Abstract: An electronic control circuit for use with a heater, a fan, a humidifier, a cooking apparatus, or any device utilizing a power mode switch and a condition sensor, and time-automated switching of modes of operation. The circuit includes a single control switch to manually set power output, to set a value for automatically comparing and responding to a sensed condition, and to set a time-automated sequence of operational modes. The circuit includes a microprocessor, preferably an application-specific integrated circuit, to provide circuit logic. The single control switch, preferably a push-button switch, selects a mode of operation. The circuit includes a thermistor or humidity sensor. The unit responds to the sensed condition, in accordance with the temperature/humidity value set by the control switch. The unit bypasses sensor operation in manual mode. In timed mode, a manual or automatic mode operates for selected time, followed by an automatic mode or powering off.

Abstract: An electronic control circuit for use with a heater, a fan, a humidifier or any device utilizing a power mode switch and a condition sensor, the electronic control circuit including a single control switch for controlling both power output and responding to a sensed condition. The electronic circuit includes a microprocessor, preferably in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit to provide the circuit logic. The single control switch is preferably a push-button switch which places the unit in the selected mode of operation. The electronic control circuit also includes a thermistor or humidity sensor to sense conditions and, depending upon the set temperature/humidity by the control switch and the sensed condition the unit will operate accordingly. The unit can also operate in a manual mode, thereby bypassing the sensor operation.

Abstract: A programmable slow-cooker appliance uses an application-specific integrated circuit digital controller, in which a user sets a time and temperature for cooking a food item. The digital controller prevents the unit from functioning only as a “keep warm” appliance, and a unique design allows cooling of the application-specific integrated circuit digital programmable controller during cooking.

Abstract: An air purifying device is provided for removing airborne particles. The device includes a housing including an air inlet and an air outlet. A fan is positioned within the housing for drawing air into the housing through the air inlet and expelling air through the air outlet. A filter assembly is positioned within the housing between the air inlet and the fan. The filter assembly includes a frame and a filter element mounted to the frame. The device also includes a hanger and an elongate hanger support that removably extends within the hanger. Either the hanger or the elongate hanger support is coupled to the frame while the other is coupled to the housing. The hanger can include a channel or a pair of opposed legs configured to form a gap.

Abstract: A modular kitchen appliance system includes a base having a first receptacle and a second receptacle formed in a top surface of the base, at least a first motor contained within the base, a vessel supported in the first receptacle of the base and a hand-held appliance removably supported in the second receptacle of the base. The vessel includes a blade assembly adapted for coupling to the first motor and the hand-held appliance has a first end for receiving a shaft of an appliance attachment.

Abstract: A decorative lamp with illuminated color changeable column generally includes a base for supporting the lamp on a surface, a translucent column having a first end extending upwardly from the base and a second end opposite the first end, an electrical light socket connected to the second end of the translucent column for removably connecting an electric light bulb thereto and electronic circuitry for operating the lamp. The base of the lamp contains at least one light emitting device therein and the first end of the translucent column is connected to the base adjacent the light emitting device. The translucent column includes at least one fiber optic strand extending from the first end to the second end of the column so that light emitted from the light emitting device is transmitted along a length of the optic strand and is visible through the translucent column.

Abstract: An electronic control circuit for use with a heater, a fan, a humidifier or any device utilizing a power mode switch and a condition sensor, the electronic control circuit including a single control switch for controlling both power output and responding to a sensed condition. The electronic circuit includes a microprocessor, preferably in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit to provide the circuit logic. The single control switch is preferably a push-button switch which places the unit in the selected mode of operation. The electronic control circuit also includes a thermistor or humidity sensor to sense conditions and, depending upon the set temperature/humidity by the control switch and the sensed condition the unit will operate accordingly. The unit can also operate in a manual mode, thereby bypassing the sensor operation.

Abstract: Container or bags for sealing food or other objects are made from a composite material. The material has an outer oxygen-impermeable layer and an inner heat-sealable layer. The two layers are joined by an intermediate adhesive layer that is stiffer than either the inner or outer layer. Other embodiments may be made of a single layer of heat-sealable material that resists the flow or air or oxygen inside the container. Channels on the sides of the container or bag form an interconnecting network and allow a flow of air and oxygen for evacuation of the bag. The material may be laminated in a continuous fashion as a tube wherein bags are made by cutting and sealing the material at desired intervals.

Abstract: Container or bags for sealing food or other objects are made from a composite material. The material has an outer oxygen-impermeable layer and an inner heat-sealable layer. The two layers are joined by an intermediate adhesive layer that is stiffer than either the inner or outer layer. Other embodiments may be made of a single layer of heat-sealable material that resists the flow or air or oxygen inside the container. Channels on the sides of the container or bag form an interconnecting network and allow a flow of air and oxygen for evacuation of the bag. The material may be laminated in a continuous fashion as a tube wherein bags are made by cutting and sealing the material at desired intervals.

Abstract: A modular kitchen appliance system includes a base having a first receptacle and a second receptacle formed in a top surface of the base, at least a first motor contained within the base, a vessel supported in the first receptacle of the base and a hand-held appliance removably supported in the second receptacle of the base. The vessel includes a blade assembly adapted for coupling to the first motor and the hand-held appliance has a first end for receiving a shaft of an appliance attachment.

Abstract: Container or bags for sealing food or other objects are made from a composite material. The material has an outer oxygen-impermeable layer and an inner heat-sealable layer. The two layers are joined by an intermediate adhesive layer that is stiffer than either the inner or outer layer. Other embodiments may be made of a single layer of heat-sealable material that resists the flow or air or oxygen inside the container. Channels on the sides of the container or bag form an interconnecting network and allow a flow of air and oxygen for evacuation of the bag. The material may be laminated in a continuous fashion as a tube wherein bags are made by cutting and sealing the material at desired intervals.

Abstract: A programmable slow-cooker appliance, in which a user sets a time and temperature for cooking a food item. A programmable controller prevents the unit from being used solely as a “keep warm” appliance, and a unique design allows cooling of the controller during cooking.

Abstract: A decorative lamp with illuminated color changeable column generally includes a base for supporting the lamp on a surface, a translucent column having a first end extending upwardly from the base and a second end opposite the first end, an electrical light socket connected to the second end of the translucent column for removably connecting an electric light bulb thereto and electronic circuitry for operating the lamp. The base of the lamp contains at least one light emitting device therein and the first end of the translucent column is connected to the base adjacent the light emitting device. The translucent column includes at least one fiber optic strand extending from the first end to the second end of the column so that light emitted from the light emitting device is transmitted along a length of the optic strand and is visible through the translucent column.

Abstract: A programmable slow-cooker add-on accessory, in which a user plugs a slow-cooker appliance into the accessory, and plugs the accessory into a wall socket or other source of power. The user sets a time and temperature for cooking a food item. The programmable accessory controls the time and temperature of the slow-cooker and enables the slow-cooker to cook at a desired time and temperature, and afterwards to keep the food warm.