Abstract: According to one embodiment, a control device includes a user interface device. The user interface device includes an operation receiver that is capable of receiving a command operation for a movable part of the electric furniture. At least one of a brightness and a color of at least a portion of the user interface device changes on the basis of a fluctuation of a first signal. The first signal corresponds to a biological signal that includes at least one of the respiration and the heartbeat of the user of the electric furniture.

Abstract: A portable, cushioned baby mat that provides a clean and supportive surface during nap-time, play-time, tummy-time or during diaper changes. The design focuses on ease of movability of the mat from room to room through a multifunctional form. The mat is comprised of a removable, washable cover with handles and pocket, and an interior cushion.

Abstract: A sensor for a merchandise display security system for displaying and protecting an article of merchandise is provided. The security system includes a merchandise bracket configured to be secured to the article of merchandise and a sensor configured to releasably engage the merchandise bracket and to detect unauthorized removal of the merchandise bracket or the sensor from the article of merchandise. The sensor is configured to be releasably engaged with the merchandise bracket such that the sensor is removable from the merchandise bracket while the merchandise bracket remains secured to the article of merchandise.

Abstract: A storage and dispensing system for generally cylindrical items which is adjustable to accommodate items having a variety of heights and diameters. The width of the storage and discharge areas, depth of the storage area, and height of the discharge chute are adjustable. The system holds items for removal on a first-in, first-out basis.

Abstract: A system for enabling in store routing of a user generated shopping list using existing store cameras and artificial intelligence and machine learning is provided. The system uses a pixelbuffer comparison of items imaged in real time to compared to a database of machine learned images. The system further provides item recognition and detection through machine learning so as to improve a shoppers experiences. The system and method further includes drone assistance means and radio signal item and biological detection so as to improve accuracy. Other features to improve guidance and accuracy include landmark navigation and masking to improve accuracy of item recognition and detection. The system may be a standalone kiosk.

Abstract: A picture or card holder is provided having a flexible rim defining a picture opening inside an outer retention flap. The flexible rim retains the picture or card without any covering that covers the entire picture or and only covers an edge of the picture or card. A decorative extension is secured to an outer circumference of the rim and extends away from the rim. The picture or card can be removed and exchanged without removing any components of the picture or card holder.

Abstract: A system 102 and method for mounting an item 104 on a surface 108 is disclosed, using a combination of a set of first steel tapes 110 fixed to the surface by adhesive coating 116, where the item 104 is to be mounted, and a set of second steel tapes 112 fixed on a backside surface 106 of the item 104 by adhesive coating 118. One or more magnets 114 are used between the first tapes 110 and the second tapes 112 to hold the two tapes together, and thereby the item in the desired position. When the mounted item 104 is removed temporarily from its mounted position, the first tape 110 and the second tape 112 need to be disengaged from each other against the magnetic pull of the magnets 114, and the first tape 110 and the second tape 112 can remain in their respective positions for remounting the item in the same position.

Abstract: Provided is a travel pillow that includes a washable, outer casing that includes a removable carabiner attachable to the washable, outer casing, a zipper sown along an elongated side of the washable, outer casing, and an inner pocket sewn to an inner side of the washable, outer casing along at least an inner portion of the zipper; an inner, sealed casing filled with malleable filling substantially in the shape of a cylindrical body; wherein the washable, outer casing is customizable with a combination of one or more of text, a logo, or an image; the washable, outer casing is filled with the inner, sealed casing and takes the shape of a substantially cylindrical body; the inner, sealed casing is removable from the washable, outer casing through the zipper; the inner pocket is capable of receiving one or more objects comprising headphones, keys, cards, or cash.

Abstract: A pillow may include a pillowcase having a first end, a second end opposing the first end, and first and second opposing sides extending between the first end and the second end. The pillowcase also may include first and second end chambers respectively adjacent the first and second ends, a medial chamber between the first and second end chambers, and baffles extending between the first and second opposing sides and defining the first and second end chambers and the medial chamber. The pillow also may include a pillow insert within one of the first and second end chambers, and the medial chamber.

