Abstract: A method for operating a drinks preparation machine, for producing a total product amid the use of a portion package, and according to a preparation prescript. The method includes detecting a portion code of a portion package by way of a portion recognition unit; determining first preparation parameters of the preparation prescript that are assigned to the portion code and are stored in the drinks preparation machine, and determining second preparation parameters of the preparation prescript, wherein at least one of the first and/or the second preparation parameters is an adaptable preparation parameter, and at least one preparation parameters is not adaptable; detecting a user input for adapting at least one adaptable preparation parameter; and preparing the total product according to the preparation prescript with at least one adapted preparation parameter.

Abstract: A beverage-making machine having a housing that has a capsule insertion opening through which a portion capsule is inserted and having a brewing module having a first brewing module part and a second brewing module part that is movable relative to the first brewing module part. A brewing chamber can be formed by the first and second brewing module parts, the brewing chamber at least partly surrounding the portion capsule which is in a brewing position during the brewing process in order to brew a brewed beverage and discharge same out of the portion capsule. The beverage-making machine also has an electric drive for moving the second brewing module part relative to the first brewing module part and a controller for controlling the electric drive. The controller determines the current position of the second brewing module part relative to the first brewing module part at all times.

Abstract: A cleaning device for cleaning a capsule based beverage system is described. The cleaning device includes a body portion having an open end and configured to be located in the brewing chamber of the beverage system and a reservoir portion located at an opposed end to the open end of the body portion as well as a fluid jet forming portion in fluid communication with reservoir region. The cleaning device also includes a cleaning material holding portion located internally of the body portion for holding the cleaning material spaced apart from the fluid jet forming portion. The cleaning device is configured to allow water under pressure originating from the inlet arrangement of the beverage system to flow into the reservoir portion and to form a fluid jet from the fluid jet forming portion that impinges on cleaning material held in the cleaning material holding portion to create a cleaning solution to clean the brewing chamber and outlet arrangement of the beverage system.

Abstract: A coated cookware article is provided. The coated cookware article may include a cookware substrate. A thermal insulating coating may be disposed on at least a portion of the exterior of the cookware substrate. The thermal insulating coating may include a binder component and a microsphere component dispersed in the binder component. The microsphere component may include between about 2% to 25% of microspheres by weight of the binder component.

Abstract: A cooking appliance, system, and method use one or more split-surface-area radiative heating elements and may also use one or more additional heating elements, such as microwave and convection heating elements, to heat or cook food. The radiative heating elements are used in a cooking chamber having an improved geometry. A controller includes features to adaptively learn and adjust cooking recipes based on modifications and user ratings of a particular cooking recipe or based on learning in response to analysis of modifications and user ratings of plural cooking recipes. The controller may learn from ratings of other users of similar cooking appliances via a network connection.

Abstract: An electric grill used to cook food items positioned between upper and lower grilling surfaces is disclosed. The electric grill includes a base portion having outer surfaces and a first inner grilling surface contained therein, an lid portion pivotably connected to the lower base portion and having outer surfaces and a second inner grilling surface contained therein, a handle functionally connected to the lid portion to pivot the lid portion between an open position and a closed position, and an electronic control interface positioned on the handle configured to control the operation of the first and second inner grilling surfaces.

Abstract: An Autonomous apparatus for cooking food having a base body (14) with a main heating element (18), a lid (15) which can be associated with the base body (14) in at least two positions and inside which a secondary heating element (19) is installed and possible heat transfer and/or ventilation means (20), and a mixing device (28). The base body (14) supports and positions one of a removable container (11), said lid (15), and/or said container (11), in correspondence with a respective coupling edge, comprising at least an airtight packing (21) to define a cooking chamber (16) with a desired steam pressure. Said lid (15) has a single size with airtight packings (21) suitable to cooperate with different sizes of the container (11) and/or of one container (11) having different heights with respect to said base body (14).

