Abstract: The present invention includes methods, devices, kits, and components of an apparatus that can assist a user to identify locations of attachment points or openings on a frame and transferring those measurements to a wall for purposes of supporting a picture that is level.

Abstract: A dish assembly for serving food includes a dish housing that defines a surface, upon which the food can be placed, and an inner compartment, a phase-change material within the inner compartment, and an electrically-conductive element inside the inner compartment and thermally coupled to the phase-change material. In a typical implementation, the phase-change material is adapted to melt in response to the electrically-conductive element being heated by an electromagnetic induction heater. The thus heated dish assembly can facilitate getting hot food to a table while it is still hot, and once at the table, keeping that hot food at least warm for quite some time, while it is consumed.

Abstract: A meal plate having a bowl section adapted to hold food and an integrated cup holder adapted to hold a cup, bottle, can, or other beverage container. The integrated cup holder may be flexible and expandable to accommodate different sizes of beverage containers. The meal plate may include a lid which can be closed over the bowl section. The bowl section may include a plurality of compartments defined by one or more interior dividers. The meal plate may be constructed from one or more of a variety of materials, such as paperboard, molded fiber, molded pulp, thermoformed fiber, paper pulp, Styrofoam, or plastic, and may be disposable or reusable, as desired.

Abstract: The disclosure herein relates to a portable capsule percolator with a drinking cup. In particular, the disclosure relates to a portable and easy to use capsule percolator, operable, using capsules readily available on the market, for making a desired percolated beverage such as coffee, tea, vegetarian drinks and the like, on the go, at the office, while travelling and more specifically, whenever or wherever such a drink is desired. The portable capsule percolator is operable by a pressure differential mechanism without the need of a power source. The portable capsule percolator includes an air-extracting mechanism operable to extract air from a first internal space and a sealing mechanism associated with the flask lid section configured to let outside air into a second internal space generating the pressure differential, activating the percolating process by pushing the liquid through a beverage capsule into a percolating section.

Abstract: A beverage container lid. The lid provides a drink outlet that allows liquid to fill a drink well base, from which a consumer may sip a beverage similar to using a cup or mug. The lid provides a natural drinking experience. The base is sized and shaped to sealingly engage the opening of the beverage container. A hollow raised lip portion is provided, with an exterior portion extending upwardly. An outer lip portion is provided having an interior portion sloping downwardly and inwardly. The drink well base may slope upwardly from a peripheral side.

Abstract: The cookie holder is a single molded plastic device that has an elongated cup shape at the top and a shaft shaped base that extending down from the cup. The walls of the cup shape have open sides on the elongated ends and a small flap in what is the front of the cup and a larger flap in the back of the cup, that provides an open top of the cup shape, in which a single cookie can be partially inserted, for holding a cookie in an upright position. The design and shape of the cookie holder allows the front surface of the cookie to be viewed in an upright position. The cookie holder can be used by itself or with multiple cookie holders to make a display or arrangement for sale or marketing purposes.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing apparatus includes: a plurality of liquid source containers; a plurality of liquid flow paths, each flow path having a first end and a second end, each respective first end disposed in one-to-one fluid flow relationship with a respective one of the plurality of containers; a plurality of non-drip dispensing valves, each valve disposed in one-to-one fluid flow relationship with the second end of a respective one of the plurality of flow paths; at least one liquid flow conveyance device configured and disposed to transport liquid from each one of the containers to an associated one of the valves via an associated one of the flow paths; and a controller comprising a processing circuit responsive to executable instructions which when executed by the processing circuit facilitates dispensing of one or more of the liquids from an associated container to an associated valve.

Abstract: A sanitary guard for food and beverages is provided. The sanitary guard includes a guard plate and a mechanism for securing the guard plate to the torso of an individual user. When the guard plate is secured to the user, the guard plate extends outwardly from the torso of the user and establishes a protective barrier between the user's head and upper body area and any food or beverages being prepared or handled by the user. The guard plate is transparent so that the user can see through the plate and easily view the food being handled. The sanitary guard protects any food or beverages being handled by the user from human contaminants that may come from the user's head or upper body. Because the guard plate is secured to an individual user's torso, a protective barrier is always present without interfering with the user's ability to work.

