Abstract: An automated meal preparation system can include food storage matrix(es) with chute(s), food storage cartridge(s), mechanical cartridge dispenser(s), basket(s), manipulator(s), actuator(s), conveyer(s), buffer queue(s), gripper(s), catapult arm(s), cooking receptacle(s), and processor(s). A manipulator can move a basket to a chute where an actuator actuates a mechanical cartridge dispenser to pass a cartridge into the basket. The manipulator can move the cartridge to the conveyer, which moves the cartridge to a buffer queue at a conveyer gate. A gripper at the buffer queue can accept the cartridge and move it to an unpacking position where a catapult arm operates with the gripper to separate a cartridge lid from a cartridge container. The catapult arm can rotate the cartridge to empty its food into a cooking receptacle that spins while cooking the food. Processor(s) can control the motions of the manipulator, conveyer, gripper, catapult arm, and cooking receptacle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a steeping machine for steeping a steeping bag having a body. The steeping machine comprises a machine housing and a steeping device. The steeping device is configured to be disposed in the machine housing in a retractable manner with respect to the machine housing, and includes a base and an actuation module. The actuation module is disposed on the base and configured to suspend the steeping bag in a suspended state such that the body falls out of the base, and to lift the body of the steeping bag upwardly adjacent to the base. Through the mechanism of the steeping device, the function of releasing the steeping bag for steeping and retracting the steeping bag can be achieved.

Abstract: A machine (1) is configured for handling a flavouring ingredient (2) and preparing a beverage (7) and serving it via a dispensing outlet (8). The machine (1) has an infusion unit (10) that comprises: a support (11) that is stationary during the handling of the flavouring ingredient (2); a seat (12) having an ingredient opening (120); a closure part (13); and a wall part (14) that is movable inside the seat (12). The seat (12), the closure part (13) and the wall part (14) are: directly or indirectly mounted to the support (11); and relatively movable between: a transfer configuration and a mixing chamber configuration. The mixing chamber (12?) is associated with an inlet guide (135) and an outlet guide (140). The infusion unit (10) is configured such that, during beverage preparation, the flavouring ingredient (2) is mixed with water (3) in the mixing chamber (12?) to form the beverage (7) by infusion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system (110) for dispensing ground coffee, in particular for preparing a coffee beverage. The system (110) comprises: one or more receptacles (13, 14) for storing one or different types of roasted coffee beans, one or more dosing devices (60, 70) for dispensing coffee beans, which are stored in the one or more receptacles (13, 14), and a grinder (30) for receiving coffee beans, which are dispensed by the one or more dosing devices (60, 70), in order to grind said coffee beans and subsequently dispense the so ground coffee beans, the grinder (30) being configured to move into different grinding positions for different grinding degrees, respectively. The one or more dosing devices (60, 70) are arranged between the one or more receptacles (13, 14) and the grinder (30) such that the one or more dosing devices (60, 70) can act as one or more retaining elements for retaining coffee beans inside of the one or more receptacles (13, 14).

Abstract: A coffee maker which has a funnel ending with a funnel mouth and a foaming device applied to the funnel mouth is provided. The foaming device has a valve made of deformable material provided with an outlet mouth towards which an exiting percolated beverage is channeled. In a rest condition, in which the valve does not cooperate with the funnel, the at outlet mouth has a rest passage section. In a mounting condition, in which the valve cooperates with the funnel, the outlet mouth is deformed and has a working passage section, reduced as compared to the rest passage section.

Abstract: A system and method for using a supplement beverage dispensing machine is provided. The system includes a supplement beverage dispensing machine having a housing with an external touch display screen and controls, a vending outlet having a lower tray adapted to support a beverage container, and a plurality of solid material reservoirs disposed within an interior volume of the housing configured to store one or more protein powders, one or more dried greens powders, one or more pre-workout powders and post-workout powders, or other types of supplement powders and at least one liquid material reservoir that includes water or other mixing liquids therein. The overall system includes a method of use and a non-transitory computer storage media to prepare a beverage in a selected container size with a selected combination of supplement types and quantities with the overall system.

