Abstract: A drinking container lid device for covering an opening of a drinking container, the drinking container has a rim defining the opening is provided. The drinking container lid device comprises a hollow casing lid with an opening formed in the hollow casing. An elastic material completely encircles the opening. The lid is positionable about the rim of the drinking container completely covering the opening of the drinking container. The elastic material releasably secures the lid about the rim of the drinking container. The lid enables users to easily cover, protect, and personalize the drinking vessel and protect health, hygiene, and peace of mind.

Abstract: In one example, we describe a device for an efficient and compact rack system for knives and other kitchenware. This stylish design integrates: One or more (e.g., three) grinders, a cutting/chopping board, a tray, and a complete full size knife rack, as an example. All these kitchen tools are specifically designed to fit in the same space that a full-size knife rack normally takes. We have also shown a flexible compartment for various tools/storage, based on 3 different structures: 1. Accordion shaped vertical structure. 2. X-shaped or + shaped vertical structures. 3. Straw or thin bar vertical structures. Many different variations are shown here, as well.

Abstract: A beverage-vessel holder that includes a vessel support structure from which a first part of the beverage vessel is hung, and a resilient member that forms a plurality of contact points that press against a corresponding number of locations on a second part of the beverage vessel to gently and firmly hold the beverage vessel in place. One particular use is for holding beverage vessels, such as wine glasses, brandy snifters, or coffee mugs, in a mobile dwelling such as an aircraft, boat or recreational vehicle.

Abstract: A system for securely depositing an item includes: a lock mechanism configured to attach to a deposit box having a door configured to provide elective access to an interior space in the box to selectively block the door from opening and allow the door to open to provide access to the interior space; and a first proximity sensor operatively connected to the lock mechanism to operate the lock mechanism to block the door or allow the door to open, a second proximity sensor configured to be attached to at least one of: a delivery person and a piece of delivery equipment; a third proximity sensor; and a first transmitter operatively connected to the lock mechanism and configured to transmit a signal indicative of operating information regarding the lock mechanism.

Abstract: Provided are a system and method for a secure lock box with near proximity awareness. The system includes a lock box housing defining at least one enclosable space for the receipt of a package, the lock box housing having a sealable aperture for accessing the enclosable space and an electronic lock structured and arranged to seal the aperture and enclose the space. The lock box housing further encloses a processor, a near proximity device structured and arranged to actively detect a Package Attribute from a package proximate to the lock box housing, a network component coupled to the processor, and non-volatile memory coupled to the processor having executable instructions to direct the operations of the near proximity device and the electronic lock.

Abstract: A system for securely depositing an item includes: a deposit box with a door configured to provide selective access to an interior space in the deposit box; a lock mechanism configured to attach to the deposit box to selectively block the door from opening; a first proximity sensor operatively connected to the lock mechanism to operate the lock mechanism to block the door or allow the door to open; a second proximity sensor configured to be attached to at least one of: a delivery person and a piece of delivery equipment; a third proximity sensor; and a first transmitter operatively connected to the lock mechanism and configured to transmit a signal indicative of operating information regarding the lock mechanism, and wherein the deposit box is at least 18 inches wide and 24 inches long.

Abstract: A shield for a privacy curtain such as is used as a room divider in a hospital room. The privacy curtain shield folds around the privacy curtain and provides an easily cleanable, removable surface that protects the privacy curtain and reduces or infection concerns and cost of cleaning and maintenance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a low vacuum and vacuum release device for an electric rice cooker, the device being capable of releasing a vacuum and maintaining a vacuum state by the rotation of an operation lever.

Abstract: A vacuum cooking appliance is provided. The vacuum cooking appliance may include a housing in which a housing mount and a vacuum packing module mount may be located at adjacent positions, a first container configured to accommodate liquid inside an accommodation space therein and coupled to the container mount, a heater configured to heat the liquid accommodated inside the first container, a vacuum pressure generator installed at the vacuum packing module mount and configured to suction air inside a food packing container, and a vacuum packing module installed adjacent to the vacuum pressure generator and including a sealer configured to heat and seal the food packing container.

