Abstract: A parcel storage assembly for remotely securing a parcel delivery includes a box that is positionable adjacent to an entry of a building to be accessible to a parcel delivery person. A lid is hingedly coupled to the box for opening and closing the box. A locking unit is coupled to the box and the locking unit engages the lid when the locking unit is turned on to inhibit the lid from is opened. The locking unit is in wireless communication with a personal electronic device to facilitate a user to remotely lock and unlock the box. A light emitter is coupled to the box to kill bacteria and sterilizing the parcel delivered by the parcel delivery person. A cooler is positionable within the box for receiving a food delivery positioned therein.

Abstract: A secure package delivery and pick-up system includes a security door having a frame, and one or more collapsible storage compartments affixed to the frame. The collapsible storage compartments are configured for accommodating packages. An electronic unit is mounted on the frame, and is configured for electronically controlling an operation for the collapsible storage compartments. A security device is connected to the security door and receives images of a physical object from a first camera, receives an indication from at least one security tether indicating movement of the at least one physical object, and provides an alert based on the indication of movement of the at least one physical object.

Abstract: The subject application is directed to a food processing device to extract juice. The device includes an inlet coupled to a disintegrator. The inlet is configured to accept food items and the disintegrator configured to disintegrate food items passed through the inlet. The device further includes a separator that accepts the disintegrated food items and separates out the liquid components from the food item. The device further includes a reservoir that is coupled to the separator for accepting and holding the liquid components. The reservoir includes a translucent member for viewing of liquid levels within the reservoir, and a valved outlet. The valved outlet is configured to allow or prevent the flow of liquid from the reservoir through the valved outlet.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus includes a first electric heating element, a reflective surface below the first electric heating element, and a cooking surface above the first electric heating element. The cooking surface is heated by radiant energy from the electric heating element and becomes heated to emit heat to food on the cooking surface.

Abstract: A tea leaf chamber, having a chamber body; wherein the chamber body has a hollow cover with an opening thereof facing downwardly, and a hollow seat with an opening thereof facing upwardly; the cover covers onto the seat; a cavity that accommodates tea leaves is defined between the cover and the seat after the cover covers onto the seat; an inner bottom side of the hollow cover away from the opening thereof is disposed with a counterweight; a bottom part of the counterweight is embedded with a magnet. The tea leaf chamber has a special shape, and by means of magnetic attraction and filter holes, it can hold tea leaves to brew tea. The tea leaf chamber is multifunctional, and the many ways to connect the cover and the seat enable convenient connection, reliable mounting and dismounting between the cover and the seat, and simple operation.

Abstract: A machine (1) for preparing and dispensing a beverage has an actuation arrangement (5) that includes an actuator (57) and an actuation transmission (50,510,520,530) actuated by the actuator (57). The actuation transmission (50,510,520,530) has an actuation distributor (50) actuated by the actuator (57) and a first actuation output device (510) having a first input port (511) and a second actuation output device (520) having a second input port (521). The actuation distributor (50) has a first output port (50?) for operating the first actuation output device (510) via the first input port (511) and a second output port (50?) for operating the second actuation output device (520) via the second input port (521). The first actuation output device (510) and the second actuation output device (520) are displaced in a non-identical manner via the first and second output ports (50?,50?).

Abstract: The invention concerns a beverage preparation apparatus (100), said apparatus comprising at least one chamber (1) for receiving and mixing water and at least one soluble beverage ingredient, said chamber comprising: —a lateral side wall (11) defining an internal mixing volume, —a bottom wall (12) comprising a beverage outlet (3), —at least one water supply device (2) configured for creating a jet of water (21) and orienting said jet of water inside the chamber, —at least one rotating device (4) configured to rotate around a rotational axis inside the mixing chamber, said rotating device comprising blades (41), wherein the blades of the rotating device are freely rotatable around the rotational axis, and wherein the jet of water introduced in the chamber is oriented to hit the blades of the rotating device and actuate the rotation of the rotating device around the rotational axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for preparing a beverage having the following: a mixing device; a first container for storing a pourable substrate; a first supply device which is provided for supplying the pourable substrate out of one of the first containers to the mixing device; a second container for storing an at least substantially liquid substrate; a second supply device which is provided for supplying the at least substantially liquid substrate from one of the second containers to the mixing device; a third supply device which is provided for supplying a carrier liquid to the mixing device; and a dispensing device which is provided for dispensing the beverage into a container. The invention further relates to a method for preparing a beverage, to a device for storing and supplying a pourable substrate, and to a method for assembling the device for storing and supplying a pourable substrate.

