Abstract: A pillow includes a foam body having top and bottom faces, opposed first and second sides, and opposed left and right ends. A first raised ridge is adjacent to and extends parallel with the first side, projecting to a first height relative to the bottom face. A second raised ridge is adjacent to and extending parallel with the second side, projecting to a second height relative to the bottom face, the second height being different from the first height. There is a trough in the first face between the first and second ridges. First and second elongate passages are disposed in and extending parallel to the first raised ridges, respectively. First and second elongate elements can be disposed in the first and second elongate passages. A second body, of a different material than the first body, disposed in the trough. A cover substantially encloses the first and second bodies.

Abstract: A cover device (2) for a drink container comprises a basic assembly (9) which is provided with a drink opening (32), and a valve arrangement (20) for blocking or unblocking a passage to the drink opening (32) from a drink container side of the cover device (2). The valve arrangement (20) comprises a valve element (26) having two portions (27, 28) which are connected to each other through an area of the valve element (26) at a position where the valve element (26) is hingably associated with the basic assembly (9), the valve element (26) has a slit (42), and at least one of the valve element (26) and the connecting member (37) is shaped in such a way that the tighter the valve element (26) is pushed onto the connecting member (37), the more firmly the slit (42) is closed.

Abstract: The invention provides a portable cup holder for carrying a cup with, for example, take-out coffee. The portable cup holder is made with a minimum amount of material that may be folded rapidly and easily, and comprises a bottom portion 1 forming a bottom surface through which a cup opening 3 is formed, a fixing portion 4 connected to top and bottom ends of the bottom portion 1 and folded vertically, a rising portion 7 folded and disposed vertically at right and left ends of the bottom portion 1, a top portion 2 connected to the rising portion 7 forming a top surface and including the cup opening 3a, and a handle portion 10 folded vertically upwards at the top portion 2 that forms a handle.

Abstract: The ordered food and drink conveying apparatus includes: a main belt conveyor to form a conveying path leading to a customer seat from a kitchen side of a restaurant; an auxiliary belt conveyor to be provided in extension from the main belt conveyor on the kitchen side to elongate the conveying path; and a control unit to operate the auxiliary belt conveyor and the main belt conveyor upon a conveyance start operation being performed and to convey the dish of the food and drink placed on the auxiliary belt conveyor to the customer seat, the control unit setting the auxiliary belt conveyor in a stop state enabling placement of the dish to be conveyed next on the auxiliary belt conveyor before stopping the main belt conveyor upon the dish being transferred onto the main belt conveyor from the auxiliary belt conveyor by performing the conveyance start operation.

Abstract: A shaped standing mat or base providing a trampoline-like rebounding surface that is a highly responsive and dynamic support surface for a standing person where that person is able to maintain a proper stance relative to their foot angle, and to engage in mild exercise movement and foot rotation and stretching without undue interruption of mental concentration in a work or other environment.

Abstract: An interior mailbox, hard-mounted to the exterior door or window, designed to capture and to hold the mail dropped by the mail carrier from the outside in, through the cutout in said exterior door or window, comprising of two primary components, the container and the adjustment part, made to adjust the width of the bottom of the mailbox to accommodate the varying mounting surfaces and to prevent the mail from falling out of the mailbox.

Abstract: Hanging products having an opening for suspending the item from a rod without removing the rod from its mounted supports.

Abstract: A dc rechargeable, battery powered, food preparation device uses rapid angular displacement action thereby enabling a human operator to use barely more than the weight of the instrument's spinning cutter against a wide variety of fruit and vegetable peels ranging from dense eggplant to delicate peach, while also providing for operator safety through the use of safe-start interlock technology along with a catch-and-release safety cover over the cutting head itself. As a result the user friendly appliance scales the entire surface of common produce items while rapidly and efficiently removing the outer layer of skin in bitwise fashion as opposed to generating continuous long strings of discard material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cooking device, including a housing, a base, an inner, and a lid. The housing is arranged on the base and is provided with a storage chamber, the inner pot is arranged inside the storage chamber, and the lid is arranged on the housing matching with the opening of the storage chamber. The lid comprising at least a sealing unit on an inner surface thereof. The cooking device further includes a control module and an exhaust module, the control module includes a processor; and the exhaust module includes an air-filled element, an air-extraction element, an inlet passage and an exhaust passage, the air-filled element and the air-extraction element are respectively connected with the processor.

