Abstract: A furniture glide is provided as a snap on cap that is mountable on the terminal end of a furniture leg having an outer surface. The furniture glide includes an interior volume having an outer surface and an inner surface defining a cavity for receiving the furniture leg. A sidewall of the cavity may be arced so as to precisely conform to a furniture leg. Matted material is molded into the outer surface of the cup. As a result, the furniture glide may fit snugly and securely without shearing off, though it may still be removable, and the furniture glide may avoid the requirement of adhesives, though adhesives could optionally be used.

Abstract: An adjustable seating solution that enables users to adjust several seating characteristics is disclosed. In a relatively low sitting position, the disclosed device provides some support if the user leans back, but predominately supports the user's weight and requires the user to engage core muscles to maintain good posture. The disclosed apparatus enables the user to adjust the seat upward to a leaning position. A platform extends forward under the user's feet to ensure that when the user leans against the seat, the apparatus remains stable. The apparatus enables the seat portion to be tilted, such that varying contours can be selected to engage the user's body in a desired way. At low heights, the user can tilt the seat portion forward to require the user to further engage core muscles while seated. At higher heights, the user can customize the contour of the seat that engages the user's body.

Abstract: Items of furniture that include a chassis, a kinematic mechanism mounted upon the chassis, and a base furniture part that is movably coupled to the kinematic mechanism, provided that the kinematic mechanism is configured to permit independent rotation around three distinct axes, and that the three distinct axes intersect one another at a central point.

Abstract: A travel pillow includes a resilient inner frame having a rear portion and two side portions, and a U-shaped outer cushion fixed about the inner frame and including a rear portion and two side portions. Each side portion, and optionally the rear portion, includes at least one transverse air aperture therethrough. Each side portion of the inner frame further includes a forward end. The side portions may each include a drawstring aperture at the forward end for receiving a drawstring having two halves, each of which being mutually and selectively fixable at one part of a two-part mechanical fastener. A flexible cover that has an opening therethrough into which the inner frame and the outer cushion are inserted may be included that has at least one ventilation area through which air may travel.

Abstract: A travel pillow includes a pliable body which conforms to a user's shoulder and neck, and an anchor which extends from a forward portion of an outer surface of the body to a rearward portion thereof. Opposite ends of the anchor include connectors, each connector adapted to releasably hold one end of a strap. By positioning the body on one shoulder of the user, adjacent to the head, and with one end of the strap removably connected to a rearward portion of the body, the user may extend the other end of the strap around his/her torso and firmly hold the strap, so as to apply a pulling force on the anchor via the strap. This pulling force applied via the strap and the anchor enables the pillow to remain in place to support the head of the user.

Abstract: An office chair including a chair back assembly that is independently adjustable to adjust the vertical height of the chair back and to provide lumbar support. The chair back assembly includes a flexible back shell that is movable vertically along a back support yoke. The vertical movement of the flexible back shell adjusts the vertical height of the chair back assembly relative to the seat. The chair back assembly further includes a lumbar adjustment mechanism having an adjustment cable connected to a bottom end of the flexible back shell. Operation of the lumbar adjustment mechanism moves the bottom end of the flexible back shell vertically within a pair of spaced lower movement slots. The movement of the bottom end of the flexible back shell increases the amount that the flexible back shell protrudes from the back support yoke, thereby increasing the lumbar support.

Abstract: The portable seat apparatus includes a telescopic support member and a seat receptacle. The telescopic support member includes a plurality of concentric sections that are extendable and retractable within each other. The concentric sections include a distal section and a proximal section. Adjacent concentric sections are coupled together via interlocking features. A bottom surface of the seat receptacle is coupled to the telescopic support member and a top surface of the seat receptacle is configured to operably engage a user in a seated position. The apparatus is configurable in a sit-mode and a storage-mode. In the sit-mode, the concentric sections are at least partially extended and the telescopic support member is perpendicular to the seat receptacle. In the storage-mode, the concentric sections of the telescopic member are retracted within each other and the seat receptacle is parallel to the telescopic support member.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for facilitating rotation of a mattress in a horizontal plane carried by a box spring or a platform. In order to facilitate rotation, slick surfaces between the mattress and the box spring or platform are selectively placed in contact in order to reduce the normal friction therebetween. The slick surfaces may be provided by two (2) separate covers; one cover for the mattress and one cover for the box spring or platform. A first cover is provided with a slick and non-slick surface. In order to further facilitate rotation, a second cover includes a slick surface on one side and forms part of a levitation device. The other side of the second cover may be formed with a slick or a non-slick surface. The levitation device creates an air cushion between the mattress and the box spring under the influence of an air supply which lifts the mattress and allows the mattress to be rotated in a horizontal plane virtually effortlessly.

