Abstract: An intrauterine simulation system may comprise a motion-control system and/or a maternal heartbeat simulator. The motion-control system may be configured to move a platform supporting an infant in a pattern characteristic of the movement of a woman in a late stage of pregnancy, thereby simulating movement experienced by a fetus in the intrauterine environment. The maternal heartbeat simulator may be configured to produce low-frequency sound waves and/or vibrations and to transmit the sound waves and/or vibrations via the platform to the infant's body. This simulates the vibrations created by the mother's heart as experienced by a fetus. The platform supporting the infant may be incorporated into a bassinet, cradle, mattress, and/or other suitable device. A system controller may be configured to gradually reduce aspects of the simulation, such as the intensity of the sound waves and/or vibrations or extent of the movement, thereby transitioning an infant to the extrauterine environment.

Abstract: An adjustable tray for a merchandise display system may include a retainer for limiting the movement of products loaded in the adjustable tray, a first divider extending from a first panel and second divider extending from a second panel. The spacing between the first divider and the second divider can be configured to be adjusted. The first panel and the second panel can be configured to move to provide additional surface area for the adjustable tray to accommodate different sized products. The adjustable tray may further include a pusher mechanism configured to bias product toward the retainer.

Abstract: A system includes a rear frame assembly having a plurality of rear mount assemblies configured to mount the rear frame assembly to a rack. A first foot extends from a first end of the rear frame at a base of the rear frame for supporting the rear frame in an upright position from a floor. A second foot extends from a second end of the rear frame opposite the first end, at the base of the rear frame for supporting the rear frame in an upright position. A shelf assembly includes a plurality of shelves mounted to the rear frame assembly. Each shelf in the plurality of shelves has a respective back connection mounted to the rear frame assembly and a front connection configured to be mounted to the rack.

Abstract: A bracket adapted to couple to a slot disposed in a pegboard or slot-type wall and hold receptacles. The receptacles can be different sizes and be disposed at different elevations on the bracket. The bracket can also be coupled to the wall via a hook and a fastener to reduce accidental decoupling of the bracket from the wall.

Abstract: A fabric system which can provide a skin care effect and which is comprised of first and second faces, a first face having a lower coefficient of friction than a second face, is disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure is a pillow/headrest designed to keep a user cool and comfortable when sunbathing, using a tanning bed or reclining near a pool, a beach, a lake, adapted for use at the beach, or pool side, where such pillow includes a water absorbent cover for use in or near water. The pillow system comprises a housing in a generally rectangular configuration having a top surface and a bottom surface with a front edge and a rear edge and side edges. The pillow utilizes an inflatable bladder and water absorbent material such as, terry cloth to give comfort to the user.

Abstract: A multi-purpose travel accessory is disclosed. The multi-purpose travel accessory may be utilized as a travel pillow while riding on a transport vehicle and may be worn as a fashion accessory before, during, or after reaching a travel destination. The multi-purpose travel accessory is formed as an elongated sleeve that is configurable between one or more of a travel pillow, a scarf, a belt, and a head wrap. The elongated sleeve may receive a pillow element therein when used as a travel pillow. Advantageously, the traveler may insert one or more small clothing items to serve as the pillow element, providing additional space for carriage of clothing items. The multi-function travel accessory allows the traveler to use the invention for extra or last-minute packing, as a travel pillow, head wrap, belt or scarf, all during a single trip. Plus, the traveler might avoid extra travel fees for overweight luggage.

Abstract: A powder shaker apparatus dispenses powder or granular materials from a container equally at a desired amount and rate. An actuator, which generates rotary motion, is located inside a cylindrical body. A transmission shaft which connects the actuator to a distributing element transmits the rotary motion from the actuator to the distributing element. The distributing element moves and guides the material accumulated on the upper cover towards the holes on the upper cover. The upper cover, which is located under the body dispenses powder or granular material through the holes formed on the upper cover. Alternatively, a lower cover attached to the lower section of the upper cover in a rotatable manner helps with adjusting the amount of powder material to be dispensed or completely stops the flow depending on the position of holes on the lower cover compared to the position of holes formed on the upper cover.

