Abstract: A playmat system includes a series of isosceles right triangle tiles and edge tiles. Advantageously, the triangle shaped tiles and edge tiles have one or of two color or patterns or more. The triangle shaped tiles and edge tiles have complementary edges which allow the triangle tiles to be interlockingly engaged with one another along either hypotenuse edges or like edges to thereby produce a number of different patterns when laid out and interconnected.

Abstract: A mailbox kit having a compact shipping volume and methods of assembling such mailbox are disclosed. The mailbox kit includes a roof having an arched shape and opposing elongated roof bottom edges forming the bottom of the arched shape and a mailbox floor positioned under the roof such that the floor and the roof form a compartment. A mailbox left sidewall and right sidewall are positioned within the compartment formed by the roof and the floor. A mailbox front door, handle and flag may also be positioned within the compartment. The mailbox components include lap joint flanges to attach the components of the kit to form an assembled mailbox.

Abstract: An apparatus for use on a mailbox having a substantially vertical side, includes a first panel; a second panel; a hinge joining the first panel and the second panel; an angle limiter; and a mounting device for securing the apparatus to the mailbox. A mailbox is improved by mounting on the box an apparatus having a panel to provide a surface oriented to tangentially receive the impact of substantially horizontally-directed debris directed toward the mailbox.

Abstract: Described herein is a garlic press which includes a pair of handles joined together at a pivot point so that the handles may be rotated apart and towards each other. A first (piston) handle includes a hopper for receiving a garlic clove to be pressed, while the opposing second (hopper) handle is formed with a complementary piston that is sized and configured to be forced into the cavity to crush the clove of garlic.

Abstract: Device for preparing a beverage from a beverage ingredient contained in a receptacle (17) by driving the receptacle in centrifugation comprising: —a holding part (16) arranged for holding the receptacle in a position enabling it to be driven in rotation along a longitudinal axis of rotation (I), —a liquid interfacing part (8) arranged for supplying water in the receptacle and/or extracting the beverage from the receptacle, —a collecting part (44) for collecting the beverage obtained by the interaction between the ingredient and water in the receptacle, wherein the holding part and liquid interfacing part (8, 16) are connected together by connection means in such a manner that these parts (8, 16) rotate together with the receptacle during centrifugation, wherein the connection means comprise at least a first engaging surface (48; 86) of the holding part (16) and a second engaging surface (23; 87) of the liquid interfacing part (8) engaged in contact together during connection in a manner preventing the holding

Abstract: Method for providing information to a user from a capsule for the preparation of a beverage in a beverage producing device (20) comprising a capsule with a two-dimensional barcode (7) thereon, capturing at least one image of the barcode via a digital camera (42) and displaying decode information from said image on a display (41).

Abstract: A machine (1) for preparing a beverage (2) comprises: —a seat (10) having at least one part (11) that is movable between a transfer position for introducing a beverage ingredient into the seat and/or removing said ingredient therefrom, and a processing position for forming said beverage from the ingredient in the seat; —an outlet (20) for dispensing said beverage upon formation in the seat; and —a drop collector (30) for collecting drops (2?) from the outlet.

Abstract: A vending machine having a housing incorporating an authorization unit, a storage area for storing vendible product, a dispenser for dispensing the vendible product, and an integrated brewer. The vendible product stored in the storage area comprises a cup containing a brew pack and condiments. The integrated brewer is secured to the housing yet has a user-accessible brew chamber in which a consumer can deposit the brew pack associated with the vendible product in order to brew a hot drink. The dispenser is interlocked with the authorization unit such that the dispenser dispenses vendible product in response to a dispense signal from the authorization unit. The integrated brewer is interlocked with the authorization unit such that the integrated brewer is by default inoperative and becomes operative in response to an asserted operation signal from the authorization unit.

Abstract: A coffee bean packaging cartridge for holding and supplying multiple servings of coffee beans can be connected to a coffee beverage system. The cartridge includes a container having an outer wall defining an interior volume and an opening at one end thereof. A permanent, preferably non-removable closure member is fitted to the one end of the container and substantially covers the opening. An exit passage in the closure member, defines a coffee bean outlet, for transferring coffee beans from the interior volume. The closure member further has relatively movable closing means for selectively closing the exit passage to reduce exposure of the coffee bean contents to surrounding air. The cartridge further includes connecting means for connecting the cartridge to a coffee beverage system.

