Abstract: A method of preserving foodstuffs in a heat-sealable plastic bag wherein three of the bag's four peripheral edges are permanently sealed together and the fourth of the edges comprises a temporary interlocking linear seal. After foodstuffs are placed into the interior of the bag, the linear seal is interlocked to form an inner chamber and to isolate those foodstuffs therein from the outside environment. The bag is then pierced to provide an opening through which the inner chamber of the bag is evacuated. Then, while the inner chamber is evacuated, heat is applied to seal around the opening or between the opening and the portion of the inner chamber containing the foodstuffs to isolate the foodstuffs within said evacuated inner chamber from the outer environment. The foodstuffs may be removed from the bag by opening the interlocking seal and the bags may be reused numerous times by re-interlocking the seal and repeating the evacuating and sealing process.

Abstract: A clothes iron comprises an automatic shut off system that is controlled by multiple switches. A first switch located on the iron's handle is closed when the iron is held by a user. A second switch located on the iron's heel is closed when the iron stands in the upright position. The switch on the handle prevents the automatic shut off from functioning when the iron is in use. The switch on the heel determines which of two fixed timing periods are used.

Abstract: An improved spatula attachment for use with a hand-held electric mixer and more particularly a spatula attachment with a pair of prongs that connect directly to the mixer's body. The spatula attachment has a spatula portion connected to a base. A pair of slots are formed in the base allowing the beater stems to extend past the base. Two prongs extend from the base and each prong has a gripping portion formed at the end opposite the base. These gripping portions are designed to attach directly to the body of the mixer.