Abstract: A machine (1) for preparing a beverage has: a body (1?) comprising a seat (4) and a beverage processing line (1?, 1??) extending from a liquid inlet (1?) to a beverage dispenser (1??); and a service unit (10) that is removably received in or on the seat (4) and that comprises a foot part (11) and a recipient part (12) removably received in or on the foot part (11) so as to be supported thereby. The foot part (11) has a bottom face (11?) configured to rest on an external horizontal support surface (100) when the service unit (10) is removed from the seat (4). When the recipient part (12) is received in or on the foot part (11), the recipient part (12) is movable relative to the foot part (11) from a first stable position when the service unit (10) rests on the external horizontal support surface (100) to a second stable position when the service unit (10) is received in or on the seat (4), and vice versa.

Abstract: A beverage preparation machine having an inlet arrangement and a gasket arrangement is provided, where the inlet arrangement is configured with a plurality of inlet ports to deliver liquid to a beverage cartridge. The gasket arrangement may include a plurality of openings, wherein each of the plurality of inlet ports is received within one of the plurality of openings. The gasket arrangement may be integrally formed and may include one or more ribs disposed about each of the plurality of openings. A perimeter rib may extend along a perimeter of the gasket arrangement.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser is provided. The liquid dispenser includes a housing; a temperature control system; and a pump system. The pump system pumps multiple liquids. A method of dispensing a liquid into a beverage is also provided. A liquid dispenser includes a valve, a pump, and a nozzle. A liquid is selected from multiple liquids and a beverage shade is selected. The valve and the pump are activated to deliver the selected liquid to the nozzle in an amount that achieves the selected beverage shade.

Abstract: A tunnel tube cooking pot that substantially improves thermal absorption of an aluminum boiling pot by welding specially designed and tuned pieces of aluminum channel or tubing on the bottom of the pot.

Abstract: A cookware set includes a pot, a lid configured to fit on and cover the pot in a first position, and a support attached to an upper surface of the lid and disposed at the edge of the lid and configured to support the lid in a substantially vertical position on a rim of the pot in a second position. The support has a base and two wings extending from the base, each of the two wings disposed on an opposite end of the base and having a bent portion bent inward toward the base to define a two-piece channel defined by an upper surface of the base and inner surfaces of the wings. The channel is configured to receive a rim of the pot in the second position.

Abstract: An automatic cooking machine includes: an upper portion provided with a connection port thereon; a control interface arranged to operably generate control commands based on a user's manipulations to control operation of the automatic cooking machine; a base; a heater arranged on the base; a supporting portion coupled between the upper portion and the base, and arranged to support the upper portion; a hopper for receiving materials and having a hollow feeding tube, wherein the feeding tube is detachably inserted into the connection port; a cooking pot capable of being heated on the heater; a strainer capable of being placed in the cooking pot and receiving materials; a water outlet connector; an inlet valve, arranged to operably control timing of outputting cold water or hot water from the water outlet connector; and a drain valve, arranged to operably control timing of draining the liquid from the cooking pot.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to cooking devices and, more particularly, to an apparatus comprising a shaft and a food engagement assembly for supporting and/or roasting food over a source of heat, such as a campfire, burning coals or the like.

Abstract: A cooping appliance which has a multi-layer lid, the lid preferably includes three spaced layers and venting between the outer and middle layers such that the outer most layer remains cooler to the touch compared to prior art grills. The lid preferably can comprise materials of relatively low melting points or burning points such as polymers or leather or wood or other decorative materials which ordinarily would get too hot on a grill lid. The outer layer is preferably curved in shape with the middle and inner layers formed from a number of straight sections with bends therebetween.

