Abstract: The present invention provides a mounting system including a connectable component and a mounting hub, wherein the connectable component is releasably attachable to the mounting hub via magnetic means. Preferably, the hub is fixable to a surface to allow the connectable component to be mounted thereon. Preferably, the connectable component is incorporated into a mountable item, such as a mountable frame that includes a front plate and a back plate which are adapted to house a display item.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for hanging one or more objects, such as frames, on a surface. A marking device for marking a surface for hanging one or more objects. The marking device can have a main body portion having first and second arms pivotably attached thereto. The first and second arms, as well as the main body, can each have a marker to mark a target surface. The marking device can optionally have a level indicator and the first and second arms can have markers which can slide along a ruled measure for convenient positioning of marks on the target surface. Optionally, the markers can have biased, retractable, or sheathed marker pins.

Abstract: A self-sealing integrated tableware and dining mat including a rubberlike planar portion having a raised perimeter delimiting at least one concavity above an upper surface and a suffuse undersurface disposed for sealable contact with an underlying surface upon which said mat is disposed, said sealable contact preventative of lateral displacement of the planar portion across the underlying surface, wherein said sealable contact creates a partial vacuum when attempts to separate the undersurface from the underlying surface are made except at an outer edge of the planar portion, whereby removal of the planar portion from the underlying surface is effective only by peeling the undersurface from the underlying surface starting first at the outer edge.

Abstract: This application discloses a cup. The cup includes a cup body and a handle, a fixing block is fixedly connected to an outer peripheral wall of the cup body, and a top end of the handle is provided with a fixing connector configured to be detachably connected to the fixing block. Specifically, the fixing connector includes an accommodating slot configured to accommodate the fixing block and a rotary switch passing through the accommodating slot, and an end, facing the accommodating slot, of the fixing block is provided with a position-limiting retaining groove. When a portion, located in the accommodating slot is engaged in the position-limiting retaining groove, the handle is fixed to the cup body, and when the portion located in the accommodating slot is rotated to be able to disengage from the position-limiting retaining groove, the handle is removed from the cup body.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a paper cup with straw. The paper cup comprises a sectioned-ring-shaped paper sheet for making a cup body and a round paper sheet for making a cup bottom. The sectioned-ring-shaped paper sheet and the round paper sheet are affixed to form the paper cup. An edge of a top arch of the sectioned-ring-shaped paper sheet is provided with at least one protruding rectangular paper sheet that is integrally formed with the sectioned-ring-shaped paper sheet. An edge of a bottom arch of the sectioned-ring-shaped paper sheet is provided with at least one notch corresponding to the protruding rectangular paper sheet. The protruding rectangular paper sheet is rolled via a cylindrical mold to form an upper portion of a straw. A lower portion of the straw is connected to a receiving room of the paper cup via the notch.

Abstract: A drink container including a liquid container having a neck with an opening and having an internal compartment sized to hold a volume of potable drink liquid and a cap assembly removably coupled to the liquid container, the cap assembly including a base removably coupled to the neck of the liquid container and including a through-passage extending through the base, a first catch structure coupled to the base, a mouthpiece assembly including a rigid collar member having second catch structure adapted to be selectively engaged with the first catch structure, and a user release mechanism adapted to automatically disengage the first and second catch structures upon actuation of the user release mechanism.

Abstract: A hand-held article-placing rack, which comprises: a first article-placing unit having a first accommodating space; a second article-placing unit having a second accommodating space; and a connecting piece which both ends respectively combined with the first article-placing unit and the second article-placing unit; wherein the first article-placing unit and the second article-placing unit are ring-shape to provide two beverage cups to insert and place; or, the first article-placing unit or the second article-placing unit is a polygon shape and has a bottom portion; so as to provide the first article-placing unit or the second article-placing unit to contain and carry food.

