Abstract: In various embodiments, a carrying bag includes a carrying bag body formed by a security panel assembly comprising a cut-resistant fabric or mesh, with a strap channel having at least two spaced-apart reinforced channel openings; and a carrying strap comprising: first and second wire cables; a first flexible material having a first lateral region folded around the first wire cable to enclose the first wire cable and a second lateral region folded around the second wire cable to enclose the second wire cable; and a second flexible material arranged on or over a central region of the first flexible material. Representative embodiments may include a water-resistant pocket coupled to a protected seam and extending to an exterior of the carrying bag body; and a fastener to close the water-resistant pocket external to the carrying bag body.

Abstract: A modular firearm support, concealment aid, and shooting equipment holder assembly for a multi-legged stand comprises a plurality of flexible leg sleeves configured to releasably engage different legs of the multi-legged stand, and at least one flexible wall panel configured to extend between and releasably engage any two adjacent leg sleeves of the plurality. The wall panel includes a plurality of rows of uniformly spaced, laser-cut, horizontal slots defined therethrough. When secured to an adjacent pair of leg sleeves mounted on a deployed multi-legged stand, the wall panel screens an interior space defined between the legs of the stand from a viewpoint outboard of the wall panel, and provides an upright, load bearing surface to which a user can mount an item of modular light-weight load-carrying equipment (MOLLE).

Abstract: A process for treating keratin fibres may include applying a hair treatment composition to the keratin fibres. The composition may comprise at least one of fatty substances, surfactants, polymers with a glass transition temperature (Tg) ranging from about 40° C. to about 150° C., oxidation dye precursors, and direct dyes. The process may also include inserting the keratin fibres into a device comprising two elements that are moveable relative to each other between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, the two elements may define a substantially leaktight closed space. The process may further include moving the two elements into the closed position to confine the keratin fibres in the closed space, and heating the keratin fibres to a temperature ranging from about 40° C. to about 250° C. while the keratin fibres are confined in the closed space.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system for confident daily make-up application comprising a makeup compact and a client device. The system may be applied to specific facial features or entire faces for a complete style. The client device is configured to provide an interactive user experience by displaying templated instructions for makeup application. Templated instructions provide a ‘paint-by-numbers’ approach to daily makeup application. In an embodiment, the present disclosure further relates to an eye tracking feature enabling adjustment of a display projection responsive to eye position and eye status (e.g. opened or closed).

Abstract: A separable nail polish container having base with a paint material housed therein, a base cover selectively and removably coupled to the base portion, and an applicator brush selectively and removably coupled to the base cover. The base defines an upper opening of a diameter sufficient to allow refilling of a paint material, i.e., a more viscous gel or paint material, wherein the base cover can be removed to expose the upper opening. The applicator brush is insertable and removably within the base cover and includes a plurality of bristles spanning toward a bottom wall of the base.

Abstract: A lipstick arrangement including a casing and a protective covering. The casing including a first part including a carrier at a bottom region, a second part and a protruding element attached to the second part. Lipstick bullet is mounted on the carrier and has an elongate shape including a sloping top portion. The carrier is operatively coupled to the first part and the second part and the carrier is arranged to move in an axial direction relative to the second part in response to the first part being rotated relative to the second part. The protective covering covers the first part of the casing when applied to the casing. The lipstick bullet when completely unscrewed is exposed in such a way that the sloping top portion of the lipstick bullet faces substantially oppositely to the protruding element.

Abstract: The applicator assembly delivers a cosmetic, health, or hygiene chemical composition in an active state to the user for a disposable single use. The applicator assembly includes a wrapper, and an insert. The insert holds the chemical composition, and the insert is made of a foam composition compatible with the chemical composition. The system and method for manufacturing the assembly is a web conversion process for the chemical composition and foam composition of the assembly. The applicator assembly includes the wrapper formed by a top sheet and a bottom sheet, and an insert formed by an insert body with a handle portion and an applicator portion and the chemical composition.

Abstract: Systems and methods for computing a hair-coloring composition (HCC) or for dispensing ingredients for the HCC are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the system comprises a hair-treatment objective-prioritization user interface (HTOP UI) for receiving multi-objective relative-importance data describing a relative importance of different hair-treatment objectives (e.g. immediate post-treatment accuracy versus auxiliary goals, or one auxiliary goal versus another) for a potential hair-coloring treatment. In some embodiments, a hair-coloring-composition (HCC) prediction-engine is responsive to input received via the HTOP UI to compute, from the initial hair-state data and from the target color-state, a customized hair-coloring composition predicted to transform a color state of the user's hair from the initial color state to the target color state. This may be performed according to the multi-objective relative-importance data.

