Abstract: This document presents a fire starter device having an internal channel as bounded by two flanges mounted in the interior of the fire starter device to optimize the amount of energy provided to charcoal, wood chips, or any other flammable materials placed within the fire starter device from paper or other starter materials. The removable charcoal retention insert permits materials to be introduced into the fire starter device and retained in place until the user has positioned the fire starter device where desired. The shape and removable charcoal retention insert as emplaced within the fire starter device optimize the ignition of the flammable materials placed within the device.

Abstract: A cooking device. A connection mechanism is rigidly attached to the underside of a grill. A plurality of legs is attached to the grill for support. A stove having cookware support extensions is attached to the grill and supported by the connection mechanism. The connection mechanism positions the cookware support extensions tightly against the underside of the grill for optimum heat transfer. In a preferred embodiment, the cooking device is small, lightweight and easily portable.

Abstract: A toaster (103) having a side wall (10) with a reflective surface (16) to reflect radiant heat towards a toasting chamber (13), and an external surface to which there is attached a sensor assembly (12). The sensor assembly (12) provides a source beam to illuminate part of the product and receives a reflected beam that is received by a sensor, with the sensor providing a signal indicative of a property of the reflected beam and therefore a chromatic property of the product.

Abstract: A method of cooking utilizes a splatter shield to control grease splatter from food being cooked within a cooking vessel. The splatter shield includes a generally annular sidewall that slopes upwardly and radially inwardly from a lower rim to an upper rim. The upper rim of the splatter shield defines an upper opening in the splatter shield that is sufficiently large to permit the introduction of a cooking utensil therethrough, and the lower rim defines a lower opening in the splash shield. The upper opening in the splatter shield is smaller than the lower opening.

Abstract: A dish dryer/warmer which is powered by steam that is exhausted from a steam kettle. A hollow inserts fits into a spout on the kettle and a hose connects the spout to the dish dryer. The steam is then funneled into the dish dryer. A set of holders inside the dish dryer are mechanically activated based on what, so that if a dish is placed into a holder then steam will be discharged directly into that holder, thereby warming the respective dish. A plurality of such holders can be present inside the dish dryer and each one is selectively activated to discharge steam when an object is placed inside a respective holder. All of the holders in the dish dryer share the same steam source (the kettle or other source).

Abstract: An herb and spice grinder has a plurality of sections that are removably connected together. A hole is formed at the outer periphery of each of the plurality of sections. The plurality of sections can be rotated relative to one another so that the holes align to form a passageway. The bolt of a lock can be inserted through the passageway so as to prevent the sections from rotating relative to one another and to prevent the sections from being separated from one another. As a result, undesired access to the contents of such herb and spice grinder is effectively prevented. Preferably, rotation of a top section relative to an intermediate section causes a grinding of the herb or spice. The ground material passes through openings in the intermediate section to be stored in a receptacle formed in a bottom section. A blade for a grinder is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for obtaining personalized coffee blends includes a plurality of supply units each configured to supply a specific type of coffee bean to a collection container and each provided with at least a containing device in which the coffee beans of the specific type of coffee are contained. Each supply unit includes a first volumetric feed device and a second volumetric feed device.

Abstract: A blender jar comprises a container portion defining a blending chamber and having an open top end, a lid for selectively closing off the open top end of the container portion, one or more selectively rotatable blades extending into the blending chamber, and an insert selectively insertable into the blending chamber. The insert comprises a tubular central body having (i) a side wall defining a central chamber and an open top end and (ii) a floor at least partially closing off a bottom end of the central body, a flange projecting circumferentially outward from the central body, and a plurality of fins projecting outward the lower portion of the central body. One or both of the floor and a lower portion of the central body having a plurality of holes defined therein.

Abstract: A blender for blending food products includes a vessel configured for containing the food products and a cutter blade base having a cutter blade assembly. The cutter blade base releasably coupled to and cooperating with the vessel to seal the food products within the vessel and blend the food products. The cutter blade assembly is driven by a drive device. A pressure minimizing device prevents an overaccumulation of pressure within the vessel as the food products are blended therein.

