Abstract: A device for descaling flow passages of a pod-type beverage machine, comprising: a container having a bottom wall and a sidewall extending from the bottom wall, the sidewall defining an opening at a top of the container, wherein the container is configured to be received by the beverage machine; a dry, liquid-absorbing material disposed within the container adjacent to the bottom wall, and configured to retard a flow of liquid therethrough; a dry powder descaler disposed within the container, wherein at least a portion of the dry powder descaler is disposed on a surface of the absorbing material opposite the bottom wall; and a cover over the opening at the top of the container and configured to seal the liquid-absorbing material and the dry powder descaler in the container.

Abstract: A method of making cookware containing a bonded composite comprising the steps of providing at least two layers of materials by pressurizing and heating wherein the first of the at least two layers of materials has a plurality of spaced-apart bubbles formed on its surface, defining a cooking surface of the cookware, and a second layer of two layers of material is bonded thereto, wherein the bonding between the bubbles and the second material is of a lesser degree than the bonding between the first and second layers of materials in areas intermediate the bubbles, whereby a coefficient of heat conductivity is greater in the intermediate areas than in the bubbles. The method also includes providing a plurality of sets of bonding blank assemblies by solid state processing under pressure and heat.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a movable door that directs debris, such as oil, grease, and food particles, that falls from a plurality of cooking slots in a vertical cooking grill to an area separate from a food product delivery tray, providing a cooked food product with reduced calories that is potentially more visually appealing.

Abstract: A cast iron Dutch oven comprising a pot having a generally planar base portion, an upwardly extending and outwardly tapered wall portion integrally formed with the base portion, the base portion defining a top edge having a plurality of raised portions separated by a plurality of lowered portions, and a plurality of wide legs having a crescent shape disposed around a perimeter of the base portion. A lid has a raised top wall around a top perimeter and a bottom edge contoured to mate with the top edge of the pot with corresponding raised portions separated by corresponding lowered portions. A plurality of downwardly extending flanges extend into the pot when the lid is positioned on the pot to prevent the lid from sliding from the pot and to create vent openings when the lid is rotated relative to the pot.

Abstract: An air frying system including a housing defining an inner chamber, a food basket removably positionable within the inner chamber, the food basket comprising a shell with first and second ends, a first cap attached to the shell at the first end, and a second cap removably attached to the second end of the shell, and a handle assembly adjacent to the first cap at the first end of the shell. The handle assembly includes a tray having an outer periphery and at least one handle extending from the outer periphery of the tray, wherein at least one of the handles is positioned outside the inner chamber of the housing when the food basket is positioned within the inner chamber of the housing. In this way, the food basket can be inserted and removed from the inner chamber without touching hot surfaces that have been heated during the cooking process.

Abstract: The present invention regards an oven for cooking products, particularly foods, if desired for frying or cooking frozen products or fresh, breaded products.

Abstract: A device for supporting and flavoring a food during cooking, such as grilling, baking or roasting, including a packaging structure with an interior; and a wooden plank removably located within the packaging structure interior; wherein the wooden plank includes a quantity of liquid such as water, broth or juice. The wooden plank is made of a food-safe wood, such as but not limited to oak wood, maple wood, pine wood, cedar wood, alder wood, cherry wood, hickory wood or ash wood. The wooden plank is pre-soaked in the liquid, such that the wooden plank smolders during the cooking process, thereby smoking the food. The pre-soaked wooden plank is packaged, so that is will not dry out substantially before use by the user.

Abstract: An outdoor system for cooking and/or smoking food in which a smart phone, remote or other hand-held wireless device can be used to start the cooking and/or smoking unit. To allow the unit to he started remotely, or to permit one or more other operations to he remotely activated, the system first determines whether the hand-held device is within a predetermined geo-fence boundary distance of the cooking an or smoking unit and/or determines whether one or more other status criteria are met.

Abstract: A bun toasting assembly for permanently toasting a depression into a bun includes a toaster that may have a plurality of buns positioned therein. The toaster is structured to form a depression in the buns. A heating coil is positioned within the toaster to toast the buns thereby facilitating the depression to be permanently toasted into the buns.

Abstract: A cast iron skillet comprises a pan portion having a generally planar base portion and an upwardly extending and outwardly tapered wall portion integrally formed with the base portion. A handle has a base portion attached to an outer surface of the wall portion, an upwardly extending portion extending at an upward obtuse angle relative to a top edge of the wall portion, and a grasping portion depending from the upwardly extending portion and away from the pan portion, the grasping portion extending in a plane that is substantially parallel to the top edge of the wall portion.

