Abstract: An object dispenser apparatus for dispensing individual products for use without users touching products to be used by others. The object dispenser apparatus includes a housing including an elongated container having an open top and adapted to store lids therein and also having a tray in communication with the container for dispensing lids from the container; and an actuator assembly disposed in the housing for dispensing the lids one-at-a-time from the container to the tray.

Abstract: Systems for providing on-demand food service material printing for food service are provided herein. A food service material dispenser comprises a roll holder configured to hold a roll of food service material, one or more rollers, and a motor configured to operate to translate the food service material along a path within the dispenser. The dispenser includes a cutting arrangement configured to perform a cut of the food service material to form the sheet of food service material that defines a size associated with a food service order. The dispenser also includes a printer configured to print at least one of order information or personalization information on the food service material that is based on the associated food service order. The dispenser further includes a chute configured to dispense the sheet of food service material, which includes the at least one of order information or personalization information printed thereon.

Abstract: An adjustable tray for a merchandise display system may include a retainer for limiting the movement of products loaded in the adjustable tray, a first divider extending from a first panel and second divider extending from a second panel. The spacing between the first divider and the second divider can be configured to be adjusted. The first panel and the second panel can be configured to move to provide additional surface area for the adjustable tray to accommodate different sized products. The adjustable tray may further include a pusher mechanism configured to bias product toward the retainer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electronic shelving system including, in some embodiments, a shelving unit and one or more coupling brackets. Each coupling bracket includes a bracket-coupling body, one or more power couplers disposed in the bracket-coupling body, one or more data couplers disposed in the bracket-coupling body, and one or more integral fasteners such as a tongue extending from the bracket-coupling body configured for fastening the coupling bracket to the shelving unit. Also disclosed herein is a method for the electronic shelving system including, in some embodiments, installing n coupling brackets in the shelving unit, running at least n+1 power cables or data cables through a slotted cable raceway of the shelving unit, and coupling at least two power cables or data cables to each other by way of the coupling bracket.

Abstract: A storage device coupleable to a structure includes a mounting plate and an external plate coupled to the mounting plate to define a receiving cavity. The storage device also includes a hinge plate received in the receiving cavity and coupled to the external plate, with the hinge plate pivotably moveable about a pivot axis between an open position and a closed position.

Abstract: An easily erected, collapsible cardboard display for merchandise having a front panel, integral side panels and a rear panel integral with a side panel forming a housing into which a separate support panel is inserted to provide support. Shelves formed from the display's front panel are secured to the support panel and shelves formed from the support panel are secured to a rear panel to provide supported interior shelving. The housing side panels are integrally attached to the front panel and have longitudinal perforated fold lines formed down the middle dividing the side panel into equal sections allowing the display to be collapsed to a flat configuration.

Abstract: A carry container is interchangeable between a closed position and an open position, wherein the container converts into a protective mat, such as a placemat, and becomes a barrier against germs. In one embodiment, the carry container includes an outer shell including a bottom panel and four side panels extending from the bottom panel and being configured to releasably attach to each of the two neighboring side panels using a fastener to form a container for carrying one or more items, such as food items. An inner lining formed by a generally square sheet is attached to an inner facing side of the outer shell and defines the protective mat when the outer shell is in an open position and flat on a surface. The container can be easily converted between the closed position (lunch box) and fully open position (protective mat). A larger version for the container is also described with a portion of the inner liner folded in the closed position.

Abstract: Various embodiments of adjustable pillows and methods of manufacturing them are described, in which the pillow has inner and outer pockets with the inner pocket disposed within the outer pocket. One or more cords or other adjustment mechanisms can extend along a length of the pillow and be used to move one or both side of the pillow toward one another, changing a size of the pillow and thereby increasing its firmness.

Abstract: A device for providing a blanket and a cushion which has a blanket, a cushion, and a pocket, which blanket has a bottom edge, which bottom edge of said blanket aligns with a bottom edge of the cushion, and where the pocket is formed by the intersection of the blanket and the cushion. The blanket further includes a plurality of fasteners arranged in a first, second, third, fourth, and fifth pair, which pairs allow for the securement of the blanket around a user's neck, torso, and arms.