Abstract: A comfort layer for a bedding or seating product has slow-acting pockets characterized by the individual springs of the comfort layer being pocketed with either semi-impermeable or impermeable fabric. Each seam joining opposed plies of fabric around each of the coil springs of the comfort layer may be segmented, allowing air to flow between the segments, thereby increasing the luxury “feel” of the comfort layer. The method of making the comfort layer includes compressing the springs and creating pockets with a welding horn and an anvil.

Abstract: A bedding or seating product comprises a pocketed spring assembly comprising a plurality of parallel strings of individually pocketed springs. The strings of springs may extend from head-to-foot or side-to-side of the product. Adjacent individually pocketed springs are separated from each other by at least one separating seam. Each of the separating seams comprises a branched end portion.

Abstract: A child motion apparatus includes an apparatus base, a movable carrier, a seat mount, a motion mechanism, and a seat assembly. The movable carrier is movably disposed on the apparatus base along a sliding direction. The seat mount is rotatably connected to the movable carrier about a rotation axis perpendicular to the sliding direction. The motion mechanism includes a sliding mechanism and a rotating mechanism. The sliding mechanism connects the movable carrier and the apparatus base for sliding the movable carrier relative to the apparatus base along the sliding direction. The rotating mechanism is disposed on the movable carrier and connected to the seat mount for rotating the seat mount about the rotation axis. The seat assembly is detachably connected to the seat mount, so that the seat assembly slides and rotates together with the seat mount.

Abstract: An apparatus for improved sleep made up of a mattress, and a sleep aid, on a first end of the mattress the sleep aid being a partially fitted sheet, the fitted sheet tucked into and secured onto a side of the mattress, and on a second end of the mattress the sleep aid being a blanket, the blanket attached to the fitted sheet and the blanket being large enough to be folded over an infant, the fitted sheet having hook and loop fasteners and the blanket having matable hook and loop fasteners situated on the blanket opposite the fitted sheet, such that when the blanket is folded over and the hook and loop fasteners are mated a pocket capable of containing an infant is formed.

Abstract: A product management display system has a surface of the display system, a pusher mechanism having a pusher surface, the pusher mechanism configured to slide across at least a portion of the surface of the display system, and at least one divider for dividing product into rows. The display system further has a front retaining wall configured to attach to the front portion of the display system. The front retaining wall has a bottom surface comprising detents. The front portion of the surface of the display system has correspondingly shaped sockets for receiving the detents when the front retaining wall is attached to the front portion of the display system.

Abstract: A multi-component divider including a first divider component and a connection mechanism for a second divider component. The second divider component connects to the first divider component when the first divider component is connected to a base. The second divider component extends above the first divider component, thereby extending the overall height of the divider. The base and multi-component divider can be used in locations where there is limited space between shelves, such as a shelf in a freezer or refrigerated display, or in any application where a higher divider may be preferred, but cannot be installed. The base can additionally include a pusher moveable along a longitudinal direction of the base, wherein the pusher is also adjustable linearly along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the base.

Abstract: The Eco Fit invention encourages a consumer to take part in significantly impacting environmental issues. Quick information can help with decisions reducing consumables. Consumers need to understand the difference between products designed to be more sustainable than the current consumables. The Smarter Way is analyzing the measurable much like ingredient labels of food products before the purchase. The display must contain indicia which informs the consumer of the carbon imprint for the product. This change over time can bring quality products to the market place that will have longer life spans with reduced costs and consumption. We can influence the process of reducing the manufacturer's energy costs, the purchase price, the transportation and the impact on our environment. Labels and displays can teach the value of greatly reducing consumerism and waste for subsequent generations. The Smarter Way is to show the costs and savings at the point of purchase.