Abstract: An egg cooking appliance having a first recess for the receipt of water. The first recess further includes a first heater positioned below the first recess. A second recess the for the receipt of at least one de-shelled egg, further having a second heater positioned below the second recess. A temperature sensor is affixed to the second recess and distanced from the second heater. A processor is provided for the receipt of input from a user and from the temperature sensor for providing output to the first and second heaters, and a lid sized to substantially cover the first and second recesses and for passage of steam from the first recess to the second recess and for expelling steam from the appliance.

Abstract: A portable, self-contained beverage apparatus includes a container assembly having a known storage capacity for storing a consumable liquid, and a dispensing assembly disposed within the container assembly that dispenses variable, non-zero quantities of additives into the consumable liquid. The dispensing assembly includes multiple apertures structured and arranged to retain vessels containing the additives to be dispensed into the consumable liquid. The beverage apparatus also includes a level sensor disposed within the container assembly that determines a consumable liquid level of the consumable liquid stored in the container assembly. In certain embodiments, one or more positive displacement pumping mechanisms are configured to pump additive liquid from additive containers into a beverage chamber.

Abstract: A flash brewer includes an insulated container, a liquid inlet, a liquid flow assembly, a cooling assembly, and a liquid outlet. The insulated container thermally insulates interior of the insulated container from an exterior environment. The liquid inlet is coupled to the insulated container and receives a liquid, e.g., coffee, to be chilled. The liquid flow assembly is housed within the insulated container and receives the liquid to be chilled from the liquid inlet and to flow the liquid to be chilled. The cooling assembly is housed within the insulated container and flows coolant composition within the cooling assembly. The cooling assembly is thermally coupled to the liquid flow assembly facilitating a heat exchange between the liquid to be chilled and the coolant composition. The liquid outlet is coupled to the insulated container and outputs the chilled liquid to the exterior environment of the insulated container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mobile beverage dispensing machine (M) comprising: a liquid tank (T) having an insulated tank body (2) for receiving and storing a liquid (1) used for preparing a beverage, a beverage preparation unit (47) for preparing a beverage using the liquid (1) and dispensing the prepared beverage, fluid circuit for delivering liquid (1) from the tank (T) to the beverage preparation unit (47), and heating means (H) for heating the liquid (1) in the tank (T). The machine comprises a mobile power source (7, 51) for operating the heating means and maintaining hot liquid into the tank and an air pump (42) for filling air into the tank.

Abstract: The beverage producing machine comprises a brewing chamber and at least one hydraulic actuator for controlling closing and opening movement of the chamber. A water pump, fluidly connected to the chamber through a first water path and fluidly connected to the actuator through a second water path delivers pressurized water to the chamber and actuator, respectively. A water heater and a first valve arrangement are arranged along the first water path. A second valve arrangement is positioned along the second water path, between the water pump and the actuator. The first and second valve arrangements are configured and controlled such that during a brewing chamber closure step the first valve arrangement is closed, and the second valve arrangement is open. Upon reaching a closure pressure in the actuator, the second valve arrangement is closed and the first valve arrangement is opened, allowing water to be delivered to the chamber.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser is provided. The beverage dispenser can include a bar gun holster, a bar gun cradle, an armature, and a cartridge nest having a receiving portion for receiving a portion of a single serve beverage ingredient cartridge. The device can include a puncturing device to puncture the cartridge thereby releasing the beverage ingredient.

Abstract: A method for retrieving aroma from a quantity of coffee particles as present in a coffee chamber (20) for containing a quantity of coffee particles comprises steps of providing outside of the coffee chamber (20) a low pressure area (34) where underpressure with respect to the coffee chamber (20) is prevailing, and opening the coffee chamber (20) to the low pressure area (34). A device (1) for brewing coffee, which is adapted to carry out such method, comprises a low pressure chamber (30) besides the coffee chamber (20) as mentioned, an arrangement (40, 41, 42) for creating a significant difference between pressure prevailing in the low pressure chamber (30) and pressure prevailing at a quantity of coffee particles, and an arrangement (23) for setting one of a closed condition and an opened condition of a communication path (22) connecting the low pressure chamber (30) to the coffee chamber (20).

