Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming torsional magnetic reconnection, and converting stored magnetic energy into charged particle kinetic energy and particle acceleration, is claimed. A torsional magnetic reconnection apparatus generally comprises (1) a vacuum environment housing (2) a plurality of conducting coils to form a magnetic field fan-spine topology and (3) a plasma generation device providing an azimuthal magnetic field perturbation such that current sheets are formed and magnetic reconnection processes can occur. Electric current energization of the plurality of conducting coils generates a potential magnetic fan-spine topology. A simultaneous capacitor bank discharge forms and axially drives a plasma sheath, featuring an azimuthal magnetic field, toward the fan-spine magnetic null that forces the diffusion of magnetic flux through the plasma. This magnetic to plasma kinetic energy conversion process accelerates charged particles far away from the reconnection region along open magnetic field lines.

Abstract: A vessel insert used to substantially prevent liquid boil over. The vessel insert can includes an upper wall extending downward to a transition wall. The transition wall extends towards a center of the vessel insert and extends outwardly at a skirt of the vessel insert. When the vessel insert is positioned in a cooking vessel, the transition wall engages an upper rim of the cooking vessel. A basket is positioned inside the vessel insert, extending downward along the transition wall. The basket includes a center hole and plurality of small holes. The basket has a bottom surface, which curves upwards to form a lower surface and the center hole. The plurality of small holes is positioned in the bottom surface the basket. The structure of the vessel insert is such that resulting boil over, foam, and liquids are directed back into the cooking vessel though the small holes.

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 method and apparatus for forming torsional magnetic reconnection, and converting stored magnetic energy into charged particle kinetic energy and particle acceleration, is claimed. A torsional magnetic reconnection apparatus generally comprises (1) a vacuum environment housing (2) a plurality of conducting coils to form a magnetic field fan-spine topology and (3) a plasma generation device providing an azimuthal magnetic field perturbation such that current sheets are formed and magnetic reconnection processes can occur. Electric current energization of the plurality of conducting coils generates a potential magnetic fan-spine topology. A simultaneous capacitor bank discharge forms and axially drives a plasma sheath, featuring an azimuthal magnetic field, toward the fan-spine magnetic null that forces the diffusion of magnetic flux through the plasma. This magnetic to plasma kinetic energy conversion process accelerates charged particles far away from the reconnection region along open magnetic field lines.