Abstract: Olfactory identification of the contents of a bottle, in particular wine, or any food container, intended to facilitate the choice of the product by a novice consumer making a purchase is enabled. A support, such as an enclosure attached to a bottle and, inside, a substance aromatized with the aromas representative of the contents of the bottle, make it possible to assist with the selection.

Abstract: A composite structure of a fixable food container is disclosed. The composite structure comprises a plurality of food containers and a fixing disc. A first connecting portion is formed on the bottom of the food container. The fixing disc is used for fixing on a surface. A second connecting portion is formed on the top of the fixing disc for connecting with the first connecting portion and a hole is formed at the center of the fixing disc. The composite structure of the fixable food container has numerous advantages such as improved non-slip capability, stability, and positioning and has compatibility that allows the fixing disc to connect with different kinds of food containers.

Abstract: An apparatus is described that permits a user to quickly and effortlessly separate an egg shell from the body of a hard-boiled egg. The apparatus has a hollow body into which an egg is inserted, a convex shaped bottom section and a convex shaped top portion. Additionally, the interior surface of the hollow body has a number of protrusions that contribute to peeling action. Eggs are inserted into the apparatus, water is added, the apparatus is sealed, the user agitates the apparatus for a short time, and then pours out the separated egg and egg shell along with the water.

Abstract: An improved tension rod having a first thin-wall metal tube, a plastic bushing inserted inside the first metal tube, a second thin-wall metal tube the second metal tube set partially inside the first metal tube, a helically-wound metal spring with an eyelet on one end and a two closed coils on the other end, the metal spring retained inside the first metal tube by a first diameter metal rivet and in the second metal tube by a second diameter metal rivet, the second metal tube having an end cap on the end opposite the first metal tube, a third metal tube being an extension tube connected to the first metal tube by an expansion clamp located between the first metal tube and the extension tube, the extension tube having an end cap located opposite the first metal tube.

Abstract: A Roman shade includes a translucent layer and at least one opaque layer. The translucent layer is connected to the top box. Multiple rows of first magnets are positioned transversely on the translucent layer. A translucent area is formed between any two adjacent rows of the first magnets. The opaque layer includes multiple rows of second magnets positioned transversely thereon, and an opaque area is formed between two any adjacent rows of the second magnets. The at least one opaque layer is folded to attract the second magnets on the at least one opaque layer to the first magnets on the translucent layer to expose the translucent areas.

Abstract: This invention relates to a heating element that includes a carbon fiber tow having carbon threads enclosed between semi-rigid laminates, wherein each thread has an electrical resistance in the range of less than 0.25 to 0.50 ohm per centimeter, and wherein the threads are connected in electrical parallel and terminated into a copper braid, whereupon the application of a voltage generates heat for use in a wide range of appliances including a portable food warmer having a chafing pan and wherein the heating element is electrically connected to a power source controllable through one or more sensors for measuring the temperature of the chafing pan interior.

Abstract: An article of manufacture that includes a wall portion having a wall inner surface and a wall outer surface. The article of manufacture also includes a base portion having a base inner surface and a base outer surface. At least a portion of the wall portion and the base portion form a vessel to retain a fluid therein. The article of manufacture also has a shaped portion of the base inner surface and/or a shaped portion of the wall inner surface. A first section of the shaped portion may have a first surface area in thermal contact with the fluid. A second section of the shaped portion may have a second surface area in thermal contact with the fluid. The first and second surface areas may be different thereby inducing convection within the fluid that increases heat transfer from the heat source to the fluid.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for receiving, moving and holding a cartridge. A cartridge holder may be movable between an open position in which the cartridge holder is in an upwardly inclined orientation to receive a cartridge and a closed position in which the cartridge holder is in a downwardly inclined orientation. A cover may be arranged to at least partially cover the opening of the cartridge holder with the cartridge holder in the closed position, yet be positioned away from the opening with the cartridge holder in the open position.