Abstract: Provided is a food processor and an attachment for a food processor. The attachment having a substantially S-shaped vertical rotational member having an upper end and a lower end, the lower end of the rotational member configured for secure engagement to a base motor. There is also a first blade assembly attached to a lower portion of the rotational member, the first blade assembly having at least one upward-angled blade, and a second blade assembly attached to an upper portion of the rotational member, the second blade assembly having at least one downward-angled blade. The first blade assembly and second blade assembly are disposed along the rotational member such that the first blade assembly and second blade assembly offset one another along the height and width of the housing.

Abstract: Devices and methods to heat food over an open flame are disclosed. An example food warming device includes a fork and pan used together to evenly distribute heat into solid food, minimize direct heat from the flame to the food, and reduce the chance of igniting the food.

Abstract: The present application firstly discloses a cooking system including a second cooking apparatus and a first cooking apparatus, which is used to deep fry or boil a food or food ingredients. A semi-cooked food is produced in the first cooking apparatus and is used as an ingredient in the second cooking apparatus. The cooking apparatuses work together to produce a cooked food.

Abstract: The present application firstly discloses a cooking system comprising two cooking apparatuses, each capable of producing a cooked food from food or food ingredient(s). The first cooking apparatus comprises a plurality of microwave ovens which can be moved by an intermittent motion mechanism or a transport system. The second cooking apparatus comprises a cookware and a motion mechanism to move the cookware to dispense a cooked food to a food container. A semi-cooked food is produced by a microwave oven of the first cooking apparatus and is used as an ingredient in the second cooking apparatus to produce cooked food.

Abstract: A portable washbasin system for providing clean water for washing hands and maintaining appropriate hygiene, the system including a housing structure with an upper compartment and a lower compartment spaced apart from one another, and a sink supported on the housing structure between the upper and lower compartments. A water storage tank is housed in the upper compartment, where the sink receives water from the water storage tank and dispenses the water for use. The system further includes a water receptacle housed in the lower compartment for collecting wastewater from the sink for subsequent disposal.

Abstract: A bathing wall system including a back wall, an end wall, and a coupler connecting the back wall and the end wall. The coupler includes a U-shaped receiving slot supported by the back wall, and a male connector supported by the end wall and received within the U-shaped receiving slot.

Abstract: A water-soluble capsule (1) for storing and dispensing single-use toothpaste (3) or other substance, each capsule preferably having a finger handle (4) and a storage container (5) for holding a desired supply of capsules. Each capsule has an exterior skin (2) that is pierceable by a capsule piercing pin (9, 11) so that squeezing the capsule dispenses the substance. Alternatively, a capsule may have a weak point (12) so that squeezing the capsule (1) causes the weak point (12) to rupture and release the substance (3) from the capsule (1).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a towel maintenance device for storing and keeping a towel and for heating and drying the towel stored and kept therein. The towel maintenance device—provides a structure in which heated air flows in a first staying space formed in a heat transfer plate and heats the heat transfer plate, thereby allowing a textile product such as a towel and the like in contact with the heat transfer plate to be heated based on thermal conduction, and the heated air discharged through a communicating hole of the heat transfer plate is discharged while passing through the textile product such as a towel and the like or flows around the textile product such as a towel and the like, thereby allowing the product to be dried to be heated based on convection. The towel maintenance device according to the present disclosure enables entire objects to be dried to be rapidly heated and dried.

Abstract: The hub described herein is adapted for specialized use with relatively larger diameter tissue roll cores and large width rolls. The hub prevents the practical use of smaller tissue rolls having smaller core diameters and/or being a smaller width roll. The hub allows for custom matching a bath tissue roll with a particular hub for quality control purposes. The hub facilitates the installation of a predetermined uniform bath tissue to be mounted in a dispenser with the hub.

Abstract: The invention provides a plurality of display devices such as hand dryers, each with a programmed computer display, and all communicating to a central location via a high speed link system. A display screen is mounted to each of the hand dryers and viewable by a user while drying the user's hands. A processor is located within the housing and is in signal-communication with the display screen. The high-speed link system is in signal-communication with each processor and an external data source, wherein the data source communicates with the processor to change the image displayed on the display screen. Sensors communicate ambient conditions outside of the display screen to a database.