Abstract: A slow cooker liner system with integrated dividers is provided. The system includes an annular support that secures to an upper support opening edge of a slow cooker or similar cooking vessel. A stabilizing member divider extends across the opening of the slow cooker for additional stability. The system further includes a plurality of individual liners. Each individual liner has a closed lower end and an open upper end. The open upper end further includes a locking device. In operation, the user can removably secure liners to the annular support in a desired configuration. The liners can have different shapes and sizes, such that the user can divide the interior of the slow cooker into distinct cooking chambers. After cooking, the liners can be removed from the annular support via the locking device for disposal.

Abstract: A cooking vessel includes: a vessel body with at least one handle arranged on the vessel body, the vessel body delimiting a space for receiving food to be cooked, which space is open at a top in a use position of the cooking vessel and is intended for receiving food to be cooked, the vessel body having an outer shell which is connected or connectable to the handle, and an inner shell which is connected to the outer shell when the cooking vessel is assembled, the outer shell receiving the inner shell when the cooking vessel is assembled, and the space for receiving food to be cooked being formed in the inner shell. A wall inner face of the outer shell, which faces the inner shell, and a wall outer face of the inner shell, which faces the outer shell, are each conical.

Abstract: A temperature sensing device includes a temperature sensor to measure a temperature of a cooking chamber of a cooking appliance. A housing of the temperature sensing device is configured to be mounted on the cooking appliance. A Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA) inside the housing is coupled to the temperature sensor, and an insulating layer is located outside an interior wall of the housing. In one aspect, an antenna is coupled to the PCBA to wirelessly transmit data from the temperature sensing device indicating the measured temperature. In another aspect, the temperature sensing device includes a temperature gauge with a needle to indicate the measured temperature, and a motor inside the housing to actuate the needle. According to another aspect, the temperature sensing device is a wireless signal repeater including an exterior antenna and an interior antenna to transmit signals through a wall of the cooking appliance.

Abstract: There is described a pressure cooker (2) configured for simultaneous pressure cooking and air frying, the pressure cooker comprising: a housing (10) defining a cooking chamber (20) configured to receive food items (60) to be cooked, and having a door (12) which can be opened in order to place food items (60) into the cooking chamber (20) and can be sealed closed such that the cooking chamber (20) is air tight when pressurized above ambient pressure; an air mover (30) mounted in the cooking chamber (20) for circulating air within the cooking chamber (20); a driving means for driving the air mover (30) situated outside the cooking chamber (20); and a drive arrangement for transmitting drive from the driving means to the air mover (30).

Abstract: The present invention is a novel roasting pan system whereby a meat probe is configured for inserting into any product placed within the roasting pan and the temperature reading is read on the outside of the pan.

Abstract: A grill box for an outdoor cooking system provides a heat distribution system and a grease extraction system. The grill box has a lower section, and an inner liner seated inside the lower section. The inner liner has an inner floor that defines a domed structure with a highest vertical point, with at least one heat-directing louver provided in the domed structure. An under plate is positioned in the lower section below the inner liner. In addition, the inner floor of the inner liner defines a grease flow channel that is inclined so that a portion of the grease flow channel adjacent the front is at the highest vertical level, and another portion of the grease flow channel adjacent the rear is at the lowest vertical level, so that the grease flows from the front to the rear, and is disposed of through a grease drainage hole adjacent the rear.

Abstract: A portable grill can include a first structural panel, a second structural panel, and a third structural panel. The first structural panel can include a first body, a first side slot sized to receive a second side slot, and a first opening sized to receive a first protrusion. The second structural panel can include a second body, the second side slot that is sized to receive the first side slot, a second opening sized to receive a second protrusion, and a set of horizontal slots positioned vertically spaced apart and sized to receive at least one grill surface. The third structural panel can include the first protrusion that is sized to be positioned in the first opening. The third structural panel can additionally include the second protrusion that is sized to be positioned in the second opening.

Abstract: A deep fryer tank made of a deep-drawn metal material includes a bottom and several sides connected to the bottom by curves, at least one of the sides having at least one rigidifying lateral indentation forming a lateral recess extending in one direction. At least one side has at least one other rigidifying lateral indentation forming another lateral recess extending in another direction, and the at least one rigidifying lateral indentation intersects the at least one other rigidifying lateral indentation. An electric deep fryer comprises a deep fryer tank of the aforementioned type.

