Abstract: A dresser for discretely securing items; the dresser for discretely securing items therein includes a housing having at least two visible drawers therein, a dresser-top having at least one hidden drawer therein, a latch-mechanism and an opener. In one embodiment, the opener is a lock and key. In another embodiment, the opener is a fingerprint scanner. The dresser provides a safe, secured, discreet way to store personal belongings of value, including money and jewelry.

Abstract: A bottle rack includes a panel that has a front surface and an opposing back surface, and support bars cantilevered from the panel and extending from the front surface. Each of the support bars has a linear bottle supporting portion that is positioned, and that is at an acute angle, relative to the front surface such that at least two of the support bars can support a bottle while forcing the bottle against the front surface. The rack may be a “label forward” rack. Additionally, the various joints, grooves, and slots used to join the support bars to the panel may also be used to join any the support bars and panels of any suitable bottle rack.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for simultaneously testing a plurality of mobile devices is disclosed. The method for simultaneously testing a plurality of mobile devices generally includes simultaneously executing a test mobile device application on the plurality of mobile devices, determining test mobile device application results for the plurality of mobile devices at a plurality of test computers, sending a test mobile device application results from the plurality of mobile devices to the plurality of test computers, and deleting the test mobile device application on the plurality of mobile devices.

Abstract: A damping device includes a housing, a piston and a controller. The housing defines a chamber filled with a damping medium. The piston is movable in the chamber and includes a passage for allowing the damping medium to pass through. The controller includes a control member and a resilient member. The control member is capable of being moved toward the passage of the piston or closing a portion or all portions of the passage of the piston in response to a speed of the piston.

Abstract: A device for mounting a sensor, comprising: a bracket formed with at least one guide hole therein; at least one support rod each passing through a mounting hole in a housing of the sensor and the guide hole in the bracket and mounted on the housing of the sensor and the bracket; and at least one elastic element each disposed on the support rod, so that the sensor is movable relative to the bracket along the support rod against the elastic element. Other brackets can be used. The sensor senses when a cabinet door is closed and sealed.

Abstract: A chair component assembly includes a support component adapted to support a portion of a seated user, and a cover including a plurality of sides that cooperate to form an interior space that receives the support component therein, the cover further including a support component receiving aperture and a flap movable between an open position where the support component may be moved from an exterior of the cover to the interior space of the cover, and a closed position where the flap covers the support component receiving aperture, and wherein the flap is secured to the support component by a quick-connect fastener.

Abstract: A chair assembly includes a four-bar arrangement that includes a lower end and an upper end where the upper end is adjustable between a raised position and a lowered position, and an arm rest assembly adapted to support the arm of a seated user thereon and supported on an upper end of the four-bar arrangement, wherein the lower end of the four-bar arrangement is pivotably supported from an arm support structure for pivotable movement about an arm pivot axis, such that the upper end of the four-bar arrangement is movable between a first position and second position located laterally outward from the first position, and wherein the arm pivot axis is angularly offset from a vertical axis.

Abstract: A seating support arrangement includes a seating frame, a cover member supported by the seating frame, the cover member having a first elastic modulus in a first direction, the cover member having an outer surface area and a support area that is less than the outer surface area and is configured to support a user, and a polymer film surface layer attached to the support area of the cover member such that the combination of the cover member in the support area and the surface layer has a second elastic modulus in the first direction that is greater than the first elastic modulus.

Abstract: A method for using a back lifting chair designed for treating and preventing back problems by monitoring posture, weight distribution, and sitting duration of an occupant of a seating device, and reducing pressure on a user's spinal disc by adjusting the user's posture. The method allows for an up-lifting motion on the user's torso, reducing the weight and pressure asserted on the lumbar disc, and preventing any further damage to it. The method allows for an upward and downward movement, hence partially or completely lifting the user from the seat, effectively reducing the pressure on the user's spine and back. The upward motion can be initialized by the user, or alternatively, it can be automatically activated by the weight sensor installed on the seat device which detects the prolonged period of sitting.

Abstract: A chair back assembly includes a back frame having a front surface and a rear surface and including a laterally extending cross member having opposite end portions, a back shell including a front surface, a rear surface positioned in front of the front surface of the back frame, a pair of laterally spaced side portions defining an opening therebetween, and a top portion extending laterally between and connected to the side portions, wherein the side portions are exclusively connected to the cross member at opposite ends of the cross member, wherein the connection between the side portions of the back shell and the end portions of the cross member are the only connections between the side portions of the back shell and the back frame, and a cover extending across the opening and connected to the side portions and the top portion of the back shell.

