Abstract: Novel Seats having a plurality of defined zones for supporting the human anatomy are disclosed. Seats including one or more recoil shields and/or inserts to assist in supporting or isolating certain desired portions of the human anatomy, as well as seats including both seat back structures and seat pan structures, with one or both including zoned configurations designed to support and stabilize specific structures of the human anatomy in a defined manner are also disclosed. The novel seats are useful, inter alia, for individually supporting certain anatomical areas and provide seat zones that collectively support, cradle and permit the human anatomy to be supported in a comfortable manner.

Abstract: A portable solar powered heated seat cushion wherein the solar cell supplies energy to a heating element inserted into a portable seat cushion to create a heated seat cushion that can be used in the outdoors, especially for use in hunting, fishing and camping and that can be fitted onto existing seats or surfaces.

Abstract: An object barrier method includes providing a strip of material having a height that can fit beneath an item of furniture, such as a couch or sofa and a length extending from a first front leg to a second front leg of the couch or sofa; enabling a first end of the strip to be releaseably attached to the first leg; and enabling a second end of the strip to be releaseably attached to the first leg. An object barrier having the above structure is provided in which the ends of the strip of material may be provided with releaseably frictional fasteners. Mating releaseably frictional fasteners can also be provided, which are secured to the front legs of the couch or sofa. The frictional fasteners of the strip are then releaseably secured to the frictional fasteners of the legs.

Abstract: A foldable frame comprises opposing pairs of side and end frame members joined at respective ends to define a generally rectangular and planar frame perimeter. The end members and the side members are generally movable between folded and unfolded positions. The end members are spaced-apart along a longitudinal axis of the frame. The side frame members extend generally parallel to the longitudinal axis to define a frame length. Pivoting connections enable the end members and the side frame members to pivot, each member having a pivot connection at each end thereof. Pivoting of a respective end or side member is permitted when the frame is configured to align the respective end pivots, but is inhibited when the frame is configured to move the respective end pivots out of alignment. The respective pivot axes of the end and side members are generally perpendicular oriented and define a folding and unfolding sequence.

Abstract: A mount assembly includes a playpen frame, a support frame that can provide support for a bassinet in the playpen frame, and multiple bar segments to provide support for a utility accessory positioned side-by-side relative to the bassinet. The playpen frame includes two first upper side rail assemblies each having a fixed wall, and a second upper side rail assembly connected with the two first upper side rail assemblies. The support frame includes two connectors operable to respectively attach to and detach from the fixed walls. Each connector is formed to include a socket. The two connectors can attach to the fixed walls respectively near a middle of the two first upper side rail assemblies. The bar segments are mountable to the playpen frame, one of the bar segments once mounted to the playpen frame having an end portion resting in contact with the socket of one connector.

Abstract: The utility model discloses a spiral display hanger having a time delay mechanism and capable of allowing commodities to be placed on or taken down, comprising a supporting arm, a spiral pipe, a time delay mechanism and a handle. A torque output shaft is provided on the time delay mechanism. The supporting arm comprises an upper supporting rod and a lower supporting rod, one end of the upper supporting rod being rotationally connected to a rotation center of the torque output shaft and the other end of the upper supporting rod being securely provided on a fixture, and one end of the lower supporting rod being also secured on the fixture and the other end of the lower supporting rod being a free end. One end of the spiral pipe is fixedly connected to the torque output shaft. The upper supporting and the lower supporting rod are penetrated through the spiral pipe to come into contact with the spiral pipe.

Abstract: A merchandiser including a case that has an air inlet and defines a product display area with a customer access opening. The merchandiser also includes a canopy that has a first air outlet and a second air outlet, a first passageway connecting the air inlet with the first air outlet to direct a first airflow through the first air outlet at least partially across the opening to define a primary air curtain, and a second passageway in fluid communication with a HVAC system by ducting coupled between the merchandiser and the HVAC system to direct a second airflow defining a secondary air curtain from the HVAC system through the second air outlet at least partially across the opening. The primary and secondary air curtains cooperate with each other to minimize infiltration of ambient air into the product display area.

Abstract: A pan apparatus for a merchandiser including a case having a platform defining an opening. The pan apparatus includes a bottom wall and a plurality of sidewalls cooperating with the bottom wall to define a space for supporting product in the pan. At least two of the sidewalls each includes a frame engagement member adjacent a top of the pan. The pan apparatus also includes a frame positioned adjacent a top of the sidewalls and coupled to the frame engagement members. The frame extends along at least two sidewalls of the pan and is configured to engage the platform adjacent the opening to suspend the pan. The frame defines a plurality of holes spaced along at least a portion of the perimeter such that an airflow from below the pan is directed upward along the sidewalls and discharged through the frame via the holes to condition the product.