Abstract: Disclosed is a coffee grinder having improved accuracy of burr alignment for grinding uniformity. The coffee grinder having improved accuracy of burr alignment for grinding uniformity of the present disclosure comprises: a lower flat burr carrier having a rotary base part rotatably coupled to a grinder body and a lower flat burr part coupled to the rotary base part so as to rotate together with the rotary base part and having a first grinding blade; and an upper flat burr carrier that is coupled to a fixed coupling part provided on the grinder body and grinds introduced coffee beans together with the first grinding blade, wherein the lower flat burr part is coupled to the side of the rotary base part.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for dispensing ground coffee for preparing a coffee beverage.

Abstract: In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, a system includes, a container configured to hold foodstuffs and a base configured to be operatively coupled to the container. In embodiments, the base includes, a first set of blades having a first shape configured and adapted to process foodstuffs within the container, a second set of blades operatively connected to the first set of blades having a second shape configured and adapted to blend the foodstuffs within the container, and a controller operatively connected to control a motor to drive the first set of blades and the second set of blades about a rotational axis. The controller is configured to automatically switch between a first speed and a second speed based on a predefined program selected by a user. In embodiments, the first speed is slower than the second speed.

Abstract: A single serve beverage cup, including for a cocktail, is disclosed having a base, a bowl, a seal, a top cover and a bottom cover. The single-serve beverage cup includes a cavity for receiving a miniature liquor bottle for making a cocktail. There are disclosed various embodiments of the bottom cover.

Abstract: A cookware item includes: a cooking container for receiving food to be cooked and/or a lid for closing the cooking container; at least one handle for handling the cookware item, a handle body of the handle being force-transmittingly connected to the cooking container and/or to the lid of the cookware item by a handle connection part of the handle; an insulating part of the cookware item being disposed between the handle connection part and/or the lid to reduce a transfer of heat to the handle body; and an output unit at least partially integrated into the handle body and for visually outputting information to a user of the cookware item, the output unit having at least one light source, the light source being controllable by a controller of the cookware item and configured to be supplied with electrical power by a power source of the cookware item.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated methodology for supporting a child during bathing activities at a sink. A child support device includes a base defining a cavity configured to receivingly engage a portion of the sink to support the child support device adjacent the sink during bathing. A seat is configured for a tool-less removable connection to the base that supports the child during bathing.

Abstract: A lockable receptacle holder 10 comprising a holder base portion 20 configured to support the bottom 5 of a receptacle 1; a holder upper portion 30 and an elongated holder back portion 40 extending between the holder base portion 20 and the holder upper portion 30, wherein the holder base portion 20 and the holder upper portion 30 extend laterally from the holder back portion 40 and parallel to each other, and wherein; - the holder upper portion 30 comprises a closed space C configured to at least partially enclose and releasably confine the neck 2 or shoulder 3 of a receptacle placed on the holder base portion 20, and; - a cap locking member 80 for preventing removal of a cap 9 of a receptacle 1 in the receptacle holder 10.

Abstract: Technology is configured to monitor correct utilization of a dispensed substance, including dispensing units having environmental sensors. For example, this may include soap dispensers configured to monitor handwashing activity, and toothpaste dispensers configured to monitor brushing activity. Embodiments include both base units that are configured to operate with separate dispensing containers, and containers having electronic components built in.

Abstract: Sanitary tissue product rolls that exhibit novel combinations of physical properties, such as Moment of Inertia, Roll Density, and Roll Diameter, such that the sanitary tissue product rolls meet consumers’ needs, and method for making such novel sanitary tissue product rolls and marketing such novel sanitary tissue product rolls are provided.

