Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and a system for brewing a beverage in a beverage brewing system, said system comprising: i) a water inlet line; ii) means for controlling flow of water connected to said water inlet line; iii) at least one water heating device for heating water to a predetermined temperature connected downstream to and in communication with said means for controlling flow of water; iv) a water dispenser connected downstream to and in communication with said at least one water heating device, said water dispenser comprising means for controllable dispense of water; v) optionally a water distribution device arranged to receive dispensed water from said water dispenser; vi) a beverage substance container arranged to receive dispensed water from said water dispenser or said water distribution device; vii) a beverage container arranged to receive dispensed beverage from said beverage substance container wherein the flow rate of water in said system is adjusted so as to correspond to a pr

Abstract: A grill module for a cooktop in a kitchen has a removable grease tray which collects the grease created by use of the grill module in grilling food. The grease is directed to the grease tray by a combination of burner cover(s), grease divertor(s), and angled surfaces on the grill module housing. The one-piece removable grease tray permits quick and easy removal of collected grease and retains the grease in a place where it cannot be heated to its flashpoint.

Abstract: A method for cooking food products with matching cooking characteristics, which comprises the following process steps: determining or entering of at least one critical cooking state of at least one cooking product from the totality of the cooking products to be cooked; starting of the cooking process of all food products; indicating of the attainment of the critical cooking state determined and/or entered and its duration; and preventing of an interruption of the critical cooking state, wherein a selection of new cooking processes is reserved and automatically recorded as a product waiting list and preferably indicated at the end of the critical cooking state and its duration.

Abstract: A chafing dish and frame assembly including a lower frame section for supporting a disposable food tray for holding food, an upper frame section pivotally attached to the lower frame section; a disposable food cover supported by the upper frame section; and a pivot hinge that pivotally connects the upper frame section to the lower frame section. The pivot hinge allows the disposable food cover to be pivoted up to ninety degrees relative to the disposable food tray from a closed position, wherein the disposable food cover rests on top of the disposable food tray, to an open position wherein the disposable food cover is pivoted upwardly so that the food in the disposable food tray may be accessed.

Abstract: A smoke trap includes a receptacle with a floor opening, a tubular riser surrounding the opening and extending from the floor into a receptacle cavity, and a capping element disposed over an aperture in a riser. The capping element has an upper wall and a side wall partially bounding a body cavity and extending from the upper wall toward the floor. The capping element covers the aperture from above and from the side without fluidly sealing the aperture such that the aperture is in fluid communication with the body cavity and the body cavity is in fluid communication with the receptacle cavity. A portion of the side wall extends past the aperture such that the aperture is disposed within the body cavity. Grease management systems that include the smoke trap have means for transferring grease into the receptacle cavity to inhibit smoke from escaping the receptacle cavity through the opening.

Abstract: A charcoal igniter and food cooker, including an upper section such that the upper section includes a first conical section having a distal end and a proximal end such that the proximal end of the first conical section includes a first conical section opening, a fire chamber having a distal end and a proximal end such that a releasable grate is located adjacent to the distal end of the fire chamber and the distal end of the first conical section is located adjacent to the proximal end of the fire chamber, wherein an amount of charcoal to be ignited is located within the fire chamber and adjacent to the releasable grate; and a stationary lower section such that the upper section is retained within the stationary lower section, wherein the stationary lower section includes a second conical section having a distal end and a proximal end such that the proximal end of the second conical section is located adjacent to the upper section and the distal end of the second conical section includes a second conical secti

Abstract: A smoke circulating element includes a smoke retaining element and a smoke circulation opening adapted for directing smoke out of the smoke retaining element. The smoke retaining element has a plurality of panels at least partially bounding a smoke chamber. The smoke circulating element is contoured to fit the inner surface of a grilling device so that the inner surface and smoke circulating element cooperate to substantially enclose the smoke chamber. Smoke produced within the smoke chamber by a wood pellet fire pot escapes the smoke chamber through the upper disposed smoke circulation opening and is exhausted from the grilling device as it cools, settles, and escapes through a lower disposed exhaust opening.