Abstract: A modular attachment matrix array having a matrix array layer, wherein the matrix array layer comprises a plurality of spaced apart matrix array apertures, wherein each of the matrix array apertures is formed through the matrix array layer and is formed as an elongated octagon, and wherein the matrix array apertures are arranged in a repeating sequence of equally spaced rows and equally spaced columns. In certain exemplary embodiments, the matrix array layer is at least partially attached or coupled to at least a portion of a carrier material.

Abstract: A smart toothbrush is disclosed which includes a chewing base having an arch shape with varying surface areas and widths that conform to a biting pattern of an upper and lower jaws of a user; an array of bristles covering only the surface areas of the bottom side and top side so that when the user chews on the device, the array of bristles brushes the front, back, and biting surfaces of all the teeth of the upper jaw and said lower jaw, and the height of said array of bristles is 0.8 mm; and a removable handle connected to the chewing base.

Abstract: A folding/unfolding mechanism includes first, second and third coupling pieces. Each of the first and second coupling pieces is configured to be fixed at an end of a bar and includes a hole and a slot with a closed bottom and an open top. The third coupling piece includes a slot with closed bottom and top. A first rod passes through the holes of the first and second coupling pieces and the slot of the third coupling piece. A second rod is integrally formed or coupled with a top portion of the third coupling piece, and movable together with the third coupling piece. The second rod is selectively inserted into the slots of the first and second coupling pieces, thereby selectively restricting the rotation of the first and second coupling pieces with respect to each other.

Abstract: An elevating post includes a transmission (10), a driver (20), an outer tube (30) and a moving assembly (40). The driver (20) is connected to the transmission (10). The outer tube (30) receives the transmission (10) and the driver (20) and has a tube body (31) with a longitudinal trough (311). Two closed sections (312, 313) are separately disposed outside two ends of the longitudinal trough (311). The moving assembly (40) is operatably connected to the transmission (10) and has a plate (43) protruding from the tube body (31) by passing through the longitudinal trough (311) and being movable in the longitudinal trough (311).

Abstract: In various implementations, furniture, such as a table (e.g., a desk) and/or free-standing board, may include an organizational frame to which other members (e.g., table top, white board, smart board, etc.) may be coupled. The frame may include legs and at least one organizational member disposed between two or more of the legs. The organizational member may include a plurality of openings. The opening(s) in the organizational member may be able to couple with one or more organization tools.

Abstract: A novel workstation which incorporates an acoustical dome for increased acoustic and visual privacy for the user. The workstation further is adjustable in height such that it is able to accommodate a range of users from the 5th percentile seated female to the 95th percentile standing male according to the dictates of ANSI/HFES100-2007 national ergonomic standard. The workstation is further designed to be in electrical and data communication with other workstations to optimize the workstation density in an open working environment without compromising user privacy.

Abstract: A modular container holder comprising a backing panel and a collapsible basket portion, the backing panel has a selectively attachable mounting panel assembly adapted to detachably secure the modular container holder to a vertical mounting surface, the basket portion projects forwardly from the backing panel and is adapted to receive and retain a container. The basket portion has a plurality of movable basket elements which allow the basket portion to be alternatively placed in an assembled state to receive the container, and a collapsed state which reduces the amount of space occupied by the modular container holder. A contiguous modular arrangement of multiple modular containers positioned in column or row configurations allows multiple containers to be stored, while the basket portion is tilted forwardly to prevent the obstruction of basket openings when the modular container holders are vertically stacked in the column configuration.

Abstract: The present invention provides an interactive drawer-fastening mechanism, comprising a driving shaft component and a fastening assembly; the driving shaft component including a seat and a driving arm; the fastening assembly including a fastening base, an upper limit block, a lower limit block, and a plurality of sliding block components, the sliding block component including a sliding block, a retaining shaft and a torsion spring, the retaining shaft including an arc plate, an immovable shaft and a movable shaft, wherein the retaining shaft has the immovable shaft. The present invention has the fastening assembly and the driving shaft component as separate modules, and has the slide guide working with the lock component to realize the interactively fastening mechanism. The modularized design on one hand structurally simplifies the fastening mechanism and allows easy installation, and on the other hand effectively enhances the reliability of both interaction and fastening.

