Abstract: The invention may be broadly conceptualized as an approach in which a coffeemaker (116) receives a plurality of timer settings from a network and communicates the state of the coffeemaker (116) to another network device while keeping a real-time clock (1112) synchronized and correctly set by receiving period time synchronization messages.

Abstract: The invention may be broadly conceptualized as an approach in which a microwave oven receives a plurality of program recipes from a network that are executed by scanning with a scanner a symbol and associating the scanned symbol with one of the plurality of program recipes while keeping a real-time clock synchronized and correctly set by receiving period time synchronization messages.

Abstract: A vacuum dustpan having a housing with an inlet to the level of the floor surface into which dust and debris can be directed. A vacuum motor induces a vacuum to transfer the debris to a collection chamber within the housing. The vacuum dustpan is usable in locations such as shops, hair salons, kitchens and other environments where debris collects and periodically swept.

Abstract: The invention may be broadly conceptualized as an approach in which a microwave oven (120) receives a plurality of program recipes from a network that are executed by scanning with a scanner (1326) a symbol and associating the scanned symbol with one of the plurality of program recipes while keeping a real-time clock (1308) synchronized and correctly set by receiving period time synchronization messages.

Abstract: A roaster includes an upper pan including an upper side wall and an upper pan heating element inside the upper tub. The roaster further includes a lower pan connected to the upper tub, the lower pan including a lower side wall and a lower pan heating element inside the lower tub. An upper pan fixed temperature regulator and a lower pan fixed temperature regulator may be preset to different selected temperatures. The roaster may also include a grease drain opening through the lower tub. Temperature and timer control logic are provided for the upper pan heating element and the lower pan heating element. In order to set cooking time, the roaster includes a control interface that includes, in one embodiment, a time increment button and a time decrement button.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sealing apparatus on a portable slow cooker. The sealing apparatus includes a handle, a latch and a gasket. The gasket is positioned between the lid and the heating vessel of the slow cooker. The handle is hingedly attached to the slow cooker and has a lowered position and a raised position. The latch is hingedly attached to the heating vessel, and has a locked position and an unlocked position. When the handle is in the lowered position, the latch is in the unlocked position and the lid is removable from the heating vessel. When the handle is in the raised position, the latch is in the locked position and the lid is sealed onto the heating vessel.

Abstract: An automatic bread making machine having a baking chamber and a container for receiving bread making ingredients is provided with a backing rack assembly that is selectively placed into and removed from the baking chamber. The baking rack assembly is provided with a frame and a plurality of trays coupled to the frame, in vertically spaced relation to each other. Each of the frames provides a substantially horizontal support surface for a quantity of dough that can be proofed or baked on the tray when the rack assembly is positioned within the baking chamber. A user may therefore bake a plurality of portions of dough within a unitary chamber of an automatic bread making machine.