Abstract: The present invention relates to a mailbox. The mailbox includes an extended downward sloping chute into and through which mail and packages destined for the mailbox's owner can be deposited. The length and orientation of the downward sloping chute makes it difficult if not impossible for the mailbox contents to be accessed and removed through the downward sloping chute. A locked door in the main portion of the box is provided to allow controlled and authorized access to the box's contents.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for preparing foodstuffs accommodated in a vessel, the apparatus includes a steam-generating unit for generating steam, a steam-feeding unit connected to the steam-generating unit in a steam-conducting manner via a steam-supply line and having a steam probe containing at least one steam-discharging opening, and further includes a drive unit for adjusting the steam-feeding unit in translatory fashion, relative to a rinsing device (2) arranged beneath the steam-feeding unit and having a rinsing tray (3) and a rinse-water-application unit or spray nozzle (18), for rinsing the steam probe following foodstuff-preparation, wherein the rinsing tray (3) is connected to an outflow-line portion (13) for discharging dirty rinse water, wherein, on the rinsing tray (3), a drain funnel (10), which can be released from the rinsing tray (3) without any tools, for cleaning and/or changeover purposes and is sealed in relation to the rinsing tray (3), is secured to the outflow-line portion (13).

Abstract: The present disclosure provide a cooking appliance, comprising a pot body assembly (2) and a pot cover assembly (1), wherein the pot cover assembly can cover the pot body assembly in an openable and closable manner, and the cooking appliance comprises a cover-closed state and a cover-open state, wherein the cooking appliance further comprises a first control panel (3) working in the cover-open state and a second control panel (4) working in the cover-closed state, wherein the cover assembly (1) covers the first control panel (3) in the cover-closed state.

Abstract: A coffee brewing system and method that includes a brew chamber that holds a brew solution during a brew cycle and dispenses the brew solution; a water system that dispenses water into the brew chamber; a content sensing system that measures the brew solution contents added to the brew chamber; a temperature control system with a heating element and a temperature sensor; at least one recirculating processing loop with a particle monitor system, wherein the recirculating processing loop circulates brew solution extracted from the brew chamber; and a control system that is communicatively coupled to the content sensing system, the temperature control system and the particle monitor system during a brew cycle, wherein the control system controls a brew cycle based on a selected a specified taste profile.

Abstract: A drip coffee apparatus includes a body of the drip coffee apparatus. The body includes a perforated top and notches at a bottom of the body of the drip coffee apparatus. A protruding handle is coupled with the body of the drip coffee apparatus. Furthermore a protruding tab is at the perforated top of the body of the drip coffee apparatus and a coffee filter is coupled to an interior of the body of the drip coffee apparatus.

Abstract: A beverage supply apparatus includes: a grinder configured to grind an ingredient; a hot-water supply unit configured to supply hot water; an extractor, to which the ingredient ground by the grinder, the hot water supplied by the hot-water supply unit, and pressurized air to stir the ingredient and the hot water are supplied; and a control unit configured to perform control to supply the pressurized air to the extractor to stir the ingredient and the hot water and, after the stirring, further supply pressurized air for extraction to the extractor to extract and supply beverage to a container. Further, the control unit controls the hot-water supply unit to add the hot water to the extractor during extraction of the beverage when a supply amount of the beverage to the container is equal to or larger than a volume of the extractor.

Abstract: A milk powder brewing machine comprising a shell, a mixing bin, a milk powder box, a water storage tank, a constant-temperature bin, a drip tray, a thick-film heater, a spiral cooling pipe and a controller. An air extraction port is provided on the mixing bin, and a moisture-proof assembly is arranged above the air extraction port. The moisture-proof assembly comprises a draught fan and a wind-shield cover. Water outlet of the water storage tank is connected to a cooling pipe, and a spiral pipe is arranged in the cooling pipe. A normal-temperature water outlet is connected with the cooling pipe, which is further connected with the thick-film heater. The thick-film heater is connected with a spiral cooling pipe, which is further connected with the constant-temperature bin through a spiral pipe. The present disclosure is moisture-proof, may be conveniently disassembled, and is capable of improving the cooling effect.

Abstract: A beverage-dispensing machine (10), for example, a machine for preparing coffee at home, is configured for being positioned in at least one first position and at least one second position that are rotated (a) with respect to one another about an axis of orientation (X10). The machine (10) comprises a user-interface element (20) carried by the machine in a rotatable way about the aforesaid axis of orientation (X10), with the interface element (20) that is configured to maintain a certain spatial orientation independently of the position of the machine (10).