Abstract: A toilet accessory organizer includes a top plate received atop a toilet bowl between the toilet seat and the tank. A first accessory holder attached to the top plate, the first accessory holder operable to retain a toilet accessory. A second accessory holder attached to the top plate, the second accessory holder operable to retain a toilet accessory, the first accessory holder and the second accessory holder straddle the bowl.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaning appliance includes a body having a longitudinal axis, and a motor unit located in the body for creating an airflow through the appliance. A handle extending along the longitudinal axis has a first end connected to the body and a free, second end. A filter assembly is detachably connected to the body proximate to the first end of the handle. The filter assembly defines a bore running through the filter assembly along the longitudinal axis, the bore being shaped to allow the filter assembly to slide along the handle towards the second end thereof following detachment from the body.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a surface cleaning apparatus that includes a recovery system that extracts liquid and debris with a drying cycle in which forced air flows through a recovery pathway of the recovery system to dry out components that remain wet and/or retain moisture after normal operation of the apparatus. The post-operation drying cycle can dry out components such as an agitator or brushroll, a brush chamber, a suction nozzle, a recovery tank, a filter, and any of the various conduits, ducts, and/or hoses fluidly coupling components of the recovery system together.

Abstract: A cleaning device, a storage apparatus for the cleaning device, and a cleaning system are provided. The cleaning device includes a body and a connecting portion, the body or the connecting portion is provided with an attraction member, and the attraction member is configured to attract a surface to be attracted.

Abstract: An anti-collision mechanism comprises a body, a collision baffle, a magnetic element, and a magnetic field sensor, and the anti-collision mechanism is configured to be applicable to a sweeping robot. The magnetic field sensor is arranged at a distance from the magnetic element, the magnetic field sensor is configured to detect a change in the magnetic field intensity caused by a change in the distance between the magnetic field sensor and the magnetic element. When the collision occurs, the magnetic element is closer to the magnetic field sensor to make the magnetic field intensity change, thus generating signals to stop or turn the sweeping robot, which can realize the obstacle avoidance of the sweeping robot and enhance the service life. The sweeping robot is also provided.

Abstract: A cleaner head for a vacuum cleaning appliance includes a housing which defines a suction chamber. The suction chamber has a suction inlet through which air enters the suction chamber, and a suction port through which air exits the suction chamber. The cleaner head includes a plurality of casters for supporting the cleaner head. Each caster is rotatable relative to the housing about a first axis which is perpendicular to the suction inlet. Each caster is also rotatable relative to the housing about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis.

Abstract: A cleaner head for a vacuum cleaning appliance includes a housing, a front agitator and a rear agitator. A suction chamber is located between the front agitator and the rear agitator. A baffle is located within the suction chamber between the agitators. During use of the cleaner head, debris becomes entrained within air drawn towards the suction chamber. Guide members mounted on the housing guide the entrained debris towards the suction chamber, whereas the baffle guides the air upwardly towards a central suction port of the suction chamber.

Abstract: A mobile cleaning robot can be movable within an environment. The mobile cleaning robot can include a body, a cleaning head, a biasing element, and a linkage. The cleaning head can be operable to extract debris from a floor surface and can be configured to move vertically relative to the body between an extended position and a retracted position. The biasing element can be connected to the body and can be movable with the cleaning head. The linkage can be connected to the cleaning head and the biasing element. The linkage can be rotatably connected to the body to, together with the biasing element, bias the cleaning head toward the retracted position.

Abstract: A mobile cleaning robot can include a body, a drive wheel, and a wheel stop. The drive wheel can be connected to the body and can be operable to move the mobile cleaning robot about an environment. The wheel stop can be movable with respect to the body and the drive wheel between a stop position and a release position. The wheel stop can be engageable with the drive wheel in the stop position to limit vertical travel of the drive wheel with respect to the body.

Abstract: A docking station, which includes a cover opening and closing device for automatically opening and closing a dust container cover, and a cleaning device is provided. The cleaning device includes a cleaner which includes a dust container for collecting foreign substances, a dust container cover rotatably coupled to the dust container so as to open and close the dust container, and a button provided to open the dust container, a docking station to which the cleaner is coupled, and which charges the cleaner coupled thereto, and a cover opening and closing device which opens the dust container cover by pressing the button and closes the dust container cover by pressing the dust container cover.

