Abstract: The left quarter-section of this three-section silicone dish is opened to reveal a hidden compartment in which a motivational reward is placed. The compartment is covered with a lid, which sits down into the left quarter-section and then acts as a serving surface for a meal item that proves most challenging for a child to eat, i.e. vegetables, protein, unfamiliar food, etc. When food is consumed from the surface of the compartment lid, the lid can be lifted out and the reward retrieved.

Abstract: A liquid consumption monitoring device for monitoring and encouraging consumption of a liquid includes a cup and a lid, which is selectively engageable to the cup to close a top thereof. The user is positioned to tilt the cup to dispense a liquid from the cup, through an opening positioned in the lid, into a mouth of the user. A flow meter engaged to the cup, proximate to the opening, measures a volume of the liquid passing through the opening. An interface is engaged to at least one of the cup and the lid and is operationally engaged to the flow meter. The interface receives a signal from the flow meter when the liquid passes through the opening. The interface selectively actuates at least one of a speaker and a bulb, upon receipt of the signal from the flow meter, to provide a sensory reward to the user.

Abstract: A clandestine articulating utensil includes a body portion and a head portion, the body portion having a proximal end and a distal end opposite the proximal end. The head portion includes a lower jaw member fixedly attached to and extending away from the proximal end of the body portion and an upper jaw member pivotally coupled to the lower jaw member and having a neck section extending upwardly from a back of the upper jaw member. The upper jaw is movable between a closed configuration parallel and adjacent to the lower member and an open configuration angularly displaced from the lower jaw member. The clandestine articulating utensil includes a utensil coupled to and extending away from the distal end of the body member.

Abstract: A drinking implement includes a first end section with a first opening and a second end section with a second opening. A wall made of glass extends from the first opening to the second opening. At least one of the first end section or the second end section is designed as a specific end section having at least partially a ridge, an outer edge, and an inner edge. An outer transition angle and an inner transition angle both have absolute values of less than 90 degrees.

Abstract: The present invention is a wall mountable apparatus that receives one or more baseball styled caps for compact storage.

Abstract: There is disclosed a container comprising a container portion for storing one or more items. The container portion is accessible via a movable closure. The container portion also comprises an input device and a lock for selectively configuring the container portion in a locked state or an unlocked state. The container also comprises a communication module for communicating with a user device of a user. A controller is configured such that, in response to actuation of the input device when the container portion is in the locked state, the controller causes a request for access to the container portion to be sent by the communication module to the user device of a user only on condition that one or more items is determined by the controller to be present in the container portion.

Abstract: A receiving assembly for receiving a shipment. The receiving assembly is used in a building opening to provide access to a room of the building. The receiving assembly includes a housing assembly which has a guide assembly, a door member which is movably mounted in the guide assembly, a drive device which drives the door member, a control device which controls the drive device, and a sensor. The housing assembly defines, together with a part of the room, a housing chamber. The sensor cooperates with the control device and exchanges electronic authorization information so that, in a first position of the door member, the building opening is closed, and in a second position of the door member, the building opening is open and the access to the room of the building is closed.

Abstract: A parcel drop box for receiving a parcel in the presence or absence of a receiver of the parcel. The parcel drop box includes a cuboidal enclosure with an open-top. A lid pivotally covers the open-top and can be lifted for gaining access into the interior of the enclosure. A pair of flaps coupled inside the enclosure to the sidewalls and just below a periphery of the open-top. The flaps can pivot between a horizontal position and a downward vertical position. The lid is coupled to the pair of flaps, such as pivoting of the lid results in pivoting of the flaps. Opening of the lid results in pivoting of the flaps to a horizontal position which restricts the access to the interior of the enclosure from the open-top i.e., the pair of flaps substantially cover the open-top when in the horizontal position.

Abstract: A self-service parcel cabinet, comprising: a main-body part (1), a sorting apparatus (2), a parking apparatus (3), and a control device. The main-body part is a hollow structure opened at the top. At least part of the hollow structure is formed by multiple self-service parcel lockers (11) surroundingly arranged. The parking apparatus is provided on top of the main-body part and comprises a drone landing pad (31). Provided on the drone landing pad is a channel allowing passing of a parcel delivered by the drone and directly facing the opening at the top.

