Abstract: A fan assembly that can be used as a cooling fan or an air circulator. The fan assembly can provide the cooling and air circulation functions simultaneously or separately. The intensity of the cooling and/or air circulation can be individually controlled and directed. The fan assembly includes a base unit, a mounting frame rotatably coupled to the base unit, and a plurality of blower housings, each enclosing a fan and coupled to the mounting frame. The mounting frame is rotatable about an axis parallel to the support plane of the base. At least one of the blower housings is rotatably mounted to the mounting frame. The position of the blower housings can be adjusted through the manipulation of a positioning handle that is coupled to the rotatable blower housing.

Abstract: A pivot assembly that can be used with various appliances. The pivot assembly provides up to three degrees of freedom when positioning the appliance. The pivot may be used, for example, with a fan that is mounted on a base such that direction of the airflow generated can be adjusted about three coordinate axes by manipulating a single rotatable pivot mount. The fan assembly includes a base unit and an arm to which an appliance may be detachably coupled. The opposite end of the arm is provided with a spherical cap which is received by the base unit. Any adjustments to the positioning of the rotatable pivot mount are maintained by the friction within the rotatable pivot mount. Additionally, the pivot mount may include a pivot guide to restrict the degree of rotation about the pivot, thereby increasing stability.

Abstract: An appliance assembly that can provide multiple independently positionable appliances, such as fans. The appliance assembly includes a base support, a frame coupled to the base support, and a number of appliances each contained within an appliance housing. Each appliance housing is rotatably mounted to an outer gimbal such that it is rotatable about a first axis, and each outer gimbal is mounted to the frame such that it is rotatable about a second axis. The appliance assembly can provide two degrees of freedom for positioning each of the number of appliances. The frame, outer gimbals, and appliance housing can be formed in a variety of shapes. The appliance assembly can be used, for example, with any product where it is desirable to have multiple independently positionable assemblies, such as fans, speakers, microphones, lights, and heaters.

Abstract: A fan assembly that can be used as a cooling fan or an air circulator. The fan assembly can provide the cooling and air circulation functions simultaneously or separately. The intensity of the cooling and/or air circulation can be individually controlled and directed. The fan assembly includes a base unit, a mounting frame rotatably coupled to the base unit, and a plurality of blower housings, each enclosing a fan and coupled to the mounting frame. The mounting frame is rotatable about an axis parallel to the support plane of the base. At least one of the blower housings is rotatably mounted to the mounting frame. The position of the blower housings can be adjusted through the manipulation of a positioning handle that is coupled to the rotatable blower housing.

Abstract: A pivot assembly that can be used with various appliances. The pivot assembly provides up to three degrees of freedom when positioning the appliance. The pivot may be used, for example, with a fan that is mounted on a base such that direction of the airflow generated can be adjusted about three coordinate axes by manipulating a single rotatable pivot mount. The fan assembly includes a base unit and an arm to which an appliance may be detachably coupled. The opposite end of the arm is provided with a spherical cap which is received by the base unit. Any adjustments to the positioning of the rotatable pivot mount are maintained by the friction within the rotatable pivot mount. Additionally, the pivot mount may include a pivot guide to restrict the degree of rotation about the pivot, thereby increasing stability.

Abstract: The present invention is a device for playing a cartridge for dispersing scented materials into a room. The cartridge generally has a plurality of scent elements supported on a rotatable disk. The device includes a housing, a blower assembly, a platter, a motor, first and second sensors and a control unit. The housing has a cavity for receiving the cartridge and is formed with an air intake and an exhaust port. The blower assembly is mounted within the housing for generating an airflow by drawing air in through the air intake over the cavity to diffuse at least one of the plurality of scent elements out through the exhaust port. The platter is configured to engage the rotatable disk and is rotated by the motor. The platter, first and second sensors and a control unit cooperate to control the rotation of the disk. The device can also include a heating element for activating the scent elements.

Abstract: The present invention is a device for playing a cartridge for dispersing scented materials into a room. The cartridge generally has a plurality of scent elements supported on a rotatable disk. The device includes a housing, a blower assembly, a platter, a motor, first and second sensors and a control unit. The housing has a cavity for receiving the cartridge and is formed with an air intake and an exhaust port. The blower assembly is mounted within the housing for generating an airflow by drawing air in through the air intake over the cavity to diffuse at least one of the plurality of scent elements out through the exhaust port. The platter is configured to engage the rotatable disk and is rotated by the motor. The platter, first and second sensors and a control unit cooperate to control the rotation of the disk. The device can also include a heating element for activating the scent elements.

Abstract: A slow cooker is provided that includes a ceramic cooking vessel and a base for supporting and heating the cooking vessel. The cooking vessel preferably extends substantially the upper surface of the base when mounted thereto. A stand is provided for supporting the base, and is preferably secured to the base. The stand includes handles that allow the slow cooker to be carried. The top of the base is preferably defined by a heat resistant, polymeric lip.

Abstract: A slow cooker is provided that includes a ceramic cooking vessel and a base for supporting and heating the cooking vessel. The cooking vessel preferably extends substantially the upper surface of the base when mounted thereto. A stand is provided for supporting the base, and is preferably secured to the base. The stand includes handles that allow the slow cooker to be carried. The top of the base is preferably defined by a heat resistant, polymeric lip.

Abstract: The present invention is a device for playing a cartridge for dispersing scented materials into a room. The cartridge generally has a plurality of scent elements supported on a rotatable disk. The device includes a housing, a blower assembly, a platter, a motor, first and second sensors and a control unit. The housing has a cavity for receiving the cartridge and is formed with an air intake and an exhaust port. The blower assembly is mounted within the housing for generating an airflow by drawing air in through the air intake over the cavity to diffuse at least one of the plurality of scent elements out through the exhaust port. The platter is configured to engage the rotatable disk and is rotated by the motor. The platter, first and second sensors and a control unit cooperate to control the rotation of the disk. The device can also include a heating element for activating the scent elements.