Abstract: A garment hanger includes a hook and an arm. The hook is configured to receive a support rod, and the arm is coupled to the hook and extends outwardly to a free arm end. The arm includes a first substantially planar panel and a top panel extending rearwardly from a top edge of the first substantially planar panel. The arm further includes an indentation and a finger. The indentation is defined adjacent the first substantially planar panel to be at least partially open in a direction facing away from the first substantially planar panel. The indentation defines an outermost edge nearest the free arm end and an innermost end nearest the hook. The finger extends from one of the outermost edge and the innermost edge of the indentation toward the other and is configured to hold a portion of a garment within the indentation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flat woven carpet tile (1) with a warp direction and a weft direction. The carpet tile (1) has three or more edges extending along a circumference of the carpet tile. The carpet tile comprises a plurality of indentations (12) and protrusions (13) along all edges. The indentations (12) and protrusions (13) are shaped, dimensioned and located so that the carpet tile (1) is adapted to be joined with abutting identically shaped carpet tiles by mutual interlocking of pairs of mating indentations and protrusions along all the edges in order to form a seamless and coherent carpet. At least some of the protrusions (13) comprise transversely extending gripping elements (14) and the mating indentations (12) comprise corresponding transversely extending notches (15).

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a tube having a first diameter disposed along a first length thereof. The tube may be open at a first end and at a second end. An axle may couple to the tube, and a plurality of wheels may couple to the axle. A securement strap may be located at the lower portion of the tube perpendicular to the second end of the tube to secure the second end of the tube.

Abstract: A curtain rod system has a support rod surrounding a drive member with a worm screw thereon. A powered carrier engaged on the worm screw provides powered translation of a curtain engaged thereto, upon rotation of the drive member by an electric motor. The drive member can be customized for length through by assembling it from drive member segments to allow for width adjustment of the curtain rod system. The worm screw may be formed of two separate parallel thread portions forming a double helix around the exterior of the drive member.

Abstract: Curtain grommets that can be easily installed on curtain rods are described. Each grommet includes a front split ring and a rear split ring forming a grommet split at the top that is aligned with a split or gap in the curtain at or above the grommet. Each split grommet is sufficiently flexible to allow the grommet to be installed on the rod without the necessity of stringing the grommets from the end of the rod or removing the rod from its mounting brackets. A liner hook may be attached to the bottom of the split grommet, for example, on the rear ring, and may be rotatable from an extended position for supporting a curtain liner to a flattened or stowed position for packaging, storage and transportation.

Abstract: A steam supplying device includes: a heater that heats fluid; and a heating tube through which the fluid flows, the heating tube being spirally wound around the heater.

Abstract: The technology relates to drip filter coffee machines and more particularly to the interconnection between a filter basket, its receptacle and the vessel into which it dispenses.

Abstract: A portable filtering cup may include a main body, a lid on top of the main body and detachably connected to the main body, and a funnel in the main body. The top portion of the funnel has a protruding portion, and one side of the protruding portion has a water outlet portion. A rotating trough is formed on one side on top of the funnel and the other side thereof has an engaging trough. A capsule box is disposed on top of the funnel, and the capsule box has a rotating shaft and an engaging post, and a needle is disposed on top thereof.

Abstract: A beverage brewing system works with a pod to brew low, medium and high pressure beverages in hot and/or cold format such as coffee and espresso served hot or over ice. The beverage ingredient may be packed within a filter which is enclosed by a container to hermetically seal the filter. The filter has a predetermined number and sized holes to control the pressure within the filter to brew low, medium, and high pressure beverages. The filter is releasably sealed to the container where separating the filter from the container forms a gap to allow the beverage formed within the pod to drain via the gap and directly pour into a mug.

Abstract: A filtering receptacle (1) for a solid flavour base is dimensioned to fit inside a pot (23) of a French press (24). The filtering receptacle (1) has a circumferential central wall part (3) that extends upwards from a bottom wall part (4) and terminates in a free edge (5) of a circumferential upper wall part (2) opposite the bottom wall part (4), which free edge (5) delimits an opening (6) for adding the solid flavour base to the filtering receptacle (1).

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for brewing coffee includes a carafe vessel having an upper edge which is angled complimentary to a lower edge of a removable carafe top such that the carafe top lower edge may be placed in full circumferential mating engagement with the vessel upper edge. A collar having a spout encircles the upper edge of the carafe vessel and lower edge of the carafe top when in full mating engagement. A filter is positioned above the bottom of the vessel with air below the filter pushed up through the coffee grounds and hot water as the filter is pushed down to the bottom of the carafe. Once brewed the filter and grounds are withdrawn from the brewed coffee. The carafe top may be rotated on the vessel whereby the spout is covered by the carafe top when in full engagement and the spout is uncovered when the carafe top is moved to the partial engagement position.