Abstract: A rotatable device for displaying and storing shoes or other items of interest is provided. The device includes a base, a vertical column, and a housing that is attached to the column, with openings for suspension of shoes or other items on the outside of the housing. Alternatively, the display device may be in the form of a display board that is attached to a frame.

Abstract: Certain embodiments disclose a corral and enclosure defined by three members having an opening configured to hold one or more shopping carts and display one or more advertisements, with two substantially parallel walls of different lengths and advertisement panels affixed on the walls, such that they are staggered. The staggered arrangement of the at least two advertisement panels facilitates better visibility and allows the simultaneous viewing of at least two advertisement panels. The longer member also further protects vehicles parked on its side from colliding with shopping carts.

Abstract: A cover assembly for a mattress is provided that includes a first cover and a second cover. The first cover includes a top panel, a bottom panel, and a continuous side panel collectively defining a cavity for enclosing the mattress. The second cover includes a top surface and a bottom surface, with the second cover being positioned over and dimensionally-sized to cover at least the top panel of the first cover. A fastener then connects the second cover to the first cover along the perimeter of the second cover. Methods for marking a mattress are also provided that include the step of marking an indicia indicative of a characteristic of a mattress on the top surface of the second cover of the cover assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a plate defining a surface for holding food that defines at least one opening therein. A collapsible beverage holder fits within the at least one opening defined within the surface of the plate. The collapsible beverage holder is automatically configured to a collapsed configuration responsive to the apparatus being placed on a surface and is automatically configured to an un-collapsed configuration responsive to the apparatus being lifted off the surface by the plate.

Abstract: A stopper for a beverage container is described. The stopper includes a stopper main body that is attached to an upper opening of a beverage container main body and includes a liquid through hole on the inside thereof; and a lid that is axially supported by a hinge shaft that is provided at an end of the stopper main body, and which opens and closes the liquid through hole in a rotational manner; the hinge shaft connects a hinge portion of the stopper main body, and right and left hinge portions of the lid; a storage portion is provided on at least one of the right and left hinge portions of the lid, and the hinge portion of the stopper main body; at least one end of the storage portion in the axis direction of the hinge shaft forms an opening; and a torsion spring is stored in the storage portion, and a cover member covers the opening of the storage portion.

Abstract: The ordered food and drink conveying apparatus includes: a main belt conveyor to form a conveying path leading to a customer seat from a kitchen side of a restaurant; an auxiliary belt conveyor to be provided in extension from the main belt conveyor on the kitchen side to elongate the conveying path; and a control unit to operate the auxiliary belt conveyor and the main belt conveyor upon a conveyance start operation being performed and to convey the dish of the food and drink placed on the auxiliary belt conveyor to the customer seat, the control unit setting the auxiliary belt conveyor in a stop state enabling placement of the dish to be conveyed next on the auxiliary belt conveyor before stopping the main belt conveyor upon the dish being transferred onto the main belt conveyor from the auxiliary belt conveyor by performing the conveyance start operation.

Abstract: The compression sock-donning aid includes an annular member from which a fixed handle extends radially. An actuator handle extends radially from the annular member. Moreover, the actuator handle is able to rotate with respect to the annular member and the fixed handle. The actuator handle is in mechanical connection with a plurality of fingers provided within a central hole of the annular member. Each of the plurality of fingers is able to extend inwardly or retract outwardly with respect to a central point. Rotation of the actuator handle extends or retracts the plurality of fingers. The plurality of fingers is adapted to engage a compression sock so as to aid in opening up said compression sock during the donning process whereby a user inserts a limb into said compression sock.

Abstract: A floor mat comprising several sections each provided with a trench designed to receive an insert, each section having first and second lateral grooves extending along respectively two longitudinal axes, and several joining elements, each joining element being configured to join two sections to one another, each joining element comprising a first set of main tabs inserted in the second lateral groove of a first section and a second set of main tabs inserted in the first lateral groove of a second section.