Abstract: A filter insert (1) for insertion into an insert opening (91) of a vessel (9) for the purpose of extracting beverages has a base body (3), which has filter openings (51), and a sleeve. A circumferential region of the sleeve has a corrugated elastic outer contour (21) which serves to flexibly match said filter insert to an internal dimension of the insert opening (91) of the vessel (9).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a brewing apparatus for extracting a portion capsule, comprising a first brewing chamber element and a second brewing chamber element, the first and/or the second brewing chamber element being movable along an axial direction from a loading position, in which the first and the second brewing chamber element are spaced apart from one another, to an extraction position, in which the first and the second brewing chamber element form a substantially closed brewing chamber, and the brewing apparatus further comprising a drive mechanism for moving the first and/or second brewing chamber element, characterized in that the brewing apparatus has a separate locking mechanism for locking the brewing chamber in the extraction position.

Abstract: The brewing system disclosed herein includes a moving inlet nozzle for use in intermixing hot water and coffee in a coffee cartridge. The inlet nozzle may include one or more flow ports that inject hot water into an inner chamber of the coffee cartridge at select angles, locations and pressures to create the desired fluidized mixture of hot water and beverage medium.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method and apparatus for a liquid-activated, lighted and flavored drink infuser. The invention enhances the beverage and drink experience for any user by providing a liquid-activated, lighted, flavored drink infuser that, when placed in liquid, will light up and/or release into the liquid specific contents inside the infuser, such as flavoring(s) and/or medicine(s).

Abstract: A beverage preparation system is provided comprising a beverage preparation machine, a cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients, and a coded insert. The beverage preparation machine comprises a brew head for receiving the cartridge. The cartridge comprises a primary code configured to provide operating instructions to the beverage preparation machine for delivering a beverage from the cartridge. The coded insert is separate from the cartridge and insertable along with the cartridge into the brew head. The coded insert comprises a secondary code configured to provide alternative operating instructions to the beverage preparation machine for delivering a modified beverage from the cartridge.

Abstract: A method for exchanging heat between a heat exchange fluid and a perishable product fluid. The method includes providing the heat exchange fluid to an enclosure 5 of a heat exchanger and provides the perishable product fluid to a tube 53 including a flexible portion in the enclosure 51. The method includes exchanging heat between the heat exchange fluid in the enclosure and the perishable product fluid in the tube 53 and interrupting providing the perishable product fluid to the tube 53. The method further includes compressing the flexible portion of the tube 53 to decrease a volume of the tube 3 and to press a substantial part of the perishable product fluid out of the tube 53. The method may include changing the heat exchange fluid at a first temperature to a heat exchange fluid at a second temperature different than the first temperature.

Abstract: A hot beverage maker is provided that has a water tank, a boiler, a dispensing device, a water outlet pipe and a control device. The control device of the hot beverage maker has a mechanical configuration that includes a rotatable cam provided inside the case of the hot beverage maker. The cam has bumps arranged in, for example, three circles about a periphery of the cam. Spring leaves are arranged to interact with the cam bumps. The spring leaves are electrically connected to control aspects of the hot beverage maker while the rotational position of the cam also controls other aspects of the hot beverage maker.

Abstract: A lid for a container for cooking food, the lid for resting on a free edge of the container, the lid including a covering element, a shaped element and connector for connecting the two elements, the shaped and covering elements configured to allow them to move between: a first closure operating position of the lid, in which the two elements of the lid combine to close the cooking container on which the lid rests, and a second opening operating position of the lid, for allowing venting of the container when the lid rests thereon and to prevent escape from the container. The lid includes at least one thermal actuator, on reaching a first pre-set temperature, for automatically moving the covering element with respect to the shaped element to bring the latter into the opening position, to allow venting of the container when the lid is placed upon it.