Abstract: A storage can includes a can having a restriction portion extending inward from the inner periphery of the can. The restriction portion includes multiple blocks extending from a top thereof and a gap is formed between any two adjacent blocks. A base is removably inserted into the can and has multiple first protrusions. Multiple holes are defined through the inner bottom of the base and located alternatively between the first protrusions. A mounting member is rotatably mounted to the top of the base and has multiple second protrusions which are located alternatively to the first protrusions when the mounting member is mounted to the top of the base. Food is ground between the first and second protrusions by rotating the mounting member, and the ground food drops through the holes and is received in the can. A cap is mounted to the can and has a sealing member.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic muddler system for triturating ingredients in a container, the automatic muddler system including a muddler assembly including a muddler and below which is located a container holding device for holding in position, below the muddler, a container into which the muddler triturates ingredients, the muddler assembly further including a muddler driving block connected to the upper end of the muddler, the muddler driving block including a device for rotating the muddler on itself, a device for vertically moving the muddler, an electronic card configured to control the device for rotating the muddler on itself and the device for vertically moving the muddler, and a power supply. The muddler driving block further includes a muddler tilting device and a device for rotating the muddler tilting device, the muddler tilting device and the device for rotating the muddler tilting device being controlled by the electronic card.

Abstract: A hand blender comprises a motor unit and a tool unit. The motor unit comprises a motor unit coupling part for coupling the tool unit to the motor unit. The tool unit will be coupled onto the motor unit via the motor unit's motor unit coupling part and the tool unit's tool unit coupling part. Coupling of the tool unit directly onto the end part of motor reduces the tolerance along the longitudinal axis of the motor unit. Reduction of tolerance is advantageous as it reduces vibration and noise and as it reduces the load on the coupling parts.

Abstract: A kitchen appliance has a power unit 2 and a removable tool 4 connected through a mechanical interface 12. A controller 16 controls an electric motor 14 driving the tool 4 through the mechanical interface. A vibration sensor 18 identifies the vibrations of the tool and feeds the vibration data to the controller 16. The controller may use the vibration data to identify the tool and/or to select an appropriate drive pattern based on the sensed vibration.

Abstract: A blender with a blending assembly is shown and described. The blender may include a container and a blending assembly attached thereto. The blending assembly may include a blade, an axle, and a thick, molded bearing mount. The bearing may include a stiffening portion and a thick molded portion. The blending assembly may include a vibration dampening member. The vibration dampening member may be positioned to isolate the bearing mount and/or a bearing housing from other components.

Abstract: A blending system is shown and described herein. The blending system may include a base including a motor, a blade assembly selectively and operably engaged with the base, where the motor drives the blade assembly, and a container having a cavity. The container includes a flute protruding from an inner surface. An exaggerated flute may extend closer to the blade assembly than the flute.

Abstract: A filter medium is embossed to form embossments and the filter medium is then cut at least in some sections by a cutting device such as a water jet, a laser beam, an ultrasonic cutting device, or a cutter, by moving a point of impact of the cutting device relative to the filter medium to produce a cutting line. After cutting, the filter medium is folded. Alternatively, the filter medium is folded to folds and then at least some of the folds are pulled apart at least partially. In a region of the folds which have been pulled apart, the filter medium is cut at least in some sections thereof by the cutting device by moving a point of impact of the cutting device relative to the filter medium to produce a cutting line. After cutting, the folds are reset.

Abstract: A vanity pillow for absorption of liquids, catch of personal-cleaning scatter or splatter, and wipe or cleanup of cosmetics applicators and other personal-hygiene implements is disclosed. The pillow includes a hollow tubular pillow case receptacle having a tubular pillow positioned within to form a ring around the edge of a sink or basin in a bathroom or vanity. Both pillow and pillow case are of absorbent material(s) which are machine-washable. A plurality of fabric fringes may be arranged along the length of the vanity pillow to enhance its absorbency and ability to easily wipe or clean personal-care implements. Pocket(s) may be provided upon the pillow case for accessory storage. Added cleanup cloth material may be provided at the ends of the tubular pillow case to allow for manual cleanup.