Abstract: A customizable support pillow offering support and comfort for the neck and body of a user that includes a built in anchoring system for attaching the customizable pillow to a structure such as a vehicle seat.

Abstract: A decorative lighted cover for water jugs has an outer cover traversing between a top and a bottom end, with a design cutout traversing laterally through the outer cover and a light source located interior to the outer cover. The light source illuminates the interior of the outer cover, and the illumination is visible through the design cutout. An upper cover obstructs the top end of the outer cover and supports the light source near the top end. The outer cover is affixed around a water cooler's reservoir, and the illuminated design cutout provides an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Abstract: An environmentally conscious lid assembly including a lid and a straw member. The lid defines an interior volume, and the straw member is at least partially arrangeable therein. The straw member may include a flexible portion that permits the straw member to be bent and manipulated into different orientations. In addition, the straw member may be configured to telescope into a container on which the lid assembly is provided.

Abstract: A reusable straw assembly may include multiple elements that may be removably coupled together. The reusable straw assembly may include a first member comprising an inner and outer surface, the inner surface defining a first channel extending the length of the first member; a second member comprising an inner and outer surface, the inner surface defining a second channel extending the length of the second member; and a connecting member comprising an inner and outer surface, the inner surface defining a third channel extending the length of the connecting member. The connecting member may be sized to removably receive and retain the first member within the third channel at a connecting member distal end. The connecting member may also be sized to removably receive and retain the second member within the third channel at a connecting member proximal end.

Abstract: A drinking straw has an outer straw member having a lower portion, an upper portion having a top, and a mixing element, the mixing element having radially expandable and retractable vane members defined by two longitudinal slits, an upper hinge attached to the upper portion and a lower hinge attached to the lower portion and an inner straw member located internal to said outer straw member, the inner straw member having a bottom and a top, wherein the lower portion of the outer straw member is attached to the inner straw member, the outer straw member movable between a retracted position and a deployed position where stop portions of both straw members engage with each other so that the mixing element vane members radially extend away from the inner straw member and wherein the vane members retract when the outer straw member is in its retracted position.

Abstract: A hanger cover extends between a first end and a second end. The hanger cover includes a pair of wings coupled together, each of the pair of wings having a pair of substantially parallel branches spaced apart by a channel and joined at a junction, wherein the pair of wings are rotatable relative to one another.

Abstract: A protective storage system comprising: i) a container configured to receive and hold a delivered item; ii) a lid coupled to the container and configured to cover an opening of the container; and ii) a base on which the container is securely mounted. The base is configured to be securely connected to a structure. The protective storage system further comprises iv) a temperature control system for heating or cooling the delivered item; and v) a control module for controlling the opening and closing of the lid and for providing a user remote access and control capabilities.

Abstract: An ornament display hanger including a clamp having a first clamping member, a second clamping member, and a connector attached to the first clamping member and second clamping member such that the connector is located between the first clamping member and second clamping member. The connector includes at least one hole. The first clamping member and second clamping member are moveable about the connector. A hook is disposed through the at least one hole. The hook includes a securable attachment portion configured to receive a decoration such that the decoration hangs from the hook. The hook is rotatable 360 degrees within the hole such that rotation of the hook rotates the decoration. An ornament display hanger kit comprises at least one ornament display hanger. A method of making an ornament display hanger includes attaching a first clamping member and a second clamping member to a connector.

Abstract: An alignment bracket for a roller blind, comprising a base and a roller tube support securable to the base. First and second coupling members on the base and roller tube support permit an adjustment of the alignment of the roller tube support, and the end of a roller tube mounted thereon, relative to the base. Also provided is a blind fabric alignment device for a roller tube of a multi-tube roller blind. The alignment device comprises a drive coupling body securable to an end of a roller tube of the blind, a driven member mounted to the drive coupling body, a torque transfer mechanism secured to the driven member, and an adjuster. The torque transfer mechanism transfers rotational torque from the driven member to the drive coupling body through the adjuster. The adjuster permits an alteration of the rotational position of the driven member relative to the drive coupling body.

