Abstract: An apparatus for making beverages comprising; an extraction chamber (6) formed between a first part (12) and a second part (13), which are movable; an insertion duct (18) for insertion of a capsule (2), (3) in the extraction chamber (6), the insertion duct extending from an infeed section (19) equipped with a closing element (20) that is movable between a closed position and a disengaged position, and that is in the closed position when the extraction chamber (6) is closed; and at least one first supporting element (21) positioned upstream of the infeed section (19), for supporting a second capsule (3) outside the extraction unit (5) while a first capsule (2) is positioned at the extraction chamber (6); the first supporting element (21) being mechanically switchable, by one of either the first part (12) or the second part (13) or the closing element (20), from an active configuration in which it can support the capsule (2), (3), to an inactive configuration which it adopts when the first part (12) and the sec

Abstract: A beverage or foodstuff preparation machine (4) comprising: a component processing unit (14) to process a beverage or foodstuff component to prepare a beverage or foodstuff therefrom; an auxiliary component interface; and a control system (16) operable to execute a preparation process comprising control of said component processing unit to prepare the beverage or foodstuff, the control system comprising a user interface (32) to receive a user selection of a preparation process and further comprising a communication interface (48) of the auxiliary component interface to receive auxiliary component information stored on an auxiliary component, the control system operable to: receive said auxiliary component information from an auxiliary component; enable using the auxiliary component information a user to select via the user interface one or more preparation processes that at least partially utilise the auxiliary component.

Abstract: A beverage brewing product for brewing a sweetened beverage is disclosed which produces a sweetened beverage solution that can be mixed with a diluting liquid and which comprises at least one water permeable sieve and/or a dissolvable film packet wherein beverage material and granulated sweetener are contained. The beverage material and sweetener are brewed and dissolved during steeping in hot water to produce a sweetened beverage solution. The beverage solution, if concentrated, is then mixed with a proportioned amount of diluting liquid to make a consistently sweet beverage. This beverage brewing product may be used to produce a variety of consistently sweetened beverages, including tea, coffee, lemonade, and other sweetened beverages.

Abstract: A beverage machine system that includes: an insulated potable liquid storage tank having an interior volume; a liquid carbonator spaced within the interior volume of the insulated potable liquid storage tank and submerged therein; a high pressure potable liquid pump configured to pump potable liquid from the interior volume of the insulated potable liquid storage tank through a potable liquid conduit to a spray nozzle within an interior volume of the liquid carbonator; and a cooling coil positioned in a spaced apart relationship but wound around the carbonator such that the cooling coil does not physically touch an exterior surface of the carbonator submersed within the chilled potable liquid and the space between the cooling coil and the carbonator is at least substantially free of any other structure other than periodic frozen potable liquid adjacent the cooling coil.

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 pertains in general to an apparatus and method for the drying and activating of infusing material, and 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 glass jug includes a glass body having a top side with an opening, a lid for covering the opening and a handle protruding from the glass body. The body includes level marks for indicating a quantity of liquid contained in the glass body, wherein the level marks comprise profiles integrally formed with the glass body.

Abstract: A device for producing milk foam uses Couette flow and a high shear stress that is accordingly applied to a milk-air mixture between two concentrically arranged cylinders. The cylinders are rotated relatively to another. The high shear stress leads to an emulsion of the milk and the air, which is the basis for a foaming effect, once the emulsion flows out of a gap between the two cylinders and expands. The parameters of the device that mainly influence the foaming effect are the width of the gap and the relative rotation speed of the cylinders.

Abstract: A device and a method for heating and foaming a liquid, in particular a beverage such as a milk-containing beverage for example. The device comprises a steam generator, a pressurized gas source, and a pump means which is connected to the steam generator and the pressurized gas source for transporting a steam/gas mixture into the liquid. The pressurized gas source comprises a controllable switching valve in order to generate pressure pulses. The pressure pulses generated by the pressurized gas source are introduced into the pump means and mixed with the liquid in the pump means, whereby the liquid is foamed. The foam properties of the foamed liquid, such as consistency, creaminess, density, and porosity, can be influenced by the frequency, amplitude, and pulse duration of the pressure pulses.

