Abstract: A saucepan is provided, which includes a saucepan body (1) and a handle (2) fixedly attached to the saucepan body (1). The saucepan body (1) includes a bottom (10) and four sidewalls surrounding the bottom (10). The sidewalls (11) are arcuate surface. The sidewalls (11) are connected with the bottom (10) through fillets. The sidewalls of the saucepans according to the embodiments of the present disclosure are designed as arcuate surface. Therefore, the capacity of the saucepans is increased, and the food in the saucepans is easy to be gathered and thus easy to be transferred into tableware. The convenience of use is improved.

Abstract: A device for cooking proteins is provided. The device includes first and second pans. Each pan includes a base and an alignment wall. The bases each have a top surface with a non-stick coating. The alignment walls each include a cutout to provide a space for a food product to be disposed therein such that the top surface of the first and second pans cook a food product disposed therein.

Abstract: A method of cooking food arranged in a sealed package including a one-way valve that opens at an overpressure of 20-200 mbar, including: heating the sealed package in an oven at approximately atmospheric pressure for a first time period; and after the first time period, subjecting the package to a sub-atmospheric pressure such that gas leaves the sealed package through the valve.

Abstract: A cup filtering system may include a main body, an inner bottle and a liquid filtering lid. In one embodiment, the inner bottle is slightly smaller than the main body and can be tightly inserted into a receiving space of the main body, and the lid can be secured on top of the inner bottle. In an exemplary embodiment, the inner bottle has a filtering mechanism at the bottom portion of the inner bottle. A control unit is disposed on top of the inner bottle to control open/close of the filtering mechanism. A lid filter can further filter the liquid filtered by the filtering mechanism of the inner bottle.

Abstract: A beverage cartridge system is adapted to brew a beverage through a brewer having a holder adapted to receive the cartridge system. The holder may have a deep well with one or more needles therewithin to pierce through the bottom of the cartridge system when inserted into the well. The cartridge system may include a short cup and a tall cup, where the tall cup is taller than the short cup to pack more beverage grind. The cartridge system may include a filter within an outer cup. The bottom of the filter may be deep enough to be juxtaposed to the bottom of the cup. The filter may be formed from a material that is substantially resistant to piercing by the needle within the holder such that when the outlet needle pierces through the bottom of the cup, the outlet needle raises the filter at a point of contact, and the filter substantially resists the outlet needle from piercing through the filter during a brewing process.

Abstract: A coffee machine includes a pot liner and a heating mechanism for heating the pot liner. The pot liner has a water inlet and a water outlet. An automatic drain mechanism is provided at the water outlet of the pot liner for opening or blocking the water outlet according to the ambient temperature at the water outlet. The automatic drain mechanism can be used to control outflow of the heated water from the pot liner according to the ambient temperature, so that the structure for exhausting water is simplified and the size of the coffee machine is reduced. Moreover, the fluid flowing out under the pressure generated due to steam will facilitate to brew ground coffee, thereby enhancing the quality of coffee.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a beverage preparation device designed for preparing a beverage upon injection of liquid into an ingredients-containing cartridge, the device comprising a pump (106) coupled between a fluid inlet (102) and a fluid outlet (104) for pumping the fluid from said inlet to said outlet, and a processing unit (108) for the pump (106) adapted to control an operation of the pump in response to an electrical energy (121) having a wave form such that the pump is energized only throughout selected half cycles (a1,a2,a3 . . . an) of the wave form of the electrical energy, wherein the processing unit (108) is configured to determine the respective selected half cycles (a1,a2,a3 . . .

Abstract: A machine is provided for preparing a desired product from a capsule containing desired ingredients. The machine includes a brew chamber that is adapted to hold the capsule at a downward angle relative to a horizontal plane. A cover for the brew chamber is adapted to move between an open position and a closed position. A loading mechanism is provided for extending and retracting the brew chamber. An injection system is provided for injecting a fluid into the capsule. A fluid transfer system is provided for transferring a desired fluid from a fluid source to the injection system. A dispensing system is provided for dispensing product to a receptacle. A reusable capsule is also provided for use with the machine.