Abstract: According to embodiments described in the specification, a head assembly for a brewing apparatus is described. The head assembly includes a lid portion coupled to a fixed base portion and moveable between open and closed positions; a lock coupled to the lid portion and slideable between locked and unlocked positions; a lever with a first end connected to the lock, an axis point connected to the lid portion, and a second end; and a cover movably coupled to the lid portion and abutting the second end of the lever, such that pressure on the cover rotates the lid portion to the closed position, and rotates the lever so as to slide the lock into the locked position.

Abstract: A device for frothing a liquid includes a tube-shaped housing with an inner surface having a curved periphery. At least one inlet is arranged in a lateral area of the housing for letting in the liquid and a frothing gas, and may have a tangential orientation with respect to the curved periphery of the inner surface of the housing. End faces of the housing are open and function as outlets of the device, where a longitudinal axis of the housing may extend in a horizontal direction. Rings may be provided inside the housing for keeping a rotating flow inside the housing during a period of time which is sufficiently long for a frothing process to take place in an effective manner.

Abstract: A beverage maker includes a body and a cover movably attached to the body. The body includes therein (among other components), a hot liquid generator (HLG) having a tank, an inlet for receiving liquid into the tank and an outlet, at least one heater in thermal communication with the liquid in the HLG tank, and a discharge port in fluid communication with the outlet of the HLG for discharge of the liquid. The cover is movably attached to the body between a closed position and an open position. At least one valve permits the discharge of the liquid via the discharge port in a closed position of the cover. The at least one valve is mechanically actuated by the cover in the open position of the cover to substantially prevent the discharge of the liquid via the discharge port.

Abstract: A field-ready oven has reinforced telescoped side walls that extend and hold a base, shelf, tray support and cover spaced apart. A low air intake and a semipermeable membrane deliver air and vapor fuel to catalyst pads on the shelf. Radiant heat from exothermic reaction is diffused over a bottom of a tray. Hot gas circulates around the diffuser and tray with a chimney effect before exhausting. A lid on the cover lifts for access to the tray. A fuel container in the oven forces fuel through a capillary restriction to limit fuel flow. A spring in the container is released to start fuel flow.

Abstract: A safety timer device, for a cooking appliance connected to an energy source, the cooking appliance having a heat generating component in communication with a heat controller. A timer communicates with the heat controller configured to count down a predetermined cooking time. An alarm unit, in communication with the timer, is configured to communicate an alarm signal for a predetermined alarm time after the cooking time expires.

Abstract: The present invention relates to food preparation. In order to provide an apparatus for preparing food with hot air with an improved flow characteristic, an apparatus (10) for preparing food is provided, comprising a food preparation chamber (12), an air movement device (14), a heating device (16), and air guiding means (18). The food preparation chamber is provided by a container structure (22) at least partly enclosing a receiving volume (24) for receiving food to be prepared by a through-streaming of hot air; wherein the container structure comprises sidewalls (26) and a bottom wall (28), wherein the bottom wall and/or one of the side walls is air-permeable providing an air entry opening (30) for entering of hot air into the receiving volume, and wherein the container structure comprises an air discharge opening (32). The heating device is configured to heat air of an air flow provided by the air movement device.

Abstract: A cooking appliance includes at least one multisided element that has more than one cooking surface, the multisided element being mounted on a base so that it can be oriented to present one of the surfaces for cooking. The element can be rotated to present another cooking surface whereby a user can choose a surface to grill food, bake food, smoke food all with the one appliance. As well, the sources of heat can be gas, wood, charcoal, or other sources.

