Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for monitoring the body temperature of a subject and to provide an alert locally or remotely to a third party if the bodily temperature of the subject is determined to be abnormal. The device preferably employs infra-red (IR) radiation to remotely measure the temperature of the subject without contact with the subject's skin. The alert system is preferably configured to transmit an alert to a selected third party via a conventional telephone line (plain ordinary telephone service or POTS) or through a wireless mobile communication system. The subjects in the preferred embodiment are infants and young children, seniors, invalids and others who are otherwise confined to a circumscribed area for health reasons.

Abstract: The invention relates to a valve assembly for use in connection with carpet cleaning extraction machines and similar extraction cleaning devices. The invention allows the intake of liquid and the mixing of different liquids in a mixing chamber, such as clean water with detergent, and the discharge of a selected liquid without the formation of an air or vapor lock that would inhibit the discharge of the selected liquid. In particular, the invention prevents the formation of a vapor lock when water is being drawn into a chamber that would prevent the subsequent discharge or spraying of the liquid.

Abstract: A deodorizing/odor removal and disinfection device designed to function in conjunction with a waste receptacle such as a garbage can. The device is equipped with an ozone/ion generator that generates an ozone/ion laden air stream and introduces the air stream into the interior of the waste receptacle without unduly interfering with the operation or seating of the lid of the receptacle. A securing mechanism such as a hook secures the deodorizing device to the exterior of the waste receptacle by engaging with the upper edge or lip of the receptacle, and preferably uses a tube to transmit the ozone laden air stream into the malodorous environment.

Abstract: The present invention provides an article sanitation device preferably having a container in which articles to be sanitized can be received and a duct through which sanitizing fluid is moved into and/or out of the container. In some preferred embodiments, the sanitation device is part of a mailbox capable of de-contaminated mail placed therein. Preferably, ozone is employed as the sanitizing fluid, is created and neutralized by an ozone generator and an ozone neutralizer, and is moved with a fan through the various components of the article sanitation device. By employing a simple design, the cost of the sanitation device is relatively low. In addition, the use of ozone and an agitating article container in some embodiments helps to effectively and quickly sanitize all types, sizes, and numbers of articles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable air sterilization and filtration apparatus for removing contaminants from the ambient atmosphere, having a housing with an inlet opening and an outlet opening, filter media and ultraviolet light source, and a motorized fan for maintaining a flow of air through the housing from the inlet opening to the outlet opening. The invention also includes easy access to the filter medium and to the ultraviolet light sources for periodic replacement or cleaning, and integrates a safety lock feature whereby the removal of the filter or the removal of an ultraviolet light source would open the power circuit to the ultraviolet light source, preventing accidental irradiation of the user. The ultraviolet light sources also activate an indicator light viewable by the user when the ultraviolet light sources are energized.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automated drip-type coffee or beverage making machine with an automatic bean grinding apparatus and an automatic cleaning apparatus. The invention also incorporates improvements and features such as a projection or boss within the device which improves the operating efficiency of the bean grinding feature, an improved blade configuration which improves grinding efficiency, including a unique blade arrangement employing a plurality of blades of different lengths, and an improved lid for the coffee or beverage container which acts as an insulator, a moving and sealing cover to prevent ground material from escaping during the grinding process, a water tank insulating compartment, a double-walled grinding basket lid to aid in insulation and spreading of hot liquid, and a damping member for reducing the vibrations associated with motor operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automated drip-type coffee or beverage making machine with all automatic bean grinding apparatus and an automatic cleaning apparatus. The invention also incorporates improvements and features such as a projection or boss within the device which improves the operating efficiency of the bean grinding feature, an improved blade configuration which improves grinding efficiency, including a unique blade arrangement employing a plurality of blades of different lengths, and an improved lid for the coffee or beverage container which acts as an insulator, a moving and sealing cover to prevent ground material from escaping during the grinding process, a water tank insulating compartment, a double-walled grinding basket lid to aid in insulation and spreading of hot liquid, and a damping member for reducing the vibrations associated with motor operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automated drip-type coffee or beverage making machine with an automatic bean grinding apparatus and an automatic cleaning apparatus. The invention also incorporates improvements and features such as a projection or boss within the device which improves the operating efficiency of the bean grinding feature, an improved blade configuration which improves grinding efficiency, including a unique blade arrangement employing a plurality of blades of different lengths, and an improved lid for the coffee or beverage container which acts as an insulator, a moving and sealing cover to prevent ground material from escaping during the grinding process, a water tank insulating compartment, a double-walled grinding basket lid to aid in insulation and spreading of hot liquid, and a damping member for reducing the vibrations associated with motor operation.