Abstract: Disclosed are various examples of drapery systems one of which includes a drapery rod operatively connected to a structure by a first bracket and a second bracket. In one nonlimiting embodiment the drapery rod has an exterior surface with a guide structure and a hollow interior having a feature. At least one example drapery system includes a drive coupler and a motor operatively coupled to the drive coupler, wherein the drive coupler is configured to be inserted within the hollow interior of the drapery rod and the drive coupler is configured to engage the feature of the drapery rod, wherein when the motor operates the drive coupler rotates, and rotation of the drive coupler causes rotation of the drapery rod.

Abstract: Improved curtain liners comprising a plurality of fabric loops for convenient hanging on a curtain rod through clip hanging rings, with the liner panel, fabric loops, and clip hanging rings all hidden from the view of front curtain, and the curtain systems comprising such improved curtain liners are disclosed.

Abstract: A brewing module for preparing a brewed drink from a portion capsule, includes a first brewing module part and a second brewing module part, which is movable relative to a housing between a first brewing module part position and a second brewing module part position. An operating element is able to be brought manually from a first into a second operating element position, from which a movement is transmitted via a transmission mechanism into a movement of the second brewing module part. The transmission mechanism includes a cam disc that is rotatably mounted on the housing by the operating element wherein the second brewing module part is displaceable along a displacement stretch, which is fixed with respect to the housing, from a first brewing module part position into the second brewing module part position by way of the cam disc being rotated by the operating element.

Abstract: An espresso machine has a built-in coffee grinder. A coffee grinding apparatus cooperates with a removable portafilter having a handle, the apparatus including: a cradle for supporting the portafilter; an actuator adjacent to the cradle for co-operating with the portafilter; a downward facing ledge engages a front tab of the portafilter for resisting imbalance of the portafilter when supported by the cradle. Wherein, when the portafilter is supported by the cradle and advanced forward, the front tab of the portafilter further contacts the actuator to operate an electrical switch, thereby causing a signal to be sent to a microprocessor for delivering coffee grinds to the portafilter.

Abstract: Various automated and semi-automated beverage preparation systems and methods are disclosed. The beverage preparation system can include a container assembly configured to receive beverage, such as a milk. The container assembly can be configured to receive a flow of steam, air, or additional gasses and vapors to heat and/or aerate the beverage residing therein. The container assembly can include a temperature sensor configured to monitor the rate of heating, and automatically adjust the heating and aeration parameters accordingly.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a wok device for a intelligent cooking machine, the wok device has a wok, an electromagnetic heating coil, an electromagnetic heating controlling device, a wok rotating device and a wok working position controlling device; the wok rotating device has a rotating sub-controlling system, a motor and a rotating shaft; the rotating shaft is fixedly connected at one end to the lower part of the wok and is connected at another end to the motor, the rotating shaft is rotated under the control of the motor, thus driving the wok to rotate and realizing 360-degree rotation; the motor is electrically connected with the rotating sub-controlling system and works under the control of the rotating sub-controlling system. The present invention further discloses a programmable controlled intelligent cooking machine and a cooking control method thereof.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a programmable controlled intelligent cooking machine which has a housing and a wok arranged inside of the housing, an electromagnetic heating coil, an electromagnetic heating controlling device, a wok rotating device, a wok working position controlling device, a wok lid and a wok lid controlling device, an automatic ingredient feeding device, an automatic accessory ingredient adding device and an electrical control device; the wok rotating device, the wok working position controlling device, the wok lid controlling device, the electromagnetic heating controlling device, the automatic ingredient feeding device and the automatic accessory ingredient adding device are connected with the electrical control device respectively, and perform corresponding operation according to the received control command, thus achieving full-automatic cooking.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a microwaveable vessel that can quickly and evenly heat or cook different types of food. In some embodiments, the vessel includes a metallic body adapted to hold food or drinks. The outer portion of the body is coated with a layer of heat-generating glaze. In some embodiments, the vessel also includes a heat-resistant outer cover that covers the heat-generation layer. The vessel of some embodiments has a multi-layered structure with inner and outer shells that are joined together to form a cavity between the shells.

