Abstract: A reusable fabric indoor or outdoor adjustable tablecloth with drawstring sewn into the hem of the tablecloth to secure the tablecloth around the edge of the tabletop to prevent the tablecloth from blowing away in the wind or pulled off the table by children. The adjustable tablecloth with drawstring includes a grommet pressed into the fabric at a pre-cut opening to protect the fabric from wear and tear. The drawstring passes through the grommet into a cinch which secures the drawstring from slippage. Each end of the exposed drawstring is sealed with glue and secured by an independent knot. The tablecloth is placed over the table and the drawstring pulled tightly through the cinch resulting in the drawstring grabbing the underbelly of the table and tightening securely. This configuration allows the tablecloth to be adjustable, fitting a variety of table sizes and shapes, and protecting the event from the wind.

Abstract: A product includes a porcelain external wall, a touchscreen panel positioned behind the external wall, a graphical display panel positioned behind the external wall, graphical display logic to render a graphical user interface on the graphical display device to be projected through the porcelain external wall, and touch logic to interpret touch interactions with the touchscreen panel received through the porcelain external wall. The porcelain external wall at least partially obscures presentation of the graphical user interface.

Abstract: A beverage container comprising a stem having an upper and a lower end, a cup having an upper opening and a lower bowl portion, and a base having a tapered upper end with a diameter that widens evenly along its length towards a lower end until the diameter is at least equal to a diameter of the upper opening of the cup. The upper end of the stem is attached to the cup at a point centered on the bowl portion of the cup. The upper end of the base is removably attached at to the lower end of the stem, the lower end of the base being capable of securely covering the upper opening when not attached to the stem.

Abstract: A double walled thermal container includes an outer container with an inner container mounted therein. Structural support is provided by an internal connection between the inner container and the outer container to minimize stress on the connection point. A separate elastomeric seal is preferably provided to prevent moisture from entering the area between the inner and outer containers.

Abstract: A hand forged metal eating utensil comprising a fulcrum, an eating end and a handle with the fulcrum having a raised protrusion disposed between the eating end and the distal end of the handle and having a large cross-sectional thickness and with the eating utensil further comprising a first curvilinear portion located adjacent a side of the fulcrum extending toward the eating end of the utensil for elevating the height of eating end of the utensil such that the eating end is not able to make physical contact with a table surface when the utensil is placed on a level table surface and a second curvilinear portion extending from an opposite side of the fulcrum extending toward the distal end of the handle and with the eating utensil having a variable thickness from the eating end to the distal end of the handle such that the eating utensil forms a continuous seamless cross sectional geometry and provides enhanced handling comfort.

Abstract: Use of stick deodorant technology as a container for spreading butter, peanut butter, jelly, jam, cream cheese and other spreadable food products.

Abstract: An attachment (60) for a spout (140) of a food processing apparatus (10), including a housing (70) with a liquid inlet (80), a front face (160), and a liquid outlet (100). The housing defines a posterior cavity (110) that removably receives the spout and position the liquid inlet next to the spout. The attachment also includes a drip-stop flap (150) which is attached to and covers the front face of the housing. The drip-stop flap reversibly pivots about a horizontal pivot axis between a closed position where the liquid outlet is blocked by a sealing element on the flap, and an open position where the liquid outlet is exposed.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus includes a dual-chamber container with an inner container for holding a food item to be cooked and an outer container for maintaining contact between a temperature-controlled heat transfer liquid and the inner container while the food is being cooked. The dual-chamber container includes an inlet fluid port and outflow fluid port which may be coupled directly to corresponding fluid port connectors on a temperature control unit, or an intervening fluid coupling assembly may convey heat transfer liquid between the control unit and the dual-chamber container. Some control units are adapted to simultaneously control cooking temperature for more than one dual-chamber container. Some dual-chamber containers have a flexible inner container that is separable from an outer container which may be a rigid container or a flexible container.

Abstract: Disclosed is a capsule for use in a brewing device, the capsule comprising: a body part, which defines a cavity containing infusible beverage material; and a lid which is attached to the body part and which closes the cavity, wherein the lid comprises lines of weakness which define an opening region having an opening force of from 9.0 to 50 N.