Abstract: A container for a foodstuff or beverage preparation machine, the container for containing beverage or foodstuff preparation material and comprising a code encoding preparation information, the code comprising: a data sequence having a plurality of marker locations, whereby said marker locations either comprise or do not comprise a marker as a variable to at least partially encode the preparation information therein, with adjacent marker locations separated by a distance of ?x; at least one locator marker to enable location of the data sequence of the code, the locator marker having a read distance X2, which is distinct from a read distance X1 of the data markers to enable a locator marker to be identified.

Abstract: A food cooking appliance includes a panel having a thermal inertia, and a heater to heat the panel from the bottom face thereof. The panel has at least two plates that lie on top of each other. Plates are made of different materials and are in close contact with one another across part of the facing surfaces thereof. The upper plate being suitable to receive the food to be cooked, and is made of stainless steel or titanium. The lower plate is made of cast iron. A method for manufacturing a panel consisting of two metal plates that are made of different materials and are bonded together in a metal casting process.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a cooking sleeve, which may also be described as a cooking pouch, which is removably secured to a vertical grill. The cooking sleeve is compressible, but restores to an original shape when compression is released. Food is inserted into the sleeve at a first end and exits the sleeve at a second, opposite end. The cooking sleeve is non-stick and formed of a food grade material.

Abstract: The present application relates to an apparatus (1) for preparing food. The apparatus (1) comprises a housing (2), and a food preparation chamber (3) arranged in the housing (2) and having an outer wall (3A). The apparatus (1) further comprises an air cooling system comprising a fan (4), a first air inlet (5A, 5B) arranged at an upper part of the housing (2), a second air inlet (6A, 6B) arranged at a lower part of the housing (2), and an air outlet (7). A first air channel (C1) is formed between said housing (2) and said outer wall (3 A) for fluidly connecting said first air inlet (5A, 5B) and said fan (4). A second air channel (C2) is formed between said housing (2) and said outer wall (3A) for fluidly connecting said second air inlet (6A, 6B) and said fan (4). A third air channel (C3) fluidly connects said fan (4) and said air outlet (7).

Abstract: A clamp for securing a side table or other accessory to a grill without modifying or damaging the grill is provided.

Abstract: A vent assembly that increases air flow and temperature control for outdoor cooking/smoking appliances, which effectively controls the space/gap for air exit, so as to improve air flow through the chimney and to increase temperature ranges and control within the smoker/chimney. The vent may have a gasket to make the grill waterproof and prevent mold when the grill is not in use. The vent can pivot or slide in one direction to ensure it does not open completely, so as to lose the air flow setting when the grill cover is opened or tilted.

Abstract: A collapsible shelf assembly that may be adapted to be supportably engaged by a cooking structure. The collapsible shelf assembly may comprise a first support panel and a second support panel for supporting a shelf panel, and may be stabilized by stabilizer members. The collapsible shelf assembly may be moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a water and oil type fryer minimizing the transfer of heat from a layer of oil for frying to a water layer, the water and oil type fryer comprising: an oil cask for frying having a connection pipe having a predetermined cross-sectional area ratio; a gas burner supplying heat to a heating flow path, or an electric heater directly supplying heat to oil for frying; a container for cleaning having a drain pipe, and simultaneously accommodating oil which is connected with oil in the oil cask through the connection pipe, and water which forms a boundary with the oil; and a sediment layer discharge pipe positioned below a boundary surface of oil and water.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cooking method, comprising the following steps: (1) feeding cooking ingredients into a barrel-shaped pot body; (2) controlling the pot body to rotate at a first rotating speed which is lower than a critical rotating speed and which enables cooking ingredients to, driven by the pot body, rotatingly ascend and then fall down; wherein the cooking ingredients are controlled to rotate, along with the pot body (3) controlling the pot body to rotate at a second rotating speed which is greater than or equal to a critical rotating speed, enabling cooking ingredients to attach to the pot body and rotate along with the pot body and then fall down. The cooking method of the present invention not only achieves rapid and uniform heating of cooking ingredients, but also effectively improves cooking productivity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cooking pot (3) for a food processor (2) with a heating element (1), wherein the heating element (1) comprises a heating means (10) for generating heat and a heat exchanger (20) with a heat-absorbing side (20.1) at which the heat exchanger (20) is heatable by the heating means (10) and a heat emission side (20.2) for heating of foodstuff in the food processor (2), wherein the heat exchanger (20) comprises an opening (27) for a stirrer (50) and a first functional layer (21) at the heat emission side (20.2) characterized in that the heat exchanger (20) comprises at least partially a metallic heat conducting layer (23), which is arranged with the first functional layer (21) such that the heat generated by the heating means (10) is transferable extensively from the heat conducting layer (23) to the first functional layer (21).