Abstract: A system for detecting a possibility of boiling over and preventing said boiling over comprising a vessel having a vessel's lid, the lid being characterised in that it is configured to: receive information on an initial level of the vessel's content and current level of the vessel's content; and establish on which heating section of a particular cooktop the vessel and the lid are positioned; and based on a difference between the initial level and the current level as well as the time of the creation of said difference: the lid is configured to instruct a height actuator of the lid to extend said lid vertically, in order to extend height of said vessel, and the lid is configured to instruct an aperture actuator to create an aperture in the lid's; the lid is configured to communicate with said cooktop in order to decrease power generation on said heating section.

Abstract: A cooking appliance having a thermocouple for measuring the temperature of an electrically conducting cooking utensil is provided. The cooking appliance includes a first probe formed of a first electrically conducting material and a second probe formed of a dissimilar second electrically conducting material. The first probe and second probe are spaced from one another. When the cooking utensil is placed on a heating assembly and heat is applied thereto, the first probe and the second probe electrically contact the cooking utensil. The cooking utensil acts as an intermediate material and completes the thermocouple circuit thereby allowing current to flow between the probes. Consequently, a voltage differential is produced. The voltage differential is measured, and as the voltage differential is indicative of the temperature of the cooking utensil, the temperature of the cooking utensil may be determined.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are provided for baking a food product in a portable baking oven. The baking oven includes a main body, lower and upper stones, a heat shield suspending the upper stone above the lower stone, and a heat element emanating heat upward to a rotating flat panel having the lower stone thereon. Convection heat from the heat element moves upward from below the rotating flat panel and past a periphery of the flat panel, channeled by the heat shield to the upper stone, to move along the upper stone, and then down along the heat shield, on the opposite side. With this arrangement, the heat element heats the upper and lower stones with convection heat moving between the lower and upper stones in a side-to-side manner.

Abstract: A collapsible grill. The collapsible grill includes a base. The base is defined by several walls. An interior cavity is formed by the walls. A rod is affixed to an external surface of the base and extends upward from the base. A platform is mounted onto the rod. The platform can be adjusted vertically on the rod, so that a user can set a desired distance between the platform and the base.

Abstract: A machine (1) for processing a liquid food substance incorporates: a container (10) delimiting a cavity (10?) for containing said liquid food substance; an impeller (20) for driving the liquid food substance in the container (10); a motor (30) for driving the impeller (20); a motor chamber (40) for containing the motor (30); and a means for evacuating heat from the motor chamber (40). Such means comprises one or more movable members (50) that are driven by the motor (30) and that are configured to circulate air (2a,2b) in the motor chamber (40) to evacuate heat therefrom.

Abstract: A roasting rack and carving board system includes a roasting rack having a number of spaced support members that support a food item. The system also includes a carving board that has a body with a cutting surface. The body and cutting surface features a number of grooves that receive the spaced support members of the roasting rack so that at least portions of some of the plurality of spaced support members are recessed into the carving board body with respect to the cutting surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrothermal ice cream scoop device which includes a handle, an excavating mechanism, an anti-sticking mechanism and a smear mechanism. The handle includes a shell with a hollow structure, a controller, a battery and an end cap. The excavating mechanism includes a scooping spoon, a connecting tube, an electric heating mechanism, and a heating insulating mechanism. The anti-sticking mechanism includes a scraper, a rotating shaft, a helical gear, a rotating wheel and a motor. The smear mechanism includes a control valve and a delivery tube. The device of the present invention has simple and reasonable structure, ease to use, and high degree of intelligence, etc. Ice cream can be easily dug and fall off from the ice cream scoop. It effectively solves the problem of poor effect of traditional ice cream scoops.