Abstract: The ladle includes a ladle body including a main body having a handle and a space for containing food, a flexible guide having a connection end connected with an upper portion of the main body, and a deformer to change a shape of the flexible guide such that an angle of a top surface of the flexible guide is varied.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus that combines microwave based heating/cooking with either of blender/mixer grinder functionality and traditional cooking using open flame and/or induction cooking is disclosed. The cooking apparatus comprises a lid and at least one microwave producing device coupled to the lid. A lifting and lowering mechanism carries the lid and microwave producing device at a lower end for enabling vertically raising and lowering the lid along with the coupled microwave producing device. Upper end of lifting and lowering mechanism is slidably configured with a lower side of a chimney. Lid in lowered position gets operatively coupled with a container holding a food item. The container can be one for cooking food using conventional source of heat, or a container for preparatory operations such as blending, stirring, grinding and mixing. Coupling of the lid with the containers enables heating of the contents of the container through the microwaves generated by the at least one microwave producing device.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for preventing the spread debris and collecting liquids from the surface of handheld tooling. The apparatus of the present invention is operable to provide a sanitation pad comprised of a plurality of peelable units which are capable of absorbing liquids (e.g., water, and oils) and collecting debris for preventing contamination to the immediate work environment. The units may be comprised of various layers and material thereby allowing for various handheld tooling applications.

Abstract: A foldable sink cabinet includes a cabinet body having a front panel, a first board, and a second board. The front panel includes a reference plane in an extending direction thereof. The first board is pivotably mounted to the front panel about a first axis spaced from the reference plane by a first spacing. The second board is pivotably mounted to the front panel about a second axis spaced from the reference plane by a second spacing smaller than the first spacing.

Abstract: A whirlpool bath with descaling function is provided. The whirlpool bath 1 comprises a bathtub body 10 including a bathtub 11, suction port 20 sucking the water contained in the bathtub 11, first jet nozzles 30 jetting bubble water into the bathtub 11, a circulation pipe 40 including a water supply pipe 41 and a return pipe 42, a pump 50 installed in the circulation pipe 40, a bypass pipe 60 branched from the water supply pipe 41 and connected to the return pipe 42 to directly return the water in the water supply pipe 41 to the pump, and a second jet nozzle 70 mixing air with water passing through the bypass pipe 60 to generate and jet bubble water. The scale of the circulation pipe 40, the pump 50 and the bypass pipe 60 is removed by bubble water generated by the second jet nozzle 70.

Abstract: A shower base includes a combination slab where a foam slab (tapered or flat or multi-tapered) having a sloped upper surface is covered with a thin deformation-resisting honeycomb slab (e.g., 0.25-0.30 inch thickness, or more or less). A waterproof membrane and tile are installed on the shower base at the installation site. The method of installation includes installing the premanufactured combination slab at an installation site, and applying a waterproof membrane and thinset-bonded tile with gap-filling grout. This provides a high quality, flexible design that is both efficient and cost-competitive after installation. The honeycomb is sufficiently thick to overcome compression and deformation issues prevalent during tile installation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to dispensing systems that include containers used to contain fluids that need to be dispensed in controlled quantities. In particular, the present invention relates to a dispensing system which can be readily and securely fastened to the walls and other operating surfaces associated with bathrooms, changing rooms, machine shops and the like. In water closets at places of work, hospitals, laboratories, workshops and similar places, there are many individuals who require access to liquids such as liquid soap, oils and production process chemicals etc. usually have a reservoir that must be filled from a larger supply container. The filling operation tends to be complicated and thus time-consuming and with the likelihood of the creation of a mess. It is often difficult to feed the product directly into the dispenser container by pouring the liquid from a big supply tank.

