Abstract: An apparatus for receiving and preventing unauthorized access to deliveries has an enclosure, a moveable roof on the enclosure, a rotatable basket within the enclosure, and a connecting member coupling motion of the roof and the basket. The basket is rotatable between an upright and an upside-down position. The roof is moveable between an open position in which the basket is accessible and a closed position in which the basket access is blocked. When the roof is moved to the open position, the connecting member rotates the basket to the upright position thereby allowing a user to place the article into the basket. Moving the roof to the closed position rotates the basket to the upside-down position thereby causing the article to drop out of the basket towards the bottom of the enclosure. The enclosure may open into a chute or building for delivering the parcels to a remote location.

Abstract: A control system, method and computer program product for controlling food processing steps performed by a multi-function cooking apparatus and food processing steps performed by one or more remote kitchen appliances for preparing a food product. A recipe program interface is configured to access on a data storage device a recipe program for preparing the food product wherein the recipe program is configured to be executed by the cooking apparatus and to synchronize food processing steps performed by the cooking apparatus with food processing steps performed by the one or more remote kitchen appliances. A validation component is configured to check if the one or more remote kitchen appliances are registered with the cooking apparatus in an appliance registry, and is further configured to check if technical specifications of registered remote kitchen appliances comply with control parameters in respective recipe program instructions.

Abstract: An air compressed coffee or tea making machine includes an air tank storing high pressure air; the air tank being connected to an air compressor for compressing external air so as to drive the high pressure air within the air tank; at least one liquid storage tank for storing liquid therein; a filtering tank installed below the air tank and connected to the liquid storage tank; a receiving tank installed below the filtering tank; the receiving tank serving for receiving coffee powders or tea powders therein. The liquid of the liquid storage tank is filled into the filtering tank; by the high pressure air from the air tank, liquid within the filtering tank suffers from a uniform air pressure and then flows to the receiving tank; as a result, the liquid is uniformly mixed with the coffee or tea powders within the receiving tank.

Abstract: According to a coffee maker of the present invention, the multi-joint linkage of a drive mechanism is alternately arranged three-dimensionally in a front-back direction, and thus stronger pressing force may be applied and the pressing force may be uniformly transferred to both sides of the pressing portion. When a user simultaneously presses the drive mechanism with his or her both hands, the pressing force applied by the right drive mechanism and the pressing force applied by the left drive mechanism may be uniformly transferred to the pressing portion without loss, and thus the availability of the pressing force may be increased. The coffee maker according to the present invention is robust, has desirable durability, and may be aesthetically decorated with metal and transparent plastic materials.

Abstract: A beverage preparation device (1), in particular a coffee machine, with a housing (2), an outlet (5) for discharging a beverage into a beverage container and a support element (6) for supporting the beverage container, said support element being arranged in a detachable manner in the insert openings (9, 10) which are arranged on the front side of the housing (4) and which are at variable distances to the outlet (5). The insertion openings (9, 10) are associated with closure means (12) for closing the insertion openings (9, 10) when the support device (6) is not inserted.

Abstract: A dispensing group for an espresso coffee machine is described. The group comprises: a coffee boiler configured to contain pressurized hot water; a supply duct for feeding hot water under pressure towards a puck of coffee powder; and a filter-holder support comprising guides (30) which form at least one sliding surface for slidably supporting a filter holder, wherein said filter-holder support is rotatable between a first position for inserting the filter holder and a second dispensing position and wherein said dispensing group comprises a mechanical locking device for locking the filter-holder support in the second dispensing position.