Abstract: A carrier component for a track system may comprise a carrier and a pair of rollers coupled to one another by the carrier. Each of the rollers may include at least one rolling surface configured to engage opposing sides of a track. At least one of the rollers may be spring-loaded and biased toward the other. Alternatively, or additionally, at least one spring loaded roller may include an armature connected to a pivot of the carrier, wherein the armature may be biased by a coil spring for coupling the at least one spring loaded roller with a track.

Abstract: Disclosed is a collapsible garment hanger capable of being operated by one hand. The collapsible garment hanger includes one or more hanger arms, wherein a hanger arm comprises an elongated body. Further, the collapsible garment hanger includes one or more locking mechanisms coupled to the one or more hanger arms. A locking mechanism coupled to a hanger arm is configured to remain in one of a locked state and an unlocked state, wherein a weight of one or more of the hanger arm and the locking mechanism is configured to enable the locking mechanism to change between a locked state and an unlocked state in response to a motion of the hanger arm in relation to the locking mechanism. Moreover, the collapsible garment hanger includes a housing structure coupled to the one or more locking mechanisms.

Abstract: A spring for use in a garment hanger is disclosed. The hanger is of the type that includes a hook and a body with clips at either end of the arms of the body. The clips include a pair of clip portions between which the garment is clamped under the biasing for of a spring. The spring is generally U-shaped and has convex ribs both on the inner and outer services of its curvature. The ribs are located adjacent each other so that they form a sine-wave-like cross-section and are of sufficient depth that in their formation they causes the sides of the spring adjacent the ribs to be drawn inwards.

Abstract: A bracelet attaching aid is provided. The bracelet attaching aid includes a main base member, a biasing portion, and a manipulation portion. The main base member includes a first elongated portion terminating in a first holding end portion and a second elongated portion terminating in a second holding end portion. The first holding end portion and the second holding end portion are configured and arranged to selectively hold a connection portion of a bracelet there between. The biasing portion is coupled to bias the second holding end portion of the second elongated portion away from the first holding end portion of the first elongated member. The manipulation portion is coupled to the second elongated portion. The manipulation portion is positioned to be engaged by at least one finger of a user to counter a biasing force of the biasing portion. The manipulation member is positioned to be selectively engaged by at least one finger of a user to counter the bias of the biasing portion.

Abstract: Apparatus for a visual reminder of surrendered burdens to God includes a wooden cross having first and second sides, where the wooden cross is configured to be viewable with at least one side visible. The apparatus further includes a plurality of paper notes configured to be inscribed upon by a user and be fastened to the at least one visible side of the wooden cross by a plurality of wrought iron nails.

Abstract: A sacrificial plate extends above a window or door opening and is mounted onto an interior wall to accept mounting screws for window treatment holders. The sacrificial plate is a cost effective alternative to costly repairs ordinarily caused by the installation and removal of multiple window treatments over time. The sacrificial plate may be easily removed and replaced when remodeling.

Abstract: Disclosed is a horizontal juice extractor (100) comprising a main body delimiting a food processing chamber (110) comprising a juice outlet (140), a food entry section (112) having a food inlet (130) and a food compression section (114) extending from the food entry section and having a food pulp outlet (150); a spindle (120) extending through the food processing chamber for transporting food from the food entry section through the food compression section, said spindle comprising a body (122) and a helical member (123) extending from said body; and a drivetrain (160) adapted to rotate the spindle, wherein the food compression section (114) is located in between the food entry section (112) and said drivetrain (160). The food entry section (112) comprises said juice outlet (140) at or near a distal end of said main body relative to the drivetrain, wherein the juice outlet (140) is vertically displaced relative to the food inlet (130).

Abstract: A device for making and dispensing pasta comprises: a pressure cooking vessel; and a ball valve assembly comprising: i) a valve body coupled to a top opening of the vessel, and ii) a rotatable ball securely located within the valve body and rotatable between an open position and a closed position, the ball having a bore, wherein in the open position the bore provides access to the top opening of the vessel, and in the closed position the ball hermetically seals the top opening. The device also includes a means for dropping pasta through the bore and into the vessel; a means for rotating the ball to the closed position; a means for heating the interior volume of the vessel to cook the pasta; and a means for providing egress of the pasta from the device after the vessel has cooked the pasta.

