Abstract: A frozen product machine that solves problems associated with conventional home ice cream and frozen product machines by prevents loss of product in the chamber and decreases freezing time for a liquid product. A cooling chamber is cooled by a cooling element that provides variable cooling temperatures throughout the cooling chamber. A temperature gradient, progressing from lower temperatures at the bottom of the chamber, or the outlet, to higher at the top of the chamber, or inlet, create a more efficient means of cooling a frozen product. An auger, that may be shaped to match the shape of the cooling chamber may include slots that allow for controlled flow of frozen product through the chamber to promote efficient cooling. Hinged fins may rotate from open to closed within the slot to further enhance flow of frozen product through the frozen product machine.

Abstract: A frozen product machine that solves problems associated with conventional home ice cream and frozen product machines by prevents loss of product in the chamber and decreases freezing time for a liquid product. A cooling chamber is cooled by a cooling element that provides variable cooling temperatures throughout the cooling chamber. A temperature gradient, progressing from lower temperatures at the bottom of the chamber, or the outlet, to higher at the top of the chamber, or inlet, create a more efficient means of cooling a frozen product. An auger, that may be shaped to match the shape of the cooling chamber may include slots that allow for controlled flow of frozen product through the chamber to promote efficient cooling. Hinged fins may rotate from open to closed within the slot to further enhance flow of frozen product through the frozen product machine.

Abstract: A refrigerated consumable-liquid dispenser. A consumable-liquid container is carried in a covered refrigerated housing that includes a heat exchanger for maintaining consumable-liquid at a predetermined temperature which may be pre-selected depending on the type of consumable-liquid being carried. A dispensing tube provides a conduit for the consumable-liquid. To dispense the consumable-liquid, a pressure differential is produced in response to the user command, whereby the pressure on the liquid in the container is greater than the pressure at a dispensing port. User command may be achieved without physical contact with the consumable-liquid dispenser, for sanitary and health related considerations.

Abstract: A frozen product machine that solves problems associated with conventional home ice cream and frozen product machines by prevents loss of product in the chamber and decreases freezing time for a liquid product. A cooling chamber is cooled by a cooling element that provides variable cooling temperatures throughout the cooling chamber. A temperature gradient, progressing from lower temperatures at the bottom of the chamber, or the outlet, to higher at the top of the chamber, or inlet, create a more efficient means of cooling a frozen product. An auger, that may be shaped to match the shape of the cooling chamber may include slots that allow for controlled flow of frozen product through the chamber to promote efficient cooling. Hinged fins may rotate from open to closed within the slot to further enhance flow of frozen product through the frozen product machine.

Abstract: Appliances comprising a base unit and a plug connector coupled to the base unit. The plug connector is configured to electrically couple the appliance to a first socket connector of an electrical receptacle. A channel is formed on or in a first sidewall of the base unit. The plug connector is disposed in the channel when in an engaged position. A defines a channel wall of the channel. The lever is configured to facilitate a transition of the plug connector between the engaged position and a disengaged position. The lever engages the plug connector when in the engaged position and does not engage the plug connector when in the disengaged position.

Abstract: Systems (100) and methods (2800) for operating a hot beverage brewer. The methods include receiving a brew basket of a plurality of interchangeable brew baskets (900, 1400, 1800) within a basket chamber (402) of the hot beverage brewer. At least two of the plurality of interchangeable brew baskets are of different brew basket types and designed to hold different amounts of a beverage substance. Thereafter, the hot beverage brewer: automatically detects the brew basket type associated with the brew basket residing within the basket chamber; selects first operations from a plurality of operations that should be performed by the hot beverage brewer based on the brew basket type which was previously detected; and performs the first operations by the hot beverage brewer.

Abstract: Appliances comprising a base unit and a plug connector coupled to the base unit. The plug connector is configured to electrically couple the appliance to a first socket connector of an electrical receptacle. A channel is formed on or in a first sidewall of the base unit. The plug connector is disposed in the channel when in an engaged position. A defines a channel wall of the channel. The lever is configured to facilitate a transition of the plug connector between the engaged position and a disengaged position. The lever engages the plug connector when in the engaged position and does not engage the plug connector when in the disengaged position.

Abstract: Systems (100) and methods (2800) for operating a hot beverage brewer. The methods include receiving a brew basket of a plurality of interchangeable brew baskets (900, 1400, 1800) within a basket chamber (402) of the hot beverage brewer. At least two of the plurality of interchangeable brew baskets are of different brew basket types and designed to hold different amounts of a beverage substance. Thereafter, the hot beverage brewer: automatically detects the brew basket type associated with the brew basket residing within the basket chamber; selects first operations from a plurality of operations that should be performed by the hot beverage brewer based on the brew basket type which was previously detected; and performs the first operations by the hot beverage brewer.

Abstract: Systems (100) and methods (2800) for operating a hot beverage brewer. The methods include receiving a brew basket of a plurality of interchangeable brew baskets (900, 1400, 1800) within a basket chamber (402) of the hot beverage brewer. At least two of the plurality of interchangeable brew baskets are of different brew basket types and designed to hold different amounts of a beverage substance. Thereafter, the hot beverage brewer: automatically detects the brew basket type associated with the brew basket residing within the basket chamber; selects first operations from a plurality of operations that should be performed by the hot beverage brewer based on the brew basket type which was previously detected; and performs the first operations by the hot beverage brewer.