Abstract: A drapery support rod system is presented having a drapery support rod connected to a structure by a pair of brackets. Rings positioned around the drapery support rod are used to connect shade material to the drapery support rod. The rings have an upper end with an interior surface that is configured to fit closely around the exterior surface of the drapery support rod in a manner configured to facilitate smoother and quieter travel of the rings across the surface of the drapery support rod. When viewed from the sides, the rings have an oval shape that is elongated between an upper end and a lower end. The oval shape has a first diameter at the upper end and having a second diameter at the lower end that is larger than the first diameter.

Abstract: A cooking device according to one example embodiment includes a base having a cooking vessel for retaining food for cooking. A lid is movable relative to the base between an open position and a closed position. A heater assembly is positioned on the lid for supplying heat to a surface of the lid that covers the opening of the cooking vessel when the lid is in the closed position. The heater assembly includes a heater having a ceramic substrate. The ceramic substrate has at least one electrically resistive trace thick film printed on the ceramic substrate and at least one electrically conductive trace thick film printed on the ceramic substrate. The heater is configured to generate heat when an electric current is supplied to the at least one electrically resistive trace.

Abstract: An automatic dish serving system that can be applied to various dishes and can save space and can achieve automation is provided.

Abstract: The invention concerns filter holder for coffee machines comprising a substantially cylindrical body, inside which a perforated filter (14) is provided, the cylindrical body forming a cup-shaped container (12) for containing coffee powder, the filter holder (10) further comprising identification means for identifying the type of filter holder (10), characterized in that said identification means for identifying the type of filter holder (10) comprise at least one diametral magnet whose diametral orientation can be detected outside the filter holder (10). The invention further concerns a coffee machine and a grinder for coffee beans usable with the filter holder (10).

Abstract: A first coffee brewing and dispensing system that includes a removable grounds chamber assembly that includes a basin for holding ground coffee, an extendable dispensing spout, and a valve mechanism for opening and closing the dispensing spout; a brewing chamber assembly positioned on top of the removable grounds chamber assembly; and a lid/plunger assembly adapted to be inserted into the brewing chamber and removable grounds chamber, wherein the lid/plunger assembly includes a press rod, a handle mounted on the press rod, wherein the handle includes a trigger mounted therein, a lid mounted on the press rod below the handle, a wiper assembly mounted on the press rod below the lid; and a filter assembly mounted on the press rod below the wiper assembly, wherein the wiper assembly may be moved independently of the filter assembly by actuating the trigger in the handle.

Abstract: The invention consists of a housing provided with a juice preparation area, and another for dispensing, including a tap, a cup holder, a grid, a housing that holds a capsule of juice concentrate in a liquid or powder state, said capsule having a lower section susceptible to being torn or punctured, and an upper section on which a piston driven by a motor exerts mechanical pressure. The device is provided with a water tank and a mixing chamber. On one side, there is a button or a lever capable of actuating the complete mechanism of operation of the equipment, and in the front part, there is a panel with buttons.

Abstract: A method for operating an apparatus for providing a milk-air emulsion. The apparatus includes: a milk line through which milk flows, a mixing chamber disposed in the milk line, an air feed system having an adjusting unit responsive to a control variable for setting an amount of air injected into the mixing chamber for producing the milk-air emulsion, a measuring unit for determining a physical material property of the milk-air emulsion, and a control and evaluation unit to set the control variable. In a first operating mode an amount of air, controlled by the adjusting unit, is introduced into the mixing chamber to produce the air-milk emulsion which is thereafter is dispensed. In a second operating mode a self-adjustment is performed in which the control and evaluation unit creates a data set as a function of the physical material property of the milk-air emulsion and generates the control variable based on the data set that is input to the adjusting unit.