Abstract: A self-contained system is provided for cleaning a food flow path in a food processor. The system can be operably engaged without requiring disassembly and reassembly of the food processor or can be operably engaged after a partial disassembly of the food processor. The system includes a control assembly for directing passage of a solution through the food processor without requiring constant operator oversight. The system can employ available positive pressure water supply, such as public utility water pressure to selectively and automatically push solutions, including rinses, backwards or forwards through a food flow path in the food processor, though typically countercurrent to the normal processing food flow. A manifold assembly includes an intake manifold and a distribution manifold, with an induction port and/or access port in the distribution manifold for introducing additives or agents into a controlled motive stream passing through the manifold assembly.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to smoking food in an outdoor grill using a customized smoking routine. In one scenario, an electronic controller of an outdoor grill receives an input to initiate smoke generation according to a specified smoke generation pattern, including: adding a specified amount of combustible pellets to a combustion area within the outdoor grill, such that the combustible pellets begin to burn, measuring a current internal temperature of the outdoor grill and, if below a threshold value, adding a specified amount of additional combustible pellets to the combustion area sufficient to raise the temperature to another threshold value, allowing the internal temperature to cool a temperature below the first threshold value and, upon determining that the temperature of the outdoor grill has cooled below the first specified threshold value, adding additional combustible pellets to the combustion area sufficient to raise the temperature to at least the second threshold value.

Abstract: A composition for coating stainless steel includes sodium silicate, lithium silicate, sodium tetraborate, and a solvent as the remainder so that a contaminant on the surface of stainless steel is easily removed and yellowing of the stainless steel can be prevented. A cooking appliance includes the stainless steel surface coated with the composition.

Abstract: Heat resistant and/or nonstick polymer materials and composites, and cookware including a food support surface comprising an integrated or attached cooking surface formed of the materials and composites. The cookware includes a laminate material with structural rigidity, wherein the laminate material includes a flexible substrate impregnated with the heat resistant polymer material and/or coated with a nonstick coating, and pressed or molded in a shaped cookware or other nonstick items or component. Various cooking devices can be pressed from the material, as well as oven or vehicle components.

Abstract: A bottle sleeve warmer apparatus for conveniently heating a dental procedure water bottle includes a sleeve body having a front side separated from a rear side to form an inside. An attachment mechanism is coupled to the sleeve body and is configured to secure the sleeve body around a bottle. A control housing is coupled to the front side of the sleeve body. A temperature sensor is coupled to the rear side of the sleeve body and is configured to read the temperature of the bottle. A temperature display is coupled to the control housing to display a reading from the temperature sensor. A plurality of controls is coupled to the control housing and activates a heating element coupled within the inside of the sleeve body to maintain the temperature of the bottle at a preset level.

Abstract: The invention relates to an internal control method for a food processor appliance (A), comprising the following steps of: (E1) reception of a control data item (Cde) including a control command (IC); (E2) generation of a state data item (IE) by the control unit; (E3) transmission of the state data item (IE); (E4) reception of a confirmatory control command (ICC); (E5) triggering of the execution of a given task by at least one given functional element, corresponding to the control command (IC).

Abstract: An ovenproof carrier having an airflow passage. The ovenproof carrier includes a top unit and, formed separately, a base unit. A pair of passageways is formed by the top unit and the base unit, and the passageways are configured to cooperate to form the airflow passage when the top unit is received on the base unit.

Abstract: Pellet grills and associated methods of operation are disclosed. An example pellet grill includes a burn pot including an upper end having a first opening, a lower end located opposite the upper end and having a second opening, and a sidewall extending between the upper and lower ends. The example pellet grill further includes a fuel grate positioned within the burn pot between the upper and lower ends. The fuel grate is configured to support pellet fuel within the burn pot. The fuel grate includes a plurality of ash openings dimensioned to enable ash produced from combustion of the pellet fuel to pass downwardly through the fuel grate toward the second opening.

Abstract: Pellet grills and associated methods of operation are disclosed. An example pellet grill includes a main body defining a cooking chamber. The example pellet grill further includes a grease deflection bar assembly located within the main body. the grease deflection bar assembly includes a first rack removably positioned on first tabs of the main body, a second rack removably positioned on second tabs of the main body, and a grease deflection bar extending between and removably positioned on the first and second racks.