Abstract: A seating arrangement includes a base, a back arrangement and a seat arrangement each supported by the base, the back arrangement movable between an upright position and reclined position, the seat arrangement including a stop member, a shell supported on the base and forming at least a portion of the seat arrangement, the shell including a first portion and second portion movable relative to the first portion, the shell configured such that a downward force exerted on the first portion by a seated user forces the back arrangement from the reclined position toward the upright position, and a tilt limiter coupled to the base and configured to engage the stop member at both the upright position and the reclined position.

Abstract: An office-type chair including a back support having a suspension mesh back support and a back support frame. The suspension mesh back support has an integral retaining channel disposed at a peripheral edge thereof, and the back support frame includes a central pair of upright support posts and wedge base for mounting to a chair frame. The back support frame includes a plurality of flexible and spaced support arms extending laterally outward from the upright support posts. The support arms each have a peripheral edge configured for fastenerless attachment in a tensioned state within the suspension mesh retaining channel. An upholstery cover encapsulates the suspension mesh and back support frame. The office chair also includes a lumbar mechanism including a resilient cushion that may be positioned in the space between the suspension mesh and the support frame and adjusted along the vertical extent of the back support by rolling the resilient cushion on the rear of the suspension mesh.

Abstract: This invention relates to a bed comprising: •a support frame (2); •a bed frame (9) having a proximal and distal end opposite to each other; •a support and motion system configured to support and move the bed frame relative to the support frame, and comprising: •a first support (30) that is moveable along the support frame, and is connected to the proximal end; •a support beam (50); •a second support (40) that is moveable along the support frame, and is connected to an end of the support beam, wherein an opposite end of the support beam is connected to the bed frame at a position in between the proximal and distal end; and •an actuator system (31,41) to independently move the first and second support along the support frame allowing the bed frame to be positioned in orientations parallel and perpendicular to the support frame.

Abstract: Electric motor furniture drive for adjusting parts of a piece of furniture relative to one another has a drive unit which has at least one electric motor and is in drive connection with at least one tensioning unit. Furniture drive has a base body which is preferably configured as a housing and is accommodated in or on the tensioning unit. At least two Bowden cables are operatively associated with each tensioning unit, traction cables of Bowden cables being in operative connection with associated tensioning unit. Traction cables are guided or guidable to tensioning unit(s) through at least one recess in the housing. The sheathings of the Bowden cables are fixed or fixable to the base body.

Abstract: Adjustable mattress assemblies and processes including an adjustable mattress foundation dimensioned to support a mattress configured to accommodate two supine users during use thereof includes a foundation frame including a first sub-foundation configured with at least one motorized actuator to effect inclination or declination of the mattress support surface and an abutting second sub-foundation free of a motorized actuator. The second foundation is mechanically coupled to the first foundation such that articulation of the first sub-foundation results in a similar articulation in the second foundation. The first and second foundations have similar length, height and width dimensions, which collectively approximates the size of the oversized mattress configured to accommodate two supine users, e.g., king size, queen size, California king size, or the like.

Abstract: An air distribution pad comprises an upper layer, a lower layer, and a spacer material located between the upper layer and the lower layer, the spacer material configured to allow air to pass therethrough. An air distributor is configured to distribute air to the spacer material, wherein the air distributor comprises a port configured to receive an air hose, wherein the port is directed laterally sideways from the air distributor. At least one joining structure is coupled to the upper layer and the lower layer, the at least one joining structure providing one or more channels formed through the spacer material in fluid communication with the air distributor. The one or more channels are configured to direct generally laterally flowing air from the port of the air distributor to a generally longitudinal direction along the at least one channel.

Abstract: Hybrid coil and air chamber assemblies for cushioning supports generally include pressurized air chambers that are positioned intermediate strings of pocketed coils. In this manner, the coils and air chambers can move independently but can be made to cooperate to provide firmness control, contouring and/or support of a user thereof. Air pressure within the air chambers can be independently adjusted to manipulate firmness and/or contour properties in specific zones defined by the presence and location of the air chambers, e.g., pressure of the air chambers corresponding to the lumbar region can be adjusted to eliminate high pressure points. Still further, the pressure within the air chambers can be automatically adjusted to different applied loads as a function of movement. Also disclose are processes for adjusting a mattress including the hybrid coil and air assemblies.

