Abstract: A tripodal cooking assembly for grilling over an open fire includes a frame, a shaft, and a grate. The frame comprises a set of three legs, a first brace, and a second brace. The first brace is coupled to each leg proximate to a first end of the leg. The second brace is coupled to each leg between the first end and a midpoint of the leg. The second brace is circumferentially larger than the first brace. A pair of couplers is coupled singly to the first brace and the second brace. The couplers are configured to removably couple to the shaft so that the shaft is perpendicular to the first brace and the second brace. The grate is removably couplable to a lower end of the shaft. The grate is configured to position a food item to be heated by an open flame over which the frame is positioned.

Abstract: A low-pressure vessel cover includes a plate-shaped base for placing on a vessel edge of a low-pressure vessel, a first opening in the base, and an acoustic signaling device for detecting a boiling point of a liquid which is heated in the low-pressure vessel. The signaling device includes a note-sounding plate system, which has a note-sounding plate, a note-sounding plate opening, and a note-sounding tongue. The note-sounding plate system is arranged in a first flow channel which extends from the first opening in the base to a first outlet opening such that the note-sounding tongue is excited by out-flowing fluid and generates a signaling tone of at least 40 dB.

Abstract: A control unit for an actively heated or cooled drinkware, dishware or serverware device has a base with a surface that receives the actively heated or cooled drinkware, dishware or serverware device thereon, and a visual display. The control unit has circuitry configured to communicate with the visual display. The circuitry is operable to perform one or more of: send a data request signal to the device, receive one or more data from device, receive one or more operating parameter setpoints from a user, send the one or more operating parameter setpoints to the device to set a new target value for the one or more operating parameter setpoints at which the device is to operate, and communicate at least one of the one or more data to the visual display to display said at least one data on the visual display.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cooking system for cooking food, the system including a housing having a hollow interior, a lid movable relative to the housing, at least one heating element associated with one of the housing and the lid, wherein the cooking system is operable in a plurality of modes including a conductive cooking mode and a convective cooking mode, wherein in the conductive cooking mode the cooking system is operable as a conductive cooker and in the convective cooking mode the cooking system is operable as a convection cooker.

Abstract: A fire pit includes a main body having a double outer wall that defines an air inlet. An accessory support post is received by the main body within the double outer wall. A locking projection and locking flange cooperate to lock the vertical and rotational position of the support post with respect to the main body of the fire pit. A floating fire box is supported from above by a grilling flange that allows the fire box to move down when heated. The accessory post can be used with a post holder next to a camp fire. The post holder and accessory post use of the locking projection and locking flange to secure the accessory post with respect to the holder. A grill having an outer body member protects the user's finger from engaging sharp edges of an expanded metal grill.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a grill is provided. The grill can include a grill cart and a burner box. The grill cart configured to be transitioned between an upright state and a folded state. The coupling between a first side frame and a base is located in a first plane that is substantially parallel with a plane defined by a bottom plate of the base, and the coupling between a second side frame and the bottom plate of the base is located in a second plane that is substantially parallel with the plane defined by the bottom plate. The first plane is located a first distance away from the plane defined by the bottom plate and the second plane is located a second distance away from the plane defined by the bottom plate. The first distance is not equivalent to the second distance. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: Food preparation apparatus and associated appliance modules and methods. Appliances modules can be selectively docked at docks of an appliance interface of a base. An appliance module includes a food container support surface movable between cooking and holding positions. An appliance module includes a receptacle having a holding well that can be selectively configured in a generally horizontal position or an inclined position.

Abstract: Proposed is a blender, in which a blender body operates when closure of the container lid on a container body is detected. In the blender, when the closure of the container lid is detected, power is transmitted from a first inductive coil of the blender body to a second inductive coil of the container body. A transmission module of the container body transmits a signal to a receiving module of the blender body by suing the power transmitted to the second inductive coil. When the signal is received by the receiving module, the blender body detects the closure of the container lid and is operated.