Abstract: A device (5) for containing and preserving beverages, comprising at least one storage chamber (5a) for at least one beverage is described, said storage chamber (5a) being provided with at least one inlet (5b) for the injection of the beverage and with at least one outlet (5c), wherein the outlet (5c) is fluidically connected to a delivering assembly (6) for the delivery of the beverage. The device (5) comprises at least one fluid source (9) fluidically connected with said at least one storage chamber (5a) for the adduction of a fluid flow into said storage chamber (5a) to stir said beverage. A machine (1) for preparing a beverage, preferably by means of percolation, comprising such device (5), and the relative methods of use are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a heating device, including a heating body. The heating body is provided with a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet and a flow channel, wherein one of the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet is arranged in an edge area of the heating body, and the other one of the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet is arranged in a central area of the heating body. The flow channel is arranged spirally along a circumferential direction of the heating body and communicates the fluid inlet with the fluid outlet. The present invention further provides a coffee machine including the heating device, and the fluid being heated by the heating device is water. The heating device and the coffee machine can improve the stability of the temperature of the outlet water and improve the taste and quality of the brewed coffee.

Abstract: A waterway structure of the milk powder brewing machine comprising a water storage tank, a plurality of cooling pipes, a thick-film heater and a constant-temperature bin. A water inlet and outlet are formed in the water storage tank, and a spiral pipe is arranged in each cooling pipe. Water flowing from the water outlet is divided and respectively flows into water inlet of each cooling pipe of the plurality of cooling pipes. After the water flowing out from water outlets of the plurality of cooling pipes join together, the water flows into the thick-film heater to be heated to a temperature of 90-100° C. The hot water flows into the spiral pipe to be cooled and flows into the constant-temperature bin after being cooled to a preset temperature. The waterway structure of the present disclosure enhances the cooling effect, realizes instant heating, achieves reuse of energy, and improves the energy-saving effect.

Abstract: A blender for processing comestible matter includes a base with a motor, a blade assembly, and a container. The blender further comprises a first safety mechanism and a second safety mechanism. The first safety mechanism functions to ensure that the container is securely attached to the blade assembly before the blade assembly can be mounted to the base. The second safety mechanism functions to ensure the motor in the base can only be powered on when the container and the blade assembly are securely mounted to the base. The blender is operable by affixing the container to the blade assembly, and then the assembly to the base, such that both safety mechanisms are released to permit the motor to be activated.

Abstract: A disposable support pan has a sidewall with a top lip that support the lips of rectangular food trays above a support surface. A disposable suspension tray inside the support pan has a flange resting on a support pan shoulder so the bottoms of two pockets in the suspension tray are between the support surface and the bottom of the food trays. Water in each pocket reacts with a calcium-oxide packet in each pocket to boils a predetermined amount of water to generate steam that heats the food trays without having the packets contact the food trays. One or two tray supports on each side of the pan may extend from the shoulder to a top support flange extending outward around a periphery of the support pan. The suspension tray has corresponding recesses to mate with the tray supports to keep steam from entering the area below the suspension tray.

Abstract: A system and method for estimating a time to foodstuff completion can include receiving a measured foodstuff parameter, determining a current foodstuff state based on: a previous foodstuff state and the measured foodstuff parameter, selecting a foodstuff parameter curve based on the current foodstuff state, determining an estimated time to completion using the foodstuff parameter curve.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a bracket assembly for mounting an add-on grill apparatus to a cooking device. The bracket assembly can be adjustable to work with any size cooking device or any size add-on grill apparatus. The bracket assembly includes a mounting bracket and a mounting arm adapted to be coupled to the mounting bracket. The bracket assembly includes first and second ends in which the first end mounts to the cooking device and the second end mounts to the add-on grill apparatus.

Abstract: A modular heated display system with at least one heated display unit and at least one frame extension. The heated display unit will typically include a heating element supported by a frame. When the heated display unit is set upon a supporting surface, the heating element is raised some distance above the supporting surface by the frame. One or more frame extensions may be removably coupled to the frame opposite the heating element. Any coupled frame extension serves to elevate the heating element to a different height above the supporting surface. In some implementations, the heated display unit will include a light source within the frame, generally position underneath the heating element. Control electronics may be provided to cause the light source to project light downward, onto the supporting surface below the frame when the heating element is active or at an elevated temperature.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are described to grind a product, for example a product in grain form, which provide to compare a value of estimated weight (pk*) with a predefined quantity (pTARGET) that has to be delivered in a delivery cycle, and that has been set by the user. The value of estimated weight (pk*) is calculated by adding a weight (pk) detected at successive instants (tk) of the delivery cycle with a suitable correction factor (C).

