Abstract: A valance system for a window covering that can be folded and placed within the same shipping box as a wall bracket, top bracket and track sections. The valance extends a length between opposing ends and includes a clip feature that extends out from its rearward side. The clip feature is generally C-shaped or U-shaped when viewed from the side and includes a plurality of friction members in its exterior surface. The valance is covered with a covering material. An end cap having a hinge area that facilitates bending of the end cap is connected to the ends of the valance by connection of a tongue of the end cap to a slot of the valance. The clip feature is sized and shaped to frictionally fit within and be installed within a socket of a top bracket without any tools.

Abstract: A number of mounting systems are provided for mounting a sheet element with respect to a rail element. In one example, the mounting system includes an elongate mounting tape having a first longitudinal edge portion and a second longitudinal edge portion spaced by a width spacing from the first longitudinal edge portion. The first longitudinal edge portion is configured for being affixed to the sheet element. The second longitudinal edge portion includes a plurality of rail-engaging elements in spaced relationship along the second longitudinal edge portion, the rail-engaging elements being configured for engaging with the rail element and for enabling selective longitudinal movement between the mounting tape and the rail element. The mounting tape is elastically deformable in a width direction, at least when the mounting tape is affixed to the flexible sheet.

Abstract: A universal pot for stir-frying, washing, boiling, cooking or steaming food is provided. As a stir-frying pot, it stir-fries food in turning manner. The inner container of the stir-frying pot is turned like a washing machine, and stir-fries food by use of turning power, gravity, etc., and the heat of the pot. As a washing pot, it washes food in the same turning manner. As a boiling pot, it switches off the power supply automatically when the temperature reaches 100° C. The boiled vegetables peel easily. As a cooking pot or a steaming pot, it has part of functions of a microwave oven. All these five pots can be used independently, and they can also be easily transformed to each other and combined to be one pot.

Abstract: An energy efficient cooking device comprising an outer wall for surrounding an enclosure above a heat source. At least one inner wall is disposed inside the enclosure. At least one flat bottom plate is connected to the at least one inner wall only or the outer wall and the at least one inner wall to form a cooking vessel. An area of the at least one bottom plate is smaller than an area surrounded by the outer wall for enabling air heated by the heat source to rise therethrough into a heated air space. The heated air rising up in the heated air space heats the inner wall, which heat is then transferred to the food contained in the cooking vessel.

Abstract: Cookware such as griddles and pots are formed with an oscillation mini-channel that winds back-and-forth between direct and indirect heating regions. An operating fluid that occupies 30-90 percent of the volume of the oscillation mini-channel is placed under vacuum. The mini-channel is dimensioned to produce capillary forces that create vapor bubbles and liquid slugs interspersed throughout the oscillation mini-channel. Heating of the direct heating region creates oscillatory movements of the vapor bubbles and liquid slugs that transfers heat from the direct heating region to the indirect heating region to maintain a more uniform temperature across the food-heating zone. The cookware may exhibit an effective thermal conductivity of at least 1,000 W/m·K.

Abstract: A steam generator for generating steam by boiling water, or other hot water heating device, in either case such as for use in a steam cooker or warewasher, includes a tank structure providing a heating chamber for holding water, and at least one heating element associated with the tank structure for heating water. The tank structure includes a main body wall having a U-shaped cross-sectional profile formed by opposed first and second side wall portions of the heating chamber and a curved bottom wall portion of the heating chamber, wherein the curved bottom wall portion is monolithic with the first and second side wall portions, wherein the main body wall is sheet metal material that has been curved.

Abstract: A liquid extract production system capable of efficiently producing a liquid extract. The system comprising an extractor for extracting a liquid extract from extraction raw materials, a liquid extract tank for storing the liquid extract, a flow path of liquid extract that connects the extractor and the liquid extract tank, a flow meter for measuring the flow rate of the liquid extract provided in the flow path, a density meter for measuring the solid content concentration of the liquid extract provided in the flow path, a solid content calculation unit for calculating the solid content included in the liquid extract that flowed through the flow path based on the measured flow rate and solid content concentration, and a liquid transfer controller for controlling the transfer of liquid extract from the extractor to the liquid extract tank based on the calculated solid content.