Abstract: A dryer stand having a base, a body having a first end connected to the base and a second end spaced upward from the base, and a receptacle located in the second end of the body, the receptacle being mounted to the second end of the body is provided. The receptacle can receive a dryer for discharging drying air. The mounting of the receptacle enables at least one of a tilting operation and a rotation operation in a clockwise-counterclockwise direction so that the discharge direction of the drying air can be shifted toward a front-rear direction and clockwise-counterclockwise direction with respect to the dryer stand, either simultaneously or separately, depending on the position and size of the object to be dried.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner may include a body having a handle end and an attachment end, the attachment end being opposite the handle end along a longitudinal axis of the body, a dust cup disposed between the handle end and the attachment end, a suction motor disposed between the handle end and the attachment end, a body latch configured to releasably engage an accessory, and a body toggle configured to cause the body latch to transition between a releasing position and a retaining position, the body toggle being positioned closer to the handle end than the attachment end.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner (1) comprising a container (2), a suction unit (60), an air channeling unit (25), operative between the container (2) and the suction unit (60), wherein the air channeling unit (25) comprises: a collector (26) having a suction mouth (27) at an intake side of the air channeling unit (25), a deflector (28) positioned at the intake side and radially extending at least over a central portion of the suction mouth (27), the collector (26) and the deflector (28) delimiting a suction channel (29) connecting the suction mouth (27) to an inlet port (22) of the suction unit (60).

Abstract: An agitator including an elongated main body configured to rotate about a pivot axis, one or more soft cleaning features coupled to and extending over a substantial portion of a surface of the elongated main body, the one or more soft cleaning features defining at least one channel, and at least one deformable flap disposed at least partially within the at least one channel and extending from the elongated main body. The deformable flap may extend beyond an outer surface of the soft cleaning features. The channel may have a generally U shape and/or V shape. The channel may be configured to allow the resiliently deformable flap to move front to back as the agitator rotates about the pivot axis.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus may include a cleaner body and a dust cup coupled to the cleaner body. The dust cup may be configured to pivot between at least three indexed positions.

Abstract: A dust collector with convenient loading and unloading dust collecting barrel includes a base plate fixed on an outer periphery of a bottom of an air guide cylinder, an operation unit whose end is pivotally arranged on the base plate, linking members disposed on said operation unit and connected to a dust collecting barrel lid located under the air guide tube. Accordingly, when a user lifts up the operation unit, the linking members move the dust collecting barrel lid upwards. The upward movement separates the dust collecting barrel lid from the dust collecting barrel, so the dust collecting barrel is easily detached. The action of swinging the operation unit swings down allows the linking members to move the dust collecting barrel lid downwards, so the dust collecting barrel lid closes the dust collecting barrel. Therefore, the user loads and unloads the dust collecting barrel quickly and conveniently.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner system includes a position sensor that acquires a positional relationship between the vacuum cleaner and an object around the vacuum cleaner, a map acquisition unit that acquires a floor map indicating the predetermined floor, a self-position estimation unit that estimates a self-position on the floor map based on the position sensor, the self-position being a position of the vacuum cleaner, a boundary information generation unit that acquires, based on the self-position, boundary information indicating a boundary of a cleaning area which is an area where the vacuum cleaner performs cleaning on the floor, a boundary instruction unit that instructs the boundary information generation unit on the boundary, a cleaning area creation unit that creates a cleaning area based on the boundary information, and a running route creation unit that creates a running route for cleaning based on the created cleaning area.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cleaning machine, including a cleaning head, a holding rod device and a joint device by means of which the holding rod device is articulated to pivot on the cleaning head. Arranged on the holding rod device is a connection element that has a first region and a second region, wherein the second region is at a spacing from the first region in a transverse direction and the transverse direction is oriented transversely to a longitudinal axis of the holding rod device, wherein the connection element is connected by way of the second region to a joint of the joint device with which a pivot axis is associated, and wherein the connection element is connected by way of the first region to the holding rod device.

