step a) in such a manner that the water in the pipeline heater is heated according to the K area of the pipeline heater, obtaining the water with the target water temperature from an outlet.

Abstract: An improved outdoor cooking apparatus features a pot with multiple cooking inserts and burner frame that supports a burner element. One insert can be used for cooking an entire poultry carcass. Other inserts are perforated baskets that can be used to fry items.

Abstract: Disclosed are assemblies, methods, and means for installing attachments in barbecue grills. A barbecue grill may include, in a cooking body of the barbecue grill, an opening and a plurality of holes configured to facilitate installation of an attachment for the barbecue grill. In some embodiments, an attachment comprises a smoke box and is configured to be installed in the opening and securely fastened to the barbecue grill by using fasteners receivably positioned in the plurality of holes. In some embodiments, an attachment comprises a cover plate and is configured to be installed in the opening and securely fastened to the barbecue grill by using fasteners receivably positioned in the plurality of holes. In some embodiments, the barbecue grill comprises a plurality of means for interfacing with attachments, and a means for substantially covering the opening including a plurality of means for interfacing with the cooking body.

Abstract: A food processing lid is used with a cooperating bowl and a stick mixer handle. The lid has a feed tube and a recess for receiving a removeable gearbox that is driven by a stick mixer.

Abstract: In a food processing device, an adjustable food processing tool includes a central hub having a fixed blade and an articulating blade extending outwardly therefrom. The articulating blade is adjustable relative to a pitch of the blade between substantially vertical and horizontal positions. An external adjustment assembly is disposed on a base unit of the food processing device for adjusting the pitch of the articulating blade, wherein the pitch of the articulating blade can be adjusted while a food processing procedure is being conducted. The adjustable food processing tool is configurable between a chopping configuration and a stir configuration, thereby providing for a single food processing tool that can be used for a multitude of food processing functions.

Abstract: Spa side panels are trapezoidally-shaped and mounted in respective grooves defined by adjacent tapered corner pieces and their mounting brackets to accommodate differences in coefficients of expansion of the respective parts and prevent structural damage. Angled force transfer members are configured to mate with swept back side surfaces of a spa base pan to achieve a pedestal appearance, and the bottom surface of the base pan is constructed to reduce heat transfer to the spa support surface.

Abstract: A paper towel dispenser assembly including a support frame that receives a continuous length of pleated paper toweling. The paper towel dispenser assembly further including a sensor that actuates dispensing of an end of the continuous length of pleated paper toweling and a cutter that cuts a discrete towel from the end of the continuous length of pleated paper toweling.

Abstract: A dispenser for a roll of web material, such as a center feed roll includes: a body having a first end wall provided with a dispensing opening for dispensing a leading end of the web material at the center of the roll, a second end wall opposite to the first end wall, and a sidewall connecting to the first and second end wall. The dispenser also includes a stabilizing device that is insertable into the roll to prevent the roll from collapsing towards its center. The stabilizing device includes a plurality of protrusions protruding from at least one of the first or second end wall towards the other of the first or second end wall, and the protrusions are disposed closer to the sidewall than to a center axis of the body.

Abstract: A cover for a napkin dispenser includes an elongated dispensing aperture having a major and a minor axis. The cover also includes a pair of support members disposed on an inner surface of the cover on opposing sides of the elongated dispensing aperture. Each of the support members includes a central portion and the height of at least a portion of the central portion relative to the inner surface generally increases as a distance between the elongated dispensing aperture and the central portion increases.

Abstract: An upright surface cleaning apparatus is provided wherein the upper section is provided with an openable post motor filter housing. The post motor filter may be axially removable and may be positioned below the suction motor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner, comprising a carrier part, a liquid container, and a suction head. A bracket is pivotably fastened to the liquid container, so that the bracket can be used as a positioning element for the suction head. The suction head can be fixed in a parking position that is tilted by an angle (?) greater than 0° from the top edge of the container, in that the suction head lies on the bracket. The bracket is latched to the container in the parking position.

Abstract: A wet and dry vacuum cleaner system is disclosed, wherein the system includes a debris container having an inlet and outlet, a filter support having a filter and being adapted to situate at least a portion of the filter within the container and intermediate between the inlet and outlet, a vacuum unit adapted to be coupled to the container, and a housing. A wet/dry vacuum appliance system is also disclosed, which includes means for housing a vacuum unit, means for slidably receiving a debris container, and means for releasably holding the container in sealed engagement with the vacuum unit. In addition, methods of removing debris from such a vacuum cleaner and vacuum appliance systems are described.

Abstract: The present application relates to a nozzle for a vacuum cleaner. The nozzle comprises a body (2) and a base (3). The base (3) has a longitudinal axis, and at least two cleaning sides (17, 18) configured to act on a surface in respective cleaning conditions. The base (3) is rotatable around a rotational axis (A-A) that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base to move the base (3) between the respective cleaning conditions.

