Abstract: A coffee maker having a water reservoir, a brew head assembly positioned in front of the water reservoir including a shower head member, a pivotally movable brew basket, and a water reservoir fill port located in front of the coffee maker within the brew head assembly, the water reservoir fill port being in direct communication with the water reservoir such that water can be poured directly into the water reservoir fill port over the top of the shower head member and brew basket to fill the water reservoir. The shower head member includes a first flow channel for delivering heated water to the brew basket and at least one second flow channel having at least one opening associated therewith for allowing steam generated within the brew basket to be channeled back to the water reservoir. A separate compartment for holding and storing a measuring spoon is also provided.

Abstract: A food preparation appliance comprising a sieve having an inner perforated surface for extracting a food item into liquid and solid particles, a source of rotatable power for rotating the sieve, a cleaning device for removing unwanted buildup of pulp from the perforated surface of the sieve, and a reservoir holding a pre-determined volume of cleaning fluid that is released and directed onto the sieve when the cleaning device is operated.

Abstract: A food storage appliance is provided including a housing containing operative components of the food storage appliance. There is a first heat sealing element disposed on a lower portion of the housing configured to heat seal a first end of a section of food storage container material forming a food storage container unsealed at a second end. A vacuum chamber is disposed in an upper portion of the housing connected to a source of suction. A second heat sealing element is disposed in the upper portion of the housing adjacent to the vacuum chamber configured to heat seal the second end of the food storage container after being inserted into the vacuum chamber and being evacuated by suction from the suction source.

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 food processor including a reversible motor disposed in a base for generating a rotational force, a processor container removably attached to the base, a spindle rotated by the reversible motor when energized, and a slicing disc rotatably coupled to the spindle, the slicing disc having a radially extending slicing blade formed on one side thereof configured to perform a slicing operation and a plurality radially extending shredding blades disposed oppositely to the slicing blade on the slicing disc configured to perform a shredding operation. The slicing disc is automatically rotated in a first direction by the motor when the first and third discrete positions are selected on a slice selector disc corresponding to the slicing and dicing operations and automatically rotated in a second direction by the motor when the second discrete position is selected on the slice selector disc corresponding to the shredding operation.

Abstract: A slow cooker system including a plurality of slow cooker units including a stand having a pocket for receiving a first of the slow cooker units, a vertical support extending upwardly from the stand, and second and third slow cooker units each having an arm extending radially therefrom and pivotally attached to the vertical support above the first slow cooker unit. The second and third slow cooker units are pivotal between a non-use position and a use position where the first slow cooker may be accessed and slow cooking operations may be performed simultaneously in the first, second and third slow cooker units. The arms of the second and third slow cooker units are each pivotally attached to a ratcheting arrangement disposed in the vertical support to lock the second and third slow cooking units when moved to the use and non-use positions.

Abstract: A hot beverage maker is provided with a removable pump for cleaning a brewing needle. The pump fits into a brewing chamber which normally receives a pod of an infusible beverage material. A pod receptacle and a lid pivotally connected to the housing form the brewing chamber. After a brewing cycle or when cleaning of the brewing needle is desired, an interior chamber of the pump is filled with cleaning fluid and the pump inserted into the pod receptacle. When the lid is closed, the brewing needle is inserted into the interior chamber. The lid is closed and released repeatedly to operate the pump. This creates a pumping action of the cleaning fluid through the brewing needle to dislodge a buildup of minerals or residual deposits. The used cleaning fluid and dislodged deposits are discarded after the cleaning operation is completed.