Abstract: There is provided a food processing apparatus (100) for use with a near- infrared light source and a sensor. The apparatus comprises a food processing chamber (110) configured to receive a food stuff, a food processing unit (120) configured to process the food stuff in the food processing chamber, and an optical component (130) configured to reflect emitted near-infrared light from the near-infrared light source towards the sensor, wherein the optical component is arranged at the food processing unit or a channel formed in the food processing chamber.

Abstract: An ice cream float assembly includes a first dish that is removably coupled to a beverage bottle thereby facilitating a beverage to be passed therethrough. Ice cream is selectively positioned in the first dish thereby facilitating the beverage to form a mixture with the ice cream. A first coupler is coupled to and extends away from the first dish and the first coupler removably engages the beverage bottle. A second dish is removably coupled to the first dish such that each of the first dish and the second dish form a globe to contain the ice cream. The second dish has a spout extending into an interior of the second dish to pass the mixture of beverage and ice cream therethrough for drinking.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bar tool that allows the user to easily open bottles and pop top cans, remove speed pourers, scoop ice, and strain beverages

Abstract: Control system, method and computer program product for controlling a multi-function cooking apparatus master and at least one multi-function cooking apparatus slave for jointly processing one or more food products. The control system has a recipe program interface to receive at least one recipe program for preparing one or more food products wherein the at least one recipe program includes machine readable recipe program instructions configured to control functions of a cooking apparatus for executing food processing steps in accordance with the least one recipe program. For each food processing step, the recipe program provides information about the technical capabilities required for the execution of the food processing step.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus which comprises two or more vertical members and a horizontal member attached to or integral with each of the vertical members. Each vertical member comprises a lower arm comprising a support member and an attachment means for fixably attaching the arm to the vertical member; and an upper arm comprising a retaining member, an attachment means for movably attaching the arm to the vertical member, and a vertical movement actuator. The lower arm and the upper arm are perpendicular or nearly perpendicular to the plane defined by the vertical members and the horizontal member, and wherein the lower arm and upper arm on each vertical member are in alignment to support the same container.

Abstract: A showerhead accessory system provides a showerhead and a modular storage system. A collar is able to slide over and affix to a shower arm and has a beveled edge that acts as a bearing surface for the modular storage system to hang from. The modular storage accessory includes a frame with a hanger and a series of rectangular rungs serially descending from the hanger. Various accessories, such as baskets, mirrors, and toothbrush holders may be hung from the rungs. The hanger has two tiers, of which the upper tier is able to bear against the collar, and the lower tier is able to pass over the showerhead. This system enables removal of the caddy from the showerhead without any tools or manipulation of moving parts. The showerhead features various features and accessories including a backscratcher, a toggle switch, and a flow meter.

Abstract: A shower base assembly includes a shower base, a drain grate frame, a double-threaded flange nipple, and a rubber gasket. The shower base includes a upper side pre-sloped to allow for water drainage to drain hole extending to a lower side of the shower base. The drain grate frame is insertable through the drain hole from the shower base upper side to be received within the double-threaded flange nipple. An industry standard plumbing drain body may engage the double-threaded flange nipple from the shower base tower side. The rubber gasket is compressed against the shower base about the drain hole between the double-threaded flange nipple and the drain body.

Abstract: A water faucet system including a faucet having a neck comprising a water passageway and liquid soap delivery line, both integrated within the neck assembly. The water faucet system features a streamlined neck assembly that includes a water outlet or spout, located at the distal portion of the neck assembly, and additionally includes a separate soap outlet located at a predetermined location. The soap delivery (soap dispensing) is initiated by a user performing an activation event directed to a sensor system located in the neck assembly. In preferred embodiments, the sensor system utilizes touchless type sensors so to avoid any physical contact with the neck assembly.

Abstract: A skin cleanser includes a surface, such as a silicone surface, with at least one textured portion for transmitting vibrational tapping to the skin. The skin cleanser includes at least one oscillating motor for generating the tapping motion to the skin. The textured portion in touch-points or a wave that transmit the tapping motion to skin in contact with the to portions. The touch-points may include thicker and thinner formations of the touch-points to provide firmer or softer vibrations to the skin. The touch-points are within about 0.5 to 2.5 mm in diameter. One configuration includes multiple oscillating motors configured to provide different vibration frequencies at around 50-300 Hertz and operable simultaneously.

