Abstract: One variation of a method includes, at a system configured to brew a cup of coffee: reading an identifier from a packet; accessing a brew recipe based on the identifier; triggering a door actuator to open an inlet door on the system; initiating a brew cycle according to the brew recipe; during the brew cycle, activating a grinder for a grind duration to grind whole beans dispensed from the packet through the inlet door in response to manual closure of the inlet door, dispensing coffee grounds from the grinder into a brew chamber, heating a volume of water to a target temperature specified in the brew recipe, dispensing the volume of water into the brew chamber, and agitating the volume of water and coffee grounds in the brew chamber; and transferring fluid out of the brew chamber in response to conclusion of the brew cycle.

Abstract: A temperature controlled container comprises an interior defined by a bottom surface and one or more sidewalls extending upward therefrom. A temperature controlling element is configured to adjust a temperature within the interior. A controller is configured to adjust the temperature within the interior.

Abstract: The present invention provides an accessory for a spit rod assembly, with the accessory being configured to be mounted on a spit rod. The accessory comprises at least one mounting hub having a channel for receiving the spit rod there-through, such that the accessory is movable along a length of the spit rod by moving or sliding the accessory relative to the spit rod. The mounting hub includes a locking mechanism for fixing the accessory at a selected position along the length of the spit rod. The locking mechanism comprises an actuator member for manual application of a clamping force to the spit rod, and a resiliently biased reaction member located on a side of the spit rod opposite the actuator member for applying or exerting a reaction force or counter-force on the spit rod. The accessory may be a fork accessory. The accessory may also be a basket accessory.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus for making waffles or other batter-based cooked moulded food products, the apparatus comprising a support frame supporting a cooking chamber defined by a pair of co-operating platens comprising an upper platen and a lower platen at least one of which is heated in use to cook the batter, the frame carrying a mechanism by which each one of the pair of platens is selectively driven to move toward or away from the other of the platens. The apparatus is automated to produce the cooked food product rapidly. A controller controls the process of making of the food product from opening of the cooking chamber, to dispensing of a required dose/volume of batter from a source of supply into the cooking chamber, closing of the chamber, cooking of the batter in the chamber for the required time, opening of the chamber and delivery of the cooked food product.

Abstract: An air frying cooker is disclosed. It comprise a chamber (2), a heater (3) disposed in the chamber (2) to heat air in the chamber (2), a fan (4) disposed in the chamber (2) and being rotatable to circulate heated air in the chamber (2) to cook food in the chamber (2) in a cooking mode. The fan (4) is rotatable at a speed of no less than 2500 rpm to generate a circulating air flow within the chamber in a cleaning mode so that the air flows across a surface of an amount of cleaning fluid (8) introduced into the bottom of the chamber (2) to entrain the cleaning fluid in the circulating air flow to clean the chamber (2).

Abstract: An oven used for heating and barbecuing comprising an oven body; an isolation plate is disposed in the oven body; the isolation plate divides the inner chamber of the oven body into an upper portion and a lower portion; the center of the isolation plate is provided with a ventilation opening; a fire-pan is disposed in the inner chamber of the oven body that is located above the isolation plate; a lifting mechanism used for propelling the fire-pan to move up and down is disposed in the oven body; the present invention has a reasonable structure; the lifting mechanism is capable of propelling the fire-pan to move up and down; the firepower and the cooking temperature can be easily controlled by users.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a solid-fuel cooker, such as a barbecue, comprising: a body defining a chamber configured to act as a firebox for combustion of solid fuel, such as charcoal or briquettes; a fuel support structure for supporting the solid fuel in the chamber; and an ignition system for igniting the solid fuel supported by the support structure. The ignition system comprises at least one electric heating element mounted to the body and located in or adjacent to the chamber for heating the solid fuel supported by the support structure, the at least one electric heating element configured to be switched between an electrically energized (i.e. switched “on”) state and an electrically de-energized (i.e., switched “off”) state. The at least one electric heating element is configured to transfer heat to the solid fuel supported by the support structure to ignite the solid fuel when the switch is operated to the electrically energized (i.e. switched “on”) state.

Abstract: A cooking appliance for producing flatbreads or other foodstuffs including a first heating assembly and a second heating assembly. The first heating assembly includes a first cooking surface, and the second heating assembly includes a second cooking surface. The first cooking surface has a spiral groove configured to form a spiral pattern in the foodstuff.

