Abstract: A multi-function electric grill is provided. The electric grill includes a removable lid, a body having a rear heating chamber and a main cooking chamber and a plurality of accessories configured to fit within the main cooking chamber. The electric grill also includes a rear heating element and a convection fan disposed within the rear heating chamber and a lower heating element within the main cooking chamber. A control interface of the electric grill is configured to selectively activate and deactivate the rear heating element, the convection fan, and the lower heating element based on a selected heating mode, a measured temperature within the main cooking chamber, and a programmed temperature for the main cooking chamber so as to cook a food item disposed on or within one of the plurality of accessories.

Abstract: An apparatus 100 and method 2900 of brewing a hot beverage including the steps of selecting a desired volume of brewed beverage; filling a boiler with a predetermined volume of water, heating the predetermined volume of water in the boiler to a predetermined temperature value, transferring the predetermined volume of water in the boiler at staggered predetermined time and volume intervals to a brew head when the water reaches the predetermined temperature, and repeating the steps of falling the boiler with a predetermined volume of water, heating the volume of water in the boiler to a predetermined temperature, and transferring the heated predetermined volume of water to the brew head at staggered predetermined time and volume intervals a number of cycles until the sum of all of the predetermined volumes of heated water transferred to the brew head equals the selected desired volume of brewed beverage desired to be brewed.

Abstract: An expandable food storage bag is provided having gusseted sides so that larger food or other items may be inserted therein before vacuum heat sealing. The bag includes first and second sidewalls having a first thickness and a first oxygen transmission rate. The bag further includes first and second gusseted sidewalls having a second thickness less than the first thickness and a second oxygen transmission rate substantially equal to or less than the first oxygen transmission rate. The first pleated sidewall interconnects one side of the first and second sidewalls. The second gusseted sidewall interconnects an opposite side of the first and second sidewalls. The thinner gusseted sidewalls allow the bag to be heat sealed with the first and second sidewalls that may be otherwise too thick with gusseted sidewalls of the same thickness as the first and second sidewalls while maintaining a substantially equal or less oxygen transmission rate.

Abstract: An expandable food storage bag is provided having gusseted sides so that larger food or other items may be inserted therein before vacuum heat sealing. The bag includes first and second sidewalls having a first thickness and a first oxygen transmission rate. The bag further includes first and second gusseted sidewalls having a second thickness less than the first thickness and a second oxygen transmission rate substantially equal to or less than the first oxygen transmission rate. The first pleated sidewall interconnects one side of the first and second sidewalls. The second gusseted sidewall interconnects an opposite side of the first and second sidewalls. The thinner gusseted sidewalls allow the bag to be heat sealed with the first and second sidewalls that may be otherwise too thick with gusseted sidewalls of the same thickness as the first and second sidewalls while maintaining a substantially equal or less oxygen transmission rate.

Abstract: Systems (200) and methods (1300) for selectively retracting a first component of a Vacuum Packaging Appliance (“VPA”). The method comprises: causing the first component to normally be in an engaged position in which the component facilitates a formation of a heat seal along an open end of a container disposed within the VPA; detecting an existence of at least one first condition associated with the VPA; and applying a magnetic field in proximity to the component when the first condition is detected, whereby the first component is at least maintained in an unengaged position in which the first component no longer facilitates the formation of the heat seal.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an automatic self cleaning litter box. In accordance with one embodiment, an apparatus is provided that includes a litter receptacle, a drive unit moveably coupled to the litter receptacle, and a sieve coupled to the drive unit such that the sieve possesses at least two degrees of freedom of movement relative to the litter receptacle and at least one degree of freedom of movement relative to the drive unit.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an automatic self cleaning litter box. In accordance with one embodiment, an apparatus is provided that includes a litter receptacle, a drive unit moveably coupled to the litter receptacle, and a sieve coupled to the drive unit such that the sieve possesses at least two degrees of freedom of movement relative to the litter receptacle and at least one degree of freedom of movement relative to the drive unit.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a pet litter organizer apparatus. In accordance with one embodiment, a receptacle for holding pet litter is provided. The receptacle has a base, a peripheral wall extending from the base, and an interior volume for receiving pet litter. The embodiment also includes a litter passage formed in the peripheral wall and configured to permit dispensing of pet litter from the interior volume through the litter passage. Additionally, the embodiment includes a dispensing mechanism movably coupled to the litter passage. The dispensing mechanism is adapted to regulate the flow of pet litter from the interior volume through the litter passage.