Abstract: A system for measuring the state of degradation of cooking oil in a deep fryer is provided. The system includes at least one fryer pot and a loop of piping fluidly connected thereto for selectively allowing flow of oil from the at least one fryer pot into the loop and for selectively allowing the cooking oil to return to said at least one fryer pot from the loop. A pump urges the flow of cooking oil through the loop of piping and selectively to urge oil to return to the at least one fryer pot. The loop further comprises a return portion that extends from a discharge of the pump toward a suction of the pump. A sensor is disposed in the return portion of the loop and adapted to measure an electrical property that is indicative of total polar materials of said cooking oil.

Abstract: A device for grinding coffee beans one shot at a time. The device may consist of an inlet funnel attached to a main body, wherein the beans are gravity fed to a set of burrs that grind the coffee into a grounds chamber, where they are then expunged into a grounds receptacle. The grounds receptacle may be adjusted in height via arms attached to the grinder depending on the workflow of the user and the type of receptacle being used. The grounds chamber is a clamshell design easily removable by the user for cleaning and held in place with magnets and alignment pins. As the grinder grinds coffee, wipers on the mounts for the burr create a positive pressure air flow to expunge the ground beans in addition to physically manipulating them out of the exit chute. This allows for grinding and expulsion of all of the input coffee without retention, a common problem in the industry when grinders are used for single shot grinding.

Abstract: A single hand operated dual chamber grinder has an actuation mechanism that is in mechanical connection with a chamber selection mechanism. A user selects the desired chamber (e.g., desired spice), using the chamber selection mechanism. Once selected, and upon actuation motion, a grinding assembly specific to the selected chamber is engaged and activated.

Abstract: A cooking utensil for flavoring a whole bird with salt includes a salt block configured to fit into the body cavity of a bird and a base pan having a salt block holder for holding the salt block in an upright position on the base pan. A whole bird can be placed over the upright salt block in the pan such that the salt block inserts into the body cavity of the bird. The cooking utensil holds a whole bird upright and at the same time adds salt flavor to the bird as it is being cooked.

Abstract: A no back wash colander system for providing a primary function of a colander system such as the separation of liquids from solids while simultaneously delivering user-safety features such as heat-resistant handles and hands-free colander base stabilization coupled with an absence of liquid backwash through a direct connection into a kitchen sink drain to further promote a sanitary environment for comestibles.

Abstract: In one example, the present invention relates to a culinary implement that includes: a shank that has a distal end; a spatula blade that, in one embodiment, is substantially flat and has a top side, a bottom side, and a distal edge; and a prong disposed adjacent to the blade; wherein the blade and the prong are connected to the distal end of the shank and the shank either is the handle or is connected to a handle.

Abstract: A thawing rack. The thawing rack includes a base including a plurality of parallel oriented rods, a first end, and an opposing second end. A pair of outermost rods of a first rack are in sliding engagement with a pair of outermost rods of the base at the first end thereof, and a pair of outermost rods of a second rack are in sliding engagement with the pair of outermost rods of the base at the second end thereof. One or more springs are configured to bias the first rack away from the second rack. The first and second racks can be compressed and slid inwardly toward one another and then released when the thawing rack is positioned within a sink basin. The force exerted by the springs causes feet disposed on the distal ends of the first and second racks to frictionally engage the sidewalls of the sink basin.

Abstract: A shower caddy with a knock down or telescoping frame is described. For shipment, on retailer shelves and while on display, the shower caddy can be maintained in a closed configuration. In this configuration, the total volume required for each unit is significantly less than when the frame is in an extended or open configuration, such as when configured for use. This leads to lower shipping costs because the volume required by plural units is reduced, lower storage costs because more units may be stored by a distributor or retailer as compared to a unitary item, and greater convenience to a consumer since the item is more easily transported to the home and may be more easily stored when not in use.

Abstract: A toilet paper roll holder for portable toilets. The device includes an elongated member including a channel configured to removably receive a leg of a commode and a support arm configured to operably support a roll of toilet paper thereon. The channel includes a length ranging between 16 inches to 22 inches in order to accommodate differently sized commodes. The support arm includes a horizontal portion extending horizontally outwardly from a proximal end of the elongated member and a vertical portion extending vertically outwardly from an end of the horizontal portion, such that the vertical portion is orthogonal relative to the horizontal portion and parallel relative to the elongated member. A fastener disposed on the elongated member is configured to removably secure the leg of a commode within the longitudinal channel.