Abstract: A turkey cooking device comprises a base, a burner, a gas supply device, a turkey pot, a temperature control device disposed on the base or the burner, and a safety valve disposed on the burner. The burner and the turkey pot are disposed on the base. The burner is located below the turkey pot and connected to the gas supply device. The temperature control device comprises a temperature controller, which abuts against the outer circumferential wall of the turkey pot, is electrically connected to the safety valve and controls the burner to open or close through the safety valve.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products are disclosed for controlling a fryer. In response to determining a filtration cycle is scheduled to occur after a current cooking cycle, a temperature set-point for a cooking medium is increased to pre-heat the cooking medium prior to the end of the cooking cycle. A heating element used to heat the cooking medium may be deactivated prior to entering the filtration cycle, and reactivated during the filtration cycle in response to the filtered cooking medium in the fry pot reaching a predetermined level. Activating the heating element during the filtration cycle may further heat the cooking medium prior to starting the next cooking cycle, thereby reducing the total time needed for filtration and reheating for a subsequent cooking cycle.

Abstract: Food container including: an external container composed of a material comprising a first plastic material, an internal container composed of a material comprising a second plastic material, said internal container being arranged inside the external container and being welded to the external container so as to form a sealing cavity between the internal container and the external container, said cavity including gas, characterized in that at least a portion of said internal container is resilient and configured to deform under expansion of the gas contained inside the cavity.

Abstract: A coffee dispenser comprises an inlet for receiving ground coffee, a ground coffee holder that receives ground coffee from the inlet, and a porta filter carriage for receiving a porta filter. The porta filter carriage is movable relative to the ground coffee holder between a closed position and a dispensing position. When a porta filter is received in the porta filter carriage, movement of the porta filter carriage from the closed position to the dispensing position causes coffee to be dispensed into the filter basket. Movement of the porta filter carriage from the dispensing position to the closed position causes a scraping action to occur across the coffee disposed in the filter basket, thereby removing excess coffee from the filter basket.

Abstract: A blending apparatus blade is described which includes one or more arms and which is configured to be rotated in a first rotational direction to perform a blending operation and in a second rotational direction to perform a mixing operation. The blade may further include a paddle portion which is designed to improve mixing during a mixing operation whilst having minimal impact on the blending operation. Also described is a blending apparatus including this blade. The apparatus is preferably portable and the contents can be sealed within for transport. The apparatus may also include a drinking spout with a removable cap so that the contents can be consumed directly from the apparatus, a method of controlling a blending apparatus is also described.

Abstract: A sports shaker cup that affords consumers with a sturdy and trendy alternative to conventional sports shaker cups. The sports shaker cup includes a base container that contains a drink that is desired to be consumed, a lid removably secured over the top opening of the base container, the lid includes a drinking spout, a handle and a spout cover, the spout cover includes a fitted plug adapted to cover the drinking spout and prevents the drink from coming out of the drinking spout and debris from coming through the drinking spout and into the drink contained in the base container. The sports shaker cup includes a seal attached underneath the lid and prevents the drink from leaking from the lid and the sports shaker cup, the seal allows the lid to snap on and off of the top opening of the base container.

Abstract: The invention provides a multifunctional kitchen utensil including an upper cup body, a lower cup body, an upper hoop part, a lower hoop part, an upper handle, a lower handle and a ball, wherein the lower cup body is detachably connected with the upper cup body in a sealed way; a cavity for processing an ingredient is formed by the interior of the upper cup body and the lower cup body; a hammer body is formed by the exterior of the upper cup body and the lower cup body; the upper hoop part is used for sleeving the outer part of the upper cup body and hooping the upper cup body; the lower hoop part is used for sleeving the outer part of the lower cup body and hooping the lower cup body, and one end of the lower hoop part is hinged with one end of the upper hoop part; the upper handle is connected with the other end of the upper hoop part; the lower handle is connected with the other end of the lower hoop part; the lower handle and the upper handle jointly form a handle; and the ball is arranged in the cavity.

Abstract: In one aspect, a freestanding, portable raised tub for infants, toddlers and young children is provided herein which includes: a basin with a base and an upstanding side wall bounding the base; a plurality of legs secured to the basin; a rigid panel pivotably connected to the basin so as to be angularly adjustable relative thereto; and, an adjustable guard pivotably connected to the rigid panel so as to be angularly adjustable relative thereto, the guard extending continuously from a first location on the rigid panel to a second location on the rigid panel, the first and second locations being spaced apart.