Abstract: A brewing device, the device comprising; a reservoir for containing a supply of liquid, and a channel providing a flow channel from the reservoir to a rinse head situated in an infusion chamber, wherein the rinse head is mounted to be rotatable, defining an axis of rotation, the rinse head comprising at least one arcuate rinse channel, arranged to project rinse water with momentum in a direction that provides a moment about the axis of rotation; and a brewing device, the device comprising; a reservoir for containing a supply of liquid, and a channel providing a flow channel from the reservoir to a rinse head situated in an infusion chamber and comprising a plurality of rinse channels, wherein the rinse head is mounted to be rotatable by the action of a bushing bearing.

Abstract: A full immersion brewing system includes an immersion chamber; an extraction material mechanism for introducing extraction material into the immersion chamber; an infusion mechanism for introducing heated liquid and pressurized air into the immersion chamber; and a drain/dispensing mechanism for dispensing, through a filter, infused liquid from the immersion chamber and for enabling removal of extraction material from the immersion chamber. The filter prevents extraction material from being dispensed from the immersion chamber. When the drain/dispensing mechanism is in a first position, infused liquid is dispensed through the filter, and when the drain/dispensing mechanism is in a second position, the filter is positioned so that extraction material and liquid is dispensed without going through the filter. The full immersion brewing system includes a cleaning mechanism for cleaning the immersion chamber and the filter.

Abstract: A vending machine for producing beverages. The vending machine presents a user with a number of beverage options and receives the user selection. A plurality of refrigerated containers house various comestibles. An ejection mechanism is disposed within each container for expelling comestibles from the container. Control module selectively actuates the ejection mechanisms to expel comestibles required to make the user-selected beverage. The expelled comestibles slide down along a ramp into a blending chamber. A liquid is dispensed onto the ramp facilitating movement of the comestibles. The control module actuates the blender apparatus to blend the comestibles and the liquid into a homogenous beverage. The beverage is dispensed into a cup. The ramp and the blending chamber are automatically rinsed after preparation of each beverage.

Abstract: The beverage preparation unit comprises a mixing chamber having a beverage outlet, a liquid flow path for supplying a liquid to the mixing chamber, and an air flow path for supplying air to the liquid flow path. The mixing chamber is arranged for receiving a beverage related ingredient, such as concentrate, preferably from an exchangeable supply pack. The liquid flow path is arranged for generating a hollow jet of liquid having an outer liquid portion extending in a flow direction of the jet and an inner air portion extending in a flow direction of the jet wherein the outer liquid portion surrounds the inner air portion.

Abstract: System for preparing beverage consumptions comprising a beverage preparation device, and at least one exchangeable supply pack. The beverage preparation device comprises a mixing chamber having a beverage outlet, liquid supply means including a liquid flow path for supplying a liquid to the mixing chamber; air supply means for supplying air to the liquid flow path, and a drive shaft. The at least one exchangeable supply pack includes a container for holding a beverage related ingredient, and a doser arranged for supplying the beverage related ingredient in a dosed manner. The exchangeable pack and the device are mechanically connectable. When connected the doser is in fluid communication with the mixing chamber and the drive shaft is arranged for transmitting torque to the doser, such that when activated, beverage related ingredient is supplied from the outlet of the doser into the mixing chamber.

Abstract: The invention refers to a pack (10) for preparing food or beverage products comprising: at least one container (10?) having an inner volume where at least one base ingredient for the preparation of the food or beverage product is stored, said inner volume being defined by sheets of material joined to one another at their edges; a fitment assembly (20) through which the food or beverage product is delivered, and identification 10 means (30) comprising the information on the food or beverage product to be prepared; the identification means (30) being arranged in the fitment assembly (20), particularly in a free area of the fitment assembly (20) where they can be reliably read.