Abstract: A toilet paper roll holder attachment system is disclosed for supporting the holding of at least two toilet paper rolls in either horizontal or vertical configuration or for supporting the holding of large or jumbo toilet paper rolls. The toilet paper roll holder attachment system has a hollow cylindrical body with two substantially round apertures which are adapted for holding a toilet paper roll spindle. There is a vertical support arm or support bracket extending perpendicularly downward from the hollow cylindrical body. At the lower end of the vertical support arm or support bracket is a horizontal rod for holding the toilet paper rolls. There is(are) stopper(s) at the end(s) of the horizontal rod for the purpose of preventing the toilet paper rolls from sliding out of the horizontal rod.

Abstract: A retrofit toilet paper dispenser provides a horizontal hook for receiving a toilet paper roll spaced away from an in-wall fixture but attached to the in-wall fixture by a spring-loaded spindle. An anti-rotation arm prevents rotation of the horizontal hook by contacting stationary wall or dispenser structure.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to adjustable toilet footrests while using a toilet. In one example, an adjustable toilet footrest has a foot platform having at least two telescopic legs extending therefrom, wherein the telescopic legs have a locking mechanism that allows for the height of the platform to be selectively adjusted to a user's desire.

Abstract: A squeegee device (10) for cleaning includes a main supporting base (20) in which an opening (24) is formed along a cleaning width direction of a cleaning surface (W), and a pair of squeegees (30) and (40) arranged to extend along the cleaning width direction along the periphery of the opening (24) and formed of an elastic body. Tips of the pair of squeegees (30, 40) are arranged at an angle relative to each other and contact each other in an airtight state, and pressing the tips against the cleaning surface (W) can open a gap between the tips.

Abstract: A cleaning system includes a robotic cleaner and an evacuation station. The robotic cleaner can dock with the evacuation station to have debris evacuated by the evacuation station. The robotic cleaner includes a bin to store debris, and the bin includes a port door through which the debris can be evacuated into the evacuation station. The evacuation station includes a vacuum motor to evacuate the bin of the robotic cleaner.

Abstract: A system and method for capturing resultant dust from power tool operation are disclosed. The system comprises a device that includes a housing with a substantially cylindrical shape. The housing has a first end that tapers to an opening for a tool bit and at least one suction port that opens into an interior volume of the housing. The housing has a second end configured to couple to a power tool. An air intake passage attaches to the exterior surface of the housing body such that an interior volume of the air intake passage connects to an interior volume of the housing. An exit passage is coupled to the air intake passage and is configured to couple to a vacuum.

Abstract: A cleaner holder includes a first body having a charging terminal to charge a cleaner; a second body connected to the first body, configured to support the cleaner and having an accommodation space in which a battery is accommodated; and a locking part rotatably connected to the first body and configured to fix the cleaner, wherein when force having predetermined magnitude is applied to the locking part in one direction, the locking part is rotated in a first direction to be coupled to the cleaner, so that the cleaner is fixed, and wherein when force having predetermined magnitude is applied to the locking part in the other direction, the locking part is rotated in a second direction opposite to the first direction to be uncoupled from the clean.

Abstract: A brushroll for a surface cleaning apparatus includes a brush dowel defining an axis and having opposing bristle supports and a shroud surface between the opposing bristle supports, and a plurality of bristles protruding from the bristle supports. The shroud surface includes opposing convex curved surfaces extending between the bristle supports which intersect the shroud surface at outside corners.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dust collecting apparatus for a vacuum cleaner, comprising: a first cyclone installed in a first case and configured to separate dust from air introduced thereinto together with foreign substances and to discharge the separated dust to a first dust storage unit; a second cyclone mounted above the first cyclone and configured to separate fine dust from the air from which the dust is separated by the first cyclone and to discharge the separated fine dust to a second dust storage unit; a compression device configured such that at least a part thereof performs normal rotation in one direction and reverse rotation in the direction opposite to that of the normal rotation along the outer peripheral surface of a second case having the second dust storage unit therein to compress the dust stored in the first dust storage unit; a screw rotatably installed above the compression device and having a guide vane spirally extending along the outer periphery thereof to guide the collection of

Abstract: A vacuum accessory having an elongated axis, the accessory comprising an adapter configured to provide fluid communication with a vacuum appliance, at least first and second air outlet ports spaced along the elongated axis of the accessory. The ports are configured to balance airflow along the elongated axis of the accessory.