Abstract: Pellet grills and associated methods of operation are disclosed. An example pellet grill includes a main body defining a cooking chamber. The main body includes a first opening extending through a bottom portion of an outer wall of the main body. The main body further including a grease channel formed along the bottom portion of the outer wall and extending to the first opening. The example pellet grill further includes a burn pot located within the main body. The burn pot includes a lower end having a second opening aligned with the first opening. The second opening is configured to enable pellet fuel ash to pass downwardly from the burn pot onto an ash slide positioned below the second opening. The example pellet grill further includes a waste collection drawer located below the main body. The waste collection drawer is movable relative to the main body between a closed position and an open position.

Abstract: Pellet grills and associated methods of operation are disclosed. An example pellet grill includes an auger and an auger motor operatively coupled to the auger. The example pellet grill further includes one or more processors configured to determine whether the auger is jammed. The one or more processors are further configured, in response to determining that the auger is jammed, to command the auger motor to modify a direction of rotation of the auger.

Abstract: Pellet grills and associated methods of operation are disclosed. An example pellet grill includes a main body defining a cooking chamber. The example pellet grill further includes a burn pot located within the main body. The burn pot includes an upper end, a lower end located opposite the upper end, and a sidewall extending between the upper end and the lower end. The sidewall has an opening. The example pellet grill further includes an ignitor extending into the burn pot through the opening of the sidewall. The example pellet grill further includes an ignitor carrier removably coupled to the ignitor. The ignitor carrier extends away from the burn pot and is accessible from outside the main body.

Abstract: Pellet grills and associated methods of operation are disclosed. An example pellet grill includes an ignitor configured to be activated. The ignitor has a duty cycle associated with a number of activations of the ignitor. The example pellet grill further includes one or more processors configured to determine whether the duty cycle has violated a threshold. The one or more processors are further configured, in response to determining that the duty cycle has violated the threshold, to generate a notification indicating that the threshold has been violated. The one or more processors are further configured to cause the notification to be presented at a user interface of the pellet grill.

Abstract: A foldable grill box for portable grilling includes a plurality of box sides comprising a bottom side, a front side, a back side, a right side, and a left side. Each of the front side, the back side, the right side, and the left side has a bottom edge, a top edge, an inner face, and an outer face. The bottom side has a front edge, a back edge, a right edge, a left edge, a top face, and a bottom face. A plurality of hinges is coupled to the plurality of box sides to allow the plurality of box sides to move between an open and alternate closed position. A grill is selectively engageable with the plurality of box sides. The plurality of box sides is configured to house a fire and the grill is configured to function as a grilling surface.

Abstract: A transporting and presentation device for grate inserts including a main body, handles and recess grips. The main body includes at least one grate insert mount arranged either directly or in an insert ring. The main body is able to accommodate a grate insert. The main body additionally includes a central depression approximately equal in size to the insertable grate insert.

Abstract: Pellet grills and associated methods of operation are disclosed. An example pellet grill includes a burn pot configured to combust pellet fuel received within the burn pot. The pellet grill further includes an auger configured to deliver the pellet fuel to the burn pot. The pellet grill further includes an auger motor operatively coupled to the auger. The pellet grill further includes one or more processors configured to determine whether a shutdown sequence of the pellet grill has been initiated. The one or more processors are further configured, in response to determining that the shutdown sequence has been initiated, to command the auger motor to reverse a direction of rotation of the auger. The reversal is to cause pellet fuel which the auger has not yet delivered to the burn pot to be purged in a direction away from the burn pot.

Abstract: Pellet grills and associated methods of operation are disclosed. An example pellet grill includes a one or more processors configured to detect an improper shutdown of a control system of the pellet grill. The one or more processors are further configured to generate a notification in response to the control system regaining power following detection of the improper shutdown, the notification indicating that the control system was improperly shutdown. The one or more processors are further configured to cause the notification to be presented at a user interface of the pellet grill.

Abstract: A barbeque grill scraper and related methods of use that utilize a scraping end formed of a heat-responsive material to remove char and other debris from the grilling surface. The grill scraper includes a conformable scraping edge formed of the heat-responsive material. As the conformable scraping edge is drawn back and forth along the heated grilling surface, a combination of pressure applied by a user as well as the heat of the grill surface results in the formation of individual grooves along the conformable scraping edge, wherein each groove is formed to match an upper profile of the grilling surface. Over time, the grooves fully conform to the upper profile of the grilling surface such that an entire cooking surface can be scraped clean of char and debris.

