Abstract: An apparatus for assisting with the application of a garment. The apparatus may be embodied as an apparatus for assisting with the application of a tubular garment, such as a bandage or sock, including compression bandages, compression socks, support bandages and support socks, or may be embodied as a tubular garment application tool. The apparatus comprises two substantially parallel spaced-apart elongate arms and is reconfigurable between a first configuration in which the elongate arms are substantially coplanar and a second configuration in which the elongate arms substantially oppose, or at least partly face, each other.

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: A multi-function organizer includes a holder coupled to a magnifying lens and base. The base defines a plane of stability. The holder is attached to the base and configured for supporting a wristwatch or smart watch while orienting the watch face generally perpendicular to the plane of stability, at a home location above the base. The magnifying lens is attached to the base at a location and positioned so that the lens magnifies the face when a watch is placed on the holder with its body at the home location. The holder may be configured for holding an inductive charger for a smart watch, so that when inserted into the holder, the charger is held adjacent to a rear surface the smart watch. The organizer may include a night light oriented to radiate light towards the home location, controlled by a sensor for detecting motion or touch.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for catching falling leaves including needles from trees, and for enclosing trees for transport and disposal. The apparatus presented comprise a collar-style container for attachment to a tree's trunk, leaf or needle catcher material, clips or other components for securing the catcher material to the tree, which catcher material may surround the tree, and means to close the catcher material to enclose the tree. A user may use the apparatus to maintain a tidy space under and around a tree while the tree is present in the user's chosen place, and to keep the tree's leaves or needles from falling throughout the user's home while the tree is being removed. The present invention solves problems with the currently available means of keeping the area around a tree and the objects under the tree tidy, and with disposal of the tree.

Abstract: A juice extractor, which can prevent juice from being easily discharged via a very small part of a space defined between a feed screw and a hard cylindrical control part of a control cap even when residue is being discharged therethrough, thereby realizing the maximum juice extraction ratio for each different kind of input material.

Abstract: The present application provides a method and device for cooking a pre-packaged pod of uncooked food ingredients using a pre-programmed recipe associated with the pod, and determined by scanning a barcode or other indicia on the pod. Cooking variables, such as the temperature and water content in the pod for cooking the ingredients, are measured by the device, and heat and water amounts can be adjusted as required for the recipe based on a thermal function associated with the recipe. The device comprises one or more sensors for determining the temperature and humidity inside the pod, and the temperature and/or humidity are adjustable depending on the thermal function associated with the particular pod, by controlling the amount of heat and/or water added to the pod.

Abstract: A brewing capsule structure contains: a case, a holder, a filtration material, and a sealing element. The case includes a surround part defined on a peripheral wall thereof, and the case also includes a closing part fixed on a first end of the surround part, the surround part has an orifice defined on a second end thereof, and the case further includes a chamber configured to accommodate a brewing material. The holder is accommodated in the chamber of the case and includes multiple mixing blades extending to the closing part of the case. The filtration material is secured on a first end of the case and located opposite to a second end of the case so as to filter the brewing material in the chamber of the case. The sealing element is configured to matingly cover the first end of the case.

Abstract: A brewer system includes a reservoir, a steeping chamber movable relative to the reservoir and positioned over a mouth of the reservoir, and a filter tape positioned between the chamber and the reservoir. Brewing substance and water are added to the chamber and can be controllably agitated using a controllable gas pump coupled to the reservoir to form a brewed beverage. The brewed beverage can be drawn through the filter tape and into the reservoir through the mouth under the influence of a controllable vacuum pump coupled to and controllably communicating with the reservoir.

Abstract: A machine (100) for espresso coffee of the piston type is described. The machine comprises a cylinder (1), a piston (2) which is configured to perform a translation movement in said cylinder, a rod (4) having an end cooperating with said piston (2), an operating lever (5), a spring (3), a member (6) configured to cooperate with said rod (4) and to move said piston (2) from a first position to a second position in which said spring (3) is at least partially compressed, and an opening (71) for introducing water into said cylinder (1) configured so as to introduce water above the piston (2).

