Abstract: A retention device for a vessel has a bottom portion affixed to a serving vessel with a first magnet contained therein, and a holder having a recess formed into a top surface and having a second magnet at a bottom of the recess, wherein the recess is formed in a size, shape and depth for receiving and releasably retaining the bottom portion through mutual attracting of the first and second magnets. In optional embodiments, the bottom portion may comprise a coaster, and the vessel may comprise a beverage tumbler. In other embodiments, the vessel may include a beverage glass, a mug, a stein, a plate, a cup or a bowl, and the holder's magnetic recesses may be formed in a tray, a table, a bar, a counter top, a shelf, a platter, a chair arm, or a cutting board.

Abstract: A clothing accessory having a flexible elongate body with a leading end and a trailing end, said elongate body comprising: a slot proximate to at least one of the trailing end and the leading end of the flexible elongate body, wherein the slot comprises a first open end, a second open end, and a middle section in between said first and second open ends. The first and second open ends and middle section are configured in such a way that a clothing article may substantially pass through the slot and allow the clothing accessory to assist a user with affixing the clothing article to a piece of clothing.

Abstract: An auxiliary sock device includes a baseplate having first and second ends. Wherein the first end has one or more wings mounted at the side of the baseplate, curved outwardly, to retain the open end of a sock to receive the user's foot. The second end comprises of a handle to provide a grip for the user. The user may place a sock over the wings of the device, grip the handle, and use the device to aid in the application of the sock upon the user's foot. In an embodiment, the baseplate is adjustably attached to an extensible handset which contains the handle. In a preferred embodiment, the handle further comprises of a shoehorn and a protrusion to aid in the removal of a sock from the user's foot.

Abstract: An aerial delivery system includes an elongate member, a cover, a sensor, and a motorized actuator. The elongate member has both a top end and a bottom end, and is configured to receive items, particularly mail and packages, from a delivery means, particularly an aerial drone. The cover is removably attached to the top end of the elongate member, and is configured to allow entry of mail and packages into the elongate member. The sensor is also removably attached to the top end of the elongate member, and is configured to identify the delivery means.

Abstract: A smart parcel safe including a container defining an enclosure with an opening, a lid attached to the container by hinges and formed to fit over the opening and securely close the enclosure in a closed orientation, the lid being hinged to move from the closed orientation into an open orientation so as to provide access to the enclosure through the opening, a mobile communication device including an app designed to control locking/unlocking of an associated locking mechanism, and an electronically controlled locking mechanism affixed to the container and the lid, the electronically controlled locking mechanism being associated with the mobile communication device so as to be locked/unlocked in response to operation of the mobile communication device.

Abstract: A food processing device includes a base portion with a motor housing upwardly extending from a first end of the base portion. A motor is disposed within the motor housing. A processing assembly extends upwardly from a second end of the base portion and is spaced-apart from the motor housing to define a processing area therebetween. An auger assembly includes an auger shaft that is operably coupled to the motor for driving rotational movement of the auger shaft. A clutch assembly is disposed within the motor housing and is operable between engaged and disengaged positions with the auger assembly. A disconnect feature is disposed on the motor housing and configured to selectively actuate movement of the clutch assembly between engaged and disengaged positions with the auger assembly. In use, a food substrate is mounted to the processing accessory and the auger shaft to process the food substrate.

Abstract: The invention discloses a vacuum juicer, and belongs to the field of juicers. The vacuum juicer comprises a vacuum cover assembly, a stirring cup assembly and a main unit, wherein the vacuum cover assembly comprises a vacuum cover and a cam rotating around the vacuum cover, and a sealant is arranged on the cam; the stirring cup assembly comprises a stirring cup holder and a stirring cup, and a movable valve is arranged on the stirring cup and slides up and down to control opening and closing of a stirring cup air hole; a vacuum pump in the main unit is in sealed connection with the internal space of the vacuum cover. According to the vacuum juicer, the interior of the stirring cup can be vacuumized before and during fruit juice stirring, the stirring cup can be taken out to be carried and stored in the vacuum state for a period of time, and the phenomenon that fruit juice makes contact with air and consequentially is oxidized is avoided during this period of time.

