Abstract: A combination spoon and fork system capable of being stored in a nested configuration or used as a combination eating utensil with the spoon and fork connected end to end. An interlocking mechanism can interlock the spoon and fork in either the nested position or in the end to end configuration. The interlocking system allows the handle of the spoon to slide between rails on the handle of the fork and to snap and lock the spoon in place either nested with the fork or end to end with the fork to form an elongated combination eating utensil. The spoon and fork of the system can also be used separately from one another.

Abstract: Adjustable over-the-door hook assemblies with removable door spacers that accommodate different door thicknesses and different types of doors are disclosed. The door spacer may be selectively mounted on a support bracket, or may be removed from the bracket for use with thicker doors. A door bumper may also be provided on a lower portion of the hook assembly to vertically align the assembly and to prevent damage to the door.

Abstract: An apparatus which includes a trough for receiving a user's shoe. The trough includes a removal portal. The apparatus includes a vacuum capable of causing a shoe cover to be removed from the shoe of a user when a user places a shoe covered by a shoe cover into the trough. An actuator is triggered by the placement of an object in the trough, the triggering of the actuator causing the vacuum to activate. The vacuum activation causes the shoe cover to be sucked through the removal portal and into a primary chamber. The primary chamber collects the removed shoe covers and is disposed in a remote from the trough for preventing debris and other contaminants from being stored in a clean room. The apparatus may also include multiple troughs connected to one or more primary chambers.

Abstract: An improved package receptacle and theft deterrent device and system, in which a flexible receiving bag constructed of a rugged material includes security features to restrict access to its internal chamber and may be removably attached to a door or other structure through fully-removable or partially permanently attached means.

Abstract: An artificial tree that includes a first trunk body having a first elongated projection that extends axially from a first end toward a second end and forms a first keyway; a first electrical connector anchored within the first end of the first trunk body; a second trunk body, including a second elongated projection that extends axially, the second elongated projection forming a second keyway, the second elongated projection configured to be received by the first keyway; and a second electrical connector anchored within a first end of the second trunk body. The second elongated projection is received by the first keyway, and first and second electrical terminals of the first electrical connector make electrical connection with first and second electrical terminals of the second electrical connector, when the first end of the first trunk body is coupled to the first end of the second trunk body.

Abstract: An artificial tree includes a base supporting a hollow trunk. The base includes plural legs connected to a central core. The base carries a housing containing an electrical controller for transforming, rectifying, and filtering electrical power received from a power receptacle. The housing includes a heat pump to dissipate heat from the electrical controller. A series of interconnected conduits comprises the tree trunk. A conduit has two identical electrical connectors that self-orient by magnetic repulsion to preserve electrical parity when connecting conduits together. Wiring harnesses run between the two electrical connectors in the conduit. The outside surface of the conduits carries hinge brackets to receive and pivotally hold artificial limbs. These limbs carry light strings and are pivotable between folded and deployed orientations. Wires from the wiring harness are pulled through holes in the sides of the conduits and connect to light strings on nearby limbs.

Abstract: A food heating device includes a plurality of chambers capable of receiving respective food items. The device further includes a steam generator and a plurality of valves for controlling admittance of steam from said steam generator into said chambers. The device is arranged to operate in at least one mode in which during a first period a first one of said valves is open and at least one of said valves remains closed and wherein said steam generator is operated to produce steam for a time less than said first period.

Abstract: An electric kettle system designed for particular use onboard passenger transportation vehicles. In many instances, hot beverages are brewed using a separate beverage maker system, but it may be desirable to maintain the warmth/heat of a kettle containing the hot beverage that is separate from the beverage maker system. The electric kettle system described provides a base and a carafe with a locking connection therebetween. The system incorporates a heater plate within the carafe, and the heater plate is activated when the carafe is positioned on the base.