Abstract: A pillow is provided herein which includes a cover having opposing first and second panels. A gusset perimetrically bounds, and joins, the first and second panels. The gusset is formed of an open cell construction. Compliant fill material is disposed within the cover. Advantageously, with the subject invention, a pillow is provided allowing for lateral ventilation between opposing panels. This permits a cooling effect while a user is resting or sleeping.

Abstract: A drinking device for the retronasal perception of an aroma substance comprises a storage container (12) for drinking liquid, at least one aroma container (20), through which air can flow, and a transporting channel (18) for drinking liquid, the transporting channel running from the storage container (12) to a mouth end (28) of the drinking device (10), and also comprises an air channel (22) for transporting aromatized air, said air channel running from at least one of the at least one aroma containers (20) to the transporting channel (18) for drinking liquid or to the mouth end (28).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a stackable container system. The stackable container system can comprise a beverage container, a beverage container lid, a plurality of smaller containers, and a plurality of smaller container lids. The smaller containers and smaller container lids are configured to allow any of the smaller container lids to be used on any of the smaller containers. The bottom of the beverage container and the bottom of each smaller container is also configured to allow the beverage container or smaller container to be interlocked with the top of any of the smaller container lids. In addition to storing beverage ingredients, the stackable container system can also be used to store other edible and inedible ingredients.

Abstract: The disclosure herein is directed to a beverage container that can be used as a cup comprising: a body defining an internal volume for a single-serve of a beverage, the body has a mouth at a first end having a removable seal for drinking the beverage from the container and a stem having a filling opening at second end, wherein the filling opening is sealed by a closure after filling, and the filling opening and the stem adjacent to the filling opening are narrower than the mouth.

Abstract: A container comprising an outer shell formed from a plurality of elongate wall members. Lip portions extend outwardly from along longitudinal sides of each of the wall members such that inner surfaces of the lip portions face each other.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method includes providing a flexible mat; wrapping the flexible mat around a crossbar associated with a seat for an infant or toddler; affixing two portions of the flexible mat together; providing a tether configured to secure an object; and coupling the tether to an anchor block on the flexible mat. The flexible mat may have a mat body characterized by a front side, a back side and a thickness; and a plurality of anchors. Each anchor may include an anchor block having an aperture configured to receive a tether, and a suction cup. Each anchor may be disposed through the thickness, such that its anchor block is on the front side and its suction cup extends from the back side. The back side may be adjacent a surface of the crossbar. The method may further include securing an object to the tether.

Abstract: A containment unit that facilitates delivery of parcels using drones is provided. An example containment unit comprises an inner housing unit and an outer housing unit. The inner housing unit includes a first and second sidewall that are connected by an end piece and have a bottom opening in between. The inner housing unit is movable from a retracted position over a floor of the containment unit to an extended position, where a portion of the opening is extended beyond the floor. A parcel may be inserted into a volume of space within the inner housing unit from below through the opening and pulled into the containment unit by the end piece when the inner housing unit is retracted. The containment unit can be used as part of a drone delivery system that can also include an elevated delivery platform, a computer application, or any combination of these aspects.

Abstract: A process for printing the surface of objects such as trophies and plaques including the steps of a) providing a sheet(s) or block(s) of desired shape having surface(s) and edges; b) laminating at least one surface of the objects with heat transfer foil to provide a clear, white or shade of white polymer coating; and optionally, c) printing a design onto the shade of white coating on the surface of the object by UV printing or sublimation printing. Trophies and plaques made by the process. It is also the objects so laminated and/or printed.

Abstract: A cooking vessel includes a cooking vessel that has a bottom wall and a side wall, where the side wall has an inner surface, an outer surface, and an upper edge. The system also includes an induction element that is configured to mount to the side wall. The induction element includes a heating member, an upper edge contact member, and a lip. The heating member rests upon the inner surface of the side wall, the upper edge contact member rests upon the upper edge of the cooking vessel, and the lip rests upon the outer surface of the side wall.