Abstract: A shower curtain liner object support system for securely supporting one or more objects on the inside of a shower curtain liner. The shower curtain liner object support system generally includes a shower curtain liner and a plurality of hook devices attached to an interior surface of the shower curtain liner. The plurality of hook device each include a latch that is biased towards a closed position, wherein an object is allowed to be positioned upon the hook device and removed from the hook device by manipulating the state of the latch.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser has a bay surrounded by a shaped frame that is sized to receive a shaped refill inserted at an acute angle of 75 degrees or less in relation to the dispenser's lateral central axis. This unique arrangement is designed to maintain consistent quality of liquids dispensed by preventing the substitution of product refills having different shapes whose contents are of uncertain quality. Refills may be readily manufactured and at low cost. Mechanical and motorized dispensers with optional proximity detection of a user's hand may be used with the inventive dispenser and refill arrangement. Liquid or foam may be dispensed depending on the design of the dispenser pump.

Abstract: The sponge made of two layers, formed by the walls of the fine-fibered luffa fruit is offered. Each layer is at least a part of the wall of the luffa fruit with the adjacent radial jugums, the layers are adjacent to each other from the side of the radial jugums and are connected along the perimeter with a seam located under the frame manufactured from a narrow fabric or cloth. The preservation of a stable structural formation of the wall of the luffa fruit in the sponge layers increases its strength while preserving its elasticity.

Abstract: Articles having microfiber exteriors are wetted with a removal formulation to remove long-wearing cosmetic films from facial features. Films include skin tightening films. Articles include mittens. Removal formulations include water-based, oil-based, or biphasic removal formulations.

Abstract: A bathware mount and mounting system are provided. The system is easy to install and saves time during installation. The system provides a stable mount with low profile for a plurality of bathware products, or for bath hardware. In an implementation, the system includes first and second mount components configured for mating assembly with one another such that a lip of one component interlocks with a groove of the other component, for example in a friction fit or snap-lock. In an implementation, a plurality of bathware products fitted with a first mount component can interchangeably engage with a second mount component engaging with a wall or other surface. In an implementation, the first and second mount components are identical to each other, and are in mating configuration for interlocking with one another when the first mount component is in an inverted mirror image orientation compared to the second mount component.

Abstract: A hand dryer apparatus includes: a casing having an air inlet port that admits air and a nozzle that discharges the air admitted through the air inlet port; a fan that is housed in the casing and generates an airflow directed from the air inlet port toward the nozzle; and an intake air pathway body placed in the casing and forming an intake air pathway extending from the air inlet port toward the fan. The casing includes a base supporting the fan and a cover having the air inlet port and removable from the base. The intake air pathway body is fixed on the cover.

Abstract: A footstool for bathroom toilet includes a platform, a first leg assembly, and a second leg assembly. The first leg assembly and the second leg assembly each include a base leg, an outer tubular leg, an inner telescopic leg, a height adjustable mechanism, and an angle adjustable mechanism. The base leg is hingedly connected to the outer tubular leg at each end. The inner telescopic leg is slidably engaged with the outer tubular leg through the height adjustable mechanism that enables the footstool to attain different height levels. The platform that allows the user to place and rest their feet is terminally positioned and connected to the inner telescopic leg of the first leg assembly and the second leg assembly, opposite of the outer tubular leg of the first leg assembly and the second leg assembly.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaning system includes a housing defining an inlet and an outlet, a motor connected to the housing and configured to generate air flow through the housing from the inlet to the outlet, and a debris container received within the housing in a first direction. The debris container includes a knob that is rotatable about an axis and includes a first cam and a second cam. Rotation of the knob about the axis causes the first cam to engage the housing and thereby move the debris container in the first direction, and causes the second cam to engage the housing and thereby move the debris container in a second direction.

Abstract: A robot cleaner is disclosed. The robot cleaner includes an infrared sensor including a light emitting device configured to output an infrared ray to a floor and a light receiving device configured to receive the infrared ray reflected from the floor and convert the received infrared ray into an electric signal and output the electric signal; and a processor configured to determine an output voltage of the electrical signal if the electrical signal is received from the infrared sensor, control a travel direction of the robot cleaner based on the output voltage and a predetermined first threshold voltage, and control a suction mode of the robot cleaner based on the output voltage and a predetermined second threshold voltage, wherein the second threshold voltage is higher than the first threshold voltage.