Abstract: Fast-uncoupling shower screen for espresso coffee machines having a circular support dish provided with holes, a flow restrictor disposed under the circular support dish, and an elastically deformable retention element, whereto the flow restrictor is fitted in snap-in coupling mode because of the elastic deformability of the retention element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an easy unloading high pressure coffee brewing machine with foam creation function, comprises an installation stand for connection to the environment, a brewing bucket, an unloading mechanism, a pressurizing mechanism and a foam creation mechanism, the brewing bucket has a double open-ended structure; the unloading mechanism is disposed at the bottom opening of the brewing bucket, the unloading mechanism comprises an unloading plate, a funnel; the pressurizing mechanism is disposed at the top opening of the brewing bucket, the pressurizing mechanism comprises a platen, a pressurizing cover; the foam creation mechanism comprises a sleeve opened at two ends, a filter basket sleeved onto the top of the inside of the sleeve, a foamer mesh cover sleeved to a bottom of the inside of the sleeve, an air pump; the structure is reasonable, having advantages of simple, convenient, has multiple functions, unloading is convenient, and good brewing performance, effectively solving the probl

Abstract: A grill is provided. The grill comprising: an oven configured to maintain a holding temperature within the oven; one or more grilling stations located in the oven, each of the one or more grilling stations comprising: an upper platen assembly including an upper grilling plate; a lower platen assembly including a lower grilling plate opposite the upper grilling plate, the upper grilling plate being separated from the lower grilling plate by a distance; one or more actuators operably connected to at least one of the upper platen assembly and the lower platen assembly, wherein the one or more actuators are configured to adjust the distance; and a conveyor belt located between the upper grilling plate and the lower grilling plate, wherein the conveyer belt is configured to move a food product between the upper grilling plate and the lower grilling plate.

Abstract: Examples are disclosed that relate to cooking pans. In one example, a cooking pan comprises a dome-shaped draining surface that slopes downwardly from a center portion toward a first side and an opposite second side, and slopes downwardly from the center portion toward a first end and an opposite second end; and a plurality of ribs extending upwardly from the draining surface, wherein each of the ribs comprises a raised cooking surface at a distal end.

Abstract: A grill includes a base structure, a first platen assembly connected to the base structure, and a second platen assembly connected to the base structure. At least the second platen assembly is movable between a first position and a second position. A latch mechanism is operable to selectively retain the upper platen assembly in the second position. The latch mechanism includes a first portion and a second portion. The second portion further comprises a retaining ring movable to receive and cooperate with the first portion when the first portion and the second portion of the latch mechanism are misaligned.

Abstract: An electric motor operated kitchen appliance has a base unit having an electric motor and a preparation vessel, which can be connected to the base unit and into which a rotating element protrudes, which can be rotationally driven by means of the electric motor, wherein a grinding element, which, with a grinding area of a grinding vessel held on the preparation vessel, forms a grinder, can be connected to the rotating element. To advantageously further develop the kitchen appliance, the grinding element is connected to the rotating element via a coupling element having at least one elastic partial area.

Abstract: A hand operated herbal grinder for the disintegration of herbs, spices and plant matter. The apparatus allows a user to place plant matter into the top of a first enclosure. The actuation of the apparatus, particularly through the use of a drive handle rotates blades inward to disintegrate the plant matter with rotational cutting blades.

Abstract: A coffee bean grinder includes a grinding apparatus, a hopper, a receptacle, and an electrical ground contact. The hopper is arranged with respect to the grinding apparatus for feeding coffee beans to the grinding apparatus. The receptacle is for receiving coffee beans that have been ground by the grounding apparatus. The receptacle includes an electrically conductive material and is removable from a location where the receptacle is arranged to receive ground coffee beans from the grinding apparatus. The electrical ground contact is electrically connected with ground and is positioned with respect to the grinding apparatus such that when the receptacle is arranged to receive ground coffee beans from the grinding apparatus, the electrically ground contact contacts the receptacle.

Abstract: A stirrer for inserting into a bottom opening of a vessel bottom of a stirring vessel of an electric motor operated kitchen appliance has a plurality of positioning protrusions embodied on its circumferential surface one behind the other in the circumferential direction. A plurality of first positioning protrusions of the circumferential surface protrude with a first radial length difference beyond a smallest radius of the circumferential surface. At least one second positioning protrusion protrudes with a second radial length difference beyond the smallest radius of the circumferential surface, which second radial length difference is smaller than the first radial length difference.