Abstract: A juice extractor module includes a cover and a juice extractor fluted dome and pulp filter which filters the extracted juice. A second module is formed by a pitcher. The juice flows into the pitcher through the pulp filter of the first module. A paddle depends from a third module and is driven by a motor and gears simultaneously with the extractor, for mixing the extracted juice and other ingredients such as water, sweeteners, etc. The third module contains the motor, drive gears and switch in substantial fluid isolation from the first and second compartments, for driving the paddle and the juice extractor. Different extractors may be attached for different size fruits. A lid may be attached over the pitcher for juice/beverage storage.

Abstract: An automatic, household drip-type coffee making machine with a main housing for receiving and holding a carafe or decanter, and having an method and apparatus for rapidly heating water to form an infused beverage such as coffee. The speed brewing system has an automatic water level sensing system with a float box, a lever and a micro-switch, which detects the level of water in the water tank and when the water reaches a pre-selected level, activates a water heater located within a water bladder, heating the water bladder to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the water passing into the water bladder. The water vapor condenses along a water outlet tube while still retaining sufficient heat to brew an infused beverage. The heated water (condensed water vapor) reaches a shower nozzle plate and is dispensed through the shower nozzle plate into a filter basket which contains a filter and material for making an infused beverage such as regular or decaffeinated coffee.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved automated beverage making machine combining a traditional French Press of the plunger/strainer type with an improved automatic hot water dispensing machine, the dispensing machine having a housing, a water tank and automatic electric water heater. The dispensing machine is adapted to communicate with a French Press plunger/strainer extractor where the extractor also functions as a serving carafe for hot infused beverages such as coffee and tea. The invention also employs improved heating circulation and temperature sensing system which recirculates water until the water has reached a pre-selected desired temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automated drip-type coffee or beverage making machine with an automatic bean grinding apparatus and an automatic cleaning apparatus. The invention also incorporates improvements and features such as a projection or boss within the device which improves the operating efficiency of the bean grinding feature, an improved blade configuration which improves grinding efficiency, including a unique blade arrangement employing a plurality of blades of different lengths, and an improved lid for the coffee or beverage container which acts as an insulator, a moving and sealing cover to prevent ground material from escaping during the grinding process, a water tank insulating compartment, a double-walled grinding basket lid to aid in insulation and spreading of hot liquid, and a damping device for reducing the vibrations associated with motor operation.

Abstract: A steam iron station has a removable tank mounted in a case. Also included is a conduit adapted to be coupled to a steam iron. Also included is a removable filter having an intake. The filter is mounted in the case to communicate with the tank. Also included is a pump mounted in the case and coupled to the filter and the conduit for discharging to the conduit, liquid drawn through the filter from the tank. The steam iron includes an electrical heater mounted in a soleplate. The soleplate has an upper channel and a lower channel. The iron has a duct for delivering liquid to the upper channel. The upper and the lower channels each have a forward flowing and a backward flowing branch. The upper channel serially communicates with the lower channel.

Abstract: A toaster oven that has a steam generating system is described. The steam from a steam generating system is passed into the oven during the heating and rewarming of meats and casserole dishes to prevent them from drying out.

Abstract: An upper extractor module includes a cover and a juice extractor fluted dome and trough. A pulp filter filters the juice which flows into a lower extension conduit. An intermediate module has a compartment in fluid isolation from the juice extraction compartment. A motor, drive gears and switch are in the intermediate compartment for rotationally driving the extractor. A pitcher forms a lower module on which the intermediate module fits. The juice flows into the pitcher through the intermediate module via the extension. A paddle depends from the intermediate module and is driven by the motor and gears simultaneously with the extractor, but at a higher speed for mixing beverages in the pitcher formed from the extracted juice and other ingredients such as water, sweeteners and so on. Different extractors may be attached for different size fruits. A lid may be attached over the pitcher for juice/beverage storage.