Abstract: Embodiments relate to a self-orienting handle assembly that is oriented in a predetermined direction relative to a lid when the lid is screwed onto a container. The handle assembly includes a locking structure that locks onto a counterpart locking structure of the lid as the lid is screwed onto the container. The locking structure may include at least one of a protrusion or a notch, and the counterpart locking structure may have an inverse shape. When the lid is screwed onto the container, the locking structure engages the counterpart locking structure and cause the handle assembly to rotate with the lid. When the lid is screwed onto the container, the locking structure locks onto the counterpart locking structure, and thereby prevents the handle assembly from rotating relative to the lid.

Abstract: An automated food processing system provides consumable items to a temporary storage location such as an enclosure of a food processing device. A seasoning dispensing apparatus is located relative to the enclosure to dispense a seasoning over the consumable items within the disclosure. The seasoning dispensing apparatus includes a metering device that provides a discrete seasoning portion for dispensing and a distributor that uniformly dispenses the discrete seasoning portion over the consumable items.

Abstract: The present invention relates to tableware and a method of manufacturing the tableware. The method can be performed under a specific weight ratio of konjac powder to an alkaline agent, a specific temperature of a molding process, and a water proofing treatment using oil, resulting in the tableware having good strength, excellent water resistance and thermal stability.

Abstract: A drinking straw is set forth, comprising an elongate tubular body fabricated from a material that loses rigidity when wet, and at least one ring of perforations circumscribing the elongate tubular body forming at least one frangible segment that can be removed when the material loses rigidity.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus for portable devices allows a user to attach or detach a portable device such as a beverage container to various surfaces or objects such as, but not limited to, outdoor equipment. The mounting apparatus includes an anchoring base, a portable device, and an interconnecting fastening mechanism integrated between the anchoring base and the portable device. The anchoring base is a structural support that can be mounted to various surfaces or objects through a base fastener. The anchoring base can receive a portable device and can be attached to the anchoring base through the interconnecting fastener. With a beverage container fastened within the anchoring base, a user can attach or detach the beverage container to various surfaces or objects through the anchoring base.

Abstract: A drone delivery system for receiving a package on a roof of a structure includes a panel coupled to the roof that selectively provides access to an opening in the roof upon identification and authorization of an incoming package. Once the package is identified and authorized, the panel opens and the package is received from an aerial vehicle on a platform in the opening. The platform is lowered by a drive assembly and the panel is closed over the opening. The drive assembly then lowers the platform and package to an intended destination inside the structure. A drone delivery vending machine includes a static support that defines a delivery path through a structure for delivery of a package from an aerial vehicle in response to a user input to a controller of the vending machine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a citrus press comprising an enclosure for receiving fruit to be squeezed, an extensible and inflatable membrane to compress the fruit fitted onto the cannula in order to extract the fluid therefrom, and a cannula including an inner duct connecting a perforation to an outlet orifice for the removal of fluid from the cannula. The citrus press further includes a displacement device for moving the cannula in translation relative to the enclosure, between an active position in which the cannula extends into the enclosure to fit the fruit and a release position in which the cannula is under the enclosure to allow the release of the squeezed fruit through a lower opening of the enclosure.

Abstract: A liquid heating appliance for placement on an induction hob includes a liquid vessel, a ferromagnetic heating plate mounted within the vessel by a lifting mechanism, and a thermally sensitive actuator. The lifting mechanism is operable to move the ferromagnetic heating plate upwards within the vessel in response to the thermally sensitive actuator detecting that the heating plate exceeds a predefined temperature.

Abstract: The invention concerns a beverage portion dispenser (1) arranged for dispensing beverage precursor portions (3), said portions being individually contained in a flexible portioning band (2), said band being held in a casing (6), said dispenser comprising: —a receiving area (11) for receiving and holding the casing (6), —a band drive assembly (12) arranged for taking the band (2) out of the casing (6) and for moving successively each sealed beverage precursor portion to a separating assembly, —a separating assembly (13) configured to individually separate each portion (3) from the band (2), —a collecting chamber (15) configured to store the band separated from the portion, wherein said dispenser comprises: —a pushing member (16) configured to push the whole band (2) out of the collecting chamber (15) to the receiving area (11).

