Abstract: A molded double frame display hanging frame system that is easy to assembly to hang a display object on a vertical surface. The system includes a square or rectangular platform with four, straight perpendicularly aligned outer edges. Attached to the platform's outer edges is the outer frame. Formed on the center region of the platform is a four sided, raised inner frame structure that allows an inner frame to be selectively attached to the front surface of the platform. A plurality of holes are formed at the inside corners of the mounting area adjacent to the inner frame structure which receive pin connectors that hold the display object over the mounting area. A transparent panel may be placed over the display object and held in position by the inner frame. The platform, the outer frame, and the inner frame may be made of molded composite material.

Abstract: An insect barrier and repellant fabric includes a plurality of resilient spacers. Each resilient spacer has a first end secured to a first side of a fabric substrate, and a free second end extending away from the fabric substrate. A pesticide is carried by the plurality of resilient spacers. The pesticide is one of permethrin, deltamethrin or other similar chemical insect repellant. The pesticide may be carried on a surface of the resilient spacers or encapsulated within its structure, for example.

Abstract: The invention relates to a convertible cushion that may be used as a blanket in an unfolded configuration or used as a cushion or bed in a folded configuration. One use of such a device relates to a fully washable pet bed. When folded, the convertible cushion may be used by a pet as a bed. When unfolded, the convertible cushion may be used as a blanket. Additionally, the device is constructed of material that is fully washable so that it may be washed in a typical household washing machine when in the unfolded position and fully cleaned. For some configurations, the convertible cushion may further be used in a pocketbook mode, a backpack mode, and a sleeping bag mode (by combining two or more convertible cushions).

Abstract: A insert device method and system that can prevent the undesirable spill and splash of sloshing liquids through the sip-hole a container and or the sip-hole of a lid, but yet still allow liquid to pass through the sip-hole. This is achieved by creating a tube or tubular flow-path or labyrinth flow-path device, with a inlet, and flange that could be secured to a sip-hole in efforts to direct and control the flow and rate of liquid from within a container. These elements can be combined with a tear-off seal, or plug to help to thwart and deflect sloshing liquid thereby minimizing or preventing the accidental release of liquid while still allowing the passage of liquid, and in some cases improving the flow of liquid. The addition of a removable seal or plug can allow the device to prevent liquid flow as desired.

Abstract: The invention relates to a set of interaction techniques for obtaining input to a computer system based on methods and apparatus for detecting properties of the shape, location and orientation of flexible display surfaces, as determined through manual or gestural interactions of a user with said display surfaces. Such input may be used to alter graphical content and functionality displayed on said surfaces or some other display or computing system. The invention also relates to interactive food or beverage container with associated computing apparatus inside its body, and a curved multitouch display on its surface, associated interaction techniques for curved multitouch displays, methods of use, and apparatus for refilling said electronic food or beverage container.

Abstract: Among other things, a container has two open ends and a blob that is edible or medicinal. The blob is in contact with an inner wall of the container. The inner wall is tapered to be narrower at one of the open ends than at the other open end.

Abstract: This invention is a micro-featured surface with improved insulation and condensation resistance comprising: a micro-structure included with the substrate having an arrangement of a first set of micro-features and a second set of micro-features; a first micro-feature horizontal cross section taken from the group consisting of a circle, oval, polygon, and concave portion; a condensation rate less than 0.15 grams when measure by an ambient test method; and an improved hold time of 23.00% or greater as shown by hold testing wherein a micro-feature density is in a range of 5.00% to 25.00%.

Abstract: A serving tray comprising a planar member coated with a nonslip material for bearing food items and a periphery extending substantially upwards with respect to the planar member. A handle extending outwards from a bottom surface of the planar member, for receiving a portion of user's hand in order to provide a firm grip and a plurality of short leg members positioned on the bottom surface for supporting the serving tray when placed on a flat surface.

Abstract: There is provided a tray comprising a body having a base; and a mounting mechanism adapted to enable a food or beverage holding accessory to be removably mounted over the base of the tray through a clutching mechanism located at said accessory. The clutching mechanism can be a mechanical or magnetic clutching mechanism. The present invention also relates to a food or beverage accessory for use with a tray, and a tray kit comprising a tray and a selection of accessories each one having a clutching mechanism such that the accessories can interchangeably be mounted in and demounted off the tray based in the use desired; wherein each one of the food or beverage holding accessory has a structure adapted for a specific type of food or beverage.