Abstract: A food holding wrapper is fabricated from malleable, thermally transmissive sheet material, and mechanically deformed to cause face-to-face contact with exterior food surfaces. A fluid filled cooking chamber provides heat to chambered fluid with sous vide cooking temperatures and durations. With air as the cooking fluid, the chamber heats fluid within the chamber to temperatures above boiling causing thermal coloring of outer food surfaces. User input directs a projected food serving time and a degree of thermal food surface coloringFluid within the cooking chamber is propelled by a motor driven impeller. The food containment wrapper which is coated on its interior surfaces with a nonstick coating. The food filled containment wrapper is vented to outside air. A user can enter a description of the food being cooked and a projected serving time, and a duration and start time of each required cooking processes is calculated from the projected serving time.

Abstract: A machine (1) for preparing and dispensing a beverage has an outside housing (30) having one or more outside faces (30a, 30b, 30c, 30d). The machine includes a user-interface device (31) movable from: a deployed operative position adjacent to a face (30a) of such one or more outside faces (30a, 30b, 30c) so that the device (31) is accessible by a user; to a retracted storage position in the outside housing (30). The user-interface device (31) is movable from its deployed operative position into its retracted storage position and vice versa along a first direction (31?) and a second direction (31?) that is non-parallel to the first direction (31?).

Abstract: A machine (1) for preparing beverages and presenting a plurality of beverage concentrate cartridges (2) provided to collect a respective beverage concentrate (3), and a concentrate discharge device (4) adapted so that can interact with each one of said beverage concentrate cartridges (2), whereby said beverage concentrate cartridges (2) are provided so that the beverage concentrate (3) is discharged, from the discharge part (22) of each of said beverage concentrate cartridges (2), directly to the exterior of said machine (1), in particular into a beverage recipient (A) that can be placed on the discharge zone of a service disposition (11), without touching in any other part of the machine (1). Also, a process for preparing beverages based upon the machine (1) for preparing beverages.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sharing capsule image data and beverage preparation parameters, from one or more beverage preparation machines with a remote computer system via a network, such as the Internet, is disclosed. The remote computer system may process the capsule image data to determine characteristics of the capsule (e.g., a type of capsule, such as a brand, or beverage ingredients in the capsule), thereby relieving the beverage preparation from having to determine information about the capsule. The remote computer may track a user's consumption of capsules, may compare this value to the user's past capsule purchase history, and may determine if the user's supply of capsules is below a threshold value (e.g., below a week's worth of capsules).

Abstract: A beverage producing apparatus includes: a separation apparatus configured to separate an unwanted substance from an extraction target; an extracting apparatus configured to extract a beverage liquid from the extraction target from which the unwanted substance is separated by the separation apparatus; and a housing configured to form an exterior of the beverage producing apparatus. The housing includes a first transmissive portion configured to make at least a part of the separation apparatus visible from an outside.

Abstract: A coffee machine is disclosed having a water system intended to be connected to a water supply system, a filter unit disposed at the inlet of the water system, a pump, a tank disposed in the water system between the filter unit and the pump, a sensor unit disposed in the tank and suitable for measuring at least one quality parameter of the water contained in the tank, a monitoring unit electrically connected to the sensor unit to receive electrical signals that are indicative of the measured water quality parameters, transduce the electrical signals in numerical values and compare the numerical values of the measured parameters with preset threshold ranges, and a user interface operatively connected to the monitoring unit and having an alarm to indicate when a water parameter is out of the preset threshold range.