Abstract: A multi-section skillet apparatus for providing a cooking surface for a conventional range of increased size includes two mirror image skillet sections which are removably attachable to one another. Both skillet sections include four short legs which raise the bottom of the skillet sections uniformly so that the cooking surface is level when disposed over multiple stove burners while still keeping the skillet section's close enough to the burners for the burners to can heat the skillet sections. The skillet sections are selectively connected together through the inclusion of corresponding portions of a clamp fastener on thereon. When the sides of the skillet section are pressed together, the clamp fasteners engage so as to fasten the skill sections together. The multi-section skillet apparatus can be separated back into two discrete skillet sections through the application of manual force in a separating direction sufficient to disengage the clamp fasteners.

Abstract: A portable device which integrates the functionalities of a fire pit and a barbecuing grill. The fire pit and grill are coupled to a transport cart to facilitate movement of the fire pit and grill to a desired location. In this respect, the transport cart may be configured to allow a user to transport the device across sand (e.g., when using the device at a beach) or across a parking lot (e.g., when using the device while tailgating in a stadium parking lot). Thus, the device easily allows for enjoyment of both a fire pit and a grill in remote locations.

Abstract: A collapsible insulated bag designed to allow items retained within an inner pouch thereof to remain within predetermined temperature ranges for predetermined periods of time and wherein the bags are designed to be easily compressed or compacted for storage or shipment to end users. The bags include at least an outer reflective layer, an intermediate open foam layer and the inner pouch layer.

Abstract: A new grinder is described which is used to grind coffee beans, with a first grinding element and a second grinding element, wherein the two grinding elements are rotatable relative to one another, in such a way that coffee beans are ground by the grinding elements into a coffee powder, and with an entrainer wheel rotatable with the first grinding element, said entrainer wheel being used to convey, on its edge region, the ground coffee powder out of the grinding elements via an exit channel. The edge region of the entrainer wheel is constituted tapered towards the grinding elements with a concave profile, in such a way that an inner high edge (Ri) and an outer low edge (Ra) are formed, and the entrainer wheel comprises a plurality of entrainer vanes distributed in the edge region over the periphery.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-functional ladle, which comprises a head made of a soft material, and a handle made of a hard material which comprises a first folding portion and is connected with the head; wherein the head comprises a connecting portion to connect the head and the handle. The connecting portion comprises a second folding portion and a third folding portion, by which the multi-functional ladle can be configured to be a spatula or a ladle. The multi-functional ladle of the invention is ingeniously designed by utilizing the property of the material itself so that the ladle can be easily turned to a spatula or the spatula can be easily turned to a ladle. Therefore the multi-functional ladle can be configured into a tool with two functions.

Abstract: A device for suspending a cooking thermometer includes a cooking vessel interface having a cooking vessel attachment, a thermometer receiver, and an extension member. The device for suspending a cooking thermometer is useful for placing a cooking thermometer within a cooking vessel at a distance away from the outer walls of the cooking vessel such that the thermal effects of the heat from the outer walls of the cooking vessel are reduced to provide a more accurate temperature reading for the contents of the cooking vessel.

Abstract: A cutting board with integrated knife sharpener includes an opening in the cutting board configured to integrate the knife sharpener. The knife sharpener has a first folded down storage position and a second upright operable position. In the first folded down position, the sharpener is substantially flush with the surface of the cutting board. In the second upright operable position, the sharpener extends upward from the board opening, thus allowing access to the blade receiving slot therein. A securing mechanism is cooperatively integrated into both the board opening and sharpener to secure the same in both the first folded storage and second upright operable positions.

Abstract: A shower door assembly includes a door panel having an inner surface to face a bathing enclosure, and a base member having an upper surface positioned between an inner side and an outer side. The base member inner side is positioned between the door panel inner surface and the base member outer side. The inner side at least partially defines a recess and is shaped to receive liquid from and divert liquid back to the bathing enclosure. A base for a moveable door has a substrate defining upper and lower surfaces extending between first and second edge regions, and a first leg section extending from the substrate lower surface and offset from the first edge region. The first leg section and the first edge region of the substrate cooperate to define a liquid diverter extending longitudinally to redirect flow away from the substrate upper surface.