Abstract: A portable biomass stove includes a tubular seat unit and an insulation unit. The tubular seat unit includes an inner tubular seat and an outer tubular seat. The outer tubular seat surrounds the inner tubular seat, cooperates with the inner tubular seat to define an internal space therebetween, and is formed with an air inlet located under the tubular body. A top end portion of the outer tubular seat is connected to a top end portion of the tubular body in a sealing contact manner. The insulation unit is disposed in one of the internal space and an ambient space outside the outer tubular seat so as to prevent dissipation of heat out of the outer tubular seat.

Abstract: A heating cooker with a stirring function includes a stirring body configured to stir cooking materials that include liquid and a solid and are housed in a cooking container. The stirring body includes a housing rotatably mounted to a center of a bottom surface of the cooking container, and a lower blade that extends from an outer peripheral surface of the housing toward an inner peripheral surface of the cooking container and is configured to push at least one of the cooking materials that is positioned near the bottom surface of the cooking container toward the inner peripheral surface of the cooking container. The stirring body further includes an upper blade that extends from the outer peripheral surface of the housing toward the inner peripheral surface of the cooking container and is configured to cause at least one of the cooking materials that is near a liquid surface to sink toward the bottom surface of the cooking container.

Abstract: A smoke-diffusing accessory designed to function with a barbecue, the smoke-diffusing accessory forming a container that can contain smoke-generating materials, wherein the smoke-diffusing accessory includes a lid which engages with the container to form a closed enclosure, the lid including calibrated holes so as to regulate the supply of oxygen into the enclosure, and the smoke-diffusing accessory including a suspension system for vertically suspending the smoke-diffusing accessory in the barbecue such that the calibrated holes are oriented upwards.

Abstract: The Double Hinge Double Level Camping Grill is designed for use with a two level camp tire enclosure, the grill comprising a first grill member and a second grill member pivotally coupled to each other via a pair of elongated members, each elongated member having opposite first and second ends, the first end of each elongated member being pivotally connected to the first grill member and the second end of each elongated member being pivotally connected to the second grill member wherein each pivotal connection of the elongated member is a 360 degree pivotal connection. When grilling, the functions when placed upon a two level camp fire include flipping up the bottom level to add wood, provide a hot bottom level and a top warm level providing twice the grill space. Post grilling, the members can be detached for cleaning and folded up for storage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solid-fuel combustion device, comprising a fuel reservoir for a solid fuel in the form of fuel pieces and a combustion chamber having at least one first opening for the feeding of air and having at least one second opening for the escape of heat and exhaust gases produced when the solid fuel is burned. During proper use, the fuel reservoir is arranged in such a way that the fuel pieces can enter the combustion chamber under the force gravity and can burn there. The fuel reservoir is closed air-tight at least in such a way that no or at least no significant burning can occur in the fuel reservoir during proper use. During proper use, the first opening is arranged below the combustion chamber and the second opening is arranged to the side of the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A hot food storage assembly includes a box that may be positioned on a support surface. A cover is removably positioned on the box and the cover has a plurality of openings. A plurality of cans is provided and each of the cans may contain a food item. Each of the cans is comprised of a thermally insulating material. Thus, each of the cans may retain the food item at a pre-determined temperature. Each of the cans is slidably inserted through an associated one of the openings. A plurality of lids is provided and each of the lids is removably coupled to an associated one of the cans. Each of the lids forms a fluid impermeable seal with the associated can. Thus, each of the lids inhibits heat transfer between the food item and air.

Abstract: A food processor, in particular a mixing device, comprising a housing for accommodating a receptacle and a cover that closes the receptacle, and a locking mechanism for interlocking the receptacle with the cover; the locking mechanism includes a locking element, especially a locking roller, which can be moved relative to the receptacle and/or the cover from an unlocking position into a locking position and vice versa. In order to further develop food processors of the type, the locking element, apart from or in addition to interlocking the receptacle with the cover, is designed to have a subsidiary effect on the receptacle and/or the cover or to subsidiarily interact with the receptacle and/or the cover.

Abstract: A safety cushion that can be easily attached to and flush mounted on a surface of a bathtub and/or bathtub rim is disclosed. The safety cushion includes an elongated body fabricated from a pliable material such as rubber, silicone or polyurethane, and is provided with a plurality of substantially concave openings extending partially through a thickness of the body from a bottom surface towards a top surface. Each opening is arranged so as to leave a reduced body thickness between an apex of the opening and the top surface. This configuration enables the safety cushion to be attached to a surface of a bathtub or bathtub rim by suction when the pliable material is depressed over each opening from the top surface towards the bottom surface.