Abstract: The present invention discloses embodiments of an apparatus, systems and related methods for producing infusions. Embodiments of the present invention disclose a cup having a container of infusion material, such as tea, where the user may affect the mechanical structures of the cup to interact with the container of infusion material in such a way as to selectively bring the liquid into contact with the infusion material in order to produce the desired infusion. The present invention also includes a new method of creating an infusion utilizing the disclosed apparatus. The result of the invention also provides enhancements over the prior art, such that the infusion material may be used to multiple times in order to produce multiple infusion servings before disposing of the spent material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a machine (1) for preparing aromatic beverages by means of extraction of a respective substance, such as espresso coffee and similar, that is characterized in that it comprises at least one extraction device (3) adapted for extracting an single dose of said substance provided in a package (2), for example in the form of a substantially rigid capsule or substantially flexible pod, and a previous opening disposition (5) disposed upstream of said extraction device (3) and adapted to provide passageways (53) in said single dose packages (2) before the latter are supplied to said extraction device (3). The present invention further discloses a process for preparing beverages with anticipated opening of a package (2) by means of said previous opening disposition (5) disposed upstream of said extraction device (3).

Abstract: A beverage preparation machine comprising: a beverage preparation module comprising an extraction unit to extract an ingredient of a beverage from capsule supplied thereto or an ingredient container which is part thereof; a fluid supply comprising the components a fluid heater, a fluid pump, optionally a fluid reservoir; a first module movably connected to the beverage preparation module; wherein the beverage preparation machine further comprises a second module movably connected to the first module, the first module comprising the fluid pump and/or the fluid heater, the second module comprising the said components of the fluid supply different to those of the first module, the components comprising at least one of the fluid pump or fluid heater or fluid reservoir.

Abstract: An extraction unit of a beverage preparation machine, the extraction unit to extract an ingredient of a beverage from a capsule, the extraction unit comprising: a capsule holder operable to move between a capsule receiving position and a capsule extraction position; a capsule holder loading system operable to actuate the capsule holder between the said positions, the capsule holder loading system comprising an actuator unit and a loading mechanism, the actuator unit to actuate the loading mechanism, wherein the loading mechanism comprises a planetary gear train and a linear actuator, the actuator unit to supply a rotary motion to the planetary gear train, the planetary gear train to gear down the said rotary motion, the linear actuator to: receive the said geared down rotary motion; convert the geared down rotary motion into linear motion; couple the said linear motion to the capsule holder.

Abstract: A device prepares a beverage from a food substance contained in a capsule by injection of a liquid into the capsule. The liquid is provided by a pump of the device. The device includes an extraction head having an aperture for inserting a capsule-holder providing the capsule to a capsule-holder receiving chamber of the device, a closing mechanism to selectively enclose the capsule in the capsule-holder receiving chamber, at least one injection member to supply a liquid received from the pump to the inside of the capsule, a control unit for controlling at least the pump of the device, and decoding means connected to the control unit and designed to read information from the capsule-holder.

Abstract: A coffee machine with a multi-cellular capsule seat having a base, a lower body and an upper body; a multi-cellular capsule seat is provided inside the upper body; at least two coffee capsules are placed side by side inside the multi-cellular capsule seat; a front inner cover is provided on the multi-cellular capsule seat; a right side of the front inner cover is provided with a front inner cover water inlet; the front inner cover water inlet is in communication with a second inlet provided at a middle part of a surface of the second coffee capsule; the second inlet is provided with a second upper piercing pin; a second piercing position seal ring is provided on the second upper piercing pin. The present invention has a simple structure and can double the working capacity, thereby increasing working efficiency.

Abstract: A coffee processing apparatus (100, 200, 300) is disclosed that comprises at least one of a grinding stage (110) for grinding coffee beans (10) into ground coffee beans (20); and a brewing stage (140) for brewing coffee from ground coffee beans; the coffee processing apparatus further comprising a sensor (150) arranged to sense a total concentration of volatile organic compounds released by said coffee beans or ground coffee beans; and a controller (160) responsive to said sensor and arranged to control said grinding stage and/or said brewing stage as a function of said total concentration. Methods of controlling such a coffee processing apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: An appliance for preparing frothed milk includes a container for receiving milk, and an electrically operated drive for delivering and/or frothing the milk. The appliance includes a docking element for connection to a drinks preparation machine. The docking element includes a connection for steam delivered by the drinks preparation machine,—an interface for electrical current supplied by the drinks preparation machine, and a milk froth outlet for the frothed milk.