Abstract: Various beverage preparation systems and methods are disclosed. The beverage preparation system can include a container manipulation assembly having a support assembly and an elevator. The support assembly can be configured to receive a container. The elevator can be connected with the support assembly and can be configured to translate and/or rotate the support assembly. In some embodiments, the beverage preparation system includes a wand manipulation assembly having a wand unit and a mechanical linkage. The linkage can be configured to move the wand unit into and out of engagement with the container on the support assembly. The wand unit can provide a flow of fluid, such as steam, to liquid in the container to heat and/or froth the liquid.

Abstract: Provided is a refrigerator, comprising a cabinet, a door and a water dispensing device, the water dispensing device comprises a first water tank connected with an external water source, a first water passage, a beverage making chamber, a dispenser, a second water tank and a second water passage connected with the dispenser. The refrigerator according to the present invention at least has two water passages, in which the first water passage provides a room temperature beverage, and the second water passage provides ice water, so that user may obtain at least the room temperature beverage and the ice water through the dispenser.

Abstract: A milk module (2) for generating milk foam or milk beverages, preferably for installing into a coffee machine, is designed as an independent unit. The milk module (2) comprises a cooling chamber (5) which is connected to a cooling assembly for receiving a milk container (6), a conveyor pump (42), a device for generating the steam, a device (24) for heating milk or for generating the milk foam, and a connection means. The heated milk or the generated milk foam can be conveyed through a discharge line to the coffee outlet in the coffee machine by the connection means. In a very advantageous manner, a cleaning container (14) with a cleaning agent can be positioned into the cooling chamber (5) instead of the milk container (6).

Abstract: The present invention discloses a refrigerator, comprising a cabinet, a door and a water dispenser, wherein the water dispenser comprises a water tank, a drain path, a beverage making chamber and a dispenser, the beverage making chamber is communicated with the dispenser, the water dispenser further comprises an integration module provided between the water tank and the beverage making chamber, and the integration module comprises any one, two or all of the flow meter, the water pump and the heater. The refrigerator with the integration module may heat, pressurize the beverage and/or adjust the concentration of the beverage when the beverage is prepared, so that the user may make beverages of various flavors as required, and the diversification of drinking functions of the refrigerator is realized.

Abstract: Provided is a refrigerator, comprising a water dispensing device, the water dispensing device comprises: a water tank, a drain pipeline, a beverage making chamber, in which a capsule support for receiving a beverage powder capsule and a capsule piercing structure for puncturing the capsule operatively are provided; and a dispenser, communicated with an outlet of the beverage making chamber, comprising a beverage outlet of which the prepared beverage flows out. The refrigerator according to the present invention has a water dispensing device capable of making a beverage, such as coffee, milk tea, or the like, based on the demands from the user, thereby satisfying diverse drinking demands from people and solving the problem of the single function of the existing refrigerator.

Abstract: A chafing dish, including a basin including a well to store items therein, the basin comprising a lower groove forming portion disposed on at least a portion of the basin, a retractable lid disposed on at least a portion of a top surface of the basin to retract to an open position to open access to the well, and to expand to a closed position to close access to the well, the retractable lid including a body to cover the well when the retractable lid is in the closed position, an edge side disposed at a first end of the retractable lid to contact a first side of the top surface of the basin, and a weighted bar disposed at a second end of the retractable lid to slide toward the edge side to open access to the well and to slide away from the edge side to close access to the well, a top rim to cover at least a portion of an outer surface of the retractable lid, the top rim comprising an upper groove-forming portion to be affixed to the lower groove-forming portion to create bar-sliding grooves disposed at side po

Abstract: Described is a container for heat treatment of foodstuff in a liquid in a pot and it is characterised by a manufactured cup (10) with a base and a wall (24) comprising through going holes (70) for the free flow of liquid (fluid) into and out of the inner volume of the cup, and the cup wall (24) comprises at least one first set of marks (A1-A4) and a second set of marks (B1-B4), where the first set of marks (A1-A4) is set up in a lower part of the cup wall to show a predetermined amount of foodstuff in the cup (10) while the second set of marks (B1-B4) is set up above the first set of marks (A1-A4) to show the in-cup level of liquid supplied, where the ratio of the first set of marks (A1-A4) to the second set of marks (B1-B4) in the cup wall (24) is predetermined based on which foodstuff that shall be heat treated. A method for cooking/simmering rice is also disclosed, by the application of the inventive container.