Abstract: A drinking straw holder includes a rigid holder having a top surface, a bottom surface, a front surface, a back surface, and two side surfaces, the rigid holder being angled relative to a resting plane, the rigid holder defining a plurality of circular apertures arranged in columns and rows and extending from the top surface to the bottom surface, the rigid holder further defining a lateral bore extending through the rigid holder from one side surface to an opposing side surface, the lateral bore forming a window.

Abstract: A device for covering a beverage container to retain heat comprising a cap, a base, and an arm connecting the cap and the base. The arm is configured to enable the cap to slide away from the base to an open position and slide toward the base to a closed position over the open beverage container. In a preferred embodiment, a mug is configured in size and shape to be mated with the holder to limit heat loss and to increase stability.

Abstract: The device of the present invention is a collapsible hanger having a plurality of vertical bodies, a hanger hook with a rotatable connector on its base and a hub. The plurality of vertical bodies has a top end, a bottom end and a central body. The top end has a rotatable connector and the bottom end has at least one hook and said central body has a plurality of upwardly projecting hanger arms. The hub has at least three cylindrical rotatable connector apertures for receiving the rotatable connector of the top end of the plurality of vertical bodies and the rotatable connector of the base of the hanger hook.

Abstract: A power transfer system to facilitate the transfer of electrical power between tree trunk sections of an artificial tree is disclosed. The power transfer system can advantageously enable neighboring tree trunk sections to be electrically connected without the need to rotationally align the tree trunk sections. Power distribution systems can be disposed within the trunk sections. The power distribution systems can comprise a male end, a female end, or both. The male ends can have prongs and the female ends can have voids. The prongs can be inserted into the voids to electrically connect the power distribution systems of neighboring tree trunk sections. In some embodiments, the prongs and voids are designed so that the prongs of one power distribution system can engage the voids of another power distribution system without the need to rotationally align the tree trunk sections.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for a self-deploying tree are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, a self-deploying tree system comprises a top tree assembly, a main tree assembly, and a base. The lower end of the top tree assembly may be coupled to the upper end of the main tree assembly, and the lower end of the main tree assembly may be coupled to the base, providing a vertical orientation of the self-deploying tree system. The self-deploying tree system further comprises a deployment mechanism which may be activated to automatically convert the tree from a collapsed configuration to a deployed configuration or from a deployed configuration to a collapsed configuration. The collapsed configuration comprises a reduced height and a reduced circumference to allow for ease of handling and storage. The deployed configuration provides for the tree to be extended to a desired height and for deployment of the limbs as desired for display.

Abstract: A pressure cooker includes: a base and a lid, wherein the lid includes a mechanical pressure release mechanism. Upon the activation of a solenoid within the base of the pressure cooker, the pressure release mechanism is configured to lift a valve cover, so as to allow steam to be released from an interior chamber of the cooker. Upon deactivation of the solenoid, the pressure release mechanism is configured to return in an initial resting condition, with the valve cover resealing the interior chamber of the cooker.

Abstract: An electric cooking pot has a main body, a pot body, two electric heating elements and two knobs. The pot body is mounted on a top of the main body. Two cooking recesses are formed on the pot body. The two electric heating elements with different heating powers are attached to the two cooking recesses respectively. One of the heating elements is strip-shaped and substantially forms a quadrilateral to avoid underheat near edges of the corresponding cooking recess. The knobs protrude from the main body. The two heating elements are respectively controlled by the two knobs. The two cooking recesses and a center of the knobs are arranged along a straight line for ease of use. A length of a contour of the main body reduces gradually from bottom to top of the main body. Therefore, users can enjoy two freshly prepared dishes at same time.

Abstract: A beverage brewing assembly includes a body defining a cavity. An insert is removably positioned within the cavity of the body. The insert defines a plurality of compartments. A lid is operably coupled with the body and defines a plurality of through-holes. The plurality of through-holes are positioned to facilitate a consistent and evenly distributed flow through each of the plurality of compartments of the insert.