Abstract: Disclosed is a grill converter of a camping stove for outdoors conditions, the camping stove including at least two pots. The grill converter includes a flame distribution plate to receive and spread a point-like flame. A frying base is placed over the flame distribution plate for grilling food. A bracket is used for attaching the flame distribution plate and the frying base at a desired distance to form a uniformly movable grill converter for converting cooking function of the camping stove to grilling function by distributing the point-like flame through the flame distribution plate to the frying base for grilling food. The flame distribution plate has dimensions of +/?40 mm with respect to a diameter of a smallest pot bottom of a camping stove structure.

Abstract: A pan assembly comprises an inner pan; an outer pan; a plurality of load cells comprising strain gauge weight sensors; a temperature probe; and an electronic display screen. The pan assembly is configured to provide both weight information for contents of the pan assembly, and temperature information for the pan. The inner pan is suspended within the outer pan by the load cells. The pan assembly is configured to display a weight or mass reading based on a weight or mass measurement by the load cells and is configured to display a temperature reading based on a temperature measurement by the temperature probe.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a cooking appliance. The cooking appliance may include a casing having a cavity therein, and a door opening and closing the cavity. The door may include a transparent part through which the cavity is seen, and a door frame coupled to the transparent part. The door frame may include side frames, an upper frame, and a lower frame. Opposite ends of the lower frame may be respectively assembled to a pair of side frames. A drainage guide may be provided between the opposite ends of the lower frame, and the drainage guide extends to be inclined towards a lower portion of a front surface of the casing. As described above, in the disclosed, the lower frame may not only support the transparent part but also guide discharge of water due to dew condensation.

Abstract: The autonomous cooking grill comprises a grate or griddle connected to a rotatable hub which is connected to a hub rotating means, all supported by a grill body, wherein when the hub rotating means is activated the hub rotates the grate. In a further embodiment, the autonomous cooking grill comprises a griddle connected to a rotatable hub which is connected to a hub rotating means, all supported by a grill body, wherein when the hub rotating means is activated the hub rotates the griddle. The autonomous cooking grill can have one or more of the additional features of autonomous flipper(s), autonomous ejector(s), autonomous grate cleaner(s) and autonomous temperature probe(s), and bins to store cooked food products ejected from the grill. The features are utilized with suitable food products, such as patties. The autonomous cooking grill can use gas (or alternatively electricity) for cooking and use an electric actuator to turn the grate or griddle.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a cooking appliance with a high-temperature zone which has a housing, a first heating group and a second heating group are mounted within a heating chamber of the housing, the first heating group forms an ordinary uniform temperature grilling zone by means of a gas burner, and the second heating group forms a high-temperature grilling zone by means of a combination of the gas burner and an infrared burner, so as to additionally provide an infrared high-temperature grilling function for users and satisfy needs of the users for uniform temperature performance and high-temperature grilling on the premise of realizing the uniform temperature performance in an oven.

Abstract: This present invention is about air circulating roaster, consists of the following structures: Air containing foreign substances (moisture, oil, smoke) generated during cooking of meat circulates inside a roaster, dries moisture in air circulating inside the roaster by using the heat generated by the heating unit so as to reduce the contamination of the external environment due to the foreign substances.

Abstract: System involved with but not limited to an apparatus including a temperature control system capable of quickly heating a grill to a precise and consistent temperature using a plurality of gas burners and associated electronic control method thereof. In an exemplary non-limiting application, the system uses a solenoid valve to control flow to a plurality of motorized modulating valves, which in turn modulate gas flow to a gas burner. The apparatus and method of use thereof is capable of producing precise cooking temperatures by adjusting the volume of gas flow to the burners via motorized modulating valves, allowing for more precise and consistent cooking temperatures than systems utilizing valves featuring only a limited number of positions, such as open or closed, or high flow or low flow.

