Abstract: A hanging bag dispenser includes a bag support platform having a surface that contacts a last bag in a vertically supported bag pack. An angled mounting device is attached to the bag support platform to engage a mounting aperture that penetrates each bag in the bag pack. A positioning system is attached to the bag support platform and maintains the bag support platform at a sufficient height to allow the bag pack to extend downwardly from the mounting device. A pivotally mounted bag control arm is mounted to the bag support platform and permits installation of the bag pack on the mounting device when pivoted to a first, loading position and located to rest upon an outermost bag in the bag pack when pivoted to a second, control position. A surrounding control cage is attached to the dispenser to prevent a user from pulling a lower portion of the bag.

Abstract: A bracket for hanging a picture frame on a supporting structure. The bracket is a one-piece member formed of plastic having a pair of legs projecting perpendicularly from a bottom surface of a base and extending at right angles with respect to each other. The legs are spaced from a peripheral edge of the base forming a V-shaped planar portion between the edge and legs. A reinforcing member extends between the pair of legs and an attachment pin mounted in the reinforcing member extends outwardly beyond a top surface of the base. A pair of securement pins in the frame legs are driven into the frame to secure the bracket in a right angle corner of the frame. A pair of attachment pins is pressed into the supporting structure to suspend the frame therefrom after two of the brackets are secured in upper right hand corners of the frame.

Abstract: A hanging bracket for hanging a picture frame having at least two right angled corners on a supporting structure. The bracket is a one-piece member formed of plastic having a planar base terminating with a beveled edge formed by two straight sections and an intervening arcuate section. A V-shaped column is spaced from the beveled edge by a V-shaped planar portion of the base and extends perpendicularly from the base terminating in a V-shaped top edge with two straight legs joined at a rounded corner. A pin is embedded in the rounded corner and extends outwardly beyond the straight legs of the column. The base is inserted between the back of a canvas picture and the two adjacent frame members at each corner of the picture frame with the projecting pins being pressed into the support structure to suspend the picture frame therefrom.

Abstract: A bracket for hanging a picture frame on a supporting structure. The bracket is a one-piece member formed of plastic having a pair of legs projecting perpendicularly from a bottom surface of a base and extending at right angles with respect to each other. The legs are spaced from a peripheral edge of the base forming a V-shaped planar portion between the edge and legs. A reinforcing member extends between the pair of legs and an attachment pin mounted in the reinforcing member extends outwardly beyond a top surface of the base. A pair of attachment pins is pressed into the supporting structure to suspend the frame therefrom after two of the brackets are secured in upper right hand corners of the frame.

Abstract: A mirror mount system is disclosed. The mirror mount system can include a rib forming a support structure of a mirror. The rib can have an attachment portion. The mirror mount system can also include an attachment fitting bonded to the attachment portion of the rib with an adhesive. The attachment portion can be sufficiently isolated from other portions of the rib structure such that loading in the other portions of the rib structure tending to distort the mirror, which is generated internal to the attachment fitting and the attachment portion, is minimized while providing adequate structural support for the mirror.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for hanging objects on a supporting wall includes a bracket with an outwardly extending shelf for supporting engagement with the object. A flange extends upwardly from the bracket and is secured by a fastener to the object. A marking device is removably mounted in an aperture formed in the bracket and has a sharp marking element extending therefrom. After the bracket is attached to the object by the fasteners and the marking element is positioned in the aperture, the object is pressed against the supporting wall at the desired hanging location whereupon the marking element marks the wall at the correct location for installing the hanging hardware. After the hanging hardware is installed at the marked locations, it is subsequently received in the bracket aperture after the marking element is removed therefrom to hang the object on the hanging hardware.

Abstract: An improved floral display box to house flowers. The floral display box includes a vase for arranging a plurality of flowers having an open top, a closed bottom, and one or more side walls. The vase is adapted to house the flowers and accompanying water and nutrients. Further, a lid is removably disposed over the open top of the vase. The lid has a plurality of openings disposed therethrough to hold the flower in place within the vase, the plurality of holes having a diameter of about 0.1 and 1 cm and being disposed at an angle of about 20 degrees to about 45 degrees with respect to a centerline from a centrally place opening in the lid to the bottom surface of the vase to a centerline through outermost holes in the lid to the bottom surface of the vase.