Abstract: An automatic foam soap dispenser, for dispensing a liquid soap contained in a liquid reservoir in form of foam soap, includes a mixing passage, a liquid soap dispenser, an air dispenser, and an outlet nozzle. The liquid soap dispenser has a liquid soap pump communicated with the mixing passage to upwardly pump the liquid soap to the mixing passage, and a first power source associated with the liquid soap pump and used for driving the liquid soap pump, wherein the liquid reservoir is operatively coupled with the liquid soap pump and located below the liquid soap pump to store the liquid soap. The air dispenser has an air pump communicated with the mixing passage to synchronically and upwardly pump the atmosphere air to the mixing passage, and a second power source associated with the air pump and used for driving the air pump. The outlet nozzle is connected with the mixing passage and having at least a foam maker adapted for generating the foam soap.

Abstract: A hand vacuum cleaner wherein the central longitudinal axis of the air treatment member extends generally horizontally and the suction motor axis of rotation extends generally vertically.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a suction nozzle, a source of suction in fluid communication with the suction nozzle for generating a working airstream through the suction nozzle, an agitator provided within the suction nozzle, and a sole plate provided on a lower side the suction nozzle, wherein the sole plate comprises a plurality of upwardly curved cross ribs.

Abstract: A dust collecting device includes a tank and a main body housing a motor and detachably attachable to an upper part of the tank. A handle and a cover are both provided in an upper part of the main body. The handle is capable of being raised and turned down around a handle rotation shaft. The cover is capable of being opened and closed around a cover rotation shaft and covers a housing portion provided in the main body in a closed position. The cover rotation shaft is provided in parallel to the handle rotation shaft. The cover rotation shaft is positioned closer to a grip portion of the handle than the handle rotation shaft so as to overlap with a part of the handle. The handle rotation shaft is positioned closer to the cover than the cover rotation shaft so as to overlap with a part of cover.

Abstract: In a cyclone dust collector and a vacuum cleaning device having the same, foreign substances can be prevented from being attached on an outer circumferential surface of a grill located at an outlet part, so that an inhalation force of the vacuum cleaning device can be prevented from being lowered. Also, foreign substances collected in the cyclone dust collector can be easily removed. The vacuum cleaning device includes: a cyclone dust collector, wherein the cyclone dust collector includes: a cyclone chamber in which air introduced through an inlet part is whirled and dust is separated from the air; an outlet part disposed so that the air from which the dust is separated is discharged from the cyclone chamber; and a grill that is rotatably disposed in the outlet part.

Abstract: A bagless vacuum cleaner with a main housing, a dust bin releasable from the main housing upon relative movement between the dust bin and the main housing in a release direction, a filter unit, and at least one cleaning member arranged to perform a cleaning action on the filter unit upon relative movement between the at least one cleaning member and the filter unit. The relative movement between the filter unit and the at least one cleaning member is created by relative movement between the main housing and the dust bin in the release direction.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser having a liquid release bottle with suction bellows which is incorporated into a flat mop. This embodiment includes an exterior wall, an interior chamber surrounded by an exterior wall and a cap on the liquid intake member. The exterior wall includes a suction bellows to create a suction within the interior chamber of the liquid release bottle. A downward force on the handle activates a suction bellows to create a suction on the interior chamber of the liquid release bottle enabling fluid retained in the interior chamber to flow out of a duck-bill valve and into flexible tubing which will then flow through the tubing and out an opening of a yoke so that the fluid can flow onto a front of a scrubbing portion of the mop to facilitate cleaning. An alternative embodiment replaces the liquid release bottle with a liquid squeeze bottle.

Abstract: A cleaning device includes a base having a first side and a second side. A first deployment element pivotally connects to the first side of the base and is pivotable from a stowed position to a deployed position. A second deployment element pivotally connects to the second side of the base and is pivotable from the stowed position to the deployed position. In the stowed position the base, the first deployment element, and the second deployment element define a substantially rectangular perimeter. In the deployed position, the base, the first deployment element, and the second deployment element define a substantially trapezoidal perimeter.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a cleaning trolley comprising a base plate supported by rolling members; at least four upright hollow profiles for fixing cross walls arranged on the base plate, wherein each cross wall consists of two separate wall elements removably arranged back-to-back to each other and fixed by said upright hollow profiles; and an upper frame for securing the at least four upright hollow profiles. Further, the invention provides a cleaning trolley comprising a primary section and a secondary section, each section having a base plate supported by rolling members, wherein the primary section and the secondary section are removably connected by a connection mechanism, which connection mechanism contains a pedal pivotably attached to the bottom side of the base plate of the secondary section, and its actuation releases claws which in connection position are engaged with the primary section.