Abstract: A device for manufacturing a liquid product includes a tubular processor provided in a liquid-tight manner, a liquid delivery pump which is connected to a first end side of the processor and is configured to cause a liquid material to flow into an inside of the processor, and a pressure control mechanism which is connected to a second end side of the processor and is configured to control a pressure of the liquid material flowing inside the processor to 1 MPa or more, in which based on a volume of an internal space communicating from the liquid delivery pump to the pressure control mechanism, operating conditions of the liquid delivery pump are controlled so that a time required from when the liquid material flows into the internal space to when the liquid material is discharged via the pressure control mechanism is 3 seconds or more.

Abstract: Predictive cooking systems and methods are disclosed. A representative system can include a cooking device submergible in a container of fluid and a memory device storing instructions for causing a processor to receive information and determine heater set point temperature and on time. The processor can receive information indicative of one or more characteristics of a food item to be cooked in the fluid and a desired food temperature. The processor can perform a control process that can include sending instructions for controlling a heater, obtaining a temperature measurement of the fluid from a temperature sensor, determining a measurement of power delivered to the heater, determining constants related to corresponding physical characteristics of the fluid and/or the container based on at least one of the temperature measurement and the measurement of power, and determining a food temperature of the food item.

Abstract: A processor of a sensor device receives a plurality of images capturing a scene that depicts at least a portion of a conveyer entering a treatment area of a food processing system. The processor processes one or more images, among the plurality of images, to detect one or more characteristics in the scene. Processing the one or more images includes detecting presence or absence of a product on the at least the portion of the conveyor depicted in the scene, and classifying the scene as having one or more characteristics among a predetermined set of characteristics. The sensor device provides characteristics information indicating the one or more characteristics detected in the scene to a controller. The characteristics information is to be used by the controller to control operation of one or both of the conveyor and the treatment area of the food processing system.

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: The present application discloses a cooking system comprising more than one cooking apparatuses, each capable of cooking a food. A first cooking apparatus can boil or deep fry food or food ingredients to produce a semi-cooked food. The semi-cooked food may be cooked or mixed in a second cooking. The cooking apparatuses work together to produce cooked foods. A computer system is used to control the cooking system.

Abstract: A batch fryer for kettle manufacturing of deep fried food stuff comprising: an elongated cooking trough for holding a volume of cooking oil; an infeed provided at an infeed end of the elongated cooking trough for receiving food stuff; an oil circulation system comprising an oil inlet circuit and an oil outlet circuit connected to the trough for recirculation of the cooking oil in the trough; a circulation pump configured to pump oil through the oil circulation system; a heat exchanger connected to the circulation system configured to heat the cooking oil flowing through the heat exchanger from the oil outlet circuit to provide heated cooking oil to the trough via the oil inlet circuit; a booster oil inlet circuit connected to a booster pump configured to pump heated cooking oil into the trough through a booster oil inlet arranged in a wall at the proximal end of the trough at the beginning of a batch deep-frying process of food stuff.

Abstract: A container (32) includes a sealable body including a chamber (42), at least one opening formed in the sealable body, and a vacuum sealing assembly (52) mounted to the sealable body adjacent at least one opening. The vacuum sealing assembly (52) includes a valve (60) and a mechanism (70) moveable between a first position that maintains the valve (60) in a sealing engagement with at least one opening and a second position that removes the valve (60) from the sealing engagement or exposes the valve (60) for removal from the sealing engagement.

Abstract: A cooking system comprising two or more cooking apparatuses, each capable of cooking a food from one or more foods and/or one or more food ingredients. A semi-cooked food is produced in a first cooking apparatus and is used as an ingredient in a second cooking apparatus. The cooking apparatuses work together to produce cooked food from food or food ingredients. A computer system is used to control the cooking system.

Abstract: An automated food making apparatus having a carousel and at least one canister. The at least one canister may include a disposable bag having ingredients therein, with the disposable bag being disposed at an upper portion of the canister. The at least one canister may further include a reusable lower portion configured to be removably attached to the disposable bag. The reusable lower portion may further include a paddle to aid in dispensing ingredients from the disposable bag. The automated food making apparatus may further include a dispensing apparatus that is configured to dispense ingredients from the disposable bag.