Abstract: A pot support and method of use are disclosed for improving the efficiency at fuel-fired cookstoves. Heat transfer to a cooking vessel is improved by directing hot exhaust gases along the outer walls of a cooking vessel by providing a vertical lip at the outer edge of the pot support that lends to an improvement in cookstove thermal efficiency.

Abstract: A warming dish for mounting atop a functioning slow cooker with a lid, which includes a main dish housing having at least one side wall and a bottom, wherein the bottom has a predetermined center and is dome-shaped rising toward the center, and wherein the bottom has an upwardly extending recess at the center to accommodate positioning over a lid handle of a slow cooker. The invention also includes the warming dish in combination with a slow cooker.

Abstract: A drip filter coffee making device has a filter basket with a lid. The lid supports a water dispenser for wetting grounds in the filter basket. The basket is removable from a body of the device. The lid may have a dampened opening motion, biased into an open positon by a spring.

Abstract: A digital scale for optimizing coffee brewing, and pour-over brewing in particular, is provided. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to a scale configured to determine the target amount of water to add based on any amount of coffee grounds used, compare an actual pour rate to a target pour rate when adding the target amount of water over a specific target pour time, and clearly communicate the same to the user.

Abstract: An automatic beverage system for producing a hot flavored beverage. The system includes a base unit having a water reservoir, a control system for heating liquid from the reservoir, a cartridge arm having a water injector and a cartridge holder, a pump and tubing system connecting the water reservoir to the cartridge holder and used to move water, the control system housed within the base unit and coupled to the heating element and pump to control temperature and movement of the liquid from the reservoir to the cartridge holder, and a container base positioned in an area adjacent the base unit and below the cartridge holder. The cartridge holder is adapted to receive interchangeable cartridges depending on the type and size of beverage desired. The beverage system is capable of using a beverage pod to dispense an individual cup of coffee or the like, and it is also capable of brewing larger volumes of coffee using freshly ground coffee beans.

Abstract: A cartridge adaptor system may include a puncturing device; a nozzle adaptor including: a puncture port configured to receive the puncturing device; a nozzle coupling portion configured to releasably couple to a beverage dispenser nozzle; and a cartridge coupling portion configured to releasably couple to a cartridge containing a beverage ingredient; and a cartridge holster having a receiving portion for receiving a portion of the cartridge. The puncturing device may be configured to puncture the cartridge thereby releasing the beverage ingredient.

Abstract: The present invention pertains in general to an apparatus and method for the infusing, agitation and dispensation of oils in a controlled manner to produce a desired potency of an infusion while remaining below an identified maximum temperature threshold.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for producing an ingredient foam such as milk foam for use with other products such as beverages. An ingredient dispensing assembly is included for receiving one or more ingredients from an ingredient dispensing apparatus, processing the ingredients and dispensing a general uniform, consistent foam. The ingredient dispensing assembly includes a whipping chamber, an output nozzle, and an insert retained within cavities defined by the whipping chamber and output nozzle. The internal surfaces of the chamber and nozzle cavities in combination with the insert provide passages defining a mixing zone, a shredding zone communicating with the mixing zone, and a deceleration zone communicating with the shredding zone. The assembly passes at least one ingredient through the zones to dispense foam from an exit port of the outlet nozzle. The system includes apparatus and methods for reducing the dissociation of foam dispensed form the exit port.

Abstract: A hand-press coffee machine comprising a water tank, a hand pump which is disposed at the upper end of the water tank, and a brewing component which is connected to the lower end of the water tank; a water hole is disposed at the point where the water tank and the brewing component are connected; the hand pump is used to pump the water in the water tank into the brewing component through the water hole; a unidirectional valve, which is disposed in the water hole between the water tank and the brewing component, is set to merely allow the water in the water tank to flow into the brewing component; the present invention can effectively protect the coffee powder from being pre-soaked.