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: This invention relates to a beverage dispensing unit (1; 13; 15; 17) for an apparatus for supplying a beverage, in particular for supplying coffee. The dispensing unit comprises an infeed section (21) for a beverage to be dispensed and a dispensing section (23), comprising three dispensing spouts (31, 32, 33). The dispensing unit also comprises two ducts (41, 42) interposed in parallel between the infeed section (21) and the dispensing section (23), each duct (41, 42) comprising an infeed (43) in liquid transfer communication with the infeed section (21) and an outfeed (44) in liquid transfer communication with the dispensing section (23). Each duct (41, 42), in use, receives a respective part of the beverage. The dispensing unit also comprises a movable member (5; 53; 7) shiftable between a first position and a second position, and vice versa.

Abstract: A beverage or foodstuff preparation machine (4) comprising: a component processing unit (14) to process a beverage or foodstuff component to prepare a beverage or foodstuff therefrom; and a control system (16) operable to execute a preparation process comprising controlling said component processing unit to prepare the beverage or foodstuff, the control system comprising a user interface (36), wherein the user interface comprises: a contactless sensor (40) operable to sense without physical contact a body part of a user; and a feedback unit operable to provide feedback to a sensor, said body part of a user; and in response to change a value of a parameter associated with the preparation process and to indicate via the feedback unit the change in value.

Abstract: A machine for preparing and dispensing an espresso coffee comprising: a water supply (1) for feeding cold water; a dispensing group (19) and a corresponding coffee boiler (18); a coffee pump (7) which receives heated water and pumps said heated water towards said coffee boiler (18); a flow meter (9) arranged between said coffee pump (7) and said coffee boiler (18) for measuring an instantaneous water flow rate, i.e., the volume of water that passes from said coffee pump to said coffee boiler per unit of time; a memory for storing at least one pressure profile, wherein said coffee pump (7) is configured to operate according to said pressure profile during coffee dispensing; and a control unit (15) which stops dispensing of coffee based on a measurement of water flow calculated from starting time of the dispensing.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an air fryer, which comprises a fryer housing, a first chamber and a second chamber, wherein the first chamber is communicated with the second chamber, a bottom of the first chamber is provided with an air exhaust and a top of the second chamber is provided with an air intake; a heating element, which is arranged in the second chamber; a cross flow fan, which is located in the second chamber, wherein the cross flow fan comprises an impeller with a horizontal axis, and when the cross flow fan is in operation, air passes through the air intake horizontally and exits the air exhaust horizontally. The air fryer disclosed in the present invention is able to enhance the thermal cycle efficiency and the food could be heated even, crispy and tasting good.

Abstract: A grill or BBQ appliance that is generally intended for outdoor use has a pivoting hood disposed in hinged connection with a grill body, both of which are raised above a firebox that receives a food support grate. The hood may include a counterbalance mechanism to stably position the hood through a range of open positions. The hood may further include an opening or closing assist to assist a user in opening or closing the hood.

Abstract: The present invention provides a deep fryer that has both oil (101) and water (102) layer in contact with each other to enable fried impurities to sink to the water (102) layer. The fried impurities are filtered out using a mesh filter (131) and the water is pumped back into the water layer (102) after filtration. The temperature is fixed at a default setting, 180° C. The thermocouple will be automatically cut off when there is a drastic increase in the temperature of (oil 101) and water (102) layer. Alarm systems notify the user when the deep fryer is not working correctly. The whole fryer shuts down if there is a fault in the (pump 132) or temperature.

Abstract: A coffee bean grinder includes a base internally housing an electric motor and supporting a bell-shaped vessel for containing coffee beans, the bell-shaped vessel being provided lowerly with an exit mouth connected to a grinding chamber housing a grinder rigid with the electric motor shaft, the grinding chamber being provided lowerly with an exit hole, wherein the base is provided, in a position corresponding with the ground coffee exit hole, with a seat for sealed engagement with a container, which is completely closed except for an opening present in the upper surface, and of which the dimensions correspond substantially to the dimensions of the ground coffee exit hole hole, the opening facing the hole when the container is engaged in the seat.