Abstract: The invention concerns a cooking system (1) comprising a base module (2) with a drive motor (20) and a drive arm (22), wherein the drive arm (22) has a coupling (21) for releasable connection of a tool (4) to the drive motor (20), and wherein the base module (2) is assigned to a cooking zone (50) of a hob (5), so that the drive arm (22) can be arranged above the cooking zone (50) in order, by means of a tool (4) coupled to the coupling of the drive arm (22), to act on a medium in a container (6) arranged at the cooking zone (50), wherein the base module (2) is arranged on a housing (10), wherein the housing (10) is fitted on the hob (5) so as to be movable in the vertical direction between a stowage position and a usage position, extendable in the horizontal direction, and/or foldable about a pivot axis. The invention furthermore concerns a kitchen appliance with a cooking system (1).

Abstract: A detachable handle assembly for an item of cookware includes a handle configured to removably engage a mounting member coupled to the item of cookware, and a locking assembly slidably received in a slot defined by the handle. The locking assembly includes a housing defining an aperture and a button, a biasing member configured to apply a biasing force on the housing, and a locking surface positions on a circumferential surface that defines the aperture, wherein the mounting member is configured to be received by the aperture and selectively engage the locking surface.

Abstract: A mobile, touchless washing station capable of providing on-demand heated water is provided. The washing station comprises a touchless faucet, a touchless soap dispenser, a touchless towel dispenser, and a sink disposed in a countertop below the faucet. The washing station can further comprise an integrated cabinet configured to house a fresh water source and water heater fluidly connected to the faucet, and a waste water collector fluidly connected to the sink.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for dispensing a liquid product, said device comprising a receiving part, a closing and fastening device and an adapter device. In another embodiment, the invention relates to a kit consisting of a device for dispensing a liquid product and an accessory device.

Abstract: The present invention provides tissue webs and products having improved z-directional properties. The improved z-directional properties may be achieved by providing the structure with a unique three-dimensional surface topography, which increases the structure's Exponential Compression Modulus (K) and Caliper Under Load (C0). By improving both K and C0, the present inventors have also been able to provide tissue structures with relatively high Compression Energy (E), which enables the structures to be calendered at high loads without significant loss of sheet bulk or degradation of strength.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing at least one perforated web from a storage of web material, the dispenser including: a housing arranged to hold a storage of perforated web material, wherein a web path extends along a feeding direction in an interior of the housing from a storage position to a dispensing opening of the dispenser, and a separation arrangement being arranged along said web path, for separating the at least one perforated web along the perforations thereof, said separation arrangement including a first unit and a second unit, the second unit being arranged downstream said first unit, as seen in the feeding direction of the web path. The first unit is arranged to provide a tensioning force on said web, and the second unit being arranged to stretch the web material along the length of the web and along the width of the web.

Abstract: Embodiments provide for a consolidated towel holder or rack. An example consolidated towel holder includes a base, a first support member extending upward from the base, a second support member extending upward from the base and configured for supporting a paper towel roll, a cap in slidable contact with the first support member via an extension member such that the cap gravitationally rests atop the paper towel roll, and a third support member extending perpendicularly from the first support member and configured for supporting a fabric towel or cleaning apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus that includes a dispensing container, a collecting container and a mount. The dispensing container and the collecting container each includes a receptacle having an open end, a lid configured to be received over the open end, an interior space defined by the receptacle and the lid, and an opening into the interior space. The mount is configured to be attached to a structure and is further attached to at least one of the dispensing container and the collecting container.

Abstract: One embodiment relates to a sink system having an air recirculating mechanism for exhausted hand dryer air. The sink system includes a sink deck having a sink opening and an outer shell. The sink deck being separated from a sink basin region of a sink basin by a vent ring. A sink basin defines a sink basin region and a plenum region. The plenum region is separated from the sink basin region by the vent ring. A plenum cavity is formed between an internal surface of the outer shall and the plenum region. The vent ring includes a vent with an associated opening. The opening is exposed to the sink basin region and to an area underneath the sink deck, the opening allowing a flow of air therethrough. A dryer is configured to direct forced air through a dryer exhaust port into the sink basin region of the sink basin.