Abstract: A solar powered cooler cup is presented. The cup holds a beverage and may be transportable. The cup has a handle and a lid which allow for transport without fear of leakage or spillage. The cup also has a energy plant, a cooling segment and a heating coil. An on/off switch allows the power to be turned off when the cup is not in use. A system switch is provided that allows the switching from the cooling system to the heating system or vice versa. Further there is a charging port which may preferably be a USB port. A solar panel is coupled to the outside of the cup and provides energy for the system used to keep the beverage at a desired temperature. The solar panel may also charge the battery where the energy is stored in the plant.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include a temperature adjustment unit comprising a fan combining the benefits of both a blower fan and a starter fan into a single unit for use in a fuel-burning device. The temperature adjustment unit can be mounted proximate an inlet of the fuel-burning device and comprise means for adjusting the settings of the fan to various modes.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a selectively-closable hatch for automatically preventing airflow through the blower inlet of a fuel-burning grill. The hatch has a first, normal, resting closed configuration which prevents the flow of air through the inlet and into the cooking chamber of the grill, and a second, open configuration which is obtained when a fan is engaged to create a forceful airflow through the inlet path. The force of air pushed against the hatch pushes the hatch open, both when the fan is disengaged or falls below a minimum strength, the hatch returns to the closed configuration and prevents air from being drawn or otherwise flowing through the inlet path into the cooking chamber of the grill.

Abstract: A table (1) has a table top (2) containing an opening (3). A heating appliance (10) is in the opening (3) wherein the heating appliance (10) extends at least beneath the table top (2). The table top opening (3) comprises a recess (5) in which the heating appliance (10) is received, and the recess (5) has at least one wall (7) below the table top (2). The heating appliance (10) has a substantially sealed chamber (13) for receiving combustible fuel (47) with which the heating appliance (10) is used, and the chamber (13) has at least one window (35, 45).

Abstract: The disclosure provides for a device for selectively agitating briquettes on a grill supporting plate. The device includes a variable frequency vibrational device, a power source, and a control circuit that controls the vibrational device at selected frequencies to create various Chladni patterns in the plate and, therefore, heating patterns over the surface of a briquette-supporting pan. The plate supports one or more pieces of charcoal and the device is integrated into the pan. When turned on, the vibrational device vibrates at a selected frequency. This vibration is translated to the briquette-supporting plate and causes different charcoal briquettes to selectively vibrate. The device is capable of selectively activating or pixilating briquettes to generate higher temperatures over different surface areas of the plate when the grill is cooking one or more pieces of food requiring different degrees of grilling or cooking.

Abstract: A heat generating device of a toaster includes a frame, two side electric heating plates mounted at two sides of the frame, and a middle electric heating plate disposed between the two side electric heating plates. A baking chamber is formed between every adjacent two of the electric heating plates for baking sliced bread. Each of the electric heating plates includes a substrate and a heat-generating metal film. A surface of the substrate of each of the two side electric heating plates, facing the baking chamber, is bonded with the heat-generating metal film. Front and back surfaces of the substrate of the middle heating plate are bonded with the heat-generating metal film.

Abstract: An appliance includes a microwave oven and a toaster oven apparatus in combination, the toaster oven being contained entirely within the interior of the microwave oven.

Abstract: A cooking system in the form of a fryer is provided to reduce and/or optimize the amount of cooking medium required to operate the fryer, while improving the reliability of movement of food product through the cooking system during a cooking process. To this end, the cooking vat of the system is designed with one or more heating elements positioned to avoid generation of turbulent flow in the cooking medium. Moreover, the movement of food product along the cooking vat and/or out of the cooking vat is done reliably and in such a manner to avoid turbulent flow in the cooking medium. The automatic cooking system provides improved cooking medium life span as well as reduced overall oil volume use.

Abstract: A separator and two methods of separating are described. The separator can include a driver configured for use with a blender, a perforated spindle cup arm, a threaded pass through retainer ring, a mount ring configured to fit a blender base, a lubricated ball bearing, a retainer nut, a mount ring, a housing, a perforated spindle cup, a liquid chute, a basin for liquid collection, a reservoir for dry material collection, a snap ring, a removable cap, a chute for expelling dry material, a hole, and a removable funnel. The method can include grinding material in blender container; placing the separator on the blender base, turning the blender on, and pouring the ground material into the funnel OR placing the peeler component into the cup, turning the blender on, and pouring water and material to be peeled through the funnel.