Abstract: Food processing apparatuses having a drive unit which has more than one mode of operation, works with more than one food processing container, and/or may be operated in more than orientation are disclosed. The drive unit may be operated in first and second modes of operation. In some embodiments, the drive unit may be actuated in a different manner in the second mode of operation as compared to the first mode of operation. In some embodiments, the orientation of the drive unit in the second mode of operation is vertically flipped upside-down as compared to the orientation of the drive unit in the first mode of operation.

Abstract: A spatula, comprising: a blade portion, having a blade surface and a sidewall protruding from the blade surface; a shaft portion, connected to a sidewall of the blade portion along a first extension axis. Wherein an orthographic projection of the first extension axis does not pass through a center of the blade surface, and thus operation of the spatula of the present invention is more ergonomic and the present invention can solve problems encountered when using a conventional spatula that is easier to result in shoulder discomfort and sore muscles.

Abstract: The present application relates to a detachable coupling arrangement (1) for connecting a handle (2) to a utensil, the detachable coupling arrangement (1) comprises a male portion (5), a female portion (4) adapted to receive the female portion (4), a stop element (6) for preventing movement of the male portion (5) relative to the female portion (4) in an upward direction (A) when the female portion (4) is coupled to the male portion (5).

Abstract: A collapsible food keeper is selectively positionable between an expanded position and a collapsed position, in which the food keeper may be used to contain food items such as eggs in both positions. In one version, an upper container portion is telescopically connected to a lower container portion, with a lid removably attached to the upper container and a base removably attached to the lower container.

Abstract: A device or utensil holder is presented in which an outer shell with an open bottom houses a plurality of elastomeric grip pairs. The grip pairs include two grip members that contact each other. The grip pairs are pressed into contact with each other by one or preferably two end caps that along with the walls of outer shell hold the grip pairs in a pressed together state. When a utensil or other device is moved between grip members, the elastomeric grip members react to hold the utensil thereby enabling to hang from the holder.

Abstract: A bathtub insert is described herein that includes a bathtub shell that with a back support, and opposite first and second walls connected to the back support. A front support is connected to the bathtub shell. The front support includes a belt portion that has first and second ends mounted to the shell, and a downwardly extending support portion that includes a comfort opening and a cover configured to cover at least a part of the comfort opening. A strap for a bathtub insert is also disclosed, along with methods for using the bathtub insert and strap to support a baby for a bath.

Abstract: A bathing seat assembly for use in bathing an infant or young child includes a top ring, a bottom ring, a panel and a plurality of posts. The top ring is padded. The panel, which is flexible and meshed, is coupled to and extends from the top ring. A pair of holes, positioned through the panel, are configured to insert the legs of a user, such as an infant or young child. The posts are coupled to and extend between the top ring and the bottom ring. Each post comprises a plurality of nested sections, rendering the posts extendable and the user variably positionable relative to the bottom ring. A plurality of couplers is coupled the bottom ring. The couplers are configured to reversibly couple the bottom ring to surfaces, such as a bathtub and a shower enclosure. A toy, which is water resistant, is coupled to the top ring.

