Abstract: This invention relates to anti-spill disposable and reusable drink-through lids for hot and cold disposable and reusable beverage cups. The present invention is directed to drink-through lids which may be placed over and attached to disposable and reusable beverage cups and which provides a drink-through opening near the perimeter of the lid's top surface for easy drinking. The drink-though lid can accommodate a consumer's lips or a beverage disposable or reusable straw. When used with a straw, the lid and straw combination creates a spill-proof seal.

Abstract: A dispenser having a container for holding solid material to be dispensed. A metering dispenser is connected to the open bottom end of the container, the metering dispenser further including a button connected to a slide, the slide having a metering chamber which slides horizontally in a slide chamber. The slide chamber has an upper opening in communication with the open bottom end of the container and the slide chamber has a lower dispensing opening. The solid material fills metering chamber which is sized to hold a predetermined amount of the solid material, the solid material filling the metering chamber by gravity feed when the button is in the closed position, in which the metering chamber is in communication with the upper opening in the slide chamber. The solid material is dispensed when the button is depressed to slide the metering chamber over the lower dispensing opening.

Abstract: Utensils, including forks, with movable components, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A representative utensil includes a first tool carried by and movable relative to a first arm portion, a second tool carried by and movable relative to a second arm portion, and a hinge coupling the first and second arm portions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a set of tableware for use by persons with neuro-cognitive impairment, compromised or under developed motor skills, or any persons with difficulties eating foods and imbibing drinks. As described herein, the tableware set includes at least one container and at least one spoon. The container has a smooth sidewall portion, a vertically slanted basin portion to define an asymmetrical cavity enclosed by the container. A flat base is provided on the underside of the container. A spoon is provided to match the curvature of the container along or more axes. To assist disabled persons with using the spoon, the side edges of the spoon matches the vertical curvature of the sidewall container, and the tip of the spoon matches the horizontal curvature. The handle of the spoon is designed along an arc to match the alignment of a closed hand when holding a spoon.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a container including a lid and a container body connected to the lid, the lid includes a lid body. The lid body is further provided an elastic spout extending away from the lid body and a limiting seat mounted at the top of the lid body; a linking part is mounted on the elastic spout, and a locking part cooperating with the linking part is disposed on the limiting seat; the elastic spout has a folded storage state, and the linking part and the locking part are interlocked with each other in the folded storage state; the elastic spout has a release state in which the linking part is disengaged from the locking part to enable the elastic spout to be unfolded. The assembly and operation of the container is simple. It is easy to use and clean, and the service life of the container may be extended.

Abstract: A beverage container sleeve has a construction that simulates the appearance of a folded pocket square design when the sleeve is placed in a traditional suit pocket, or a pocket of any other garment. The sleeve has a cover that is collapsible to a generally flat configuration. The cover has an outer surface, an inner surface, and an open end for receiving a beverage container. The open end has an edge that is formed to define a profile of a folded pocket square. The sleeve has indicia imprinted onto the outer surface of the cover to simulate a folded pocket square when the sleeve is slid into a pocket.

Abstract: A display hanger for slides includes a body member and a holder configured to engage and attach to the body member. The body member includes a display hanger hook, an elongated central member connected to the display hanger, a bottom member connected to the central member, and opposed first and second side members connected to each side of the bottom member and extend laterally therefrom and then extend upwardly such that first and second clips are formed, respectively. The holder has parallel first and second longitudinal side walls and parallel first and second transverse side walls. The longitudinal side walls and transverse side walls are integrally connected to each other to form a generally rectangular frame having an open space in the middle. The display hanger further includes a bungee cord for keeping the slides with the display hanger while a customer tries them on.

Abstract: A double reacher apparatus to aid in donning a garment including an elongated handle member, a pair of parallel positioned arm members forming a U shape and a pair of clamp members. The elongated handle member is integrally connected to the pair of parallel positioned arm members. The pair of parallel positioned arm members are integrally coupled at a distal end of the elongated handle along a U-bend region and the pair of parallel positioned arm members have an adjustable width therebetween along the U-bend region. The width being adjusted to a length so as to extend open an attached garment wide enough to allow a user to insert both legs contemporaneously into the garment. The pair of clamp members operatively grip and ungrip a garment.