Abstract: A portable electronic grinder system includes a portable electronic grinder having a first-chamber including at least one blade, and a motor, a second-chamber, a fastener, a power source, an activation button, a power-button, and a plurality of wires. The portable electronic grinder system provides a pocket-sized electronic herb grinding device for grinding at least one item.

Abstract: Adjustable seating devices for use in a hot tub are disclosed. Example adjustable seating devices, as disclosed herein, may include multiple panels that move relative to one another and/or relative to the hot tub frame to adjust between positions. In some embodiments, one or more panels of the disclosed adjustable seating device may include jets. The disclosed adjustable seating devices may be adjusted manually, hydraulically, air-actuated, or electronically.

Abstract: A tub or shower surround kit, system, and method are disclosed. An example system for constructing a tub surround, shower surround, and wall covering includes a plurality of components including at least one panel, at least one edge component, and at least one interconnecting component. The example system also includes a tongue or lip of a first of the plurality of components configured to fit into a groove of a second of the plurality of components. The example system also includes a tongue or lip of the second of the plurality of components to fit into a groove of the first of the plurality of components. Any number of the plurality of components are connected adjacent a desired wall geometry to provide an assembled version of the tub surround, shower surround, and wall covering.

Abstract: A bathing implement comprises a wash scrub made of material selected from the group consisting of loofah, sponge, nylon, fabric, and the combination thereof; a handle in a shape of a cartoon character, an animal, a car; a refillable soap container made of rubber attached to the base of the handle and located in the center of the wash scrub; and a quantity of soap.

Abstract: A combination back washing and massaging device is provided that may be configured to wash, soap, scrub, and massage a user. In some embodiments, the present invention may comprise a central housing having moveable and adjustable washing, scrubbing, and massaging discs that, in certain embodiments, may be controlled by a user via hand-held control elements. Additionally, the present invention may provide for one or more straps and foldable handles, both of which may be configured to secure the present invention to a user's back. In some embodiments, the present invention may also provide for a user to pour soap or other materials into the present invention, which may be dispersed via the discs onto a user's back.

Abstract: A wet laid and hydraulically entangled nonwoven material made from cellulosic fibers and synthetic staple fibers is disclosed. The cellulosic fibers are mixed with the synthetic fibers and formed into a web using a wet lay process. The web is then subjected to multiple hydroentangling processes. In one embodiment, the web is subjected to a first hydroentangling process while being conveyed in a horizontal position. The web is then fed over subsequent hydroentangling drums. Each side of the web is subjected to at least one more hydroentangling process.

Abstract: A ligature resistant holder for a roll of material that is to be disposed within a wall. The holder includes a housing of which at least one side walls has an aperture with which a support assembly is associated. The support assembly includes a button, a biasing member, a retainer and a support housing. The retainer extends through the aperture and includes portions defining a passage through the retainer. At least partially disposed within the passage of the retainer is the button. The button includes an actuation portion, which extends into the chamber, and a stop portion that extends radially relative to the actuation portion and engages the retainer such that axial movement of the button through the passage is limited. The biasing member is at least partially disposed within the support housing and the button is biased toward the chamber by the biasing member.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprising a hand vacuum cleaner having a cyclone unit and a cyclone unit electrical connector provided at the front end of the cyclone unit at a location adjacent a hand vacuum cleaner air inlet, wherein electrical cables extend rearwardly from the electrical connector through a central portion of the cyclone unit toward the suction motor and fan assembly.

Abstract: A hand vacuum cleaner has a pre-motor filter, a suction motor and a post motor filter that are arranged linearly.

Abstract: A hand vacuum cleaner with front and rear support members whereby, when the hand vacuum cleaner is positioned on a horizontal surface, the hand vacuum cleaner has two support members which support the hand vacuum cleaner with the cyclone axis extending horizontally and the vacuum cleaner body and the cyclone unit positioned above the horizontal surface.