Abstract: Some example sheet product dispensers that accommodate one or more sheet product rolls are provided herein. An example sheet product dispenser includes a dispensing mechanism with a drive roller and nip roller. A motor is configured to rotate the drive roller to cause a portion of the sheet product to dispense from the sheet product dispenser. A controller is configured to determine a sheet length for dispensing and cause the motor to operate to cause sheet product to be dispensed from the sheet product dispenser. The controller is further configured to monitor an amount of rotation of the motor as the motor operates and cause, in an instance in which the amount of rotation of the motor corresponds to the determined sheet length, the motor to cease operation so as to cause the determined sheet length of sheet product to be dispensed from the sheet product dispenser.

Abstract: A toilet paper dispenser is disclosed in which the dispenser does not need to be mounted to the wall or placed on the floor. The dispenser is typically made of a one-piece construction that installs easily to any existing toilet by way of the mounting bolt for the toilet seat. The toilet paper dispenser adjustably rotates between an extended position alongside the toilet seat and a storage position behind the toilet seat and under the toilet tank. The inventive toilet paper dispenser can receive any size roll of toilet paper, and loads by sliding the roll over the open end of the dispenser. A modified bolt hole can allow the dispenser to be installed and secured in place on the mounting bolt without the need of a retaining nut.

Abstract: A disposable spray shield to assist individuals, especially males, with the standing use of toilet facilities. The disposable spray shield serves to contain urine overspray from an individual standing in front of a toilet. The device may be placed and positioned on, or removed from, the toilet. The device is a truncated cone of flexible, coated fiber board or paperboard material, with a large U-shaped space formed in one side. The narrow end of the cone is inserted into the toilet and extends into the toilet basin. The device is preferably constructed from a medium weight flexible coated fiber board sheet, attached back onto itself at corner tabs near the narrow end of the cone. Handle cutouts may be positioned near the upper perimeter of the cone. An arrangement of slots and tabs are used to secure the fiber board sheet back onto itself at the lower perimeter.

Abstract: The washing apparatus includes a platform that includes an operator station. The platform is adapted to move along the upright surface during cleaning. The platform is positionable along the upright surface along a length of the platform. The washing apparatus includes a powered cleaning structure that has cleaning elements that are adapted to contact the upright surface during cleaning. The powered cleaning structure is supported by the platform along at least a portion of the length of the platform. The washing apparatus includes a hoist system constructed and arranged to move the platform along the upright surface of the structure with lift cables.

Abstract: A hand vacuum cleaner may have a first stage cyclone having a first stage cyclone chamber, a first stage cyclone air inlet, a first stage cyclone air outlet and a first stage longitudinal cyclone axis about which the air rotates in the first stage cyclone chamber. A second stage cyclone may be downstream from the first stage cyclone and may be at least substantially nested in the first stage cyclone. The second stage cyclone may have a second stage cyclone chamber, a plurality of second stage cyclone air inlets, a second stage cyclone air outlet and a second stage longitudinal cyclone axis about which the air rotates in the second stage cyclone chamber. A length of the second stage cyclone chamber may be shorter than a length of the first stage cyclone chamber.

Abstract: A hand vacuum cleaner may have a first stage cyclone having a first stage cyclone chamber and a second stage cyclone downstream from the first stage cyclone and at least substantially nested in the first stage cyclone. A screen is positioned laterally outwardly from the second stage cyclone and defines a passage positioned between an inner side of the screen and the outer wall of the second stage cyclone. The screen extends axially at least about 70% of a length of the second stage cyclone chamber.

Abstract: A hand vacuum cleaner has a cyclone assembly comprising a first stage cyclone and a second stage cyclone. The first stage cyclone has a first stage cyclone chamber and a first stage dirt collection chamber. The second stage cyclone is downstream from the first stage cyclone and at least partially nested in the first stage cyclone and has a second stage cyclone chamber and a second stage dirt collection chamber. The cyclone assembly has an openable end comprising at least one of the front end and the rear end, the openable end is moveable and closes the first stage cyclone chamber, the first stage dirt collection chamber, the second stage cyclone chamber and the second stage dirt collection chamber.