Abstract: Medication-receivers for safely and securely receiving the temporarily delivery of medications are discussed. Such medication-receivers may be removably attached to exterior doors of structures such as, but not limited to, residences and/or businesses, without damage to such exterior doors, and in a manner that minimizes and/or deters theft of contents of the given medication-receiver. Such medication-receivers may have a cabinet and a downward sliding drawer for receiving the medication. The drawer may be locked to the cabinet. Such medication-receivers may be outfitted with various electronics that may facilitate safe and secure delivery of medication, including locking and unlocking of the drawer, delivery verification, recipient pickup verification, secure access controls, tamper monitoring, and the like.

Abstract: A theft prevention package container having a package chute positioned in a top surface thereof and a slot positioned on a back surface thereof to receive a lower end of a garage door so as to hold the package container in a position where it is locked in place by the garage door.

Abstract: Provided is a cutting portion that can easily obtain a large amount of cuttings of a food material in a short time. A cutting portion of a food cutter includes a plurality of blade portions that are provided with blades, and a terminal guide portion located on the most downstream side in the cutting operation direction and functions as a guide by coming in contact with the food material when cutting the food material; wherein the plurality of cutting portions and the terminal guide portion are provided so as to be substantially parallel with each other with gaps in between, and move together as one.

Abstract: A system includes at least a computing apparatus including a communication interface coupled or coupleable to a sensor in contact with a heatable liquid contained in a vessel, the sensor being configured to obtain measurements of a property of the liquid or the sensor; and a processor coupled to the communication interface and configured to receive the measurements of the property of the liquid or the sensor. The processor is programmed to at least determine a height of the liquid in the vessel, and in at least one instance oscillation of the height of the liquid in the vessel, from the measurements, determine an amplitude of the oscillation, determine a level of boil of the liquid from the amplitude of the oscillation and a viscosity of the liquid, and output an indication of the level of boil for display or control of the heat to which the liquid is subjected.

Abstract: A Thermos Coffee Maker having a main thermos body, a lid member, a screen member and a screen retaining assembly. The screen retaining assembly includes a threaded cylindrical member and a screen retaining ring. The lid has internal threads and is attached to the upper portion of the screen retaining assembly. The screen retaining assembly is attached at its lower end to the internally threaded portion of the main thermos body. The screen is trapped between the screen retaining ring and a ledge located on the interior of the screen retaining assembly. The user to pours ground coffee into the main thermos body then pours in hot water and screws on the lid. The coffee is allowed to brew-steep. The brewed coffee can be poured through the screen member thereby blocking the coffee grounds and allowing brewed coffee to be poured from the main thermos to a coffee cup.

Abstract: A filter assembly for infusing an additive in a liquid. The filter assembly comprises an elongated filter bag that is rigidly reinforced along its vertical length and removably securable to the side of the vessel containing the liquid, to prevent flotation of the filter assembly and its contents. In an embodiment, the lower portion of the elongated filter bag is pre-filled with an additive and closed off to retain the additive in the lower portion. The filter assembly may be disposable. The invention further includes a method of dry-hopping beer using the disclosed filter assembly.

Abstract: A coffee brewing system includes a brew vessel adapted to receive water and ground coffee to produce and store a brewed beverage. The brew vessel includes a filter and a magnet stirrer in the lower portion of the brew vessel. The magnet stirrer creates a water vortex for brewing the coffee. The used coffee grounds are allowed to settle on the filter creating a bed of used coffee grounds and the coffee is then filtered through both the bed of used coffee grounds and the filter and collected in a coffee storage container.

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 this between a first brewing module part position and a second brewing module part position, wherein a movement of the second brewing module part relative to the first brewing module part can be driven by a manual or motorised drive via a transmission mechanism. A capsule recognition device with an optical sensor for detecting optical characteristics of the capsule is further present. The brewing module has a mechanically driveable blowing device that is arranged to produce an airflow at the side of the window element towards the portion capsule. The blowing device is assembled such that it is driven by a relative movement of elements of the brewing module which is produced by the drive or the transmission mechanism.