Abstract: A foot-operated toilet set apparatus includes a pedal and a main rod having an L-shaped bend at and diagonally extending off a first distal end of the main rod along a diagonal plane, and a perpendicular extending member at a second distal end of the main rod, the perpendicular extending member horizontally extending along a horizontal plane. The apparatus further includes a vertical rod connected to the main rod via the perpendicular extending member, the vertical rod extending vertically along a vertical plane; and a toilet seat mount coupled to the vertical rod and connecting the vertical rod to a toilet seat. Application of downward force to the pedal assembly causes the apparatus to engage and rotate the L-shaped bend via the pedal; rotate the perpendicular extending member; axially lift the vertical rod vertically along the vertical plane; and lift the toilet seat to an open position.

Abstract: A fastening system for a WC flap element, which can be flapped away from a support surface of a toilet bowl, comprising at least one mounting bolt extending along a center axis with a receiving portion, a stop portion for direct or indirect support on the support surface of the toilet bowl and a threaded portion, a hinge support, for mounting the WC flap element, with at least one mounting opening into which the receiving portion of the mounting bolt projects, and a non-rotatably mounted mating thread, into which the threaded portion of the mounting bolt engages. In the installed position, the center axis of the mounting bolt extends substantially at a right angle with respect to the horizontal. The receiving portion comprises a drive structure and the mounting opening is open toward the top, so that the drive structure is accessible and actuatable from the top.

Abstract: A urine deflector to deflect urine issuing from a seated user, the urine deflector has at least one retaining projection extending from a urine deflector body portion, where the retaining projection is sized and shaped to be positioned and then held in place between a medial aspect of the user's legs and a toilet seat. The deflector body portion is sized and shaped to contain and direct a flow of urine emanating from said user generally downwardly, The urine deflector can be thus held in position between said user and a toilet seat in front of said user's genitals to prevent said flow of urine from escaping beyond said urine deflector in any direction except downwardly. The retaining projections may be flexible, include a living hinge or a hinge pin to facilitate positioning the retaining projection under the legs of a user.

Abstract: A toilet device disposed at a toilet bowl has a main body fixed to an upper surface of the toilet bowl, a toilet seat supported by the main body, and a reflection-type optical sensor disposed at the toilet seat, the optical sensor having a light emitter configured to emit light from a surface of the toilet seat, and a light receiver configured to receive reflection light of the light.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for cleaning a surface with a cleaning device having a body with a handle, a connector, and one or more cleaning heads that are removably attached to the cleaning device. Each cleaning head include a lower surface arranged to contact a surface to be cleaned and a dirt collection chamber permanently attached to the cleaning head. The cleaning head may include a support structure to support the dirt collection chamber and a cleaning sheet. The cleaning head also may include a suction nozzle. At least a portion of the dirt collection chamber may be made of a filter material.

Abstract: A hand vacuum cleaner has an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet. An air treatment member and suction motor are positioned in the air flow path. The hand vacuum cleaner includes an onboard energy storage unit and has a pistol grip handle. When the hand vacuum cleaner is oriented with its upper end above its lower end, the pistol grip handle is located at the rear end of the hand vacuum cleaner, the energy storage unit is located at the lower end of the hand vacuum cleaner with the suction motor located above the front end of the energy storage unit and the pistol grip handle located above the rear end of the energy storage unit. A finger grip area may be provided between the handle and the suction motor above the energy storage unit.

Abstract: A cleaner head is provided. The cleaner head includes: a nozzle; a case disposed close to an inlet of the nozzle; and a brush rotatably disposed in the case, wherein the case includes an air passage groove disposed in an outer side surface of the case and having a passage formed for the air to flow from an edge region of the case toward a surface to-be-cleaned.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a foot assembly having a suction inlet thereon, a suction source in fluid communication with the suction inlet to produce a working airflow there through, and a dirt container in fluid communication with the suction inlet and suction source. The foot assembly further includes a body defined by a central portion and a pair of extension arms, a rotatable agitator on each extension arm, and a drive assembly configured to counter-rotate the agitators. The counter-rotating agitators are operable to cooperate with the suction source to direct dust and debris towards the suction inlet.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner includes: a cleaner main body configured to generate suction force; and a suctioner including a head having a suction inlet to suck dust by the suction force and a brush drum rotatably provided in the suction inlet to sweep dust on a floor. The brush drum includes convex portions projected from an outer circumferential surface of the brush drum and spirally extended in a rotational axial direction of the brush drum.

