Abstract: An appliance includes a steam application device having a main body which includes an inlet section to receive steam, an applicator to apply the steam to a surface, and a swivel assembly to swivel the applicator and the main body relative to each other. The appliance further includes a portable steamer to (i) attach to the steam application device and (ii) detach from the steam application device (e.g., in a simple lift away manner). The portable steamer has a steam generator which generates the steam, and an outlet section which connects to the inlet section of the main body of the steam application device when the portable steamer is attached to the steam application device. The outlet section provides the steam from the steam generator to the inlet section of the main body of the steam application device when the portable steamer is attached to the steam application device.

Abstract: A blender is adapted to process and heat food products. The blender includes a base and a container coupled with the base. Disposed in the container is a work area and a processor component adapted to process food products. Disposed within the processor component is a fluid conduit through which steam may pass. The fluid conduit includes at least one outer wall and an interior lumen. The outer wall of the fluid conduit is separated from an inner wall of the processor component by a gap. The gap is in fluid communication with the work chamber. Disposed in the base is a reservoir (adapted to hold one or more fluids, e.g., water), which is in fluid communication with the interior lumen of the fluid conduit of the container. Steam formed in the reservoir passes from the reservoir into the work chamber by way of the interior lumen and the gap.

Abstract: A steam frame for a steam appliance has a body, a passageway in the body for passage of a fluid medium, and a member such as an unbalanced rotatable turbine in fluid communication with the passageway, where the member is capable of being engaged by the fluid medium to produce vibrations in the body for enhanced cleaning performance. A steam attachment includes a body, a pad covering at least a portion of the body, and a heating element coupled to the body. The heating element is configured to increase the temperature of the pad for enhanced cleaning performance. The heating element and vibration-producing member may be used separately or together.

Abstract: A steam frame for a steam appliance has a body, a passageway in the body for passage of a fluid medium, and a member such as an unbalanced rotatable turbine in fluid communication with the passageway, where the member is capable of being engaged by the fluid medium to produce vibrations in the body for enhanced cleaning performance. A steam attachment includes a body, a pad covering at least a portion of the body, and a heating element coupled to the body. The heating element is configured to increase the temperature of the pad for enhanced cleaning performance. The heating element and vibration-producing member may be used separately or together.

Abstract: A pour spout is adapted to be coupled to a container having an open end and an outer lip extending around the open end. The pour spout includes a body having a reservoir for receiving fluid from the container. A channel leads from the reservoir to a distal end of the body for directing fluid away from the reservoir. Two clips are disposed on the body for coupling the body to the outer lip of the container at one or more positions whereat the outer lip curves. A proximal wall of the body of the pour spout extends between the two clips and is configured to fit underneath the curve in the outer lip of the container for capturing fluid spilling from the container within the reservoir. Fluid is prevented from exiting out through the channel when the container is resting in an upright orientation on a generally horizontal surface.

Abstract: A blender is adapted to process and heat food products. The blender includes a base and a container coupled with the base. Disposed in the container is a work area and a processor component adapted to process food products. Disposed within the processor component is a fluid conduit through which steam may pass. The fluid conduit includes at least one outer wall and an interior lumen. The outer wall of the fluid conduit is separated from an inner wall of the processor component by a gap. The gap is in fluid communication with the work chamber. Disposed in the base is a reservoir (adapted to hold one or more fluids, e.g., water), which is in fluid communication with the interior lumen of the fluid conduit of the container. Steam formed in the reservoir passes from the reservoir into the work chamber by way of the interior lumen and the gap.

Abstract: An appliance includes a steam application device having a main body which includes an inlet section to receive steam, an applicator to apply the steam to a surface, and a swivel assembly to swivel the applicator and the main body relative to each other. The appliance further includes a portable steamer to (i) attach to the steam application device and (ii) detach from the steam application device (e.g., in a simple lift away manner). The portable steamer has a steam generator which generates the steam, and an outlet section which connects to the inlet section of the main body of the steam application device when the portable steamer is attached to the steam application device. The outlet section provides the steam from the steam generator to the inlet section of the main body of the steam application device when the portable steamer is attached to the steam application device.

Abstract: A surface-cleaning apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes one or more brushes rotatably driven by a motor in order to collect debris without suction being applied by the apparatus. The apparatus is capable of detecting a resistance or friction level of the surface to be cleaned, and can automatically adjust the rotational speed of the motor, and thereby the rotational speed(s) of the brush(es), based on changes in the surface. Additionally, the apparatus is capable of detecting jamming or locking of a brush and turning off the motor in response to detecting such jamming or locking.

Abstract: A combination steam cleaner and steam iron includes a steam generator, a steam cleaner and a steam iron. The steam generator includes a control device connected to a boiler element for boiling water to produce steam. The steam iron includes an iron heating element and a thermostat. The steam generator receives a maximum amount of power except when the iron thermostat is closed and the iron heating element requires power; the amount of power delivered to the boiler element is then reduced. The control device includes a circuit configured to deliver electrical power to the boiler element with a preset duty cycle, so that the reduced amount of power is a fraction of the maximum power in accordance with the duty cycle.