Abstract: A composting toilet assembly has a composting bin with an agitator, a toilet bowl, and a urine bottle. The agitator has an agitator handle configured to actuate the agitator. The agitator may have a ratchet assembly including a hub, a clutch bearing disposed in the hub, and a pair of brass bushings disposed in the hub. The toilet bowl is disposed on the composting bin. The toilet bowl has a main body with a recess. The recess may have a first portion and a second portion with a partition wall. Each of the first portion and the second portion has an opening. The urine bottle is in fluid communication with the bowl. The urine bottle is configured to receive urine. The urine bottle has a drain, a handle, and a sensor. The sensor may have a light and be configured to detect a predetermined urine level in the urine bottle.

Abstract: An adapter device for use with a toilet includes a base member and an attachment member on either end of the base member. The base member is an elongate member that is to extend across diametrically opposed sides of a toilet seat. The attachment members on either end of the base member include two fins that extend downward relative to the base member. The fins are to slidably engage around the sides of the toilet seat and thus prevent lateral movement of the attachment member and base member when the adapter device is placed on top of a toilet seat. The base member and the attachment member are to be positioned on the toilet seat so as to provide support to a perineum of a user.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flexible toilet seat including a top surface; a bottom surface; an inner edge, at which the top and bottom surfaces meet; an inner region, configured to elastically and vertically deform inward relative to the outer edge in response to an applied load; and an outer region supported by an upper surface of a toilet and configured to support the inner region.

Abstract: A remote controlled toilet seat lift system and methods of use having a housing having one or more angled clamps configured to attach the housing to the rim of the bowl, a lift mechanism positioned therein the lift housing, the lift mechanism having a battery electrically connected to dual direction drive, the dual direction drive connected to a toothed gear, the toothed gear in rotational contact with a toothed arcing lift arm to engage the toothed gear, the toothed arcing lift arm slidably affixed to the lift housing to traverse a curved path and having a first end with an aperture, the an toothed arcing lift arm extendable therefrom the housing, a lift pin affixed therein the aperture, the lift pin in contact with the toilet seat and, thus, functions to provide sanitary non-hand contact raising and lowering of the toilet seat and lid.

Abstract: A suction generation device, comprising a fluid supply port and a suction port in fluid communication with an expulsion port and a matter collection arrangement to receive a fluid from the expulsion port; the suction device comprises a suction conduit connected to the suction port and a handheld appliance that assists in collecting matter in a fluid; the suction generation device configurable to receive a fluid supply at the fluid supply port and flow to the expulsion port that reduces pressure at the suction port to cause a fluid flow through the suction port carrying solid particles entrained therein; the suction generation device is configured to combine the fluid supply and the fluid flow to form the expulsion fluid, and direct the expulsion fluid through the expulsion port into the matter collection arrangement configured to hold a proportion of the solid particles entrained in the fluid flow therein.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a wireless dust collection system capable of integration into an existing or new dust collection configuration and capable of wireless activation in response to the activation of a connected workshop implement or in response to a user input through a user interface. The wireless collection system has at least one gate mechanism assembly, at least one wireless trigger assembly, an intermediary hub, a collector, a collector bin, and at least one wireless control interface.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a wheel assembly and a robot cleaner including a main body and a wheel assembly coupled to the main body to guide movement of the main body. The wheel assembly has a rotation arm including a first end portion rotatably mounted on the main body, a drive wheel rotatably installed on a second end portion of the rotation arm opposite the first end portion, and an elastic member including a first end installed at the main body and a second end vertically moveably installed at the rotation arm opposite the first end, such that a reduction degree of a contact force due to a descent of the drive wheel.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a cleaning device and a robot. A movable box is disposed on the bottom side of the robot, wherein a roller space in the movable box is disposed with a roller, and a cleaning cover is disposed around an opening of the movable box. When the robot is moving and sweeping the ground with the roller, the roller will rotate to make contact with a guide element so that the guide element removes the garbage and dust attached to the roller and at the same time guides the airflow of a suction port of the robot, thereby allowing the garbage and dust to follow the airflow into the robot.