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 this between a first brewing module part position and a second brewing module part position. An operating element is further present, the operating element being able to be brought manually from a first into a second operating element position. The brewing module has an energy store which is configured, by way of moving the operating element from the first into the second position, to intermediately store energy which is coupled into the brewing module and, activated by a release, to convert it again into a movement from the first brewing module part position into the second brewing module part position.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to prevent post-drip from a nozzle by means of a simple structure. A coffee machine 1 that supplies coffee into a cup placed at a cup station from a coffee nozzle 23, a distal end of which is disposed above the cup, is provided with a buffer nozzle 61 above the coffee nozzle 23, in which a beverage is supplied to the cup vertically below from the buffer nozzle 61 via the coffee nozzle 23 and a lateral discharge part 82 that discharges coffee post-drip dripping from the buffer nozzle 61 to the side of the coffee nozzle 23 is provided on the side surface of the coffee nozzle 23.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for venting a liquid supply of a beverage machine, e.g., by permanently open orifice and/or pressure relief valve. The orifice may always vent a heater tank, even while liquid is delivered to the tank by a liquid pump and/or while the tank is pressurized by an air pump to deliver liquid from the tank. A filter may be positioned between a heater tank and orifice and/or air pump. The pressure relief valve may be positioned between the liquid pump and the inlet side of the heater tank, e.g., so relatively cool water is released by the pressure relief valve when open.

Abstract: A refrigerator appliance having a cold brewed coffee system positioned within a chilled chamber of the refrigerator appliance is provided. In one example aspect, the system includes a housing defining a water reservoir and a coffee reservoir. The water reservoir is in fluid communication with a water supply via an inlet supply conduit. An inlet valve is positioned along the inlet supply conduit and selectively allows water into the water reservoir. The water within the water reservoir drips into the coffee reservoir where the water mixes with coffee materials received therein. Cold brewed coffee is produced within the coffee reservoir and may slowly drip into a coffee container positioned or docked beneath the housing.

Abstract: A device for preparing hot beverages (1) has a flow control system (2) with a water source; (14) a brewing unit (40) with a brewing chamber (41) to hold brewing material and an with inlet line (L4) for the inlet of brewing water into the brewing chamber (41); a heating device (9) for heating the water supplied to the brewing chamber (41); a pump (9) configured to pump the water from the water source (14) to the brewing chamber (41); and a control device (18) to activate and deactivate the functional components for preparing of a selected beverage. In order to obtain an optimum brewing result, the control device (18) is configured to activate the pump (9) at a preselected rate of flow from a selection of different rates of flow ({dot over (V)}) for a subsequent beverage preparation.

Abstract: An automatic hot beverage preparation machine comprising a hydraulic water supply circuit having a first branch to connect a water source and a water boiler, a second branch to connect the water boiler and a hot beverage dispensing assembly, a third branch to connect the first branch and the second branch, and a valve device to selectively control supply of water in the third branch as a function of a signal from a water temperature sensor arranged to measure water temperature at an outlet of the water boiler.

Abstract: An espresso coffee machine is described, said machine comprising: a dispensing group and a corresponding coffee boiler containing water under pressure; a heater device for heating the water in the coffee boiler; a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the water in the coffee boiler; a processor connected to said sensor and configured to drive said heater device so that the water in the coffee boiler is at a set reference temperature, wherein said processor comprises a feedback system; and wherein the value of said set reference temperature is varied as a function of at least one of the following parameters: (a) a first parameter which is a function of the time elapsed from an operating cycle of the machine or a frequency of use of the machine within a time interval; (b) a second parameter which is a function of the temperature of a component of the machine; and (c) a third parameter which is a function of the environment.

Abstract: This invention relates to a brush and method for cleaning coffee decanters. The invention makes this necessary task through, simple, and efficient. The invention facilitates the cleaning of both straight sided insulated and semi-globe coffee decanters.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a programmable controlled intelligent cooking machine which is adapted for running a recipe program programmed with all general recipe commands, interpreting the recipe program according to the command sequence and executing corresponding cooking operations according to each command and thereby achieving full-automatic cooking. The present invention further discloses a cooking control method of the programmable controlled intelligent cooking machine.