Abstract: A backsplash covering assembly for protecting grout in a backsplash includes a countertop that has a sink therein and a wall that intersects the countertop behind the sink. A splash guard is positioned at an intersection between the countertop and the sink. The splash guard is comprised of a fluid impermeable material to inhibit water from reaching the intersection. The splash guard is positioned behind the sink to protect the appearance of the grout in the intersection. Additionally, the splash guard is comprised of a translucent material such that the grout is visible through the splash guard.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns liners that can be adapted to one or more types of wash basins. A novel aspect of this invention is the flexibility of the liners which may be adapted and easily cut to adjust to the shape and size of a variety of different designs. In some embodiments the liners may be perforated such that items may be cleaned on them and the liners easily drained. In some such embodiments, the liners may incorporate attachment means including but not suction cups, adhesives, or magnets to temporarily affix one or more liners to the surface of the basin or one another. Other embodiments may include grooves to fit around magnets. In certain preferred embodiments, the liner may be a one size fits all liner that may be disposable such that a user can throw it away it with any contents therein, in some embodiments being biodegradable or recyclable.

Abstract: A device for washing the feet and lower legs of a user comprises a tub for receiving the feet and lower legs of the user; at least one footrest located within the tub for supporting the feet of a user during washing; a fluid supply mechanism for introducing fluid into the tub; one or more rotatable transversely extending cleaning assemblies located above the footrest for washing a user's feet; and one or more rotatable upright cleaning assemblies communicating with the fluid supply mechanism for washing one or both lower legs of the user, wherein each rotatable upright cleaning assembly is carried on a guiding mechanism for moving the one or more rotatable upright cleaning assemblies around a portion of the footrest during a lower leg and foot cleaning cycle.

Abstract: A portable toilet stall for a sanitary fixture has a floor, a roof above the floor, and a plurality of upright posts extending between the roof and the floor. At least one of the posts is hollow. A plurality of side wall panels are provided between the posts and also between the roof and the floor. There is a rinse-liquid tank inside the hollow support post and connected to the sanitary fixture.

Abstract: An elevated toilet seat assembly is for a toilet and includes a hinge post configured to be coupled to the toilet and a toilet seat pivotably coupled to the hinge post about an axis. The toilet seat is made from a single piece of injection molded plastic. The toilet seat includes a support surface configured to support a person on the toilet seat and a guard extending below the support surface. The guard is configured to block waste from splashing out of the toilet during use. The toilet seat also includes a plurality of supports extending outwardly from an outer surface of the guard. The plurality of supports is configured to engage a rim of the toilet to position the support surface at an elevated height above the rim.

Abstract: The roller cover toilet system provides users with a portable roll-on cover for public toilets designed to keep the seat surface sanitary while sitting. The device features a dustpan-like carrying system designed to house the roll of covers. It allows users to simply roller the cover over the seat and apply it via a light adhesive, ensuring the cover remains stable as the user sits. The device prevents germs and bacteria from being contracted, ensuring the user stays clean even while using a public toilet. The device eliminates the need to use flimsy paper covers commonly found in public restrooms.

Abstract: Tools, systems, and methods for cleaning windows are disclosed. The tool may include a handle including a first end and a second end positioned opposite the first end. The tool may also include a coupling component positioned on the second end of the handle, and a removable blade assembly releasably coupled to the coupling component. The removable blade assembly may include a channel received by and releasably coupled to the coupling component, and a blade affixed within the channel. The channel may have a first length, and the blade may have a second length that is greater than the first length of the channel.

Abstract: In a dust station, a suction part is connected selectively to one of a first suction port and a second suction port. In a state where the first suction port is connected to the suction part, a dust-collecting control unit drives the suction part and also automatically stops the suction part after elapsing of a first specified period of time. In a state where the second suction port is connected to the suction part, the dust-collecting control unit drives the suction part, and enables stopping the suction part through specified operation and also stops the suction part automatically when the suction part is not stopped even after elapsing of a second specified period of time or longer in a state where the suction part is driven, the second specified period of time being different from the first specified period of time.

Abstract: A dust extraction device for a hand-held power tool includes a housing, a mechanical interface for releasably connecting the dust extraction device to the hand-held power tool, a dust-collecting chamber which is connected to a filter unit, and a filter-cleaning unit. The filter-cleaning unit has an impact element which is mounted moveably in and/or on the housing of the dust extraction device. The impact element is designed to act upon the filter unit directly with an impact-like force.

