Abstract: A vacuum cleaner assembly in a vehicle has a suction nozzle and controls for the vacuum all located within a reach zone of the driver sitting the driver's seat. The suction nozzle is mounted to the vehicle, either as part of the central vacuum system or on a portable vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A distributed refrigeration system for a vehicle includes a vapor compression primary cooling circuit and a separate secondary cooling circuit. The secondary cooling circuit utilizes a non-toxic cooling fluid that is pumped to remote locations in the vehicle through designated supply lines. A heat exchanger acting with the primary cooling circuit cools the cooling fluid. A portable main storage compartment is fluidly connectable to the primary or secondary cooling circuits. The portable main cold storage compartment can be expandable. At the remote locations in the vehicle, docking stations permit items to be selectively cooled by the secondary cooling circuit. Both the primary and secondary cooling circuits can operate independently of the vehicle engine.

Abstract: A beverage container holder that is adjustable to accommodate various sizes of beverage containers, including containers of different heights and diameters for both tapered-wall containers and straight-wall containers. The beverage container includes a convection air flow generator for supplying conditioned air around the beverage containers to control the temperature of the beverage within the beverage container.

Abstract: A distributed microwave system comprising a single microwave source that can be used to supply one or more microwave-using devices. The microwave source is located remotely from the microwave-using devices and connected thereto by a microwave conduit.

Abstract: A distributed refrigeration system for a vehicle includes a vapor compression primary cooling circuit and a separate secondary cooling circuit. The secondary cooling circuit utilizes a non-toxic cooling fluid that is pumped to remote locations in the vehicle through designated supply lines. A heat exchanger acting with the primary cooling circuit cools the cooling fluid. A portable main storage compartment is fluidly connectable to the primary or secondary cooling circuits. The portable main cold storage compartment can be expandable. At the remote locations in the vehicle, docking stations permit items to be selectively cooled by the secondary cooling circuit. Both the primary and secondary cooling circuits can operate independently of the vehicle engine.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner assembly in a vehicle has a suction nozzle and controls for the vacuum all located within a reach zone of the driver sitting the driver's seat. The suction nozzle is mounted to the vehicle, either as part of the central vacuum system or on a portable vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A vacuum apparatus built-in to a vehicle has a vacuum canister with a vacuum motor. A retractable hose is fluidly connected to the vacuum canister. The hose is selectively retractable and extendable from a motorized reel. Both the vacuum and the reel are operable from a switch on a nozzle at the end of the hose. Cleaning solution from a tank can be selectively sprayed simultaneously with the vacuum operation.

Abstract: A beverage container holder that is adjustable to accommodate various sizes of beverage containers, including containers of different heights and diameters for both tapered-wall containers and straight-wall containers. The beverage container includes a convection air flow generator for supplying conditioned air around the beverage containers to control the temperature of the beverage within the beverage container.

Abstract: A beverage container holder that is adjustable to accommodate various sizes of beverage containers, including containers of different heights and diameters for both tapered-wall containers and straight-wall containers. The beverage container includes a convection air flow generator for supplying conditioned air around the beverage.