Abstract: The invention relates to a base station (10) for stationary emptying of a dirt space (41) of a mobile cleaning apparatus (40), comprising a dirt path (11) through which dirt can be transported out of the dirt space (41) of the cleaning apparatus (40), wherein a path input of the dirt path (11) is formed by a coupling element (12) which can be coupled to the cleaning apparatus (40) for emptying of the dirt space (41). Furthermore, the invention relates to a cleaning system (1) and a method (100) for stationary emptying of a dirt space (41) of a mobile cleaning apparatus (40).

Abstract: Apparatus and method for receiving and holding debris in a collection chamber of a vacuum cleaner. The collection chamber has an inlet opening through which debris-entrained air enters the collection chamber. When the vacuum cleaner is off, the cover prevents debris from leaving the collection chamber through the inlet opening. The wall of the collection chamber moves when negative pressure is applied to the collection chamber, and the wall movement moves the cover from the inlet opening, allowing the debris-entrained air to enter the collection chamber. In some embodiments, the moving part of the wall is an air filter.

Abstract: A latch mechanism a vacuum cleaner having a locking recess. The latch mechanism can include a latch member having a portion that is selectively received in the locking recess and a latch actuator comprising a button. When the latch mechanism is actuated, the latch member is moved from a latched position in which the portion of the latch member is received within the locking recess to an unlatched position in which the portion of the latch member is removed from the locking recess.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes an odor neutralizer and dust plume abatement system. The odor neutralizer and dust plume abatement system delivers a mist to a working air path of the vacuum cleaner, such as at or upstream of a working air treatment assembly defining a portion of the working air path.

Abstract: A stand for a cleaner is capable of holding and charging selectively a cleaner body or a battery. The stand for a cleaner includes a first charging terminal configured to be electrically connected to a cleaner body, a second charging terminal configured to be electrically connected to a battery, and a battery guide configured to guide the battery. The battery guide guides the cleaner body to be connected to the first charging terminal when the battery is mounted to the cleaner body, and is configured to guide the battery to be connected to the second charging terminal when the battery is separated from the cleaner body.