Abstract: A fitted bottom sheet (which may be comprised of low-friction material if desired) can include at least one tube-receiving hole formed therethrough. By one approach the corners of the fitted bottom sheet can include a strap to help retain the fitted bottom sheet on a mattress. By one approach the aforementioned tube-receiving hole can be formed at each corner of the fitted bottom sheet. A strapless repositioning sheet can have a low-friction mattress-facing side in combination with webbing disposed along and attached to at least two side edges of the strapless repositioning sheet to thereby form a plurality of handhold openings and a plurality of strap-connection openings.

Abstract: An adjustable bed covering system includes a comforter having one or more connection strips for removably affixing pillows that may remain attached to the bed covering during the bed making process. The pillows have connecting strips compatible with the connecting strips found on the comforter. One or more pillows and/or the comforter may further include a flap for concealing or hiding the connecting strips. The bed covering may include a rigid rod or pole traversing the width of the comforter along its head end. The comforter may also be attached to mattress pockets that fit over the corners of a mattress in order to better align the comforter.

Abstract: A structured blanket assembly for use in locations such as a beach which provides for end and side walls to prevent unwanted materials from getting on blanket, while allowing for disassembly for transport and cleaning.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed towards a pillow with reversible core and its original embodiment of a removable core, that both includes a plurality of cut foam pieces of various or similar shapes/sizes. The pillow may include an outer shell that reverses to pen the pillow core to mesh netting or a secondary inner shell case (i.e., the removable core). The outer shell case may be made of a plurality of layers, including a backing layer positioned between an external layer and an internal layer. As a reversible case, the embodiment has no removable inner core, but a reversible core. The reversible embodiment is much easier and less expensive to manufacture and wash. The backing layer may comprise a foam material. As an embodiment with a removable core, the internal layer and the inner shell case may comprise an open mesh material. As a reversible case, the core pulls out and is stuffed back inside, while being held together by mesh netting.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a U-shaped travel pillow having a base cushion and raised cushion fixed to the top side of the base cushion. The inner peripheral walls of the base and raised cushions are mutually flush, while the rear walls are mutually flush and substantially flat for better contact with flat surfaces, such as a headrest, seat, or chair. Furthermore, the rear wall of the raised cushion is thinner than the sides, providing more liberty to adjust head position by easily adapting to the shape of the headrest, seat or chair.

Abstract: A holding device includes a fixing plate, a connecting member connected with the fixing plate, and a positioning member connected with the connecting member. The fixing plate is provided with a through hole which has an end provided with a groove which has a helical shape. A tear line is formed between the groove and the fixing plate. The connecting member is defined by the groove of the fixing plate. The positioning member is mounted on the bottom of the connecting member and is provided with a retaining hole for positioning a straw. The holding device is combined with a cap of a container. Thus, the straw is held by the positioning member of the holding device which is limited by the cap, so that the straw will not drop into the container body.

Abstract: A cup that harnesses the positive psychological effects of cartoon to encourage and motivate a user to consume a beverage served in the cup. The cup has a beverage container and a sound-emitting base that is attached to the bottom of the container. The cup contains a capacitive liquid sensing system: two electrodes forming a capacitor that are flush mounted in the bottom of the beverage container, two spring loaded connectors that bridge between the electrodes and a capacitive liquid sensor that is contained in the base. The base further includes a power source, a processing unit, a memory module, an audio circuitry and an audio output device. When the beverage container is filled with a beverage, a resultant capacitance change activates playback of audio files saved in the memory module, which contains pre-recordings of cartoon voice.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cup with identifiers comprising a cup body, and the cup is characterized in that it further includes a character board and a cup sleeve, first holes into which detachable character blocks can be inserted are distributed in the character board, the cup sleeve encases a lower portion of the cup body, and second holes into which the character blocks can be inserted are distributed in the cup sleeve. The present invention achieves a function of identifying the same cups by covering the cup sleeve outside the cup body and inserting the detachable character blocks into the cup sleeve, so that a user is inclined to distinguish his or her own cup from other persons' cups to avoid wrongly using another person's cup and increase safety of drinking water. Further, the cup sleeve also serves to prevent scald for improving security of use.