Abstract: There is described an automated liquid management system for a liquid container such as a bathtub. The system comprises a faucet or a shower head, a drain closure, a level sensor and a controller operatively coupled to thereto. The controller operates the faucet or a shower head, the drain closure and the level sensor to monitor and control the level of liquid in the container.

Abstract: Disclosed is a disposable for use with a surface that defines a basin for receiving liquid. The disposable has a pair of surfaces spaced apart from one another by a tubular sidewall. One of the pair of surfaces is positioned, in use, against the basin-defining surface. In use, gas issues through the sidewall in the form of bubbles. The disposable is useful in association with foot spas and the like. A mechanism for puncturing a liner is also disclosed.

Abstract: A shower pan has a first portion having a drain hole and a bottom flat surface to contact a floor and a top surface having a predetermined slope toward the drain hole; and a second portion coupled to the first portion at the drain hole, the second portion having a bottom surface with the predetermined slope and adapted to gaplessly fit with the first portion through a waterproofing pan liner.

Abstract: A personal hygiene device includes a bottle body portion configured to hold fluid, and an elongated portion, connected to the bottle body portion. In some embodiments, the elongated portion includes a brush and an orifice configured to release the fluid. In other embodiments, the elongated portion is designed to be inserted into a body cavity and does not include a brush.

Abstract: A tissue wipe container includes a case having a dispensing unit and a lid attached to the case such as to expose and cover the dispensing unit, wherein the dispensing unit has an engaging part for engaging the dispensing unit with the case, and has a flat plate part having one or more cuts made thereinto that serve as an opening through which tissue wipes are passed, wherein the flat plate part includes a plurality of flexible parts, which are elastically deformable and separated from each other by the one or more cuts, and each of which has a distal end situated toward a center of the opening and a proximal end situated away from the center of the opening, wherein the engaging part has a constricted portion formed in a side surface of the dispensing unit at a center in a vertical direction along a circumferential direction, an edge of a mount opening of the case being inserted into the constricted portion to cause the engaging part to be engaged with the mount opening, and wherein the plurality of flexible

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses regarding an improved sheet product dispenser are provided herein. Example sheet product dispensers include a rotatable carriage that holds two full size product rolls. Upon substantial depletion of one of the product rolls, the sheet product dispenser is configured to enable the carriage to rotate to present the depleted product roll to the janitor for easy and intuitive replacement. For example, a carriage with a depleted product roll may be configured to automatically rotate upon opening of the cover. Additional features for intuitive and reliable installation of the product roll are also provided herein, such as roll holder slot guides and a retention mechanism that maintains installation of a product roll during rotation of the carriage. Such example sheet product dispensers help to eliminate product waste, reduce confusion while loading, and reduce the time and effort required to load the sheet product dispenser.

Abstract: A rolled sheet material dispenser, used for dispensing a sheet material on a reel, includes a box and a clamping assembly. The clamping assembly includes a first clamping member, a second clamping member and at least one elastic member. The first clamping member or/and the second clamping member may be a roller. The roller is pivotally connected to the box through a pair of rolling bearings and adjacent to a dispensing opening. The roller is connected with the elastic member so that the roller can be displaced by an elastic force of the elastic member to a clamping position and can be supported by the rolling bearings to clamp the sheet material stably.

Abstract: A sheet material dispensing apparatus, including a cover; a rear wall connected to the cover; a flexible mounting plate operatively connected to the cover; a shaft connected to the mounting plate; a motor operatively connected to the shaft; a supply roller connected to the shaft, the supply roller having a radiused portion and at least one truncated portion; and a microswitch activating cam extending from a side of the supply roller, the microswitch activating cam being operable to contact a microswitch fixed on the mounting plate to stop the motor, wherein the apparatus further includes: a retracting roller connected to the shaft, wherein the retracting roller has a radiused portion, and at least one truncated portion; and a supporting plate engaged and disengaged by the retracting roller during operation, wherein the disengagement of the radiused portion from the supporting plate causes the supply roller to translate toward the rear wall.