Abstract: A hand vacuum cleaner wherein a pre-motor filter, the suction motor, the energy storage unit and the pistol grip handle are substantially located within a volume defined by a projection of the air treatment member sidewall.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus includes a housing including an upright handle assembly and a base mounted to the upright handle assembly and adapted for movement across a surface to be cleaned. The surface cleaning apparatus is further provided with a fluid delivery system comprising a fluid dispenser configured to dispense fluid to a brushroll and at least one fluid delivery channel forming a portion of a fluid delivery pathway. The fluid delivery channel can extend adjacent to a portion of the suction nozzle assembly. An interference wiper interfaces with a portion of the brushroll to remove excess liquid from the brushroll.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus includes a housing including an upright handle assembly and a base mounted to the upright handle assembly and adapted for movement across a surface to be cleaned. The surface cleaning apparatus is further provided with a fluid delivery system comprising a fluid dispenser configured to dispense fluid to a brushroll and at least one fluid delivery channel forming a portion of a fluid delivery pathway. The fluid delivery channel can extend adjacent to a portion of the suction nozzle assembly. An interference wiper interfaces with a portion of the brushroll to remove excess liquid from the brushroll.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus includes a housing including an upright handle assembly and a base mounted to the upright handle assembly and adapted for movement across a surface to be cleaned. The surface cleaning apparatus is further provided with a fluid delivery system comprising a fluid dispenser configured to dispense fluid to a brushroll and at least one fluid delivery channel forming a portion of a fluid delivery pathway. The fluid delivery channel can extend adjacent to a portion of the suction nozzle assembly. An interference wiper interfaces with a portion of the brushroll to remove excess liquid from the brushroll.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus includes a housing including an upright handle assembly and a base mounted to the upright handle assembly and adapted for movement across a surface to be cleaned. The surface cleaning apparatus is further provided with a fluid delivery system comprising a fluid dispenser configured to dispense fluid to a brushroll and at least one fluid delivery channel forming a portion of a fluid delivery pathway. The fluid delivery channel can extend adjacent to a portion of the suction nozzle assembly. An interference wiper interfaces with a portion of the brushroll to remove excess liquid from the brushroll.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus includes a housing including an upright handle assembly and a base mounted to the upright handle assembly and adapted for movement across a surface to be cleaned. The surface cleaning apparatus is further provided with a fluid delivery system comprising a fluid dispenser configured to dispense fluid to a brushroll and at least one fluid delivery channel forming a portion of a fluid delivery pathway. The fluid delivery channel can extend adjacent to a portion of the suction nozzle assembly. An interference wiper interfaces with a portion of the brushroll to remove excess liquid from the brushroll.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus, such as a carpet extractor, includes a base and a fluid recovery system for drawing dirty cleaning fluid from a surface to be cleaned. The fluid recovery system includes a suction nozzle in fluid communication with a recovery chamber. The suction nozzle is mounted to the base for vertical movement with respect to the base and is biased into contact with the surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present disclosure, the cleaning robot includes a main body, a driving part for driving the cleaning robot to move on a surface to be cleaned, a liquid storage tank storing a fluid, a cleaning part connected with the liquid storage tank and a controller. When the cleaning robot enters different working modes, the liquid storage tank is controlled to apply the fluid to the cleaning part in different liquid supply manners or the liquid storage tank is controlled to stop applying the fluid to the cleaning part. Using the present disclosure, a fluid quantity applied to the cleaning part can be effectively controlled, improving the cleaning effect, and enhancing the users' experience.

Abstract: An extraction cleaner is provided with a removable recovery tank having a recovery container, a drain opening quick-empty valve, and an actuator assembly for emptying the recovery container. The drain opening can be provided on a lower portion of the recovery container. The actuator assembly can selectively open the valve. At least a portion of the actuator assembly can be provided on an upper portion of the recovery container.

Abstract: Embodiments seek to disclose a drinking straw washing apparatus that includes a casing. A reservoir is positioned proximate to the casing and configured to comprise a cleaning solution. Cavities are serially positioned in the casing. A primary conduit is positioned proximate to the casing and operationally coupled to the reservoir. A plurality of drawers are each slidably and demountably positioned within a cavity. Applicators are positioned within each of the cavities and operationally coupled to the primary conduit. A secondary conduit is positioned in each drawer and operationally coupled to each of the nipples. Nipples are positioned within each of the drawers, each nipple is operationally coupled to the secondary conduit and configured to engage a straw end. A primary control circuit is positioned proximate to the casing. The drawers are hot swappable. The secondary conduit is coupled to the primary conduit when the drawer is positioned within the cavity.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dishwasher comprising a tub defining a washing space, a sump provided to collect the wash water injected into the tub, a supply pump provided to supply the wash water stored in the sump to the tub, a filter provided in the sump and comprising a first body having a plurality of first holes formed along a lateral circumferential surface; and a second body arranged in a radially inner side of the first body and having a plurality of second holes formed along a lateral circumferential surface, wherein the second body comprises an external wall portion in which the second holes are formed and an internal wall portion positioned in a radially inner side of the external wall and vertically extended.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a tub with an access opening to a treating chamber, a sump, at least one sprayer emitting liquid into the treating chamber, a pump, a conduit fluidly coupling the sump to the pump and the pump to the at least one sprayer, thereby defining a recirculation circuit through which the liquid sprayed into the treating chamber collects in the sump and is pumped back to the at least one sprayer. The dishwasher also includes a filter assembly in the sump for filtering the liquid in the recirculation circuit including a cleaning element and a dome shaped displacement body positioned adjacent the filter wall for raising a liquid level within the filter and configured to fill more than 50% of a percentage of a volume of the filter.