Abstract: An autonomous wall cleaner is disclosed. The autonomous wall cleaner comprises a vacuum generator, a number of suction cups, a number of wheels, a number of first actuators, a cleaning element and a controller located on a frame. The wheels are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the frame. The first actuator is capable of driving the wheels. Each suction cup is connected with the vacuum generators and has a sliding disk and an elastic bowl. When the wheels are moving on the wall, the suction cups are sucking to the wall and sliding.

Abstract: An extraction cleaner is provided with a removable recovery tank having a drain opening quick-empty valve and actuator assembly for emptying the tank. The actuator assembly may include a quick-release latch for a bottom-empty door or a drain plug for sealing the drain opening. The quick-release latch may include a button remote from the door or drain plug.

Abstract: A cleaning roller mountable to a cleaning robot includes an elongate shaft extending from a first end portion to a second end portion along an axis of rotation. The first and second end portions are mountable to the cleaning robot for rotating about the axis of rotation. The cleaning roller further includes a core affixed around the shaft and having outer end portions positioned along the elongate shaft and proximate the first and second end portions. The core tapers from proximate the first end portion of the shaft toward a center of the shaft. The cleaning roller further includes a sheath affixed to the core and extending beyond the outer end portions of the core. The sheath includes a first half and a second half each tapering toward the center of the shaft.

Abstract: A floor-cleaning device has a cleaning roller for processing a surface to be cleaned. The cleaning roller is designed as a hollow body having an internal liquid space. The hollow body has at least one opening for liquid to exit the liquid space. In order to convey liquid to the surface of the hollow body under certain conditions only, the hollow body opening is associated with a force-actuated automatic valve element which, depending on the amount of centrifugal force acting upon the valve element, can be moved to a closing position in which the hollow body opening is closed and/or to an open position in which the hollow body opening is exposed. The valve element allows liquid to exit the liquid space at a first speed of the cleaning roller and to block liquid from exiting when the rotational speed increases.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus is provided with a primary fluid distributor and an auxiliary fluid distributor. Each distributor can have a separate and independent flow control actuator. The flow control actuator for the auxiliary fluid distributor is operably coupled with a push-push flow control mechanism, where push-push flow control mechanism has a push on/push off configuration such that pushing the auxiliary flow control actuator once starts fluid flow from the auxiliary fluid distributor and subsequently pushing the auxiliary flow control actuator again stops fluid flow from the auxiliary fluid distributor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-tool having a frame with a first leg opposite a second leg. The frame also includes a first handle at a proximal end of the frame, a support at a distal end of the frame, and a second handle positioned between the proximal and distal ends of the frame. The first handle, second handle, and the support are positioned between the first and second legs. A squeegee member is positioned on the first leg, a first brush is positioned on the second leg, and a second brush is positioned on the support. A scraper extends from the support at the distal end of the frame proximate the second brush.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus, such as a fluid delivery or steam mop, comprises a handle assembly comprising a steam distributor and a foot assembly pivotally attached to the handle assembly and comprising a base housing. The foot assembly can be used in two positions, whereby opposing sides of a cleaning pad on the base housing can selectively engage a surface to be cleaned. The foot assembly is further swivelable relative to the steam distributor, such that fluid can be delivered to the surface to be cleaned in both of the two use positions.

Abstract: An integrated component for supplying and treating water for a dishwashing machine having a washing tank includes a monolithic body of plastics material, within which an inlet conduit for water, a chamber containing substances with water-softening properties, into which the inlet conduit leads, a salt-containing reservoir arranged in the lowermost portion of the body and having a filler tube for loading the salt and to be connected to the washing tank, a compartment for blowing out vapours having an inlet opening to be connected to the washing tank and an outlet opening, an outlet conduit of water, a conduit for supplying water to the reservoir to produce the brine, and a conduit connecting the reservoir to the chamber are defined. The monolithic body has at least one protrusion, to which a sealing gasket is associated, for the direct connection within an opening of corresponding shape of the washing tank.

Abstract: A dishwasher detergent dispenser includes a viscous damper allowing a dispenser door to be preloaded with a sufficiently strong spring to overcome resistance caused by detergent encrustation and the like while significantly reducing noise caused by the door opening.