Abstract: A dual roll paper towel dispenser, a method of dispensing towel from a dual roll paper towel dispenser, and a method of servicing a dual roll paper towel dispenser are disclosed herein. The dual roll paper towel dispenser can be provided with a dispenser mechanism disposed in a dispenser housing. The dispenser mechanism can include a first drive roller for dispensing paper from an upper first roll of paper and a second drive roller for dispensing paper from a lower second roll of paper. The dispenser mechanism can further include a drive system including a motor for selectively operating the first drive roller and the second drive roller, wherein the drive system powers the motor in a first rotational direction to actuate the first drive roller and powers the motor in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction to actuate the second drive roller.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus for optically determining the amount of product used and/or remaining in a product dispenser.

Abstract: A portable toilet including: a bowl made of soft material; and a resilient loop integrated with the bowl, the resilient loop forming a rim of the bowl; wherein the bowl comprises a chamber at the bottom of the bowl. The chamber holds a bag which is taken out to cover the bowl during use.

Abstract: A stool is provided that provides a raised heel squat position to a user that engages the stool. The raised heel squatting position promotes a healthy and productive experience on a toilet. The stool may be collapsible for easier storage and transportation. The stool may be adjustable to provide custom fittings to different size users. Additionally, the stool may be intelligent and may provide a customized immersive experience to a person on a toilet.

Abstract: A glass cleaner includes a hand-held rod and a cleaning frame mounted at the end of the hand-held rod. The cleaning frame is provided with at least two parallel and spaced scraping strips. Both the front and rear ends of a connection portion between the hand-held rod and the cleaning frame are provided with the scraping strips.

Abstract: A handheld cleaner is provided and includes a dust cup assembly, including: a casing, a negative pressure device disposed in the casing and configured to suck an airflow from an environment into the casing, and a dedusting device disposed in the casing and configured to remove dust from the sucked airflow; and a handle assembly, including: a handle casing disposed to the casing and having a holding portion for user handholding, and a power supply device disposed at a top of the holding portion, and/or in the holding portion, and/or at a position in the handle casing opposite to the holding portion and electrically connected to the negative pressure device.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus, such as an extractor, has a liquid delivery system operable to alternately deliver a carpet cleaning solution and a hard floor cleaning solution.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus such as an extractor is operable in a floor cleaning mode which utilizes a floor cleaning fluid flow path. The surface cleaning apparatus is also operable in an above floor cleaning mode which utilizes a different above floor fluid flow path.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a body, a first tank, a second tank, a vacuum motor, a fluid pump, and a controller. The body comprises a handle and an accessory connection receptacle comprising a fluid output and an electrical contact. The first tank comprises a first vessel configured to accommodate a fluid. The second tank comprises a second vessel separated from the first vessel. The controller is configured to activate the fluid pump to cause fluid contained in the first tank to be supplied to the fluid output, and to activate the vacuum motor to draw one or more of air, debris, a liquid or a portion of the fluid into the second tank. The accessory connection receptacle is configured to accommodate a correspondingly shaped accessory connector configured to mate with the accessory connection receptacle and be communicatively coupled with the fluid output and with the electrical contact.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus such as an extractor has a liquid delivery system, a separator, a collection chamber in communication a the separated element outlet of the separator, and a separated liquid collection container downstream from the collection chamber.

Abstract: An upright surface cleaning apparatus, such as an extractor, has an upright section moveably mounted to a surface cleaning head and a recline limiter system adapted to inhibit the upright section reclining to a position at which recovered water enters the separator.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus, such as an extractor, has a separation stage comprising a separator and a separated liquid container in communication with a separated element outlet of the separator. When the surface cleaning apparatus is in a vertical orientation, the separated liquid container has a first portion underlying the separator, a second portion laterally spaced from the first portion and positioned below the separator and a third portion positioned above the second portion, and the third portion has a volume that is at least 80% of a volume of the first portion.