Abstract: A mailbox insert to prevent mail from contacting pooling water in a mailbox, includes: a front section, including a slanted portion, a front support which is connected to the slanted portion, a middle support, and a front lateral adjustment component; and a rear section, including a rear support which is connected to a rear end of the rear section, at least one side hook, and a rear lateral adjustment component; wherein the front section is configured to be insertable into the at least one side hook such that the front section is slidably coupled to the rear section, whereby the mailbox insert is configured to allow a user to change a length of the mailbox insert; and wherein the front lateral adjustment component and the rear lateral adjustment component are configured to expand and contract laterally, whereby the mailbox insert is configured to allow a user to change a width of the mailbox insert.

Abstract: A snap-fit fruit scoop set includes a first, second, and third fruit scoop, each of the first, second, and third fruit scoops having a corresponding cutting hoop and a handle secured to the cutting hoop. Each of the first, second, and third fruit scoops also includes a locking feature formed on the applicable cutting hoop to enable the first, second, and third fruit scoops to be attached to one another via the locking features.

Abstract: A steam cooker having a lower part, which has raised side walls, wherein the sides walls include two long and two short sides, and which has handles attached to the opposite long side walls so as to be diametrically offset relative to each other, and including a lid, which has a frame, a lid body, a lid handle, and a plurality of openings for pressure equalization, and at least one steam cooking insert to be inserted into the lower part, wherein the steam cooking insert is provided with through-holes for steam to flow through and with handles arranged at an offset.

Abstract: An outdoor food frying apparatus includes a frame having a pot support, a burner element supported upon the frame, and a pot that removably fits the frame. The pot has end walls, a rear wall, a front edge portion, and a bottom wall that gradually increases in curvature from said rear wall to said front edge portion. A basket is pivotally attached to the pot rear wall with one or more hinges. The basket is correspondingly sized and shaped to fit the pot interior. The basket is movable about the hinge between cooking and food discharge positions. The lid is pivotally attached to the pot. The lid is movable between a cooking position wherein the lid covers the pot upper opening and food discharge position wherein the lid rotates at least 180 degrees from said cooking position, forming a tray for receiving food discharged from the basket.

Abstract: A method of boil and boil-dry detection for cooking appliances. The method includes the steps: detecting vibrations that correspond to cookware situated on a burner assembly; generating a vibration signal based on the vibrations; and performing signal processing on the vibration signal. The method also includes the steps: collecting vibration data related to the vibration signal; and detecting boiling and boil-dry conditions for a liquid contained within the cookware based at least in part on an evaluation of the vibration data.

Abstract: The present invention provides a brewing machine, including: a brewing container, a valve device with a timer function, a timer and a seat frame. The brewing container is mounted on the valve device for brewing tea. The valve device is placed on the seat frame, and is capable of switching between a blocking position and an opening position. The timer can be used to set a brewing time. When the pre-set brewing time is up, the timer will switch the valve device to the opening position, so the brewed tea may flow into a container placed on the seat frame from the brewing container through the valve opening. With the brewing machine of the present invention, the over brewing situations which may cause the bitterness in the taste of the brewed tea can be prevented, and the convenience of the tea brewing process is also improved.

Abstract: A system for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage comprises an exchangeable capsule and a fluid dispensing device for supplying an amount of fluid to the exchangeable capsule, a receptacle for holding the exchangeable capsule, and an outlet arrangement for supplying the beverage to a container, such as a cup. The capsule comprises a circumferential wall, a bottom, a lid, an entrance area and a closed exit area. The circumferential wall, the bottom and the lid enclose an inner space that comprises an extractable product. The fluid dispensing device supplies fluid to the extractable product for preparing the beverage. In use, the outlet arrangement is in fluid communication with the exit area for draining the prepared beverage from the capsule. The capsule further comprises an opening element through the closed exit area for draining the prepared beverage from the capsule.

Abstract: A receptacle holding unit (1) for a device for preparing a beverage from an ingredient contained in a receptacle (2) comprises: —a first part (10) with a first engagement arrangement (11); —a second part (20) that has a second engagement arrangement (21) pivotally movable relative to the first engagement arrangement (11) about a longitudinal axis (1?) between a closed position for holding the receptacle in such unit and an open position for inserting the receptacle into such unit and/or for removal therefrom; and —a piercing device (20C) having at least one piercing element (29) for piercing the receptacle (2), this device being assembled to and held by the second part. At least one piercing element (29) is off this axis (1?) and is angularly fixed relative to the first part (10) about this axis (1?) when the second engagement arrangement (21) is pivotally moved relative to the first engagement arrangement (11) about this axis (1?) between the closed and open positions.