Abstract: A mixer includes: a housing containing a motor and first and second beater mounting locations; and first and second beaters. Each of the first and second beaters comprises: an elongate shaft that defines a longitudinal axis between first and second ends; and a blade complex including a central body and at least three blades, the central body attached to the first end of the shaft, the blades attached to and extending radially outwardly from the shaft, each of the blades including a partially helical radially-outward edge, each blade including a continuous surface devoid of openings between the body and the radially-outward edge.

Abstract: An attachment for use with a food processing system including a container body including a sidewall, a first end configured to be mounted to a food processing base, and a second end remote from said first end. The first end is open and the second end includes an end wall oriented transverse to the sidewall. A chamber is defined by said container body. A first agitating member is receivable at said first end and a second agitating member receivable at said second end. The second agitating member is extendable into said chamber from said second end.

Abstract: A bathing chair assembly includes a chair that is positionable in a shower for a user to sit thereon. The chair is foraminous to pass water therethrough for bathing. A hose is fluidly coupled to the chair and the hose is fluid attachable to a shower head in the shower for receiving water therefrom. In this way the chair sprays the water for bathing the user when the user is sitting in the chair. A pump is coupled to the chair to increase the pressure of the water being sprayed outwardly from the chair. A reservoir is coupled to the chair and the reservoir contains a fluid soap. The reservoir releases the fluid soap into the chair to release a mixture of the fluid soap and the water for bathing.

Abstract: A bench assembly can be for use in a bathtub for showering. The bench assembly can comprise a frame that is configured to sit within a bathtub. A bench can be coupled to the frame. A pivotable platform assembly can comprise a platform support structure pivotably coupled to the frame and a platform coupled to the platform support structure. The pivotable platform assembly can be configured to bias against an upper rim of the bathtub.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser with a pump mechanism that dispenses fluid when activated. A light sensor detects light in or around the fluid dispenser, and a controller controls a function of an electronic component of the fluid dispenser based on detection data received from the light sensor.

Abstract: A foam dispenser includes a housing, a drive motor, and a foam pump. The foam pump includes a pump housing, and a molded multi-chamber diaphragm. The molded multi-chamber diaphragm includes a liquid pump diaphragm having a liquid pump stem and two or more air pump chambers each having an air pump stem. The length of the liquid pump stem is longer than the air pump stem. The foam pump further includes one or more outlet valves, a mixing chamber, an outlet for dispensing foam wherein the outlet is in fluid communication with the foam cartridge; and an actuator for sequentially actuating the liquid pump chamber and the two or more air pump chambers, wherein there is lost motion between the actuator and the liquid pump diaphragm.

Abstract: Improvements to sheet product dispensers configured to hold multiple product rolls are provided herein. An example sheet product dispenser comprises a housing defining a dispensing position and a reserve position. The housing is configured to hold a first roll of sheet product in the dispensing position and a second roll of sheet product in the reserve position, where a user can receive a portion of the first roll of sheet product that is in the dispensing position. The sheet product dispenser includes a roll replacement feature that is configured to enable installation of a replacement roll of sheet product into the reserve position. The sheet product dispenser includes a restrictive access feature configured to prevent installation of the replacement roll of sheet product directly into the dispensing position in an instance in which the roll replacement feature enables installation of the replacement roll of sheet product in the reserve position.

Abstract: A rolled paper product dispenser having a dispensing nozzle with inner and outer portions that cooperate to enable single sheet dispensing and resist sheet product falling back into the dispenser and out of reach of a user.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a portable potty seat for a toilet. This disclosure aims to provide a portable potty seat, which has the advantages of simple structure, light volume and can be adapted to toilets with different sizes and specifications.

Abstract: A bathroom stand for use in a bathroom is presented. The bathroom stand can be used to sanitarily and securely protecting a cellular phone, tablet, laptop, chrome book, book, etc. in a bathroom setting. The stand has a foot for stabilizing the stand. The stand has a post where a bottom end of the post coupled to the foot. The stand has a surface coupled to a top end of the post. The stand may be adjustable in height. The post may have one or more sections and the sections may be coupled together by joints. The joints may allow for the extending or retracting of the length of the post and/or may be moveable and lockable. The joint or couplings may further be swivels or hinges.

Abstract: A central vacuum cleaning system includes an inlet valve mounted at various locations in a structure or RV and connected to the inlet end of a vacuum conduit. A section of hose is slidably mounted within the conduit and extends from the inlet valve for cleaning an adjacent area. The hose includes a hose plug connected with a distal end of the hose. The hose plug includes an annular channel and an orthogonally aligned slot. The hose plug may also include a first seal and a second seal.

