Abstract: A blender system is provided that includes a motorized base and a mixing assembly attached thereto in which materials to be blended may be contained and blended. The motorized base includes several mechanisms for reducing noise emitted by the motor that powers the blender blades. The mechanisms may include elastic isolators in communication with components within the blender system, stiff plates positioned to absorb vibrations and noise emitted by the motor, and a sound cover that can be placed around the mixing assembly.

Abstract: A heating pad includes a heat pad with an anterior and posterior side. The heat pad includes a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer. The second layer is located in between the first layer and the third layer. The first layer is located on the posterior side, while the third layer is located on the anterior side. The second layer has a wire selectively heated to increase the temperature of the heat pad. The third layer is a reflective material positioned to reflect heat from the second layer towards the first layer, decreasing heat emitted on the anterior side of the heat pad. The heating pad also includes a battery storage section for securing a battery. The battery is in electronical communication with the wire of the heat pad. The heating pad further includes an engagement mechanism to secure the heating pad to a user.

Abstract: A heated probe is provided that cooks food from the inside-out in order to help reduce cooking times. The probe may be used within an oven, or it may be used as a standalone cooking source. The probe may include heat control, such that foods may be cooked at a low temperature for extended periods of time without drying out the food. Such heat control may help keep proteins tender to produce a result similar to proteins cooked in a sous vide style.

Abstract: A blender system is provided that includes a first jar, and second jar, and a blender base. The blender system is operable in a first mode wherein the first jar is coupled to the blender base and the objects within the first jar are blended or processed. The blender system is also operable in a second mode wherein the first jar and the second jar are coupled to the blender base. In this configuration, the objects to be processed are contained within the second jar. Advantageously, in the second mode, the first jar acts as a sound shield by which the sound generated by the blending process is dampened, resulting in a quieter experience for the user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hand mixer having a heat activation function. The heat activation function preferably allows a user to heat ingredients that are to be mixed by a hand mixer. The hand mixer may include a cavity that has each of a fan, a motor to drive the fan, heated coils, and an output area or mouth. When a user wishes to activate the heating function to soften ingredients in a bowl or other vessel to be mixed, he or she may use a controller to activate the fan and blow air through the heated coils and out from the output area toward the ingredients to be mixed and/or mixing devices used to mix the ingredients, so that the ingredients may be softened.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hand mixer having a heat activation function. The heat activation function preferably allows a user to heat ingredients that are to be mixed by a hand mixer. The hand mixer may include a cavity that has each of a fan, a motor to drive the fan, heated coils, and an output area or mouth. When a user wishes to activate the heating function to soften ingredients in a bowl or other vessel to be mixed, he or she may use a controller to activate the fan and blow air through the heated coils and out from the output area toward the ingredients to be mixed and/or mixing devices used to mix the ingredients, so that the ingredients may be softened.

Abstract: A heating pad includes a heat pad with an anterior and posterior side. The heat pad includes a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer. The second layer is located in between the first layer and the third layer. The first layer is located on the posterior side, while the third layer is located on the anterior side. The second layer has a wire selectively heated to increase the temperature of the heat pad. The third layer is a reflective material positioned to reflect heat from the second layer towards the first layer, decreasing heat emitted on the anterior side of the heat pad. The heating pad also includes a battery storage section for securing a battery. The battery is in electronical communication with the wire of the heat pad. The heating pad further includes an engagement mechanism to secure the heating pad to a user.

Abstract: A valve assembly for use on a food storage container including an opening formed in the lid member, at least one air hole formed adjacent thereto, a valve member extending through the lid opening having a portion thereof extending over the at least one air hole when the valve member is in its closed position, the valve member being movable to an open position wherein the portion of the valve member extending over the at least one air hole is at least partially uncovered from the at least one air hole when a vacuum is generated within the storage container, and a vacuum release button engageable with the valve member and movable from a first position wherein the valve member remains in its closed position to a second position wherein the valve member is moved to its open position for releasing the vacuum generated within the storage container.

Abstract: A valve assembly for use on a food storage container including an opening formed in the lid member, at least one air hole formed adjacent thereto, a valve member extending through the lid opening having a portion thereof extending over the at least one air hole when the valve member is in its closed position, the valve member being movable to an open position wherein the portion of the valve member extending over the at least one air hole is at least partially uncovered from the at least one air hole when a vacuum is generated within the storage container, and a vacuum release button engageable with the valve member and movable from a first position wherein the valve member remains in its closed position to a second position wherein the valve member is moved to its open position for releasing the vacuum generated within the storage container.