Abstract: A work environment adjustment system includes multiple instances of controllable office equipment located within an office space, each instance associated with a specific office location and including an activator for controlling states of the instance, at least one presence sensor for detecting user presence within each space associated with each instance, and a master controller linked to each office equipment activator to control activation of each activator to control a current state of each instance. The master controller is programmed to perform the steps of receiving sensor signals from the at least a first presence sensor, determining user presence at each space associated with each instance, controlling states at each of the instances independent of user input when the space associated with the instance is vacant, and enabling user control of the state of each instance associated with a space that is occupied by a user.

Abstract: The present invention provides a means to block light while resting, in particular, in a public environment such as on airplanes. A U-shaped neck pillow has a detachable hood. Attached to the inside of the hood near the face opening is a deployable face covering. The face covering is air permeable and has an interior pouch thereon for the removable placement of filters.

Abstract: A portable and foldable back support includes: a foam cushion; a cover shaped to tightly fit around the foam cushion, the cover including a front surface, a rear surface opposite the front surface, and a casing attached to the rear surface of the cover, the casing extending across a width of the rear surface and including a channel formed therethrough; an elongate string shaped to fit through and secured to the casing, the elongate string including opposing ends. In an unfolded configuration the string is untied, and the foam cushion is expanded within the cover. In a folded configuration the opposing ends of the string are tied together such that the cover and encased foam cushion are folded.

Abstract: A bench with a retractable footrest is an apparatus that compactly stores and effectively conceals a footrest. The apparatus includes a seat panel, a back panel, a first frame, a second frame, a retractable footrest, a storage receptacle, and a slider mechanism. The seat panel and the back panel upholds the user while sitting on the apparatus. The first frame and the second frame, together, connects the seat panel and the back panel. The first frame and the second frame allow the seat panel and the back panel to open and close with each other. The retractable footrest upholds the calves, and consequently, the feet of the user, alleviating the stress on the knees of the user. The storage receptacle connects the retractable footrest with the seat panel and houses the retractable footrest. The slider mechanism allows a user to retract and extend the retractable footrest within the storage receptacle.

Abstract: Pultruded frames for an adjustable bed are described herein. The pultruded frames may include various components such as connection/joining and reinforcing structures. The various components and frame parts may be combined in multiple configurations to form light weight and strong adjustable bed frames.

Abstract: An electric motor driven adjustable mattress has a shared casing in which at least one flat cushion element of a cushion structure and an electric motor driven adjustable support apparatus for supporting the cushion element are accommodated. The support apparatus has two support parts that are adjustable relative to one another, and that on their sides facing the cushion element are provided with spring elements for elastically resiliently supporting the cushion element. For adjusting the support parts relative to one another, an electric motor driven drive apparatus is accommodated in the shared casing.

Abstract: The disclosed technology includes a pressure-controlled air mattress for enabling a user to set a desired firmness or pressure level of the air mattress. The pressure-controlled air mattress may automatically maintain the desired pressure by replacing leaked air with air from a pressurized air reservoir.

Abstract: A disposable infant co-sleeper system including: a disposable infant co-sleeper assembly including a stand, and a sleeping cavity; wherein the disposable infant co-sleeper assembly includes in functional combination the stand and the sleeping cavity. The sleeping cavity is removably fastenable to the stand, such that the sleeping cavity is erected such that it is raised above and located on a plane above a planar surface at a height suitably matched to that of the parent sleeper. The sleeping cavity preferably is made of cardboard and has removable panels for ease of accessing an infant residing in the sleeping cavity. When the use is finished it can be disposed of in an environmentally efficient manner.

Abstract: A shopping bin which mounts crosswise on a shopping cart and is slidable onto the conveyor belt of a supermarket check stand. The bin mechanism holds the bottom of the bin in place and causes a door at the front of the bin to open as the conveyor belt moves the rest of the bin forward until the bottom of the bin has been mostly extracted, thus allowing the check stand conveyor to completely vacate the contents of the bin and send them to the checker and the item scanner.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for completing a transaction using a shelf and interactive tablet. The systems and methods may include receiving, at an interactive tablet comprising a processor, a captured image associated with an item; identifying, by the interactive tablet, a known image of the item based on the captured image of the item; and retrieving, by the interactive tablet, product information associated with the item based on the known image of the item.