Abstract: Various beverage preparation systems, components, and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, the system includes a brewer machine and a beverage pod. The brewer machine can include a brew chamber unit, which can receive the beverage pod. The brew chamber unit can be adapted to receive multiple beverage pod types. Some embodiments include a drawer that includes the brew chamber and that moves to present the brew chamber unit to a user. Certain embodiments include locking mechanisms.

Abstract: A brewer for brewing beverages in a brew basket, such as loose coffee or tea, is provided, where the flow of water to the brew basket alternates between water brewing phases and steam brewing phases during a single brew cycle, resulting in comparatively higher temperatures of water in the brew basket than conventional brewers. The frequency and duration of the water brewing phases and steam brewing phases during a brew cycle can be electronically controlled according to one or more predetermined programs. A reinforcing band is also provided for the lighted brew basket interior to strengthen the brewer head bowl in this area, and a single cup insert is also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide improved water fill capabilities, improved coffee baskets, and improved steam diverting and management features for coffee makers used on board passenger transport vehicles.

Abstract: There are disclosed cooking devices and methods for automatically emptying the drain/waste water of such devices with minimal spillage of the drain/waste water. More particularly, disclosed are structures for automatically emptying the drain/waste water of cooking devices that employ a moveable collection device with minimal spillage of the drain/waste water. The cooking devices of the present disclosure provide increased safety by: reducing the possibility of a slippery floor; reducing the potential of food/food area contamination; and reducing the possibility of water penetrating building construction or causing mold growth. Also disclosed are methods of suing such devices and methods of retrofitting cooking devices with such means for automatically emptying the drain/waste water.

Abstract: An electrically operated food processor with a mixing bowl and a mixer in the mixing bowl, wherein the mixing bowl can be heated, is provided with a camera, in particular an electronic camera, which is potentially directed towards the user of the food processor, and with stored face recognition software, as well as a face data bank, it being possible to use face recognition to cause the food processor to carry out a routine task.

Abstract: A blender is adapted to process and heat food products. The blender includes a base and a container coupled with the base. Disposed in the container is a work area and a processor component adapted to process food products. Disposed within the processor component is a fluid conduit through which steam may pass. The fluid conduit includes at least one outer wall and an interior lumen. The outer wall of the fluid conduit is separated from an inner wall of the processor component by a gap. The gap is in fluid communication with the work chamber. Disposed in the base is a reservoir (adapted to hold one or more fluids, e.g., water), which is in fluid communication with the interior lumen of the fluid conduit of the container. Steam formed in the reservoir passes from the reservoir into the work chamber by way of the interior lumen and the gap.

Abstract: A blending appliance is provided including a motorized base, a blending container, and a blade assembly fitted into an opening of the blending container and rotatably coupled to the motorized base when the blending container is mounted on the motorized base. The blade assembly includes a lower blade element disposed on a spindle performing blending operations on ingredients at a lower end of the blending container; and an upper working element disposed on a shaft spaced apart from the lower blade element, and including an upper working portion and a lower working portion spaced apart from the upper working portion. The upper working portion acting to reduce cavitation in the lower blades element during the blending process.

Abstract: A classic knife cut culinary guide for providing both visual and actual measurement comparison of classic knife cuts to standard size classic knife cuts provided as cutouts around the periphery and through the guide, as well as limited measurement indications in both English and metric units.

Abstract: A beach accessory includes a towel that has a first fastener and an inflatable foot bath that is separate from the towel. The inflatable foot bath includes a second fastener that is configured to mate with the first fastener for detachably attaching the inflatable foot bath to the towel.

Abstract: A bathroom fixture assembly comprising a plurality of rigid vertical members each comprising a first end configured to couple to a ceiling and a second end configured to extend downward beyond an upper edge of an outer wall of a basin of a bathtub or shower. The assembly may comprise a shower curtain channel configured to house a fully-functioning shower curtain. The assembly may further comprise one or more gates that may be used as grab bars and that may lock into position about a 180 degree range of motion around any of the rigid vertical members. The assembly may further comprise a seat, which may pivot from an upward position to a horizontal position when use is desired. The assembly may optionally comprise an exterior seat, cabinet, light, multi-use davit/hook, and/or physical therapy sky hook.

