Abstract: An iron is provided including a soleplate having a first surface configured to press a fabric and deliver wrinkle releasing steam, a first plurality of steam exit holes formed in the soleplate, each of the first plurality of steam exit holes connected to an associated first steam channel formed in the first surface and connected to a centrally disposed steam channel formed in the first surface, a second plurality of steam exit holes formed in the soleplate connected to an associated second steam channel formed in the first surface connected to the centrally disposed steam channel, each of the second plurality of steam exit holes disposed symmetrically to an associated one of the first plurality of steam exit holes on an opposite side of the centrally disposed steam channel, and the centrally disposed steam channel extending substantially an elongated length of the soleplate, The sole-plate further includes dimples over the majority of the sole-plate not covered by the steam channels.

Abstract: An apparatus 100 and method 2900 of brewing a hot beverage including the steps of selecting a desired volume of brewed beverage; filling a boiler with a predetermined volume of water, heating the predetermined volume of water in the boiler to a predetermined temperature value, transferring the predetermined volume of water in the boiler at staggered predetermined time and volume intervals to a brew head when the water reaches the predetermined temperature, and repeating the steps of falling the boiler with a predetermined volume of water, heating the volume of water in the boiler to a predetermined temperature, and transferring the heated predetermined volume of water to the brew head at staggered predetermined time and volume intervals a number of cycles until the sum of all of the predetermined volumes of heated water transferred to the brew head equals the selected desired volume of brewed beverage desired to be brewed.

Abstract: A bladeless fan assembly is provided which includes a housing having an air inlet and an air outlet. A blower is located within the housing, and includes a motor for driving an air stream between the air inlet and air outlet of the housing. A directional scoop is affixed to the housing at the air outlet. The directional scoop including a first end, connected to the housing at the air inlet, and a second open end opposite the first end. The first end and second open end of the directional scoop define a longitudinal length “L” of the directional scoop having a longitudinal axis “X.” The directional scoop is arcuate is shape, being curved along the longitudinal axis between the first and the second open end, and about the longitudinal axis to define an open channel along the length of the directional scoop.

Abstract: An appliance including a heating and circulating unit immersed in a pot for cooking food inside a cooking bag immersed in the water. A first recess is formed in a base for storing the heating and circulating unit. A second recess is formed in the base for storing the vacuum packaging unit. A third recess is formed in the base for holding a supply of cooking bags. Prior to cooking food is placed into the cooking bag and evacuated with the vacuum packaging unit. The vacuum packaging unit includes an electronic display and an electronic control panel. An electrical cable connects the vacuum packaging unit and the heating and the circulating unit. The heating and the circulating unit and the vacuum packaging unit are controlled from the electronic control panel and data related to the operation thereof is displayed on the electronic display.

Abstract: A cooking appliance including a housing and cooking vessel having a rim. A lid covers the cooking vessel when seated on the rim. At least one latch is disposed on the lid and a complementary engagement member is disposed on a sidewall of the housing. The at least one latch includes a base attached to the lid, a rotating arm having a cammed head at one end that engages the base, and a rod pivotally connected to the cammed head on one end and having a foot disposed at an opposite end. The rod passes through an aperture in the base and the cammed head engages the base as the arm is rotated. The rotation of the arm causes an axial displacement of the rod to cause a stop member on an end of the rod to engage the engagement member to seal the lid to the cooking vessel rim.

Abstract: Systems (100) and methods (2800) for operating a hot beverage brewer. The methods include receiving a brew basket of a plurality of interchangeable brew baskets (900, 1400, 1800) within a basket chamber (402) of the hot beverage brewer. At least two of the plurality of interchangeable brew baskets are of different brew basket types and designed to hold different amounts of a beverage substance. Thereafter, the hot beverage brewer: automatically detects the brew basket type associated with the brew basket residing within the basket chamber; selects first operations from a plurality of operations that should be performed by the hot beverage brewer based on the brew basket type which was previously detected; and performs the first operations by the hot beverage brewer.

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.