Abstract: A steam wand assembly for an espresso machine has features for preventing overheating of the tip of the steam wand. In a first aspect there is provided a steam wand device comprising a metallic main body tube, a steam hose that passes through the tube, the steam hose also passing through a flexible spacer that is within the tube. In a further aspect there is provided a steam wand device comprising a main body tube having a metallic primary tube and a metallic tip, the primary tube and the tip being attached to one another by a polymeric steam nozzle, the nozzle having a central bore that extends from an inlet adjacent to a lower end of a steam hose to an exit opening.

Abstract: Pumping and foaming device (100) comprising a pumping and foaming unit (102) rotatable around a shaft (130) by driving means (104), the pumping and foaming unit (102) comprising a pumping element (110) whose rotation pumps both air and fluid and mixes them; the pumping and foaming unit (102) further comprising a foaming element (120) whose relative rotation in a foaming chamber (121) drives the mixture of air and fluid coming from the pumping element (110) under a certain level of shear stress which allows this mixture to be foamed.

Abstract: A machine (M) for preparing beverages, in particular espresso coffee, comprises a hydraulic circuit including: —a brewing unit (1); —a water tank (4); —a pump (3) having the inlet connected in fluid communication to said tank (4) and the outlet or delivery connected in fluid communication to the brewing unit (1); —a normally closed one-way hydraulic valve (10), set between the pump (3) and the brewing unit (1), for enabling a flow of water towards the brewing unit (1) when the pressure of the water delivered by the pump (3) exceeds a substantially predetermined threshold; —heating means (9) for heating the water delivered by the pump (3); and —a normally open discharge valve (12?) having: a main inlet (12IN), connected between said one-way hydraulic valve (10) and the brewing unit (1); a main outlet (27a, 12OUT), connected towards a discharge space (11); an open/close member (29-31) set between the main inlet (12IN) and the main outlet (12OUT), designed to assume an open condition and a closed condition, wher

Abstract: A coffee maker having a water reservoir, a brew head assembly positioned in front of the water reservoir including a shower head member, a pivotally movable brew basket, and a water reservoir fill port located in front of the coffee maker within the brew head assembly, the water reservoir fill port being in direct communication with the water reservoir such that water can be poured directly into the water reservoir fill port over the top of the shower head member and brew basket to fill the water reservoir. The shower head member includes a first flow channel for delivering heated water to the brew basket and at least one second flow channel having at least one opening associated therewith for allowing steam generated within the brew basket to be channeled back to the water reservoir. A separate compartment for holding and storing a measuring spoon is also provided.

Abstract: Provided is a beverage dispensing machine, for example a coffee machine, having a brewing chamber. The beverage dispensing machine includes at least one electrovalve for totally or partially blocking the beverage from exiting the brewing chamber based on brewing parameters previously set or monitored in real-time by one or more sensors.

Abstract: A vessel for frying, baking or cooking foodstuffs, includes at least one visible first material and one visible second material, wherein at least the first material reversibly changes color thermochromically when heated. The coloring of the two materials is selected in order for a color difference between the two materials to change visibly when the vessel is heated.

Abstract: An actively heated or cooled food container can have a lid movable between an open and a closed position and an insulated body to which the lid can be attached. The insulated body can have a sidewall that defines a perimeter of the container body and a base, the sidewall and base defining one or more chambers that can be sealed by the lid. The food container can have a temperature control system that can include one or more heating or cooling elements in thermal communication with one or both of the sidewall and the base and operable to heat or cool one or both of the sidewall and the base to thereby heat or cool the one or more chambers in the food container.

Abstract: A baking pan includes two rows of two muffin cups and three rows of three muffin cups, thus creating thirteen muffin cups, or “a baker's dozen.” The baking pan includes a distance space created on the pan adjacent to each side of the row of two muffin cups. Silicone grips are places within at least two of these distance spaces on opposite sides of the muffin tray, allowing for easy gripping of the baking pan, thus avoiding damage to the muffin or other baked good.