Abstract: A variable position diverter that provides wash fluid to selected combinations of outlet ports and spray assemblies. The diverter includes a housing having a plurality of outlet ports and a valve disk having a plurality of apertures. The valve disk is rotated relative to the housing to align one or more of the plurality of apertures with one or more of the plurality of outlet ports to selectively control the flow of wash fluid through a plurality of spray assemblies. Selectively diverting wash fluid in this manner can improve wash performance and reduce cycle time while meeting government regulations regarding water usage.

Abstract: A dish washing machine is provided herein. The dish washing machine includes a switching assembly configured to change a direction of washing water sprayed by a spray unit. The switching assembly includes a switching unit configured to change the direction of the washing water. The switching assembly also includes a damping unit configured to lessen vibrations of the switching unit. Using this structure, the direction of the washing water is efficiently changed by the switching unit, and vibrations and noise are lessened.

Abstract: Dispensing techniques utilize existing fluid to dispense a solid block of chemical product concentrate. The solid chemical product concentrate may include, for example, detergents, disinfectants, sanitizers, rinse agents, or other cleaning agents. The dispenser monitors and controls the concentration of the chemical product in a use solution. When the concentration of the use solution falls outside of a target range, the dispenser routes existing fluid from within the system to the dispenser, where it interacts with and dispense a solid chemical product concentrate, thus raising the concentration of the chemical product in the use solution. In a dishmachine application, the existing fluid may include post wash or rinse fluid from the dishmachine, or may include use solution from a sump, tank, or other use solution storage container.

Abstract: An automated shoe polishing apparatus for polishing a pair of shoes includes a drawer slidably received in an interior of a housing, a platform in the drawer having receiving areas for securing a pair of shoes to be polished. A dispenser assembly having a plurality of polish reservoirs is situated in the housing. A digital scanner situated in the housing is configured to make a 3D scan and determine the type of received shoes and the proper polishing technique. Under program control, an appropriate polish(es) is dispensed, sprayed on the shoes, and polishing and buffing brushes polish the pair of shoes, the process being reported on a digital display and speaker.

Abstract: A control circuit for controlling a state of a switching circuit may include a first unit to sense and interpret a wireless signal or physical parameter as an “on” signal to transition the switching circuit to the “on” state, or as an “off” signal to transition the switching circuit to the “off” state, and to transfer a first digital signal or logic value and/or a second digital signal or logic value, which may respectively or combinatorially represent the “on” signal or the “off” signal, to a second unit via a first output and/or a second output of the first unit, respectively. The second unit may force a control input of the switching circuit to a logic value which is a function of the first digital signal or value and/or second digital signal or value and congruent with the state to which the switching circuit is to be transitioned.

Abstract: A system and method for diagnosing problems in a medical imaging system. In some implementations, problems with the medical imaging system are determined by encoding information into an image relating to system settings or other data, and using the information to diagnose possible problems with the image and/or the medical imaging system.

Abstract: The distal end of a surgical instrument is movable in all six Cartesian degrees of freedom independently of other components of a telemanipulated surgical system. The surgical instrument extends through a guide tube. The distal end is moved by actuators that are telemanipulatively controlled.

Abstract: Devices and methods of identifying and treating bodily passages, such as sinus cavities, are provided. More particularly, irrigation devices and methods useful in the identification and treatment of bodily passages, such as sinus cavities, are provided. The irrigation devices comprise an elongate tubular member and an optical fiber which assist with the transcutaneous identification and/or treatment of a bodily passage.