Abstract: The invention relates to a household robot, in particular an automatically movable cleaning robot for a floor area, having a housing, having running gear which is arranged on the underside of the housing, having a sensor system for detecting the area surrounding the housing and having a control for automatically controlling the running gear, in which the technical problem of preventing soiling by excrement from a living being is solved by providing detection element for detecting a sub-area of the floor area which has been soiled by excrement from a living being and by the control element changing the operating mode of the household robot dependent on an output signal from the detection element. The invention also relates to a method for operating a household robot.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for training and operating of robotic appliances. Robotic appliance may be operable to clean user premises. The user may train the appliance to perform cleaning operations in constrained areas. The appliance may be configured to clean other area of the premises automatically. The appliance may perform premises exploration and/or determine map of the premises. The appliance may be provided priority information associated with areas of the premises. The appliance may perform cleaning operations in order of the priority. Robotic vacuum cleaner appliance may be configured for safe cable operation wherein the controller may determine one or more potential obstructions (e.g., a cable) along operating trajectory. Upon approaching the cable, the controller may temporarily disable brushing mechanism in order to prevent cable damage.

Abstract: An apparatus in one embodiment comprises a processing platform that includes one or more processing devices each comprising a processor coupled to a memory. The processing platform is configured to implement at least a portion of at least a first floor-care system. The processing platform further comprises a floor-care input variable monitoring module configured to monitor, during run-time of a floor-care operation in connection with a given space, multiple floor-care variables input by at least the first floor-care system, a floor-care execution adjustment module configured to adjust one or more of multiple floor-care execution outputs in response to the monitoring of the multiple floor-care variables, and a floor-care output module configured to execute at least a portion of the multiple floor-care execution outputs during at least a portion of the floor-care operation based on the one or more adjusted floor-care execution outputs.

Abstract: A cleaning device has a main part and a handle with which an operator can displace the cleaning device on a surface being cleaned, two counter-rotatable rollers being received in the main part such that the rollers come into contact with the floor being cleaned, the rollers being arranged in the main part such that they are only separated by a shared air gap and/or longitudinal gap.

Abstract: A mist generating system for a cleaning implement is adapted to generate a finely atomized liquid mist for suppressing dust, allergens, and other airborne particulates. The mist generating system can be adapted to fit many cleaning implements such as vacuum cleaners, wet extraction cleaners, floor mops, and dusters to suppress airborne dust and particulates generated during operation and the cleaning process.

Abstract: A scuff-removing pad is provided that includes a piece of vinyl or linoleum sandwiched between two similarly shaped pieces of adhesive backed felt. The materials are pressed together using 15 tons of pressure for maximum adhesive and then die cut to form the shape of the scuff-removing pad. Each pad has a small through hole to allow for the insertion and tying of a tether which is tied at an opposite end to a clip or other device for removable attachment to a custodian's belt. The scuff-removing pad is useful for the custodian to erase scuff marks from vinyl flooring or other solid flooring.

Abstract: A dishwasher with a tub defining a treating chamber, a chassis supporting the tub, and a set of leveling assemblies mounted to the chassis. A leveling assembly can include a leveling foot having a threaded shaft and a nut having a threaded interior and a flexible or moveable portion configured to receive a portion of the threaded shaft.

Abstract: A method of operating a dishwasher having a wash tub and a reuse tank for storing liquid for subsequent reuse, wherein the condition of the water in the reuse tank may be monitored and/or acted upon to limit the likelihood of undesired effects associated with the growth of micro-organisms in the liquid.

Abstract: A domestic appliance includes a control device and a touch-sensitive operator control device. The domestic appliance has at least one sensor with which at least one property of an external input unit can be measured. The external input unit is in contact with the operator control device or is located at a distance x from the operator control device, wherein x is lower than a prespecified maximum distance xmax. The control device is configured to evaluate the at least one measured property with respect to the type and/or the state of the external input unit and to control the domestic appliance depending on the type and/or state of the external input unit. A method for operating the domestic appliance is also provided.

Abstract: In an embodiment the present invention provides a dispensing device for introducing a pourable detergent in metered amounts into a treatment chamber of a program-controlled cleaning appliance, in particular a dishwasher, the dispensing device including: a supply container for holding the detergent, the supply container having a reservoir chamber and a metering chamber terminating in a dispensing opening, the metering chamber being provided by a metering element that is movably disposed within the supply container and is movable from a non-metering position to a metering position; and a carrier unit which is rotatable by a motor and is configured to replaceably receive the supply container.

Abstract: A dishwasher has a treating chamber for receiving dishes for treatment according to an automatic cycle of operation and a dispensing system for storing and dispensing treating chemistry to the treating chamber during the cycle of operation. The dishwasher can be provided with a lifetime supply of a treating chemistry for the dispensing system.