Abstract: A flexible robotic kitchen assistant automates the preparation of food items. The robotic kitchen assistant includes a robotic arm, a sensor assembly comprising a plurality of cameras aimed at a kitchen workspace for preparing the food items, a controller operable to move the robotic arm, and a processor. The processor is operable to command the robotic arm to perform a food preparation step on the food items in the kitchen workspace based on order information, recipe information, kitchen equipment information, and camera data. The system is capable of performing a wide range of tasks commonly used in residential and commercial kitchens and is able to work collaboratively with and in close proximity to human kitchen workers.

Abstract: A gastronomy roller heater is provided having a cuboid base with a socket for connecting electric current, and equipped from the front with a thermostat, a power switch and an operating indicator, over which, between the side walls, rotating heating rollers are mounted. The upper parts of the side walls are formed in the shape of a ventilation hood fitted with temperature sensors with the non-contact temperature sensors directed at the inter-rows of heating rollers. The upper surface of the side walls are temperature displays mounted, presenting the temperature measured by individual temperature sensors.

Abstract: A grill of top projecting and radiating type includes a projection heater, a support connection beam, a base and a grilling pan arranged on the base, wherein the base includes a substrate housing; an upper face of the substrate housing is provided with an oil collection upper housing; a grilling pan rotating motor is arranged in the substrate housing; the center of an upper surface of the grilling pan is low and the periphery thereof is high; a rotary socket pipe is fixedly arranged at the bottom center of the grilling pan; an electric motor shaft of the grilling pan rotating motor passes through the oil collection upper housing from bottom to top, is inserted into the rotary socket pipe and is then connected to the grilling pan to realize the synchronized rotation of the motor shaft and the grilling pan.

Abstract: An automated bun feeding and toasting system is disclosed wherein the system is to be utilized in restaurants, particularly fast-food restaurants, in order to quickly and accurately prepare food products, such as, for example, conventional hamburger sandwiches which require two buns, or Big Mac® sandwiches which require three buns, in accordance with specific patron orders. The system comprises a plurality of bun storage tubes, discharge mechanisms for discharging bun segment into a bun separator, a chute conveyor, a bun rotator, and at least one toaster appliance whereupon completion of a toasting operation, the bun segments are picked up and conveyed downstream toward a food or sandwich preparation station. All operations are automated and are under the control of a master control unit such as, for example, a programmable logic controller (PLC).

Abstract: Cabinet with enclosures for keeping food products at a hot temperature, in which each enclosure (2) is defined by two side walls (3), a back wall (4), a front face (5) that is open or can be opened, a top wall (6) and a bottom shelf (7), each enclosure comprising, over the entire width thereof: on the outside and behind the bottom shelf (7), a cylindrical turbine (8) for circulating air; at the base of the back wall (4), louvers (9) for air to pass from inside the enclosure to the cylindrical turbine (8); in the bottom shelf (7), between a top face (13) carrying the food products (18) and a bottom face, a space (20) for air to pass between the cylindrical turbine (8) and a front hatch (14) open toward the inside of the enclosure (2); and in the air passage space (20), heating elements (11) distributed over the entire surface of the shelf (7), heating the top face (13) of the shelf and the air circulated by the cylindrical turbine (8).

Abstract: A portable drink holder for a drinkable liquid having a first removable reservoir for storing the liquid at a first end of the holder, a second removable reservoir at a second end of the holder for receiving the liquid and a cooling cartridge having a plurality of passageways for selectively transporting liquid from the first reservoir to the second reservoir. The cooling cartridge including a cooling medium so that the liquid transitions to a second temperature lower than the first temperature as it flows from the first reservoir to the second reservoir.

Abstract: A vacuum blending system may be used to blend solids, powders, and/or liquids (foodstuff) in an evacuated blender jar and/or evacuated enclosure to reduce or eliminate the air included in the resulting mixture. The vacuum blending system may be embodied as a vacuum lid adaptable for use with any of a wide variety of blending systems. In other embodiments, the vacuum blending system may be embodied as a blender with an integrated vacuum system. In still other embodiments, the vacuum blending system may be embodied as a vacuum pump, and optional vacuum tank, for use with a plurality off blender enclosures. Any of these vacuum blending systems may be used to produce blended foodstuff that has superior texture, offer increased nutritional benefit, and/or remain homogeneous for longer than the same foodstuff remains well-mixed when blended in a non-vacuum.