Abstract: An appliance for preparing frothed milk includes a container for receiving milk and a docking element for connection to a drinks preparation machine. The docking element includes a connection for steam delivered by the drinks preparation machine, and a milk froth outlet for the frothed milk. The docking element includes a main body with a plurality of fluid channels and a supplementary part, which is reversibly removable from the main body. The supplementary part has a material that is softer in comparison to the main body, is continuous and includes several elements through which milk, steam, water and/or air can flow and which engage into the fluid channels.

Abstract: An appliance that is dockable onto a drinks preparation machine, for preparing frothed milk and, for this purpose, includes at least one connection for steam produced by the drinks preparation machine, as well as an interface for electrical current delivered from the drinks preparation machine. The appliance also includes a milk frothing unit with a gear pump. The gear pump at an inlet side is connected to a milk feed conduit and to an air feed. A mixing nozzle is provided on a path of milk delivered by the gear pump, to which mixing nozzle this milk, the steam as well as the air can be fed.

Abstract: An appliance for preparing frothed milk is dockable onto a drinks preparation machine and, for this purpose, includes at least one connection for steam produced by the drinks preparation machine, as well as an interface for electrical current supplied by the drinks preparation machine. The appliance also includes a milk frothing unit with a gear pump. The gear pump at an inlet side is connected to a milk feed conduit and to an air feed. The milk frothing unit is configured such that an operating parameter is adjustable in a manner depending on a measured value and/or on a user input.

Abstract: A system for refilling the water reservoir of an appliance (such as found in a coffee maker, humidifier, etc.) takes the form of a fixture that receives a water line inlet tubing at its input (the tubing coupled to an existing water line). The fixture also includes outlet tubing, which is coupled to the reservoir of the appliance. Also included within the fixture is a shut-off valve that is used to control the flow from the inlet tubing to the outlet tubing. Thus, a user is able to control the flow of water to the reservoir in a manner where it is possible to quickly and easily refill the reservoir without removing the reservoir itself, or needing to transport water from a faucet to the appliance.

Abstract: A cooking vessel includes a vessel body having a partially coated, textured stainless steel inner surface having a plurality of ribs rising above recesses having bottoms covered with a non-stick coating. The ribs have uncoated tops and sides that are separate from the bottoms of the cavities. The sides connect the tops to the bottoms. The tops rise above the non-stick coating covering the bottoms. According to the invention, the non-stick coating rises over the sides from the bottoms towards the tops without exceeding the height of the tops, and the bottoms and the sides have a rough surface under the non-stick coating. Also included is a method for producing a cooking vessel.

Abstract: A packaging device allowing for the distribution, storage and cooking of various food products, such as perishable or frozen food product(s). The packaging device includes a plurality of micro-perforations that may promote the extended shelf-life of the perishable food product and the maintenance of the quality of the perishable food product or be configured to maintain the integrity of a frozen food product. The packaging device also includes a venting system that allows the cooking of the perishable or frozen food products within the packaging device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for cooking food on a grill having opposed upper and lower platens wherein a gap spacing between the platens is automatically adjusted in an initial stage and in subsequent stages of the cooking time for the food. The food is caused to be located between two opposed platens, the opposed platens each having opposed cooking surfaces and the opposed cooking surfaces defining a gap spacing that is adjustable. A controller and drive mechanism adjust the gap spacing between the platens so that during an initial stage of the cooking the gap spacing is equal to or less than the nominal initial uncooked thickness of the food, and during one or more subsequent stages of the cooking, after the initial stage, the gap spacing between the platens is varied.

Abstract: The invention relates to an insert (10) for an apparatus (100) for preparing food by circulation of a flow of hot air in a food basket (14) placed inside a food preparation chamber and having a bottom part (108) with a lower opening area (26) for the circulation of the flow of hot air. The insert comprises an upper surface (12) intended to be arranged below the food basket. The upper surface (12) defines an inclined surface (16) having a downward inclination extending outwards from a middle zone towards a perimeter of the insert. The inclined surface (16) is provided such that the inclination extends at least beyond a vertical projection of the lower opening area (26). The insert further comprises spacers (40) provided on a lower side (42) of the insert to create a clearance gap (44) between the lower side (42) and a bottom surface (46) of the food preparation chamber. This invention allows improving food preparation while minimizing the emission of cooking oil fumes.