Abstract: An endoscope system of the present invention includes a control part has a computation part which computes the radius of curvature of the central axis of the instrument channel when the input signal is received and, may generate the first driving signal according to a result of the computation part computing the radius of curvature so that a treatment instrument at which a rigid part is provided to be easily inserted into a channel while a view of an observation part is limited from deviating from an object to be treated, even when a radius of curvature of a bending part is small while the bending part is bent.

Abstract: An endoscopic device having embodiments of a hybrid imaging sensor that optimizes a pixel array area on a substrate using a stacking scheme for placement of related circuitry with minimal vertical interconnects between stacked substrates and associated features are disclosed. Embodiments of maximized pixel array size/die size (area optimization) are disclosed, and an optimized imaging sensor providing improved image quality, improved functionality, and improved form factors for specific applications common to the industry of digital imaging are also disclosed. Embodiments of the above may include systems, methods and processes for staggering ADC or column circuit bumps in a column or sub-column hybrid image sensor using vertical interconnects are also disclosed.

Abstract: The methods and apparatus of the present invention allow the evaluation of inflammation of the esophagus. Measurements may be utilized, for example, to diagnose a disease of the esophagus, to monitor inflammation of the esophagus, or to access the treatment of a disease of the esophagus. In one embodiment, the invention comprises a method for measuring esophageal inflammation comprising deploying a device into the esophagus of a subject, removing the device after a predetermined period of time, analyzing the device for a diagnostic indicator of esophageal inflammation and evaluating the diagnostic indicator to diagnose esophageal inflammation.

Abstract: A system for preliminary diagnosis of ocular diseases is proposed, in which from capturing a plurality of images of the eyes of a person, a final image, corrected by processing the images by a computer application, is obtained. The already mentioned application calculates the percentage of the colors composing the pupillary reflex of each eye, and compares the results with previous reference pictures obtained from normal cases and clinical cases of ocular diseases.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems of evaluating test-retest precision using fractional rank precision or mean-average precision, comprising: a) collecting a test and a retest result of each subject, wherein the results are described in feature space(s) and collected from a vision test machine; b) selecting, a first test result of a first subject; c) calculating distances from the first test result to the retest result of each subject; d) assessing, a similarity between the first test result and the retest result of each subject by ranking the distances in a non-descending order; e) assessing a rank precision for the first subject based on a rank of a distance from the first test result to the retest result of the first subject; f) repeating b), c), d), and e) for each subject; and evaluating, the test-retest precision based on the rank precision for each of the plurality of subjects.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a processing unit configured to perform, on a luminance distribution acquired in at least one direction crossing a vessel region in a fundus image of a subject's eye, a first smoothing operation for each first size and a second smoothing operation for each second size smaller than the first size; a first identifying unit configured to identify a position of a vascular wall in the fundus image on the basis of the luminance distribution obtained by performing the first smoothing operation; and a second identifying unit configured to identify positions of inner and outer boundaries of the vascular wall in the fundus image on the basis of the luminance distribution obtained by performing the second smoothing operation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing identification factors for an individual wearer. Some or all of the identification factors when within a predetermined value provide a prescription and corrective ophthalmic lenses for a selected individual wearer, the corrective ophthalmic lens having at least one correction that is to the nearest 0.20 diopter, or is in a range between about the nearest 0.01 diopter and about the nearest 0.20 diopter. The prescription and corrective ophthalmic lenses are obtained by at least first analysis performed with a first instrument, a second analysis performed with a second instrument, and a third analysis performed with a third instrument, in which each instrument is different, and each analysis is different.

Abstract: A visual compensation system (10) enabling observation, with variable optical power correction, along an optical observation axis (X) includes:—a first rotatable optical element (2) centered on the optical axis (X) and having a first cylinder power along the optical axis (X); —a second rotatable optical element (4) centered on the optical axis (X) and having a second cylinder power along the optical axis (X); and—a lens (6) having the optical axis (X) as the axis thereof, and moreover having variable sphere power.

Abstract: The innovation provides for a system and method available to image and visualize the palisades of Vogt via a non-contact process, analyze the image volumes acquired, evaluate the status of the palisades of Vogt from the data represented therein, and display the data in real-time or as a part of a medical record for ongoing consideration and evaluation.