Abstract: A grill assembly is disclosed which includes a grate having an upper surface configured to support an item of food to be cooked, a cooking chamber, a gas burner or a pellet burner, and a container. The gas burner or pellet burner is adapted to be installed within the cooking chamber and below the grate and to operate using a gaseous fuel or a pellet fuel. The container includes an interior wall, a floor, and an exterior wall adapted to be positioned within the chamber, below the grate, and with the interior wall adjacent the gas burner or the pellet burner. At least one of the interior wall, the floor and the exterior wall of the container defines an opening for allowing a hot gas from the gas or pellet burner to pass into the container. The container can be adapted to hold charcoal and/or wood. The cooking chamber may be formed from an earthen material and can be adapted to support the grate within the cooking chamber.

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 a smooth non-porous second surface, with the second surface suitable for attaching the substrate to the outer surface of the barbeque grill by use of static cling; and a method of use of the decal.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an accessory for adapting cooking grills, especially kettle and kamado style grills for better cooking of pizzas and other foods not typically thought of as appropriate for grilling. The accessory is an insert that is adapted to sit between the bottom and the top of the grill and is generally shaped with a horizontal cross-section substantially similar to the horizontal cross section at the junction of the bottom and the top of the grill with which it is adapted to work. The insert increases the height of the cooking chamber. The insert includes a side opening or window through which food may be inserted and removed from the expanded cooking chamber without the need to open or remove the top of the grill.

Abstract: An automatic fryer apparatus and method of frying food products includes a cooking chamber, a heating mechanism disposed in the cooking chamber, and a pump disposed at an end of the cooking chamber to circulate cooking medium within the cooking chamber. Food product is added to the cooking chamber and flows along with the cooking medium in a flow direction. A controller controls a plurality of gates by individually actuating each gate. The controller stores data regarding predetermined time periods, which regulate when to raise and lower each gate. Food product moves downstream of each gate along a flow direction when each respective gate is raised. Food product is automatically transferred to a holding station when it reaches an outlet end of the cooking chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooking food (10) includes a casing (14), a lid (20) and at least a support unit (11). The casing (14) has a compartment in which to insert a container (12) which may be temporally associated with the support unit (11), and the support unit (11) may be configured to temporally support the container (12) with respect to a support plane. The apparatus for cooking food (10) also includes a first heating unit (16a), a second heating unit (16b), a third heating unit (16c) and a weighing unit (18) associated with a control unit (36).

Abstract: A beverage bottle (1, 1?) with a bottle body (2) to which a bottle neck (4) opens into a mouthpiece (6) with a pouring opening (8) is formed, and whose bottle body (2) is double-walled, so it is intended for use in automatic filling and on an industrial scale. For this purpose and according to the invention, the bottle body (2) including the neck (4) is double-walled, and comprises of an outer container wall (10) and included therein, spaced apart from the inner container wall (14), wherein both the outer container wall (10) and the inner container wall (14) are integral with the mouthpiece (6) welded or materially connected to the mouthpiece (6). The vent opening (20) is closed with a plug (21).

Abstract: A coffee bean grinding system for coffee machine comprising a coffee bean grinding box, a lower grinding blade assembly disposed within the coffee bean grinding box and a gear box, wherein the coffee bean grinding box further comprises a bottom wall, the lower grinding blade assembly further comprises a transmission joint disposed on the bottom wall, and the gear box further comprises an output shaft that is drivingly connected to the transmission joint; the transmission joint is movably connected to the output shaft.

Abstract: A utensil rest has a main body, a handle rest extending outward and away from the main body at an upward angle relative a top plane of the main body, and a retention tab on the perimeter rim of the main body and extending inward toward a center of the main body. A suction cup is attached to the bottom surface of the main body. The main body may be bowl-like or spoon-like. The retention tab is configured to receive the distal end of a utensil with the handle of the utensil resting on the handle rest. The utensil rest can also be configured as a jar opener, measuring device, and removable handle for a plate or other object.