Abstract: A beverage extraction apparatus of the present invention, comprises: a bottle portion capable of holding a liquid therein, which is supplied from an opening portion located at a top side thereof; a lid for covering the opening portion of the bottle portion; a base portion for allowing the bottle portion to be installed thereon and rotatably holding a base magnet therein; a motor for rotating the base magnet; an infuser for allowing an infuser magnet to be disposed therein and reversing itself upside down within the bottle portion along with rotation of the base magnet; and a controller for controlling a magnetic pole of the base magnet in order to allow or block inflow and outflow of the liquid with regard to an internal portion of the infuser and the bottle portion therein.

Abstract: A steam dispensing apparatus for preparing hot beverages comprises a boiler, a steam wand, a steam delivery conduit connected to the first outlet of the boiler and configured to deliver steam to the wand and a valve for delivering steam to the wand and draining condensation water. The valve comprises a hollow body, a steam inlet connection, a steam outlet connection and a drain connection for draining condensation water, a rod, which is axially accommodated in said hollow body and able to perform axial movements in either direction along said longitudinal axis, a control lever which is axially engaged with said rod to impart said axial movements thereto.

Abstract: Beverage supply apparatus 100 has tank 3, heating device 6 for heating pipe L31 in milk supply pipe L3 through which a beverage (milk or foamed milk) flows, and first pump 7. When the beverage supply is completed, apparatus 100 fills pipe L3 with water, and enters into a standby state. When the standby state continues for a predetermined time, apparatus 100 discharges the water inside pipe L3 through drain pipe L4, and then again fills pipe L3 with water. Additionally, when a supply instruction is input during the standby state, the beverage supply apparatus 100 discharges the water through the drain pipe L4, discharges the beverage from the drain pipe L4 by a predetermined amount, and then delivers the beverage from the beverage delivery port 10 through the outlet pipe L33.

Abstract: A lid system for use with a container having an opening bounded by a rim, with at least one outwardly extending projection extending from the rim, includes a lid and a lid cover member. The lid is sized to seat on the rim of the container and includes an upper surface, at least one section with perforations extending therethrough, and a centrally disposed lid handle. The lid cover member is sized to seat adjacent the upper surface of the lid around the lid handle. The lid cover member is rotatable about the lid handle to substantially close or expose the at least one section with perforations. The lid cover member includes at least one bracket for mating with the at least one outwardly extending projection on the rim of the container to retain the lid on the container during a draining process of the container.

Abstract: At least one aspect relates to a grill. The grill includes a first base, a first sidewall extending from the first base, a second base, a second sidewall that extends from the second base, a cavity formed by the first sidewall and the second sidewall above the first base and the second base, a rail receiver attached to at least one of the first base or the second base and opposite the cavity, a rail, a plurality of legs attached to at least one of the first base or the second base and opposite the cavity, and at least one pole attached to a first leg of the plurality of legs. When a force is applied, the second base receives the first base along a base axis, the second sidewall receives the first sidewall along a sidewall axis, and the rail receiver receives the rail along a rail axis.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cooking appliance with a removable auger assembly that directs fuel to a heat source of the appliance. For example, the auger assembly conveys fuel from a hopper to the heat source of the appliance. The auger assembly can be removed without the use of tools.

Abstract: Provided is a grill plate that prevents the generation of soot, and the grill plate that prevents the generation of soot comprises: a grill body that is foldable to form peaks and valleys; supporting frames that are provided with oil collecting passages for collecting oil collected in the valleys while supporting the valleys of the grill body at the lower side of the grill body; and first and second supporting members that each support each of both ends of the supporting frame.

Abstract: A barbecue cooking apparatus is an apparatus used to cook food items by utilizing different barbecue smoking methods. The apparatus includes a barrel, a lid, a frame, a shelved cooking system, a venting system, a winch mechanism, a lip, and a firebox gasket. The barrel provides a thermal enclosure for cooking the food items. The lid serves to close the barrel and to support the shelved cooking system. The lip and the firebox gasket seal the lid on the barrel when closed. The shelved cooking system holds both the food items within the barrel during the cooking process and the fuel source utilized to generate the heat energy to cook the food items. The frame holds the winch mechanism offset from the barrel. The winch mechanism facilitates the retrieval of the shelved cooking system from the barrel as well as the reintroduction of the shelved cooking system into the barrel.