Abstract: An adjustable mattress has a comfort layer and support layer that are separable, replaceable and able to be arranged individually for obtaining the level of hardness and comfort most suitable to a user's desire. An adjustable mattress consists of a comfort layer, a support layer, uniting parts, and springs. The comfort layer is a surface layer on the mattress that can be made from materials of foam or latex or fiber or gel or spring, recycled foam, recycled latex (rebounded) or wrapped spring of various diameters and heights, support layer containing springs, wrapped springs or arranged springs inside the foam as parts of the support layer, the uniting part can be in the form of magnet and iron plate, zipper, button or Velcro placed in the comfort layer and support layer.

Abstract: A sofa with an upholstered arm panel has an arm frame with a layered composition comprising an underlayment material layer, a fiber material layer positioned on top of and contacting the underlayment material layer, and a covering upholstery material layer positioned on top of and contacting the fiber material layer. The underlayment material layer is comprised a planar sheet of Ethylene-vinyl acetate closed cell foam. The EVA foam extends forwardly on the arm frame to create a forward extending lip. The use of EVA foam reduces the number of structural and cushioning materials, fasteners, and labor currently required in arm panel construction.

Abstract: Described is a retractable furniture cover. The cover is made of a retractable material stored inside of a housing. The housing can either be built into the furniture or have a mechanism for attaching on. The cover can be extracted from the housing in order to cover the furniture completely, or be extracted part way and attached to a rigid, upright rod to form a shade structure for the user.

Abstract: A baby foot support is used to assist in changing a baby's diaper. The device can be easily folded, telescoped and/or disassembled for transport, for example in a diaper bag. A base includes a suction cup for removably attaching the base to a flat surface. A support arm has a first end that connects to the base and a second end that connects to a pair of tethers. A pair of cuffs connected to the tethers removable attach around the ankles of a baby to support the baby's feet to assist on changing the baby's diaper. Several types of support arms are described including a two-part arm with a sliding connection between the arms, a telescoping arm, and an articulating arm. A range of fasteners may be utilized, such as captured or removable wing bolts.

Abstract: A baby seat and carrier system structured and arranged to comfort and calm an infant when a caregiver is not able to by soothing and swaddling an infant in a gentle, womb-like environment, holding the infant in a natural cradling position while a rocker stand provides a relaxing continuous motion while a removable white noise generator blocks out the tumult of the outside world

Abstract: A baby carrier capable of carrying an infant. The baby carrier includes a belt that wraps around a caregiver's waist. A baby support portion couples to the belt and supports the infant. A first shoulder strap couples to the baby support portion and has a length adjustment device. The first shoulder strap couples the baby support portion to a caregiver's shoulder. A second shoulder strap couples to the baby support portion. The second shoulder strap couples the baby support portion to the caregiver's opposite shoulder. First and second ties of fabric slidably couple to the respective first and second loops and are secured to the baby support portion enabling adjustment and securing of the baby carrier to the caregiver.

Abstract: A hygienic automatic electric utensil dispenser for use in eating establishments such as hospitals, schools, or other areas where large number of people are eating food in a central area. The dispenser can be refilled using prepackaged stacked plastic utensil in a self-sealing plastic bags without the user ever touching the utensil during the refilling process. The dispenser delivers the utensil in a sanitary method using a plurality of sensors.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment utilizes the waste heat from a refrigerant cycle to aid in the removal of condensate from a refrigerated case used primarily by grocery stores. Certain embodiments use a heating element to boil off condensate or a pump to remove the condensate. Another embodiment utilizes a wicking element and a shroud that directs hot air from the condenser through the wick thereby increasing the condensate evaporation rate. Yet another embodiment utilizes the hot gas tube from the refrigeration system routed through the bottom of the condensate tray to pre-heat the condensate to accelerate evaporation. Alternative embodiments combine certain features to create even more efficient system such as a heating element used with the wick system or the hot gas system used with the wick system. In some embodiments, a mold and mildew inhibitor is added to the condensate to maintain cleanliness.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a unit (100, 200) for a merchandise display system, comprising: an interface frame (102, 112) including a first side (112, 212) and a second side (114, 214), the interface frame (102, 112) configured: to couple to a frame of a back panel (150, 250) of the merchandise display system to locate the first side (112, 212) against the back panel (150, 250); and to provide a system to which merchandise hangers (14, 158) can be coupled at the second side (114, 214); an aperture (118) in the first side (112, 212); an aperture (118) in the second side (114, 214); wherein a space within the interface frame (102, 112) between the first side (112, 212) and the second side (114, 214) defines an enclosed air flow channel (152, 252) between the aperture (118) in the first side (112, 212) and the aperture (118) in the second side (114, 214). The present invention also relates to a merchandise display system comprising the unit (100, 200).