Abstract: An actively heated or cooled portable container has a body with a chamber that receives and holds a liquid, and one or more heating or cooling elements in thermal communication with at least a portion of the chamber. An outer surface of the body has one or more electrical contacts. A module is removably coupled to a portion of the body. The module has one or more electrical contacts on an outer surface of the module that contact the one or more electrical contacts on the outer surface of the body, control circuitry, and one or more power storage elements that provide power to the control circuitry and/or the one or more heating or cooling elements. The control circuitry wirelessly communicates with a mobile electronic device to wirelessly transmit information to the mobile electronic device associated with the operation of the module and/or wirelessly receive instructions from a user via the mobile electronic device.

Abstract: An automatic cooking apparatus (100), the automatic cooking apparatus (100) comprises at least one holding device (101) configured to receive and store unit material, wherein the unit material have corresponding material information; at least one cooking device (102) configured to receive and process unit material from the at least one holding device (101); a material transfer device (103) configured to transfer the unit material between the at least one holding device (101) and the at least one cooking device (102); a control device (104) configured to acquire material information of the unit material stored in the at least one holding device (101) to control the material transfer device (103) to transfer the unit material between the at least one holding device (101) and the at least one cooking device (102), and control the at least one cooking device (102) to process the received unit material.

Abstract: A cooking vessel for energy efficient cooking using a gas burner is disclosed. Said cooking vessel having an upper portion having a sidewall and a bottom, the sidewall and bottom defining a cooking chamber, a lower portion, the lower portion connected to the upper portion and extending downwardly along the same plane as the sidewall, the lower portion extending past the bottom of the upper portion such that the bottom of the upper portion is suspended when the cooking vessel is placed on a flat surface, forming a heating chamber under the cooking chamber, and wherein the lower portion allows airflow through the heating chamber.

Abstract: A countertop electric appliance optimally performs a variety of cooking modes with both radiant and convective heat sources as well as control means for controlling the timing and intensity of the heat sources. A driver turns food about either a horizontal or a vertical axis of rotation suitable for the specific food and recipe. A hinged door supports the food to be cooked so that in one location the food is caused to be turned by the drive means and in another location the food is loaded into or removed from the appliance, external of the cooking compartment, to be easily handled by the operator.

Abstract: An outdoor cooking station with a main body extending to define an upper portion and a lower portion, the lower portion configured to receive an insulated insert. The upper portion including heating elements supported by frame components of the cooking station and one or more heat shields suspended below the heating elements acting as a barrier to substantially prevent heat from reaching the lower portion of the main body. The lower portion of the main body defining a first storage space and a second storage space, the second storage space positioned below the first storage space, the second storage space exhibiting a drawer structure. The insulated insert is sized and configured to be removably positioned within the second storage space, the insulated insert defining a cubical type external structure to define a hollow space therein, the hollow space accessible through a lid member of the insulated insert.

Abstract: A kitchen appliance has a control arrangement arranged to receive sound commands and to operate the appliance in response to the sound commands; a microphone arranged to receive sound comprising a sound command and to provide the sound to the control arrangement; and at least one acoustic filter configured to suppress from the sound provided to the control arrangement background noise created by operation of the kitchen appliance.

Abstract: A food washing assembly includes a container for containing a fluid and food items. The container has an outer wall and the outer wall has a plurality of deformable sections that is each squeezable inwardly on the outer wall. A strainer is positionable in the container to support the food items. Each of the deformable sections is squeezed to frictionally engage the strainer thereby retaining the strainer at a selected point in the container. Moreover, the container is agitated when the when the strainer is positioned in the container for washing the food items with the fluid. A lid is removably coupled to the container for retaining the food items and the fluid in the container for washing the food items with the fluid.

Abstract: A tool for roasting marshmallow includes a handle and a marshmallow receiver or basket at a roasting end of the handle for use in holding a marshmallow over a heat source. The basket opens back towards a grip end of the handle. The distal end of the basket is closed so that a marshmallow cannot slide out of the basket when a roasting end of the handle is held below horizontal. The roasting end of the handle is bent to include an offset handle segment which is offset relative to a longitudinal axis through the grip end of the handle with the offset handle segment extending along one side of the basket. An axis extending through the center of the basket is axially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the grip end of the handle so that the basket may be rotated coaxially with the grip end of the handle.