Abstract: A kit for heat treating foods comprises a first portion including at least one plate, at least one vat, at least one coil-shaped phial, at least one wall, and at least one pin. The at least one plate has a first compartment and a second compartment. The at least one vat is attached to the at least one plate to form an interspace containing CaCl2 scales. The at least one coil-shaped phial is disposed in the interspace and contains deionized water. The at least one wall is arranged transversely to the at least one coil-shaped phial and divides the at least one coil-shaped phial into at least two sectors. The at least one pin extends from a surface of the at least one vat and is arranged adjacently to the at least one coil-shaped phial. The at least one pin is configured to break the at least one coil-shaped phial.

Abstract: A device for composing a series of satays, comprising a series of separate holders (8), wherein each holder is provided with a series of recesses, a horizontal frame (4) and a vertical frame (5), wherein the horizontal frame is suitable for horizontally moving the holders up to the vertical frame, wherein the vertical frame is suitable for separately moving each holder vertically upwards, wherein the holders are kept in a horizontal position. The present invention also relates to a method for composing a series of satays.

Abstract: A decorative decal for altering the aesthetics of a barbeque grill, with the decal comprising a flexible and heat resistant substrate having a visually discernible aesthetic element on its first surface and an adhesive on its second surface, with the adhesive suitable for attaching the substrate to the outer surface of the barbeque grill; and a method of use of the decal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a double-screen grinding mechanism and a double-screen grinding juicer, belonging to the technical field of household appliances. The juicer comprises a motor box, a motor, a middle cover, a grinding mechanism and an upper cover, wherein the grinding mechanism consists of a filter screen and a rotor, the filter screen being of a double-layer filter screen structure and comprising an upper filter screen and a lower filter screen, the rotor comprising an upper rough-grinding portion and a lower fine-grinding portion; the motor is mounted in the motor box; the middle cover is fixed on the motor box; the filter screen is mounted within the middle cover; the rotor is located in the filter screen; the upper cover is covered on the middle cover to shield the filter screen and the rotor; and, the rotor is connected to the motor via a rotor shaft.

Abstract: A blade assembly is provided that includes a base portion that is removably coupleable to a blender base and an aperture extending through the base portion. The blade assembly further includes a drive shaft rotatably coupled to the base portion, the drive shaft extending through the aperture and rotatable about a rotational axis. The blade assembly further includes one or more blades fixedly coupled to the drive shaft and a coupling member for removably coupling a container to the blade assembly. The blade assembly further includes a guard member extending from the base portion such that the guard member circumscribes the one or more blades about the rotational axis. Further, the guard member circumscribes a portion of the container about the rotational axis when the container is removably coupled to the coupling member.

Abstract: An adjustable bathing booster seat system assists individuals with difficulty stepping into a conventional bathtub. It allows a user to be seated on a mechanically assisted seat member to maneuver them over the side of the bathtub and be lowered into the bathtub where they will be able to bathe themselves. When they finish bathing, they will then be lifted up and over the side of the bathtub where they will exit the adjustable bathing booster seat.

Abstract: A personal dispensing system allows a user to dispense a viscous liquid, such as a disinfectant liquid gel. The dispenser includes a mounting clip which can be worn on the belt of a user. The dispenser has a front sidewall with openings which allow the viscous liquid to be dispensed onto a user's hands. The openings on the front sidewall of the container body and the viscosity of the liquid are selected so that the viscous liquid weeps out of the openings without dripping, or a hand pump can dispense the liquid. The front face of the device can also house a single horizontal roller or a number of roller balls for dispensing the viscous liquid.

Abstract: A point-of-care hygiene compliance module includes a housing that is adapted to be attached to a dispensing container that dispenses material through a dispensing nozzle when actuated. The housing includes a pivoting actuation arm that is configured so as to be placed in operative contact with the dispensing nozzle. Thus, when the actuation arm is actuated, material is dispensed from the dispensing container, and a switch in operative contact with the actuation arm is actuated. The triggering of the switch updates a count value that is maintained by a controller, which may then be displayed or acquired by a remote computer to assess the amount of usage of the dispensing container.