Abstract: A mobile apparatus for cooking food includes a lid (34) and a main body (13) that defines a cooking compartment (32) in which a container (11) is adapted to be inserted. The container (11) is provided with a bottom wall (12) and at least one lateral wall (14). The container is also provided with at least two gripping elements laterally associated in an opposite position with respective perimeter portions of the container (11).

Abstract: A cutting board defined by a body and includes a handle that is offset from the orthogonal axis of the body. The handle has a generally T-shape and includes a first grip site and a second grip site that are separated from one another by a stem defined by the body of the cutting board. The first and second grip sites are associated with dissimilar and preferably adjacent sides of the body. The handle is oriented such that, when vertically suspended from the handle via interaction with the first and second grip sites, the stem defined by the body extends along an axis that is coincident with the center of gravity of the cutting board.

Abstract: An improved bath seat for a young child or infant is provided. The bath seat has a plurality of rigid, extendable and retractable, stabilizing arms that include pivotable, spring-loaded suction cups at or near their ends that are engageable by means of suction with a wall of the bathtub to prevent the bath seat from tipping.

Abstract: A multiple stage discharge system for a gravity-fed emergency shower system is provided herein. The multiple stage discharge system includes a drain; a first opening defined by the drain; a second opening defined by the drain; and a valve mechanism coupled to the second opening to permit fluid in a fluid tank of the gravity-fed emergency shower system to flow at least partly through the drain via the second opening in response to a fluid level in the fluid tank decreasing to at or below a threshold fluid level.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a seal between a door jamb and a hinged door leaf of a shower, the apparatus having a flexible body configured to be attached to the door jamb and configured to contact the door leaf when the door leaf is in a closed position.

Abstract: A retracting curtain assembly includes a housing that may extend between walls of a shower. A motion unit is provided and the motion unit positioned in the housing. A shower curtain is coupled to the motion unit. Thus, the motion unit urges the shower curtain between a closed position and an open position.

Abstract: A massaging and scrubbing device for massaging and cleansing a user includes a housing that defines an internal space. A plurality of brushes is rotationally coupled to a front of the housing. A handle is coupled to and extends from the housing. The handle is hollow. A rotator is coupled to the housing and is positioned in the internal space. The rotator is selectively operationally couplable to the plurality of brushes. The rotator is positioned to rotate the brushes to massage the user. At least one orifice is positioned through the front of the housing. A dispenser is coupled to and positioned in the handle. The dispenser is fluidically coupled to the at least one orifice. The dispenser is configured to selectively compel liquid soap through the at least one orifice to lather the user.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10) to dispense paper sections of a predetermined length, comprising a device (26), operated by pulling on an end (74) of the paper web, for separating the paper sections from a paper web (24) wound onto a paper roll (22), and to provide easy manual access to the paper web (24) that follows after the separated paper section has been released, whereby the device (26) comprises at least one cutting roller (40) with a width that corresponds to at least the entire width of the paper web and a knife (42) that extends substantially over the entire side of the roller and protrudes rigidly from a roller shell, whereby associated with the cutting roller (40) is a pressure roller (44), which has a slit-shaped opening (46) that corresponds to the knife and is coupled to the cutting roller via geared wheels (52, 56; 54, 58).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10) for dispensing paper sections of predetermined length, with a device (26), which is operated by pulling on an end (74) of the paper web, and which separates the paper sections from the paper web (24) wound onto a paper roll (22) and provides easy manual access to the end (74) of the paper web that follows the separated paper section has been released.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for separating paper sections (74) from a paper web wound onto a paper roll and for allowing easy manual access to the paper web that follows after the separated paper section, whereby the device comprises a cutting cylinder (40), which extends over at least the paper width, and a knife (42) that extends essentially over the entire roller width, whereby the knife (42) comprises a blade (114) and a series of teeth (120, 122, 124, 126), which are arranged spaced apart along the length of the blade, whereby the groups of teeth (120, 122, 124, 126) are separated from each other by cut-outs (128, 130, 132), and whereby the cutting roller (40) is associated with a pressure roller (44), which has a slit-shaped opening (46) and is coupled to the cutting roller (40).