Abstract: A brewing apparatus is adapted for brewing articles contained in a capsule, and includes a capsule seat, a control device, and at least one drive mechanism. The capsule seat is adapted to receive the capsule therein. The control device has a slide slot. The at least one drive mechanism engages slidably the slide slot and is connected to the capsule seat. The control device is pivotable to drive slide movement of the at least one drive mechanism, thereby moving the capsule seat and converting the brewing apparatus between a brewing state and a standby state.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing a composition in a pod to form a food product or beverage fit for oral consumption involve the controlled introduction of various fluids, such as hot and cold water, into the pod to facilitate processing of the composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a beverage preparation device (1), in particular a coffee machine, comprising a first outlet (4) and a second outlet (5) which are connected, preferably, to a common supply line (10), also comprising adjusting means for adjusting the distance between the first (4) and the second outlet (5).

Abstract: The invention relates to a feed unit (1) for feeding a liquid foodstuff to a beverage dispensing device, the feed unit having a feed line (2) for feeding the liquid foodstuff from a foodstuff tank (3) to the feed unit (1), a cleaning agent tank (3) for a cleaning agent, and also a cleaning agent pump (7) for conveying the cleaning agent out of the cleaning agent tank (8), the feed unit being characterized in that the device has a cleaning-agent mixing tank (6), which optionally can be arranged at or in the feed unit (1) in a cleaning mode and can be removed from the feed unit (1) in a foodstuff dispensing mode, wherein, in the cleaning mode, cleaning agent can be fed from the cleaning agent tank (8) to the cleaning-agent mixing tank (6) by the cleaning agent pump (7), and cleaning agent and/or a cleaning mixture can be discharged out of the cleaning-agent mixing tank (6) by the feed line (2).

Abstract: A traveling bottle warmer bag system for keeping contents stored in containers warm for extended periods of time. The bag has three insulated layers of material that can be warmed in a microwave and stored yet retaining heat energy. The bag includes a drawstring in order to tightly close the bag after a bottle has been placed within the innermost layer to resist heat loss. When used, it eliminates the worry of a baby's bottle, tanning lotion, or other item becomes cold while traveling.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical kitchen appliance for preparing meals, preferably according to predetermined recipes, with an output interface (2) for outputting information data (4) to a user and an input interface (3) for inputting control commands for control of the electrical kitchen appliance (1) by the user, wherein the information data (4) are stored in a memory (5) connected with the electrical kitchen appliance (1).

Abstract: A roasting spit for cooking food items over a fire, the roasting spit having a fishing rod handle having upper and lower ends; a fishing rod section extending longitudinally from the upper end of the fishing rod handle and having a perpendicular guide loop in proximity to its upper end; a fishing reel having a reel foot attached in proximity to the lower end of the fishing rod handle, a reel body attached to the reel foot, a reel handle rotatably attached to the reel body, a rotating head rotatably attached to the reel body, a line spool, a line spool nut centrally positioned in the rotating head, a reel cover having a central opening, and a rotatable roasting spit attached at a first end to the line spool nut, extending upwardly through the central opening of the reel cover and through the guide loop, and having a food attachment zone at its upper end.

Abstract: A baking toaster for providing baked items, the baking toaster having a liftable upper housing section and a lower housing section, wherein the liftable upper housing section is closable against the lower housing section. A pair of interchangeable baking pans are each seated in the lower and upper housing sections, and are releasable from the baking toaster via a latching mechanism. At least one heating element is disposed in at least one of the upper and lower housing sections, and there is a timer mechanism for enabling a user to pre-set a baking cycle for a specific amount of time, which automatically shuts off the heating element at the end of the pre-set baking cycle, for the convenience of the user and for providing safety against overheating of the baking toaster, thereby also preventing burning of the baked items.

Abstract: A barbecue grill and components thereof that allow a user to obtain a controlled burst of high intensity heat for a limited period of time, comprising at least one quick sear burner, a quick sear valve assembly adapted for fluid communication with the quick sear burner, and a cooking surface adapted to be positioned above the quick sear burner in or on a firebox of a barbecue grill. The quick sear valve assembly, in turn, comprises a main valve for normal operation of the quick sear burner, and a bypass valve for high intensity heat output of limited duration. The quick sear valve assembly includes a mechanism that is configured to allow the user to selectively actuate the bypass valve.