Abstract: The present invention may be used for one to bathe in and is a bathtub with a cover attached at the top of the bathtub body, and a reclining backseat may be within the bathtub.

Abstract: A bathing chair assembly for sitting level on an uneven surface includes a chair that may be positioned in a shower thereby facilitating the chair to support a physically disabled user in the shower. A plurality of legs is provided and each of the legs is removably coupled to the chair. Thus, each of the legs may support the chair in the shower. Each of the legs is positioned at a selected height with respect to the chair. Thus, the chair may sit level on an uneven surface.

Abstract: An exemplary refill unit for an dispenser includes a container for holding a liquid. The container has bottom side with a neck extending from the bottom side. A pump is connected to the neck of the container. The pump has a liquid pump portion that has a liquid pump inlet. The liquid pump inlet is located above the bottom of the container. A shroud is located over the liquid pump inlet and extends downward toward the bottom of the container. An air bleed valve is included and located in the top of the shroud.

Abstract: A dispenser assembly for dispensing a liquid product includes a bottle configured to store the product, a venting pump connected to the bottle and configured to control dispensing of the product from the bottle, a mounting component, and an enclosure connected to the mounting component and engaging the bottle, wherein the enclosure is movable relative to the mounting component between an open configuration and a closed configuration, and wherein the bottle is selectively removable from the enclosure when the enclosure is in the open configuration.

Abstract: A buttock wiping device includes a wiping arm including a head portion configured to press a wiping material against the buttocks, a wiping arm drive unit configured to move the wiping arm, and a control unit configured to control operation of the wiping arm drive unit. The control unit controls a movement path of the wiping arm such that the head portion moves along the path of water sprayed from a cleansing nozzle of a warm-water cleansing device in cleansing of a private area. Alternatively, a private area position is estimated, and the control unit controls the movement path of the wiping arm such that the head portion reaches the estimated position. As another alternative, the control unit controls the movement path of the wiping arm such that the head portion reaches the private area position.

Abstract: A variable height lift seat assembly includes a framework providing a seat mounting site. A plurality of linear actuators operably connects to the framework and each linear actuator has a power supply and preselected set points. A control mechanism operably connects to the linear actuators for controlling up and down and angular movement of the seat mounting site of the frame.

Abstract: The present invention is a device for storing an unused toilet plunger and providing easy access when plunger is need. The plunger holder is mold and mildew resistant and machine washable. It consists of a waterproof mat with a vertically raised edge around its surface edge to prevent soiled plunger water from dripping off of the mat and onto the floor or surface. The mat can be of a solid color or clear, showing the floor color through. It can also have a design which is bound between two layers of rubber, a base layer and a clear top layer. The holder is small and can conveniently fit beside and to the rear of the toilet where most plungers are already kept.

Abstract: An automated washing system for vertical surfaces of buildings can include a frame assembly including a substantially planar base portion and a mast portion extending upwardly from the base portion. A pair of rolling wheels can be disposed on the opposing sides of the base portion adjacent the rear end thereof. A main brush can be rotatably disposed on the frame and partially enclosed by a shroud. An electric drive motor can drive the main brush. Bumper wheels can be disposed on the shroud extend laterally outwardly beyond from the opposing circular ends of the main brush. The angle between the mast and the base can be configured to hold the main brush against the vertical surface of the building when the mast is lifted vertically by a cable attached to the mast.

Abstract: A surface cleaning head includes dual rotating agitators (e.g., a leading roller and a brush roll) and a removable cover for covering a top of the agitators and allowing access to the agitators from a top of the surface cleaning head. The dual agitators may be used to facilitate capturing of debris in the air flow into a suction conduit on the underside of the surface cleaning head. The brush roll may be located in a brush roll chamber and at least partially in an opening to the suction conduit. The leading roller may be positioned adjacent to and in advance of the suction conduit opening such that the leading roller engages debris and moves the debris toward the brush roll and the opening. The leading roller may be removable from the housing and held in place by the removable cover. The cover may be coupled using isolated latching mechanisms.