Abstract: A multi-function kitchen tool is disclosed herein. The multi-function kitchen tool includes a rolling pin, a base, and a handle cover configured in a compact combination. In some embodiments, the multi-function kitchen tool includes a mixing bowl, a rolling pin, a cheese grater, a pizza slicer, a juicer, etc., combined together into one kitchen tool. The multi-function kitchen tool is useful for providing a multi-function kitchen tool for compact storage.

Abstract: A container and lid storage device is provided. The container and lid storage device includes a telescopic spine connected to a planar base, wherein the telescopic spine provides a plurality of support arms movable between a collapsed condition and an extended condition. A support hand is provided along a distal end of each support arm, each support hand dimensioned and adapted for supporting a plurality of containers, wherein each support hand is adapted to support a predetermined size different than that of an adjacent support hand.

Abstract: A cookware rack configured for supporting a cookware set has a lower support section, an intermediate support section, and an upper support section spaced apart from each other by a plurality of posts. Each of the intermediate support section and the upper support section has a pair of longitudinal sides connected to a pair of lateral sides. Each longitudinal side of the intermediate support section and the upper support section has a recessed portion that is offset from end portions connected to opposing ends of the recessed portion. The lower support section has a pair of longitudinal sides connected to a pair of lateral sides and at least one intermediate side connected to the pair of longitudinal sides.

Abstract: A solution dispensing device including a housing that has an interior volume. The housing holds a solution reservoir and an actuator body that is movably mounted to the housing. The actuator body is operably connected to a dispensing assembly. The dispensing assembly includes a solution chamber disposed within the actuator body. The solution chamber has an interior volume with a first inlet and a first outlet. The first outlet is in fluid communication with a dispensing passageway. When in the dispensing position the actuator body is moved toward a surface of a material positioned adjacent the dispensing passageway. A material sensing trigger is connected to the actuator body and the trigger is configured to sense a targeted material by pressing against the material. The material sensing trigger is further configured to allow the dispensing assembly to dispense a measured amount of solution onto the targeted material through the dispensing passageway.

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

Abstract: Paper towel dispensers having projection systems, systems including such paper towel dispensers, and methods for operating such paper towel dispensers are disclosed. A paper towel dispenser having a projection system comprises a paper towel holder configured to securely retain a supply of paper towel during use of the paper towel dispenser, and a dispensing mechanism configured to cause a portion of paper towel to be dispensed out of the paper towel dispenser. The paper towel dispenser also includes a projector configured to emit a quantity of light that strikes the portion of paper towel to create a projected image on the portion of paper towel when the portion of paper towel is dispensed out of the paper towel dispenser.

Abstract: A package or pouch comprising one or more panel portions and a reclosure device. The reclosure device is provided to extend outward from a panel portion of the package to facilitate the use of the package to store and dispense wet wipes and like products.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dispensing nozzle 2 for a container of wipes (not shown). The nozzle 2 features an annular projection 14 the inside of which features inward facing spikes 17. The spikes can be made from a flexible elastomer or a non flexible polypropylene material. The spikes 17 feature ‘slit’ sections of weakness that enables the spikes to flex upwardly when subjected to upward pressures from say a wipe (not shown) passing though the structure of the dispensing nozzle 2. If downward forces act on the wipe after it has been inserted into the nozzle so as to force the wipe 4 back into its container, two things happen. 1) The spikes 17 or spikes flex back to their original position thereby imposing space restrictions within the annular projection that imped wipe fall back. 2) The ends 20 of the spikes 17 dig into the wipe thereby impeding wipe fall back still further.

Abstract: The deep potty training toilet includes a removable seat basin configured to contain the waste of an adult and constructed to hold the weight of an adult. The deep potty training toilet basin having an oval shape defining a cavity shaped to accommodate a child with a peripheral rim. The deep potty training toilet includes a base container designed to hold the weight of an adult with a hollow space in the middle. The deep potty training toilet seat basin is supported on top of the base container oval shape within the hollow space. The deep potty training toilet allows the child a visual conception of a caregiver using the deep potty training toilet in real time thus influencing the reduce amount of time a child may take using the toilet.

Abstract: An adjustable bathroom handrail assembly is provided with a pair of elongate vertical handles with mounting hardware to mount to an upright support surface and spaced apart from the upright support surface. An adjustable horizontal bar extends between the pair of vertical handles, and a locking mechanism connects the at least one adjustable horizontal bar and one of the pair of elongate vertical handles. A locking mechanism is located at an intersection of the horizontal bar and the one of the elongate vertical handles. A method for installing and adjusting wall-mount hardware installs a pair of elongate vertical handles to an upright support surface. The ends of a horizontal bar are installed onto the pair of elongate vertical handles. A locking mechanism on the horizontal bar is disengaged to adjust the horizontal bar to a location along the pair of elongate vertical handles.