Abstract: A disposable cup lid for use with a beverage container can include a base, an annular rim, a crown, and a dispensing section having a drinking aperture. The annular rim can be disposed about the base and can be configured to engage the beverage container. The crown can extend upward from the base and can include an upper surface, one or more inner sidewalls, and one or more outer sidewalls. The dispensing section can be located within a portion of the crown and can include an upper surface, one or more inner sidewalls, and one or more outer sidewalls. The dispensing section can include at least one generally straight portion of the inner sidewall that is directly opposed to at least one generally straight portion of the outer sidewall. The drinking aperture can be formed through the upper surface of the dispensing section for allowing the passage of fluid therethrough.

Abstract: A reusable beverage container contains an insulated cup, a lid, and a straw. The beverage is stored in the insulated cup and an opening of the insulated cup is covered with the lid. The lid is removably attached to the insulated cup with an inner locking lip and an outer locking lip. A gasket can also be used to attach the lid to the insulated cup. The straw traverses into the insulated cup through a straw-receiving hole. The straw is positioned in the straw-receiving hole such that a bias-cut edge of the straw is positioned within the insulated cup and a straight-cut edge of the straw is positioned outside the lid. A stoppage band of the straw prevents the straw from coming out of the lid.

Abstract: A chopstick having fork like structure is disclosed that comprises of a pair of elongated horizontal members supported by fork like structure at their tip and attached to each other via a semi rounded groove like structure. The fork like structure at the tip of chopsticks facilitate people of all ages an easy grip over the food and makes it easier for the users to eat and further makes the chopstick suitable for wide variety of cuisine available. A packaging for the chopstick is also disclosed, which has an elongated rectangular structure with a curved tilted end. The chopstick is made from soft bendable wood or bamboo.

Abstract: Cup holder with suction cup and hanging hook and towel clip attached to cup holder for purposes of holding a large container/cup and attaching to a surface, while providing a place to hang a towel, and a mechanism (hanging hook) to carry the device with and offer substitute ways to mount device when flat surface is not available.

Abstract: A table cover which comprises a silicone material, which comprises top and bottom surfaces. As opposed to conventional table covers, the table cover provides a flexible, unitary cover with excellent surface properties for dining and work space. Further, the bottom surface establishes a non-slip contact with the table surface to prevent the cover from sliding around of off of the table. The table cover may be configured and secured in a rolled position for storage and easy application to the table surface.

Abstract: A personal apparel assembly includes an article of clothing that may be worn. A pen is provided and the pen may be used in the convention of writing. A lighting circuit is positioned within the pen such that the lighting circuit may selectively illuminate an area. A display unit has the article of clothing suspended therefrom. Thus, the display unit may display the article of clothing to an observer.

Abstract: There is provided a foldable hanger; a body; a vertical elongate member vertically moveably received in the body, wherein the elongate member has a stem and two branches branching from the stem in opposite directions; and two foldable arms operatively coupled to the body, wherein the two arms are symmetrical with the body, and each arm has a pivot extension extending from one end thereof, wherein the stem is disposed between the arms respectively, wherein each pivot extension extends toward the stem, wherein when the elongate member moves down, each branch pressure-contacts each pivot extension to allow each arm to pivot on each branch upwardly to be stretched.

Abstract: A slip resistant floor mat includes a number of upstanding projections in the form of blades or teeth arranged on an upper surface thereof. The blades or teeth deflect under a load and dissipate the force of the load so that the tendency of the mat to slip on the underlying floor is reduced.