Abstract: A system and control method are provided for authenticating a paper product dispensed from a dispenser. The paper product formation is loaded into the dispenser, the formation having an identification mark engraved into a surface thereof. Within the dispenser, incident light is directed onto the surface and a digital image of the surface is captured. The engraved identification mark produces a recognizable authentication signature in the digital image as compared to surrounding surface of the paper product formation. The captured digital image is analyzed for presence of the authentication signature, and if the authentication signature is not present, the paper product formation is deemed unauthorized and a responsive action is initiated.

Abstract: A rolled product dispenser for dispensing a rolled product from a roll is provided. The rolled product dispenser includes a roll engagement member for supporting the roll and allowing the roll to rotate around an axis of rotation, and a roll braking assembly operatively connected to the frame for reducing over-rotation of the roll around the axis of rotation. The roll braking assembly includes at least one roll abutment member configured to abut against an outward-facing surface of the roll and create friction therewith, and a biasing member biasing the at least one roll abutment member towards the outward-facing surface of the roll. The roll braking assembly is configured such that friction between the roll abutment member and the outward-facing surface of the roll reduces as the rolled product is depleted from the roll. In an embodiment, the rolled product dispenser is a paper towel dispenser.

Abstract: A child training potty configured to inhibit access to a waste receptacle thereof so as to prevent contact with human waste present therein. The child training potty includes a base being formed from a plurality of walls and a bottom creating an interior volume. A waste receptacle is disposed within the interior volume of the base and is releasably secured therein. A seat member is superposed the base and is movably mounted thereto wherein the seat member is configured to traverse in an upwards-downwards direction. A plurality of springs are intermediate the seat member and the base. An access door is hingedly secured proximate the opening of the waste receptacle. The seat member further has engagement rods extending downward therefrom that are operable to move the access door from a first position to a second position. The access door includes a first portion and a second portion.

Abstract: A hand-held power tool suction extractor apparatus comprises at least one fastening unit configured to mount on a hand-held power tool. The at least one fastening unit includes at least one holding element configured to be positioned on the hand-held power tool and at least one fastening element configured to exert a holding force on the at least one holding element. The at least one fastening unit also includes at least one movably mounted position fixing element configured to fix the at least one fastening element.

Abstract: A cleaning arrangement for a rotatable cleaning member of a vacuum cleaner nozzle, the cleaning arrangement being configured and adapted to at least loosen debris entangled to the rotatable cleaning member and comprising a cleaning element configured to selectively engage and disengage the rotatable cleaning member in the course of operating a cleaning process.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a housing that consists of a bottom part with a dirt receptacle and a top part. At least one filter is arranged in the housing and an intake airflow can flow through it, and the housing has at least one hinged housing in which the at least one filter is arranged.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for optimizing a vacuum cleaning system comprising a cylinder vacuum cleaning device and a filter bag, wherein the cylinder vacuum cleaning device comprises a motor-fan unit having a characteristic motor-fan curve, a filter bag receptacle, a hose, a tube, a connection port for the filter bag, and a cleaning head, and wherein the filter bag comprises filter material made of nonwoven material comprising the step of: adapting the motor-fan characteristic curve and the size, the shape and the material of the filter bag and the size and the shape of the filter bag receptacle and the length and the inner diameter of the tube and the length and the inner diameter of the hose and the inner diameter of the connection port for the filter bag and the cleaning head to each other such that the vacuum cleaning system achieves an efficiency of at least 24%, preferably of at least 28%, particularly preferably of at least 32%, when vacuuming according to the Standard on a Standard carpet type

Abstract: A robotic cleaning device having a main body, an opening in a bottom side of the main body for removing debris from an area to be cleaned, a brush adjacent to the opening and a propulsion system configured to move the robotic cleaning device across the area. The robotic cleaning device may further include a positioning system having an obstacle detecting device configured to detect obstacles and a processing unit. The obstacle detecting device is configured to record positional data, and the processing unit is configured to generate a cleaning pattern from the positional data, the cleaning pattern including at least one spiral pattern having an outer periphery. The spiral pattern is arranged so that the robotic cleaning device spirals inwards from the outer periphery towards a center of the spiral pattern, and the brush faces the outer periphery while the robotic cleaning device follows the spiral pattern.