Abstract: A hand held surface cleaning apparatus has a fluid flow path extending from a dirty fluid inlet provided at a front end of the hand held surface cleaning apparatus to a clean air outlet, the fluid flow path including a separator and a suction motor, wherein the suction motor is positioned rearward of the dirty fluid inlet. A separation stage comprising the separator, a solid collection chamber in communication with a separated element outlet of the separator and a separated liquid reservoir in communication with the solid collection chamber is provided. The solid collection chamber is positioned rearward of the separated liquid reservoir and the separator is positioned rearward of the solid collection chamber.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus, such as an extractor, has a separated liquid reservoir wherein the separated liquid reservoir includes a liquid sequestering member.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus such as an extractor has an upright section moveably mounted to a surface cleaning head. The upright section comprises a first stage liquid separator and a second stage cyclone separator, wherein the liquid collection container and the solid collection chamber are emptyable concurrently.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to novel predictive methods and personalized therapies for treating asthma. Specifically, this disclosure relates to methods of treating a patient having asthma by selectively administering an IL-13 antagonist, on the basis of that patient being genetically predisposed to have a favorable response to treatment with the IL-13 antagonist. Also disclosed herein are transmittable forms of information, diagnostic methods, and kits useful in predicting the likelihood that a patient having asthma will respond to treatment with an IL-13 antagonist.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner filter bag composed primarily of plastic recyclates.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for a vacuum cleaner filter bag comprising a holding device with a passage opening and a closure device for closing the passage opening of the holding device, wherein the closure device comprises a closure flap and an elastic element made of a cross-linked silicone elastomer, and the elastic element is pretensioned in a state in which the closure flap closes the passage opening of the holding device.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus such as an extractor has a liquid delivery system comprising at least one spray nozzle that delivers at least one liquid and an inverted cyclone comprising, when the surface cleaning apparatus is in a floor cleaning orientation, a lower end, a lower end wall, an upper end and an upper end wall, the lower end having a cyclone fluid inlet and a cyclone air outlet and the upper end has a separated element outlet, wherein the cyclone air outlet comprises a treated air outlet conduit and a liquid blocking collar is provided on an outer surface of the treated air outlet conduit below an inlet to the treated fluid outlet conduit. A solid and liquid collection chamber is in communication with the separated element outlet.

Abstract: An upright surface cleaning apparatus, such as an extractor, has an upright section moveably mounted to a surface cleaning head. The surface cleaning head has a first dirty fluid inlet and a first stage liquid separator. The upright section has a second stage solid separator downstream from the first stage liquid separator.

Abstract: A motor includes a shaft, a rotor that rotates together with the shaft, and a stator that is disposed to oppose the rotor in a radial direction. The stator includes a ring-shaped stator core that includes a plurality of split stator cores joined to each other in a peripheral direction, a plurality of teeth that extend in a radial direction from the respective split stator cores, and a plurality of coils that are formed by winding a conducting wire around each of the plurality of teeth. Electronic components are disposed below the stator in an axial direction. At least a part of each electronic component overlaps the stator core in the axial direction. Joining portions where the split stator cores arranged in the peripheral direction are joined and the electronic components are displaced in the peripheral direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for cleaning a floor by means of at least one cleaning robot (2), which cleaning robot comprises control means (50) for controlling the cleaning robot (2) and communication means (52, 54) for sensing at least one event having increased soiling emergence of at least part of the floor, wherein the control means (50) set the intensity of the use of the cleaning robot (2) for cleaning at least part of the floor in accordance with the intensity of at least one event having increased soiling emergence. The system solves the technical problem of making a system and a method for cleaning a floor by means of a cleaning robot more flexible and enabling improved cleaning results. The invention further relates to a method for cleaning a floor.

Abstract: A surface cleaning head comprises a front hard floor cleaning brush and a rotatable carpet cleaning brush positioned rearward of the front hard floor cleaning brush, wherein the front hard floor cleaning brush extends to the hard surface floor when the surface cleaning head is positioned on the hard surface floor, and wherein the front hard floor cleaning brush engages at least a portion of an inner surface of a forward portion of the brush chamber

Abstract: An apparatus includes a handle having a handle fluid input, a handle fluid output, a first handle electrical contact, a second handle electrical contact, a first handle air passage, and a second handle air passage. The apparatus also includes a shaft having a shaft fluid input, a shaft fluid output, a first shaft electrical contact, a second shaft electrical contact, a first shaft air passage, a second shaft air passage, and a first shaft coupling including the shaft fluid input, the first shaft electrical contact and the first shaft air passage. The first shaft coupling is configured to mate with the handle to connect the shaft fluid input with the handle fluid output, connect the first shaft electrical contact with the second handle electrical contact with the second handle electrical contact, and connect the first shaft air passage with the second handle air passage.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a floor includes a housing, chassis, wheels, motor, steering mechanism, cleaning assembly, optionally a squeegee assembly, and at least one of a side sweeping system, front sweeping system, and pick-up system. The side sweeping system includes a turntable with central axis, a drive wheel disposed in coaxial relationship with the turntable, a sweeper motive device in communication with the drive wheel, a plurality of brushes distributed radially around the drive wheel and adapted to be driven by rotation of the drive wheel, and a pivoting connector configured to enable the side sweeping system to pivot laterally in response to contact with a wall while at least one of the brushes maintains contact with the floor adjacent the wall while the apparatus is in operation, and the brushes move debris disposed on the floor adjacent the wall toward the front of the apparatus.

