Abstract: A countertop cooking appliance having a housing defining a cooking chamber, a user interface, three heating sources within the cooking chamber, each separately controllable by a controller which distributes power to each heating source as percentages X1, X2, and X3, respectively, and X1+X2+X3?100%. The countertop cooking appliance may also include multiple fans for circulating heated air within the chamber. Preferably, a first fan is positioned proximate the first heating source so as to circulate heat generated by the first heating source, a second fan is positioned proximate the second heating source so as to circulate heat generated by the second heating source, and a third fan is positioned proximate the third heating source so as to circulate heat generated by the third heating source. The fans may also be independently operated by the controller.

Abstract: An induction cooking system suitable for use with a round-bottom wok is disclosed. The system includes a cooking vessel made from an induction suitable material, a base unit having an upper surface, and an induction coil and electric generator housed therein, and a control interface positioned on the base and electronically coupled to the electric generator. The upper surface of the base unit made from a ceramic and is concave to allow seating of the round-bottom wok cooking vessel on the surface. The upper surface of the base unit may include a rim at a top-most edge made of a non-magnetic material to create a gap between the upper surface and the round-bottom wok cooking vessel when seated. Preferably, the gap is greater at the center of the upper surface than at the rim of the upper surface.

Abstract: A blender blade having four tapered arms extending from a central body. Each arm includes a front cutting edge, a back edge, and a tipped end which exhibits a small, sharpened cutting edge at a slight angle from the front cutting edge. One of the arms is planar to the body, one arm includes a most preferred slight bend of about 6.0°, and the final two arms have a most preferred bend of about 16.7°.

Abstract: An air purifying system having a series of specific filters stacked to facilitate removal of particles from the air. Removable filters include a pre-filter, a HEPA electrostatic filter, an activated carbon filter and a cold catalyst filter. Additional filters or alternate filters may be used, so long as there is no negative impact on the system efficiency and effectiveness.

Abstract: An electrical appliance comprising a heating element, the heating element including a heating wire, the heating wire encased within an iron shell, the iron shell having an exterior surface, and a first coating layer disposed on the exterior surface of the shell, wherein the first coating layer is stainless steel. The appliance also includes a power supply. The power supply includes a heating element, a temperature sensor to sense the temperature of the appliance, and a temperature controller in communication with the temperature sensor to maintain the appliance within a desired temperature range. The power supply also includes at least one electrical contact rod operatively engaged with the appliance to supply electrical power to the heating element, and at least one contact receptacle adapted to accept the at least one electrical contact rod. The at least one contact receptacle has a length proportional to the electrical power supplied to the appliance to prevent overheating of the power supply.

Abstract: An automatic beverage maker having a water supply, a housing having a base, a body and a pod section, a sealed water tank within the housing body, a heating system for controlling the heating of water contained within the water tank, a first water line connecting the water supply to the water tank inlet, a second water e connecting the water outlet to the cavity of the housing pod section, a water pump for moving water from the water supply to the tank via the first water line and from the tank to the cavity of the housing pod section via the second water line. A drain line fluidly coupled to the sealed tank and having an open end for discharging water from the sealed water tank may also be used.

Abstract: A cooking control system having a temperature probe and a cooking appliance is described for permitting temperature target cooking of foods. The probe includes a metallic insertable portion with a sheathed tip and a temperature sensor positioned therein, a flexible heat-resistant wire coupled to the temperature sensor, and a jack coupled to the flexible, heat-resistant wire opposite the metallic insertable portion. The cooking appliance includes a heating unit, an housing, a temperature reader, and an alpha-numerical display. In use, the temperature sensor produces a signal in response to a temperature sensed at the sheathed tip and the heat-resistant wire and jack transmit the signal produced by the temperature sensor to the port of the cooking appliance. The temperature reader within the housing is coupled to the port and configured to accept and accurately convert the signal produced by the temperature sensor to a number representing the temperature sensed by the sensor and display the number for the user.

Abstract: A temperature control system for appliances, such as an electric grill, air fryer, vacuum blender, convection oven, induction cooker (e.g., wok), coffeemaker, etc. The control system comprises digital circuitry for controlling temperature of the appliance, and includes a first safety component in the circuitry for stopping the heating function at a threshold parameter, such as a maximum temperature, and a second safety component in the circuitry for stopping the heating function at a second threshold temperature if the first safety component fails at the first threshold temperature. The first and second safety components, preferably switches or fuses, are connected in series to establish a redundant safety mechanism.

Abstract: An automatic beverage system for producing a hot flavored beverage. The system includes a base unit having a water reservoir, a control system for heating liquid from the reservoir, a cartridge arm having a water injector and a cartridge holder, a pump and tubing system connecting the water reservoir to the cartridge holder and used to move water, and a container base positioned in an area adjacent the base unit and below the cartridge holder. The cartridge holder is adapted to receive interchangeable cartridges depending on the type and size of beverage desired. The beverage system is capable of using a beverage pod to dispense an individual cup of coffee or the like, and it is also capable of brewing larger volumes of coffee using freshly ground coffee beans. The heating element and related safety features ensure that the water is safely heated and maintained at an optimal brewing temperature.

Abstract: An automatic beverage system for producing a hot flavored beverage. The system includes a base unit having a water reservoir, a control system for heating liquid from the reservoir, a cartridge arm having a water injector and a cartridge holder, a pump and tubing system connecting the water reservoir to the cartridge holder and used to move water, the control system housed within the base unit and coupled to the heating element and pump to control temperature and movement of the liquid from the reservoir to the cartridge holder, and a container base positioned in an area adjacent the base unit and below the cartridge holder. The cartridge holder is adapted to receive interchangeable cartridges depending on the type and size of beverage desired. The interchangeable cartridges include a water cartridge, a pod cartridge, and a grounds cartridge.

Abstract: A vacuum blender having the ability to reduce oxidation of ingredients for a more nutrient-rich product. The blender includes a container for holding ingredients to be blended, the container being open at a top end and having blender blades at a lower end, a lid for covering the open end of the container, and a base having a motor contained therein for driving the blender blades, an interface for coupling with the blender blades of the container, a vacuum system for effecting a vacuum to the container and electronic controls for operating the motor and vacuum system. The vacuum system is configured to couple with the lid to draw a vacuum from the top of the container when activated.