Abstract: A brewing machine with brewing water flow control mechanisms for controlling flow between chambers, includes a filling chamber in fluid connection with a heating reservoir. In one aspect of the invention, a control chamber with a sealable opening is formed about a drain hole in the filling chamber so that water must flow through the control chamber to reach the reservoir, and fluid access to the control chamber is controlled by a seal which engages the opening in the control chamber. Engagement of the seal with the opening in the control chamber is controlled by operation of a lid which covers the filling chamber. In another aspect of the invention, a flow rate control valve assembly is at least partially housed within the control chamber and has a portion which is proximate to the drain hole in the filling chamber connected to the reservoir, whereby a rate of flow from the filling chamber to the reservoir is selectively controllable by adjustment of the flow rate control valve.

Abstract: A cooking appliance (wok) (10) having a stainless steel bowl (11) to which there is attached a heating base (15). Embedded in the heating base (15) is an electric heating element (17). The bowl (11) is formed of stainless steel and is of an arcuate configuration.

Abstract: A scale with a holographic projector includes a weight measurement device and a holographic projector coupled to the weight measurement device. Activation of the weight measurement device activates the holographic projector that then projects in mid-air a holographic image indicative of a weight of an object being measured. Optionally, the scale may include a display coupled to the weight measurement device.

Abstract: A body weigh scale that displays a user's weight in a gravity system other than where the scale is being used, such as a planet, the sun, the moon, or another celestial body. The body weigh scale includes a conversion component that converts the user's weight to the other gravity system. In one embodiment, the scale utilizes a mechanical weighing mechanism, having an analog display, and also has a digital display, where weight information is generated, for example, by a pulse counter. The user's weight may be simultaneously displayed both in the “home” gravity system where the scale is used (e.g., the earth), and another, “away” gravity system (e.g., the sun). The display of the home weight may be via an analog dial, and the display of the away weight may be via a digital display such as an LCD.

Abstract: A programmable microprocessor-controlled digital scale capable of storing profiles of multiple users and respective user-specific weight management information includes a software program executed by the microprocessor to create and store a user profile for each user. The software program also allows the generation user-specific weight control information based on the user's profile and weight, and displays the information to the user. The generated user-specific weight control information can include, for example: current weight; absolute as well as percentage change in weight; graph of the minimum and maximum weight for the average person matching the user's profile; a thirty day rolling graph of the user's weight history; information about the number of calories that should be consumed in order to either maintain weight, or lose one pound per week; and body fat measurements.

Abstract: A coffee carafe with a hidden handle support. The handle support is an annular band that extends around a rim of a glass jar for the coffee carafe. An annular collar fits over the annular band, hiding the handle support from view. The annular collar includes a pour spout and an annular flange that extends against an inside surface of the rim of the glass jar. A silicon adhesive or other suitable bonding agent is used to hold the annular collar in place. The use of the annular collar provides strong support for the handle. In addition, because the bonding agent that holds the annular flange in position against the glass jar does not have to support the handle, materials other than acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) plastic may be used for the annular collar and the handle. For example, polypropylene may be used as the material for these two components.

Abstract: Heat losses from electric heating pads, blankets and pillows are reduced by aligning heat reflective strips or coatings over the top of a heating wire arranged inside the pads, blankets and pillows. By reducing heat losses, lower wattage can be applied to the heating wire to transfer the same amount of heat to a user as equivalent higher wattage blankets which do not have the heat reflective strips. By lowering the applied wattage, a more efficient blanket results.

Abstract: A food mixer 10 having a turn table 22 that receives a bowl 23. Projecting into a bowl 23 are beaters 24 that are driven by means of a motor 13. The turn table 22 is driven by means of a motor 25. A common speed control member in the form of a dial 29 operates a pair of potentiometers 31 that control the motors 13 and 25 so that there is a correlation between the speeds thereof.

Abstract: A point-of-sale storage device for an electronic heating pad includes a storage tube and a lid that removably attaches to the storage tube. The storage tube may be clear plastic, and coloring may be added to distinguish different models of electronic heating pads. A method for storing the electronic heating pad includes coiling a cord and controller assembly attached to the pad, placing the coiled cord and controller assembly along an edge of the pad parallel to straight sections of heating wire within the pad, rolling the pad in a direction so as to roll the pad around the coiled cord and controller assembly, inserting the rolled pad into the storage tube, and closing the storage tube with the lid. Optionally, the rolled pad may be inserted into a cloth sleeve prior to inserting the rolled pad covered with the cloth sleeve into the storage tube.

Abstract: A blender base that may be used with a food processor container, a blender container, and a single use beverage container. The blender container includes a novel blade unit having a food processor-style blade and blender type blades. Programs with preprogrammed motor commands for desired operations are stored in memory and may be selected by a user on a user interface. The user interface may include a liquid crystal display, or function switches and light emitting diodes. Upon selection of a particular pre-defined function, the microcontroller retrieves the appropriate program from the read only memory and specifies the preprogrammed motor commands to accomplish the selected function.

Abstract: A practical and accurate body fat scale which utilizes handheld body fat sensors connected to the scale base to aid in determining body fat content. The handheld sensors detect the higher concentrations of fat located in the upper body, as compared to the lower extremities, and therefore provides an accurate and meaningful assessment of body fat content.

Abstract: A metabolic fitness training apparatus is provided which measures the concentration of acetone in a trainer's breath while exercising. The metabolic fitness training apparatus include a housing, an acetone sensitive sensor, an optical detection circuit, and a mouthpiece attached to the housing. The sensor contains reagents such as salicylaldehyde or derivatives thereof which react with acetone to change the optical transparency of the sensor. The optical detection circuit may include a LED and a photodetector or a photometric instrument to measure the change in optical transparency of the sensor, and convert that change to acetone concentration. There may also be a display for viewing the acetone concentration.

Abstract: A foldable or collapsible stand is provided for supporting a barbecue grill assembly. The foldable or collapsible stand includes a first leg assembly having a first pair of intersecting leg members pivotally mounted to each other and a second leg assembly having a second pair of intersecting leg members pivotally mounted to each other. At least one leg member of each of the first pair and second pair of intersecting leg members have a pivot point along a length of the at least one leg member for folding the at least one leg member. The first pair of intersecting leg members and second pair of intersecting leg members pivot with respect to each other and the at least one leg member of each of the first pair and second pair of intersecting leg members fold along the pivot point to move the first leg assembly, the second leg assembly and barbecue grill between an upright position and a collapsed position.