Abstract: An upright surface cleaning apparatus such as an extractor has an upright section moveably mounted to a surface cleaning head. The upright section comprises a first stage liquid separator and a second stage cyclone separator, wherein the cyclone separator is positioned above and downstream from the first stage liquid separator when the upright section is in the storage position.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus such as an extractor has a solid and liquid separation stage comprising a combined solid and liquid separator having a separated element outlet and, a solid and liquid collection chamber in communication with the separated element outlet. The solid and liquid separation chamber includes a screen provided therein, when the surface cleaning apparatus is in a floor cleaning orientation, the solid and liquid collection chamber has a lower region comprising a liquid collection region whereby, in operation, liquid passes through the screen and solid material collects on the screen.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus such as an extractor has a fluid flow path extending from a dirty fluid inlet head to a clean air outlet. The fluid flow path upstream of the separation stage comprises a removable portion.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus has a surface cleaning head having a hard floor cleaning brush and a carpet cleaning brush, wherein the surface cleaning apparatus is operable in a hard floor cleaning configuration in which a liquid is delivered from at least one nozzle to the soft brush bar, and the surface cleaning apparatus is operable in a carpet cleaning configuration in which a liquid is delivered from at least one nozzle to the carpet cleaning brush.

Abstract: Pre-moistened wipes that include one or more characteristics correlated to desired properties, such as high durability, mileage, cleaning composition retention, efficacy, or the like. Pulp substrates typically include an anionic charge, which can result in binding or retention of a cationic biocide such as a quaternary ammonium compound while the remainder of the composition is released from the wipe (e.g., through squeezing, wiping or other compression). The present wipes are specifically tailored to include a pore size distribution characterized by pores having a size from 300 ?m to 400 ?m, which is larger than the pore distribution characteristics of existing wipes. Such characteristics increase release of a quaternary ammonium compound to a target surface, providing improved microefficacy, without the need for any cationic biocide release agents such as latex or a cationic salt.

Abstract: Systems including a resealable container and pre-moistened wipes packaged therein, the wipes including one or more characteristics correlated to desired properties, such as high durability, mileage, cleaning composition retention, efficacy, or the like. Pulp substrates typically include an anionic charge, which can result in binding or retention of a cationic biocide such as a quaternary ammonium compound while the remainder of the composition is released from the wipe (e.g., through squeezing, wiping or other compression). The present wipes may be specifically tailored to provide efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus population within 10 seconds to about 5 minutes, to include particular pore size distribution characteristics, and/or to include a mileage absorbency/desorbency factor (“MABDF”) value that is greater than 50. High MABDF values are indicative of good handfeel characteristics, improved more uniform dosing of composition loaded in the wipe, good microefficacy characteristics, and the like.

Abstract: An improved floor mat apparatus is a low profile, rectangular, shoe cleaning apparatus that has an inner volume with two spaced apart rollers mounted within the inner volume that an elongated mat with the ends joined together forming a continuous loop, travels around. A motor turns a first roller and the second roller adjusts to remove slack to tighten the mat. The top surface of the housing is open to expose the mat for cleaning shoes upon. When the mat becomes dirty, the rollers turn via a button located on a panel situated adjacent to one end of the mat and a removable collection chamber at one end of the mat collects debris and helps remove dirt from the mat via a vibrator and brush.

Abstract: An endoscope management system that manages deterioration of an endoscope device includes: at least one endoscope device; and a management device configured to be connected to a processor of the endoscope device such that the management device is able to perform mutual communication with the processor. The endoscope device includes a video scope and a processor, the video scope being configured to capture an image of a subject, and the processor including an image signal processing unit configured to execute white balance adjustment processing, using an image of the subject captured by the video scope. The endoscope device includes a control unit configured to transmit, in response to the execution of the white balance adjustment processing, monitoring-target subject images acquired through the white balance adjustment processing, to the management device. The management device includes a memory configured to record the monitoring-target subject images, and a main management unit.

Abstract: Provided are a navigation device and a navigation method capable of reducing the size and the cost of an endoscope, and an endoscope system including the navigation device.