Abstract: Fire pit systems are disclosed. Methods of making and using fire pit systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A container for heating tortillas, quesadillas, pitas, or similar food articles in a toaster. The food articles have a moisture content by weight ranging from 30% to 52% prior to heating in the toaster. The container comprises an upright structure adapted to removably fit into the vertical slot of a conventional toaster and be supported by the toaster during a toaster heating cycle. The upright structure has a front and back connected to a hinged or metal ring bound bottom. The sides consist of a stainless-steel wire frame with vertical grate front and back which provides apertures for passing heat from the toaster to the food article located inside the container. The container is openable to permit removal of the food article after heating.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus having a pivoting strainer which provides a unique, safe way to drain liquid contents contained within the apparatus while cooking. The cooking apparatus generally comprises a substantially flat and circular base having a cooking surface, a peripheral wall upstanding from the circular base, a handle extending outwardly from the peripheral wall and a pivoting strainer moveable between a closed position and a raised, draining position.

Abstract: A blending system is shown and described herein. The blending system may include a base including a motor, a blade selectively and operably engaged with the base, where the motor rotates the blade, a container having an open end and a lid configured to cover the open end. The blending system may also include an optical interlock detector that may include a camera positioned on the base and indicia positioned at a predetermined location on a lid, wherein the camera detects the indicia and position of the lid to permit operation of the blender.

Abstract: A toothbrush storage container for holding and storing a toothbrush is provided. The toothbrush has a handle and a brush head secured to the handle. The toothbrush storage container comprises a watertight toothbrush receptacle having a base wall, a rear wall, a front wall, a first side wall, and a second side wall. An amount of liquid sanitizing solution is positioned within the toothbrush receptacle. A lid is provided and secured to the rear wall of the toothbrush receptacle. A locking mechanism releasably secures the lid in a closed, watertight position against upper edges of the rear wall, the front wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall. An ingress port is formed in the lid. Upon insertion of the brush head of the toothbrush through the ingress port and into the liquid sanitizing solution, at least a portion of the handle of the toothbrush extends through the lid.

Abstract: A baby bathing net frame, applied with a bathing basin, includes a support frame, a carrying net and a buoyant element. The support frame includes an upper rod enclosing into a rectangle, two side rods and a lower rod. The upper rod is hung at an edge of the bathing basin, and the lower rod is in contact with a lower portion of the bathing basin. The carrying net is disposed on the support frame and is for carrying the baby. The buoyant element is disposed on the support frame and away from the upper rod. When bathing water is present in the bathing basin, buoyancy of the buoyant element causes the lower rod to float and depart the lower portion of the bathing basin. Thus, the baby is kept afloat on the bathing water surface through the buoyancy of the buoyant element when taking a bath.

Abstract: A shower bench seat configured for use in a shower area is provided. The shower bench seat including an inboard assembly configured for placement within the shower area and an outboard assembly configured for placement adjacent the shower area. An intermediate assembly is configured to connect the inboard assembly to the outboard assembly. The intermediate assembly is further configured to retain a shower curtain within the shower area thereby facilitating use of the shower bench seat by a user in a seated position and simultaneously facilitating retention of water within the shower area.

Abstract: A personal back scrubber enables a user to clean hard to reach areas, such as the middle of a user's back, without stretching or straining to reach those areas. The personal back scrubber mounts to a vertical support surface, such as a bath or shower wall, to allow the user to brush up against the present invention or extends the user's reach to clean hard to reach areas. The personal back scrubber includes an exfoliating mesh and a plurality of fasteners. The exfoliating mesh provides a surface for the user to lather soap and scrub the user's body. The plurality of fasteners secures the exfoliating mesh onto the vertical support.

