Abstract: A device for frothing milk preferably includes a rotatable impeller and a screen disposed about the bottom of the impeller downstream of milk being pushed by the impeller. The frothing device may further include a pitcher and a base upon which the pitcher sits wherein the base includes a heater. The pitcher includes a magnetic drive capable of turning the impeller at very high speeds. The impeller is positioned off-center within the pitcher that preferably includes a tapered interior. The structure of the device and programs that adjust the speed of rotation of the impeller permit the user to create bubbles and further break the bubbles down into a silky smooth microfoam without the conventional use of a steam wand or other such device and without the skills of a professional barista.

Abstract: A novel device for frothing milk is disclosed. The frothing device preferably includes a rotatable impeller and a screen disposed about the bottom of the impeller downstream of milk being pushed by the impeller. The frothing device may further include a pitcher and a base upon which the pitcher sits wherein the base includes a heater. The pitcher includes a magnetic drive capable of turning the impeller at very high speeds. The impeller is positioned off-center within the pitcher that preferably includes a tapered interior. The structure of the device and programs that adjust the speed of rotation of the impeller permit the user to create bubbles and further break the bubbles down into a silky smooth microfoam without the conventional use of a steam wand or other such device and without the skills of a professional barista.

Abstract: A novel device for frothing milk and corresponding method are disclosed. The frothing device preferably comprises a rotatable shaft, an impeller rotatable by the shaft, and a screen disposed about the bottom of the impeller downstream of milk being pushed by the impeller. In another embodiment, the frothing device may further comprise a pitcher having a bottom wall, wherein the rotatable shaft extends upward from the bottom wall of the pitcher. This embodiment may further comprise a heater in the base of the pitcher. In yet another embodiment, the frothing device may further comprise a pitcher having a bottom wall, wherein the rotatable shaft extends upward from the bottom wall of the pitcher. This embodiment may further comprise a housing having a heater and a nub extending upwardly from the housing. The nub is configured to engage an opening at the bottom of the shaft for rotating the shaft.

Abstract: Novel fastening devices and methods are disclosed. An example of the disclosed fastening device includes an elastomeric cord having a diameter dR in its normal relaxed state. The cord is coupled to a head having a slot formed on the outside of the head to receive the cord. The slot has an opening smaller in diameter than dR of the cord. In this manner, the cord needs to be stretched and thinned out to fit within the slot. When the cord is wrapped around one of more items and then stretched and thinned out to fit within the slot, a secure loop forms around the one or more items. As the cord is released, the head maintains the secure loop around the one or more items without damaging the items and without the need for hooks, hook and loop material, or the like. Depending on the application, the device may further comprise multiple slots and multiple cords. In yet another example, the head may be permanently affixed or mounted to an object, such as the cover of a book, to keep the book closed when not in use.