Abstract: A fire cooking grill includes a base, a post extending upwardly from the base along a axial centerline of the post, an arm pivotably coupled to the post to pivot about a first axis perpendicular to the centerline, a cooking platform pivotably coupled to the arm for pivotal movement about a second axis perpendicular to the centerline, a link having a first portion pivotably coupled to the post about a third axis perpendicular to the centerline and a second portion pivotably couple to the cooking platform about a fourth axis perpendicular to the centerline and a retainer selectively retaining the arm in one of a plurality of available angles about the first axis. In one implementation, fire cooking grill additionally comprises a swivel facilitating rotation of the cooking platform about the centerline of the post.

Abstract: A collapsible trivet comprises a first support section, a second support section, and a connecting member, the first support section being mounted to one end of the connecting member by a first axle and the second support section being mounted to the other end of the connecting member by a second axle, the first and second support sections being pivotable relative to the connecting member and the first support section including two support arms.

Abstract: A hot dog roller grill includes a machine body, a plurality of heating rollers and a plurality of temperature-sensing assemblies. The heating rollers are rotationally pivotally mounted to the machine body. Each of the temperature-sensing assemblies is mounted to one end of a specific heating roller.

Abstract: A combustible charcoal igniting device may include first elongate grid members generally parallel to one another when the device is in an uncollapsed configuration and second elongate grid members generally parallel to one another and transverse relative to the first elongate grid members when the device is in the uncollapsed configuration. The first and second elongate grid members define chimney cells on or above which charcoal briquets may be placed for ignition. The elongate grid members may comprise a combustible material that can be ignited and that will continue to bum, igniting charcoal briquets placed on the chimney cells. The first elongate grid members may include creases that align with one another, so that the device is collapsible from opposed sides towards a crease line defined by the creases to reduce the length of the device when in a collapsed configuration.

Abstract: Systems and methods for delivering a cooking medium in a cooking apparatus are disclosed. A delivery system includes a rotary valve having a rotary inlet and a plurality of rotary outlets. The rotary inlet is configured to be in fluid communication with a source of cooking medium and the plurality of rotary outlets are configured to be in fluid communication with a corresponding plurality of receptacles. A rotary position sensor generates a signal, having continuous angular position resolution, based on an angular position of the rotary valve. A controller receives the signal generated by the rotary position sensor and selectively places the rotary inlet in fluid communication with one of the plurality of rotary outlets based on the signal generated by the rotary position sensor. The rotary position sensor may include a Hall-effect sensor that functions at elevated operating temperatures associated with the cooking medium.

Abstract: A food processing machine having a base and a cylindrical jar lock extending upwardly from a top surface of the base. A jar assembly has a jar and a collar that extends downwardly from the jar. The collar is adapted to fit circumferentially around the cylindrical jar lock. A plurality of locking tabs extend radially inwardly from the collar. The locking tabs engage with the cylindrical jar lock and prevent vertical movement of the jar while allowing rotational movement of the jar and linear movement of the jar with respect to the base in the xy-plane. The cylindrical jar lock is optionally spring-mounted to the base to provide dampened movement in the vertical direction of the cylindrical jar lock with respect to the base.

Abstract: A flexible polymer cooking utensil includes a body of the cooking utensil and at least one tab extending outwardly from a perimeter of the body of the cooking utensil. The body of the cooking utensil includes a first flat face surface, a second flat face surface, and a batter cavity formed in the second flat face surface comprising a decorative pattern formed in the batter cavity.

Abstract: A cooking mat comprised of a flat surface containing at least one opening having a lip along the periphery forming a desired shape or shapes enabling users to prepare food items having traditional or unique shapes with ease. The cooking mat also enables users to prepare multiple shaped food items simultaneously, thus cutting down on meal preparation time.

Abstract: A location based holding system comprises a holding device. The holding device includes a food storage chamber and a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor senses the temperature of the food storage chamber. A temperature control device changes the temperature of the food storage chamber. A location device determines the physical location of the holding device. A memory stores information about a food item located in the food storage chamber. A processor is operatively coupled to the memory, location device, and holding device. The processor activates the temperature control device of the holding device based on the physical location of the food storage or transportation device.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to a cutting board tray for capturing foodstuffs removed from the cutting board. The cutting board tray comprises a a planar base portion configured to be positioned between a bottom surface of a cutting board and a support surface on which both the cutting board and tray are positioned; at least one raised edge extending perpendicular from the base portion; and at least one open edge. In various embodiments, the planar base portion is sufficiently thin that the cutting board remains stable when a contact portion of the bottom surface of the cutting board is positioned on the base portion.