Abstract: An autonomous vacuum cleaner comprising a main body having a dirty air inlet, a clean air outlet, an airflow path between the dirty air inlet and the clean air outlet and a primary separating apparatus arranged in the air flow path between the dirty air inlet and the clean air outlet. The primary separating apparatus comprises at least one cyclone, and the main body further includes a secondary separating apparatus in the airflow path downstream of the primary separating apparatus. The secondary separating apparatus comprises a container for holding dirt and debris which has an air inlet and a filter element, wherein the container is arranged in the air flow such that air flows into the container through the air inlet and out of the container through the filter element. The secondary separating apparatus is removable.

Abstract: A robot cleaner includes a cleaner body, a suction unit, and a cyclone unit. The cyclone unit has a first suction opening and a second suction opening for sucking air, and a first cyclone and a second cyclone for passing air therethrough, the air having dust filtered therefrom by a centrifugal force. A first guiding member and a second guiding member extend upwardly from the suction unit toward the cyclone unit with an inclination angle, the first guiding member for connection between the suction unit and the first suction opening, and the second guiding member for connection between the suction unit and the second suction opening. A dust box communicated with a dust discharge opening is provided at a front side of the cyclone unit so as to collect dust filtered by the cyclone unit. The dust box is partially or wholly accommodated between the first and second guiding members.

Abstract: A cylindrical brush with an improved core and a mating driving hub have axially inclined splines that engage one another to form an improved cylindrical brush assembly for a floor maintenance machine.

Abstract: A lift device is provided which allows a surface-contacting feature to articulate. The device raises and lowers a squeegee regardless of its lateral location. An actuator arm is provided on one end of a pivot arm channel such that when the actuator arm fully extends it disengages from the one end of the pivot arm channel. An actuator cable remains in tension such that it may be raised or lowered regardless of whether the surface-contacting feature's lateral position.

Abstract: An abrasive article comprising a nonwoven substrate material impregnated with a first and second formulation. The first and second formulations have broad spectrum antimicrobial effectiveness against one or more microbial organisms. The first and second formulations include the same or different polymer compositions, which include one or more antimicrobial agents and abrasive particles uniformly dispersed in the polymer compositions.

Abstract: A cleaning device is provided to which an easily removable and replaceable cleaning element can be attached. The cleaning device comprises an applicator head having a top side and a bottom side and defining holes there through which are sufficient in size and number that cleaning liquid collecting on the top side readily flows through the applicator head The applicator head also includes a handle mount attached to the top side of said applicator head for pivotally attaching a handle and a plurality of spaced-apart hooks extending from the bottom side of said applicator head and placed around the peripheral edge of said holes, said hooks comprising a shaft with a bard extending from the end of said shaft said barb facing in and extending over the adjacent hole.

Abstract: An automatic dishwasher having a tub defining a treating chamber and a housing physically separate from the tub and defining a sump to receive liquid sprayed into the tub, the housing having an inlet fluidly connected to a liquid outlet of the tub and an outlet fluidly coupled to a sprayer located within the tub to define a recirculation path for the sprayed liquid.

Abstract: A method of controlling the filling with water of a household appliance after treatment including activating a wash pump to a first speed, opening a load valve and starting a time counter, closing the valve and stopping the counter, calculating a flow-rate, opening and closing the valve again based on the calculated flow-rate.

Abstract: An appliance that conducts a useful cycle of operation on an article comprises a treating chamber receiving the article and having an access opening. A first closure element selectively closes at least a first portion of the access opening, and a second closure element movable relative to the first closure element selectively closes at least a second portion of the access opening. An operative device can be coupled to the second closure element. A cable providing at least one of electrical or data communication to the device is routed through the first closure element to the second closure element and is operatively connected to the device on the second closure element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dishwasher (1) comprising a door (2), a control panel (3) disposed at the upper side of the door (2), a latch (4) disposed on the door (2) and providing the door (2) to be releasably locked, an on/off switch (5) disposed on the door (2) that provides the dishwasher (1) to be energized or to turn off the supplied energy, a control card (6) providing to perform an automatic washing program (P) the parameters of which are determined according to data such as dirt level of the dishes and temperature of the wash water, a single start button (7) providing the automatic washing program (P) to be started by the user pressing thereon and a display (8) that provides the user to monitor the data relating to the washing process and wherein changes can be made in the washing program or the display (8) language (L) by means of a single start button (7).

Abstract: A handheld dishwashing device for cleaning dishes and utensils includes a handle, a clean water tube for receiving and transferring a pressurized flow of heated water, a soap tube for receiving and transferring a flow of soap, a first and second clean water discharge port in fluid flow communication with the clean water tube, a trigger for selectively operating the flow of water to the first and second clean water discharge ports, at least one cleaning head component, a soap discharge port in communication with the soap tube for emitting the soap onto the cleaning head component, a cleaning head extension bar, and a rinse extension bar being structured and disposed for pivotal movement relative to the handle for holding the cleaning head component, thereby allowing for selective use of one of either the top or bottom sides of the cleaning head component.