Abstract: A hand vacuum cleaner is provided with a first cyclonic cleaning stage, a pre-motor filter and a fluid flow motor. The first cyclonic stage has a bottom end, an upper end spaced longitudinally from the bottom end along a first stage axis, an air inlet and an air outlet, the first cyclonic cleaning stage comprising a first cyclone chamber and a first dirt collection region, the first dirt collection region having an end wall at the bottom end that is openable to empty the first dirt collection region. The pre-motor filter is positioned downstream from the first cyclonic cleaning stage and spaced from the openable end wall of the first dirt collection region in a direction of the first stage axis. The fluid flow motor is downstream from the pre-motor filter.

Abstract: A compact motor housing for housing a motor and a blower of a cleaning device and with integrated air outlet silencing. The motor housing encloses a flow passage between a flow inlet and outlet. The housing has a blower chamber fluidically connected to the flow inlet, and via first and second outlet openings also fluidically connected to at least two parallel, preferably similar, silencer ducts each being arranged in an area limited by an angle of less than 90°, seen in a view parallel with the blower and motor axis. The silencer ducts each have at least one wallbetween the blower chamber and the external wall of the motor housing for causing at least one flow direction bend, so as to provide a noise attenuating effect. The areas occupied by the at least two silencer ducts are non-overlapping, seen in a view parallel with the blower and motor axis. With a circular blower chamber, a compact box shaped motor housing can be provided with corner volumes available for silencer ducts.

Abstract: A cleaning mechanism for clearing a cleaning roller of a cleaner. The cleaning mechanism includes: a cleaning roller for cleaning ground, a clearing component operating to clearing the cleaning roller, and a power unit. The clearing component includes a rotation body and a plurality of clearing elements disposed on the rotation body for clearing a surface of the cleaning roller. The power unit operates to drive the rotation body and the clearing elements to rotate along with the cleaning roller in the same direction. During the rotation of the cleaning roller, the trash is cleared by the clearing elements.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vacuum cleaner that opens or closes a hole formed in a suction portion according to a state of a surface to be cleaned, thereby efficiently cleaning. A vacuum cleaner includes a suction portion configured to suck foreign materials on a surface to be cleaned. The suction portion includes a case having an air hole formed in a flow path, a frame configured to be accommodated in the case and open or close the air hole, and a button configured to be mounted on the case and be operated to move the frame.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner bag assembly is adapted to be removably disposed within a tank of a vacuum cleaner, and the bag assembly includes a panel assembly made from a first material and forming an enclosure having an interior volume, and an aperture extends through the panel assembly. A shield member may be disposed within the interior volume and secured to one or more portions of the panel assembly, and the shield member may comprise a second material that is different than the first material. The shield member is adapted to protect a portion of the panel assembly when the vacuum cleaner bag assembly is disposed within the tank.

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

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a dust cup assembly and a handheld cleaner having the same, the dust cup assembly includes a casing having a central chamber, a dedusting chamber and a dust collecting chamber, wherein the central chamber is configured to have an upright columnar shape and comprises an air exhaust chamber and a mounting chamber in communication with each other in an up-and-down direction, the dedusting chamber is configured to have a closed annular cross section and surrounds the air exhaust chamber by one circle, the dust collecting chamber is located below the dedusting chamber, has a non-closed annular cross section and surrounds the mounting chamber by less than a circle; a negative pressure device, in which wherein at least a majority of the negative pressure device is provided in the mounting chamber and used to suck airflow from the environment into the casing; and a dedusting device provided in the dedusting chamber to remove dust from the sucked airflow.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a dust cup assembly and a handheld cleaner having the same, the dust cup assembly includes a casing including a cup body with an open top, and a cleaner cover disposed at a top of the cup body and capable of being opened and closed; a negative pressure device provided in the cup body and used to suck airflow from an environment into the casing; and a dedusting device provided in the cup body, located above the negative pressure device and withdrawable from the top of the cup body when the cleaner cover is opened.

Abstract: Self-cleaning features for extraction cleaners and attachments for extraction cleaners, such as accessory tools, wands, and/or hoses, are provided. The self-cleaning features are configured redirect cleaning fluid from a fluid supply system of the extraction cleaner into a working air or fluid recovery path of the extraction cleaner, including, but not limited to into the working air or fluid recovery path of a tool, wand, and/or hose of the extraction cleaner.