Abstract: A toaster is provided that can include a chamber for receiving and accommodating a food item. The toaster can also include a heating member for generating heat to toast the food item. The toaster can also include a control means for controlling air flow in the chamber. Control of the air flow with the control means can improve heat transfer of the generated heat onto the food item.

Abstract: A kitchen appliance for processing foodstuff comprises a housing defining a hollow space and a longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis extends vertically. A motor is located inside the hollow space. Control means activate and deactivate the motor. A motor output shaft is connected to the motor. A coupling section connects attachments for processing the foodstuff to the housing. A further output shaft transmits the output power to the coupling section and a gear mechanism transmits the output power from the motor output shaft to the further output shaft. The motor and the motor output shaft are arranged to form an angle in the range of 5 to 60° and in particular between 15 and 30° relative to the longitudinal axis. The motor output shaft and the motor run through a plane defined by the longitudinal axis and the further output shaft runs perpendicular to the plane.

Abstract: Blending devices can be used to blend material in a disposable container such as a paper or plastic cup. A blending device may have a jar or container portion that is insertable into a disposable container and that seals its opening. A space within the jar or container portion contains a blending blade assembly that is rotatable to blend material in the disposable container. A shelf or overhanging structure may extend partially over the bottom surface of the jar or container portion to limit movement of material out of the space in the jar or container portion in a vertical and lateral direction to reduce stresses on the container during blending. After blending, the disposable container may be removed from the blending device and the blended material may be served directly in the container. Ducted blending and other flow control devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: A stirring knife assembly includes a knife shaft and a knife assembly. The knife assembly is connected to the knife shaft, and includes a first knife and a second knife. The first knife has a body and five blades. The body has an outer periphery and a horizontal surface defined by the outer periphery. The five blades respectively extend outwards from the outer periphery of the body. The second knife is disposed on the body of the first knife. In this way, the stirring knife assembly can efficiently break up food in a stirring cup.

Abstract: Blending devices can be used to blend material in a container such as a reusable container or a disposable liner, such as a paper or plastic cup. In some instances, a reusable container can be coupled to an adapter that includes a blade assembly to blend a food product. The food product can be blended directly within the container when the container is coupled to the adapter. In further instances, the reusable container can selectively couple a liner or multiple different sizes of liners to the adapter. The food product can be blended within the liner without any of the food product coming into contact with an interior of the container.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an egg preparation apparatus. Exemplary implementations may facilitate preparing eggs by using one or more of a platform, a first container, a first container mount, a second container, a second container mount, an egg scorer, an egg scorer mount, a scoring edge, a storage compartment, a slide-out drawer, an egg separator, one or more platform attachment mounts, and/or other components. The platform may be configured to removably couple with one or more of a first container, a second container, and/or an egg scorer. The first container may be configured to receive one or more of egg whites, egg yolks, and/or other ingredients. The second container may be configured to receive one or more egg shells and/or other waste. The egg scorer may be configured to facilitate one or more of cutting, scoring, cracking, and/or other methods of opening egg shells.

Abstract: A kitchen or cooking utensil has a head portion and a handle portion. A handle shaft connects the head portion and the handle portion of the utensil. The handle shaft is provided with perforations for straining liquid from foodstuffs that are located in a container. The utensil may optionally incorporate a magnet in the handle shaft near the head portion of the utensil to assist in holding the handle shaft against the rim of the container. In an alternative embodiment, the handle shaft has a grater and/or zester function.

Abstract: A coconut opener for accessing and removing coconut water from a fresh coconut, comprises a coconut shell penetrating hollow shaft comprising, at a distal end, a blade with a sharp, pointed tip, a disc affixed centrally and transversely atop a proximal end of the shaft and comprising a central aperture within a top surface of the disc, the aperture aligned with the hollow shaft such that in use, a straw may be inserted through the aperture and through the hollow shaft to access the coconut water; and wherein a plurality of grip indentations are formed in an outer rim of the disc.

Abstract: A bathtub water capturing assembly includes a mount with a top wall having a front edge, a rear edge, a first end edge and a second end edge. A front wall is attached to and extends downwardly from the front edge. A rear wall is attached to and extends downwardly from the rear edge. A receiving space is defined between the front and rear walls. The receiving space receives the bathtub wall. A housing for catching water is attached to the front wall. The housing has an open top side.