Abstract: Dispensers with anti-ligature safety features are disclosed herein. An anti-ligature dispenser may include a back mounting plate for mounting to a surface and a front housing cover with contoured and curved features that are substantially devoid of ligature anchoring points. Dispensing systems that allow for mechanically efficient actuation without providing gaps for ligature anchoring are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a back scrubbing device that can selectively dispense a lotion, soap, or medicinal substance to a user. The device includes a rear support that can be secured to a surface of a tub or shower via an array of suction cups. An elastomeric padding is secured to the rear support. The padding is soft and includes a curvature to accommodate a user with a spinal curvature, which will fit the natural lordosis and kyphosis curvature. A series of bristles are secured to the outer surface of the padding. A dispenser is optionally included for allowing the soap, lotion, or medicinal substance to be applied to the bristles. The entire apparatus is machine washable.

Abstract: A paper dispenser for dispensing paper provided on a roll may include a cylindrical housing having a compartment dimensioned to receive the roll and a slot provided between an inner and an outer surface of the cylindrical housing to dispense paper from the roll. End walls may be removably provided proximate to longitudinal ends of the cylindrical housing. The paper dispenser may also include a decorative layer and a layer of absorptive material for dispensing fragrance.

Abstract: A method and a wash, clean and dry system are provided for washing, cleaning and drying a surface region of a human body. The system includes a toilet seat assembly with a bidet assembly having a spray canister device for spraying the surface region with a solution, such as a skin protecting barrier solution, a cleaning solution or a medicated solution. In one aspect, the spray canister device can be movably insert into and out of the toilet seat assembly and is easy to operate and use. In addition, the bidet assembly further includes a spray nozzle assembly and a drying nozzle assembly, which are adapted to wash, clean and dry the region of the human body in three dimensional moments. The removable spray canister device with the removable sleeved cover element is thus easy to carry and be re-filled with new solutions.

Abstract: A portable toilet seat for user over pre-existing toilet seats or in lieu of a broken or missing toilet seat is provided. The portable toilet seat provides a chain of arcuate portions pivotably connected in series so as to be adapted to fold among a flat condition, a first folded condition and a second folded condition. The bottom side of each arcuate portions may provide radial fins, each radial fin may provide a concentric slot. The concentric slots share a radial distance from a center of the opening defined by the portable toilet seat in the flat condition so that in such a condition the concentric slots may engage a rim of a toilet basin or bucket, while in the second folded condition the concentric slots securely engage the radial fins of opposing arcuate portions.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner (1) comprising a container (2), a suction unit (60), an air channeling unit (25), operative between the container (2) and the suction unit (60), wherein the air channeling unit (25) comprises: a collector (26) having a suction mouth (27) at an intake side of the air channeling unit (25), a deflector (28) positioned at the intake side and radially extending at least over a central portion of the suction mouth (27), the collector (26) and the deflector (28) delimiting a suction channel (29) connecting the suction mouth (27) to an inlet port (22) of the suction unit (60).

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to novel predictive methods and personalized therapies for treating asthma. Specifically, this disclosure relates to methods of treating a patient having asthma by selectively administering an IL-13 antagonist, on the basis of that patient being genetically predisposed to have a favorable response to treatment with the IL-13 antagonist. Also disclosed herein are transmittable forms of information, diagnostic methods, and kits useful in predicting the likelihood that a patient having asthma will respond to treatment with an IL-13 antagonist.

Abstract: An electric vacuum cleaner and an electric vacuum cleaning apparatus that can accumulate dust intensively near its waste lid and can readily discharge the accumulated dust. An electric vacuum cleaner includes: a first separator that separates dust from dust-containing air; a coarse-dust collecting chamber that accumulates the dust separated with the first separator; a coarse-dust waste-outlet that discharges the dust from the coarse-dust collecting chamber; a recess part provided within the coarse-dust collecting chamber, communicates with the coarse-dust waste-outlet, and accumulates dust inside the coarse-dust collecting chamber; and a waste-outlet lid that is part of a wall of the recess part and opens and closes the coarse-dust waste-outlet.