Abstract: An appliance including a heating and circulating unit immersed in a pot for cooking food inside a cooking bag immersed in the water. A first recess is formed in a base for storing the heating and circulating unit. A second recess is formed in the base for storing the vacuum packaging unit. A third recess is formed in the base for holding a supply of cooking bags. Prior to cooking food is placed into the cooking bag and evacuated with the vacuum packaging unit. The vacuum packaging unit includes an electronic display and an electronic control panel. An electrical cable connects the vacuum packaging unit and the heating and the circulating unit. The heating and the circulating unit and the vacuum packaging unit are controlled from the electronic control panel and data related to the operation thereof is displayed on the electronic display.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards a self-cleaning litter box. The self-cleaning litter box includes a litter tray having a bottom surface, a first and second side wall, a home end, and a waste end, the bottom surface having an upwardly sloping ramp directed towards the discharge end, A carriage assembly is supported between the first and second side walls, and has a rake positioned thereon. A drive assembly is removably attached to the home end of the litter tray. The drive assembly is operably connected to the carriage assembly to drive the carriage assembly along a path between the home end and discharge end of the litter tray. A waste receptacle positioned adjacent to the discharge end of the litter tray, the waste receptacle includes a selectively openable lid. The drive assembly includes all of the electronics of the litter box. This permits the litter tray to be separated from the drive assembly, and cleaned without damaging the electronics in the drive assembly.

Abstract: Sealable plastic bag with a vacuum indicator is comprised of first and second sheets, each formed of a thin flexible plastic membrane. At least one perforation is formed in the first sheet. An indicator is disposed on the first sheet over the at least one perforation. The indicator is comprised of a resilient material which forms a resilient convex protrusion on an external surface of the bag. The convex protrusion defines a chamber which is airtight except for the at least one perforation. A containment structure is associated with the perforation to inhibit migration of particles from the interior compartment into the chamber. The resilient material is responsive to an air pressure differential as between the interior compartment and an environment external of the interior compartment to collapse the convex protrusion under a predetermined pressure differential condition.

Abstract: A vacuum sealer including a base defining a support surface and a body extending from, the base. A suction head is supported by the body and is moveable along the body toward and away from the support surface. The suction head supports a suction assembly including a suction inlet with a sealing member thereabout. A suction pump is configured to selectively provide a suction force to the suction inlet.

Abstract: An appliance including a heating and circulating unit immersed in a pot for cooking food inside a cooking bag immersed in the water. A first recess is formed in a base for storing the heating and circulating unit. A second recess is formed in the base for storing the vacuum packaging unit. A third recess is formed in the base for holding a supply of cooking bags. Prior to cooking food is placed into the cooking bag and evacuated with the vacuum packaging unit. The vacuum packaging unit includes an electronic display and an electronic control panel. An electrical cable connects the vacuum packaging unit and the heating and the circulating unit. The heating and the circulating unit and the vacuum packaging unit are controlled from the electronic control panel and data related to the operation thereof is displayed on the electronic display.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards a self-cleaning litter box. The self-cleaning litter box includes a litter tray having a bottom surface, a first and second side wall, a home end, and a waste end, the bottom surface having an upwardly sloping ramp directed towards the discharge end, A carriage assembly is supported between the first and second side walls, and has a rake positioned thereon. A drive assembly is removably attached to the home end of the litter tray. The drive assembly is operably connected to the carriage assembly to drive the carriage assembly along a path between the home end and discharge end of the litter tray. A waste receptacle positioned adjacent to the discharge end of the litter tray, the waste receptacle includes a selectively openable lid. The drive assembly includes all of the electronics of the litter box. This permits the litter tray to be separated from the drive assembly, and cleaned without damaging the electronics in the drive assembly.

Abstract: Sealable plastic bag with a vacuum indicator is comprised of first and second sheets, each formed of a thin flexible plastic membrane. At least one perforation is formed in the first sheet. An indicator is disposed on the first sheet over the at least one perforation. The indicator is comprised of a resilient material which forms a resilient convex protrusion on an external surface of the bag. The convex protrusion defines a chamber which is airtight except for the at least one perforation. A containment structure is associated with the perforation to inhibit migration of particles from the interior compartment into the chamber. The resilient material is responsive to an air pressure differential as between the interior compartment and an environment external of the interior compartment to collapse the convex protrusion under a predetermined pressure differential condition.

Abstract: A slow cooker including a housing, cooking vessel with a rim and a lid. At least one latching arrangement is disposed on the lid and a complementary engagement member disposed on a sidewall of the housing configured to selectively retain the lid in sealing engagement with the cooking vessel rim and the housing to inhibit leakage of the food stuffs from the interior of the cooking vessel. The at least one latching arrangement includes a base attached to the lid and an elastic tie down connected to the base having an elongated portion with a stop member formed thereon configured to engage the engagement member. The stop member engages the engagement member by extending the elastic tie down such that the stop member is moved past the engagement member and when the elastic tie down is released the stop member is restrained by the engagement member.