Abstract: The length of a projection of a household tissue is suppressed without hampering the removal of household tissues situated at a depth under a frame member. The frame member (14) is attached to the perimeter of the dispensing opening (11). The frame member is made of elastic material. The opposite ends of the frame member in the short-side direction of the casing (10) in a plan view have restricting portions (14b) that extend in such directions as to cover the dispensing opening (11). The restricting portions (14b, 14b) are arranged so as not to overlap each other such that the tips thereof are staggered in the long-side direction of the casing in a plan view, thereby forming a letter-Z shaped cut in the frame member.

Abstract: This application describes a splash-proof odor reducing waterless toilet, a funnel-shaped soft passageway, the passageway material being a high polymer, and a rim. Below said sim, Passageway is connected to rim. The user's excreta fall onto passageway, and the dirt and dirty liquid will not splash, reducing the size of the path for odors, mosquitoes and flies to come out.

Abstract: A portable toilet case, comprising: An inflatable case made of high polymer material, and a toilet bowl join which is connected to the top of said case. Said case is an inflatable product that is lightweight and compact, which can meet the requirements of a toilet case that urgently needs to be installed and used in case of emergency, natural disaster, travel, camping, and can be used in automobiles, boats, small passenger vehicles, construction sites, remote areas, or newly developed areas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for opening and closing a toilet cover and a toilet seat and, more specifically, to a device for opening and closing a toilet cover and a toilet seat, enabling a user to open the toilet cover without touching the toilet cover.

Abstract: A pump for removing fluid from a floor covering includes a piston chamber, a piston disposed within the piston chamber, a nozzle plate for pressing against the floor covering and having a plurality of nozzles extending therefrom, a reservoir for storing fluid removed from the floor covering, and a diverting valve having an interior. The diverting valve defines a first fluid flow path, a second fluid flow path, and a third fluid flow path. A method of removing fluid from a floor covering includes causing a piston to move in a first direction within a piston chamber, drawing fluid through a plurality of nozzles of a nozzle plate and into the piston chamber, causing the piston to move in a second direction within the piston chamber, and pushing fluid from the piston chamber and into a reservoir extending circumferentially around the piston chamber.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus has a cyclone chamber provided in an air flow path. The cyclone chamber has a screen assembly with an outlet section, a longitudinally spaced apart distal section and a longitudinally extending porous section. The outlet section includes a non-porous member extending longitudinally inwardly an outlet section length from an outlet end of the outlet section to a longitudinally inwardly positioned inlet end of the outlet section. The outlet end of the outlet section overlies a cyclone air outlet. The porous section extends longitudinally inwardly from an outlet end of the porous section that is located at the inlet end of the outlet section. The distal section has a distal section length in the longitudinal direction that is greater than the cyclone outlet port length.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus has a cyclone chamber provided in an air flow path. The cyclone chamber has a screen assembly with an outlet section, a longitudinally spaced apart distal section and a longitudinally extending porous section. The outlet section includes a non-porous member extending longitudinally inwardly an outlet section length from an outlet end of the outlet section to a longitudinally inwardly positioned inlet end of the outlet section. The outlet end of the outlet section overlies a cyclone air outlet. The porous section extends longitudinally inwardly from an outlet end of the porous section that is located at the inlet end of the outlet section. The outlet section length is at least as long as the cyclone outlet port length.

Abstract: A cyclone assembly for a surface cleaning apparatus has two cyclonic stages wherein the second cyclonic cleaning stage comprises a second stage dirt collection region and at least a portion of the second stage dirt collection region is positioned longitudinally above and overlying a first stage cyclone chamber.

Abstract: A cyclone assembly for a surface cleaning apparatus has an openable lower end, a first cyclonic cleaning stage, a second cyclonic cleaning stage, and an airflow passage from the first cyclonic cleaning stage to the second cyclonic cleaning stage. The lower end is moveable to an open position in which at least a portion of the air flow passage is opened.

Abstract: A cyclone assembly for a surface cleaning apparatus has a first cyclonic cleaning stage having a first end moveable between a closed position in which a first stage cyclone chamber and a first stage dirt collection chamber are closed and an open position in which the first stage cyclone chamber and the first stage dirt collection chamber are open, and a second cyclonic cleaning stage having a second end moveable between a closed position in which a plurality of second stage cyclone chambers and at least one second stage dirt collection chamber are closed and an open position in which the second stage cyclone chambers and the second stage dirt collection chamber are open.