Abstract: A cutting board is configured to be suspended above a sink basin. The cutting board includes a top, cutting surface, and a bottom surface opposite the top surface. The cutting board also includes a bevel, an upper ledge, and a bumper. The bevel is disposed along a first edge of the bottom surface. The upper ledge extends outwardly beyond the bevel to support the cutting board along a rim of the sink or countertop. The bumper is disposed on the bevel and engages with the sink to prevent movement of the cutting board in one direction. The cutting board is configured to be used in both a mounted configuration above a basin of the sink and an unmounted configuration on a flat surface away from the sink.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser having a housing and a cover removably coupled to the housing with the cover having a right cover side wall and a left cover side wall secured together spaced laterally from each other and in which the cover side walls are resilient and deflectable laterally away from each other for disengagement of the cover from the housing.

Abstract: A moist wipe dispenser having a wipes container having a lid with an orifice for dispensing the wipes; an angled bottom surface; an inner bottom surface sharing an edge with the angled bottom surface and extending proximately parallel to the orifice, wherein a stack of wipes rests on the inner bottom surface; and a mounting means for removably installing the wipes container at a surface, wherein the angled bottom surface and the mounting means securely position the orifice and the stack of wipes at a stack angle for a continuous, one-at-a-time dispensing of the wipes requiring only one hand of a user.

Abstract: An assistive apparatus with a buttock-spreading mechanism suitable for assisting a person in getting onto a toilet is disclosed. The person using the toilet together with the assistive apparatus is able to transfer the bodyweight of the person to be supported by the assistive apparatus, thereby avoiding the transfer or distribution of the person's heavy weight directly to the toilet itself. The buttock-spreading mechanism includes expandable leaflets disposed on a platform to comfortably accommodates the dimensions of the person's buttocks, and the leaflets of the buttock-spreading mechanism is designed to be movable (e.g., expanded or retracted) for spreading the buttocks of the person.

Abstract: A cyclone assembly for a surface cleaning apparatus has a first cyclonic cleaning stage and a second cyclonic cleaning stage downstream from the first cyclonic cleaning stage. The second cyclonic cleaning stage has more air inlets than the first cyclonic cleaning stage. The second cyclonic cleaning stage has a second stage air inlet cross-sectional area in a direction transverse to a direction of air flow entering the second stage cyclone chamber that is 1.1-2 times larger than a first stage air inlet cross-sectional area in a direction transverse to a direction of air flow entering the first stage cyclone chamber.

Abstract: A vacuum including a suction inlet and a suction source. The vacuum also includes a dirt cup in fluid communication with the suction inlet and the suction source. The dirt cup includes a first stage cyclonic separator and a dirt collection chamber. A housing of the dirt cup includes a first end, a second end, and a neck region between the first end and the second end. The housing has an outer dimension that decreases in a direction from the first end toward the neck region and an outer dimension that decreases in a direction from the second end toward the neck region. The dirt cup includes a shroud within the housing, and the shroud includes a flange that divides the housing at the neck region. The dirt collection chamber and at least a portion of the shroud are between the second end of the housing and the flange.

Abstract: Connector assemblies including a first subassembly having a recessed portion and a pair of locator tracks and a second subassembly having a pair of locator projections, vacuum assemblies including these connector assemblies, and methods of using the same are provided herein.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a head assembly including a housing and a fan arranged in the housing. A dust storage barrel and a filter assembly are arranged below the head assembly, the dust storage barrel being detachably connected to the head assembly. A switch is provided for controlling the fan located in the housing. A side wall of the housing has a cavity defined by an opening. A switch trigger is provided for turning on or turning off the switch and is located in the cavity so that no part of the switch trigger extends outwardly past an outer contour of the housing.

Abstract: A robot cleaner and a charging device capable of determining whether contact is made between charging terminals of the charging device and the robot cleaner are provided. The charging device may include a charging circuit including at least one terminal having at least a portion exposed to the outside, at least one object sensor to detect at least one identification object arranged in a robot cleaner, the at least one object sensor being arranged separately from the at least one terminal configured, and at least one processor configured to control the charging circuit to apply a voltage to the at least one terminal in response to the at least one object sensor detecting the at least one identification object.