Abstract: A donning device for underwear and pants. An extendable rod has a handle end and a telescoping end. A spring loaded grasping clip is rigidly connected to the telescoping end. The spring loaded grasping clip is biased in the closed position to firmly grasp the underwear or pants so that underwear or pants may be easily donned.

Abstract: A privacy curtain assembly includes a main curtain portion. The main curtain portion includes a first side, a second side, and oppositely disposed leading edges located between the first and second sides. The privacy curtain assembly also includes at least one cleanable, wipable panel that is permanently affixed to one of the leading edges of the main curtain portion. The at least one panel is configured to be cleaned while permanently affixed to the main curtain portion.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of portable ovens, specifically a portable oven designed to be placed in the ground to employ specific heating and cooking technologies. This portable invention includes several layers or components: a ground layer, or the cavity dug in the terrain, a fire layer, a stone layer or other heating element, a lower layer of packing material, the food layer, an upper layer of packing material, and the cap. The portability of the invention and interchangeability of the parts allow the user to easily create unique cuisine.

Abstract: A control system is described for synchronizing food processing steps performed by a multi-function cooking apparatus with food processing steps performed by one or more remote kitchen appliances, includes a recipe program interface for accessing a recipe program on a data storage device wherein the recipe program is configured to be executed by the cooking apparatus and has internal instructions configured to control functions of the cooking apparatus for performing food processing steps thereon, and has at least one external instruction for a remote food processing step performed by a particular remote kitchen appliance.

Abstract: A control system, method and computer program product for controlling food processing steps performed by a multi-function cooking apparatus and food processing steps performed by one or more remote kitchen appliances for preparing a food product. A recipe program interface is configured to access on a data storage device a recipe program for preparing the food product wherein the recipe program is configured to be executed by the cooking apparatus and to synchronize food processing steps performed by the cooking apparatus with food processing steps performed by the one or more remote kitchen appliances. A validation component is configured to check if the one or more remote kitchen appliances are registered with the cooking apparatus in an appliance registry, and is further configured to check if technical specifications of registered remote kitchen appliances comply with control parameters in respective recipe program instructions.

Abstract: An improved filter (1) for espresso coffee machines (M) including a rigid main filtering containment and/or support body (20), suitable to be coupled with a support element belonging to an espresso coffee machine (M) and shaped to define an inner seat (21) suitable to receive powder coffee, as well as, a disposable middle filtering containment and/or retaining insert (10) made of food use material, removably coupled with the rigid main filtering body (20) by means of at least partly insertion into the inner seat (21), shaped as to define an inner space (11) suitable to receive the powder coffee to be used in preparing espresso coffee by means of leaching of hot water, avoiding contact between the powder coffee and the main filtering body (20), provided with a laminar filtering bottom (14) in which separation means (18) are defined suitable to favour passing of a coffee infusion.

Abstract: A beverage preparation system comprising: a capsule dispenser to dispense a capsule to a user as a dispensing operation; a beverage preparation machine to extract an ingredient of a beverage from a capsule supplied thereto by a user as a beverage preparation operation, the capsule dispenser and beverage preparation machine being operatively linked by a control system, the control system being configured to: obtain dispensing information for determining a dispensing count, which comprises a running count of the capsule dispensing operations; obtain beverage preparation information for determining a beverage preparation count, which comprises a running count of the beverage preparation operations; wherein the control system is configured to disable a subsequent beverage preparation operation if the dispensing count is less than or equal to beverage preparation count or if the dispensing count is less than beverage preparation count by more than a first predetermined amount.

Abstract: A tankless beverage brewing apparatus that includes a digital controller for dynamically varying the water temperature and/or the brew flow rate of the dispensed beverage is disclosed. In some embodiments, a main supply line of the tankless beverage brewing apparatus includes a pressure reducer, a pressure sensor, a linear heater, a temperature sensor, and a spray valve; all supplying a hot water spray head and/or a hot water spigot. The inlet of the main supply line of the tankless beverage brewing apparatus may be connected directly to the local cold water supply. The controller uses feedback from the temperature sensor and/or the pressure sensor to dynamically vary the water temperature and/or the brew flow rate depending on the type of beverage being brewed.