Abstract: The invention is an improved, multi-purpose shower curtain including an affixed mirror. The mirror is comprised of material that is resistant to breaking, shattering, and fogging. In preferred embodiments the shower curtain further includes mesh pockets for storing shower-related items.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a fluid dispensing system that includes modularized components such as a flow-out member from which fluid dispenses, fluid displacement mechanism, including electronics associated therewith and a reservoir for storage of fluid. The flow-out member, fluid displacement mechanism, and components constituting the fluid dispensing system including the reservoir may have one of a linear or nonlinear cooperative relationship in terms of connectivity and operation, and may be positioned in one of a close proximity or remote locations from one another. Flow out member is provided that may moved in more that one direction to refill reservoir.

Abstract: A valvular conduit, preferably a Tesla valvular conduit, in which a plug member is coaxially received within a bore in a sleeve member and in which passageways are defined between the plug member and the sleeve member within interior walls configured to permit mixing of fluid flowing through the passageways in at least one direction, preferably, the relatively free passage of fluid through the passageways upstream but increased the resistance to downstream flow of the fluid through each passageway.

Abstract: A door for a towel dispensing cabinet may be pivotable over an opening of a cavity. Frameworks may extend from a face of the door and define slots for stably receiving ends of a spindle assembly onto which a towel roll may be mounted. The frameworks may also include channels through which a shaft connecting the ends of the spindle assembly may be received to allow the spindle assembly to be received deeper into the slots. Towels may be dispensed from spindle assembly when stably received within the frameworks when the door is open. The door may be closed to position the spindle assembly within the cavity and seal the opening. The spindle assembly may also be removed from the frameworks for separate use when the door is open.

Abstract: A toilet system includes a transport conduit, a flush member, an outer seal element which may include one or more ventilation passages there through, and an actuator system. All of these components may be mounted on a support structure which is installed on the slab or other foundation in the area of a toilet room and adjacent to a wall of the toilet room. A holding tank is located on the opposite side of the toilet room exterior wall from the support structure or other arrangement for supporting the transport conduit and other components of the system. The holding tank includes a ventilation stack and fan to induce airflow through the toilet system. The flush member and the actuator system cooperate to move excreta collected in the transport conduit to the holding tank. The outer seal element and actuator system cooperate to maintain a desired seal between the transport conduit and holding tank.

Abstract: A toilet includes a bowl and a seat. The bowl includes a base and a rim. The base includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The rim includes an upper surface and an inner surface. The inner surface of the rim extends from the inner surface of the base. The seat includes a plate portion, a neck portion, a skirt portion, a first fastening tab, and a second fastening tab. The plate portion includes an inner edge and an outer edge. The neck portion extends axially from the inner edge of the plate portion. The first fastening tab extends from the neck portion and includes a first aperture having an axis configured to intersect one of the inner surface of the rim and the inner surface of the base. The second fastening tab extends from the neck portion and including a second aperture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a duster cloth for a cleaning robot and a cleaning robot using the duster cloth. The duster cloth comprises a detachable connection part (21) close to a base of the robot, a wiping cloth (22) close to a surface to be cleaned, and an elastic sealing layer located between the detachable connection part (21) and the wiping cloth (22). The elastic sealing layer is attached to both the detachable connection part (21) and the wiping cloth (22). The elastic sealing layer is made from a foamed EPDM material (23), an integral skin sponge (33) or a common sponge (43), wherein a sealing film (24) is arranged on at least one side of the common sponge (43). The detachable connection part (21) may be a Velcro. With the structure of the elastic sealing layer between the detachable connection part and the wiping cloth, the duster cloth has good elasticity, and the air-tightness of the negative pressure chamber of the cleaning robot is greatly improved.