Abstract: A product management display system for merchandising product on a shelf includes using a trackless pusher mechanism that travels along a surface on which product is placed and one or more dividers for separating product into rows. The one or more dividers may be engaged to a front rail in two different conditions, locked and unlocked. In a locked condition, the relationship between the divider and the front rail resists alteration in any direction with respect to each other. In the unlocked condition, the dividers may be freely slid laterally along the front rail, while remaining perpendicular to the front rail. The one or more dividers may lock to the front rail through the use of corresponding teeth, resilient surfaces, a locking tab, a locking bar and/or a cam.

Abstract: A shelf for displaying a single item. The shelf includes a slanting back panel, a base panel disposed at the base of the slanting back panel, a catch disposed at the front, distal end of the base panel, and a back panel support disposed in the rear of the slanting back panel and in proximity of the top edge of the slanting back panel.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatuses, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, are provided for an interactive mirror device. The interactive mirror device comprises a mirror, a display mounted behind the mirror, a processor, a memory including a mirror application, one or more user inputs, and one or more communication modules. The interactive mirror may be in communication with one or more devices and/or services, from which the mirror may receive various types of information. The information may be displayed or otherwise communicated to a user. The interactive mirror may also aggregate and display the information into a form more useful to the user, based on settings or other input from the user. The interactive mirror may replace a mirror door of an existing medicine cabinet, may be installed next to, and physically connected with, an existing medicine cabinet, or may be surface mounted to a wall or recessed into a wall.

Abstract: A frame apparatus adapted to use on any surface structure, is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a frame, a frame cover and a visor clip mount, a frame comprising one or more flanges extends from a peripheral edge of the frame. A frame cover comprises at least two recess for receiving a picture, wherein the frame is fastened to the frame cover. The flanges are adapted to overhang the frame cover to secure the frame, picture and transparent frame cover in assembled condition. The visor clip mount is disposed at a rear side of the frame configured to receive a visor clip. The apparatus further comprises a stand mount adapted to hingedly fasten a stand. The stand enables the frame apparatus to be placed on a flat surface and the visor clip enables the frame apparatus to fit on an automobile visor.

Abstract: An interlocking mounting apparatus includes at least two portions interlocked together and at least one of the two portions having a mounting device. The interlocking mounting apparatus capable of holding more weight from the mounting device than the portion having the mounting device alone.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for making same utilizing a breathable mesh material having a reduced suffocation resistance level for infant and toddler use. The breathable mesh material includes an inner and outer fabric that includes larger openings on the front substructure than on the back substructure and a pile substructure is integrated and extends between the front and back substructures allowing air to substantially move effectively therethrough.

Abstract: An expandable pillow includes an upper pillow section having a first perimeter with a first perimeter edge, a lower pillow section having a second perimeter with a second perimeter edge, and a center layer having an outer perimeter disposed between the upper and lower pillow sections. The pillow includes a zipper extending around the outer perimeter of the center layer, the zipper having a first row of teeth secured to the first perimeter edge of the upper pillow section, a second row of teeth secured to the second perimeter edge of the lower pillow section, and a slider that moves along the first and second rows of teeth for opening and closing the zipper. The pillow is softer, expanded, and has a greater height when the zipper is opened and firmer, compressed, and has a smaller height when the zipper is closed.

Abstract: A wearable travel pillow. The wearable travel pillow includes a body designed to fit a pillow on the upper surface of the body. A pillow cover is also attached to the body. The pillow cover can selectively cover the pillow. The body also has a wrist strap so that the wearable travel pillow can be worn on the wearer's wrist.

Abstract: The invention provides a support body having a magnetic or ferromagnetic component to adhere the support body to a magnetic or ferromagnetic support, such as a table top by magnetic attraction. A reusable adhering component, such as a stretch-releasable pressure sensitive adhesive tape is disposed on a top surface of the support body to removably attach tableware or dishware to the support body. The support body can be in the form of a plate, a coaster, a placemat, or other known configuration. Alternatively, a support body can be releasably secured to a table top or other support surface by a releasable attaching device such as a suction cup and a supported body can be releasably attached to a piece of tableware or dishware by a releasable attaching device such as a suction cup, and the support body and the supported body can be magnetically attached to each other.