Abstract: A liquid-dispensing system is disclosed. The system includes a container associated with a base, the container and base can be mounted within an enclosure (e.g., a cabinet) or on a ground surface, the container has an inlet and an outlet and is movable relative to the base from a first position to a second, different position to present the inlet for refilling of the container with a liquid. The container can also be fluidly connected with a dispenser through its outlet so that liquid can be dispensed to a user. Methods of refilling the container are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for dispensing towels. In one embodiment, the system includes a container configured to receive a roll of towels, and a bracket configured to mount to a support surface. The bracket engages the container to alternately suspend the container from the support surface in a first orientation and in a second orientation that is different than the first orientation.

Abstract: A hygienic protector for the collection and separation of human solid excrement, may be partially inserted into the opening of a toilet bowl, and comprises a central portion and a peripheral portion The central portion defines a container body for the collection and treatment of human solid excrement, and the peripheral portion protrudes externally with respect to the edge of the opening of the toilet bowl, and both provided in a water-soluble and biodegradable material. The container body comprises an opening shaped like the opening of the toilet bowl. At least one anti-odor membrane extends over the central portion, to close the opening. The membrane is water-soluble, biodegradable and heat-sensitive, which is adapted to puncture upon contact with the solid excrement, substantially at the area of contact.

Abstract: Disclosed is a seat-type air-extracting suction apparatus to aid bowel movement having a main body (10), a support frame (20), a vacuum motor (30) and a pressure regulation valve (40), wherein the main body (10) is provided with a loading housing (11), a seat cushion (13) and an extraction box (12), the loading housing (11) has a first through hole (111), the seat cushion (13) is provided on the loading housing (11) and is formed with a guidance hole (131), the guidance hole (131) is aligned with the first through hole (111) of the loading housing (11), the extraction box (12) penetrates through and is provided in the loading housing (11), and an internal space of the extraction box (12) corresponds to the first through hole (111). The support frame (20) is provided on the outside of the main body (10) and is provided with a starting switch (22).

Abstract: A floor cleaning head 10 comprises a body portion 12 and a pivotally attached nozzle 16. The nozzle 16 comprises resiliently flexible front and rear extending elongate blades 33, 34 depending from the underside thereof and a transversely extending suction mouth 20 disposed between the blades 33, 34, and intersected by a steam inlet duct 37 to form frontal and rear portions 20F, 20R. The orientation of the nozzle 16 is altered by a mechanism 23, such that the leading blade 33, 34 raises to allow dust and debris to pass beneath, while the trailing blade 34, 33 lowers to form a working edge against the floor surface, against which, dust, dirty water and debris gathers for removal by the induced airflow of an attached floor cleaner (not shown). The head 10 is thus configured to perform separate vacuuming and steam cleaning operations simultaneously, in a single pass.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner main body includes a main body case, a camera provided in the main body case and that can perform imaging at a given angle of view, a driving wheel that allows the main body case to travel, and a controller. The controller includes at least a traveling mode and an imaging mode. In the traveling mode, the controller controls the drive of the driving wheel to allow the main body case to travel autonomously. In the imaging mode, the controller controls the main body case to autonomously travel to a given imaging position so that the camera sequentially images still images in a plurality of adjacent directions at an angle equal to or smaller than the angle of view. The vacuum cleaner main body can securely image, with the camera, a wide range without any blind spots.

Abstract: A device for cleaning or processing a surface, wherein the device has a light source for illuminating the surface with light and an optical detection device for detecting the light reflected by the surface. In addition, the invention relates to a method for operating a device according to the invention. To create a device for cleaning or processing a surface and a method of the type in question, which differentiates various surfaces with a better resolution than that in the prior art, it is proposed that the optical detection device has at least one filter element and at least one sensor element, which are arranged and designed to detect the light reflected from the surface with respect to at least four different spectral ranges.

Abstract: An automatic cleaning machines comprises a high-speed reciprocating cleaning means making a cleaning cloth reciprocatingly wipe a floor at high speed and a vacuum device sucking the dust in front of the cleaning cloth.