Abstract: The invention concerns a unit for controlling transmission of power to a thermal conditioning device e.g. for coffee machine, comprising a controller with a start-up profile for starting-up the device from a temperature of inactivity to an operative temperature for bringing to a target temperature a fluid circulating through said device at start-up end, the controller being arranged to allow circulation of fluid through the device at start-up end and to compare the determined temperature of fluid circulated at start-up end to the target temperature and derive a temperature difference therefrom. The start-up profile has at least one parameter and in that the controller has a self-learning mode for adjusting the parameter as a function of the temperature difference and to store the adjusted parameter for a subsequent starting-up of the device. The invention concerns in particular a method for optimized heating up of a coffee machine.

Abstract: A capsule for cleaning a beverage preparation machine includes a container which is sealed at one end by a removable cover and contains at least one cleaning agent. A screen or grating located beneath the cover holds the cleaning agent within the container.

Abstract: A system for storing food products at heated temperatures that includes a cabinet, a storage bin in the cabinet for receiving a tray, a temperature control device in thermal communication with the tray, and a controller displaying via a user interface a food product timer button that can be swiped to a side to change to a different food product timer button that is displayed on the user interface.

Abstract: A cooking method and a cooking appliance allow the same cooking time to be used to cook different types of ingredients, without any action being required by the user.

Abstract: A cooking appliance has a base with an upstanding wall defining a hollow interior with an opening. The base is configured to support a cooking grate adjacent to the opening. A lid is configured to be removably attached to the base and allow access to the cooking grate. An electrical cooking element is spaced from the grate and positioned in the hollow interior. A passage is formed in the upstanding wall and has a closure moveable between a closed position and an open position. In the open position, the passage receives and supports the cooking element in the hollow interior of the base to enable cooking with electricity via the cooking element. In the closed position, the closure of the passage at least partially blocks access through the passage into the hollow interior to enable cooking with a combustible solid material deposited in the base without the cooking element.

Abstract: A charcoal grill includes a vessel configured to hold and burn charcoal for cooking food. The charcoal grill may include a receptacle moveable between a first position in which the receptacle is positioned for collecting ashes from charcoal burned in the vessel and a second position in which the receptacle is separated from the vessel for disposal of the collected ashes. Additionally, or alternatively, the vessel may define a passage extending from an exterior side of the vessel to an interior side of the vessel for permitting a starter device to be inserted into the passage for igniting charcoal within the vessel. Additionally, or alternatively, the charcoal grill may include a vent system including at least one vent opening extending through a portion of the vessel, a vent cover movable with respect to the vent opening between a closed position and an open position, and at least one calibration associated with the vent cover between the closed position and the open position.

Abstract: A side shelf system configured to couple to a portable cooking station. The side shelf system includes a side shelf and a cutting board. The side shelf includes an upper surface that defines a rectangular opening therein. The side shelf includes at least two extensions that extend from the opening, each extension having a ledge. The cutting board is sized to be positioned in the rectangular opening, the cutting board having an upward facing surface with a through hole defined therein. The cutting board includes a depth such that, upon positioning the cutting board over the ledge, the upward facing surface of the cutting board is substantially flush with the upper surface of the side shelf.

Abstract: A self-standing container for holding and pre-soaking a cooking plank in a soaking liquid includes flexible walls forming a bag-like container with a chamber to receive the plank and the liquid. The container includes a deployable standing structure to enable the container to be placed in an upright position to conserve counter space. The container with a plank and liquid may be packaged for retail sale and later reuse.

Abstract: A cooking appliance includes a housing and at least one upwardly facing cooking wall on which food product can directly sit for cooking, where the cooking wall is supported by the housing and has an associated drain path for residual cooking fluid and/or for cleaning fluid, where the drain path includes an outlet end. A mobile fluid receptacle located in an installed use position within the housing is positioned below the cooking wall. The mobile fluid receptacle is movable to a transport position fully disengaged from the housing. The mobile fluid receptacle maybe configured to sit in a generally horizontal use orientation when in the installed use position, as well as an upright orientation when disengaged from the housing.