Abstract: A method of scheduling a robotic device enables the device to run autonomously based on previously loaded scheduling information. The method consists of a communication device, such as a hand-held remote device, that can directly control the robotic device, or load scheduling information into the robotic device such that it will carry out a defined task at the desired time without the need for further external control. The communication device can also be configured to load a scheduling application program into an existing robotic device, such that the robotic device can receive and implement scheduling information from a user.

Abstract: A dispersible, nonwoven multistrata wipe material is provided that is stable in a wetting liquid and flushable in use. More particularly, multilayered structures including, but not limited to, two, three, or four layers are provided to form the dispersible nonwoven wipe material. The layers contain combinations of cellulosic and noncellulosic fibers, and optionally a binder or additive.

Abstract: A surface cleaning device, such as a floor mop, has a handle via which a user holds on to the device and maneuvers the device during use, a head to which the handle connects, a base at which the head is secured and is situated, in normal use, below the head. The base is provided with, in normal use, a lower surface for engaging a surface to be cleaned via a removable or disposable substrate material, wherein the base is provided with a plurality of grippers for securing the disposable substrate material, the base and the grippers belong to an integral component.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a washing container having a plurality of walls and enclosing a washing chamber. At least one of the walls of the washing container has at least two apertures which are covered by planar lighting elements, respectively. The apertures are separated from one another by a reinforcing member, with the planar lighting elements having a total surface area that equals at least 20% of a wall surface area of the at least one wall.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a dishwasher including a spray unit fixed to one sidewall of a wash tub and a reflecting plate assembly to reflect wash water sprayed from the spray unit onto dishes and to linearly reciprocate in a spray direction of the wash water sprayed from the spray unit. The dishwasher further includes a drive unit to drive the reflecting plate assembly, and a cam unit to transmit driving force of the drive unit to the reflecting plate assembly. The drive unit includes a motor to generate rotational force, and a belt forming a closed loop and caused to make cyclic movement by the motor. The cam unit is engaged with the belt to transmit power of the belt to the reflecting plate assembly. The cam is alternately engaged with first and second portions of the belt to cause the reflecting plate assembly to reciprocate.

Abstract: A dishwasher including a washing compartment, and at least one cutlery basket arranged in the washing compartment, wherein the at least one cutlery basket holds items of cutlery horizontally, wherein at least some sections of the cutlery basket have different clearance heights.

Abstract: A lifting device for a holder for items to be washed in a dishwasher is configured to lift the holder for items to be washed from an initial position into an end position or lower it from the end position into the initial position. The lifting device includes a guide apparatus for guiding the holder in a horizontal direction. Arranged on the guide apparatus in a swivelable manner are a first swivel arm and a second swivel arm. A connecting element connects a first end section of the first swivel arm and a first end section of the second swivel arm, and is configured to couple a swivel movement of the first swivel arm and a swivel movement of the second swivel arm to one another in a positively driven manner.

Abstract: A device for display of medical vision images and video may include a portable display screen and housing. The device may also include a mounting mechanism located on the back of the housing. The mounting mechanism may be configured to removably engage a complementary mounting mechanism on a structure for removably mounting the portable display screen and housing to the structure. The device may also include means for communicatively coupling the portable display screen to one or more optoelectronic vision and illumination modules for control and processing of information.

Abstract: A module includes an oblong structure; an optical apparatus associated with the oblong structure for facing a segment arranged inside a body cavity of a patient. An actuating device is for controlling the position of the oblong structure so as to orient the optical apparatus in the body cavity. The oblong structure has a proximal portion and an end portion, which is deformable, so as to tend to remain in and elastically return to a bent condition, in which it is normally flexed. The actuating device includes a pusher member, which moves in a guided manner relative to the oblong structure and is suited to act upon the end portion, so as to angularly move it from the bent condition towards a substantially straight condition.