Abstract: Disclosed is a decoupling jig for a dispenser assembly of a dishwasher provided to decouple the dispenser assembly detachably coupled to an inner panel of a dishwasher door comprising: a plate-shaped handle; and an insert portion extended from one side of the handle and configured to be inserted between the inner panel and the dispenser assembly to separate the inner panel from the dispenser assembly.

Abstract: A method and a dishwasher utilize a dock detection system to determine when a connector of a spray device is docked to a docking port provided on a manifold of the dishwasher. A dock detector is coupled to the docking port and is electrically coupled to a controller of the dishwasher through electrical conductors that extend along the manifold, thereby enabling a dishwasher controller to detect when spray devices are coupled to the manifold, e.g., to optimize a wash cycle to use a particular spray device docked to the docking port.

Abstract: A method and dishwasher utilize a spray basket that includes a container body that defines a compartment for retaining utensils as well as multiple sets of nozzles, a portion of which are configured to direct a spray of fluid into the compartment, and another portion of which are configured to direct a spray of fluid external from the container body. The spray of fluid directed external from the container body may be used, for example, to provide a power wash zone adjacent to the spray basket to assist in cleaning other utensils in a dishwasher.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a drinkware spray container capable of directing a spray of fluid against one or more drinkware articles retained by the spray container. The drinkware spray container may be configured as a cup tree including a vertical member or trunk and a plurality of branches that extend from the trunk and support a drinkware article, with nozzles disposed on the branches to direct a spray of fluid into the supported drinkware articles. The drinkware spray container may also be configured as a drinkware basket including a container body defining one or more compartments along with one or more spray members capable of directing a spray of fluid onto interior surfaces of drinkware article retained within the container body.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a modular docking system supporting the docking of one or more spray containers at various locations within a dishwasher. Each spray container includes a container body capable of retaining utensils along with one or more nozzles supplied with fluid by the modular docking system to direct a spray of fluid at utensils retained by the container body.

Abstract: A lifting device for a dish receptacle of a dishwasher, in particular a household dishwasher, includes a drive facility configured to assist a manual raising or lowering of the dish receptacle between a start position and an end position by applying a supporting force. A control facility activates the drive facility as a function of a manual actuation force when the dish receptacle is raised or lowered manually and a sensor facility is provided to detect the manual actuation force. A transmission facility transmits the manual actuation force from a handle of the dish receptacle to the sensor facility.

Abstract: A dishwasher and silverware basket therefor include an interior sprayer integrated into the silverware basket and capable of directing a spray of fluid within one or more compartments of the silverware basket to assist in cleaning utensils such as silverware, cutlery, etc. housed within the silverware basket.

Abstract: Provided is an endoscope capable of more precisely observing curves in the large intestine. The endoscope according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a front end part in which a filming device having a fish eye lens is installed; a bending part connected to the front end part and including a plurality of bending elements; an insertion part; and a manipulation part. The insertion part is a part connecting the bending part and the manipulation part and moves the front end part and the being part in a coelom as at least a portion of the insertion part is inserted into or withdrawn from the coelom. The front end part has a projection protruding forward and tapered to have a decreasing width toward its tip. The filming device is installed at the tip of the projection.

Abstract: An endoscopic imaging system includes a reusable control cabinet having a number of actuators that control the orientation of a lightweight endoscope that is connectable thereto. The endoscope is used with a single patient and is then disposed. The endoscope includes an illumination mechanism, an image sensor and an elongate shaft having one or more lumens located therein. A polymeric articulation joint at the distal end of the endoscope allows the distal end to be oriented by the control cabinet. The endoscope is coated with a hydrophilic coating that reduces its coefficient of friction and because it is lightweight, requires less force to advance it to a desired location within a patient.