Abstract: A condiment dispenser with a dispensing mechanism that automatically loosens condiment coagulation in the condiment container. The user can accurately control the amount of condiment sprinkled on the food because the dispenser dispenses substantially constant amount of condiment for each manual activation. In order to isolate the stored condiment and prevent it from accumulating atmospheric moisture, only the dispensed amounts of condiment are exposed by applying a novel dispensing method of loading measured condiment portions inside the storage, transferring them, unloading and spreading them outside. The dispensing mechanism seldom clogs since it employs wide cavities for measurement, transferring, unloading and spreading. The condiment dispenser has a simple structure which is inexpensive to manufacture. It can be held and operated using just one hand and it dispenses the condiment directly downwards without needing to downturn the dispenser. The dispenser also has an electrically motorized version.

Abstract: A multi-chamber shot container including a hand-held body that defines a first aperture disposed proximal to an upper end of the hand-held body, a second aperture, and an upper fluid aperture disposed at the upper end of the hand-held body. The shot container also includes an inner container member with an inner surface and a bottom surface enclosing and defining a first cavity spanning from the bottom surface of the inner container member to the upper fluid aperture and an outer container member with an inner surface and a bottom surface enclosing and defining, with an outer surface of the inner container member, a second cavity liquidly segregated from the first cavity, wherein the first and second apertures are in sole fluid communication with the second cavity, thereby enabling selective discharge of liquid housed within the second cavity.

Abstract: A drink vessel or glass (1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G) with liquid level marks (5A, 5B, 6A, 6B). Each level is labeled (7, 8, 12) with the name or symbol of a respective liquid, and is also labeled (9, 10, 14) with the volume. A third level (11B) may be marked near the rim (4B) or may be limited by the rim. For example, a drink vessel for adults (1B) may have a 12 or 16 ounce maximum capacity with level marks at 4 fluid ounces for juice; at 8 ounces for milk; and a mark or upper limit at the rim of 12 or 16 ounces for water. A child's glass (1A) may have an 8 ounce maximum capacity with level marks at 4 ounces for juice and at 8 ounces for milk.

Abstract: Drink containers with mouthpiece assemblies having a dispensing configuration and a stowed configuration. A mouthpiece assembly defines a liquid passage through which drink liquid may be dispensed when the mouthpiece assembly is in the dispensing configuration and includes means for selectively restricting the flow of drink liquid through the liquid passage when the mouthpiece assembly is in the stowed configuration. In some examples, the means for selectively restricting the flow of drink liquid include a tube that at least partially defines the liquid passage and which includes a crimping region. The crimping region may be constructed of a resiliently and reversibly deformable material that is adapted to restrict the flow of drink liquid through the liquid passage when the mouthpiece assembly is in the stowed configuration. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece assembly includes a means for automatically releasing the mouthpiece assembly from its stowed configuration to a dispensing configuration.

Abstract: A food pouch spout and lid apparatus equipped with a lip stopper is described. The apparatus is designed to augment or replace the existing food pouch spout of a conventional food pouch in order to prevent speech and development issues. Such issues are known to be prevalent among children who frequently use sippy cups and food pouches which are not equipped with a lip stopper. The lip stopper of the present invention ensures that the child is unable to place the spout of the food pouch or straw into the mouth beyond the lips, ensuring the prevention of normal speech, palate, and alveolar development. One embodiment posits the integration of the lip stopper and capper apparatus into the spout of a food pouch at the point of manufacturing, eliminating the need for additional accessories.

Abstract: A feeding accessory or tool for administering food or medication to neonatal infants, utilizes a storage part and a spoon part. The latter has upstanding side flanges to direct food or medications along a channel between the flanges. The spoon part has an end flange with a central depression that can complement an infant's tongue and lips, to simplify administration of the food or medications, as the case may be. Improved transfer from the storage part to the infant's mouth is thereby achievable. The device can be inexpensively fabricated using simple mold cavities for plastic articles such as the present tool.

Abstract: A shatter-resistant container in the shape of a large wine bottle with an insulated chamber. The container is designed for use in an area such as a pool or beach where glass is restricted. The container has a removable neck which permits a full bottle of wine to be poured quickly into a large opening in the insulated chamber. A base can be removed to access a storage compartment which holds a pair of disassembled stemmed wine glasses or stemless glasses made of a shatter-resistant polymer. The neck includes a cap or valve and an aerator, so that wine is aerated as it is poured from the container.