Abstract: Holders for maintaining personal items such as dental and hygienic products are disclosed. The holders include a series of sections, particularly, holding sections having different geometrical structures related to the different items intended to be hold. In this manner, they may be assembled at the convenience of the user and its holding units may be increased or decreased as well as selected based upon the particular structure of the holding units at the will of the users. The holder may be self-standing when using a disclosed base or alternatively, it may be secured to a commonly used toothbrush supporting base or even be supported via a suction cup over a given surface.

Abstract: This invention involves a novel method, device, system and apparatus to receive, return or exchange parcels securely. The invention involves a novel security apparatus and one or more parcel receptacles. The novel security apparatus can be securely connected to an object such as a door knob or door handle or door knockers or door or any object to which my security apparatus can be securely connected. The parcel receptacles can be of many types. The locking mechanism in the security apparatus and on the parcel receptacle can be of technological in nature using the latest advancements in wireless technology, or alternatively, involve simple physical lock and key mechanisms. The apparatus allows access to parcels to authenticated users only, and involve many safety features including an audible alarm and other tamper-proof mechanisms to ensure safety of parcels.

Abstract: New technologies for real-time processing and managing product orders are described. The technologies utilize mobile communication and intelligent analysis to reduce waiting time, keep product fresh, and guarantee product delivery. Specific examples are given in the context of meal orders.

Abstract: A process for printing the surface of wooden trophies including the steps of a) cutting wooden sheet(s) or block(s) to desired shape to provide pieces with surface(s) and edges; b) laminating at least one surface of the cut pieced with heat transfer foil to provide a shade of white coating; c) printing a design onto the shade of white coating on the surface of the piece by UV printing or sublimation printing. Trophies and plaques made by the process.

Abstract: A multi-purpose heating device comprising: a first heating unit disposed at the bottom thereof; a second heating unit disposed at the top thereof; and a pillar which vertically connects one side end of the first heating unit with one side end of the second heating unit so as to form a space between the first and second heating units, the device being capable of cooking food through the first heating unit disposed at the bottom thereof and at the same time applying heat, through the second heating unit disposed at the top thereof, to the food being cooked by the first heating unit disposed at the bottom thereof, wherein the first and second heating units are controlled by individual power supply and power cut-off and the second heating unit can perform a heating function through up and down rotation on the basis of the pillar.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method, device and electronic device for heating an inner cooking pan of an induction cooking equipment and computer-readable medium. The method can comprise: determining a material type of an inner cooking pan; and selecting a voltage change curve matching with the material type for use in a cooking process of the induction cooking equipment where the inner cooking pan is installed. In the technical solutions of the disclosure, different material types of inner cooking pans can obtain same or similar heating result by selecting a voltage change curve matching with a material type of an inner cooking pan.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing non-condensable gases from a self-contained or closed loop steam generator. The apparatus is connected to an appliance, which includes the self-contained or closed loop steam generator. The apparatus may be configured to include a control system connected to various portions of the apparatus to provide for automatic removable of non-condensable gases from the steam generator. However, it should be understood that the apparatus can be operated manually. The removal of non-condensable gases occurs prior to generating steam for a cooking process with the apparatus attached directly to the appliance, or with the apparatus configured as a separate unit.

Abstract: A disposable single-use beverage filter basket filled with beverage grounds, and a beverage brewer having a cartridge for placement of the beverage filter basket. A permeable filter basket has a rigid frame having a bottom, a plurality of ribs, and a top rim that define side openings, and a non-woven filter medium that is bonded thermally to the material of the frame to cover the side openings. The non-woven filter medium is made of recyclable or compostable plastic or bio-polymer, and frame is made of the material of the non-woven filter medium. The permeable filter basket is filled with beverage grounds and enclosed with a film cover. The inlet probe of the brewer pierces the cover and admits a heated liquid into the beverage grounds, and creates a brewed beverage that flows through the filter material and exits an opening in a bottom portion of the cartridge.

Abstract: A filtration system for a container includes a basket that holds a filter assembly and a flavor infuser, where the basket is suspended over at least a portion of an opening of the container. The filtration system may further include the filter assembly. The filter assembly may further include a filter assembly bottom and a filter assembly top.