Abstract: A mounting system (1) for artwork is disclosed, comprising a blank (3) of planar material, comprising a rectangular main section (7) for carrying artwork, which has first and second integral tabs (9) extending from respective opposite sides of the main section and which are foldable into a three dimensional box-like shape behind the main section to provide first and second perimeter members. The system also comprises third and fourth integral foldable tabs (11) extending from the remaining sides of the main section and which project outwards by a lesser extent than the first and second tabs. The system also comprises a plurality of separate extender tabs (5) for attachment to the third and fourth foldable tabs to permit said tabs to be folded in a likewise manner to form third and fourth perimeter members behind the main section.

Abstract: A pillow relies on a shell containing two types of fill material, one comparatively smaller, granular, and characterized by a comparatively larger spring constant, and another comparatively larger, more chunky in shape, and characterized by a comparatively smaller spring constant. Below a threshold level of force (or pressure, which is force per unit area) the larger, softer, second fill material resists flow of the smaller, harder, stiffer fill material. However, upon application of a force (or pressure) above some threshold, the mixture of the two fill materials will flow to conform the pillow to the shape of a user. The pillow will then substantially stabilize in that shape in the absence of forces above the threshold level.

Abstract: A pillow includes a first pillow cushion consisting essentially of a gelatinous elastomer that is sized and configured to support a head and neck of a person using the pillow cushion and a second pillow cushion coupled thereto. The pillow cushion has deformable wall members located and configured to define voids therebetween such that the deformable wall members may be displaced into adjacent voids upon deformation of the deformable wall members. The deformable wall members are configured to buckle when a pressure applied to a cushioning surface of the first pillow cushion, in a direction perpendicular to a first major surface, exceeds a threshold pressure level. A pillow cover covers the first pillow cushion and the second pillow cushion. A method of fabricating a pillow includes enclosing such first and second pillow cushions in a pillow cover.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a cushion apparatus comprising a resilient spring member. Typically, the cushion apparatus in configured to provide flexible support to a user, allow air circulation through and within the cushion apparatus and allow ventilation of excess heat. In some embodiments, the cushion apparatus comprises a resilient spring member and a cushion cover member at least partially enclosing the spring member. In some embodiments, the cushion cover member is structured to be removable attached to the resilient spring member.

Abstract: A protective enclosure for straws used to consume beverages is disclosed. The protective enclosure may be operated by one hand to selectively access or cover an end of a straw through which a beverage may be consumed. The protective enclosure has a clamshell like opening and closing operation, portions of which are interdigitated and pivot during operation. The protective enclosure has a mechanism which selectively extends and retracts the straw during operation of the device. The protective enclosure may have an additional seal or seals to exclude contamination from dirt and/or insects during use.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are multiple embodiments of anti-sloshing liquid-retaining bottles. Embodiments include anti-sloshing liquid-retaining bottles that comprise an internal bladder configured to expand in volumetric proportion to the liquid expelled from the liquid containing bottle thereby eliminating air and, by extension, space in which the water could slosh. Anti-sloshing liquid-retaining bottles disclosed herein can rely on various mechanisms for volumetrically expanding the bladder against liquid retained in the bottle, mechanisms include pneumatic modulation of the bladder using a regulator configured to introduce pressure from a high pressure reservoir to inflate or expand the bladder and valves to release the pressure and deflate the bladder, as well as mechanisms for spring actuation to expand or inflate the bladder. Additional embodiments of anti-sloshing liquid-retaining bottles include bottles comprising wave breakers for passively preventing sloshing by dampening the motion.

Abstract: A removable lid for a drinking cup is described. The removable lid has a top side with an ellipsoidal recession having a bottom opening. A baffle wall extends from the perimeter of the bottom opening, and is configured to prevent a beverage from passing through the bottom opening upon sudden movement of the beverage. The ellipsoidal recession may be designed so that a hot beverage being consumed through the removable lid is exposed to more outside air for cooling purposes. The same ellipsoidal recession may be designed to funnel added ingredients into a beverage. The removable lid may have a stirrer opening so that stirrers may be inserted and taken out without lid removal. For additional strength, the surface of the removable lid may be textured to increase its moment of inertia. The bottom opening of the removable lid may be closed using a fitted blocking plug.

Abstract: A rotatable organizer for a multitude of brush types. The rotatable organizer is configured to organize hair brushes, make-up brushes, paint brushes, markers, pencils and anything of the like while allowing the user easier access due to a swiveling or rotary motion. The rotatable organizer can be rotated into a plurality of designated positions and secured in each such designated position when a locking peg engages with a groove formed in the base of the organizer. The rotatable organizer may further include a weighted element, a securing element, or a combination thereof to stabilize the rotatable organizer while it is being rotated.