Abstract: A dual cyclonic stage hand vacuum cleaner has a handle provided on a side of the hand vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A brushroll dowel for a vacuum cleaner has a bristle stiffener protruding from a brush dowel. A plurality of stiffened bristles protrude from the brush dowel adjacent to the bristle stiffener, and a plurality of unstiffened bristles also protrude from the brush dowel and are non-adjacent to the bristle stiffener.

Abstract: A cyclone assembly for a surface cleaning apparatus has a first cyclonic cleaning stage and a second cyclonic cleaning stage downstream from the first cyclonic cleaning stage. The first cyclonic cleaning stage has a first cyclonic stage air outlet and the second cyclonic cleaning stage has a plurality of second cyclonic stage cyclone air inlets and a second cyclonic stage air inlet end. The first cyclonic cleaning stage air outlet communicates directly with an annular flow region that extends around the second stage air inlet end of the second cyclonic stage.

Abstract: A mobile robot that includes a control system, a task execution system and a drive system, the control system configured to monitor the task execution system and drive system, wherein the control system comprises an error detection unit, the error detection unit configured to detect a first error in the task execution system and a second error in the drive system, and further configured to determine that a third error has occurred if it detects the first error and the second error at the same time.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner system having a vacuum cleaner with a first housing, an air inlet, an air outlet, a motor fan unit for creating an airflow from the air Inlet to the air outlet, a battery for powering the motor fan unit, and a first unit for charging the battery, and a charger having a second housing with a second unit for changing the battery. The first unit is connected to the battery and the second unit is adapted to he connected to an external power source, and the first unit and the second unit are adapted for wireless power transfer from the second unit to the first unit.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner of the present disclosure includes a cleaner body having a suction motor provided inside thereof and a handle provided outside thereof, and a suction nozzle connected to the cleaner body, wherein the suction nozzle includes a housing having at least part of a front portion opened, and a rotary cleaning unit disposed inside the housing, having at least part thereof exposed through the opening of the housing, and configured to clean a floor by a rotating operation, wherein the rotary cleaning unit includes a cylindrical nozzle body rotatably installed inside the housing, and fiber filaments and metal filaments disposed on an outer circumferential surface of the nozzle body.

Abstract: A robot cleaner comprising: a cleaner body including a controller, the cleaner body having a dust container accommodation part formed therein; a wheel unit mounted in the cleaner body, the wheel unit of which driving is controlled by the controller; and a dust container detachably coupled to the dust container accommodation part, wherein a first opening and a second opening are disposed at the same height in an inner wall of the dust container accommodation part, wherein the dust container includes: an entrance and an exit, disposed side by side along the circumference of the dust container, the entrance and the exit, respectively communicating with the first opening and the second opening when the dust container is accommodated in the dust container accommodation part; and a flow separating part extending downwardly inclined along the inner circumference of the dust container, the flow separating part separating the flow of air introduced into the entrance from the flow of air discharged toward the exit to b

Abstract: An entertainment enabled cleaning device, referred to generally as a musical cleaning device. The musical cleaning device, illustrated herein as a mop, comprises a main body, illustrated herein as an elongated rod. The main body has a first end and a second opposing end. Removably attached to the first end is an entertainment member. Attached to the second end is a cleaning member. The main body may also contain an extension member, allowing the length of the main body to expand, and lock in place, if desired. The entertainment member is configured wirelessly communicate with an electronic device, such as a smart phone. Accordingly, the musical mop can be used to 1) play music loaded onto the electronic device, and/or 2) use the electronic device to receive telephone calls through the musical mop.