Abstract: Food preparation includes utilizing food immersion into low temperature cooking fluids, high temperature cooking fluids, or a combination of applications thereof. Foods are generally closely wrapped in vented, pliable, formidable outer skins. An example construction of such an outer skin is provided, as are examples of food preparation processes.

Abstract: A coffee grinding machine includes a hopper loaded with coffee beans, a grinding unit suitable for grinding the coffee beans supplied from the hopper in such a way to obtain ground coffee, a delivery conduit connected to a body of the coffee grinding machine in communication with the grinding unit to deliver ground coffee and a fast coupler/uncoupler suitable for providing a fast coupling/uncoupling of the delivery conduit with/from the body of the coffee grinding machine.

Abstract: Actuators and interchangeable cartridges that achieve a grinding or grating different substances without cross-contamination. The actuators and cartridges are disclosed are uniquely designed for ready push-on, push-off mounting in a manner that affords proper alignment of the cartridge in the actuator. The cartridges may include a container portion and a mount portion, each with a grinding element arranged at an output thereof. As the container and mount portions move relative to one another, their respective grinding elements move, achieving a grinding or grating of substances in the container. Various embodiments and variations are disclosed.

Abstract: A stirring, mixing and blending (SMB) apparatus includes a mixing container mountable on a base which houses the components and controllers for rotating a blade assembly within the container. The blade assembly includes a pair of substantially flat wings mounted on the opposite sides of a horizontal rod. The wings are generally rectangular with rounded corners and blunt edges. The wings are oriented at a downward angle relative to the horizontal rod which enhances the stirring, mixing and blending functions of the apparatus.

Abstract: A lid of a food processing system selectively receivable by a container of the food processing system includes a lid body defining a cavity within the lid body, a locking assembly at least partially disposed within the cavity and an actuator associated the said lid body and the locking assembly. The locking assembly is movable from an unlocked position to a locked position in response to application of a first force applied to the actuator. The locking assembly is movable from the locked position to the unlocked position in response to application of a second force applied to said actuator, the first force and said second force being applied in a same direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to drinks bottles, a method of manufacturing a drinks bottle, a method of mixing drinks using a drinks bottle, and to a mixing component such as a frame or a mixing element for a drinks bottle, and a kit for a drinks bottle. The invention relates to a drinks bottle (10) comprising: a main body (2) for containing liquid, the main body (2) having at least one side wall (4) terminating at a proximal end in an upper edge (16) defining an opening (8), an inner surface of the side wall comprising a first screw thread (5) extending along the side wall (4) away from the upper edge (6) towards a distal end of the main body (2); a removable lid (12) closing the opening (8), the removable lid (12) comprising: a base portion (14) removably located at the upper edge (16) of the main body (2); a handle portion (16) rotatable with respect to the base portion (14); at least one rod (18) mounted on the handle portion (16) axially moveable (e.g.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a press mechanism for a griddle to mold a steak burger puck into a formed steak burger patty. The press mechanism can include an arm connected to a hinge. The hinge can be attached to a griddle surface. The platen can be connected to the arm and can include a concave surface to receive a steak burger puck. A platen heater can be connected to the platen to heat the platen to an operating temperature less than approximately 200 degrees Fahrenheit.

Abstract: Scooping devices are presented including: a scoop forming a planar top surface and a bottom surface, the scoop defining a leading edge, a trailing edge, a proximate edge, and a distal edge, where the bottom surface includes a grooved hinge that extends from the leading edge to the trailing edge; a proximate handle portion located along the trailing edge, the proximate handle portion forming a cavity and extending inward from a raised edge adjacent to the proximate edge; a distal handle portion located along the trailing edge, the distal handle portion forming a cavity and extending inward from a raised edge adjacent to the distal edge, where a gap is formed between the proximate handle portion and the distal handle portion; and a flexible handle wrap.

Abstract: A device control system that includes a memory, and processing circuitry that acquires recipe data of a culinary dish, the recipe data being represented by a graph including a plurality of nodes and edges between the nodes, and processes the acquired recipe data for controlling a device, and the plurality of nodes include an ingredient node that represents an ingredient of the culinary dish, and a culinary dish node that represents the culinary dish, the edge represents an action that is necessary for state transition between the nodes, an ingredient ID that uniquely identifies the ingredient is assigned to the ingredient node, an action ID that uniquely identifies the action is assigned to the edge, and the processing circuitry controls the device based on the acquired recipe data.