Abstract: An eyewear storage device may include a receptacle which may be coupled to a receiver. The receptacle may comprise a cavity for receiving portions of an article of eyewear. The receiver may comprise a first arm which may be movably coupled to a second arm. The first arm may have a first finger, and the first finger may have a first finger gripping surface. The second arm may have a base, and the base may have a base gripping surface. The first finger gripping surface and the base gripping surface may be movable towards and away from each other. Preferably, the first finger gripping surface and the base gripping surface may be positioned on opposing sides or surfaces of an object, such as a cell phone, and the first arm and the second arm may contact and tension against opposing sides of the object to grip the object.

Abstract: An apparatus for deterring theft of packages which includes an enclosure having an interior cavity. A conical inlet port provides access to the interior cavity. The conical inlet port has a wide end and a narrow end. The narrow end projects into the interior cavity. The narrow end normally has a first diameter. However, the narrow end expands to a second diameter in response to pressure from a package being pushed through the conical inlet port toward the interior cavity. The narrow end contracts back to the first diameter when pressure from the package is released, to prevent the package from being pulled by a thief back through the narrow end of the conical inlet port.

Abstract: An artificial tree includes an artificial tree pole having a bottom portion and supporting a plurality of artificial branches extending outwardly therefrom. An artificial tree trunk includes a flexible substrate that is wrapped around the bottom portion of the pole below the plurality of artificial branches. The flexible substrate has a first surface and an opposite second surface, a first edge and an opposite second edge, and a first end and an opposite second end. An image of tree bark is displayed on the first surface.

Abstract: A motor driven system for raising and lowering a window covering executes motor ramp trajectory speed control. The motor ramp trajectory limits acceleration of an external motor from the idle (stationary) state to full operating speed, and limits deceleration of the motor from full operating speed back to the idle state. This function reduces stresses on a continuous cord loop drive mechanism. A control system manages solar heating effects in response to sunlight entrance conditions such as system sensor outputs, external weather forecasts, and other data sources. The system automatically opens or close the window covering to increase or decrease admitted sunlight under appropriate conditions. The input interface of the control system includes a visual display and input axis, which are aligned vertically if the window covering mechanism raises and lowers the window covering, and are aligned horizontally if the window covering mechanism laterally opens and closes the window covering.

Abstract: A food preparation appliance comprising a sieve having an inner perforated surface for extracting a food item into liquid and solid particles, a source of rotatable power for rotating the sieve, a cleaning device for removing unwanted buildup of pulp from the perforated surface of the sieve, and a reservoir holding a pre-determined volume of cleaning fluid that is released and directed onto the sieve when the cleaning device is operated.

Abstract: A water/liquid bath system for cooking includes a conventional kitchen sink, a heating unit for heating water in the sink, a temperature sensor and control unit connected to the heating unit and responsive to the temperature of the liquid to maintain the liquid at a specific temperature for cooking food inside a cooking bag or container and immersed in the liquid bath.

Abstract: A rice cooker assembly uses machine learning models to identify and classify different types of food stored. The rice cooker has a chamber including different compartments for storing different types of food. A camera is positioned to view an interior of the chamber. The camera captures images of the contents of the chamber. From the images, the machine learning model classifies the different types of food stored. The rice cooker determines a mixture of different types of food based on nutrition value and/or taste. The rice cooker creates the mixture and controls the cooking process accordingly. The one or more machine learning models may be resident in the rice cooker or it may be accessed via a network.

Abstract: An electric cooker is configured to cook food in a pressurized state and a non-pressurized state of an inner pot, thereby improving the cooking quality and convenience of use. The electric cooker includes a main body having an inner pot configured to accommodate food and a heating unit; a lid coupled to an upper portion of the main body and opened/closed by an opening/closing unit; and a pressure switching selection unit arranged to pass through the lid and configured to switch or maintain opened/closed states to discharge internal steam from the inner pot by interworking with the opening/closing unit.

Abstract: A container adapted to store and heat a liquid, such as water, or other content is presented herein. The container includes a main body including an interior portion and an at least partially open top end. A dual opening top cap is removably connected to the at least partially open top end of the body. Furthermore, a heating assembly is connected to a bottom end of the body. The heating assembly includes an at least partially exposed heating element that is adapted to be in direct contact with the fluid, beverage or other liquid contained within the body. In some embodiments, the heating assembly is adapted to and capable of heating the liquid and/or other contents contained with within the interior portion of the body to a boiling temperature.