Abstract: The mill for spice products, in particular such as cinnamon sticks, houses a reservoir for storing the spice product. The reservoir communicates through a passage, with a grinding mechanism. The reservoir includes a mechanism for fragmenting the spice product. The mechanism for fragmenting are defined by a crusher of the spice product.

Abstract: An herb grinder intended to be driven by the thumb in one hand to shave an herb with a plurality of blades. The grinder is a rectangular body comprised of a thumb piece, upper cover, pressurized plate, sliding body, central chamber, and bottom chamber. The top thumb piece is serrated for improved grip. The upper cover allows for the insertion of the herbs, spices, or other foodstuffs. The pressurized plate performs a tamping operation of the food product into the sliding body forcing a downward bias against the blades. The sliding body travels along linear indentations of the central chamber during operation to allow the blades to shear the food, which is evacuated from the central chamber into the bottom chamber.

Abstract: A grinder comprises a bearing track and a plurality of bearing elements such as ball bearings or roller bearings. Optionally, the bearing elements are protected from fouling or contamination from the material being ground, which can be, for example, herbs, spices, tobacco, or cannabis.

Abstract: A food-processing device for blending and mixing food comprises a mixing vessel, a blade holder, and a motor base. The motor is a high power motor. The device has various safety features designed for the high power motor. The blade holder comprises a safety mechanism that prevents the motor base from operating without the mixing vessel covering the blade. The mixing vessel also contains emitters that interact with detectors on the motor base that can allow a user to select an alternate blend speed according to the mixing vessel that is attached.

Abstract: A mold for creating an image on an article has an uneven surface having a depth that varies in accordance with brightness of an original image, and being covered with a light-transmitting colored material in a color different from a color of the article.

Abstract: A utility pan handle is provided, comprising a base body, a lower jaw, an upper jaw, a handle, a pivot pin, and a bottle. The lower jaw is pressed on an outer brim edge portion of an external container from outside. The upper jaw clips on an inner brim edge portion of the external container from inside. The handle extends vertically from the upper jaw and has an overall L-shape. The pivot pin is installed rotatably through holes disposed though the middle portion of the base body and a connecting portion of the handle and the upper jaw. The bottle engages the second end portion of the base body vertically to the base body and substantially in parallel to the handle. The upper and lower jaws open and close about the pivot pin by closing and opening the handle against the bottle, gripping the brim edge of the external container.

Abstract: A cookware article includes a container, a fixed handle, and a removable handle. The fixed handle is mounted on a side wall of the container. The fixed handle has an opening for the removable handle to insert. A fixed portion and a grip portion are formed on two sides of the opening respectively. The removable handle has a grip segment and an engaging segment. The engaging segment has a first abutting portion, a second abutting portion, and a connecting portion between the first abutting portion and the second abutting portion. When the removable handle is engaged with the fixed handle through the engagement segment, the connecting portion is inserted in the opening so that the first abutting portion is abutted against the fixed portion, the second abutting portion is abutted against the grip portion. As such, the removable handle supports the container.

Abstract: A modular, top-loading, food transport cabinet and serving platform apparatus is disclosed in various embodiments. The food transport cabinet and serving platform is advantageous because it is alternatively configurable in both a transport condition (e.g., for transporting or delivering prepared food while maintaining a desired (hot or cold) temperature of the food) and a serving condition (e.g., presenting the prepared food for serving while maintaining a desired (hot or cold) temperature of the food). The apparatus can be configured to accommodate various food presentation and serving requirements and arrangements, including heating (e.g., chafing or direct heat) and chilling (e.g., ice) without having to remove the food items to be presented and served from the food transport cabinet to a special serving platform.