Abstract: A multifunctional mopping machine includes a handle, a body and a main machine. The body includes a mounting base, and a housing provided with a cleaning assembly; the body is detachably connected to the mounting base; the main machine includes a negative pressure assembly and a power supply assembly; the power supply assembly, the negative pressure assembly and the cleaning assembly form a cleaning mechanism; and a water tank for supplying water to the cleaning assembly, and a sodium hypochlorite electrolysis generator are arranged on the mounting base. An ultraviolet sterilizing lamp facing the ground to be cleaned is arranged on the housing. A tail end of a dust collecting hose communicates with a negative pressure end of the main machine, and collects both dirty water and dust on the floor, so as to ensure no stain left on the floor, satisfying present floor washing requirements.

Abstract: A mobile disinfection cart contains: a body, a drive system, a water absorption rake, a brush disc, a lid, an air inlet defined on a rear end of the lid, a sterilization structure accommodated in the cover, located above the chassis, facing the drive system, and communicating with the air inlet, an air outlet defined on the lid, an air conduit communicating with the sterilization structure and the air outlet. The mobile disinfection cart further contains a filter fixed in an air conduit, a storage tank secured on the body and communicating with the brush disc, an accommodation box disposed on the body and being in communication with the sterilization structure, and a power supply fixed on the body and electrically connected with the drive system and the sterilization structure.

Abstract: A mist generating system for a cleaning implement is adapted to generate a finely atomized liquid mist for suppressing dust, allergens, and other airborne particulates. The mist generating system can be adapted to fit many cleaning implements such as vacuum cleaners, wet extraction cleaners, floor mops, and dusters to suppress airborne dust and particulates generated during operation and the cleaning process.

Abstract: A nonwoven sheet, having a first outwardly facing surface and a second outwardly facing surface. Wax is disposed in a wax pattern on the first surface; and oil is disposed in an oil pattern on the second surface. The oil pattern is not coincident the wax pattern so that wax blocks the oil from permeating through to the first surface. The first surface may be textured with peaks and valleys, having wax disposed on the peaks. This arrangement keeps the oil from contacting the target surface and leaving residue, while allowing the oil to collect and retain debris. The sheet may be executed as a dry sheet for cleaning surfaces such as floors or as a duster.

Abstract: A cleaning article. The cleaning article has a laminate construction. The cleaning article comprises a sheet and a hydrophilic gather strip element joined together at plural bonds. The gather strip element has plural layers superimposed upon one another, providing strips extending outwardly from the bonds. Different layers are differentially bonded, to provide a construction which allows the strips to advantageously present a dynamically changing area to the target surface during cleaning, under normal usage conditions. By changing the surface area, more liquids, and associated debris, can be cleaned from the target surface.

Abstract: A device for rinsing a container or other kitchen utensil, the device including a rinsing pan equipped with a spray nozzle for a rinsing liquid, the spray nozzle being supplied with the rinsing liquid by a supply line that is part of the device, and the rinsing pan being provided with an outlet for discharging the rinsing liquid. The device includes a chamber which delimits an at least partially closed space above the rinsing pan, the chamber having a passage opening for introducing the container in order to rinse it, and for removing the container after rinsing.

Abstract: A household appliance includes a functional compartment, and an insulation arrangement provided on an outer side of the functional compartment for thermal and/or acoustic insulation of the functional compartment. The insulation arrangement includes an insulation element which is made in one piece from a plastic material selected such that a surface of the insulation element in facing relation to the functional compartment adheres to the functional compartment and is separable therefrom in a non-destructive manner A component arranged outside the functional compartment is at least substantially encapsulated in the insulation element.

Abstract: A light transmission optical member for endoscope includes an incident surface provided at a distal end portion of an insertion section, light being made incident on the incident surface as incident light from a proximal end side of the insertion section, and an emission surface for emitting the light as illumination light. The emission surface includes a diffusing section that diffuses the emitted light. The diffusing section includes a plurality of convex-shaped sections extending in a predetermined direction on the emission surface. Each of the convex-shaped sections includes a first slope section having a first angle with respect to the emission surface, and totally reflecting the incident light, and a second slope section having a second angle smaller than the first angle with respect to the emission surface, and transmitting and emitting reflected light totally reflected on the first slope section and the incident light.