Abstract: A handheld vacuum cleaner including a suction inlet, a main body, a handle defined by a portion of the main body, a motor disposed within the main body operating a suction source, and a filter coupled to the main body. The filter is configured to separate debris from a flow of fluid drawn through the suction inlet. The filter includes a housing forming a first volume and a filter media forming a second inner volume. The filter media is coupled to the housing such that the first and second inner volumes together at least partially define a collection container configured to store debris separated by the filter media from the flow of fluid. The filter further includes an inlet opening that extends through the housing to provide fluid communication into the collection container such that the flow of fluid with the debris can flow into the collection container such that the flow of fluid with the debris can flow into the collection container and a relatively clean flow of fluid exits through the filter media.

Abstract: A cleaner includes: a suction unit; a suction motor that generates suction force for sucking air through the suction unit and includes an impeller; a dust separation unit that includes one or more cyclone units generating cyclonic flow to separate dust from air flowing inside through the suction unit; a dust container that stores dust separated by the dust separation unit and is disposed under the suction motor; a battery disposed behind the dust container to supply power to the suction motor; and a handle disposed behind the suction motor, wherein a rotational axis of the impeller and an axis of the cyclonic flow vertically extend and an extension line from the rotational axis of the impeller passes through the one or more cyclone units.

Abstract: An example of an agitator for a vacuum cleaner may include a body and at least one deformable flap extending from the body. The deformable flap may include at least one taper. The at least one taper causes a cleaning edge of the deformable flap to approach the body.

Abstract: A cyclonic separator device for removing dust or debris from dirt-laden air, the device including: a first separating chamber for separating relatively coarse dust or debris from the dirt-laden air; an inlet through which dirt-laden air is drawn into the first separating chamber; a first dirt collection chamber in communication with the first separating chamber; a shroud; a second separating chamber positioned generally within the shroud for separating relatively fine dust or debris from the dirt-laden air cleaned by the first separating chamber, a second dirt collection chamber in communication with the second separating chamber; an outlet through which cleaner air exits the second separating chamber; wherein the first separating chamber includes a generally cylindrical portion with a central axis and wherein the inlet is configured to direct the incoming dirt-laden air into said generally cylindrical portion such that it travels circumferentially around an inner surface of the first separating chamber, wher

Abstract: A filter device for a vacuum cleaner, including a turbine device, for generating at least one first and one second main air flow through at least a portion of the vacuum cleaner, and a control unit.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a main casing, a driving wheel, a control unit, a camera, a self-position estimation part, an obstacle detection part, and a mapping part. The camera captures an image in a traveling direction side of the main casing. The self-position estimation part estimates a position of the main casing on a basis of the image captured by the camera. The obstacle detection part detects an obstacle on a basis of the image captured by the camera. A timing in which either of processing by the self-position estimation part or processing by the obstacle detection part is executed during the main casing's traveling, as well as a timing when the both types of processing are executed simultaneously during the same, are set. The vacuum cleaner can autonomously traveling while reducing a load of image processing.

Abstract: A docking station for a robotic cleaner may include a housing, at least one charging contact coupled to the housing, and at least three optical emitters disposed within the housing. The at least three optical emitters may include a first optical emitter configured to generate a first optical signal within a first field of emission, a second optical emitter configured to generate a second optical signal within a second field of emission, and a third optical emitter configured to generate a third optical signal within a third field of emission. The third optical emitter may be disposed between the first and second optical emitters. The first, second, and third optical signals may be different from each other. The third optical signal may be configured to guide a robotic cleaner in a direction of the housing.

Abstract: A method of charging a rechargeable battery includes positioning a rail of the rechargeable battery into a groove defined by a housing of a battery charger, and positioning a switch between an ON position and an OFF position. The switch is positioned in the ON position when the rechargeable battery is connected to the charger and in the OFF position when the rechargeable battery is disconnected from the charger. The housing includes a barrier extending across the groove to prevent movement of the switch to the ON position when the rechargeable battery is disconnected from the charger. The method further includes conducting electrical current to the rechargeable battery through an electrical connection interface.