Abstract: An anti-spill aid for use in cooking and serving vessels may be integrated into the vessel or removable and attachable. The anti-spill aid is an improved cooking tool to prevent messy cooking mishaps. Embodiments can include a removable conformed heat-resistant tool or a non-removable extension of a cookware to enable the upper portion of the cookware to have a curved area that is overarching to assist in meal preparations and prevent food from going over the edge.

Abstract: An attachment for use with a food processing system includes a sealable body including a wall and a processing chamber, a chamber opening formed in said sealable body, and a vacuum passage arranged in fluid communication with said chamber opening. The vacuum passage is associated with at least one of said wall and said processing chamber of said sealable body.

Abstract: A hand-held housing for a multi-purpose food preparation appliance, has at least one first drive output configured to drive a removable rotary work tool, an opening configured for mounting a removable work accessory, retaining members configured to engage with a connecting element of the work accessory mounted in the opening, and a second drive output configured to drive a rotary drive unit of the work accessory mounted in the opening. The retaining members are arranged on an outer part of a protrusion arranged inside the housing around the second drive output, the retaining members being configured to engage with an inner part of the connecting element.

Abstract: A food preparation device synchronizes multiple zones or compartments that each have independent settings. The multiple zones have a synchronized finish so that the food preparation for each of the zones finish at substantially the same time. The synchronized finish may be calculated based on the different settings for each of the zones. A preheating phase for a zone can be modified by temperature or time. The synchronization may also be modified based on any interruptions to either zone to maintain the synchronized finish.

Abstract: A food delivery assembly includes a box that is comprised of a thermally insulating material thereby facilitating the box to inhibit heated items from cooling when the heated items are placed in the box. A lid is movably coupled to the box for opening and closing the box and to inhibit the heated items from cooling when the heated items are placed in the box. An engagement is coupled to the lid and a locking unit is attached to the box. The locking unit releasably engages the engagement when the lid is close. The locking unit is in wireless communication with a personal electronic device possessed by a recipient of the food delivery. The locking unit is actuated into a disengaging condition when a pin is communicated from the personal electronic device to the locking unit to access the hot food item.

Abstract: A body scrubbing assembly for facilitating a user to wash their back without assistance includes a dome that is comprised of a deformable material thereby facilitating the dome to be compressed against a wall of a shower such that the dome suctionally engages the wall. A fastener is integrated into the dome. A base is provided and a fastening element is integrated into the base. The fastening element releasably engages the fastener for attaching the base to the dome. A plurality of bristles is each coupled to and extends away from the base to facilitate a user to scrub their back against the bristles when the user is taking a shower.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a paper towel product that will capably separate from the paper towel roll as a full sheet, a half sheet or a quarter sheet. A method of making a paper towel with machine direction perforations is also disclosed.

Abstract: The electronic device for automating a toilet bowl lid was developed to automate the operation of lifting and lowering toilet bowl lids without manual contact through the incorporation of a device in the toilet bowl and the respective lid and seat. The present industrial design registration discloses a novel, original configuration applied to this device, the use of which is aimed at plumbing facilities (field of application: sanitary plumbing), for both domestic applications and industrial applications, health facilities (hospitals, emergency services, clinics), public facilities (public bodies, government departments, etc.), toilets (hotels, stores, businesses, offices, service stations, workshops, etc.) and other locations where there are sanitary appliance facilities built and installed in accordance with the Brazilian standards in force.