Abstract: A dust suction device includes: a main body composed of a bottom plate and a footboard, wherein a dust suction part is formed in the bottom plate, and the footboard seals the dust suction part and has suction holes formed on the upper part thereof to allow the dust to be sucked to the dust suction part; a number of springs provided on the bottom inside the bottom plate matching the number of suction holes; balls which are provided on the upper part of the springs and which are in close contact with the suction holes of the footboard and open and close the suction holes; and a suction part which is connected to a side portion of the main body through a hose and sucks the dust through the suction holes toward the dust suction part when the suction holes are open.

Abstract: A cyclonic air treatment member comprises a cyclone and a dirt collection chamber external to the cyclone chamber. The cyclone chamber extends longitudinally in an axial direction between a cyclone first end and a cyclone second end. The dirt outlet comprises a plurality of discrete dirt outlet regions, each of which extends at an angle to the cyclone longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An example of a system, consistent with the present disclosure, may include a motor-battery assembly. The motor-battery assembly may include a housing defining one or more cavities, a suction motor configured to be fluidly coupled to a debris compartment of a vacuum cleaner for generating air flow through the vacuum cleaner for entraining debris, one or more batteries at least partially disposed within at least one of the one or more cavities, and a motor/battery controller at least partially disposed within at least one of the one or more cavities, the motor/battery controller configured to control power provided to the suction motor and to regulate charging and/or discharging of the one or more batteries.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus comprises a cleaner module provided with a module mounting portion, a wireless cleaning module removably mounted to the cleaner module, and a wired cleaning module provided with a canister, a connection hose connected from the canister to the cleaner, and a connector provided in the connection hose to be removably mounted to the cleaner module. A wired cleaning mode using the wired cleaning module and a wireless cleaning mode using the wireless cleaning module are selectively operated by mounting one of the connector of the wired cleaning module and the wireless cleaning module, to the module mounting portion.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a blowervac device having a grill that requires to distinct steps in securing the grill over a fan to activate a safety switch allowing power to the motor. The grill has an outer ring and a rotatable inner cover. The first step is simply to secure the grill over the fan. The second step requires the cover to be rotated, which activates an actuator for the safety switch, allowing power to be delivered to the motor and operation of the device. This two-step process reduces the likelihood if inadvertent operation of the device and reduces the chances of injury.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the field of cleaning robot technology, and in particular to a cleaning robot system. The cleaning robot system includes the base station and a cleaning robot. The base station is independent to the cleaning robot of the cleaning robot system. The base station includes a base station body and a mop member cleaning device arranged on the base station body. The mop member cleaning device is configured to clean a mop member of the cleaning robot. Based on the base station, the cleaning robot system is capable of automatically cleaning the mop member with no need for users to change or clean the mop member frequently, which is helpful to free consumers from house cleaning, thus relieving the burden on the consumers, and also helpful to clean the mop member in time so as to ensure a better effect in next cleaning.

Abstract: There is provided a cleaning robot system including a charging station and a cleaning robot. The charging station includes multiple positioning beacons. The cleaning robot includes an image sensor and a processor. The image sensor is used to acquire light generated by the multiple positioning beacons on the charging station and generate an image frame. The processor is electrically connected to the image sensor, and used to calculate a relative position with respect to the charging station according to beacon images of the multiple positioning beacons in the image frame to determine a recharge path accordingly.

Abstract: Disclosed is control of a floor treatment machine and treating floor surfaces, including a planning mode, allowing at least two zones to be defined on a floor surface to be treated, a first node to be defined in each zone and a connection path from at least one zone to a first node of another zone to be defined. At least one region of the zone edge can be input as a virtual obstacle, a direct connection between the first node of the defined zone and the first node of another zone being interrupted by the input region on the basis of real and virtual obstacles. After the complete treatment of a zone, the virtual obstacle on the zone edge is canceled and a switch to another zone is performed. Thus, zones distributed in any way can be treated in succession without the intervention of an operating person.