Abstract: A vacuum that couples to storage units is provided. The vacuum includes a motor, an internal compartment, and an inlet and outlet that provide fluid communication between the internal compartment and an exterior of the vacuum. The vacuum includes one or more mechanisms to protect internal components from water damage and to prevent debris from escaping the internal compartment when the vacuum is being transported.

Abstract: A floor cleaning tool including a housing, a reservoir that is coupled to the housing and that contains a cleaning solution, and a resiliently deformable plate that is coupled to the housing. The plate defines apertures that are fluidly coupled to the reservoir, and the apertures are oriented to deposit cleaning solution onto a surface. The plate is removable from the housing.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus has a cyclone and a dirt collection chamber wherein the dirt collection chamber has a dirt collection chamber portion which is located axially spaced from the cyclone chamber and the dirt collection chamber portion has a transverse section in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the cyclone that is annular.

Abstract: A floor cleaner including a fluid flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet, a fluid flow motor, a separator housing, and a cylindrical filter chamber containing a cylindrical filter media. The filter chamber includes a filter inlet that enters the filter chamber tangentially. The filter inlet has a longitudinal height that is a substantial portion of the height of the filter chamber and the filter media.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprising a cyclone positioned in an air flow path. The cyclone has a cyclone chamber with a thin walled cyclone outlet.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprising a cyclone positioned in an air flow path. The cyclone has a cyclone chamber, a cyclone chamber inlet body provided at a cyclone chamber inlet end, a cyclone main body comprising an opposed end wall axially spaced apart from the cyclone chamber inlet end, and a plurality of cyclone chamber inlets provided at the cyclone chamber inlet end. The cyclone chamber inlet body comprises a cyclone chamber inlet end wall and a plurality of spaced apart sidewall portions extending around at least a portion of a radial outer perimeter of the cyclone chamber inlet body. The sidewall portions may have a radial thickness of 0.001 to 0.06 inches.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprising a cyclone positioned in an air flow path. The cyclone has a cyclone chamber with a thin walled porous outlet member.

Abstract: An autonomous cleaning apparatus includes a chassis, a drive system disposed on the chassis and operable to enable movement of the cleaning apparatus, and a controller in communication with the drive system. The controller includes a processor operable to control the drive system to steer movement of the cleaning apparatus. The autonomous cleaning apparatus includes a cleaning head system disposed on the chassis and a sensor system in communication with the controller. The sensor system includes a debris sensor for generating a debris signal, a bump sensor for generating a bump signal, and an obstacle following sensor disposed on a side of the autonomous cleaning apparatus for generating an obstacle signal. The processor executes a prioritized arbitration scheme to identify and implement one or more dominant behavioral modes based upon at least one signal received from the sensor system.

Abstract: A cleaning robot for lifting dust and with multi-directional suction ports comprises a cleaning robot main body, at least one dust lifting device and at least one dust suction port disposed at a bottom of the cleaning robot main body, and the dust suction port is disposed around the dust lifting device. During traveling process of the cleaning robot main body of the cleaning robot for lifting dust and with multi-directional suction ports provided by the present invention, dust deposited on a bottom of fluff of a carpet is lifted by the dust lifting device by pushing, beating or blowing, and then the lifted dust is sucked into a dust collecting box disposed in the cleaning robot main body by the dust suction port to achieve an object of effectively cleaning the carpet.

Abstract: An autonomous mobile cleaning robot can include a robot body, a bumper, and a coupling. The robot body can include a displacement sensor. The bumper can be moveably coupled to the body. The coupling can include a displacement limiter associated with the displacement sensor. The displacement limiter can inhibit or limit sensing by the displacement sensor of displacement of the bumper from the robot body caused by forces below a threshold horizontal force value.

Abstract: A nozzle for a cleaner includes a nozzle housing including a suction flow path through which air including dust flows and at least a portion of which extends in a front and rear direction. First and second rotation cleaning units are arranged on the lower side of the nozzle housing to be spaced apart from each other in a lateral direction. Each of the first and second rotation cleaning units includes a rotation plate adapted for attachment of a mop. A first driving device including a first driving motor drives the first rotation cleaning unit and a second driving device including a second driving motor drives the second rotation cleaning unit. A water tank mounted on the nozzle stores water to be supplied to the mop.