Abstract: Improvements to sheet product dispensers configured to hold multiple product rolls are provided herein. An example sheet product dispenser comprises a housing defining a dispensing position and a reserve position. The housing is configured to hold a first roll of sheet product in the dispensing position and a second roll of sheet product in the reserve position, where a user can receive a portion of the first roll of sheet product that is in the dispensing position. The sheet product dispenser includes a roll replacement feature that is configured to enable installation of a replacement roll of sheet product into the reserve position. The sheet product dispenser includes a restrictive access feature configured to prevent installation of the replacement roll of sheet product directly into the dispensing position in an instance in which the roll replacement feature enables installation of the replacement roll of sheet product in the reserve position.

Abstract: A sheet product (e.g., napkin) dispenser may include an example calibration system and method for a product depletion curve for accurately determining a product level. An example sheet product dispenser includes a housing, a roll holder, a dispensing mechanism, a sensor, and a controller. The sensor is configured to emit a signal toward the product roll and receive a return signal. The controller is configured to receive a calibration product roll and operate the sensor to emit the signal and receive the return signal. The controller determines a brightness value of the return signal and determines a calibration value associated with the determined brightness value. The determined brightness value is within a range of brightness values associated with the calibration value. The controller adjusts a product depletion curve based on at least the determined calibration value and the determined brightness value. Additionally, example product level notification systems are provided herein.

Abstract: Sheet product dispensers and methods of dispensing sheet products are provided, including feeding a sheet material from a roll via a sheet feeding mechanism, separating one or more discrete sheet products from the roll via a separation mechanism, dispensing the one or more discrete sheet products to an end user at a presentation station via a sheet product conveying mechanism, and detecting a presence of the sheet material via a sensor downstream of the sheet feeding mechanism, wherein the sheet product conveying mechanism is driven in response to the sensor detecting the presence of the sheet material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a holder and dispenser of rolled products such as paper, plastic, foil, tape and other goods with magnetic resistance. The dispenser generally includes a base and a cage that supports the roll of material and rotates relative to the base. A magnetic resistance mechanism is generally located between the base and the cage. The magnetic resistance mechanism creates forces that act to resist rotation of the cage relative to the base.

Abstract: A toilet seat assembly includes a contoured toilet seat for mounting over a toilet bowl, where the toilet seat has a reflective underside surface. The toilet seat assembly further includes a lid coupled to the toilet seat by a hinged coupling, where the lid also has a reflective underside surface. The toilet seat assembly includes an ultraviolet light ring encircling the toilet seat with a plurality of ultraviolet irradiating elements being operable to generate ultraviolet radiation that is directed downward into the toilet bowl and onto the toilet seat for disinfecting purposes.

Abstract: A flush toilet capable of correcting a defecation posture, in which a seat disposed on a toilet main body for a user to sit is inclined on the top thereof such that the front where the user's thighs are placed is higher than the rear where the user's hips are placed. Accordingly, smooth defecation is allowed by preventing bending between the intestine and the anus in the body by correcting the posture of a user into a squatting posture such that an angle between the upper body and the thighs of the user is maintained between 35˜50° as if the user were using a squat toilet. Therefore, defecation time is reduced and the user's legs are prevented from becoming numb, thereby improving satisfaction with defecation. Further, intestinal movement is activated during defecation, so smooth defecation is possible, and constipation, hemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome, cancers, and other colorectal diseases are prevented.