Abstract: An endoscope includes a handle connected to a flexible, steerable, kink-resistant insertion tube. An endoscope insertion tube may include a shaft, a lower durometer section proximate to a distal end of the shaft, and a higher durometer section positioned between the lower durometer section and a medium durometer section. The endoscope insertion tube may further include a fourth thermoplastic laminate section proximate to a proximal end of the shaft and having a higher durometer. A method of making an endoscope insertion tube may include inserting a mandrel with one, two, or more lateral slots and a liner into a shaft, wherein the liner is positioned between the mandrel and the shaft, bonding a bonded portion of the liner to an inner surface of the shaft, separating other portion(s) of the liner from the shaft, and inserting a first deflection wire in a gap between the shaft and the unbonded portion(s) of the liner.

Abstract: A monitoring system includes an endoscope shape detection apparatus configured to detect a shape of an insertion section of an endoscope and a movement detection apparatus configured to detect a movement of a hand that operates the endoscope.

Abstract: Example embodiments relate to endoscopic systems, devices, and methods. The system may include a main assembly having a main assembly body and expandable member. Main assembly body may include a proximal region, distal region, and central region having a pressure opening for providing positive pressure. Expandable member may have a tubular structure with interior channel, inward facing interior surface, outward facing exterior surface, and first and second ends. Interior channel may house the central region of the main assembly body. First end of the expandable member may be secured to the proximal region of the main assembly body. Second end of the expandable member may be secured to the distal region of the main assembly body. When the pressure opening provides positive pressure, the tubular structure of the expandable member between the first and second ends of the expandable member may expand outwardly away from the central region.

Abstract: A system, device and method for serializing and authorizing a single use imaging device are provided. In one embodiment, the invention provides a single use imaging device comprising a memory having a stored code that includes a unique serial identifier. In another embodiment, the invention provides a system for authorizing a single use imaging device comprising a single use imaging device with an image of a verification object that includes a serial identifier uniquely associated with the device, a control unit capable of electronically receiving the verification object image, a decoder capable of extracting a serial identifier from the verification object image, a database of authorized serial identifiers, and means for determining if the single use imaging device is authorized.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cover for an endoscope tip, comprising at least one optical termination element and a shaft, the termination element comprising at least one light-guiding region and at least one image-guiding region, at least one optical barrier being formed between the at least one light-guiding region and the at least one image-guiding region by at least one separation element.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for water cycling colonoscopy that includes a colonoscope with a water ejection system and a camera, and a rectal overtube that receives the colonoscope therein. The overtube is placed in the anus and has a vacuum port outside the anus that attaches to a vacuum source. The overtube vacuum port vacuums water emitted by the colonoscope while the colonoscope is moving through the colonic lumen to control the amount of fluid in the colonic lumen. The overtube may be fitted with structures to improve the fit and attachment to the anus, including an inflatable cuff and a flexible skirt.

Abstract: A hybrid apparatus for delivery of fluid in connection with endoscopic irrigation and lens cleaning including a connector which is adaptable to a flexible or rigid container, a connector arranged at the end thereof and connected via a tubing supply to a fluid, air and or gas source and to an endoscope during a procedure.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes a gas feeding apparatus that feeds carbon dioxide, and a light source apparatus provided with an air pump for supplying air. The endoscope system feeds the carbon dioxide or the air from a distal end of an endoscope when a gas/liquid feeding button provided to the endoscope is operated. The endoscope system includes a pressure meter and a processor. The pressure meter is provided inside the gas feeding apparatus and configured to detect a pressure of the carbon dioxide. The processor is configured to perform control for stopping feeding of the air by the air pump when determining that, after the carbon dioxide is fed by an operation of the gas/liquid feeding button, the pressure of the carbon dioxide detected by the pressure meter reaches a predetermined threshold.