Abstract: A steam ironing system may include an ironing board and an iron. The ironing board may have an ironing surface having a plurality of steam apertures. A steam generator may be configured to generate steam from water, and a steam chamber may store and/or communicate the steam from the steam generator to the steam apertures. An iron base may support the iron and provide an electrical connector may provide an electrical connection between the iron and ironing board when the iron is supported by the iron base. The iron may include a sole plate which may generate heat using the electric power provided by the electrical connector. An object that is to be ironed may be placed on the ironing surface. Steam may be applied to the object via the steam apertures. Additionally, the iron may be moved across the object by the user while heat is applied to the object via the sole plate.

Abstract: To prevent water particles or mist carried by steam exiting from the steam vents of a steam iron, the steam generated in its steam chamber follows tortuous paths from both a vaporization section and a blast path to the steam vents. A baffle having a concave front face spans across the rear of the vaporization section and the open rear ends of the blast path face the concave baffle face. The lid of the steam chamber is sealed by pressure to the baffle and to a pair of ribs that define the sides of the blast path. The outer rib is higher than the inner rib so that, if the seal between the lid fails, the failure will likely occur between the inner rib and the lid so that any water escaping from the blast path will likely enter the vaporization chamber and not exit through a steam vent.

Abstract: An iron having a steam chamber cover connected to the soleplate without the use of additional fasteners or adhesives. The soleplate has a raised steam chamber wall. A top of the steam chamber wall has a channel. A rim of the steam chamber cover is positioned in the channel and a portion of the wall is deformed to sealingly lock the rim in the channel. The cover can also be stamped towards the soleplate to press the cover against ribs of the soleplate inside the steam chamber.

Abstract: A method of analyzing the visually perceptible characteristics of foamable liquid, such as beer, comprises pouring a known quantity of the foamable liquid from a storage container into a clear beaker. A camera produces a video image of the beaker and its liquid and foam contents. A series of such image are periodically acquired over a definite time period. The images are electronically analyzed to derive numerical value indicating the different characteristics. A system for performing the method also is described.