Abstract: A method of operating a mobile cleaning robot system including a mobile cleaning robot and a display device can include displaying a room cleaning settings indication selectable to set one or more cleaning settings for a previously-mapped specified room. When the room cleaning settings indication is selected, a cleaning mode indication can be displayed where the cleaning mode indication is selectable to set a cleaning mode setting of the specified room.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a cleaner station and a method of controlling the same, the method including: a dust bin fixing step of holding and fixing, by a fixing member of the cleaner station, a dust bin of a cleaner when the cleaner is coupled to the cleaner station; a door opening step of opening a door of the cleaner station when the dust bin is fixed; a cover opening step of opening a discharge cover configured to open or close the dust bin when the door is opened; and a dust collecting step of collecting dust in the dust bin by operating a dust collecting motor of the cleaner station when the discharge cover is opened, and as a result, it is possible to open a dust passing hole by detecting coupling of the cleaner without a user's separate manipulation and remove the dust in the dust bin by means of the operation of the dust collecting motor, thereby providing convenience for the user.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus includes a recovery tank and an electronic sensing system configured to detect liquid at one or more levels within the recovery tank and determine when to shut-off or otherwise interrupt the recovery system. In addition, the sensing system can detect whether the recovery tank is missing from the apparatus.

Abstract: There is provided a cleaning robot system including a charging station and a cleaning robot. The charging station includes multiple positioning beacons. The cleaning robot includes an image sensor and a processor. The image sensor is used to acquire light generated by the multiple positioning beacons on the charging station and generate an image frame. The processor is electrically connected to the image sensor, and used to calculate a relative position with respect to the charging station according to beacon images of the multiple positioning beacons in the image frame to determine a recharge path accordingly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a floor cleaning device comprising a floor unit which is assigned a direction of advance parallel to a floor surface to be cleaned; a tool which, in an operating state, contacts the floor surface, the tool being movable relative to the floor surface by means of a drive; a guide member for guiding the floor cleaning device; and a joint assembly connecting the floor unit and the guide member in an articulate manner. When in a maneuvering operating state, the guide member can pivot about a first pivot axis and can be fixed or temporarily supported in the first pivot axis plane. As a result of the pivoting movement of the guide member about the first pivot axis, an advance effect brings about a moment of rotation of the floor unit on the floor surface that benefits the maneuvering of the floor cleaning device.

Abstract: An obstacle avoidance mechanism applied to a sweeping robot, the sweeping robot comprises a body, a baffle and a road wheel, the baffle is arranged on an exterior side of the body, the baffle is arranged at a first distance from the body, the obstacle avoidance mechanism comprises a shield module and a photosensitive module. When the baffle collides with the an obstacle object, the light path of the photosensitive module is blocked by the shield module, so as to send out a first signal to make the road wheel stop moving forward or turn, and realize the obstacle avoidance function of the sweeping robot and enhance its service life.

Abstract: A cleaning attachment for a utility bucket is disclosed. The cleaning attachment can be used to sweep debris into the utility bucket. In one non-limiting example, among others, the cleaning attachment includes a ramp, a back platform, a rim engagement slot, and a retractable tab. The ramp includes a first end and a second end, and the second end having a greater height than the first end. The rim engagement slot engages a rim of a utility bucket. The rim engagement slot is formed between a front wall of the second end of the ramp and the back platform. The retractable tab extends from a back wall of the back platform. The retractable tab formed between two slots, and the retractable tab moves toward and away from the back wall for attaching and releasing the utility bucket.

Abstract: A dustpan includes a handle assembly and a pan coupled to the handle assembly. The pan has a receptacle and a yoke. The receptacle is rotatable from a first position to a second position with respect to the yoke. The yoke has a plurality of teeth formed thereon configured for engaging an inner surface of the receptacle to militate against over-rotation of the receptacle.

Abstract: An article-distribution system for a dishwasher is provided having a camera assembly directed at a rack assembly of the dishwasher, a display screen spaced apart from the rack assembly, and a controller in operative communication with the camera assembly and the display screen. The controller may be configured to direct a dishwasher coverage operation. The dishwasher coverage operation may include receiving an image of the rack assembly from the camera assembly, identifying an uncleanable article, presenting the image at the display screen, and overlaying an identifier onto the presentation of the image based on the identified uncleanable article. The step of identifying the uncleanable article may be based on the received image. The uncleanable article may be in in an uncleanable position within the rack assembly.