Abstract: A removable handle assembly for a container having a side wall includes a container handle, a first removable handle and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is coupled to the first removable handle and automatically secures the first removable handle to the container handle. The locking mechanism includes a catch coupled to a rotatable shaft. The catch pivots with rotation of the shaft between a locked position and an unlocked position. When in the locked position, the at least one catch is positioned under a part of the container handle to deter wobbling or relative movement between the container handle and the first removable handle when the container handle is fixedly attached to a container.

Abstract: A food transportation system and associated modular humidity control system are provided. An example system includes a body configured for attachment with a food storage housing. The body defines a closed circuit air flow path for circulating air through the food storage housing. The system also includes a humidity control element secured within the closed circuit air flow path that condenses moisture from the moisture-laden air passing through the closed circuit air flow path. The system further includes a condensation collector configured to receive fluid condensed from the moisture-laden air by the humidity control element.

Abstract: A soap dispenser for use in a hotel bathroom includes a bottle body, a sealing cover and a positioning frame, wherein the bottle body is used for containing shampoo or shower gel, and the bottle body is placed upside down; the sealing cover is connected to and covers a bottle mouth of the bottle body, a liquid discharge hole is provided in the center of the sealing cover, the liquid discharge hole is provided with a barrier sheet made of silica gel, and a cutout is provided at the center of the barrier sheet; and the positioning frame is used for fixing the bottle body to a wall of the bathroom.

Abstract: A piston pump for dispensing fluid from a reservoir, an improved vacuum relief arrangement in which a passageway for flow of air from the atmosphere into the reservoir is provided at least in part through a piston-forming element of the piston pump.

Abstract: A scrubbing device is provided. The scrubbing device has a base member having at least one suction cup disposed on a rear side of the base member. The suction cup can removably secure the base member to a bathroom surface such as a sink, shower, or tub composed of materials such as tile glass, and porcelain. The base member has a scrubbing surface disposed on a first side thereof. The scrubbing surface also has at least one groove which is sized and shaped to receive a portion of a finger of a user. In use, the device is secured to the bathroom surface in order to enable an individual to clean their fingers and a hand without the need for a second hand to hold the device.

Abstract: ‘In example, a sheet material dispenser can include a feed roller configured to engage and move the sheet material along a discharge path for dispensing thereof, and a manual dispensing assembly in communication with the feed roller. The manual dispensing assembly can include an engagement portion operatively coupled to the feed roller body for engagement by a user to rotate the feed roller to facilitate dispensing of the sheet material, and an integrated gear clutch configured to control movement of the engagement portion or the feed roller. Other examples also are described.

Abstract: The present invention is a device that can rinse and dry an individual's feet or an animal's lower extremities. The devices rinses feet in a first stage and dries in a second stage. The first half of the apparatus has multiple mist spouts that send water from all different angles. The second part has air vents that send air on both sides for drying. The device cleans sand off of feet following the beach, pesticides or dirt off of boots before entering or leaving agriculture, or many other uses. The device is placed over any drain and connected to any power and water supply.

Abstract: A toilet seat assembly includes a hinge post configured to be coupled to a toilet bowl, a toilet seat configured to move between a raised position and a lowered position about a pivot axis relative to the toilet bowl, and a slow-close member coupled between the hinge post and the toilet seat such that the toilet seat is moveable along a second axis relative to the hinge post. The slow-close member controls movement of the toilet seat about the pivot axis when the toilet seat moves from the raised position to the lowered position.

Abstract: The present inventive concept discloses to a cleaning apparatus for cleaning both sides of the glass panel. The cleaning apparatus comprises two cleaning components attracted to each other and attached on opposite sides of the glass panel. Each of the cleaning components comprises a body, a cleaning module, and a plurality of magnetic modules. The body has a central portion and a peripheral portion. The body has plurality of grooves on a bottom surface of the peripheral portion. Each of the magnetic modules has a magnetic wheelset disposed in the groove and exposed on the bottom surface of the body. The two cleaning components are adsorbed to opposite sides of the glass panel by the magnetic attraction of the magnetic wheelsets. One of the cleaning components could be driven by a motor to rotate itself and drive the other cleaning component on the opposite side of the glass panel to rotate together.