Abstract: A beverage apparatus, the beverage apparatus being hand-holdable by a user of the beverage apparatus to be portable, can include a beverage chamber housing that includes a chamber for storing a consumable liquid. The beverage apparatus can include a dispensing assembly that includes a receptacle. The receptacle can retain a vessel. The vessel can include an electronic tag and can contain an additive. The dispensing assembly can be operatively controllable by a controller to output the additive from the vessel into the consumable liquid. The beverage apparatus can include one or more sensors, devices, or assemblies that can be used to detect a volume of liquid in the chamber or a liquid level in the chamber. The beverage apparatus can include an apparatus processing portion (ACP) and an apparatus database portion.

Abstract: A liquid extract production system capable of efficiently producing a liquid extract. The system comprising an extractor for extracting a liquid extract from extraction raw materials, a liquid extract tank for storing the liquid extract, a flow path of liquid extract that connects the extractor and the liquid extract tank, a flow meter for measuring the flow rate of the liquid extract provided in the flow path, a density meter for measuring the solid content concentration of the liquid extract provided in the flow path, a solid content calculation unit for calculating the solid content included in the liquid extract that flowed through the flow path based on the measured flow rate and solid content concentration, and a liquid transfer controller for controlling the transfer of liquid extract from the extractor to the liquid extract tank based on the calculated solid content.

Abstract: Temperature control for extracted beverages, including coffee, via controlled vacuum, and associated systems and methods are shown. A representative system includes a brew chamber, a beverage chamber in fluid communication with the brew chamber, a vacuum source in fluid communication with the beverage chamber, and a flow control device positioned to vary the force applied by the vacuum chamber on the brew chamber via the beverage chamber.

Abstract: A centrifugal device for brewing coffee includes a spinning assembly, the spinning assembly includes a piston element, a cylinder element including a peripheral wall, a filter, a motor and a spindle connected to the motor. The piston element includes a nut. During centrifugal rotation, the piston element is in a coffee brewing position, and during the centrifugal rotation the piston element is rotated by the spindle via the action on the nut and is pressed against the upper rim, where a centrifugal force is created which forms a bed of coffee against the peripheral wall and which drives hot water through the bed of coffee and through the filter. A stopping device includes an engagement member and an actuator, the engagement member being movable by the actuator between an engaged position engaging the piston element of the spinning assembly and a disengaged position.

Abstract: A beverage preparation apparatus for preparation of a beverage from a capsule in a clamp assembly (30). The clamp assembly has a first clamp member (31) and a second clamp member, where the inner surfaces of the first clamp member and the second clamp member form a clamp chamber (33) for substantially enclosing and supporting a capsule (10) during beverage preparation. The second clamp member comprises a rigid peripheral frame (32) having a central void and a resilient layer (37) extending across said central void. There is a piston (36) positioned in the central void and resiliently coupled to the peripheral frame (32) to allow limited resilient movement of the rigid peripheral frame (32) relative to the piston (36).

Abstract: A container assembly includes a container, a plunger assembly including a plunger, a lid including a lid lever connected to actuate the plunger of the plunger assembly, and a housing disposed in the container and configured to receive mixing media. The lid and the plunger may define a fluid chamber. The plunger assembly may include a rod connected to the lid and the housing. The rod may include an internal fluid passage providing fluid communication between the housing and an opposite end of the rod. The rod may include at least one aperture disposed proximate the end of the rod. Rotation of the lid lever may cause rotation of the rod and translation of the plunger. Translation of the plunger may cause fluid disposed between the plunger and the housing to flow into the housing via at least one inlet port of the housing.

Abstract: A method for operating a beverage preparation machine, by which at least one coffee unit for dispensing coffee and an additive unit for dispensing a beverage additive is provided. A plurality of beverage variants are displayed by an at least partly graphical display in a selection mode, and the beverage preparation machine is controlled by a selection of a beverage variant, said selection being carried out by a user, such that the selected beverage variant is automatically prepared and dispensed from an outlet. The invention is characterized in that at least one selection region and a preview region are displayed in an at least partly graphical manner in the selection mode. A plurality of selectable beverage variants are displayed in an at least partly graphical manner in the selection region, and a current selection carried out by the user in the selection region is displayed in an at least partly graphical manner in the preview region.