Abstract: A modular kitchen appliance system includes a base having a first receptacle and a second receptacle formed in a top surface of the base, at least a first motor contained within the base, a vessel supported in the first receptacle of the base and a hand-held appliance removably supported in the second receptacle of the base. The vessel includes a blade assembly adapted for coupling to the first motor and the hand-held appliance has a first end for receiving a shaft of an appliance attachment.

Abstract: A programmable slow-cooker appliance, in which a user sets a time and temperature for cooking a food item. A programmable controller prevents the unit from being used solely as a “keep warm” appliance, and a unique design allows cooling of the controller during cooking.

Abstract: An air purifying device is provided for removing airborne particles. The device includes a housing including an air inlet and an air outlet. A fan is positioned within the housing for drawing air into the housing through the air inlet and expelling air through the air outlet. A filter assembly is positioned within the housing between the air inlet and the fan. The filter assembly includes a frame and a filter element mounted to the frame. The device also includes a hanger and an elongate hanger support that removably extends within the hanger. Either the hanger or the elongate hanger support is coupled to the frame while the other is coupled to the housing. The hanger can include a channel or a pair of opposed legs configured to form a gap.

Abstract: A humidifier includes a modular performance indicator that is removably attached to a grill of the humidifier air outlet. The performance indicator generally includes at least one humidity sensing means and a display. The humidity sensing means is positioned within the airflow for measuring the exit-relative humidity of the airflow and the display is coupled to the humidity sensing means for indicating when the humidifier wick requires replacement and/or the humidifier water supply requires refilling based upon the measured exit-relative humidity reaching a predetermined value.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus including a housing having an interior which contains a heating device. The cooking apparatus includes a liner which is preferably made of metallic material with a bowl which may be removably placed therein to cook food. The heating device is a heating band which has downwardly extending foot members to prevent the heating element from contacting the floor of the housing to prevent hot spots and inadvertent burning of a users hand.

Abstract: A heater includes a housing having an outer surface and sidewalls defining an interior space that holds a heating element. The heater further includes a heating element having a lower portion and an upper portion, where the heating element has differing power densities from the lower portion to the upper portion. The heating element includes a heat shield positioned in substantially parallel relation to the heating element to create a duct where air may travel through. The heater is provided with an air displacement device positioned adjacent to the heating element to create a planar flow of air through the duct. The heater may be controlled by a control circuit having a circuit board, which controls the power supplied to the heating element and the air displacement device.

Abstract: An air purifying device is provided for removing airborne particles. The device includes a housing including an air inlet and an air outlet. A fan is positioned within the housing for drawing air into the housing through the air inlet and expelling air through the air outlet. A filter assembly is positioned within the housing between the air inlet and the fan. The filter assembly includes a frame and a filter element mounted to the frame. The device has a removable coupler having first and second hangers. A first elongate hanger support is coupled to the housing and removably extends within the first hanger and a second elongate hanger support is coupled to the frame and removably extends within the second hanger.

Abstract: An air purifying device is provided for removing airborne particles. The device includes a housing including an air inlet and an air outlet. A fan is positioned within the housing for drawing air into the housing through the air inlet and expelling air through the air outlet. A filter assembly is positioned within the housing between the air inlet and the fan. The filter assembly includes a frame and a filter element mounted to the frame. The device also includes a hanger and an elongate hanger support that removably extends within the hanger. Either the hanger or the elongate hanger support is coupled to the frame while the other is coupled to the housing. The hanger can include a channel or a pair of opposed legs configured to form a gap.

Abstract: A positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heater includes a housing, a fan mounted within the housing, a pair of positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heater assemblies disposed in the housing, and a plenum mounted in the housing. The housing includes a front portion and a rear portion connected together to define a front, a rear, a left side and a right side, the front and rear each having at least one opening. The fan is arranged to produce a flow of air from the rear of the housing to the front. The pair of positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heater assemblies are disposed in side by side relationship and angled relative to each other, each at an angle of approximately 7.5 degrees from normal, so as to produce a diverging column of heated air. The plenum mounted in the housing directs the air flow produced by the fan through each of the PTC heater assemblies.