Abstract: Methods of controlled heating and/or agitation for liquid food or beverage product creation are disclosed. A method of producing a melted food or beverage liquid product includes receiving a receptacle containing frozen liquid contents in a chamber of a dispenser and identifying a characteristic of the receptacle and/or the contents. The method also includes melting at least a portion of the contents by selectively performing at least one of: heating the receptacle and/or the contents, supplying a dilution liquid to an interior of the receptacle, and/or applying motion to the receptacle and/or the contents in the receptacle. The selectively performing at least one of heating, supplying dilution liquid, and/or applying motion is based on the identified characteristic. The method further includes perforating the receptacle and dispensing the melted food or beverage liquid product from the receptacle.

Abstract: A beverage preparation machine (1) comprising: a body (2) having one or more outer faces (21,22) and a beverage outlet for delivering a beverage on a beverage dispensing area (27); and a module (3) operatively connected to the body adjacent to one of said one or more outer faces. The module is movable into a plurality of different operative connection positions along said one or more outer faces of the body.

Abstract: A heightening device (10) is arranged for heightening a short cup (3?) under a beverage outlet (20) of a beverage preparation module (2) configured to dispense beverage into a tall cup (3). The device (10) comprises: a bottom (12) for resting on a support surface (5); a platform (14) that is supported by the bottom and that is configured for receiving said short cup (3?) and heightening thereof over the bottom (12); and a means (15,16) for assembling the bottom and the platform as a unit (12, 14) to a corresponding assembling means (25, 26) of said beverage preparation module under said outlet. The assembling means (15, 16; 25, 26) of such device (10) and of the module (2) are disassemblable for separating the unit (12, 14) from the module and removing the unit from under such beverage outlet (20) to allow placement of the tall cup (3) on said support surface (5) under the outlet (20).

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a control unit comprising an input/output interface to receive a selection of a product, a dispensing unit in communication with the control unit, the dispensing unit receiving commands from the control unit, the dispensing unit configured to generate a first portion of the product in a first position and generate a second portion of the product in a second position, and a shifting mechanism coupled to the dispensing unit, the shifting mechanism moving a product containing device from the first position to the second position when the first portion of the product is complete, wherein the dispensing unit is configured to generate a portion of a second product in the first position when the dispensing unit is generating the second portion of the product in the second position.

Abstract: A doner kebab rotisserie enables the meat of chicken or doner kebab to be formed, cooked and sliced, and where the formed meats are positioned, a circular knife located in the cutting unit and enabling the doner kebab to be sliced by rotating, and a doner kebab burner including a burner wing used while cooking the kebab and providing heat for the desired area of doner kebab. Specifically, an automatic doner kebab slicing machine disclosed includes a doner kebab follow-up apparatus, the position of the upper section of which does not change when it performs rotating motion in accordance with the circular knife and which enables slicing of the doner kebab at fixed thickness and enables the angular change to be construed by an electronic system by transferring angular change to the bearing during the doner kebab surface follow-up via doner kebab follow-up apparatus bearing where it is positioned.

Abstract: A universal crossover channel that is adapted for use in a wide array of grills. The universal crossover includes a telescopic slide feature that allows it to be extended or shortened and brackets that can be moved both vertically and horizontally to adjust the positioning of the universal crossover channel within the grill's firebox.

Abstract: A grill oiling apparatus includes a handle having a first end and a second end distal from the first end, a head disposed at the second end of the handle, a container, a fluid applicator coupled to the head, and a fluid release mechanism. The head has a receptacle defined therein. The container is disposed within the receptacle, and has a fluid reservoir defined therein. A valve is configured to control fluid flow out of the fluid reservoir. The fluid applicator includes a plurality of apertures defined therein. The fluid release mechanism is operably coupled to the valve and is configured to actuate the valve between a closed position and an open position to provide fluid communication between the fluid reservoir and the apertures.

Abstract: A flatbread toaster is an apparatus that is utilized to toast flatbread. Flatbreads of various sizes are toasted within a plurality of toasting slot assemblies. The flatbread toaster features an expandable slot assembly that is capable of accommodating and cooking additional types and sizes of food as well. The expandable slot assembly includes a translating wall that may be moved in order to adjust the size of the expandable slot assembly. The flatbread toaster is regulated through a plurality of physical inputs located on a control panel that allows the user to provide commands. User commands provided through the plurality of physical inputs are processed by a computing unit. Heat is provided to cook food via a plurality of heating elements within each of the plurality of toasting slot assemblies and a first heating element and a second heating element within the expandable slot assembly.