Abstract: Air injectors are provided for conveying fluid and/or gas (e.g., air) into the fluid of a bathing apparatus. The air injectors can include a component for attachment to an outside surface of the bathing apparatus that can be hidden from the view of a user and another component for attachment to a source of the fluid and/or gas (e.g., air). The two components can be connected together for use or disconnected for servicing and cleaning the injectors, as well as servicing a check valve or the injectors.

Abstract: A shower scrub. The shower scrub includes a porous body having an upper opening providing access to a central cavity. The device further includes a reservoir having an open upper end, a closed lower end, and a sidewall extending therebetween defining an interior volume. The reservoir is disposed within the central cavity. The interior volume is in fluid communication with the porous body via a plurality of apertures disposed through the sidewall. A cleansing fluid is disposed within the interior volume and can be dispensed through the plurality of apertures when external pressure is applied to the porous body, such that the cleansing fluid permeates the porous body.

Abstract: An electric blower includes a motor unit, a shaft, a centrifugal impeller, a fan cover, a motor unit case, and a bracket located away from centrifugal impeller and toward motor unit in a direction in which a central axis of the shaft extends. The bracket includes a first portion located outward of the vent in a radial direction, and a second portion located outward of the first portion and outward of an outer circumference of the motor unit case in the radial direction. A first airflow passage and a second airflow passage are formed in the bracket, the first and second airflow passages communicate with an airflow passage formed by the centrifugal impeller and the fan cover.

Abstract: A handicap palm assist system includes a first shell, and a second shell, and at least one connector for removably attaching a first shell to the second shell. The first shell and the second shell are sized to fit a handrail, such as for disabled individuals. In some embodiments, the handicap palm assist system includes a handrail. The first shell and second shell are sized to removably attach to the handrail.

Abstract: A cleaning method and apparatus for elevated structures and ceilings, such as open girder truss systems, utilizes a multi-rotor blade helicopter/drone together with a contaminant entrainment system. More specifically, the drone includes a contaminant entrainment system including a vacuum and filter for entraining the contaminants dislodged from the elevated structures, a cleaning head to engage the surface to be cleaned, a system to guide the drone's flight path proximate the elevated structures to be cleaned, and optionally a power tether to reduce battery weight and increase the flight time of the drone.

Abstract: A cleaning robot includes a top cover, a bottom cover provided below the top cover, traveling parts provided in the bottom cover, a suction module provided in the bottom cover to suck in foreign materials on the ground, a recessed part firmed to be recessed inward between the top cover and the bottom cover, and a first sensor located in the recessed part.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner operable to separate debris from an airflow including a separator defining a cyclonic chamber having a dirty air inlet, a dirt outlet, and an air outlet. The vacuum cleaner further includes a dirt collection chamber in fluid communication with the dirt outlet of the cyclonic chamber. The dirt collection chamber further includes a sidewall having an opening, and the separator is pivotably coupled to the dirt collection chamber. The separator is received within the dirt collection chamber by pivoting the separator into the opening.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner may include a suction motor and a cyclonic separator fluidly coupled to the suction motor. The cyclonic separator may include a chamber and a first and a second vortex finder extending within the chamber.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus has a cyclone chamber having a longitudinal cyclone axis of rotation wherein the dirt outlet is defined by a gap between the sidewall of the cyclone and a plate positioned at the dirt outlet end of the cyclone.

Abstract: A handheld extraction cleaner includes a unitary body provided with a carry handle, and further provided with a supply tank, a recovery tank, and a suction source, all of which are carried on the unitary body. The various components of the extraction cleaner can be arranged for a balanced weight in hand. The supply tank can be integrated with a fluid distributor in a removable, modular unit.

Abstract: A cleaning robot includes a top cover, a bottom cover formed below the top cover and configured to move by external force, a fixed body provided in the bottom cover, a first opening formed in an upper portion of the bottom cover and a first sensor connected to the fixed body and externally exposed between the top cover and the bottom cover through the first opening.