Abstract: The adjustable footrest with a book holder is adapted to be used in combination with a conventional toilet, allowing the user to be positioned in a squatting position to facilitate movement of the user's bowels, and further being adapted for supporting reading material. The adjustable footrest with a book holder includes a pair of foot supports, each having at least one leg and an upper support surface. At least one telescopically adjustable beam extends horizontally between, and connects, the pair of foot supports, each to the other, providing an adjustable width between the pair of foot supports. A lower end of an elongated vertical support rod is releasably secured to the at least one telescopically adjustable beam. A panel is secured to an upper end of the elongated vertical support rod. The panel is adapted for supporting reading material, such as a book.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus has a cyclone bin assembly having a cyclone chamber. The cyclone chamber with a physical filtration member defining the cyclone air outlet. The physical filtration member extends from the cyclone air inlet end of the cyclone chamber towards an openable bottom end of the cyclone chamber. The physical filtration member comprises a conical section which decreases in diameter towards the openable bottom end of the cyclone chamber, wherein a projection of the conical section meets at a location that is positioned between the physical filtration member and the openable opposed end.

Abstract: A three-tier cyclone dust bin filtration system and a vacuum cleaner comprising the system. The filtration system comprises a tier one filtration apparatus and a spiral tier two dust-air separation apparatus in communication with an air outlet of the tier one filtration apparatus and provided with two tiers of filtration structures, where the spiral tier two dust-air separation apparatus is detachably fixed onto the tier one filtration device. The vacuum cleaner comprises a floor brush, a push rod, a main machine, and the three-tier cyclone dust bin filtration system.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus includes a housing including an upright handle assembly and a base mounted to the upright handle assembly and adapted for movement across a surface to be cleaned. The surface cleaning apparatus is further provided with a fluid delivery system comprising a fluid dispenser configured to dispense fluid to a brushroll and at least one fluid delivery channel forming a portion of a fluid delivery pathway. The fluid delivery channel can extend adjacent to a portion of the suction nozzle assembly. An interference wiper interfaces with a portion of the brushroll to remove excess liquid from the brushroll.

Abstract: A cleaning device may include a solution tank configured to store cleaning solution. The device delivers the cleaning solution from a pump discharge of the cleaning device to a flow meter. The device initiates a priming mode by opening a first valve associated with a bypass line of the device, closing a second valve associated with a cleaning head of the cleaning device, and delivering the cleaning solution from a discharge of the flow meter to the inlet of the solution tank through the bypass line. When the device is primed, it initiates cleaning by closing the first valve associated with the bypass line, opening the second valve associated with the cleaning head, and delivering the cleaning solution to the cleaning head.

Abstract: A water extraction device includes a flexible plastic rod, an absorbent blade, and an elongated handle. The device removes water/liquid from automobile compartments such as mirrors after an automobile wash. The device further prevents streaking on the body of automobiles after an automobile starts moving post wash.

Abstract: High absorbency mops and associated methods and kits are provided. The mop includes a mob body with at least one outer layer and an inner layer. The outer layer of the mop contains a nonwoven material, and the inner layer contains sodium polyacrylate in an amount of at least one percent by weight of the inner layer.

Abstract: A collection pan has an inside bottom surface, a front lip, a vertical shoulder wall at a back edge of the front lip of the front lip, and back and side walls for holding both liquid and solid waste material. The shoulder retains liquid material wiped across the front lip.

Abstract: A water-conducting domestic appliance includes a dispensing apparatus configured to dispense a cleaning agent into a dishwasher cavity of the water-conducting domestic appliance, and a controller configured to carry out a number of wash programs for washing items to be washed and to carry out a cleaning program for cleaning the water-conducting domestic appliance. The cleaning program includes a first cleaning phase with a first cleaning agent at a first temperature and a second cleaning phase with a second cleaning agent at a second temperature. The controller is configured to actuate the dispensing apparatus such as to dispense the second cleaning agent into the dishwasher cavity during the second cleaning phase.

Abstract: A fluid flow structure for a washing machine is located within a wash tank of the washing machine, which includes a fluid flow guide surface, and a support for the guide surface. The guide surface includes at least one region contoured inconsistently from the contour of at least one corresponding wall of the washing machine wash tank. The contour of the guide surface is generally curved so as to aide in reducing and/or preventing the pinning of items that often occurs in rectangular wash tanks of the prior art. The support for the guide surface creates a gap between the guide surface and at least one wall of the washing machine wash tank.