Abstract: A method for detecting a state of a coffee bean grinder includes providing a supply voltage to a motor of a grinding apparatus, and monitoring with a motor stall detection sensor at least one operating parameter of the motor. The method further includes determining whether a motor stall has been detected based on monitoring the at least one operating parameter. The method also includes measuring using a weight sensor a weight of coffee grounds that have been ground by the grinding apparatus, and determining that no beans are present in a hopper that feeds coffee beans to the grinding apparatus when no motor stall has been detected and no change in weight has been detected at the weight sensor for a predetermined amount of time. A coffee bean grinder is also disclosed.

Abstract: A container configured for use with a food processing system is provided including a container body configurable with a food processing base. A chamber is defined by the container body. A pressure relief mechanism is associated with the container body and is configured to relieve pressure when the pressure within the chamber exceeds a defined pressure threshold.

Abstract: A bathing vessel is made of a segmented sheet wall of layered materials that includes a first layer of polyurethane material, a second layer of polyurethane material attached to the first layer, a third layer of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) material attached to the second layer, and a fourth layer of acrylic material attached to the third layer. The segmented sheet wall has a width a length and a first thickness. The segmented sheet wall has an integral first portion having a second thickness that is that is thinner than the first thickness. The first portion defines a first wall and a second wall in the segmented sheet wall and the first portion is corrugated.

Abstract: A bathtub pillow for reducing a volume of water necessary for filling a bathtub and for providing support and comfort to a user's back, shoulders, neck, and head may include an outer shell defining an interior of the pillow, the outer shell having a front side, a backside, a left side, a right side, a top surface, and a bottom surface; a conformable filler filling the interior of the pillow; and a fastener attached to a surface of the pillow, the fastener being configured to removably attach to a surface of the bathtub. The pillow may be shaped to provide support to a user's back, shoulders, neck, and head. For example, the pillow may be vase shaped.

Abstract: A shower door assembly includes a wall member, a door and a hinge assembly. The wall member is configured to be coupled to a fixed portion of a bathing enclosure. The door is pivotably coupled to the wall member by the hinge assembly, and the door is positioned such that at least a portion of the door overlaps with at least a portion of the wall member when the door is in a closed position. The door is configured to pivot about a pivot axis relative to the wall member between an opened position and a closed position. The door is also configured to translate in a direction normal to the pivot axis to selectively adjust a relative distance between a side edge of the door and a side edge of the wall member such that the door fits in a door opening of the bathing enclosure.

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

Abstract: A dispensing system has a dispenser for sections of a material web wound onto a roll. A support bar is provided, on each end, a bearing journal protruding out from the roll. At least one of the two bearing journals has a mating surface which is not designed as a rotational surface. The dispenser has a guide for each bearing journal that extends to a dispensing position. A counter surface for the mating surface is provided at the beginning of the guide for each bearing journal that has the mating surface. The insertion of the roller into the dispenser is only possible if the mating surface coincides with the counter surface, which extends to in the dispensing position. The roller is rotatably arranged about the central area of the supporting rod, which does not rotate in the dispensing position.

Abstract: A supporter and a vacuum cleaner having the same are provided. The supporter includes: a suction channel portion that includes one end removably connected with a vacuum cleaning unit and the other end connected with a suction nozzle, thereby guiding dirt drawn in through the suction nozzle to the vacuum cleaning unit; an accessory that is received in a receiving recess formed on one side of the suction channel portion; a hinge portion that is disposed in the suction channel portion and supports the accessory to pivot by a predetermined angle; and an unlocking portion that is disposed in the suction channel portion to lock and unlock the accessory with respect to the receiving recess.

Abstract: A canister vacuum cleaner is disclosed, which includes an exterior casing that has a top half and a bottom half. An interior area of the bottom half of the casing houses a motor that is configured to generate a suction force, which is ultimately transmitted through a tube and an appended flexible hose. By positioning the motor at the bottom half of the casing, the vacuum cleaner exhibits a more preferred and ergonomic center of gravity. The canister vacuum cleaner is bagless—and does not require the use of a disposable bag to capture and retain dirt and debris that the vacuum cleaner extracts from the environment. In some cases, the vacuum cleaner utilizes a first, second, and third means for cyclonic separation of dirt and debris.