Abstract: Presented herein is a system and a method (i.e., utility) for use in defrosting frozen food items. The utility is directed generally to a device and its use that directs a flow of a defrosting fluid (e.g., water) into a lower portion of a basin where the water passes upwards to the rim of the basin to defrost frozen items placed in the basin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a handle for a cooking vessel that includes at least one thermoelectric generator thermally connected to a heat sink. The invention is characterised in that the handle has an inner cavity that extends longitudinally over at least one third of the length of the handle, and the heat sink extends longitudinally inside the cavity through at least two thirds of the length thereof.

Abstract: A feeding device is to be mounted on a baking apparatus and includes a container and a conveying unit. The container is formed with a containing space for containing food material and includes an outlet spaced apart from the containing space. The conveying unit is disposed between the containing space and the outlet, and is configured to convey the food material from the containing space to the outlet for dispensing the food material from the outlet to the baking apparatus.

Abstract: A grilling apparatus includes a case unit and a feeding seat. The case unit has a containing recess for detachably receiving the feeding seat.

Abstract: A method and apparatus can include: a body; a hood covering coupled to the body, the hood covering including an outer shell, the outer shell including an exhaust port; a flue attached to the outer shell, the flue including a flue output and a flue input; and a grating mounted within the body.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a charcoal grill apparatus.

Abstract: A grill, comprising a housing (1), a carrier shell (3) arranged inside the housing (1) at a distance from the housing (1) on all sides, a substantially cylindrical wood-charcoal chamber (20), which stands in the carrier shell (3) and has a cover (24), a grill grate arranged above the wood-charcoal chamber (20), and an air supply device, which produces an air flow directed into the wood-charcoal chamber (20) from below the carrier shell (3), is characterized in that the cylindrical wall (23) of the wood-charcoal chamber (20) is produced from a stainless-steel sheet and in that the stainless-steel sheet is slotted, perforated, or stretched.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus may include a cooking chamber, a heating mechanism, a microwave generator, and a waveguide. The cooking chamber may hold cooking media. The heating mechanism may be disposed at the cooking chamber and may heat the cooking media. The microwave generator may produce microwave energy. The waveguide may be disposed on the cooking chamber and may transmit the microwave energy from the microwave generator to the cooking chamber. The microwave generator may be mounted to the waveguide at one end portion of the waveguide. An opening may be formed in an opposite end portion of the waveguide through which the microwave energy may enter the cooking chamber. The opposite end portion of the waveguide may be opposite to the one end portion of the waveguide.

Abstract: The invention provides a cooking device comprising a heating chamber (10), a heating element (12) for heating a cooking medium in the heating chamber, a temperature sensor (14) for monitoring a temperature of the cooking medium over time, and a mass sensor (16) for monitoring a mass of a food item to be cooked in the heating chamber over time. The cooking device also comprises a controller (18) for processing information from the mass sensor and temperature sensor to provide a prediction of the food item core temperature and to control a cooking process in dependence on the predicted food item core temperature.

Abstract: A pan holder for supporting batter-dipping pans from the front edge of a restaurant type fryer, especially a flat bottom type fryer with a raised front edge. The pan holder comprises a frame with an opening for receiving the batter-dipping pan and supporting the upper flange of the pan, a rear hook edge configured to mate with the front raised edge of the fryer, and side brace panels for engaging the front face of the fryer. The holder includes finger holes in both sides of the frame, extending beyond the pan flange so that the pan can be lifted evenly out of the frame; utensil holders formed in the side brace panels; and a perforated and/or discontinuous rear hook edge configured to reduce heat transfer and increase drainage of hot oil.

Abstract: The present invention is a sleeve that is place or wrapped around a beverage container. The sleeve is designed to either heat the beverage container to keep or change the temperature of the liquid within the beverage container. It can also be used to keep a users hand warm while drinking a cool beverage.

Abstract: A coffer grinding and dosing device (12) comprises: a collection chamber (16) for containing coffee beans, underneath which a grinding zone (14) comprising a grinder (18) operated by an electric motor (20) is provided. The device is characterized in that the collection chamber (16) is positioned underneath the electric motor (20).