Abstract: Disclosed are a conversion member and an electric cleaner. The conversion member according to embodiments disclosed herein may be detachably coupled to a handle included in a main body and a pipe. Then, the main body may be connected to an intake port located at the lowest position, and the pipe may be connected to an extension handle, allowing the main body to be located at a lower position facing the intake port. Thus, the electric cleaner may have a low center of gravity. Further, when the conversion member is detached, the pipe may be located between the main body and the intake port to be connected to the main body and the intake port, respectively. Accordingly, the main body may be located at an upper position directed away from the intake port, allowing the electric cleaner to have a high center of gravity.

Abstract: A robot cleaner includes a main body, and a wheel unit including a wheel configured to movably support the main body. The wheel unit is installed in a suspension unit and configured to be movable upward or downward. The suspension unit is configured to absorb impact when the wheel unit moves upward or downward, and is installed in a lifting unit coupled to the main body. The suspension unit is configured to be raised or lowered relative to the lifting unit. The lifting unit includes a lifting drive motor including a rotatable shaft disposed in parallel with a direction in which the suspension unit is configured to be raised or lowered, and a transmission unit configured to transmit a rotation force of the lifting drive motor to the suspension unit.

Abstract: A rotatable cleaning bar for a vacuum cleaner comprises an elongate central body. At least one rigid carrier is removably mountable on the elongate central body and projects from the surface of the elongate central body by a first distance. At least one flexible cleaning element is mounted to the at least one carrier and projects from the surface of the elongate central body by a second distance; wherein the first distance is less than the second distance.

Abstract: A cleaner includes a dust separation unit which separates dust from sucked air; a dust container which stores the dust separated by the dust separation unit; a first suction port through which an external air is sucked into the dust separation unit; a second suction port through which the external air is sucked into the dust separation unit; a discharge port through which air inside the dust separation unit is discharged; and a flow path blocking member which selectively covers the first suction port and the second suction port.

Abstract: A telescopic tube device includes a first tube assembly, a second tube assembly slidably connected relative to the first tube assembly, and an operating unit disposed at a sleeved position between the first tube assembly and the second tube assembly. The operating unit includes an operating member, a first locking member, a second locking member, and a limiting member. When in a locked state, the limiting member is at an initial position, and the first locking member and the second locking member remain engaged; when in at least one released state, the limiting member is offset from the initial position, and the first locking member and the second locking member are disengaged. At least one elastic member provides the limiting member with a pulling force so that the limiting member has a tendency to remain at the initial position. A related vacuum cleaner is disclosed.

Abstract: A wet and dry vacuum cleaner having a vacuum cleaner head, having a dirt container and having an inlet fitting which is designed for the connection of a suction hose, wherein the inlet fitting is connected in terms of flow to an inlet connector, which is situated in the wet and dry vacuum cleaner, of the wet and dry vacuum cleaner such that dirt particles that are drawn in can pass via the inlet connector into the dirt container, wherein the inlet connector is designed as a diffuser with horizontal outflow. Furthermore, the inlet connector of the wet and dry vacuum cleaner may have a Y shape in the sense that the inlet connector comprises one inflow opening for the suction flow and two outlet openings.

Abstract: Vacuum cleaner hose for connecting to a wet and dry vacuum cleaner, wherein the vacuum cleaner hose has an inner lumen extending in the longitudinal direction, wherein a flow guiding geometry is formed within the lumen or adjoining the lumen, by which a suction flow occurring during the operation of the wet and dry vacuum cleaner can be influenced.

Abstract: A robotic cleaner may include a housing, a bumper, driven wheels, and a controller. The bumper can be coupled to a front of the housing. The bumper may include a plurality of projections extending from a top edge of the bumper and above a top surface of the housing. The projections may include at least one leading projection proximate a forward most portion of the bumper and at least two side projections on each respective side of the bumper. The driven wheels may be rotatably mounted to the housing. The controller may be for controlling at least the driven wheels.