Abstract: A cleaning pad structure of stitch bonded construction incorporating one or more substrate layers of an absorbent nonwoven material with an optional additional fluid blocking substrate layer of polymer film or other suitable material in juxtaposed relation to the absorbent nonwoven layers. Stitching yarns are introduced in stitching relation through the substrate layers. One face of the pad defines a cleaning surface of raised yarn loops formed by the stitched yarns. The pad further includes an attachment surface facing away from the cleaning surface. The stitches of yarns across the attachment surface define an engagement surface for attachment to cooperating hooking elements across a surface of a mop head to define a hook and loop attachment system.

Abstract: A dishwashing method in which water having an oxidizing and disinfecting action is provided in a dishwasher and used as dishwashing water or added to a dishwashing water, wherein, to provide the water, a) a stream of untreated water is fed into a reverse osmosis device and separated into a concentrate stream and a permeate stream, b) ozone is produced by an ozone generator, and c) the ozone is introduced into the permeate stream emerging from the reverse osmosis device, wherein the reverse osmosis controls ozone production in that the ozone generator is configured such that ozone is only produced and mixed with the permeate stream when the reverse osmosis device is in operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an article rack accessory for use in a dishwasher which comprises a tub, one or more article racks and one or more rotating spray arms each including one or more nozzles for upwardly spraying the washing/rinsing liquid towards the respective article rack. The article rack accessory of the present invention comprises an apparatus for installation onto at least one of the article racks and for washing/rinsing the interior of a hollow article that is to be placed thereover with the open side down onto the respective rack.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus and system for removing debris from a surface of a plate. The apparatus has a cleaning area and a pair of brushes disposed in the cleaning area with the bristles of a first brush facing toward the bristles of the second brush so that debris is scraped off the plate as the plate is pushed through the bristles. The cleaning area may be defined by a container or an opening in a work surface. Brush mounting mechanisms mount the brushes to opposing sidewalls of the container or opposing interior surfaces of the opening. Preferably, the brush mounting mechanisms and brushes are cooperatively configured so the bristles of the brushes overlap each other where the plate will be pushed through the bristles. The mounting mechanisms may comprise a clip that engages a sidewall or an attachment mechanism that engages the interior surface. The system includes the apparatus.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes: a processor including hardware, wherein the processor is configured to acquire information about an object that can be controlled by a rotation assisting tool configured to cause an object including a rotating body to rotate, from the rotation assisting tool; and a first storage configured to store reference information corresponding to the information about the object acquired by the processor.

Abstract: An endoscope illumination apparatus includes a light convertor including first and second light conversion members that receive primary light emitted from a primary light source and convert at least one of the optical properties of the primary light, a detector that receives at least part of first light conversion light converted by the first light conversion member as detection light, and outputs a detection signal corresponding to a quantity of the detection light, and an operation estimation circuit that estimates, based on an amount of change in the detection signal output from the detector, whether any one of the first and second light conversion members is in an abnormal operation or both of the first and second light conversion members are in an abnormal operation.

Abstract: In a flexible tube insertion apparatus, at least one circuit determines whether an S-shape is formed in an insertion section based on a shape information of the insertion section detected by a detector, determines whether an intersection angle between an extension line of a central axis of the insertion section and a tangential line for the insertion section at an inflection point is enlarged or not based on the shape information, and determines whether or not the stiffness variable portions are provided in a position of the S-shape in the insertion section when it is determined that the S-shape is formed and the intersection angle is enlarged. A stiffness controller increases a stiffness of the stiffness variable portions included in the position of the S-shape in accordance with the determination of the circuit.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a flexible-rigid hybrid design for an endoscope and attachment mechanisms for removably coupling and decoupling the endoscope to a handle portion and/or a tool portion of a variety of different instruments. Some implementations describe designs for instruments that may be coupled to the flexible-rigid endoscope described herein or other endoscopes. Such instruments may include sinus and laryngeal forceps, a laryngeal syringe gun, an endoscopic Eustachian tube balloon dilator, an endoscopic tracheal dilator, and an endoscopic trans-oral esophageal balloon dilator. Some implementations describe an endoscope that may be removably coupled to a portable control box using a connector cable.