Abstract: A dual function garlic press comprises an upper handle having a plunger, a lower handle having a receiving chamber and a cutter grid. The cutter grid is pivotally connected to the first side of plunger. The upper handle is rotatable in relation to the lower handle about a vertical axis between a first position where the first side of the plunger faces towards the receiving chamber when the upper handle and the lower handle are at the close position, and a second position where the second side of the plunger is juxtaposed to the bottom of the receiving chamber when the upper handle and the lower handle are at the close position to crush the item in the receiving chamber.

Abstract: The inventive subject matter provides apparatus, systems and methods for a low-cost, disposable protective cover for handles and other objects. The disposable cover can include a flexible tube having first and second ends, an inner surface and an outer surface. One or more layers of the tube will preferably include corrugations, ridges, bumps or other non-smooth surface such that air spaces are formed between the handle and the inner surface, or the inner surface and the outer surface.

Abstract: A soap dispenser can be configured to dispense an amount of liquid soap, for example, upon detecting the presence of an object. Certain embodiments of the dispenser include a housing, reservoir, pump, motor, sensor, electronic processor, and nozzle. In certain embodiments, the sensor can be configured to generate a signal based on a distance between an object and the sensor. In certain embodiments, the electronic processor can be configured to receive the signal from the sensor and to determine a dispensation volume of the liquid. The dispensation volume can vary as a function of the distance between the object and the sensor. The processor can be configured to control the motor to dispense approximately the dispensation volume of the liquid.

Abstract: A foot and toe washer may have telescopic sections locking into place in an extended state convenient to the user such that not all extensions may be used. Locking mechanisms for locking one extension to another internal extension may comprise a spring-loaded ball and associated orifice or extensions having larger or smaller diameters at ends with rough surfaces so the extensions lock into place by friction when used or comprise twisting grooves on the surfaces of two extensions. In one embodiment, the foot and toe washer is preferably made of strong, light-weight plastic or hard, tough rubber and may have a rubber-coated handle with the extensions extending therefrom as desired. The furthest extension from the handle may have a connecting and locking mechanism of the spring-loaded ball and orifice type or the friction type to connect one of a sponge, a between-the-toes washer, a brush or wash cloth or combination thereof.

Abstract: This Toilet Paper Caddy hanging Basket, holds needful products at arms reach. Practicable to store items commonly used in a bathroom. Sanitizer, Female napkins, extra toilet paper and a folded magazine. Suggestions for the shelfs and parts of the Product, to be utilized. Also easily portable. When you need it and when you don't.

Abstract: A spring-loaded toilet paper dispenser for compact and aesthetic holding and dispensing of multiple rolls of toilet paper. The spring-loaded toilet paper dispenser generally includes an elongated housing to store rolls of toilet paper in a generally vertical stack until ready for use. The dispenser also includes a roller bar to hold an active roll of toilet paper, allowing for paper to be unrolled. When the active roll is empty, the roller bar slides into the topmost, next roll in the stack and then rotates to move the “on-deck” roll into the active position.

Abstract: Systems and methods for dispensing towels. In one embodiment, the system includes a container configured to receive towels, and a bracket configured to mount to a support surface. The container includes a handle configured to be grasped by a user. The bracket engages the handle of the container to suspend the container from the support surface.

Abstract: A tissue dispenser comprises a base, at least one retaining strut connected to the base, and a dispensing pedestal. The tissue dispenser further comprises a box filled with tissue and an aperture in the bottom of the box, wherein the dispensing pedestal passes through the aperture in the bottom of the box holding the tissue at or near the top of the box.

Abstract: The invention relates to a toilet installation comprising equipment (4) presenting a gravity discharge opening (5) for liquid effluent and solid waste, and a reception system (30) for receiving liquid effluent and solid waste dropping from the gravity discharge opening (5). The installation further comprises a transport device (35) for transporting the composting medium in the form of a continuous bed of material of determined thickness and for a duration suitable for obtaining the composted medium, the transport device (35) comprising at least one support surface (36) for supporting the bed, which surface is placed under the top portion of the reception system and extends to a discharge edge (37) for discharging the composted medium dropping off said support surface.