Abstract: A hand vacuum cleaner may include a suction motor and fan assembly that is positioned downstream of a pre-motor filter. A post motor filter may be positioned downstream of the suction motor and fan assembly and may be in the lower end of the hand vacuum cleaner and an energy storage member may be in an upper end of the handle.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises an air treatment member having a first end, a longitudinally spaced apart second end, an air inlet and an air outlet comprising an outlet conduit; an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet and including a suction motor and the air treatment member; a pre-motor filter positioned in the air flow path downstream from the outlet conduit; and, an agitation member operatively engageable with the pre-motor filter.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner that includes a suction motor and a filter assembly. The filter assembly surrounds at least part of the suction motor and has a frame to which a filter medium is attached. The filter medium is spaced from a wall of the frame such that an arcuate passageway is defined between the filter medium and the frame. A part of the air expelled by the suction motor enters a first end of the passageway and moves around the passageway in a clockwise direction. A further part of the air expelled by the suction motor enters a second end of the passageway and moves around the passageway in a counter-clockwise direction. Air within the passageway then passes through the filter medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner filter bag made of a thermally weldable filter material which forms the sealed internal space of the vacuum cleaner filter bag. The internal space is thereby closed at least on one side by means of a weld seam configured according to the invention, in the case of which at least two layers of the filter material are welded together. The weld seam configured according to the present invention is distinguished by a far higher tearing strength, compared with weld seams as are known from the state of the art. The invention relates in addition to a method for the production of the vacuum cleaner filter bag, to a tool for the production of the high-strength weld seam and also to an ultrasonic welding unit in which this tool is integrated.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner including a debris separator that includes a housing, a cyclonic separator including a cylindrical wall having a first end and a second end. The cylindrical wall is located in within the housing and the cyclonic separator further includes a dirty air inlet, a clean air outlet, a debris outlet adjacent the second end, and a longitudinal axis surrounded by the cylindrical wall and the longitudinal axis of the cyclonic separator extends in generally a horizontal orientation. The debris separator further includes a lid coupled to the housing and the cyclonic separator is coupled to the lid such that the cyclonic separator is removable from the housing with the lid. A debris collection chamber is located within the housing and in fluid communication with the debris outlet of the cyclonic separator.

Abstract: There is provided a robot cleaner having an improved dust-collecting capability and an improved suction force and capable of being manufactured in a small size. The robot cleaner includes a main body comprising a fan motor and having a suction port provided in one side thereof; a plurality of cyclone units configured to separate foreign substances in air suctioned through the suction port; and a plurality of suction flow paths connecting the plurality of cyclone units and the suction port.

Abstract: A latch mechanism for selectively fastening a dirt cup to a vacuum cleaner having a locking recess. The latch mechanism can include a latch member having a portion that is selectively received in the locking recess and a latch actuator comprising a button. When the latch mechanism is actuated, the latch member is moved from a latched position in which the portion of the latch member is received within the locking recess to an unlatched position in which the portion of the latch member is removed from the locking recess, thereby allowing the dirt cup to be removed from the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A control apparatus of a robot cleaner includes a user interface unit to receive a user command controlling the robot cleaner; a controller to generate a control signal to receive a map of a cleaning area, based on the user command; and a communicator to receive the map of the cleaning area from an external server or the robot cleaner, based on the control signal. An embodiment may download or generate a map of a cleaning area and to allow a map editing to be performed by a user. An embodiment may set and edit a cleaning schedule. When setting the cleaning schedule, an embodiment may recommend a cleaning schedule based on cleaning history data. An embodiment may automatically determine whether the environment is changed or whether the cleaning is available, while the robot cleaner performs the cleaning, and it may be possible to actively deal with this.

Abstract: A mop (100) includes a mop head (101) having a housing (302) defining a major surface to couple to a cleaning pad (204). One or more flappers (201,202) are disposed along the major surface. The flappers, in response to actuation of an actuator (104), selectively pivot from a closed position disposed within the housing and substantially parallel with the major surface to an angularly displaced open position extending distally outward from the major surface. A user actuates the actuator (104) to detach the cleaning pad from the major surface without having to handle the cleaning pad.