Abstract: Foot care devices include a body having a concave recessed upper surface and an opposing lower surface. The upper surface has a foot treatment element connected to the body. The foot treatment element has a concave recessed configuration corresponding to the upper surface and a porous element attached to the upper surface. An immobilizing element is connected to the lower surface. The immobilizing element includes a plurality of movement-inhibiting suction members adapted to be attached to a surface and to inhibit positional movement of the body about the surface. The foot care device can include a cleansing compound embedded in the porous element and at least one hole configured to channel the liquid within the porous element.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing portions of a continuous web of tissue from a tissue roll is disclosed. Further, the invention relates to a method for dispensing portions of a continuous web of tissue from a tissue roll. The dispenser comprises a first tissue roll position for receiving a tissue roll and a second tissue roll position for receiving a tissue roll; an output mechanism for supplying portions of tissue; a transfer mechanism for releasably holding and transferring an end of a tissue roll in the first tissue roll position to the output mechanism; wherein the transfer mechanism is adapted to transfer the end of the tissue roll in the first tissue roll position to the output mechanism when the second tissue roll position is empty.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a sheet material dispenser that includes a feed roller that is rotatable to facilitate dispensing of the sheet material from a discharge in a housing of the dispenser. The dispenser can have a cutting assembly that includes a cutting blade and at least one movable support coupled to cutting blade and that is actuated with rotation of the feed roller to cause movement of the cutting blade to at least partially cut, score, or perforate the sheet material during dispensing thereof. The dispenser also can have a biasing assembly coupled to the feed roller body to assist rotation of the feed roller body and/or movement of the cutting blade. Other aspects also are described.

Abstract: A holding arrangement for holding a tissue roll in a dispenser, to a dispenser and a method is disclosed. The holding mechanism comprises a holding mechanism for holding a tissue roll in a first tissue roll position; wherein the holding mechanism comprises a first holding element for engaging a first end of an axle of the tissue roll and a second holding element for engaging a second end of the axle of the tissue roll; a diameter sensor; and a shift mechanism adapted for shifting the holding mechanism, in particular the first and second holding elements, from a hold position to a release position and vice versa; wherein a distance between the first holding element and the second holding element in the release position is larger than a distance between the first holding element and the second holding element in the hold position.

Abstract: The invention provides a plurality of display devices such as hand dryers, each with a programmed computer display, and all communicating to a central location via a high speed link system. A display screen is mounted to each of the hand dryers and viewable by a user while drying the user's hands. A processor is located within the housing and is in signal-communication with the display screen. The high-speed link system is in signal-communication with each processor and an external data source, wherein the data source communicates with the processor to change the image displayed on the display screen. Sensors communicate ambient conditions outside of the display screen to a database.

Abstract: A portable urinal kit is presented. The portable urinal kit contains a receiving vessel which can be secured to a support member. The receiving vessel has a top that is open and can receive urine or waste from a user. The receiving vessel has a drain hole that is connected to a drain hose. The drain hose may be connected to a dry well.

Abstract: An accessory for an advanced hygienic excreta system comprising a base disposed around a bowl having a retracted position and an operational position; a seat having a convex surface configured to position a user's rectum below a user's knees when a user is seated on the seat and the seat is in a seated position; a footrest assembly having a footrest wherein the footrest is configured to be received into the base and to extend away from the base to support feet and legs of the user when the user is in a seated position; and, a controller carried by the base and connected to a motor set connected to the seat, footrest assembly and arm rest assembly and configured to receive input from an input device and actuate the motor set to extend and retract the seat, footrest, and arm rest.

Abstract: A toilet seat with handles is disclosed. The handles include light transmitters and light receivers. The light transmitters and receivers may be used to determine blood oxygen saturation levels and heart rate of a toilet seat user. Ultrasonic transmitters and receivers in the toilet seat handle are also disclosed for determining bone density of a toilet seat user. The handles may be retractable and may include UV sanitation.

Abstract: A handwashing playground integrates handwash stations with an interactive, themed play attraction, such as a farm, and includes farm-themed playground with animals and a barn. The animals and farm implements replace faucets and sinks to provide an interactive and entertaining experience, thereby encouraging handwashing and other good personal hygiene behavior.

Abstract: Provided is a toilet system that can provide more detailed information about a use state of a toilet. The toilet system includes: a detection unit (a door lock sensor, a seating sensor, a rotation sensor, a toilet washing switch, etc.) which detects a situation inside a toilet stall; and a control unit which determines, based on a detection result of the detection unit, that the toilet stall is in a vacant state or in an used state, and further makes at least one of a determination that the toilet stall in the used state is in a state immediately after a start of use and a determination that the toilet stall in the used state is in a state immediately before an end of use, and outputs a signal including determination results.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises a hand vacuum cleaner, a surface cleaning head and a rigid air flow conduit. The hand vacuum cleaner has a main body housing dual cyclonic cleaning stages and a suction motor and fan assembly.