Abstract: Provided is a method of manufacturing a toilet seat that is formed by joining together a seat front member and a seat rear member. The method includes a cutting step of forming a processed surface of a joint part between the seat front member and the seat rear member by cutting the joint part between the seat front member and the seat rear member with a cutting tool having a curved cutting blade part such that the shape of the processed surface is formed in a curved shape in which the seat rear member side thereof protrudes outward in a cross section perpendicular to the direction in which the joint part extends.

Abstract: A toilet device is provided and includes a toilet seat, a main part, and an electric opening/closing mechanism; the toilet seat includes a toilet seat main body, and a hinge part provided at a rear center of the toilet seat main body; the toilet seat is rotatable by being pivotally supported by the main part at two sides of the hinge part; the electric opening/closing mechanism performs an electric opening/closing of the toilet seat and is provided in the main part; the electric opening/closing mechanism includes a motor and a transmission mechanism; the motor is disposed to have a rotation axis offset from a rotation axis of the hinge part; and the transmission mechanism connects the motor and one end of the hinge part and transfers a drive force of the motor to the hinge part.

Abstract: Various disclosed apparatuses relate to lighting mechanisms for illuminating portions of a fixture, such as a toilet. One embodiment relates to a seat assembly of a toilet. The seat assembly includes a hinge assembly including a hinge housing and a lighting mechanism. The lighting mechanism is at least partially disposed within the hinge housing. The lighting mechanism includes a light source and a lens. The lens includes a curved portion configured to direct light from the light source downwardly toward a bowl of the toilet. The seat assembly further includes a ring pivotally connected to the hinge assembly.

Abstract: A disposable toilet plunger cover assembly designed to be used with a standard toilet plunger. The assembly including a connection receiver designed to be attached to a standard toilet plunger at a central area of the inner surface of the toilet plunger head and an elongated flexible plastic bag having a lower enclosed end and an upper open end. The bag having an interior volume sufficient to enclose the head of the standard toilet plunger and a portion of the handle. A ring-shaped sealing gasket attached to the outer surface of the bag at the lower enclosed end, the ring shaped gasket formed to concentrically mate with the ring-shaped lower edge of the toilet plunger, and a connector attached to the inner surface of the bag at an area centrally located within the sealing gasket. The connector is constructed to be removably attached to the connection receiver.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner, which is a portable vacuum cleaner, including a tank body, a head portion disposed above the tank body, and a battery connection portion that is disposed at the head portion and is capable of connecting to a battery. A part of an upper end portion of the tank body has a bent shape or a curved shape, and the rest part of the upper end portion of the tank body has a shape neither bending inward nor curved inward. The vacuum cleaner may further include a battery connection portion disposed at the head portion and a brushless motor disposed at the head portion. The vacuum cleaner is easy to assemble, portable, convenient in checking the battery level, waterproof and has a good performance of drainage, high efficiency in dust vacuuming, small size and compact structure, light weight, and improved service period.

Abstract: A dishwasher can include a tub defining a treating chamber receiving dishes for treatment, a spray system providing treating liquid to the treating chamber, a first dish rack located in the tub and having a bottom wall tiered to form multiple levels defining an effective inclination angle for the bottom wall, and a second dish rack located below the first dish rack and having an inclined non-tiered bottom wall.

Abstract: A diverter valve assembly includes a manifold defining a plenum with an inlet and multiple outlets, a membrane movably mounted within the plenum and having at least one through opening, which is sequentially aligned with the multiple outlets upon movement of the membrane, indicia provided on the membrane corresponding to each of the multiple outlets, and a sensor configured to sense the indicia and provide an output of the sensed indicia.