Abstract: Described herein is a scrubbing device. The scrubbing device designed for placement within the palm of a user's hand. The scrubbing device comprised of a bag portion defining an exterior scrubbing surface and interior cavity. The interior cavity including a plurality of rigid beads. The combination of bag portion and the bead portion creating a device with increased surface area for scrubbing.

Abstract: The present application provides a dispenser for a roll of sheet product. The dispenser may include a housing with a first wall, a discharge chute, and a roll support mechanism positioned within the housing. The roll support mechanism forces the roll against the first wall at a fixed contact area.

Abstract: A hand vacuum cleaner has a handle provided at the rear end of the hand vacuum cleaner, the handle having a hand grip portion that extends upwardly and forwardly. An energy storage member is positioned above and overlying the hand grip portion, a suction motor and fan assembly that is positioned forward of the hand grip portion and a clean air outlet positioned rearward of the suction motor and fan assembly.

Abstract: A brushbar including: a body having a channel extending in the longitudinal direction and a retaining feature provided along each side of the channel and spaced away from a bottom, wherein a depth of the channel decreases in the longitudinal direction of the channel; an agitator element that includes a flexible strip and an agitator, wherein the flexible strip is disposed in the channel and extends between each retaining feature and the bottom of the channel such that the retaining features retain the flexible strip in the channel and the agitator extends radially from the channel; and a shim disposed between the flexible strip and the bottom of the channel such that the flexible strip abuts each retaining feature, wherein a thickness profile of the shim decreases in the longitudinal direction by an amount corresponding to the decrease in the depth of the channel.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner power nozzle adjustable for use on low- and high-pile carpets. Vent openings across the front of the nozzle selectively open to introduce a secondary flow of air at the leading side of the roller brush of the nozzle. The secondary flow of air reduces resistance to movement of the power nozzle over high-pile carpet, and is drawn under the rotating roller brush to aid in displacement and removal of particulate from the carpet.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaning apparatus including a cyclonic separating apparatus having a first cyclonic separator, a second cyclonic separator downstream, a first dirt collector for collecting dirt from the first cyclonic separator comprising an end wall, and a second dirt collector for collecting dirt from the second cyclonic separator comprising an outer wall and at least a portion of the end wall. The first dirt collector and the outer wall of the second dirt collector are movable between a closed configuration in which the end wall abuts the outer wall and an open configuration in which the end wall is spaced from the outer wall for removing dirt from the second collector. The apparatus comprises a detent mechanism for permitting movement of the first dirt collector and the outer wall of the second dirt collector from the closed to the open configurations and to prevent movement into the open configuration.

Abstract: A separating apparatus including a first cyclonic separating unit that includes a first cyclonic separator having a separator axis, a second cyclonic separating unit that includes a second cyclonic separator, the second cyclonic separating unit being movable between a first position and a second position with respect to the first separating unit in a direction which is parallel with the separator axis, a screen disposed within the first cyclonic separator such that it extends parallel with the separator axis. The screen is connected to the second cyclonic separating unit for movement with the second cyclonic separating unit. The separating apparatus includes a wipe for cleaning the screen, wherein the wipe is secured to the first cyclonic separating unit such that movement of the second cyclonic separating unit from the first position to the second position moves the screen relative to the wipe thereby cleaning debris from the screen.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner including a cyclonic separating unit that includes a cyclonic separator having a separator axis and an end wall which is openable for the removal of dirt from the cyclonic separator, a screen disposed within the cyclonic separator such that it extends in the longitudinal direction of the cyclonic separator, wherein the cyclonic separator is movable relative to the screen between a first position and a second position in the longitudinal direction of the cyclonic separator; a catch arranged to secure the openable end wall in a closed position; and an actuator which is actuated to release the catch when the cyclonic separator is moved into the second position. In an alternative embodiment, there is provided a vacuum cleaner apparatus in which the actuator is enabled for subsequent release of the catch when the cyclonic separator is moved into the second position.