Abstract: The present invention is known as an Independent Feeding Tray known as IFT. The IFT is a molded plastic food tray wherein portion of the tray will have a molded circular cup onto the tray for the securing the cup of packaged food cups that will be placed onto a food tray. IFT tray will have a plastic molded cup that will be molded onto the plane of the tray right bottom corner. The IFT tray will be offered with a molded cup onto the left bottom corner of the tray. The IFT tray will be one solid piece. The molded plastic cup to be placed on the right bottom corner of the tray for individuals with only the usage of right hand. A separate IFT tray with a molded cup onto the left bottom corner of the food tray for individuals with the usage of only a left hand. The IFT tray having a molded cup onto the tray will allow packaged food cups to be placed into the IFT molded cup for example Yogurt, Jello, Ice Cream, Applesauce, etc.

Abstract: An off the floor fashion handbag utilizes a suspension pocket integrated into an upper portion of a bag sidewall and containing a relatively thin, but high powered attracter (such as a magnet) that has sufficient attractive force to hold the off the floor fashion handbag and its contents tightly against an attachment surface that attracts a magnet so that the bag is suspended therefrom. The high powered attracter can be a strong magnet made from neodymium or any similar material that can make a strong, relatively permanent magnet. The suspension pocket can be inaccessible by being built into the handbag sidewall permanently; for example, it can be located between an outer layer and an inner liner of the fashion handbag. In an alternate embodiment, the suspension pocket can be user-accessible so that the owner can remove and/or replace the high powered attracter as needed.

Abstract: This invention provides a support platform for securing the base of a mailbox to a post or other horizontal support member. More particularly, the invention is directed to a mailbox and a support for a base of a mailbox in which the mailbox is able to pivot from a substantially horizontal position to an inclined position.

Abstract: A package retention system and method to secure one or more packages to a fixture such as a door handle are provided. When packages are delivered while home owner is away, the delivered packages can be securely and safely retained using the package retention system. The package retention system includes a bag to accommodate packages, a pull string configured to wrap around an opening of the bag, and an enclosure that includes first and second locking mechanisms. The first locking mechanism locks or unlocks the pull string, and the second locking mechanism locks or unlocks a coupling member that is configured to be coupled to a fixture such as a door handle to secure the bag to the fixture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a collection device for items delivered by UAV including a receptacle adapted to receive the goods delivered by the UAV. The collection device also includes an extension means, adapted to extend the receptacle towards the UAV as it approaches. So as the UAV approaches the collection device for delivery of an item, the extension means approaches the UAV such that delivery is facilitated. The invention also relates to variants thereof. The invention also relates to methods of use of a collection device.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a rice cooking device, which includes a base, a water storage assembly, a heating assembly, a steaming assembly, and a pressure regulating assembly. The water storage assembly includes a shell, a water storage container, and an energy gathering cover. The shell is disposed in the base, the water storage container is disposed in the shell, and the energy gathering cover is disposed in the water storage container. The energy gathering cover divides the water storage container into a first chamber positioned outside the energy gathering cover and a second chamber positioned inside the energy gathering cover. A water flow channel is formed between the first chamber and the second chamber. The heating assembly is disposed between the shell and the water storage container.

Abstract: A filtering and steeping container is revealed. The filtering and steeping container includes a container body and at least one soft and elastic netlike piece. At least two vertical ribs are integrally formed and projected from an inner wall of the container body. The netlike piece has a plurality of meshes. Two lateral sides of the netlike piece are slid along the two ribs respectively until a lower side of the netlike piece is close to an inner bottom surface of the container body while the netlike piece is inserted into the container body through an opening of the container body. A cavity of the container body is divided by the netlike piece to form a steeping chamber that is used for mounting at least one soaked object.

Abstract: An beverage-preparation apparatus comprises a capsule receptacle (204, 300, 400, 416, 500) receiving a beverage capsule (306, 418) containing a quantity of a beverage ingredient, and an injection head (202) for injecting fluid into said beverage capsule (306, 418) to produce a beverage, said injection head (202) being mobile between a first, inactive position and a second, active position, and further comprising a biasing device (226, 304) selectively preventing the injection head (202) from remaining in the first, inactive position, and a capsule-detecting means (308, 402, 404, 422, 508) activating the biasing device (226, 304) when the presence of a beverage capsule (306, 418) within said capsule receptacle (204, 300, 400, 416, 500) is detected.