Abstract: An electrical household appliance includes a base for producing steam having a steam generator including a boiling chamber and a liquid reservoir supplying the boiling chamber by gravity, the liquid flowing by gravity from the reservoir toward the boiling chamber until the liquid level in the boiling chamber reaches an equilibrium level, called the reference level, at which the liquid level prevents air from entering the reservoir, the boiling chamber including a steam outlet through which steam can escape toward a work tool, such as a smoothing brush, and a communication opening connected to a pipe having an evacuation opening closed with a removable stopper, wherein the pipe includes a scale-collecting container that is removable through the evacuation opening.

Abstract: A cleaning robot includes a detector configured to detect an obstacle; a determining portion configured to determine whether the cleaning robot is in an obstacle obstruction state; and a controller configured to control the first drive wheel to cross an obstacle and control the second drive wheel to cross the obstacle according to a detection result when the cleaning robot is in the obstacle obstruction state.

Abstract: A cleaning article for cleaning a target surface. The cleaning article has tow fibers attached to a carrier sheet. The tow fibers are advantageously provided with an exterior coating. The coating is applied in an amount sufficient to be efficacious, but not wasteful or which leaves residue. The amount of coating is correlated with the amount of moisture in the tow.

Abstract: A cleaning article for cleaning a target surface. The cleaning article has a coating of soy oil, to improve debris capture and retention. The soy oil is substantially un-hydrogenated, which further improves processability, without sacrificing debris capture and retention over commonly used and more highly hydrogenated soy oil.

Abstract: An information processing method performed with a processor includes determining whether a second dispensing amount of detergent to be dispensed in a washing apparatus in a scheduled first washing event falls below a threshold based on a remaining amount of the detergent in a detergent container of the washing apparatus and a first dispensing amount set for one washing event for washing a washing target, changing a third dispensing amount determined based on the first dispensing amount to be dispensed into the washing apparatus in a second washing event preceding the first washing event to a fourth dispensing amount equaling or exceeding the threshold when the second dispensing amount is determined to fall below the threshold, outputting information representing the fourth dispensing amount, and causing the washing apparatus to dispense the fourth dispensing amount of the detergent in the second washing event.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiments provide a device for cleaning a drinking glass having interior and exterior surfaces where the device includes a body having a top and bottom. The device preferably includes an elongate member which contains a first portion that contacts the interior surfaces of the glass while a second portion contacts the exterior surfaces of the glass. The elongate member preferably has a plurality of bristles extending therefrom. In some embodiments, the elongate member is similar to a pipe cleaner.

Abstract: A dish washing machine having a structure allowing wash water to be evenly sprayed into a washing tub. The dish washing machine includes a cabinet forming an external appearance of the dish washing machine, a washing tub arranged in the cabinet and allowing dishes to be washed therein, a dish basket arranged in the washing tub to accommodate the dishes, a spray unit to spray wash water into the washing tub, a diversion unit arranged inside a flow passage of wash water to divert the wash water sprayed from the spray unit, and a guide member coupled to one side of the diversion unit to allow the diversion unit to move within the washing tub. As the spray unit and the diversion unit are provided, a dead zone which wash water does not reach may be eliminated, and divided and intensive washing may be implemented in the washing tub.

Abstract: A dispensing device (1) for a dishwashing machine, the dispensing device (1) including: a body (2) configured to be mounted to a door of the dishwashing machine; a receptacle (3) formed in the body (2) to receive a quantity of a washing or rinsing agent; a movable lid (5) associated with the receptacle (3) and displaceable in a manner constrained to the body (2) against the action of a spring (8) from an open position into a closed position, where it opens and closes the receptacle (3), respectively; a gasket (6) arranged on the lid and a sealing projection (4) arranged on the body, the gasket having a sealing surface (6c) engaged by the sealing projection (4) when the lid (5) is in closed position, in such a way as to provide a seal around the receptacle (3); and a latching apparatus (11, 13) provided for locking the lid (5) in the closed position and operable to release the lid (5) from the closed position.