Abstract: An endoscope (1) having an operating handle comprising a handle housing (2) and an insertion tube (3) extending from said handle towards a distal end of the endoscope (1) and terminating in a tip part at the distal end of the endoscope (1). A tool (55) arranged at said tip part at the distal end of the endoscope, said tool is movable between a retracted position, an extended position and a task position and a tool operating member (22) located at the operating handle (2), said tool operating member (22) is operable between a rest position and a working position, said working position of the tool operating member comprises an intermediate position and depressed position, wherein the intermediate position is located between the rest position and the depressed position, and in the intermediate position the tool is in the extended position and in the depressed position the tool is in the task position.

Abstract: An endoscope (1) having a handle with a handle housing (2) and an insertion tube (3) extending from said handle (2) and terminating in a tip part (4) at the distal end of the endoscope (1). A working channel and having a distal end and a proximal end extends within the insertion tube (3). The endoscope further comprises motion transfer means (53, 54) extending within said working channel and adapted to operate a tool (55) at the exit port of the tip part (4) in response to the activation of an operating member (22). The working channel comprises a generally tubular working channel wall. The distal working channel end comprises an exit port at the tip part (4) at the distal end of the endoscope (1). The proximal working channel end comprises an end sealing means accommodated within the handle housing (2). An entry port is provided between the distal working channel end and the proximal working channel end.

Abstract: An endoscope having an operating handle comprising a handle housing arranged at a proximal end and an insertion tube extending from said handle towards a distal end of the endoscope and terminating in a steerable tip part at the distal end of the endoscope, the endoscope further comprising a control mechanism with a Bowden cable having an outer guide tube having a first length between a proximal end and a distal end of said outer guide tube and an inner pull-wire having a second length between a proximal end and a distal end of said inner pull-wire, said second length being longer than said first length, the proximal end of the outer guide tube is affixed to the operating handle by means of an adhesive.

Abstract: An endoscopic probe is made available. Said endoscopic probe comprises: a handle with a front end a rear end with a rear end axis and, extending between the front end and the rear end, a straight grip portion with a grip portion axis; a shaft extending from the front end of the handle and having a shaft axis, and a cable issuing from the rear end, wherein the shaft axis, the rear end axis and the grip portion axis lie within a common plane, the shaft axis encloses an angle in the range of 100 to 140 degrees with the grip portion axis, the grip portion axis encloses an angle in the range of 110 to 130 degrees with the rear end axis, the shaft axis encloses an angle in the range of 30 to 90 degrees with the rear end axis.

Abstract: A flexible tube insertion apparatus includes an insertion section, a stiffness variable unit that changes a bending stiffness of the insertion section and a detection unit that detects an advance that is a movement toward a distal end of the insertion section and a retreat that is a movement toward a proximal end of the insertion section. A controller controls the stiffness variable unit to change the bending stiffness of the insertion section to a first bending stiffness when the detection unit has detected the advance of the insertion section, and that controls the stiffness variable unit to change the bending stiffness of the insertion section to a second bending stiffness higher than the first bending when the detection unit has detected the retreat of the insertion section.

Abstract: An endoscope includes: an objective optical unit; an illumination optical system including an illumination lens; and a distal end portion body included in a distal end portion, and the objective lens barrel includes a first lens barrel and a second lens barrel, the first lens barrel includes a disposition hole, an inward projection portion and an outward projection portion, the second lens barrel includes a reception hole, a light input surface and a first distal end face are arranged in a same plane by a beveled surface of a beveled portion being in surface contact with a lens positioning surface of the inward projection portion, and the first distal end face and a second distal end face are arranged in a same plane by a first barrel positioning surface being in surface contact with an objective optical unit positioning surface.

Abstract: A light-scanning endoscope is provided with: a light-scanner that causes an optical fiber to be vibrated; a controller that causes light to be emitted from the optical fiber with the same phase as the vibrations; an adjusting unit that adjusts a distortion correction amount on the basis of a shape of a row of irradiation positions of the light on an imaging subject; and a phase correcting unit that corrects the phase in which the light is emitted on the basis of the adjusted distortion correction amount.