Abstract: A suction hose connecting piece for a suction hose for producing a flow connection from a machine tool to a vacuum cleaner, the connecting piece including a tubular body with a circumferential wall that delimits a flow channel, and a plug section which is arranged on the tubular body for the purpose of producing a plug connection with a mating connecting piece, it being possible to plug the connecting piece and mating connecting piece one onto the other along a longitudinal axis of the plug section, a longitudinal latch contour being arranged on the plug section, counteracting release of the mating connecting piece from the connecting piece relative to the longitudinal axis, and engaging with a longitudinal mating latch contour of the mating connecting piece when the mating connecting piece is plugged onto the connecting piece, along the longitudinal axis of the plug section.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a cleaner main body, a suction device, a suction motor, and a dust container. The dust container includes a dust collection body configured to contain dust, an opening/closing portion rotatably coupled to the dust collection body and configured to rotate to thereby open and close at least a portion of the dust collection body, and an operation portion connected to the dust collection body and configured to rotate in both a first direction and a second direction opposite the first direction. The opening/closing portion is configured to rotate based on the operation portion rotating in the first direction, and configured to rotate based on the operation portion rotating in the second direction.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner has a housing and a cover moveably mounted to the housing between a closed position and an open position. A filter is carried by the cover and includes an upstream surface and a downstream surface through which working air passes. When a user of the vacuum cleaner opens the cover, the upstream surface of the filter can be seen by the user.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is provided. The vacuum cleaner includes a housing. A cavity is provided in the housing. A nozzle assembly is received in that cavity. A cover conceals the nozzle assembly in the cavity when the cover is in a closed position and allows access to the nozzle assembly when in an opened position. A nozzle support holds the nozzle assembly in the cavity. The nozzle support is displaceable between a nozzle storage position when the cover is in the closed position and a nozzle presentation position when the cover is in an opened position.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly is provided for a vacuum cleaner. That nozzle assembly includes a housing having a suction opening. A suction conduit is carried on the housing. The suction conduit includes an inlet and an outlet. The nozzle assembly also includes a release lever carried on the suction conduit. The release lever includes a wand lock displaceable between a wand locking position and a wand releasing position.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus having a body, and a cleaning head, the body carrying a vibrating unit to cause vibratory motion of the cleaning head relative to the body, the cleaning apparatus including an attachment mechanism, the attachment mechanism being releasable to detach the cleaning head from the body.

Abstract: A domestic appliance and a method at the domestic appliance for detecting presence of process water in a pump of the domestic appliance are provided. The method of detecting process water in a pump of a domestic appliance may include operating the pump to rotate in a first direction, recording a first response of the pump rotating in the first direction based on a measured pump operation parameter, operating the pump to rotate in a second direction, and recording a second response of the pump rotating in the second direction based on the measured pump operation parameter. The method may further include comparing the first response and the second response, and determining the presence of water in the pump based on the comparison of the first and second response.

Abstract: A cleaning system includes a base element, a cleaning element coupled to the base element, wherein a surface of the cleaning element includes an adhesive material, and a removable cover having a first position and a second position. In the first position, the removable cover covers the cleaning element and is engaged with a first end of the base element. In the second position, the removable cover does not cover the cleaning element and is engaged with a second end of the base element.

Abstract: Provided is a sticky cleaner for antimicrobial treatment capable of removing organic dirt deposited on an article surface and of providing antimicrobial properties to the surface. The sticky cleaner according to this invention comprises a dirt-collecting member that collects organic dirt as it comes in contact with the article surface. The dirt-collecting member comprises a PSA in an area that comes in contact with the article surface, with the PSA providing antimicrobial properties to the article surface upon contact with the surface. The PSA comprises a base polymer and an antimicrobial agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a controlling apparatus for bending the tube of an endoscope, in which the tube of the endoscope is consisted of different rigid and soft parts. The tail portion of the tube is provided at least with a soft foldable ring and other rigid portion becomes a support base. A slot is formed in the tube for receiving a controlling slice, which has an elastic end being bent in tenseness and the other end extending into a handle to engage with a teeth piece. A gear set provided within the handle engages with the teeth piece. By turning the gear set, it can move the teeth piece as well as the controlling slice toward the tail portion of the tube to control the tail portion being bent under simple operation. When the controlling slice moves towards the handle and is apart from the soft foldable ring of the tube, the tail portion will be recovered flatly because of being lack of elastic force.