Abstract: Appliances comprising a base unit and a plug connector coupled to the base unit. The plug connector is configured to electrically couple the appliance to a first socket connector of an electrical receptacle. A channel is formed on or in a first sidewall of the base unit. The plug connector is disposed in the channel when in an engaged position. A defines a channel wall of the channel. The lever is configured to facilitate a transition of the plug connector between the engaged position and a disengaged position. The lever engages the plug connector when in the engaged position and does not engage the plug connector when in the disengaged position.

Abstract: Appliances comprising a base unit and a plug connector coupled to the base unit. The plug connector is configured to electrically couple the appliance to a first socket connector of an electrical receptacle. A channel is formed on or in a first sidewall of the base unit. The plug connector is disposed in the channel when in an engaged position. A defines a channel wall of the channel. The lever is configured to facilitate a transition of the plug connector between the engaged position and a disengaged position. The lever engages the plug connector when in the engaged position and does not engage the plug connector when in the disengaged position.

Abstract: A hair straightener device encompasses a straightening tool that is comb-like. The straightening tool has a row of tines that are spaced apart respectively to each other by one hair receptacle. Each tine is associated with at least one first molded part 7 that is movably mounted. It is movably supported relative to the additional tine that surrounds the hair receptacle. The straightening tool furthermore surrounds a second molded part which is associated with the additional tine that surrounds this hair receptacle. This serves the implementation of a hair shaping gap between the molded parts of a hair receptacle. The hair shaping gaps that are located between the molded parts are undercut at least in the hair shaping position of the molded parts toward one another in the direction toward the border, of the hair receptacle, that connects the tines.

Abstract: A hair straightener device encompasses a straightening tool that is comb-like. The straightening tool has a row of tines that are spaced apart respectively to each other by one hair receptacle. Each tine is associated with at least one first molded part 7 that is movably mounted. It is movably supported relative to the additional tine that surrounds the hair receptacle. The straightening tool furthermore surrounds a second molded part which is associated with the additional tine that surrounds this hair receptacle. This serves the implementation of a hair shaping gap between the molded parts of a hair receptacle. The hair shaping gaps that are located between the molded parts are undercut at least in the hair shaping position of the molded parts toward one another in the direction toward the border, of the hair receptacle, that connects the tines.

Abstract: A brewing apparatus for infusing compacted ground coffee in a grounds cup at a brewing station with heated water under pressure. At a brewing station, a piston head with an active seal that is spaced from the grounds cup wall during motion, extends into the grounds cup. When the piston head begins to compact the ground coffee it activates the seal to form a sealed upper end of a brewing chamber. Hot water is admitted to the brewing chamber to produce the coffee. When the brewing cycle is completed, the piston head displaces further to force additional coffee from the grounds. Then the piston head retracts to allow the infusion chamber assembly to be removed for cleaning.

Abstract: A hot beverage brewing apparatus 1 has a plurality of heated water delivery nozzles 19 that direct heated water under pressure simultaneously to a specified point 26 within a brew basket 17 that, regardless of the amount or type of grounds in the basket 17, will ensure thorough mixing of the heated water and grounds to deliver optimally brewed beverage. Additionally, the present invention is directed to a heat sensor 31 and weight sensor 33 positioned in contact with a carafe 7 to sense whether or not the carafe is thermally-insulated or not to determine whether or not to automatically activate a warming plate 20.

Abstract: A brewing apparatus for infusing compacted ground coffee in a grounds cup at a brewing station with heated water under pressure. At a brewing station, a piston head with an active seal that is spaced from the grounds cup wall during motion, extends into the grounds cup. When the piston head begins to compact the ground coffee it activates the seal to form a sealed upper end of a brewing chamber. Hot water is admitted to the brewing chamber to produce the coffee. When the brewing cycle is completed, the piston head displaces further to force additional coffee from the grounds. Then the piston head retracts to allow the infusion chamber assembly to be removed for cleaning.

Abstract: A brewing apparatus for infusing compacted ground coffee in a grounds cup at a brewing station with heated water under pressure. At a brewing station, a piston head with an active seal that is spaced from the grounds cup wall during motion, extends into the grounds cup. When the piston head begins to compact the ground coffee it activates the seal to form a sealed upper end of a brewing chamber. Hot water is admitted to the brewing chamber to produce the coffee. When the brewing cycle is completed, the piston head displaces further to force additional coffee from the grounds. Then the piston head retracts to allow the infusion chamber assembly to be removed for cleaning.

Abstract: A refrigerated beverage dispenser. A beverage container is carried in a covered refrigerated housing that includes a heat exchanger for maintaining beverage at a predetermined temperature. A dispensing tube provides a conduit for the beverage. To dispense the liquid, a pressure differential is produced whereby the pressure on the liquid in the container is greater than the pressure at a dispensing port.