Abstract: A food grilling device includes a lower portion for holding food, an upper portion for trapping food between the upper and lower portions, and a sliding, adjustment mechanism. The upper portion is positioned over the lower portion and is movable relative to the lower portion. The sliding, adjustment mechanism is coupled between the lower portion and the upper portion and permits the upper portion to move forward, rearwardly, upwardly, and downwardly relative to the lower portion. The food grilling device has an open position and a closed position. In the open position, food is inserted between the lower and upper portions. In the closed position, food is trapped in the food grilling device by pressure or friction exerted on the food by the upper portion. Movement of the upper portion relative to the lower portion in a forward and rearward direction turns the food positioned between the upper and lower portions.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus including a housing having an outer perimeter and a first opening. A flange extending from the housing defines the outer perimeter. An inner peripheral edge defines the first opening. A cooktop element has a first peripheral edge, and at least one grill element has a second peripheral edge. A plurality of holes are in a grill plate of the at least one grill element to allow matter to pass through the holes. The cooktop element and the at least one grill element are mounted to the housing in the first opening with at least part of the first and second peripheral edges facing each other and at least part of the inner peripheral edge facing the first and second peripheral edges. The housing is configured to insert into an opening of a support structure with the flange preventing insertion all the way through the opening of the support structure.

Abstract: A fuel efficient grill that permits effective direct and indirect cooking, permits movement of the fuel grate and has uniquely shaped air intake slots is provided.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus includes a base including a lower heating plate and upper heating unit including an upper heating plate and a cleaning structure configured to move a cleaning blade along at least one of the lower heating plate and the upper heating plate. The apparatus also includes a control circuit configured to control movement of the cleaning blade across the one of the lower heating plate and the upper heating plate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a food preparation device including: a container suitable for receiving food for preparation, the container presenting a bottom and a side wall that rises from the bottom generally along a vertical axis; and at least two blades arranged in the container, each blade being driven in rotation about an axis of rotation, the axis of rotation of at least one of the blades extending in the direction of the vertical axis. The axis of rotation of at least one of the other blades is inclined at a non-zero angle of inclination relative to the vertical axis.

Abstract: Provide a cooking device capable of processing food with a simple configuration while inhibiting oxidation of food and also inhibiting pressure inside a cooking container from rising excessively. A cooking device processes food in an accommodation space by a processing tool rotated by a motor while an air in the accommodation space in which the processing tool to process the food is arranged is exhausted and includes a driving device (a closing member) and a check valve. The driving device opens/closes the accommodation space. The check valve allows an outflow of the air out of the accommodation space when the air in the accommodation space closed by the driving device is exhausted and also stops an opposite flow of the air after the air is exhausted.

Abstract: An electric motor-operated food processor has a base unit having an electric motor and a preparation vessel that can be arranged on the base unit. A heater and agitator are allocated to the preparation vessel. The food processor can have a distillation apparatus that can be connected with the preparation vessel. The distillation apparatus has a steam receptacle, a condenser and a liquid dispenser. The preparation vessel and steam receptacle are connected in terms of flow when the preparation vessel and distillation apparatus are in a connected state.

Abstract: Multi-function tongs are presented including: a pair of arms mechanically hinged along a proximal end; a pair of rotatable paddles each rotatably coupled with each of the pair of arms along a distal end; a pair of rotatable gears each rotatably coupled with each of the pair of rotatable paddles and with each of the pair of arms, where the pair of rotatable gears mesh when the multi-function tongs are in the closed position; and a pair of levers mechanically coupled with each of the pair of rotatable gears, the pair of levers extending outwardly from each of the pair of arms. In some embodiments, multi-function tongs further include: a tongs lock disposed along the proximal end to lock the multi-function tongs in a closed position.