Abstract: The infusion brewer has a filter path forming a continuous loop around a plurality of rotary shafts, the plurality of rotary shafts being operable to cycle a continuous loop filter along the filter path, the filter path having a steeping area; and an infusion enclosure having a bottom opening positionable into an infusion position against the continuous loop filter at the steeping area.

Abstract: The beverage brewing system includes a liquid conduit system fluidly coupled to a liquid source, a brew head in fluid communication with the liquid conduit system and configured to selectively receive and retain a quantity of beverage medium to be brewed by liquid delivered by the liquid conduit system during a brew cycle. A pump fluidly coupled with the liquid conduit system between the liquid source and the brew head displaces a fixed quantity of liquid from the liquid source to the brew head during a pump revolution. A microcontroller monitors the pump to determine the real-time quantity of liquid displaced to the brew head during the brew cycle based only on operational characteristics of the pump.

Abstract: Systems for controlled heating and/or agitation for liquid food or beverage product creation are disclosed. A dispenser for producing a food or beverage liquid product from a frozen contents in a receptacle includes a chamber configured to hold a receptacle containing the contents and a dilution liquid inlet configured to supply a dilution liquid to the interior of the receptacle. The dispenser also includes a perforator configured to perforate the receptacle and form a product outlet from the receptacle for the liquid product and an agitator configured to impart motion to the receptacle and/or the contents in the receptacle that increases a flow path from the liquid inlet to the product outlet taken by at least a portion of dilution liquid, when supplied, relative to a flow path from the liquid inlet to the product outlet taken by the portion of dilution liquid without the imparted motion.

Abstract: A particulate collection system for collecting and disposing of the contents of a reusable filters is provided. The particulate collection system may embody particulate collection device facilitating the flow of a wash fluid through the reusable filter, carrying along its particulate contents, and into an enclosure, wherein the particulates may captured within the enclosure, while the wash fluid is discharges there from. The particulate collection device may include a filter seat and a particulate filter-collector removably attachable in a sealing engagement. The particulate filter-collector forms the enclosure housing a filter or a filter mesh. The filter seat forms a rinse chamber for the reusable filter to be submerged by wash fluid, wherein the rinse chamber and circumscribing portions thereof may be in fluid communication with the enclosure.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for a milk-frothing device is indicated, comprising a body that is composed of a first part (10) and of a second part (50), which comprises an emulsion chamber (15) for forming emulsified fluid, a fluid inlet (15-1) for letting a fluid into the emulsion chamber (15), and a discharging region (55) having at least one dispensing opening (61) for discharging the emulsified fluid formed in the emulsion chamber (15).

Abstract: A device for steaming and/or foaming milk primarily for, but not limited to, coffee beverages. The device attaches via machined threads to a standard coffee machine steam wand, but nonstandard sizes can be accommodated via a thread adapter. The device consists of two machined stainless pieces each with crescent shaped apertures that, when rotated relative to each other, allow for the increase or decrease in effective hole size to adjust the volume and pressure of steam being expunged. This adjustability allows for the user to decrease the aperture when foaming a small amount of milk (e.g. for a macchiato), or to increase the aperture for foaming more milk (e.g. for a latte).

Abstract: A thermally-actuated flow-restrictor device in an aircraft galley insert is provided that includes a housing formed of first and second flanged fittings. The first fitting includes an outlet port for connection to an aircraft galley insert, and the second fitting includes an inlet port for connection to an aircraft potable water supply. The second fitting also includes a boss surrounding the inlet port. A closure element contained within the housing includes a plurality of metals having different coefficients of thermal expansion. This allows the element to actuate depending upon the temperature of water contacting the closure element. When water having a predetermined temperature contacts the closure element, its surface facing the inlet port becomes convexly positioned proximal to the boss, thereby restricting the backflow of water through the flow-restrictor device. Once the closure element cools, its surface facing the inlet port becomes concave, resulting in normal device operation.