Abstract: A dust collection box and a robot vacuum cleaner are disclosed. The dust collection box is used in the robot vacuum cleaner. The dust collection box includes a box body, a filter holder arranged in the box body, a dust separation structure configured to block dust, and a filter. The box body defines an air inlet and an air outlet. The filter holder defines an opening in a side surface thereof. The dust separation structure is arranged in the box body and located at an air inlet side of the opening. The filter is arranged to the filter holder and located at an air outlet side of the opening.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes an improved dual-action filter cleaning mechanism using both a rotational flicking action and a vertical shaking action. A debris removal assembly of the vacuum cleaner can include a filter assembly having a first filter and a second filter arranged in a nested configuration, and a filter cleaning mechanism configured to impart a combination of vertical shaking of the first filter and rotational flicking of the second filter.

Abstract: A central vacuum system includes a primary valve box or inlet and a secondary inlet. The central vacuum system includes a hose with a hose cuff at the end thereof. The hose is stored in the primary valve box and may be extracted and attached to the secondary inlet. The secondary inlet includes features that enable the hose cuff to connect with the secondary inlet. The secondary inlet includes at least one moveable member that is configured to connect, in a releasable manner, with a channel formed in the hose cuff. The moveable member on the secondary inlet includes a section or portion thereof that moves radially relative to a longitudinal axis of the secondary inlet. The portion that moves radially may include a curved profile. This enables the moveable member to wrap around a circumferential portion of the hose cuff.

Abstract: An autonomous vacuum cleaner includes an autonomously moveable housing carrying a vacuum collection system for generating a working air flow for removing dirt from the surface to be cleaned and storing the dirt in a collection space. Distance sensors for position sensing are mounted to the housing, behind a sensor cover. The distance sensors can be staggered and/or positioned above a brush chamber for a brushroll.

Abstract: A floor cleaning system includes multiple autonomous floor cleaners or robots. The robots are configured to share a mapping, navigation, and/or stain sensing system. A first robot carries the mapping, navigation, and/or stain sensing system, and a second robot receives information from the mapping, navigation, and/or stain sensing system of the first robot. The system can include at least one dry vacuuming robot and at least one deep cleaning robot.

Abstract: A method, performed by a robot vacuum cleaner, of planning a cleaning route includes: dividing an indoor space into at least one cleanable region based on an indoor space map generated using at least one sensor included in the robot vacuum cleaner; dividing the at least one cleanable region into a plurality of partial regions based on a cleaning mode of the robot vacuum cleaner; and planning a first cleaning route to control a number of direction changes of the robot vacuum cleaner with respect to each of the plurality of partial regions based on the cleaning mode being a first mode.

Abstract: Self-cleaning features for extraction cleaners and attachments for extraction cleaners, such as accessory tools, wands, and/or hoses, are provided. The self-cleaning features are configured redirect cleaning fluid from a fluid supply system of the extraction cleaner into a working air or fluid recovery path of the extraction cleaner, including, but not limited to into the working air or fluid recovery path of a tool, wand, and/or hose of the extraction cleaner.

Abstract: Provided are cleaning control method and device for a cleaning robot, a cleaning robot, an electronic device and a non-transitory computer readable storage medium. The method includes: controlling the cleaning robot to proceed and triggering a collision detector disposed at the cleaning robot to emit a trigger signal; controlling the cleaning robot to recede a first distance according to the trigger signal; controlling the cleaning robot to rotate in place, and a proceeding direction of the cleaning robot is in parallel with a contour line of an obstacle or a tangent thereof; and controlling the cleaning robot to proceed according to the proceeding direction, and controlling a distance between the cleaning robot and the obstacle to be maintained within a pre-set distance range during proceeding.

Abstract: To provide an electric vacuum cleaning apparatus that can disinfect the surface to be cleaned by atomizing electrolyzed water containing hypochlorous acid and spraying or spreading the atomized electrolyzed water to this surface while moving on this surface. The electric vacuum cleaning apparatus includes: an electric blower that generates suction vacuum pressure; a suction air passage equipped with a suction port and fluidly connected to a suction side of the electric blower; an electrolyzed-water generator that electrolyzes water to produce electrolyzed water containing hypochlorous acid; and an atomizer that atomizes the electrolyzed water produced by the electrolyzed-water generator and supplies the atomized electrolyzed water to a surface to be cleaned.