Abstract: A device (1) for processing foods includes a container (2) containing a dividing element (3, 4) for cutting through a food in order to produce a strip-shaped, spiral cut material, a housing (5) for accommodating the container (2), and a supporting element (6) for supporting the food, wherein the container (2) is rotatable in the housing (5). An intermediate space (7) is provided between the supporting element (6) and the dividing element (3, 4) in order to clamp the food, wherein the dividing element (3, 4) for cutting through the food is connected to the container (2), and therefore the cut material can be produced by the dividing element (3, 4) by a rotational movement of the container (2) and can be guided into an interior space (24) of the container (2).

Abstract: Food blending can include maintaining a reservoir for holding a liquid for use in blending a set of food ingredients; and dispensing the liquid from the reservoir into a container for blending the food ingredients in the food blending system.

Abstract: A food processor includes a base, a motor disposed within the base, a drive shaft operatively connected to the motor and extending outwardly from the base, the output shaft being rotatable upon actuation of the motor, a bowl mounted on the base for containing food items, a lid for covering the bowl and having an opening therein, and a sidewall cleaning mechanism operable to scrape an interior sidewall of the bowl while the lid is engaged with the bowl.

Abstract: A container is adapted for use in a blender, and includes a surrounding wall surrounding an axis, defining a receiving space, and having an inner surface that faces the receiving space and that has spaced-apart bottom and top edges. The container further includes a plurality of turbulence ridges protruding from the inner surface of the surrounding wall into the receiving space. Each of the turbulence ridges extends from the bottom edge toward the top edge of the inner surface and extends spirally about the axis.

Abstract: A blending device is shown and described. The blending device may include a blending container and a power source operatively connected to the blending container. The power source may be configured to supply power to the blending container. The blending container may also include a feature that is powered by the power source.

Abstract: An improved blender or food processor is provided that moves a blade translationally in the vertical plane while another blade or blade assembly rotates in the horizontal plane to stop the blender from cavitating the contents while blending viscous fluids (an air pocket from forming around the cutting blades or forming a vortex or a disruptive vacuum). Both actions of rotating the lower blades and translationally moving the upper blade are done simultaneously using one motor. In a related embodiment, rotational and translational movements are provided with decoupled gear assemblies.

Abstract: A cooking utensil for securing a food article over a heat source, including an elongate member extending to a fork head, the fork head comprising a first segment having a generally circular portion, the first segment extending to a second segment having at least two prongs.

Abstract: A container is for storing kitchen and cooking utensils (in an upright orientation). The container is preferably heat-resistant to enable use on a stove. The container is further configured for establishing, in operational use, a releasable connection between the container and a pan, such as a casserole or pot. The container comprises a releasable coupling for establishing the releasable connection between the container and the pan. The releasable coupling comprises a corner or hook for being hung over an edge of the pan in operational. use.

Abstract: What is disclosed an improved spatula-tong combination culinary tool, wherein the tong member is coupled to the spatula member in a way such that the tong member is movable to and from one side of the spatula member via a hinged/pivotable/rotatable coupling, and wherein the hinged/pivotable/rotatable coupling is disposed such that the tong member can bias food from a cooking surface onto the spatula from the side of the spatula and the axis of rotation of the tong member is orthogonal with respect to the planar surface of the spatula. In variations, the tool-heads of the improved culinary tool are detachably removable and changeable to other tool members, including the ability to interchange the positions of the spatula member and the tong member, in case a user prefers to bias target food items onto the spatula member from one side or another.

Abstract: An electrical kitchen appliance for preparing food has an operator control unit for entering control instructions for control of the electrical kitchen appliance by a user. The operator control unit can be removably attached to the electrical kitchen appliance and, in the process, can be operated in a first operating mode and in a second operating mode, wherein the operator control unit for entering control instructions for control of the electrical kitchen appliance by the user is attached to the electrical kitchen appliance in the first operating mode and is removed from the electrical kitchen appliance in the second operating mode. An electrical kitchen appliance of this kind which has an operator control unit which can be individually operated is provided in this way.