Abstract: A manipulator includes: an operating unit, and a bending assembly that is bent by operation of the operating unit, wherein: the bending assembly includes: a first link member having a first arc portion, a second link member having a second arc portion, an intermediate link member that includes a first intermediate arc portion and a second intermediate arc portion in opposition to the first intermediate arc portion, and is mounted between the first link member and the second link member.

Abstract: A suction valve stem, a suction valve, an endoscopic valve kit, and a method for molding a stem are provided. The suction valve stem includes: a button head, and a stem body connecting to the button head. The stem body includes: an air passage through the center bore, a recessed slot, disposed on the stem body below the button head and above the side opening, a sealing area, disposed on the stem body below the side opening, and a flat, disposed on the stem body. The air passage includes a side opening disposed on side surface of the stem body and a bottom opening disposed at a bottom end of the stem body. The recessed slot is disposed 90 degrees from the side opening. The flat is disposed 90 degrees from the side opening and has a fluid communication to the bottom end of the stem body.

Abstract: An endoscope having an elongate shaft and a system tube, which extends inside the shaft and in which an image carrier is arranged, the system tube is held in an axial direction of the shaft by means of at least one resilient latching element, and a method for producing such an endoscope and to a latching element for such an endoscope.

Abstract: An endoscope connector for connecting an endoscope to an external apparatus, includes: an exterior member including a first opening and a second opening on end part side, the first opening and the second opening respectively exposing, to an outside, predetermined members of the endoscope to be connected to the external apparatus; and a supporting member that is disposed inside the exterior member and holds the predetermined members, in which the supporting member includes an insertion hole that faces a region on the end part side of the exterior member, the region being different from the first opening and the second opening.

Abstract: A manipulator, including: a drive unit for generating a driving force, and a treatment tool that is driven by the drive unit and attachable to and detachable from the drive unit, wherein the treatment tool includes: a distal end having at least one joint driven by the drive unit, a lock unit that is actuated to lock at least one of joints at the distal end, a lock-operating unit for operating the lock unit, and a control unit that is operated such that the lock unit is operated by the lock-operating unit and such that when the drive unit is driven, the drive unit is deactivated, and even with the treatment tool detached from the drive unit, the lock unit keeps on with locking.

Abstract: An endoscopy auxiliary device includes an insertion tube and a clamping unit. The clamping unit has a pipe and a connector. The connector is connected to the insertion tube. The tube is configured to clamp a capsule endoscopy. The pipe has an inner space configured to accommodate a part of the capsule endoscopy. The pipe includes a first slit, a second slit and a third slit. The first slit extends from a free end of the pipe for a first distance toward a connection end of the pipe. The second slit extends from the free end of the pipe for the connection distance toward the connection end of the pipe. The third slit extends from the free end of the pipe for a third distance toward the connection end of the pipe. The first slit, the second slit and the third slit are separated from each other.

Abstract: A surgical sheath for use in endoscopic trans-nasal or intra-ocular surgery is made of a braid material. The sheath may be manufactured by placing a length of braided tube material over a mandrel. The braid material is conformed to the shape of the mandrel and is then heat set. An atraumatic end may be made by folding or rolling one or both ends of the sheath. A coating may also optionally be applied to the braid material. The sheath reduces collateral trauma to the tissues in the surgical pathway.

Abstract: A combined tube set for a disposable water bottle for an endoscope includes a cap with threads suitable for attachment to various water bottles. The combined tube set provides a first tube set for rinsing that includes an air and water tubes, air/water connector, and anchor. The combined tube set also provides a second tube set for irrigation that includes an irrigation connector, backflow valve(s), and flexible tubing section.