Abstract: A shower curtain assembly for covering an opening of a shower enclosure includes a housing that defines an internal space. The housing is configured to couple to a substrate so that the housing is positioned proximate to an opening of a shower enclosure. A slot is positioned through a bottom of the housing. The slot extends substantially between opposing ends of the housing. At least one panel, which is flexible so that it can be rolled, is positioned in the internal space. A first end of the at least one panel is positioned through the slot. The slot is positioned to selectively extend the at least one panel from the housing to cover the opening of the shower enclosure.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser having a housing and a cover removably coupled to the housing with the cover having a right cover side wall and a left cover side wall secured together spaced laterally from each other and in which the cover side walls are resilient and deflectable laterally away from each other for disengagement of the cover from the housing.

Abstract: Various dispensing devices, such as foaming soap pumps, are disclosed. The soap pump can include a fluid storage unit and a fluid handling unit. The fluid storage unit can include a reservoir that is configured to hold a quantity of product, such as liquid soap. The fluid handling unit can include a pumping assembly and dispensing assembly. The soap pump can be configured to withdraw liquid soap from the reservoir, convert the liquid soap to foamed soap, and dispense the foamed soap from the discharge assembly.

Abstract: A device can include one or more inputs, which, in operation, receive one or more signals indicative of toilet-lid positions and one or more signals indicative of user-toilet proximity; and control circuitry coupled to the one or more inputs. The control circuitry can, in operation, determine a position of a toilet lid based on the one or more signals indicative of toilet-lid positions; respond to a determination that the toilet lid is in a closed position by entering a power-save mode of operation; and respond to a determination that the toilet lid is not in a closed position by selectively generating, based on the one or more signals indicative of user-toilet proximity, toilet-lid-actuator control signals to cause a toilet-lid-actuator to move the toilet lid toward a closed position. Related methods and systems are also provided.

Abstract: More powerful and convenient cleaners are provided. A cleaner includes a suction fan portion, and a driver driving the suction fan portion, wherein the driver comprises a driving motor having a plurality of rotors configured to rotate, wherein the suction fan portion comprises a first fan rotated by a first rotor and a second fan rotated by a second rotor of the driving motor, wherein the driving motor further comprises a stator commonly used for the first rotor and the second rotor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a compact suction station, the structure of which allows it to be arranged in small compartments, such as the skirting board area of kitchen units, said station being protected by a dismountable outer casing in which, in the front part of the assembly, there is an extractable part corresponding to the container drawer, and in which, in the rear part, there is a suction intake for the dirty air from the pipes and the plurality of inlets, and the clean air extraction outlet, the interior of the station consisting of two compartments that communicate with each other, one of them being used for the insertion of the extractable drawer with the container bag and the other to house the motor, the extraction channel and various electronic components.

Abstract: The present invention is a fiber self-cleaning system. The fiber self-cleaning system of the present invention includes interlocking mats containing bores for receiving cleaning tubes, cleaning tubes for mounting with the mat bores having an open top, beveled interior chamber and at least one transverse side opening, fiber groups mounted within the beveled interior chamber of the cleaning tubes, a water and vacuum line operatively connected to the cleaning tubes to introduce water, chemicals and air to the fiber groups or to apply a vacuum force to the fiber groups, and a pump operatively connected to the cleaning tubes to introduce or suction out water, chemicals and dirt from the fiber groups.

Abstract: A suction structure of a robot vacuum cleaner according to the present invention is disclosed. The suction structure of a robot vacuum cleaner according to the present invention includes a suction module which is located on a bottom surface of a main body of the robot vacuum cleaner to suck foreign matters in accordance with the rotation of the brush while being lifted up or down in accordance with a surface condition of the floor and the suction module includes a flow path connecting unit which is formed at one side thereof to be inserted into a flow path unit formed in the main body.