Abstract: The invention relates to a handle for a cooking vessel or lid that includes at least one thermoelectric generator. The invention is characterized in that the handle has a releasable locking device and the thermoelectric generator has at least one first contact surface thermally connected to a thermal coupling part that comes into contact under stress with a portion of the cooking vessel or lid when the releasable locking device of the handle is in a locked position on the cooking vessel or lid.

Abstract: Disclosed is a frying fan holder including a frame structure including a pair of vertical frames that are spaced apart from each other and are vertically formed, and one or more horizontal frames that connect the pair of vertical frames, and a plurality of holding members, each of which includes a pair of outer holding parts, each of which has a protrusion coupled to a corresponding one of the pair of vertical frames at one end thereof and has an opposite end that is horizontally curved, and an inner holding part formed between the pair of outer holding parts, wherein the plurality of holding members are formed on one side or opposite sides of the frame structure.

Abstract: A walk-in tub includes a tub frame having a door frame provided in one or more of the walls of the tub frame. The tub further includes a door hingedly connected to the door frame and adapted for movement between an open position into the interior cavity of the tub and a closed position aligned with the door frame. A sealing face is provided on the door frame facing the interior cavity of the tub. A seal is disposed around a perimeter of the door for sealing the door against the sealing face when the door is in the closed position. A latching mechanism on the door is operable between a latching position and an unlatching position and includes a slidable latching pin that is slidable to engage a pin receiver in the latching position when the door is locked and disengage from the pin receiver in the unlatching position when the door is unlocked.

Abstract: A bodily scrubbing assembly includes a housing that may be removably coupled to a wall in a shower. A sponge is removably positioned in the housing. Thus, the sponge is retained on the shower thereby facilitating the sponge to scrub a user's body. A plurality of couplers is provided and each of the couplers is coupled to the sponge. Each of the couplers engages the housing such that the sponge is removably retained in the housing.

Abstract: An upright surface cleaning apparatus comprises a floor cleaning head and an upright section movably mounted to the surface cleaning head. A cleaning unit is removably mounted to the support structure and comprises an auxiliary cleaning tool.

Abstract: A hand carryable surface cleaning apparatus comprises a body housing a suction motor and comprising a handle. The handle has a handgrip portion that extends upwardly in an upward direction when the surface cleaning apparatus is disposed on a horizontal surface, wherein the handle and a rear surface of the body define a finger gap in which a user may place the user's fingers while gripping the handle. The suction motor is positioned adjacent the rear surface of the body.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises a hand vacuum cleaner, a surface cleaning head and an air flow conduit extending from the surface cleaning head air outlet to the hand vacuum cleaner air inlet, the air flow conduit comprising a rigid wand and a flexible suction hose positioned downstream of the rigid wand and upstream of the hand vacuum cleaner air inlet.

Abstract: A portable surface cleaning apparatus has a main body, an air treatment member and a handle wherein the dirty air inlet is provided in the front face at a location below the horizontal plane, and wherein the handle overlies a portion of the cyclone chamber and the suction motor

Abstract: A method of scheduling a robotic device enables the device to run autonomously based on previously loaded scheduling information. The method consists of a communication device, such as a hand-held remote device, that can directly control the robotic device, or load scheduling information into the robotic device such that it will carry out a defined task at the desired time without the need for further external control. The communication device can also be configured to load a scheduling application program into an existing robotic device, such that the robotic device can receive and implement scheduling information from a user.

Abstract: An auxiliary waste removal system for a surface maintenance machine, having a vacuum wand for removing waste from the floor surface, a reusable bagless waste collection container removably coupled to the vacuum wand, and a vacuum source fluidly coupled to the bagless waste collection container, the vacuum source generating a vacuum flow from an inlet of the vacuum wand to a vacuum outlet, the vacuum outlet being positioned downstream of the bagless waste collection container and the vacuum source such that the waste suctioned from the floor surface by the vacuum wand travels along the vacuum flow path and is directly received in the bagless waste collection container.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for dual-mode vehicle-mounted cleaning are provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a heat-exchanger subsystem having first and second heat-receiving pathways and a heat-providing pathway. Heat exhaust from a combustion engine is routed through the heat-providing pathway to transfer heat to both the first and second heat-receiving pathways. The first heat-receiving pathway, the second heat-receiving pathway, and the heat-providing pathway are fluidly independent of each other.