Abstract: A medical visualization platform including a base unit that includes a base unit connection mechanism, a processor, an electrical contact, a communication module, and a power source. A plurality of visualization attachments connect lo the base unit, and each visualization attachment is disposable and includes a visualization connection mechanism arranged to engage the base unit connection mechanism to provide movement of the connected visualization attachment relative to the base unit between a folded position and an engaged position. Each visualization attachment also includes attachment contacts that are in electrical communication with the electrical contact of the base unit while the visualization attachment is in the engaged position, and each of the visualization attachments includes either a video camera or a light source.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a surgical system, a surgical device, and a surgical method with which startup time can be shortened. Upon receipt of an instruction from a startup execution process, a high-speed startup driver creates a high-speed startup image and writes it to an SSD. The startup execution process is a process that is executed first after an OS is started up, and has the function of executing, in cooperation with the high-speed startup driver, startup of various processes in an endoscope program, creation of a high-speed startup image, and return from the high-speed startup image. The present disclosure can be applied to, for example, a surgical system provided with an imaging device including an endoscope or a microscope.

Abstract: The invention relates to an endoscope with a shaft, in which at least one working channel is arranged, and with an endoscope head arranged at the distal end of the shaft, wherein a deflection lever is arranged in the endoscope head and is adjustable between a non-deflected starting position and a deflected working position relative to the shaft, and wherein the deflection lever is adjustable via a Bowden wire, the proximal end of which is mounted via a collet on a control handle arranged at the proximal end of the shaft, wherein the collet fixing the proximal end of the Bowden wire is arranged on a slide that is movable proximally out of a housing of the control handle, which slide is coupled to the control handle via a rod. In order to create an endoscope which, having a simple structure, can be easily dismantled, in particular for cleaning purposes, and reassembled, the invention proposes that the slide can be coupled to the rod via a clamping connection.

Abstract: An endoscope includes a grasp section. The grasp section includes: a first surface adjacent, in the longitudinal axis, to a surface where the bending operation knob is provided, a protruding portion radially outwardly protruding to the longitudinal axis at a position adjacent to the first surface around the longitudinal axis, a first inclined surface provided on the protruding portion at a side adjacent to the first surface and inclined to the first surface, and a second inclined surface which is provided, on the protruding portion, at a side opposite to the first inclined surface across the protruding portion, and which is inclined to the first surface.

Abstract: Provided is a fitting for a medical scoping device, the fitting comprising a body defining a longitudinal axis, the body having an interior having an opening to receive an endoscope along the longitudinal axis, the body having a cylindrical portion comprising protuberances being spaced apart and circumferentially arrayed with respect to one another and extending from the cylindrical portion, each of the protuberances having an outer edge to engage tissue, wherein optionally (i) the interior comprises a plurality of raised surfaces disposed thereon; and/or (ii) each protuberance having a bottom surface having a plurality of raised surfaces disposed thereon. Methods of making and using the fitting are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved endoscopic device which is introduced into the intestinal tract of a living organism and which operates autonomously therein, adapted to obtain and store or transmit one or more types of data such as visual image data, laser autofluorescence data, or ultrasonic waveform data. In another aspect of the invention, an improved endoscopic device useful for implanting the aforementioned endoscopic smart probe is disclosed. In another aspect of the invention, apparatus for delivering agents including nanostructures, radionuclides, medication, and ligands is disclosed. In another aspect of the invention, apparatus for obtaining a biopsy of intestinal tissue is disclosed. In another aspect of the invention, apparatus for detecting the presence of one or more molecular species within the intestine is disclosed. Methods for inspecting and/or treating the interior regions of the intestinal tract using the aforementioned apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: An endoscope unblocking flush system for back flushing a suction lumen of an endoscope includes a flush source providing pressurized water and a valve mechanism to cut off a suction source from the suction lumen and to open the suction lumen to flow of back flush water from the flush source. The valve mechanism includes a valve housing with ports to connect to the suction lumen, the suction source, and the flush source. A valve member within the housing has passages to connect the suction source to the suction lumen in a run state and to connect the flush source to the suction lumen in a flush state.

Abstract: An otoscope may project a temporal sequence of phase-shifted fringe patterns onto an eardrum, while a camera in the otoscope captures images. A computer may calculate a global component of these images. Based on this global component, the computer may output an image of the middle ear and eardrum. This image may show middle ear structures, such as the stapes and incus. Thus, the otoscope may “see through” the eardrum to visualize the middle ear. The otoscope may project another temporal sequence of phase-shifted fringe patterns onto the eardrum, while the camera captures additional images. The computer may subtract a fraction of the global component from each of these additional images. Based on the resulting direct-component images, the computer may calculate a 3D map of the eardrum.