Abstract: A handheld vacuum cleaner includes a dust cup assembly, a multi-cone separator and a motor assembly. The dust cup assembly includes a dust cup and a first filter structure. The multi-cone separator includes a number of conical cylinders arranged outside the first filter structure. Air inlet ends of the number of conical cylinders are in fluid communication with an air outlet end of the first filter structure. The motor assembly includes a motor arranged outside the first filter structure. The motor and the number of conical cylinders are located at a same end of the first filter structure. An air inlet end of the motor is in fluid communication with an air outlet end of the multi-cone separator. The number of the conical cylinders at least partially surround a peripheral side of the motor.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaning system including a robotic unit including a traction arrangement that defines a ground plane, and a docking interface for receiving a handheld vacuum cleaner. The docking interface defines a suction port, an electrical port, and a predefined interface geometry. The docking interface is reconfigurable from a first configuration for engaging with a first handheld vacuum cleaner, and a second configuration for engaging with a second handheld vacuum cleaner which is different to the first handheld vacuum cleaner. Conveniently, the system includes a robotic unit or module that is dockable or engageable with multiple handheld vacuum cleaners, thus allowing some flexibility with the type of machine that they are able to use with the robotic unit. This provides a cost effective solution for the user, because if the user upgrades their handheld vacuum cleaner that new handheld vacuum cleaner can still be used with the robotic unit.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a ground cleaning device that comprises a ground brush, a main body, and a fan. The fan may be located inside the main body and may comprise an air inlet and an air outlet. The main body may comprise a main air outlet channel, a front air outlet channel, and a rear air outlet channel. One end of the main air outlet channel may be connected to a switching device, which has a first state and a second state. Based on the switching device being in the first state, the switching device may close the rear air outlet channel to disconnect the main air outlet channel from the rear air outlet channel. Based on the switching device being in the second state, the switching device may open the rear air outlet channel to connect the main air outlet channel to the rear air outlet channel.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a cleaner system to which both a stick cleaner and a robotic cleaner can be coupled. According to the cleaner system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the first station to which the first cleaner is coupled and the second station to which the second cleaner is coupled are included, so that it is possible to remove the inconvenience for a user to empty the dust in the dust bin of the first cleaner and/or the second cleaner each time.

Abstract: A robot such as a floor cleaning robot includes a body, a motorized drive system connected to the body and operable for moving the robot relative to a floor surface, at least one deformation sensor, and a controller. Each deformation sensor is connected to the body and configured to measure a deformation thereof, and to output an electronic signal indicative of the deformation. The controller detects a threshold deformation of the body indicative of contact with an obstacle by processing the electronic signal, and thereafter modifies a dynamic state of the robot via regulation of the motorized drive system in response to the threshold deformation.

Abstract: A cleaning device including a main unit and a cleaning assembly, the cleaning assembly arranged on the main unit, where the cleaning assembly at least includes a water tank; and at least one image collection module, corresponding to the water tank in position and arranged facing the water tank, where the at least one image collection module collects an image of the water tank, so as to determine at least one of whether the water tank is in place and a water volume status of the water tank.

Abstract: An autonomous robot includes a robot body, a movement component, a collision sensor, an edge sensor, and a controller. The robot body includes a front collision body case, and a peripheral contour of the front collision body case is rectangular. The collision sensor is configured to generate a collision detection signal. The edge sensor is configured to transmit and receive the edge detection signal. The controller is configured to control the robot body to perform an edgewise adjustment mode. In the edgewise adjustment mode, the controller gradually adjusts a forward direction of the movement component towards the same target deflection direction according to the collision detection signal, in order to gradually reduce a relative distance between the edge sensor and an obstacle until the relative distance is within a preset edge detection distance range. Thus, a problem of low efficiency in edgewise movement is improved.

Abstract: A floor cleaner has a fluid flow path, a fluid flow motor, a liquid distribution assembly, and a recovery tank positioned in the fluid flow path and configured to receive liquid-laden air from the air inlet. The liquid distribution assembly has a first supply tank for a first liquid, a second supply tank for a second liquid, and a mixing module for mixing the first liquid and the second liquid. The mixing module has a mixing chamber that allows the first and second liquids to mix before being expelled through an outlet of the mixing module. The mixing module includes a closure that is movable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the closure closes the outlet to prevent fluid flow through the outlet. In the open position, the closure opens the outlet to allow fluid flow through the outlet.

Abstract: An autonomous floor cleaning system includes an autonomous floor cleaner with a docking station. The docking station is configured to performing maintenance for the robot, such as washing mopping pads or refilling the supply tank. Methods for servicing or performing maintenance on an autonomous floor cleaner by a docking station are disclosed.

Abstract: A vacuum head of a floor cleaning device is configured so as to receive differing floor engaging and cleaning units thereto. The floor engaging and cleaning unit may be securely connected to the vacuum head using a manually actuated locking mechanism.