Abstract: An appliance, such as a dishwashing appliance having a door linkage assembly is generally provided herein. The dishwashing appliance may include a cabinet, a tub, a door, a spring linkage, and a linkage latch. The tub may be disposed inside the cabinet and define a front opening. The door may be rotatably positioned at the front opening. The spring linkage may bias the door toward a closed position. The spring linkage may extend from a first end to a second end. The first end may be mounted to the cabinet. The second end may include a fastener that is selectively attached to the door. The linkage latch may extend laterally from one of a pair of opposing sidewalls below the door. The linkage latch may define a latch channel to selectively receive the spring linkage when the fastener is detached from the door.

Abstract: A pump device for a water-conducting domestic appliance, such as a washing machine or a dishwasher, has a pump chamber with at least two inlets, and has multiple actuators on or in the pump chamber for a liquid-pumping operation in at least one direction. At least one sensor is provided on or in the pump chamber for determining constituents and properties of the liquid in the pump chamber. A storage chamber is connected to an inlet of the pump chamber and contains additives or analytes for the liquid.

Abstract: A dispensing assembly including at least one treating chemistry container configured to store a treating chemistry and selectively fluidly coupled to the treating chamber, a sensor configured to detect a characteristic of the dispensing assembly and output a first signal based thereon, an illumination detector outputting a second signal indicative of ambient illumination and an indicator outputting a human-detectable signal.

Abstract: A dishwasher, including: a dishwashing compartment having a loading opening; a door configured to close the loading opening; a bottom washware rack configured for movement out of and into the dishwashing compartment; a middle washware rack configured for movement out of and into the dishwashing compartment; and a top washware rack configured for movement out of and into the dishwashing compartment. The top rack is formed of wire thereby to hold washware including cutlery and to enhance drying performance. The spacing between an inner surface of a top wall of the dishwashing compartment and an upper surface of a deepest portion of the top rack is in a range of 79.0 mm to 83.0 mm. The top rack is formed with a notch section along at least one side in a bottom portion thereof, and include an angled portion to hold bowls at a slight tilt with respect to horizontal.

Abstract: A dish rack assembly includes a dish rack having spaced wire frame elements at least partially defining a side wall, a height adjuster comprising an arm located on an exterior of the side wall and a retaining clip mounted to the arm and located on an interior of the side wall that can limit the relative movement of the dish rack.

Abstract: A lifting device for a receptacle for items to be washed of a dishwasher, in particular a household dishwasher is constructed to lift the receptacle from a starting position, optionally via at least one intermediate position, into an end position or to lower the washing item receptacle from the end position, optionally via at least one intermediate position, into the starting position. The lifting device includes a braking device having at least one damping element which is designed to brake a movement of the 32-receptacle in particular during the lowering process.

Abstract: A dishwasher having a tub defining a treating chamber, a dish rack, and a spray assembly associated with the dish rack. The spray assembly may include at least one sprayer positioned to spray treating liquid onto dishes received by the rack. The sprayer has two openings and may be movable between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: Provided is a sticky cleaner whose adhesive face can be easily renewed and whish is less susceptible to roll-loosening. The sticky cleaner provided by this invention comprises a PSA tape having an adhesive face on the first face of a substrate. The PSA tape forms a PSA tape roll wound with the adhesive face on the outside. On the first face of the substrate, the PSA tape comprises a first layer formed of a PSA and a second layer formed of an acrylic viscoelastic material. The adhesive face comprises first sections where the first layer is exposed and second sections where the second layer is exposed. The second sections protrude further out of the PSA tape roll relative to the first sections. The PSA tape roll shows an unwinding force F0 at 0° C. and an unwinding force F30 at 30° C.

Abstract: A medical information recording device includes a first recording processing unit configured to record a moving image of a medical image in which a status information image is superimposed, a second recording processing unit configured to record a moving image of the medical image in which a portion of the status information image of the medical image is subjected to mask processing, an arbitration unit configured to control communication between a recording unit in which the medical image in which the status information image is superimposed and the medical image in which the portion of the status information image is subjected to mask processing are recorded, and the first recording processing unit and the second recording processing unit, and a load adjusting circuit configured to control the arbitration unit on the basis of load of the first recording processing unit and the second recording processing unit.