Abstract: A wringer has a support surface and a first wringer surface depending from the support surface to a second wringer surface having perforations and curving to a free edge substantially below the support surface. The second wringer surface may be curved in an approximately 180 degree arc. The first wringer surface may be flat and also perforated. The support surface may be formed as an inverted channel structure with a closed upper surface and an angled surface extending away from the first wringer surface. The angled surface may extend at an angle approximately 45 degrees. The wringer may be used with one or more buckets, where the wringer is supported from the rim of one bucket or from the adjacent rims of two buckets. A flat first wringer surface may be used to ring a flat mop, and the curved second wringer surface may be used to bring a round mop.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for cleaning an item. The methods and systems include, with a cleaning system programmed to perform the method obtaining, with a location circuit, a location of a cleaning device, the cleaning device to be used to clean the item, based on the location of the cleaning device, determining environmental conditions for that location, and based on the environmental conditions for that location, presenting, via a user interface (UI), a recommendation to improve cleanliness of the item when cleaning the item with the cleaning device.

Abstract: A dishwasher for treating dishes according to a cycle of operation includes a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber, a liquid supply conduit, and a rotatable sprayer that is rotatable about a rotation axis and has an inlet and multiple nozzles collectively forming an outlet. The dishwasher further includes a hydraulic drive fluidly coupling the liquid supply conduit to the rotatable sprayer. The hydraulic drive is mechanically coupled to the rotatable sprayer.

Abstract: A dishwasher may include a tub configured to accommodate one or more items to be washed, a spray arm rotatably mounted to the tub, and configured to spray water onto the one or more items to be washed, a sump disposed at a bottom surface of the tub and configured to store water and to supply stored water to the spray arm, a fixed gear unit fixed to the tub with gear teeth arranged along an outer circumferential surface of the fixed gear unit, a rotary gear unit rotatably mounted on the spray arm and configured to engage the gear teeth of the fixed gear unit, and a link member connected to the rotary gear unit and the spray arm, where the spray arm may include, a main arm with a pair of arms, and a pair of auxiliary arms rotatably connected to the main arm.

Abstract: A dishwasher may include a tub configured to accommodate one or more items to be washed, a spray arm rotatably mounted to the tub, and configured to spray water onto the one or more items to be washed, a sump disposed at a bottom surface of the tub and configured to store water and to supply stored water to the spray arm, a fixed gear unit fixed to the tub with gear teeth arranged along an outer circumferential surface of the fixed gear unit, a rotary gear unit rotatably mounted on the spray arm and configured to engage the gear teeth of the fixed gear unit, and a link member connected to the rotary gear unit and the spray arm, where the spray arm may include, a main arm with a pair of arms, and a pair of auxiliary arms rotatably connected to the main arm.

Abstract: A dishwasher may include a tub configured to accommodate one or more items to be washed, a spray arm rotatably mounted to the tub, and configured to spray water onto the one or more items to be washed, a sump disposed at a bottom surface of the tub and configured to store water and to supply stored water to the spray arm, a fixed gear unit fixed to the tub with gear teeth arranged along an outer circumferential surface of the fixed gear unit, a rotary gear unit rotatably mounted on the spray arm and configured to engage the gear teeth of the fixed gear unit, and a link member connected to the rotary gear unit and the spray arm, where the spray arm may include, a main arm with a pair of arms, and a pair of auxiliary arms rotatably connected to the main arm.

Abstract: A dishwasher may include a tub configured to accommodate one or more items to be washed, a spray arm rotatably mounted to the tub, and configured to spray water onto the one or more items to be washed, a sump disposed at a bottom surface of the tub and configured to store water and to supply stored water to the spray arm, a fixed gear unit fixed to the tub with gear teeth arranged along an outer circumferential surface of the fixed gear unit, a rotary gear unit rotatably mounted on the spray arm and configured to engage the gear teeth of the fixed gear unit, and a link member connected to the rotary gear unit and the spray arm, where the spray arm may include, a main arm with a pair of arms, and a pair of auxiliary arms rotatably connected to the main arm.

