Abstract: An interactive valet having a frame to support hangers to receive and support garments such as, for example, a trouser hanger, a coat hanger, a tray and a hamper support. Load cells coupled to one or more of these supporting structures detect the deposit of an article thereon and generate one or more signals to a processor. The processor, in response to receiving a signal from a load cell or from a plurality of load cells, generates a response signal to a response device thereby causing the response device to produce an audible response, a visual response, or a combination thereof. The processor may be programmable to generate response signals that are customized to the load cell or plurality of load cells that detect the deposit of an article on a structure of the interactive valet, or customized to the user, or both.

Abstract: A food container system and method of using same is provided for heating, storing or cooling food placed within a container. The container system facilitates heating of food without dehydration of the food, and it permits cooling of the food, such as, for example, cooling in a refrigerator or cooling at room temperature after removal from a heating oven or microwave, without vapor lock preventing or making difficult the removal of a lid from a container in which the food is heated or cooled. The system comprises, in one aspect, a ceramic lid and a ceramic container to receive the lid, and a seal having a channel there through and disposed intermediate the ceramic lid and the ceramic container. In one aspect, the seal may comprise a heat-resistant silicon material.

Abstract: A food container system and method of using same is provided for heating, storing or cooling food placed within a container. The container system facilitates heating of food without dehydration of the food, and it permits cooling of the food, such as, for example, cooling in a refrigerator or cooling at room temperature after removal from a heating oven or microwave, without vapor lock preventing or making difficult the removal of a lid from a container in which the food is heated or cooled. The system comprises, in one aspect, a ceramic lid and a ceramic container to receive the lid, and a seal having a channel there through and disposed intermediate the ceramic lid and the ceramic container. In one aspect, the seal may comprise a heat-resistant silicon material.