Abstract: A measuring cup may have volumetric indicia printed along upper and lower surfaces of a reference member disposed near a central portion of a space encircled by a sidewall of the measuring cup. The volumetric indicia may be viewable from above the measuring cup while the cup is disposed on a horizontal countertop or work surface. When inverted, the volumetric indicia printed along a lower surface of the reference member may likewise be viewable from above. In essence, the measuring cup contains two receptacles for measuring volumes of substances. One receptacle is accessible from a “top” of the measuring cup, while another receptacle is accessible from a “bottom” of the measuring cup. The reference member eliminates the need to raise the measuring cup to eye level to check the volume of substance.

Abstract: An apparatus for compressing food includes a receptacle for receiving the food, a lever coupled to the receptacle, a piston, and a rack-and-pinion assembly coupled to the lever and to the piston such that actuation of the lever is converted by the rack-and-pinion assembly into movement of the piston into and out of the receptacle.

Abstract: A measuring cup may have volumetric indicia printed along upper and lower surfaces of a reference member or centerpiece disposed near a central portion of a space encircled by a sidewall of the measuring cup. The volumetric indicia may be viewable from above the measuring cup while the cup is disposed on a horizontal countertop or work surface. When inverted, the volumetric indicia printed along a lower surface of the reference member may likewise be viewable from above. In essence, the measuring cup contains first and second receptacles for measuring volumes of substances. The first receptacle is accessible from a “top” of the measuring cup, while the second receptacle is accessible from a “bottom” of the measuring cup. The measuring cup may also include additional measuring receptacles that are removably retained in the second receptacle accessible through the bottom of the measuring cup.

Abstract: A measuring cup may have volumetric indicia printed along upper and lower surfaces of a reference member disposed near a central portion of a space encircled by a sidewall of the measuring cup. The volumetric indicia may be viewable from above the measuring cup while the cup is disposed on a horizontal countertop or work surface. When inverted, the volumetric indicia printed along a lower surface of the reference member may likewise be viewable from above. In essence, the measuring cup contains two receptacles for measuring volumes of substances. One receptacle is accessible from a “top” of the measuring cup, while another receptacle is accessible from a “bottom” of the measuring cup. The reference member eliminates the need to raise the measuring cup to eye level to check the volume of substance.