Abstract: A cleaner holder comprises a base, a stand coupled to the base and extending upward from the base, a support body coupled to an upper portion of the stand and configured to support a cleaner, and a cleaning module support coupled to the stand and configured to support a cleaning module of the cleaner. The cleaning module may be detachably coupled to an extension tube of the cleaner.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cleaning head (sometimes called a “suction head”) for a vacuum cleaner, and in particular to a cleaning head having a motor to rotate a brush carried by the cleaning head. According to the invention there is provided a cleaning head (10) having a steering joint, the steering joint having a non-rotatable section (26) and a rotatable section (24) with a rotatable joint (20) between the non-rotatable section and the rotatable section. The cleaning head has a first holding region (52) which is engageable by a first part (50) of the rotatable section (24), the first holding region and the first part when engaged resisting rotation of the rotatable section. The cleaning head also has a second holding region (54) which is engageable by a second part (50) of the rotatable section (24), the second holding region and the second part when engaged resisting rotation of the rotatable section.

Abstract: A nozzle for a cleaner has a nozzle housing, which has a nozzle base and a drain hole for discharging water from the nozzle housing. The nozzle also has a rotary cleaning unit disposed below the nozzle housing. The rotary cleaning unit has a rotation plate that can be attached to a mop. The nozzle has a driving unit that includes a driving motor for driving the rotary cleaning unit. The nozzle also has a control board for controlling the drive motor. In addition, the nozzle has a water tank detachably mounted on an upper side of the nozzle housing. The water tank stores water and supplies the water to the rotary cleaning unit.

Abstract: A nozzle of a cleaner includes a nozzle body, a rotation cleaning part having a rotation plate to which a rag is attached, a driving device provided in the nozzle body, a water tank, a water supply passage, and a water adjuster of which at least a portion is mounted on the nozzle body at a rear side thereof so as to be exposed to a rear surface or a top surface of the nozzle body. A user standing on the same floor surface as the nozzle body may manipulate the water adjuster by using his or her foot. The water adjuster may be configured to adjust an on/off operation and a rotation speed (e.g., rpm) of the pump motor.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner with a cyclone module assembly comprises a cyclone separation chamber for separating dust and debris from air and a collection chamber for collecting dust and debris that is separated from the air in the cyclone separation chamber. The cyclone module assembly further includes at least one feature for directing contaminants downwardly, such as a circumferential fin that extends from the inside wall of the collection chamber.

Abstract: An evacuation station includes a base and a canister removably attached to the base. The base includes a ramp having an inclined surface for receiving a robotic cleaner having a debris bin. The ramp defines an evacuation intake opening arranged to pneumatically interface with the debris bin. The base also includes a first conduit portion pneumatically connected to the evacuation intake opening, an air mover having an inlet and an exhaust, and a particle filter pneumatically the exhaust of the air mover. The canister includes a second conduit portion arranged to pneumatically interface with the first conduit portion to form a pneumatic debris intake conduit, an exhaust conduit arranged to pneumatically connect to the inlet of the air mover when the canister is attached to the base, and a separator in pneumatic communication with the second conduit portion.

Abstract: An information processing method in a server device includes obtaining first information on an object to be sucked by a self-propelled vacuum cleaner, specifying a first article constituted by the object to be sucked based on the first information, specifying a second article relating to the first article based on second information on the first article and third information on an owner of the first article, and outputting fourth information on the specified second article.

Abstract: An information processing method in a server device includes obtaining first information obtained by at least one of one or more sensors installed in a space, detecting the breakage of an article present in the space based on the first information, estimating a situation where the breakage of the article occurred based on the first information, and outputting second information for causing a self-propelled device to perform a predetermine operation in the space according to the estimated situation.