Abstract: A cleaner including a cyclone dust collector is disclosed. The cleaner includes a dust collector configured to separate dust from air through centrifugation. The dust collector includes: a dust collection case having an inlet through which air is introduced and an outlet through which the air is discharged; and at least one dust separator arranged to separate dust from the air introduced through the inlet. A cleaning member is provided in the at least one dust separator such that the cleaning member cleans at least a portion of an inner wall of the at least one dust separator.

Abstract: A domestic appliance includes an electric motor; a switch assembly for selectively connecting the motor to a power source; a handle; and a manually-operable trigger movable relative to the handle between an active position and a passive position. The trigger and the switch assembly are arranged such that the switch assembly is in a motor-connecting state when the trigger is in the active position, and is in a motor-disconnecting state when the trigger is in the passive position. The domestic appliance comprises a first biasing member which is arranged to urge the trigger away from the passive position and towards the active position.

Abstract: A wheel driving device includes: a motor rotating a shaft: an input gear fixed to the shaft; at least one transmission gear meshed with the input gear to transmit power of the motor; and a final gear meshed with the transmission gear and connected with a wheel via an axis to transmit the power from the transmission gear to the wheel. The wheel driving device includes an extraction gear meshed with the final gear or the transmission gear, and a power transmission part connected with the extraction gear to transmit the power from the extraction gear to a cleaner head.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method of manual surface cleaning comprising the steps of: a) wet wiping a surface with cleaning textiles wetted with a use solution of a detergent composition A; b) washing the cleaning textiles soiled in step a) by mechanically and automatically washing in a use solution of the detergent composition A; c) wet wiping a surface with cleaning textiles obtained in step b) and wetted with the use solution of the detergent composition A; d) optionally repeating steps b) and c) at least once. The present invention further refers to the use of a detergent composition A for manual surface cleaning involving the use of cleaning textiles and for washing said cleaning textiles soiled by said manual surface cleaning, wherein the detergent composition A comprises at least one surfactant and the washing of said cleaning textiles is carried out in the presence of a preserving agent or preserving composition.

Abstract: A steam frame for a steam appliance has a body, a passageway in the body for passage of a fluid medium, and a member such as an unbalanced rotatable turbine in fluid communication with the passageway, where the member is capable of being engaged by the fluid medium to produce vibrations in the body for enhanced cleaning performance. A steam attachment includes a body, a pad covering at least a portion of the body, and a heating element coupled to the body. The heating element and vibration-producing member may be used separately or together.

Abstract: Support structures for dishwashers are disclosed. An example dishwasher for treating dishes according to a cycle of operation includes a tub defining a treating chamber with an opening, a frame coupled to and structurally supporting at least a portion of the tub, a dish rack mount coupled to the frame, and a dish rack coupled to the dish rack mount, wherein the weight of the dish rack is substantially borne by the frame.

Abstract: A heat pump for a dishwasher includes an upper shell (10) defining an upper chamber (100) therein, a heating pipe (20) disposed in the upper chamber (100), a lower shell (30) defining a lower chamber (300) therein and detachably connected with the upper shell (10), an impeller (40) disposed in the lower chamber (300), and a flowing guide (50) disposed in the upper chamber (100) and adjacent to the heating pipe (20). The upper shell (10) includes an inlet (101) disposed in an upper end surface thereof and communicated with the upper chamber (100). A dishwasher including the heat pump is also provided. With a guiding effect of the flowing guide (50), the stream may contact with the heating pipe (20) and perform a complete heat exchange with the heating pipe (20), thus enhancing the heat exchanging efficiency of the heating pipe (20) and totally improving the heating efficiency of the heat pump.

Abstract: A dishwasher, in particular a commercial single-tank dishwasher or commercial multi-tank dishwasher, for washing washware includes a liquid transportation line (100) with at least one supply line for supplying liquid at a first temperature and comprising at least one discharge line for discharging liquid at a second temperature, wherein the supply line and the discharge line run coaxially in relation to one another, so that either the supply line or the discharge line forms an internal line (10) which runs in the direction of extent of the liquid transportation line (100) within the respectively other supply line or discharge line which for its part forms an external line (20), and thereby form a countercurrent heat exchanger.