Abstract: A swing prism endoscope with an actuating mechanism that comprises a control element that oscillates in between proximal and distal ends of the endoscope and is coupled to a distally mounted swing prism, a control surface with a variable profile, and an engaging element that contacts the control surface and moves relative to the control surface while contacting the control surface causing the control element to oscillate. The distally mounted swing prism that alters the viewing angle of the endoscope between a forward direction that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the endoscope and a side direction that is angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the endoscope.

Abstract: An optical surgical probe includes a handpiece, a light guide within the handpiece, and a multi-spot generator at a distal end of the handpiece. The handpiece is configured to optically couple to a light source. The light guide is configured to carry a light beam from the light source to a distal end of the handpiece. The multi-spot generator includes a faceted optical element with a faceted end surface spaced from a distal end of the light guide. The faceted end surface includes at least one facet oblique to a path of the light beam.

Abstract: Devices and methods for visually confirming the positioning of a distal end portion of an illuminating device placed within a patient include inserting a distal end portion of an illuminating device internally into a patient, emitting light from the distal end portion of the illuminating device, observing transillumination resulting from the light emitted from the distal end portion of the illuminating device that occurs on an external surface of the patient, and correlating the location of the observed transillumination on the external surface of the patient with an internal location of the patient that underlies the location of observed transillumination, to confirm positioning of the distal end portion of the illuminating device.

Abstract: A controller operates in different operating modes to control movement of a distal tip of a medical instrument when inserting and retracting the medical instrument through linked body passages. When inserting the medical instrument, the controller normally operates in an automatic navigation mode unless manually overridden to operate in a manual mode. When retracting the medical instrument, the controller normally operates in a zero-force mode to allow the distal tip to freely move so that it may comply with the shape of the passages as the medical instrument is being retracted through the linked body unless manually overridden to operate in a manual mode.

Abstract: An endoscope with a flexible circuit board comprises: a base mounting frame, a flexible circuit, a photosensitive element, a plurality of light emitting elements and a camera. The flexible circuit board, the photosensitive element, the light emitting elements and the camera can be mounted on the mounting frame, and then the mounting frame can be assembled in a pipe to form the endoscope, which greatly improves the ease of assembly, and consequently reducing the labor cost required for assembly. Furthermore, the flexibility of the circuit board reduces the volume of the endoscope and improves applicability.

Abstract: A combined tube set for a disposable water bottle for a medical instrument includes a cap with threads suitable for attachment to various water bottles. The combined tube set provides a first tube set for rinsing that includes an air and water tubes, and air/water connector The combined tube set also provides a second tube set for irrigation that includes an irrigation connector, backflow valve(s), and flexible tubing section. In some embodiments, the tube set can provide warm and/or humid gas to the endoscope.

Abstract: A visual function evaluation is performed using a sequence of interactions with a mobile device. A patient user may perform a variety of visual tests using the mobile device. The mobile device transmits the test results to a remote server implementing analysis of the visual function results using network service. The network service receives the test results, processes the results, and provides the processed results to a healthcare provider. The processed results may include trends of the user's visual function test performance. The healthcare provider, such as a physician, may optimize and administer treatment based on the data. Early detection of changes in visual function can enable the healthcare provider to individualize treatment, helping to prevent vision loss while minimizing visits to the office, discomfort, and expense.

Abstract: The present method describes a new method for the measurement of dark adaptation. The dark adaptation status of subjects may then be used to identify those subjects who are at risk of developing and/or who are currently suffering from a variety of disease states having their clinical manifestations in impaired dark adaptation. The disease states include, but are not limited to, age related macular degeneration, vitamin A deficiency, Sorsby's Fundus Dystrophy, late autosomal dominant retinal degeneration, retinal impairment related to diabetes and diabetic retinopathy. An apparatus for administering the test method described is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for checking human vision, comprising an image-generating module for generating any test images, an imaging module, used to image the test image provided by the image-generating module on the retina of the eye as a stimulus, the imaging module containing at least one optical component having variable focal length, such that the test image of the image-generating module is perceptible to the eye from virtually simulated and variable distances, an accommodation measuring apparatus, a viewing direction measuring apparatus, and a control and evaluation module, which records and/or further processes the information. The accommodation of the eye can be stimulated by means of the particular test image, and the viewing direction of the eye can be measured simultaneously or in alternation, and fed to a control and evaluation module. Both eyes can be checked simultaneously by generating virtual binocular images.

Abstract: A method for interactive adjustment of a parameter of a continuously variable optical lens involving having a subject view an eye chart through a variable lens frame comprising at least one continuously variable optical lens, applying a modulation to a selected parameter of said continuously variable optical lens around an average value, and tuning said average value by minimizing the flickering visible to the subject and due to the modulation.

Abstract: A head mountable device for measuring eye movement includes: a frame; a camera system comprising a first camera, wherein the camera system is coupled to the frame, and is configured to obtain a first set of images of a first eye of a user; and a first liquid crystal display (LCD) shutter configured to control passage of light to the first eye based at least in part on a first control signal, the first LCD shutter is configured to operate in a first primary mode and a first secondary mode, wherein the first LCD shutter is configured to allow less light to reach the first eye in the first secondary mode than in the first primary mode.