Abstract: A shoe cleaning brush assembly for cleaning the sole of a shoe includes a channel that is positioned on a top of a supporting object. A pair of bolts is provided and each of the bolts is extendable through the channel having each of the bolts extending through the supporting object. A strip is positionable on a bottom of the supporting object and each of the bolts extends through the strip. A pair of nuts is provided and each of the nuts engages a respective one of the bolts for securing the strip and the channel to the supporting object. A brush is coupled to the channel and the brush is directed upwardly. In this way a sole of a shoe can be scrubbed thereon for cleaning the sole.

Abstract: An exemplary medical imaging system includes an imaging device that includes a visible light camera configured to obtain image data representative of a two-dimensional visible light image of a scene and a depth sensor separate from the visible light camera and configured to obtain depth data representative of a depth map of the scene. The medical imaging system further includes a image processing system communicatively coupled to the imaging device and configured to generate, based on the image data and the depth data, a right-side perspective image of the scene and a left-side perspective image of the scene that together form a stereoscopic image of the scene.

Abstract: An endoscope port having a housing is disclosed. The housing of the endoscope port may include a channel passing therethrough, and a hub which may include a first roller and a second roller. The endoscope port may further include an entrance at an end of the channel, and an exit at an opposite end of the channel. The endoscope port may be configured such that when an actuator moves in a first rotational direction, a first roller moves in a second rotational direction, and a second roller moves in the first rotational direction. The endoscope port may also include a housing which includes an arcuate channel passing therethrough, an actuator movably coupled to the housing, an actuator roller coupled to the actuator, an actuator gear coupled to the actuator roller, a first roller gear movably coupled to the actuator gear, a first roller coupled to the first roller gear, a second roller gear movably coupled to the first roller gear, and a second roller coupled to the second roller gear.

Abstract: An oblique-viewing endoscope is equipped with a hard portion which is provided at the tip of the oblique-viewing endoscope and is formed with an oblique end surface that is inclined with respect to the axial line of the oblique-viewing endoscope so as to form an acute included angle with it; an imaging window formed in the oblique end surface; a camera which is provided in the hard portion and performs imaging through the imaging window; an illumination window which is formed in the oblique end surface at a position in the rear of the imaging window; and an illumination device which is provided in the hard portion and performs illumination through the illumination window.

Abstract: As a capsule endoscope control method in a receiving device interworking with the capsule endoscope, it is determined whether a lesion is detected in the digestive organ from the digestive organ image, upon receiving a digestive organ image for a digestive organ taken by the capsule endoscope. Depending on whether a lesion is detected and whether the digestive organ falls within a predetermined region of interest, a control signal is generated so that the capsule endoscope operates in one of a plurality of modes and transmitted to the capsule endoscope. Then, the capsule endoscope is controlled to capture the digestive organ in one of the plurality of modes.

Abstract: An imaging system is provided comprising an imaging probe and at least one delivery device. The imaging probe comprises an elongate shaft, a rotatable optical core and an optical assembly. The elongate shaft comprises a proximal end, a distal portion, and a lumen extending between the proximal end and the distal portion. The rotatable optical core is positioned within the lumen of the elongate shaft and comprises a proximal end and a distal end. The rotatable optical core is configured to optically and mechanically connect with an interface unit. The optical assembly is positioned in the elongate shaft distal portion and proximate the rotatable optical core distal end. The optical assembly is configured to direct light to tissue and collect reflected light from the tissue. The imaging probe is constructed and arranged to collect image data from a patient site. The at least one delivery device is constructed and arranged to slidingly engage the imaging probe.

Abstract: An endoscope that integrates the functions of an optical tower into a portable device, while eliminating the use of cords or cables that carry light, video signals or images, and power to the endoscope that may conflict with the movement of a surgeon and the members of the surgical team, or other operators in non-medical related applications is provided. The endoscope incorporates a camera, an image processor, a light source, a transmitter, a communication interface, a control interface, and one or more of a power source in a single portable unit or enclosure. The camera is in electrical communication with the image processor and supplies images and video to the image processor obtained via an elongated endoscope tube. The light source illuminates a viewing field of the endoscope via the elongated tube.