Abstract: A food preparation device may include a tunnel cavity having a prep portion and a cooking portion, a conveyor belt extending through a length of the tunnel cavity, a cooking controller operably coupled to the prep portion and the cooking portion to selectively distribute power to at least a radio frequency (RF) capacitive heating source and a cold air source in the prep portion and at least a heat source in the cooking portion, and an interface panel. The prep portion and the cooking portion are positioned in a linear series in the tunnel cavity. The RF capacitive heating source comprises a ground plate and an anode plate.

Abstract: A universal cooking assembly for rotating vertically disposed food over a horizontally disposed heat source, said cooking assembly comprising: a horizontally disposed rotisserie rod; a first skewer apparatus; a second skewer apparatus; and a handle mechanically connected to the rotisserie rod for rotating the same about its axis.

Abstract: An adjustable food holding apparatus, said apparatus comprising: at least one fork assembly selectively, releasably, and slidably disposed along a rotisserie rod.

Abstract: A food preparation device may include at least two energy sources, a chamber into which at least two types of energy are providable via the at least two energy sources, and a cooking controller operably coupled to the at least two energy sources to selectively distribute power to respective ones of the at least two energy sources. The at least two energy sources may include a radio frequency (RF) capacitive heating source and a cold air source.

Abstract: A cooking device may include a refractory oven and a housing. The refractory oven may define a cooking chamber that may be configured to receive thermal energy from an external heat source. The refractory oven may further define an opening configured to allow foodstuffs to be introduced into the cooking chamber. The refractory oven may be further configured to substantially surround the foodstuffs while the foodstuffs are positioned inside the cooking chamber. The housing may at least partially surround the refractory oven. The housing and the refractory oven may define a heated volume between an external surface of the refractory oven and an internal surface of the housing. The heated volume may be configured to receive thermal energy from the external heat source and to reduce transfer of thermal energy from the cooking chamber through refractory oven.

Abstract: A barbeque (BBQ) grill set may include a top surface, a pair of front doors, a pair of side tables, and a main frame. The top surface is disposed at a top portion of the main frame, while the front doors are disposed at a front end of the main frame, and a BBQ grill unit secured on a base is received in a receiving space. In one embodiment, the top surface is pivotally connected to the side tables and the base. When the top surface is lifted, the side tables on both sides of the main frame are moving upwards, as well as the base. When the top surface is totally lifted, the base and the side tables will all be disposed at the same horizontal surface, and the BBQ grill unit is protruding out from a top opening of the frame and ready for the user to use.

Abstract: A draining broiler pan for draining fluids during broiling of food includes a base with a wall that extends from a bottom panel to define an upper opening. The device also comprises a lid with a sidewall that extends from a lower panel to define a top opening. The sidewall is shorter than the wall, which defines an internal space when the lid is positioned in the upper opening. A plurality of penetrations and a plurality of ridges are positioned in the lower panel.

Abstract: A sear tool includes an upper assembly and a lower assembly. The upper assembly includes a plurality of arms. Each arm of the plurality of arms terminates in an extension end. The lower assembly includes a sear plate and a plurality of projections that extend away from the sear plate. The lower assembly is movably engaged with the upper assembly such that the upper assembly and the lower assembly are movable between a compressed position and an extended position. A spring is disposed between the upper assembly and the lower assembly. The spring biases the upper assembly and the lower assembly into the extended position.

Abstract: A food preparation device may include a radio frequency (RF) capacitive heating source, a cooking controller operably coupled to the RF capacitive heating source to selectively distribute power to the RF capacitive heating source, and a hot oil basin. The RF capacitive heating source may include a ground plate and an anode plate disposed on opposing sides of the hot oil basin.

Abstract: A hand mixer has a detection mechanism for discriminating between beaters and other rotating accessories. The operation of the mixer may be altered depending on the type of accessory that is detected.

Abstract: A handle having ergonomic and heat dissipation properties. For example, the handle can include a cross section that is concave in a first direction at a position closest to a body to which the handle is attached, and concave in a second direction opposite the first direction at a position closest to the user's hand, opposite the body. The handle can include a base with a surface wider and taller than an extension coupled to the base, so that the handle can act as a heat sink and dissipate heat that would otherwise burn a user.