Abstract: A system has at least two cleaning devices, wherein at least one of the cleaning devices can be displaced relative to another cleaning device. In order to perform a service on one of the cleaning devices in an especially advantageous manner, the cleaning devices each have a communications link to a shared controller, wherein the controller is set up to transmit a service request to the second cleaning device and/or to a user of the second cleaning device, depending on the service required by a device component of a first cleaning device, and depending on the service availability status of a second cleaning device.

Abstract: A system has at least two floor treatment apparatuses for treating a surface in an automatically controlled fashion based on defined adjustment parameters of the floor treatment apparatus, wherein each of the floor treatment apparatuses features at least one detection device for detecting at least one detection parameter of the floor treatment apparatus and/or of an environment of the floor treatment apparatus. In order to enhance a system of this type in such a way that the floor treatment apparatuses advantageously cooperate and support one another, the system features a common database that is assigned to the floor treatment apparatuses. Detection parameters of at least two floor treatment apparatuses are stored in the database in association with the adjustment parameters of the respective floor treatment apparatus.

Abstract: A motive machine can be selectively operable in a plurality of functional modes. The motive machine can include a drive wheel, a steering assembly, and a controller. The drive wheel can be rotatably secured to a body of the motive machine. The steering assembly can be operable to steer the motive machine. The controller can be in communication with a steering sensor, a steering motor, and a limit sensor, where the controller can be configured to synchronize the steering motor to the steering sensor as a function of a limit signal.

Abstract: A system has at least one household appliance, at least one automatically moving cleaning device, and a control device for controlling an operation of the cleaning device. To attain a fully automatic operation of the system, the control device is set up to control an operation of the cleaning device as a function of an operating status of the household appliance.

Abstract: Example control systems for automated power management of a machine are described herein. In some examples, the control system can be used with a motive machine. The features are described with reference to a hybrid powered sweeper-scrubber machine, but is not limited as such. The machine can include a main machine controller (MMC) operably coupled to an engine, and a power module operably coupled to the MMC by a controller area network (CAN) bus. A sub-system, including a sub-system having motors, can be operably coupled to the power module by the CAN bus. To provide automated power control, the power module can monitor a load of the sub-system, and using the monitored load of the sub-system, the power module can communicate sub-system load information to the MMC. The MMC can automatically adjust an engine speed based on the sub-system load information and the selected functional mode of the machine.

Abstract: The apparatus has a head and handle assembly; a mop pad and height adjusting scrubbing brushes to engage or disengage scrubbing brushes located in a periphery of the mop pad.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cleansing articles comprising first and second members forming the first and second outer surface of the article respectively, where the coefficient of friction and/or permeability of the members are different. In certain embodiments the first member comprises a plurality of polymeric protuberances and the second member comprises a plurality of hollow projections.

Abstract: The claimed invention is a wipe that will have a double layer that is sealed on three sides but is left open on one. The wipe has a single pocket that can be turned inside out. Double layers of the wipe will help in cleaning surface and further a protective surface so that no contaminants can leak out.

Abstract: A steam mop includes a housing with a foot assembly movable along a surface to be cleaned and a handle assembly coupled to the foot assembly, a supply tank for storing a supply of fluid, a steam generator fluidly coupled with the supply tank for producing steam from the fluid, and a cutout in the housing through which a portion of the supply tank is viewable.

Abstract: A washing bucket has a container with an interior defined by wall and a bottom, a fluid inlet affixed to the wall of the container and communicating with the interior of the container, and a fluid outlet opening to the wall of the container and positioned at a level higher than a level of the fluid inlet. The fluid inlet is positioned adjacent to the bottom of the container. The fluid inlet has a connector positioned exterior of the wall of the container and adapted to connect to a water hose. The fluid outlet has a diameter greater than a diameter of the fluid inlet. The fluid outlet has a pipe affixed to the wall of the container.