Abstract: Various embodiments include processing devices and methods for managing cleaning robot behavior. In some embodiments, a processor of the cleaning robot may obtain one or more images of the location of a structure from a camera external to the cleaning robot. The processor may analyze the one or more images of the location. The processor may determine one or more mess parameters of a mess in the location based on the analysis of the one or more images of the location. The processor may generate an instruction for the cleaning robot to schedule an operation of the cleaning robot based on the one or more mess parameters. The processor may execute the generated instruction to perform the operation of the cleaning robot.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a cleaner body, a suction hose mounted at a front surface of the cleaner body to suck in dust, moving wheels provided at both sides of the cleaner body, rotating to move the cleaner body and rotatably supporting the cleaner body, wheel motors connected to the moving wheels and rotating the moving wheels, a detecting unit provided in the cleaner body and sensing inclination of the cleaner body to determine whether the cleaner moves and stops, a plurality of detecting members provided at a front surface of the cleaner body and located at both sides of the suction hose to detect an obstacle, and a controller for controlling the wheel motors according to detected signals of the detecting unit and the obstacle detecting members.

Abstract: An unattended extraction cleaning machine includes a housing with a bottom portion that is adapted to rest on a surface to be cleaned, a fluid delivery system including a fluid distributor, a fluid extraction system including a suction nozzle, at least one carriage assembly mounting the suction nozzle to the housing for movement with respect thereto and with respect to the surface to be cleaned, and an ultraviolet light mounted on at least one of the housing and the carriage assembly to emit ultraviolet light onto the surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: Various embodiments include processing devices and methods for managing cleaning robot behavior. In some embodiments, a processor of the cleaning robot may determine operational information about operations of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system for at least one room in a structure. The processor may determine a time when operation of the HVAC system will end based on the determined operational information. The processor may generate an instruction for the cleaning robot to schedule an operation of the cleaning robot for a time after operation of the HVAC system will end. The processor may execute the generated instruction to perform the operation of the cleaning robot after operation of the HVAC system ends.

Abstract: Various embodiments include processing devices and methods for managing cleaning robot behavior. In some embodiments, a processor of the cleaning robot may obtain information about one or more cleaning operations in one or more locations of a structure. The processor may analyze the information about the one or more cleaning operations in the one or more locations. The processor may determine one or more cleaning parameters for the cleaning robot based on the analysis of the information about the one or more cleaning operations. Processor may generate an instruction for the cleaning robot to schedule an operation of the cleaning robot based on the one or more cleaning parameters. The processor may execute the generated instruction to perform the operation of the cleaning robot.

Abstract: A floor cleaning machine includes locomotion mechanism for moving on the floor, at least one processing and control unit operatively interlocked with the locomotion mechanism, and at least one operator group adapted to carry out a washing and/or cleaning and/or similar treatment on the floor itself. The operator group includes at least one cleaning member in the form of a band wound around a first reel, a winding mechanism of the cleaning member, wound by the first reel into a second reel, and an operating head adapted to hold a portion of the cleaning member, interposed between the first reel and the second reel, in contact with the floor.

Abstract: Various embodiments include processing devices and methods for managing cleaning behavior by a cleaning robot. In some embodiments, a processor of the cleaning robot may obtain user planning information and user location information from one or more information sources external to the cleaning robot. The processor may analyze the user planning information and the user location information. The processor may determine one or more cleaning parameters for the cleaning robot based on the analysis of the user planning information and the user location information. The processor may generate an instruction for the cleaning robot to schedule an operation of the cleaning robot based on the one or more cleaning parameters. The processor may execute the generated instruction to perform the operation of the cleaning robot.

Abstract: A system for a self-cleaning squeegee that is integrated with a semi-autonomous cleaning device includes a frame coupled to the cleaning device. A squeegee is coupled to the frame and oriented such that an edge of the squeegee is in close proximity to a surface, e.g., a floor, for cleaning. A manifold configured to receive a cleaning fluid is coupled to the frame and oriented such that the cleaning fluid can be dispersed onto at least a portion of the squeegee. A connecting member is used to couple the manifold to an external fluid distribution system that provides the cleaning fluid. The self-cleaning squeegee system can thus disperse pressurized cleaning fluid, e.g., water or a mixture of water and soap, via the manifold to clean the surface of a squeegee. In this manner, the self-cleaning squeegee system can clean squeegees on the cleaning device without the need for human intervention.