Abstract: A hand vacuum cleaner has a cyclone assembly comprising a first stage cyclone and a second stage cyclone. The cyclone assembly has an openable front end moveable between a closed position and an open position wherein, when the openable front end is in the open position, the first stage cyclone, the second stage cyclone and the inlet conduit are opened.

Abstract: A hand vacuum cleaner has a cyclone assembly comprising a first stage cyclone and a second stage cyclone. The cyclone assembly has an openable end moveable between a closed position and an open position, the openable end comprising a portion of the second stage dirt collection chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising one or more of a surface treatment apparatus having an air treatment member and a refuse container wherein at least one of the surface treatment apparatus and the refuse container is provided with one or more of (a) a dust control member providing a dust control agent comprising one or more of a liquid mist, positive ions and negative ions to an area below a dirt emptying outlet of a dirt collection region of the surface treatment apparatus; and, (b) a treatment applicator providing a treatment agent comprising one or more of a deodorizing agent, a disinfecting agent and a sanitizing agent to an interior volume of the air treatment member and an interior volume of the refuse container.

Abstract: A garbage can has a container having a lid moveable between a closed position and an open position and a suction motor having a suction motor inlet end in air flow communication with the interior volume of the container and a suction motor outlet end in air flow communication with the ambient exterior to the container.

Abstract: A cyclone bin assembly for a surface cleaning apparatus has a flexible closure member that is moveable to a deployed position wherein a first portion of the closure member is provided on the cyclone bin assembly and a second portion of the closure member closes the upper end of a refuse container, whereby when the closure member is in the deployed position, a closed volume is provided which includes an interior volume of the refuse container and an openable door of a dirt collection region of the cyclone bin assembly is located in the closed volume.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a cleaner body having a moving unit; a suction unit configured to suction dust and air; a detecting unit configured to detect movement of the suction unit; and a control part configured to determine whether movement of the cleaner body is required, based on information detected by the suction unit, and to control the moving unit when the movement of the cleaner body is required, wherein the control part determines a target location to which the cleaner body will be moved, determines a moving route to the target location based on a detected obstacle, controls the moving unit so that the cleaner body is moved along the determined moving route, stops a motor when it is determined that the cleaner body is not in contact with a floor surface, and thus prevents a user's injury.

Abstract: A cleaning robot includes a top cover, a bottom cover provided below the top cover, traveling parts provided in the bottom cover, a suction module provided in the bottom cover to suck in foreign materials on the ground, a recessed part formed to be recessed inward between the top cover and the bottom cover, and a first sensor located in the recessed part.

Abstract: A floor cleaning device for cleaning a surface. The device having a motor configured to drive an agitation assembly, the agitation assembly including a first wiping element, such that the agitation assembly is driveable so as to cause relative movement between the agitation assembly and the surface to be cleaned wherein the first wiping element is formed of one of: rubber, a thermoplastic elastomer, and Polyvinyl Chloride.

Abstract: A rod handheld two-in-one split-type vacuum cleaner having an independent dust-air separation and dust storage device is provided. A main device thereof is a handheld vacuum cleaner, and a push rod is a hollow rod. The rod handheld two-in-one split-type vacuum cleaner is provided with an independent dust-air separation and dust storage device on the push rod located above a floor brush and below the handheld vacuum cleaner. The dust-air separation and dust storage device can be independently removed to dump the dust. The main device, the push rod and the floor brush of the rod handheld two-in-one split-type vacuum cleaner can by split or assembled as different usage modes. The rod handheld two-in-one split-type vacuum cleaner can operate as a floor mopping vacuum cleaner, a handheld vacuum cleaner and a handheld vacuum cleaner with a long connecting tube.

Abstract: A lid for a refuse container is moveable between a closed position in which the lid overlies an open upper end of the refuse container and an open position in which the refuse container may be emptied. The lid has an openable port operable between a closed position in which the lid closes the upper end of the refuse container and an open position in which a dirt collection region of an air treatment member of a surface cleaning apparatus is positioned in the port.