Abstract: A floor cleaning machine for cleaning a surface includes a body, a distribution nozzle supported by the body, a supply tank assembly coupled to the body in fluid communication with the distribution nozzle, a suction nozzle supported by the body, and a suction source in fluid communication with the suction nozzle. The suction source is operable to draw fluid and dirt from the surface through the suction nozzle. The floor cleaning machine also includes a recovery tank coupled to the body in fluid communication with the suction source to receive and store fluid and dirt drawn through the suction nozzle. The floor cleaning machine is operable in a first mode to wash the surface and is operable in a second mode to sanitize the surface.

Abstract: The present subject matter provides a method for operating a dishwasher appliance. The method includes finely filtering wash fluid with a fine filtration medium via cross-flow filtration and coarsely filtering wash fluid with a coarse filtration medium via dead-end filtration. The finely filtered wash fluid is directed to a spray assembly of the dishwasher appliance. A related dishwasher appliance is also provided.

Abstract: A dish washing machine includes a main body, a washing tub provided in the main body, a basket provided in the washing tub to store a dish, a stationary nozzle fixed to one side of the washing tub to spray washing water, and a plurality of vanes which change a direction of the washing water sprayed from the stationary nozzle toward the basket. At least one of the plurality of vanes are rotatably provided and operate so that the washing water sprayed from the stationary nozzle is reflected toward the basket. Through such a configuration, a dead region in which the dish is not washed may be minimized.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically cleaning and sanitizing soles of bare feet and footwear, said apparatus including a plurality of nozzle heads that spray cleaning and sanitizing fluid through a platform onto feet and footwear placed on the top surface of the platform. A sensor plate initiates the cleaning and sanitization process when activated, and a visual display and audible tones alert a user as to the current step being executed by the automated cleaning apparatus. A refillable or replaceable canister or aerosol can of cleaning and sanitizing fluid is housed within the automated cleaning apparatus for supplying said liquid via a tubing system to the plurality of nozzle heads that are directed onto the platform.

Abstract: A remote controller includes a first balloon operation section, a second balloon operation section, a first balloon state display section, and a second balloon state display section. Each of the first and second balloon operation sections performs a pressing operation to swell or contract a balloon. Each of the first and second balloon state display sections has a swollen-state display portion and a contracted-state display portion. The swollen-state display portion is disposed along an outer circumference of each of the first and second balloon operation sections, such that the swollen-state display portion and each of the first and second balloon operation sections are coaxial with each other. The contracted-state display portion is disposed inside each of the first and second balloon operation sections, such that the contracted-state display portion and each of the first and second balloon operation sections are coaxial with each other.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR) surgery, thereby decreasing the pressure within the carpal tunnel that impairs median nerve function.

Abstract: A control mechanism for an endoscope (1) comprising a Bowden cable. the Bowden cable has an outer guide tube (9) having a first length between a proximal end and a distal end of said outer guide tube (9) and an inner pull-wire (15) having a second length between a proximal end and a distal end of said inner pull-wire (15). The second length is longer than the first length. The outer guide tube (9) comprises a first guide tube section (9?) and a second guide tube section, where said first guide tube section (9?) has plastic and elastic properties, which are different from the plastic and elastic properties of said second guide tube section (9?).

Abstract: A suction control unit placed on an endoscope to control application of suction through at least one of two working channels of the endoscope. The suction unit has first and second valves with first and second valve openings, at a proximal end, that lead through to a distal end, which is adapted to be placed on the first and second ports of the two working channels. The suction unit has a channel extending between the first and second valves, an opening extending from a front wall to a rear wall of the housing and through the channel, and a switcher having a handle and a shaft with a through hole. When the shaft is placed within the opening and in a first position, suction is applied to both the working channels. When the shaft is placed within the opening and in a second position, suction is applied to only one of the two working channels.

Abstract: A guiding device is configured to guide a capsule medical device within a subject by means of a magnetic field. The guiding device includes a magnetic field generating unit configured to generate the magnetic field to define a specific position where the capsule medical device is restrained on an arbitrary horizontal plane, a position detecting unit configured to detect a position of the capsule medical device in the subject to output positional information, and a control unit configured to: compare a distance between the specific position and the capsule medical device with a first threshold value based on the positional information; and control the magnetic field generating unit to change distribution of the magnetic field relative to the capsule medical device so as to bring the specific position close to a position of the capsule medical device when the distance is determined to be greater than the first threshold value.