Abstract: A pump (8) is disclosed. The pump (8) includes a partition wall (84) configured to divide the interior of a body into two spaces, a first chamber (C1) located under the partition wall (84), the first chamber (C1) having an introduction portion (841), through which water is introduced, a second chamber (C2) located above the partition wall (84), the second chamber (C2) having a discharge portion (849), through which water is discharged, a communication hole (86) formed through the partition wall (84) to allow the first chamber (C1) and the second chamber (C2) to communicate with each other therethrough, an impeller (85) provided in the second chamber (C2) to move water to the discharge portion (849), a housing configured to define the bottom surface of the first chamber (C1), the housing being made of a conductor, a heater (H) configured to heat the housing (81), and a steam discharge (843) port formed through the first chamber (C1) to allow steam to be discharged therethrough.

Abstract: A dishwasher appliance is provided having a disk diverter assembly operably coupled to a primary supply conduit for selectively diverting a flow of wash fluid between a middle spray assembly and an upper spray assembly. The disk diverter assembly includes a diverter disk positioned within a diverter housing defining a fluid inlet, a first fluid outlet in fluid communication with the middle spray assembly, and a second fluid outlet in fluid communication with the upper spray assembly. The diverter disk defines an aperture and a partial flange that extends along an axial direction. A positioning assembly selectively rotates the diverter disk between a first position where wash fluid is directed only through the first fluid outlet to the middle spray assembly and a second position where wash fluid is directed only through the second fluid outlet to the upper spray assembly.

Abstract: A dispenser of washing agents for dishwashers comprises: a dispenser body with a receptacle for containing a washing agent; a door having a door body mounted in a guided way with respect to the dispenser body for being movable between a position of closing and a position of opening of the receptacle; and slide guides between the dispenser body and the door body. Two first walls of the dispenser body each have one side facing a side of a respective second wall of the door body. The slide guides comprise guiding elements and guided elements at facing sides of the first walls of the dispenser body and of the second walls of the door body, the guided elements being slidably coupled to the guiding elements.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to various systems, tools and methods for acquiring diagnostic information, including medical information, for a user, transmitting the information to a remote location, assessing the information, and transmitting resulting diagnosis and treatment information to the user and/or a third party for subsequent action. The present invention provides consumer and user-friendly telemedicine systems and procedures which enable health services and/or diagnosis to be provided at a distance remotely.

Abstract: An endoscope includes: an insertion portion including a bending portion; an operation portion including a grasping portion and an operation portion main body; a pedestal portion protruded from the operation portion main body; a shaft member configured to be tilted; a finger contact portion on which a finger of a hand is placed, the finger contact portion being provided at an end portion of the shaft member; and a step portion on which a finger of the operator's hand, which is different from the finger placed on the finger placing portion, is placed, the step portion being provided at a position which is outside of a peripheral edge of the pedestal portion and which is an opposite side of the grasping portion across the shaft member.

Abstract: A camera objective lens for an endoscope has an object-side first prism and an image-side second prism, a first lens system arranged on the object side of the first prism and a second lens system arranged on the image side of the first prism, and a sensor surface arranged at the image-side end of the camera objective lens parallel to the longitudinal axis of an endoscope shaft of the endoscope. The first prism and the second prism are designed to cause a first to third beam deflection as a three-fold beam deflection. The first lens system includes a biconcave first lens, a biconvex second lens, a third lens formed as a rod lens, a plane-concave fourth lens and a biconvex fifth lens in this order as viewed from the object side. The second lens system includes a convex-plane sixth lens, a seventh lens formed as a meniscus lens, a biconvex eighth lens and a biconcave ninth lens in this order as viewed from the object side.

Abstract: An objective lens for an endoscope has an object-side lens element including a plane-convex rod lens and an image-side lens element including a biconvex lens arranged at the image-side end of the objective lens. The object-side lens element includes a plane-convex first lens and a biconcave second lens which form a front lens and are arranged in this order on the object side of the plane-convex rod lens forming a third lens. As viewed from the object side, the image-side lens element includes a biconvex fourth lens, a concave-plane fifth lens and a biconcave sixth lens which are arranged in this order on the object side of the biconvex lens that is arranged at the image-side end of the objective lens and forms a seventh lens.