Abstract: A dispensing device (1) for a dishwashing machine, the dispensing device (1) including a body (2) configured to be mounted to a door of the dishwashing machine; a receptacle (3) formed in the body (2) to receive a quantity of a washing or rinsing agent; a movable lid (5) associated with the receptacle (3) and displaceable in a manner constrained to the body (2) against the action of a spring (8) from an open position into a closed position, where it opens and closes the receptacle (3), respectively; a guiding arrangement for constraining the displacement of the lid (5) between the open position and the closed position, the guiding arrangement including pins (5a, 5b) formed in the lid and corresponding grooves (6a, 6b) formed in the body; and a latching apparatus (11, 13) provided for locking the lid (5) in the closed position and operable to release the lid (5) from the closed position.

Abstract: A dishwasher capable of shortening drying time is disclosed. The present device comprises: a main body having a washing tub provided therein; a door rotatably coupled to the main body so as to open and close the washing tub; a blowing duct having a passage provided between the outside of the washing tub and the inside of the main body so as to provide a flow path through which the air flowing from the outside flows, and a discharge port provided at the passage so as to spray air to the outside; and a blowing means connected to the blowing duct so as to provide the external air into the blowing duct, and forcibly causing wet steam in the washing tub to flow to the front of the main body, wherein the passage has at least one variable section for changing the cross sectional area thereof.

Abstract: A device that combines a handheld retractable sprayer nozzle with an integrated soap/cleaning compartment for hot tubs, bathtubs, sinks, showers and other uses for residential, commercial, and industrial cleaning. The core elements are a nozzle with a rotating variable spray head, water selection knob, and distinctly, a compartment for tablets for soap, cleanser, etc. By using a self-contained closed system that eliminates additional suction hoses, containers, and multiple large soap containers this device will provide an easy to use product for end-users.

Abstract: A nonwoven hand pad includes a substrate having first and second opposed major surfaces wherein the first major surface includes a first functional region configured for a first cleaning operation, and the second major surface includes at least two functional regions configured for second and third cleaning operations. A method of cleaning using such a pad is also disclosed.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for contextually controlling a surgical device is disclosed. The method includes receiving, by a computer system, perioperative data from the surgical device, the perioperative data associated with a surgical procedure; receiving, by the computer system, images from a scope, the images visualizing the surgical device during the surgical procedure; determining, by the computer system, an attribute of the surgical device from the images; determining, by the computer system, procedural context data based at least on the perioperative data and the attribute of the surgical device; and controlling, by the computer system, the surgical device according to the procedural context data.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes: a first processor configured to process a first imaging signal acquired by a first endoscope; a second processor communicably connected to the first processor and configured to process second imaging signal acquired by a second endoscope; a mode switch configured to switch a processing mode of image processing; an image processor configured to execute first image processing on the first imaging signal when the mode switch switches the processing mode to a first processing mode and to execute second image processing on an signal input from the second processor when the mode switch switches the processing mode to a second processing mode; and a video-signal output unit configured to generate a video signal for display based on an output signal from the image processor and output the video signal to an external device.

Abstract: An endoscopic system includes a left optical system having a first focal position, a right optical system having a second focal position that is different from the first focal position. An image capturing device generates a first image and a second image respectively from images of a subject that are obtained by the left optical system and the right optical system. A display device displays the first image or the second image. A proper image determiner determines the magnitude relationship between the position of the subject in a predetermined area displayed on the display device and at least one threshold value Th is established between the first focal position and the second focal position. A video signal processor switches to the first image or the second image depending on a determined result from the proper image determiner and displays the image on the display device.

Abstract: A wireless endoscope system includes two wireless endoscopes and a processor. Each wireless endoscope includes a memory configured to store setting information specifying operation conditions. The processor is capable of performing radio communication with each wireless endoscope. The processor includes a memory configured to store the setting information acquired by radio communication, and a controlling portion. The controlling portion stores the setting information in the memory and transmits the setting information to one of the wireless endoscopes by near field radio communication to store the setting information in a memory of the one of the wireless endoscope.