Abstract: A filter for a vacuum cleaner includes a top having an open center, a bottom plate having an aperture, a center, an inside surface facing towards the top, an outside surface facing away from the top, and a catch configured to pass-through the aperture, filter material being secured between the top and bottom plate. An adaptor for a filter cage or the filter cage itself includes an elevated ring that engages the catch of the filter.

Abstract: A closure device for closing a particle capture volume, in particular a bag or a container, including an access element with an access element opening for providing an access to the particle capture volume, a closure slide which can be selectively displaced relative to the access element into a release position or into a closure position. In the release position the closure slide releases the access element opening and in the closure position closes the access element opening, and a locking mechanism for locking the closure slide in the closure position with respect to the access element, where the locking mechanism 6 for unlocking requires a defined unlocking element which is separate from the locking mechanism.

Abstract: Such a vacuum-interface lid may have the ability to adapt common containers to work with a vacuum system to safely intercept, collect, transport, and store materials with minimal handling provides. A vacuum-interface lid may include, but is not limited to: an output port couplable to a vacuum source; an intake port couplable to a material conduit; and a flange portion including a seal configured to engage a top rim of a container.

Abstract: A cleaning robot according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a traveling motor configured to generate a driving force for traveling; a cleaning module changing unit configured to selectively activate any one of at least one cleaning module; a sensing unit configured to sense characteristics of a floor surface; and a processor configured to perform a cleaning operation of cleaning the floor surface by controlling the cleaning module changing unit to activate any one of the at least one cleaning module based on the sensed characteristics of the floor surface, wherein the processor is configured to: sense characteristics of a contaminant present on the floor surface by using the sensing unit while performing the cleaning operation; and control the cleaning module changing unit to change or maintain the activated cleaning module based on the sensed characteristics of the contaminant.

Abstract: An artificial intelligence (AI) cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a memory, a movement detect sensor, a driving unit configured to allow the AI cleaner to be moved, and a processor configured to control the movement sensor to sense a movement of the AI cleaner by a user and acquire a position to which the AI cleaner has moved while the AI cleaner operates at a first cleaning mode and control the driving unit to allow the AI cleaner to clean a priority cleaning area corresponding to the position at a second cleaning mode.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a surface cleaning apparatus that includes a housing including a base adapted for movement across a surface to be cleaned, a fluid delivery system, and a recovery system. The surface cleaning apparatus can be configured to clean multiple surfaces, including hard and soft surfaces, and for different cleaning modes, including wet cleaning, dry vacuum cleaning, and self-cleaning. Methods for self-cleaning a surface cleaning apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: A cleaning method of a cleaning robot, a chip, and a cleaning robot. The cleaning method of the cleaning robot includes: moving forward and along a first lateral direction to form a first cleaning path; moving backward to form a second cleaning path; moving forward and along a second lateral direction to form a third cleaning path, where the second lateral direction is opposite to the first lateral direction; and repeatedly performing the first cleaning path, the second cleaning path, and the third cleaning path in turn. The cleaning method of the cleaning robot improves the cleaning effect by repeatedly performing a three-segment series of paths.

Abstract: A cleaning robot is disclosed, the cleaning robot includes a robot body provided with a sweeping rotation element and a mopping rotation element at different positions at a bottom thereof; a drive device provided on the robot body and configured for driving the sweeping rotation element and the mopping rotation element to rotate; wherein the sweeping rotation element is provided to be detachably connected with the sweeping module, and the sweeping module is configured for sweeping a floor; the mopping rotation element is provided to be detachably connected with the mopping module, and the mopping module is configured for mopping the floor. In this way, the cleaning robot has various functions and better cleaning effects.