Abstract: A floor sweeper includes a housing which has a garbage cavity for containing garbage. The garbage cavity has an inlet allowing the garbage to enter the garbage cavity. A sweeping roller is disposed at the inlet of the garbage cavity, is rotatably connected to the housing and is able to sweep outside garbage into the garbage cavity. A sealing plate for opening/closing the inlet is disposed at the inlet of the garbage cavity. An ejector rod is vertically and movably connected to the housing, has an upper end connected to the sealing plate and is able to move vertically to drive the sealing plate to move. When floor sweeper cleans a floor, the ejector rod abuts against the floor and moves upwards to drive the sealing plate to move to open the inlet of the garbage cavity.

Abstract: A system for enabling spot cleaning includes a mobile computing device and a mobile cleaning robot. The mobile computing device includes at least one camera configured to capture images of an environment, and at least one data processor configured to (a) establish, based at least in part on first information provided by the at least one image sensor, a coordinate system in the environment, (b) determine, based at least in part on second information provided by the at least one camera, a first set of coordinates of a region at a first location, (c) determine, based at least in part on third information provided by the at least one camera, a second set of coordinates of a mobile cleaning robot at a second location, (d) send the first set of coordinates and second set of coordinates, or coordinates of the first location relative to the second location, to the mobile cleaning robot, and (e) send an instruction to the mobile cleaning robot to request the mobile cleaning robot to travel to the first location.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to an apparatus for cleaning or otherwise treating a floor or ground surface. Devices provided herein include various features to enhance the efficiency and efficacy of cleaning operations. Such devices includes, but are not limited to, bearing protector devices, cord and cable management devices, and ergonomic features useful with ride-on floor treating machines.

Abstract: Disposable clean up utensils that can be incorporated into a box or other container, comprised of an apparatus, an incised and scored blank, from which clean up utensils, such as a combination bristle brush and paddle, a dustpan, a paddle and a scraper, may be formed by separating them from the apparatus, said apparatus comprising a flat sheet of bendable material comprising a combination bristle brush and paddle comprising a plurality of angled incised bristle lines; a scraper; a paddle; a dustpan comprising a dustpan handle fold line; an intersect at the rear of the dustpan; a right back score and fold mark; a left back score and fold mark; a dustpan handle fold line; a plurality of rear pan inclines; a plurality of sidewall score and fold marks; a pan-to-floor interface; an incised line bounding the dustpan; and a bristle brush score and fold mark.

Abstract: Example embodiments provide a dishwasher comprising a tub; a door configured for selectively sealing a forward access opening of the tub; a detergent dispenser located at an inner surface of the door; a spray arm mounted within the tub such that the spray arm is adjustable between a first height and a second height, the spray arm comprising a spray detergent nozzle; and a circulation pump configured to supply washing liquid to the spray arm. The dishwasher is characterized in that the spray arm is configured to emit a fan-shaped jet from the spray detergent nozzle when the washing liquid is supplied to the spray arm and the spray arm is configured to emit the fan-shaped jet that is incident upon the detergent dispenser both when the spray arm is positioned at the first height and when the spray arm is positioned at the second height.

Abstract: A dishwashing appliance is provided herein. The dishwashing appliance may include a tub, a sump, a chamber pump, a vane, and a threaded engagement joint. The chamber pump housing may be mounted within at least a portion of sump. The chamber pump housing may define an inner wall surface. The vane may be positioned within the chamber pump housing. The vane may extend from an inner radial end to an outer radial end. The vane may define a foil profile. The threaded engagement joint may include a first radial thread profile and a second radial thread profile. The first radial thread profile may extend radially from the vane at the outer radial end. The second radial thread profile may be formed on the inner wall surface. The second radial thread profile may be complementary to the first radial thread profile.

Abstract: A reusable straw holder for use in a household (or commercial) dishwasher is provided. The holder (hereinafter referred to as the “assembly”) is configured to securely hold a reusable straw during the dishwasher cycle so as to thoroughly clean the inside of the reusable straw. The assembly includes a plurality of funnel portions interconnected thereby permitting the assembly to hold and clean a plurality of reusable straws. Each of the funnel portions includes a funnel base to direct water and soap into the body of the reusable straw and a variable diameter neck portion to hold the reusable straw during the cleaning process.