Abstract: A portable extractor includes a supply tank, a recovery tank, a pump in fluid communication with the supply tank, a suction source in fluid communication with the recovery tank, a base configured to support the suction source and the pump, and a main housing mounted on the base and housing the suction source and the pump. The main housing is configured to removably support the recovery tank and the supply tank. The recovery tank is arranged at a front side of the portable extractor and the supply tank is arranged at a lateral side of the portable extractor between the front side and the rear side.

Abstract: A portable cleaner has a recovery tank, including a container for receiving and storing recovered liquid and/or dirt and an openable tank lid for covering the container. The container and the tank lid are removable from the cleaner as a unit. The portable cleaner also has a main housing configured to removably support the recovery tank in a vertical orientation in which the tank lid at least partially defines a top side of the portable extraction cleaner. In addition, a tank latch is provided in the tank lid, the tank latch configured to selectively secure and release the tank lid to the main housing when the recovery tank is supported by the main housing.

Abstract: A cleaning tool for an extraction cleaner includes a tool body including a nozzle portion connected to an elongated handle portion and a nozzle cover removably mounted to the nozzle portion forming a suction nozzle therebetween. The suction nozzle is configured to extract recovered liquid and dirt. The cleaning tool also includes an internal conduit in fluid communication with the suction nozzle configured to transport recovered liquid and dirt extracted by the suction nozzle. The internal conduit extending longitudinally within the handle portion between opposite ends of the handle portion. The cleaning tool further includes a spray nozzle configured to distribute cleaning liquid forward of the nozzle cover and a supply tube configured to carry cleaning liquid to the spray nozzle. The spray nozzle passes through the suction nozzle or the inlet conduit.

Abstract: A household dishwasher includes a dishwasher cavity defining a treatment chamber, a loading unit accommodated in the treatment chamber for holding items to be washed, a washing apparatus configured to apply washing liquid to the treatment chamber, and a fan wheel mounted in the treatment chamber above the loading unit for rotation in a blow-off operating phase such that the fan wheel draws in air from the treatment chamber, accelerates and moves the air forward and downward as an air flow in the treatment chamber. The air flow strikes a blow-off region at a top of the loading unit and blowing off washing liquid from atop the items being washed.

Abstract: A dishwasher can be included in a home network and can be utilized to complete a cycle of operation. The dishwasher includes a controller capable of automatically determining treating at least one cycle parameter based on the communication of at least one aspect of a recipe. The at least one aspect of a recipe can be wirelessly provided to a computer system that is in communication with the dishwasher. The computer system can be the controller or any known computer system in communication with the dishwasher.

Abstract: A dishwashing appliance includes a tub defining a wash chamber. An inlet is defined in the tub and provides air flow into the wash chamber. A fan selectively urges air through the inlet in at least two different directions, including a first direction and a second direction. A diverter disk is proximate the inlet downstream of the fan and upstream of the wash chamber. The diverter disk defines an axial direction. The diverter disk is movable along the axial direction between a first position and a second position. The fan urges the diverter disk to move from the second position to the first position when the fan urges air through the inlet in the first direction, and the fan urges the diverter disk to move from the first position to the second position when the fan urges air through the inlet in the second direction.

Abstract: A portable shoe surface cleaning cloth includes a cloth and four rubbing structure areas. The cloth is soaked or coated with cleaning solution. The four rubbing structure areas are first, second, third, and fourth rubbing structure areas and are located on the bottom surface of cloth side by side. The rubbing structure areas are provided with a plurality of prominent structures.

Abstract: The present technology relates to an image processing device, an image processing method, a program, and an endoscope system that can reduce a burden on a user. A parallax amount adjustment unit adjusts the parallax amount of a three-dimensional (3D) biological image of an imaged living organism, depending on whether the parallax of the 3D biological image puts a burden on a user. The present technology can be applied to an endoscope system or the like that captures an image of a living organism with an endoscope, for example.