Abstract: A dishwasher appliance is provided having a sump for collecting wash fluid and a drain pump assembly for discharging wash fluid. The sump defines a drain basin and a drain cover is positioned over the drain basin to define a drain volute. A drain pump impeller is positioned within the drain volute on a drive shaft driven by a motor in a first direction during a wash cycle and in an opposite second direction during a drain cycle. During the wash cycle, soil enters the drain volute through a suction inlet defined by the drain cover where it is urged radially outward and trapped within the drain basin. When the motor operation is reversed, the drain pump impeller discharges the soiled wash fluid from the drain volute through a discharge conduit.

Abstract: A dishwasher according to the present invention includes a tub having a double wall structure so that consumption of energy is reduced using water or air stored in an inner space of the double wall structure of the tub in a washing process and consumption of water is reduced using the water stored in the inner space of the double wall structure in a next washing process.

Abstract: What is new in this invention is that by installing the TWIN DISHWASHERS, kitchens will never need to have a backlog of dirty dishes in plain view, or stacked in the sink. Dishes will always have a place to be out of sight, whether clean or dirty, with very little additional cost to the purchase of the two dishwashers that work in tandem.

Abstract: A dishwasher with a tub defining a treating chamber having an access opening. A closure selectively closes the access opening and a base supports the tub. The base can include a set of spaced panels and a set of spaced beams connecting the set of panels. The base can be formed by inserting the set of spaced beams within the set of spaced panels.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber and a sprayer for spraying liquid to the treating chamber. The sprayer may include a liquid passage and at least one outlet extending from an interior to an exterior of the sprayer and in fluid communication with the liquid passage. A membrane may have at least one opening and may be in fluid communication with the liquid passage to control the flow of liquid through the at least one outlet.

Abstract: A lifting device for a dishwashing machine includes an electrical drive mechanism constructed to move a dishware receptacle of the dishwashing machine between a start position and an end position. A detection unit detects a current draw of the electrical drive mechanism over a travel distance of the dishware receptacle in the dishwashing machine, and an identification unit identifies a status of the lifting device on the basis of the current draw of the electrical drive mechanism detected over the travel distance.

Abstract: A setting changing apparatus for endoscope is provided that, when a surgeon attempts to set setting values to setting values of an old endoscope system including an old endoscope processor, for example, selects system setting and designates an examination region and, thereafter, for example, selects setting of the setting values to latest setting values, reads out an old reference image corresponding to the examination region, sets, as setting values close to the latest setting values, new setting values corresponding to a new reference image such that a deviation amount from the old reference image is equal to or smaller than a threshold, and performs setting of a new endoscope system including a new endoscope processor.

Abstract: An endoscope according to one aspect of the present invention includes: an operation lever portion that is provided in an operation portion, includes an operation shaft, and is capable of adjusting a bending angle of a bending portion in conjunction with a tilting operation; and an exterior cover that is water-tightly fixed to the operation portion so as to cover an outer periphery of the operation shaft, and is formed in a stair shape in cross section, including a hardly deformed region and an easily deformed region that is formed at a predetermined angle with respect to the hardly deformed region.

Abstract: A playback processing unit causes a display device to display an endoscopic image recorded in an endoscopic image recording unit. A display time setting unit sets a display time of endoscopic images displayed by the playback processing unit on the display device in the order of imaging. A display time measurement unit measures the display time of each endoscopic image. A time information storage unit stores information related to the display time measured by the display time measurement unit. An acknowledgment unit acknowledges a user operation input. The playback processing unit causes the display device to display the endoscopic image in accordance with the user operation input acknowledged by the acknowledgment unit. The time information storage unit stores information related to a cumulative display time of each endoscopic image.