Abstract: A dishwasher filtration system includes a coarse filter disposed in a tub of a dishwasher, the coarse filter configured to filter water directed to a main wash pump. The system also includes a soil accumulation chamber configured to receive a portion of water from the main wash pump. The system further includes a fine filter covering an opening of the soil accumulation chamber, the fine filter configured to filter the portion of water received inside the soil accumulation chamber. The system also includes a backwash nozzle configured to supply water to the fine filter. In addition, the system may include a deflector that deflects the water from the backwash nozzle to the fine filter.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a tub, a first dish rack, and a second dish rack disposed above the first dish rack in the tub. The second dish rack includes a frame configured to couple to and adjust in a vertical position relative to a plurality of mounting rails in the tub. The second dish rack also includes a collapsible portion coupled to the frame and configured to adjust in a vertical position relative to the frame. In some embodiments, the second dish rack further includes a feed pipe coupled to the collapsible portion, the feed pipe having at least one connection point configured to align with at least one water supply point, wherein each vertical position of the collapsible portion corresponds to a different alignment of the at least one connection point and the at least one water supply point.

Abstract: The present disclosure teaches an apparatus that utilizes a garbage disposal unit to drive rotationally modular brushes, polishers, scrubbers, sponges and the like for washing dishes, flatware, cooking utensils, cookware and other items in a sink. The apparatus may be removably attached to a garbage disposal unit, or partially or fully integrated into one.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope of the invention includes: an insertion portion to be inserted into a subject; a distal end rigid portion including a distal end portion and a proximal end portion, the distal end rigid portion being made of resin and provided at a distal end portion of the insertion portion; a bending tube made of metal and provided continuously with the distal end rigid portion; objective optical systems provided at the distal end rigid portion; an image pickup unit that picks up images formed by the objective optical systems; an illumination lens barrel made of metal, the illumination lens barrel holding an illumination optical system provided at the distal end rigid portion and being extended in a direction of the proximal end portion; and a first conductive portion that establishes electrical conduction between the bending tube and the illumination lens barrel.

Abstract: A video processor distributes hardware resources and software resources related to video signal processing performed by a video signal processing unit to a first partition and a second partition, assigns minimal processing from among the video signal processing to the resources distributed to the first partition, assigns processing from among the video signal processing that is other than the minimal processing to the resources distributed to the second partition, monitors anomalies in the resources distributed to the first partition and the second partition, and only resets resources distributed to a partition in which an anomaly has been detected by the monitoring.

Abstract: An insertion apparatus includes an insertion section, a rotational housing, a motor, and a controller. The motor rotates the rotational housing. The controller designates a rotational direction of the motor. The controller limits the rotational direction of the motor to allow the insertion section to move only in a removal direction when inspection control for inspecting an operation relative to an insertion direction of the insertion section is initiated.

Abstract: An endoscope includes: an insertion section inserted into a subject; an operating unit continuously connected to a proximal end of the insertion section; an observation unit disposed at a distal end of the insertion section, and configured to observe the subject; a treatment instrument insertion passage configured to allow insertion of a treatment instrument providing medical treatment to the subject, and project the treatment instrument from a distal end portion of the insertion section; a distal bending portion disposed at a distal end of the treatment instrument insertion passage, and configured to bend according to a raising operation of the operating unit, the distal bending portion including a tube including a super elastic alloy and including a slit formed to reduce power required for the bending operation, and being configured to raise the treatment instrument; and a coating portion provided to cover the distal bending portion.

Abstract: An endoscope including: a bending portion; a first traction member and a second traction member that causes the bending portion to bend; a first rotary member that pulls the first traction member; a first plate member on which the first rotary member and the first traction member are disposed; a first protrusion; a first positioning part that comes into contact with the first rotary member; a second rotary member that pulls the second traction member; a second plate member; a second protrusion; and a second positioning part that comes into contact with the second rotary member.

Abstract: A flexible tube includes a first outer layer covering an outer side of a closely-wound region; a second outer layer forming a second flexible portion which is more difficult to bend than the first flexible portion; a third outer layer covering an outer side of the sparsely-wound region, and forming a third flexible portion which is as difficult to bend as the second flexible portion, or more difficult to bend than the second flexible portion; and a fourth outer layer arranged consecutively between the second and third outer layers to cover the outer side of a boundary position of the closely-wound region and the sparsely-wound region, and reducing a difference in bending difficulty/bending easiness at the boundary position.