Abstract: A vacuum-drawing lid can include a base frame with a first one-way valve, a piston with a second one-way valve, and a cylindrical cam with a sinusoidal groove formed on an inner surface thereof to drive reciprocation of the piston as the cylindrical cam turns. Turning the cylindrical cam in a first direction can drive the piston to translate in a first direction and actuate the first valve. Turning the cylindrical cam in a second direction can drive the piston to translate in a second direction and actuate the second valve.

Abstract: A thermometer for detecting and displaying a temperature of food (or the like) is provided. The thermometer has a housing with an upper surface having a temperature display region thereon. The housing has an opposing lower surface. A probe has one end that extends from the lower surface. The probe is pivotal relative to the lower surface. The lower surface defines a rotational member housing and a corresponding rotational member disposed in the rotational member housing. The rotational member housing is configured to rotate within its housing. The probe, or an associated boss or connecting member, extends from the rotational member. Therefore, rotational movement of the rotational member causes the probe to pivot relative to the housing. The probe can pivot between a first position in which the probe is generally parallel with a length of the housing, and a second position generally perpendicular to the housing.