Abstract: A beverage container washing system, e.g., for use in a retail environment to wash and/or sanitize customer-provided beverage containers prior to filling the beverage containers with purchased beverages, may include a lighting system with a plurality of lights disposed on a housing of the beverage container washing system and configured to be illuminated with various types of animations to convey different types of information to a customer and/or retail establishment employee.

Abstract: A beverage container washing system may utilize a state machine-based control system and/or beverage container type determination to manage washing and/or sanitizing of beverage containers, e.g., for use in a retail environment to wash and/or sanitize customer-provided beverage containers prior to filling the beverage containers with purchased beverages.

Abstract: An undercounter kitchen appliance, for example a dishwasher, includes an enclosure with a top surface that is located near a lower surface of a countertop when the undercounter kitchen appliance is installed, and a wireless power transmitter located near the top surface of the undercounter kitchen appliance, where the power transmitter supplies power to a small kitchen appliance disposed on an upper surface of the countertop.

Abstract: A dishwasher may include: a tub having a washing chamber formed therein, the tub including an opened bottom and an opening flange are formed in the opened bottom; a distribution device to distribute washing water sprayed into the washing chamber; a sump housing couplable to the opening flange of the tub, the sump housing including a distribution chamber to accomodate at least a portion of the distribution device; a support plate disposed on the opening flange of the tub, the support plate including a plate opening corresponding to the distribution chamber; and a distribution cover to be insertable into the plate opening and to be rotated, and coupled to the support plate while pressing the support plate, to cover an upper portion of the distribution chamber.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a tub, a drain housing to drain wash water in the tub, a drain pump detachably coupled to the drain housing, the drain pump configured to pump the wash water, a drain port formed on one side of the drain housing, the drain port comprising a port body to allow the wash water pumped by the drain pump to flow, and a locking portion formed on an outer surface of the port body, and a drain hose to drain wash water discharged from the drain port to an outside of the dishwasher, the drain hose comprising a hose body and a drain connector at one end of the hose body and connectable to the drain port. The drain connector includes a locking hook to be locked to the locking portion in response to inserting the drain connector into the port body.

Abstract: A dishwasher comprising a tub; a drain port including a port body, a first port coupling portion extending along an edge of an outer circumferential surface of the port body, and a second port coupling portion extending along an edge of an outer circumferential surface of the port body, the second port coupling portion having a length longer than a length of the first port coupling portion; and a drain pump, to be coupleable to and decouplable from the drain port. The drain pump includes: a first pump coupling portion to allow the drain pump to couple to and decouple from the first port coupling portion; a second pump coupling portion to allow the drain pump to couple to and decouple from the second port coupling portion; and an interfering rib to interfere with the second port coupling portion to thereby prevent the first pump coupling portion from being coupled to the second port coupling portion or prevent the second pump coupling portion from being coupled to the first port coupling portion.

Abstract: A heat pump dishwasher includes a chassis and a heat pump system. A liquid collecting groove is provided at an upper side of the chassis. The heat pump system includes an evaporator and a compressor, both the evaporator and the compressor are installed at the chassis, and the compressor is installed at the liquid collecting groove. Condensed water may be collected, and condensation water may be avoided in the liquid collecting groove and may reduce the corrosion of the liquid collecting groove and may reduce interruptions to the operation of electrical components.

Abstract: A connecting structure for a shoe drying machine, including wind pipes fixed at output ends of the shoe drying machine, and shoe supports detachably connected to the wind pipes; each of the shoe supports sleeves a peripheral surface of a corresponding wind pipe, and a side wall of each of the shoe supports is provided with a first connecting part; a side wall of each of the wind pipes is provided with a second connecting part, and the second connecting part of each wind pipe and the first connecting part of a corresponding shoe support are locked with respect to each other by rotation of the corresponding shoe support.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and devices suitable for providing diagnostic images. In some embodiments, an imaging device suitable for use with a medical imaging device such as an endoscope is disclosed. In some embodiments, a diagnostic image and a method of making such a diagnostic image is provided.