Abstract: To support a handle of a tool in a generally upright position, there is provided an apparatus comprising a guide block releasably securable to the handle of the tool, the guide block having a top end, a bottom end, and a pair of longitudinal channels running there through and diverging from said top end toward said bottom end. A longitudinal slot is operatively associated with each of said channels. Each of said slots has a longitudinal first edge and a longitudinal curved edge. The apparatus includes a pair of rigid legs, each leg dimensioned to be slidably received through one of the channels, has a linear portion with a linear rail extending laterally therefrom and has a curved portion with a curved rail extending laterally therefrom. The linear rail and the curved rail of each leg engage within a respective slot when the legs are received through the guide block's channels.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for domestic use having: a bucket intended to contain water; a support mounted in the bucket and intended to support a water absorbing element for floor cleaning; a tank intended to contain water and provided with a nozzle intended to distribute the water contained inside the tank; and a support means fixed to the bucket to support the tank, in such a way that the nozzle of the tank is situated above the support in order to rinse the water absorbing element disposed on the support of the bucket with clean water.

Abstract: A dishwasher and method utilize one or more sprayers to generate steam within a wash tub of a dishwasher by directing one or more sprays of fluid onto a heating element disposed in the wash tub of the dishwasher.

Abstract: A dishwasher and method utilize a thermal imaging system in a dishwasher to configure a wash cycle and/or perform other operations in the dishwasher.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a pump device operated by a pump current for supply of washing liquor to a first spray device via a first hydraulic arrangement for providing a first washing zone and to a second spray device via a second hydraulic arrangement for providing a second washing zone. A third spray device is connected to one of the first and second hydraulic arrangements for providing an intensive washing zone. In a first switching state, the third spray device is isolated from the one hydraulic arrangement, and in a second switching state the third spray device is connected to the one hydraulic arrangement. A control device determines a current switching state of the third spray device as a function of a difference between the pump current when washing liquor is supplied to the first hydraulic arrangement and when washing liquor is supplied to the second hydraulic arrangement.

Abstract: A household dishwasher includes a washing compartment and a spray device arranged inside the washing compartment and configured to spray washing liquor and/or clean water within the washing container. The spray device includes a cage and a rotary element which is mounted in the cage for rotation about an axis of rotation. The rotary element includes a bearing surface which is radially distanced from the axis of rotation and extending around the axis of rotation for enabling the rotary element to be mounted rotatably in the cage.

Abstract: A dishwasher, in particular a household dishwasher, includes: a washing container having a washing compartment and which receives washing items to be cleaned; and a heat pump device which has an evaporator which is arranged within a tank filled with water. The tank is fluidically connected to the washing container and to a fresh water inlet device. The tank is arranged below the washing container and has a top wall facing a washing container bottom.

Abstract: A warewash machine includes a housing defining a ware inlet, a ware outlet and an internal chamber including a plurality of sequential spray zones including at least one wash zone and a rinse zone downstream of the wash zone in a ware conveyance direction. A vent path leads from the chamber leading to a vent outlet for connecting to a building ventilation system. A damper is provided for controlling a flow area at a location along the vent path. A controller is connected to control a position of the damper, the controller configured to adjust a position of the damper based upon input from at least a first temperature sensor, wherein the first temperature sensor is located at one of (i) the ware inlet, (ii) the ware outlet or (iii) along the vent path. Methods of operating a warewash machine are also provided.

Abstract: A dishwasher, in particular household dishwasher, includes a dishwasher cavity for receiving an item to be washed, a rotatable fan wheel arranged in the dishwasher cavity and configured to draw in air and to blow out the air, and a motor operably connected to the fan wheel and operating at a rotational speed which is variable over time.

Abstract: A portable and storable shoe drying machine includes a main body portion and a heater. The main body portion includes a base, heat transfer tubes mounted on the base, and object supports. Heat generated by the heater is outputted from the heat transfer tubes. The base includes a storage seat provided with a storage space and a bracing portion. The heat transfer tubes are mounted onto the storage seat; and the bracing portion is capable of changing between a storage state and an open state relative to the storage seat. The shoe drying machine is capable of reducing occupied space and facilitating carrying, packaging, and transport while simultaneously increasing the area of support, enhancing stability, and preventing toppling.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes: an imaging device; a light source device; an illumination light control circuit; a first processing circuit; and a second processing circuit. The light source device emits first support illumination light in a first time period. The first processing circuit acquires a first support image obtained with the first support illumination light. The second processing circuit extracts first diagnosis support information on the basis of the first support image. The light source device emits second support illumination light being as a result of dimming control on the basis of the first diagnosis support information in a second time period. The first processing circuit acquires a second support image with the second support illumination light. The second processing circuit acquires support display information on the basis of the second support image. The first processing circuit executes image processing, based on the support display information, on the display image.