Abstract: A cyclone vacuum cleaner includes two suction fan stages, three stages of separation, plus a HEPA filter and allows capturing of wet or dry material in bag-less or bagged configuration in non-porous paper or plastic bags as well as ordinary garbage bags with pull tie tops for removal, with no suction loss. A steam generator may be added to provide substitute working vacuum fluid to the normal air for dirt pickup. Acoustic sound dumping may also be provided in the architecture of the assembly.

Abstract: A recycling cleaning device includes a tub body, a sucking device and a tube. The tub body has a receiving space, an inlet communicating with the receiving space and a communication portion for communicating with the receiving space. The tub body is for arrangement on a barrel body and defines at least one passage with the barrel body. The sucking device is for disposed in the barrel body. The tube is connected with the sucking device and has an outlet. When the sucking device is disposed in the barrel body, the tube extends from an interior of the barrel body outside the barrel body through one of the passages, and the outlet is controllably arranged substantially toward the inlet of the tub body.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cleaning robot having an expanded cleaning territory. The cleaning robot of the present invention comprises: a platform in which at least one corner of the exterior thereof has an angle of less than 90°; a first driving wheel of which the central axis is attached to the bottom portion of the platform at a predetermined first angle (?) and a predetermined second angle (??) with respect to the forward direction of the platform; and a second driving wheel of which the central axis is attached to the bottom portion of the platform at the predetermined second angle (??) with respect to the forward direction of the platform.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner suction head having a housing with a support for movement in the fore-aft direction on a surface. A suction inlet extends through the housing, and has a front edge and a rear edge. A sealing plate is pivotally mounted on the bottom of the housing to rotate about a pivot axis extending in a transverse direction. The sealing plate is movable between a raised position and a lowered position. The sealing plate is mounted in a trailing configuration in which, when the sealing plate is in the lowered position, the pivot axis is at the front of the sealing plate with respect to a fore-aft direction, and a lowermost point on the lower surface of the sealing plate is located behind the pivot axis with respect to the fore-aft direction.

Abstract: An autonomous coverage robot includes a cleaning assembly having forward roller and rearward rollers counter-rotating with respect to each other. The rollers are arranged to substantially maintain a cross sectional area between the two rollers yet permitting collapsing therebetween as large debris is passed. Each roller includes a resilient elastomer outer tube and a partially air-occupied inner resilient core configured to bias the outer tube to rebound. The core includes a hub and resilient spokes extending between the inner surface of the outer tube and the hub. The spokes suspend the outer tube to float about the hub and transfer torque from the hub to the outer tube while allowing the outer tube to momentarily deform or move offset from the hub during impact with debris larger than the cross sectional area between the two rollers.

Abstract: Vacuum cleaner filters, in particular replaceable vacuum cleaner filters suitable for both dry and wet/dry type vacuum cleaners are disclosed, as well as systems incorporating the use of such filters and methods for their use. The filters include a plurality of adjacently positioned pleats arranged in a closed circumferential, cylindrically-shaped path, a top end cap having a central orifice capable of constricting a post on a vacuum filter cage, and optionally a molded end ring oppositely-spaced from the top end cap for engagement with the motor housing of a vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A robot cleaner system may include a robot cleaner that may be automatically driven while performing a cleaning operation, a recharging base that receives the robot cleaner, and a remote control device that remotely controls the robot cleaner. The remote control device may also generate mapping information between an actual region and a virtual region based on image information generated by a camera provided on the robot cleaner, and/or image information generated by a camera on the recharging base.

Abstract: The invention provides an upright vacuum cleaner with a swivel and swing handle fitted to the upper end of the upright portion of the vacuum cleaner using a ball and socket joint and a connecting bolt. Because of the ball and socket joint and a spiral spring surrounding the connecting bolt between the ball and socket joint and the upper end of the upright portion of the vacuum cleaner, the handle can freely swivel and rotate at any angle relative to the upright portion to provide enhanced flexibility in maneuvering the vacuum cleaner, thus effectively reducing the bodily stress and strain involved in using a vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A floor cleaning apparatus is provided, including a dirt collection device for picking up dirty liquid from a floor surface to be cleaned as well as a dirty liquid tank, into which the dirty liquid can be transferred. In order to provide a floor cleaning apparatus of this type, which can be handled in a more user-friendly manner, it is proposed that the floor cleaning apparatus has a tank rinsing mechanism with at least one rinsing line, which includes at least one inlet opening for rinsing liquid, which can be provided for the tank rinsing mechanism, as well as at least one outlet opening for delivering rinsing liquid into an interior of the dirty liquid tank.