Abstract: A method for producing an endoscope that includes an endoscope head and an optic tube, including the steps of providing the endoscope head, providing the optic tube, and pushing a proximal end area of the optic tube into a distal end area of the endoscope head. The distal end area of the endoscope head is press-fitted with the proximal end area of the optic tube.

Abstract: The present invention provides medical devices comprising at least one visualization device sealed to, attached to or otherwise combined with at least one of the following second devices: an oral airway, ventilating mask, urinary catheter, trocar, a tool tube, and a medical glove. The present invention also provides methods for rapid and accurate placement of a medical device in a patient and continuous real time monitoring, including a remote monitoring, of the patient after the placement.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes a solid state image pickup device including a plurality of pixels with a photoelectric conversion element, a transfer section, an electric charge conversion section, a reset section, an operation mode control section configured to switch a first operation mode in which the reset section and the transfer section are turned off, and a second operation mode in which the reset section is turned off, and the transfer section is turned on, a black level correction section, and a memory, and transfers a synchronous signal for outputting an image signal from the solid state image pickup device, and a control signal for causing the solid state image pickup device to operate in the first operation mode and the second operation mode respectively by using a common signal line.

Abstract: An endoscopic device and method is disclosed. The device may comprise a shaft extending between a distal end and a proximal end. The shaft may include a controllable bend, a lumen, and a controllable channel movably set in the lumen. The device may further comprise a handle at the proximal end of the shaft. The handle may include a controller selectively engageable with the at least one controllable bend and the controllable channel. The methods may comprise steps for operating the device.

Abstract: A bendable rigid endoscope includes: a rigid insertion portion; a flexible bending portion; an operation portion at which angle levers for bending the bending portion are provided; and a finger rest/holding portion including a finger rest portion that allows a finger of a user inserted to the finger rest/holding portion when the user holds the operation portion, the finger rest/holding portion being provided on the insertion portion side of the operation portion relative to the angle lever in such a manner that the finger rest groove is pivotable around a longitudinal axis of the operation portion.

Abstract: A drive shaft extends inside a tubular section along a shaft axis, and the drive shaft rotates around the shaft axis while transmitting a driving force generated in a driving source to a driven portion. The drive shaft includes multiple extension sections, and a hard section. Each of the extension sections extends along the shaft axis. The hard section is interposed between two of the extension sections in a direction along the shaft axis, and has a higher rigidity in comparison to that of the extension sections.

Abstract: Various embodiments include an endoscopic device. A sheath may enclose the device and may thereby guard against environmental contamination. The sheath may include one or more channels for transmission of instruments and/or solution to and from the body. The sheath may be disposable. A stopper unit may reduce fluid leakage from inside a body cavity during a procedure. The stopper unit may include a serrated outer contour to assist in catching at a body orifice. The stopper unit may have a perforable inner barrier designed to reseal about a probing portion inserted through the stopper unit.

Abstract: A robot guiding system employs a robot unit (10) and a control unit (20). The robot unit (10) includes an endoscope (12) for generating an intra-operative endoscopic image (14) of a blood vessel tree within an anatomical region, and a robot (11) for moving the endoscope (12) within the anatomical region. The control unit (20) includes an endoscope controller (22) for generating an endoscopic path within the anatomical region, wherein the endoscopic path is derived from a matching of a graphical representation of the intra-operative endoscopic image (14) of the blood vessel tree to a graphical representation of a pre-operative three-dimensional image (44) of the blood vessel tree. The control unit (20) further includes a robot controller (21) for commanding the robot (11) to move the endoscope (12) within the anatomical region in accordance with the endoscopic path.

Abstract: Computerized information acquisition and processing apparatus. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an ingestible (e.g., swallowable) computerized device that includes a video apparatus, digital processor apparatus, and a wireless interface. A non-ingestible portion of the system communicates with the ingestible device via the wireless interface and, using computer software and algorithms, processes video data generated by the ingestible device relating to the intestinal tract of a living subject, so as to enhance the speed and/or accuracy of review by a physician or other individual. In one variant, the algorithmic processing by the non-ingestible apparatus includes one or more of: (i) color intensity analysis; (ii) artifact shape analysis; and/or (iii) inter-frame similarity analysis. In another variant, the ingestible device is configured to compress the data using the processor apparatus prior to transmission over the interface to conserve wireless bandwidth.