Abstract: A vent outlet for an appliance having an adjustable kick plate configured to enclose a base portion of the appliance is provided. In an example embodiment, the vent outlet comprises a top portion, a vent cover, a bottom portion, and a conduit portion. The top portion comprises a planar portion and an angled portion. The front surface of the vent cover is coplanar with the front surface of the planar portion. The bottom portion that is recessed with respect to the front surface of vent cover. The planar portion, the vent cover, and the bottom portion are generally aligned along a first axis. The conduit portion extends backward from a plane defined by the vent cover and is configured to secure the vent outlet to a vent conduit of the appliance.

Abstract: A utensil rack for a dishwasher has a set of wave profiles. One subset of wave profiles has wave crests spaced from each other a first distance and a second set of wave profiles has wave crests spaced from each other a second distance less than the first distances. The utensil rack can be in the form of tray. A stemware section has one subset of wave profiles and a cutlery section has a second subset of wave profiles.

Abstract: Provided is a scouring pad which includes a mesh net including a plurality of biodegradable filaments and a plurality of biodegradable monofilaments overlapping the filaments A plurality of protrusions are formed in a region in which the filaments overlap the monofilaments.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a sole cleaning apparatus, including a pedal having a plurality of vibration sealing column holes provided thereon. Movable vibration sealing columns protrude out from the sealing column holes. Convex pedal ridges are arranged around the sealing column holes, and the vibration sealing columns are higher than the pedal ridges when not pressed down. A vibration sealing chamber leading to a dust collecting and filter chamber is arranged below the vibration sealing column holes, and comprises a step and a spring component. The vibration sealing columns are columns with discs, and the columns vertically penetrate through the vibration sealing chambers and the discs are arranged on the steps. When the vibration sealing columns are pressed down, the vibration sealing columns are in contact with the vibration plates, and vibration generated by the vibration plates is transferred to a sole stepping on the pedal.

Abstract: A bleeding detection unit in a surgical system processes information in an acquired scene before that scene is presented on a display unit in the operating room. For example, the bleeding detection unit analyzes the pixel data in the acquired scene and determines whether there are one or more initial sites of blood in the scene. Upon detection of an initial site of blood, the region is identified by an initial site icon in the scene displayed on the display unit. In one aspect, the processing is done in real-time which means that there is no substantial delay in presenting the acquired scene to the surgeon.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an endoscope includes: dividing some of signal lines into bundle portions; notching a part of a tube to form one or a plurality of notch portions; cutting at least one end portion of the tube in a state where the tube is folded with each notch portion to produce a first heat-shrinkable tube having cylindrical portions with aligned end portions in longitudinal directions of the cylindrical portions; inserting the divided bundle portions into the cylindrical portions of the first heat-shrinkable tube, respectively; inserting the signal lines into a second heat-shrinkable tube; heating at least an overlapping portion in a state where the first and second heat-shrinkable tubes partially overlap each other to cause heat shrinkage; inserting the signal cable and the channel into a tubular portion; and connecting the tubular portion to a distal end constituting portion to form the insertion portion.

Abstract: An imaging unit includes: an optical system; a semiconductor package including an image sensor, and a connection electrode formed on a back surface; a cable; an electronic component; and a multi-layer substrate having a rectangular plate shape and including: a first electrode and a second electrode arranged side-by-side with each other on a front surface, the semiconductor package being mounted on the first electrode, and the cable being connected to the second electrode; and a third electrode on a back surface, the electronic component being mounted on the third electrode. The multi-layer substrate includes walls on at least two opposing sides of the back surface, and the semiconductor package is disposed such that a light receiving surface of the image sensor is arranged horizontally with respect to the multi-layer substrate.

Abstract: Medical devices, systems and methods that are useable to facilitate transnasal insertion and positioning of guidewires and various other devices and instruments at desired locations within the ear, nose, throat, paranasal sinuses or cranium.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a camera for the three-dimensional measurement of a dental object, comprising at least one light source that emits an illumination beam, at least one projection mask that produces a projection pattern, focusing optics that display the projection pattern in a plane of sharp focus at a defined focal distance relative to the dental camera. The projection pattern projected onto the object is reflected by the object as an observation beam and is acquired by means of a sensor. During the measurement of the object, the focusing optics are controlled in such a way that the focal distance of the plane of sharp focus relative to the camera is adjusted incrementally between a number of defined scan positions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a camera for the three-dimensional measurement of a dental object, comprising at least one light source, which emits an illumination beam, at least one projection means, which produces a projection pattern, focusing optics, which display the projection pattern in a plane of sharp focus at a defined focal distance relative to the dental camera. The projection pattern projected onto the object is reflected by the object as an observation beam and is acquired by means of a sensor. In the measurement of the object, the focusing optics are controlled in such a way that the focal distance of the plane of sharp focus relative to the camera is varied incrementally between a plurality of defined scan positions.