Abstract: An exhaust duct includes a nozzle duct and a cone duct. The nozzle duct includes a first wall forming a first aperture and including a reducing section and an expanding section. The reducing section includes a first edge and a second edge. The expanding section is mounted to the reducing section and includes a third edge and a fourth edge. The reducing section has a circumference that decreases from the first edge to the second edge. The second edge is mounted to the third edge of the expanding section. The expanding section has a circumference that increases from the third edge to the fourth edge. The cone duct includes a second wall forming a second aperture. The nozzle duct is mounted within the second aperture. An air gap is provided between an interior of the second wall and an exterior of the nozzle duct.

Abstract: The present application provides a cabinet with a bendable drying device, comprising a cabinet body provided with a storage cavity and a dryer, and the dryer comprises a main body, a bracket, a heater and a fan, the bracket is provided with a first air duct and a first air outlet, the heater and the fan are arranged in the first air duct or communicated with the first air duct, and a first included angle is formed between the bracket and the main body, so that the bracket can be inserted into shoes. The hot airflow generated by the fan and heater flows into the shoes through the first air channel and the first air outlet for drying. The bracket comprises a first end and a second end that are relatively rotatable or deformable, and a variable second included angle is formed between the first end and the second end.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a doormat device that alerts a user when an individual is at their door and/or approaching their door. In one embodiment, the device is comprised of a pressure sensor that is activated when an individual steps on the device. In this embodiment, when the pressure sensor is activated, the transmitter of the device may communicate with a smart doorbell or other smart device to alert the user of the presence of an individual at their door. A second embodiment of the device is comprised of a proximity sensor that detects an individual approaching a door. Once the proximity sensor is activated, the transmitter of the device may communicate with a smart doorbell or other smart device to alert the user of the presence of an individual at their door.

Abstract: A medical image processing device 3 includes: a captured image acquisition unit 31 that acquires a captured image captured by a medical observation device 2; a determination unit 33 that determines whether or not an imaging field of view of the medical observation device 2 has been moved; and an identification image generation unit 321 that generates, in a case where the determination unit 33 determines that the imaging field of view has been moved, an identification image in which a specific position in a specific region displayed on a display device in an entire image region of the captured image is identifiable with respect to other positions.

Abstract: There is provided a battery assembly and a medical capsule. The battery assembly comprises: a battery pack comprising at least two batteries connected in series, and a plurality of connectors electrically connected to the battery pack, comprising a positive electrode connector electrically connected to a positive electrode of the battery pack, a negative electrode connector electrically connected to a negative electrode of the battery pack, and an intermediate connector electrically connected to a positive electrode of one of any two adjacent batteries and a negative electrode of the other one of the two adjacent batteries. The battery assembly of the present invention can selectively output the total voltage of the battery pack or output part of the voltage of the battery pack through the plurality of connectors.

Abstract: Communication apparatus and devices for surgical robotic systems are described. The communication apparatus can include a user console in communication with a communication device having a surgical tool. The communication device can include a microphone to convert a sound input into an acoustic input signal. The communication device can transmit the acoustic input signal to the user console for reproduction as a sound output for a remote operator. The surgical tool can include an endoscope having several microphones mounted on a housing. The surgical tool can be a sterile barrier having a microphone and a drape. The microphone(s) of the surgical tools can face a surrounding environment such that a tableside staff is a source of the sound input that causes the sound output, and a surgeon and the tableside staff can communicate in a noisy environment. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A surgical measuring system for minimally invasive surgery including a first image capture device configured to capture at least one first image of an interior of a cavity of a patient; a second image capture device configured to capture at least one second image of the interior of the cavity of the patient; at least one display; a processor; and a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions that cause the processor to perform a set of acts comprising: create, based on the at least one first image and the at least one second image, a depth map; display, on the at least one display, the at least one first image; determine, based on the depth map and the at least one first image, a distance between a plurality of specified points; and display, on the at least one display, the distance.

Abstract: Apparatuses and method for determining if an endoscope is contaminated may include a sheath device to cover both the inside and outside of the endoscope. The sheath device may include a flexible tubular external sheath that extends over the endoscope to form an external protective barrier, a tubular internal sheath that extends within a lumen of the endoscope that forms an internal protective barrier, and a cap sealed to both the external sheath and the internal sheath, and a proximal sealing collar that is configured to allow the space between the endoscope and the external and/or inner sheaths to be pressurized to detect leaks indicating contamination.