Abstract: An endoscope includes an insertion tube having a distal end and an imaging device with a steerable extension. The proximal end of the extension is attached to the distal end of the insertion tube. An endoscope includes an insertion tube having a distal end region and a rear-viewing imaging device at least partially disposed inside the distal end region. An endoscope includes an insertion tube having a distal end cap, an imaging device, and a link that couples the imaging device to the distal end cap of the insertion tube.

Abstract: A tissue visualization and modification device may include a rigid access body having a longitudinal axis, an internal passageway extending from the proximal end to the distal end, and an access body imaging sensor positioned on the distal end of the body and protruding inward beyond an inner wall into the internal passageway. An elongated member may be slidably positioned within the rigid access body. The elongated member may include, when viewed substantially along the longitudinal axis, a dissection electrode in the shape of a semicircle, an irrigation channel positioned within the semicircle, an aspiration channel positioned partially within the semicircle and adjacent the irrigation channel, first and second illumination elements positioned adjacent the respective tips of the semicircle and an elongated member imaging sensor positioned adjacent the aspiration channel.

Abstract: A dental implant is provided. In some embodiments, the dental implant facilitates viewing an outside of a distal end of the dental implant via a proximal opening of the dental implant, and/or facilitates providing bone graft material via selectively closable one or more distal openings. A dental implant installation procedure is also provided in which a distal end of a dental implant is projected into a paranasal sinus cavity or a nasal cavity to displace the respective sinus membrane or nasal cavity membrane from the respective cavity floor, while minimizing risk of damaging the respective membrane. Bone graft material is introduced into the space created between the respective membrane and the respective cavity floor via a distal portion of the dental implant to form a desired sinus augmentation.

Abstract: An accessory for laryngoscopes configured for being detachably affixed to laryngoscopes, a combination laryngoscope and accessory, and/or methods of use of the accessory and/or combination laryngoscope and accessory. The accessory, combination laryngoscope and accessory, and/or method is preferably configured to increase comfort, safety, and the efficiency of use of laryngoscopes in the medical profession.

Abstract: Single piece ophthalmic inspection devices are provided having a continuous 3-dimensional molded surface preferably made out of plastic. The devices are relatively easier and cheaper to manufacture than existing inspection lenses. The smooth continuous edges are advantages to prevent damage to tissue as well to stop foreign objects accumulating in e.g. the clear regions of the lens. Ergonomic features built into the ophthalmic inspection device provide for superior control of the device on the patient's eye. In addition, textured knurled or grooved surfaces provide desired finger grip and control of the device.

Abstract: A method for determining wave-front aberration data of a to-be-tested optical system comprising the steps of: a) providing a wave-front sensing image of light received from the tested optical system; b) providing a model representative of the optical system with at least an optical parameter representative of said model; and c) optimizing a set of wave-front coefficient data and said at least optical parameter of said model according to a merit function calculating the merit function comprises the steps of generating a wave-front sensing modeled image of light received from said model by the at least optical parameter and the set of wave-front coefficient data, and calculating a criteria based on shape parameter data of the wave-front sensing image and shape parameter data of the wave-front sensing modeled image, so as to obtain wave-front aberration data of the tested optical system.

Abstract: A measuring optical system of an ophthalmologic observation apparatus of an embodiment performs OCT of an eye. An image forming part forms an image based on information acquired by OCT. A preliminary operation performing part performs a plurality of preliminary operations for OCT. Storage stores, for at least one specific preliminary operation among the plurality of preliminary operations, operating condition information including a transferring condition for transferring to a different preliminary operation and a terminating condition for terminating a specific preliminary operation in advance.

Abstract: Systems and methods that use interference signal from a sample tissue (e.g. retina) obtained in a self-referenced manner to obtain one or more characteristics about the sample tissue, such as thickness and intensity information, are discussed in the present disclosure. One example method of analyzing the sample tissue using an interferometry system includes illuminating the sample tissue with a beam of light using a spectrally broadband source. Scattered light signal is collected from the sample tissue at a detector. The signal results from optical interference between light scattered from multiple scatterers located at different depths in the tissue. The light signal is dominated by light scattered from a scatterer located within the bulk of the tissue. One or more characteristics of the sample tissue are determined based on the collected signal.