Abstract: An endoscope system for imaging a sample, an inner part of a patient, or an organ with an imaging device includes an endoscope tube with a proximal end and a distal end configured to mount the imaging device. A handle at the endoscope tube proximal end is configured to move the endoscope tube rotationally. An interface is configured to removably attach the endoscope tube to the handle and to rotate the endoscope tube around a main axis relative to the handle without restriction.

Abstract: Systems and methods for capturing and rendering light fields for head-mounted displays are disclosed. A mediated-reality visualization system includes a head-mounted display assembly comprising a frame configured to be mounted to a user's head and a display device coupled to the frame. An imaging assembly separate and spaced apart from the head-mounted display assembly is configured to capture light-field data. A computing device in communication with the imaging assembly and the display device is configured to receive light-field data from the imaging assembly and render one or more virtual cameras. Images from the one or more virtual cameras are presented to a user via the display device.

Abstract: A stereoscopic endoscope may comprise a first image capture sensor comprising a first surface and a second image capture sensor comprising a second surface. The endoscope also may comprise a first objective lens assembly to direct first light to the first surface. The first light extends along a first distal optical axis through the first objective lens assembly and extends along a first proximal optical axis after exiting. The first proximal optical axis intersects the first surface. The endoscope may also comprise a second objective lens assembly to direct second light to the second surface. The second light extends along a second distal optical axis through the second objective lens assembly and extends along a second proximal optical axis after exiting. The second proximal optical axis intersects the second surface. The first distal optical axis may be non-parallel to the second distal optical axis.

Abstract: Embodiments generally relate to propulsion tube units and propulsion devices for progressing instruments along passages, and associated methods of use. For example, the instruments may include, tools, sensors, probes and/or monitoring equipment for medical use (such as endoscopy) or industrial use (such as mining). In some embodiments, the propulsion device may comprise an elongate tube defining a channel configured to accommodate a liquid and a pressure actuator in communication with the channel. The pressure actuator may be configured to selectively adjust a pressure of the liquid in the channel to alternatingly: reduce the pressure to induce cavitation and form gas bubbles in the liquid; and increase the pressure to collapse some or all of the gas bubbles back into the liquid, thereby accelerating at least part of the liquid towards the first end of the tube and transferring momentum to the tube to progress the tube along the passage.

Abstract: An endoscope can comprise a proximal section, an insertion section extending longitudinally from the proximal section and comprising an elongate tubular body disposed along an insertion section longitudinal axis and a lumen extending through the elongate tubular body, and a distal section extending from the insertion section and comprising an elevator portion comprising an elevator configured to position and orient one or more endotherapy tools extending from the lumen, and a camera module comprising an illumination unit and an imaging unit. The camera module can be positioned longitudinally spaced apart from the elevator portion in an in-line configuration, such that the insertion tube longitudinal axis passes through the elevator portion and the camera module. The camera module can be user-detachable from the elevator portion. The camera module can be cleaned and sanitized for reuse and the insertion section can be disposable.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus, an image processing method, and a program capable of acquiring correct scope information and acquiring accurate depth information from an intraluminal image. In image processing apparatus (14) including a processor, the processor performs image acquisition processing of acquiring a time-series intraluminal image captured by a scope of an endoscope; scope information acquisition processing of acquiring scope information relating to a change of the scope; landmark recognition processing of recognizing a landmark in the intraluminal image; scope information correction processing of correcting the scope information using information relating to the landmark recognized in the landmark recognition processing; and depth information acquisition processing of acquiring depth information of the intraluminal image using the intraluminal image and the scope information corrected in the scope information correction processing.

Abstract: Systems for liquid biopsy and/or drug delivery may include a capsule endoscope and a tether coupled to the capsule endoscope. The tether may include a flexible member with a lumen in fluidic communication with a port configured to permit passage of fluid, and the port may be, for example, on the capsule endoscope or the tether. In methods for liquid biopsy and/or drug delivery, the capsule endoscope may be advanced into a gastrointestinal tract of a patient, and navigated to a region of interest, where a patient sample may be withdrawn and/or a therapeutic substance may be administered through the lumen (e.g., through the port).