Abstract: A cleaning head onto which a cleaning sheet for wiping a surface to be cleaned is attached is moved on the surface to be cleaned in a predetermined direction for wiping the surface to be cleaned. The cleaning head includes a first member on a side facing the surface to be cleaned and a second member arranged to abut on the first member at least partially on an opposite side of the surface to be cleaned. The second member is a member relatively more rigid than the first member. The second member has a protrusion part protruding toward the side of the first member more than the edge in the moving direction of the cleaning head. A surface of the first member on the side facing the surface to be cleaned is formed in a plane shape. The first member has a recess part which fits the protrusion part.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a broom cover attachment for attaching to a broom including a plurality of bristles. The broom cover attachment includes a handle attachment having a central unit, a hole in the central unit for receiving a handle of the broom, and a plurality of elastic bands attached to a surface between an outer circumference and an inner circumference of the central unit. Each of the plurality of elastic bands may include a first Velcro attachment. The broom cover attachment also includes a cloth including a number of second Velcro attachment attached to a surface of the cloth. The second Velcro attachments may be fastened to the first Velcro attachment of the elastic bands for covering the bristles of the broom.

Abstract: A method for controlling operation of a household appliance may include supplying a liquid to a first space, determining a first behavior(TB1) of temperature measured by a first temperature sensor during supplying of the liquid to the first space, supplying the liquid to a second space by activating a pump in order to transport the liquid from the first space to the second space, determining a second behavior (TB2) of temperature measured by a second temperature sensor during supplying of the liquid to the second space, and determining if a sufficient amount of the liquid has been supplied to the second space or not based on the second behavior (TB2) evaluated with respect to the first behavior (TB1). A household appliance may also be provided.

Abstract: A dishwasher may include a sump configured to store water, a main arm disposed at the sump and configured to supply water from the sump, an auxiliary arm rotatably disposed at the main arm and configured to spray water, and an auxiliary arm connection member disposed at the main arm and configured to rotatably support the auxiliary arm, where the auxiliary arm may include an auxiliary flow passage configured to allow water flow through the auxiliary arm, where the main arm may include a transfer flow passage in fluid communication with the auxiliary flow passage, where the auxiliary arm connection member may include a flow tube disposed at the main arm in fluid communication with the transfer flow passage and the auxiliary flow passage.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes: a tub that defines an washing chamber; spray nozzles configured to spray washing water into the washing chamber; a sump configured to store washing water; a steam nozzle configured to supply steam to the washing chamber; a washing pump housing coupled to the sump and connected to the spray nozzles or the steam nozzle; a heater configured to heat washing water in the washing pump housing; a washing motor configured to rotate an impeller; a washing water outflow pipe defining an outflow path protruding outward from one side of the washing pump housing; a steam discharge pipe that extends from a discharge port defined at a circumferential surface of the washing water outflow pipe; and a first protrusion disposed in an upper portion of the outflow path and disposed downstream of the discharge port in a flow direction of the washing water.

Abstract: A device having a clean status indicator system having a frame with a base, a plurality of feet, a washing compartment, a door, and at least one rack. The system includes a weight sensor secured to one of the feet; a tilt switch for indicating if the dishwasher is tilted; a temperature sensor; a housing, and a visual display. A controller having a control logic communicates with a power supply, the weight sensor, the tilt switch, the temperature sensor, and the visual display. The controller is configured to receive data from the weight sensor, the tilt switch, and the temperature sensor and analyze the data from the weight sensor, the tilt switch, and the temperature sensor. The tilt switch is mounted exterior to the dishwasher and configured to be activated or deactivated when the dishwasher is a tilted forward.

Abstract: A system including a tag for placement within a dishwasher to indicate at least one of a running of a dishwasher run cycle and/or a clean condition of items placed within the dishwasher upon completion of the cycle. A tag body is supported within an interior rack location of the dishwasher so that a surface of the body is visible. A patch of material is formed upon the surface of the tag body and constructed of a dissolvable material. The patch is caused to be dissolved upon activation of a wash cycle of the dishwasher to indicate the clean condition of the items adapted to being placed in the dishwasher.