Abstract: The invention is a sink system in which a faucet is embedded within a sink cover. This allows a user to completely cover a sink, making the sink space available for other work without the inconvenience of disposing of a separate faucet fixture. The invention comprises a sink basin and a hinged sink cover attached to the basin. The sink cover fits exactly within the sink basin. The sink cover doubles as a faucet. It has a channel, which may extend entirely or partially through the sink cover, which directs a flow of water from a source of water, through the channel, and into the sink basin. The sink system may also have sensors and valves to control temperature and water flow, a digital display panel that displays temperature and flow rate, a user interface, or a visual indictor of water temperature, preferably by means of LED lights.

Abstract: The invention is an automated storage and retrieval system. Positionable objects are stored in columns within a frame. When a user requests an object, the objects are selectively relocated until the requested object is brought to an access point. The objects are relocated by planar motion mechanisms attached to the walls of the frame. When not moving, the objects are suspended from mountings that extend from the same walls that the planar motion mechanisms are attached to. The mountings are controlled by actuators within the walls. The mountings are retractable to allow the planar motion mechanisms to pass. Each of the objects is supported by more than one mounting so that support is not withdrawn when any one mounting is retracted to allow a planar motion mechanism to pass. The design allows objects to be arranged in more than two columns within an automated storage and retrieval system.

Abstract: A table is disclosed. The table comprises a table base and tabletop. The table base comprises a top surface with a replaceable adhesive layer attached. The tabletop comprises a first usable side and a second usable side, the first usable side and the second usable side being alternately attached to the replaceable adhesive layer once the adhesive is cut, removed, and replaced. The top surface further comprises a rounded edge that acts to guide the entry of an adhesive cutting wire. The replaceable adhesive layer comprises embedded wire guides that define a cutting zone substantially the width of the cutting wire through the adhesive. The embedded wire guides restrict the cutting wire to the cutting zone while the adhesive is being cut, thereby allowing the first usable side and the second usable side to be alternately attached to the adhesive layer.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus comprising an electrically powered appliance with electrically conductive members mounted to the appliance that both support and supply electrical power to the appliance. The electrically conductive members comprise insulative housings with openings that fit over connectors attached to a wall. Both the housings and the connectors comprise electrical conductors. When the connectors are fitted inside the housings, the electrical conductors mate to provide electrical power to the appliance. Furthermore, the appliance is suspended from a wall to which the connectors are mounted. The appliance can be modular or have particular dimensions that allow it to function within an automated storage and retrieval system. Finally, the appliance may be fitted with an outlet to accommodate a detachable power cord.

Abstract: A kitchen workspace and a method of organizing a kitchen workspace is set forth. The kitchen workspace is consolidated into a small footprint area with automated vertical storage shelves for storing and housing kitchen items and kitchen appliances. The automated storage shelves may be provided with electrical power for powering kitchen appliances found on the shelves. Kitchen appliances may be rotated around the automated storage shelves while the appliances are being used. A user of the kitchen workspace is able to stand in a fixed position and access all kitchen items and appliances without moving from the fixed standing position.

Abstract: A kitchen workspace and a method of organizing a kitchen workspace is set forth. The kitchen workspace is consolidated into a small footprint area with automated vertical storage shelves for storing and housing kitchen items and kitchen appliances. The automated storage shelves may be provided with electrical power for powering kitchen appliances found on the shelves. Kitchen appliances may be rotated around the automated storage shelves while the appliances are being used. A user of the kitchen workspace is able to stand in a fixed position and access all kitchen items and appliances without moving from the fixed standing position.

Abstract: A method of preparing meals in a computerized kitchen workspace is set forth. The computerized kitchen workspace includes one or more robots for preparing and cooking food in the kitchen workspace. Kitchen appliances may be automatically controlled according to a recipe. The one or more robots may access kitchen items necessary for meal preparation by rotating automated shelves. The meal may then be automatically prepared by the one or more robots. Automated storage shelves may be provided with electrical power for powering kitchen appliances found on the shelves.

Abstract: A kitchen workspace and a method of organizing a kitchen workspace is set forth. The kitchen workspace is consolidated into a small footprint area with automated vertical storage shelves for storing and housing kitchen items and kitchen appliances. The automated storage shelves may be provided with electrical power for powering kitchen appliances found on the shelves. Kitchen appliances may be rotated around the automated storage shelves while the appliances are being used. One or more food cooking devices above a sink are able to be moved while being fixed to a kitchen wall.

Abstract: The invention is an electrically conductive wall hook. The invention is a means to provide power to an object that is being stored in a hanging position. The invention is made up of two parts. The first part is a housing attached to an object to be stored that contains an opening. The second part is a hook attached to a wall. Both the housing and the hook contain electrical conductors. When the hook is fitted securely inside the opening of the housing, the object is suspended from the hook, and the electrical conductors within the housing and the hook mate with each other. The electrical conductor inside the hook is attached to electrical power so that electrical power is provided to the object that is suspended from the hook.

Abstract: The invention is an automated storage and retrieval system in which objects within the system may be repositioned one at a time in a circular or non-circular sequence. The system comprises a frame with one or more walls, one or more movable objects arranged in columns within the frame, one or more connectors mounted to the walls to which the movable objects are attached, and one or more planar motion mechanisms mounted to the frame. The system further comprises suspending the objects from the planar motion mechanisms to reposition the objects within the frame. Preferably, the planar motion mechanism is an H-bot. The objects can be storage bins or appliances. Advantages of the system are that it objects can be retrieved more quickly, the system can operate at less than full capacity, and the objects do not stack and therefore do not have strict structural requirements.

Abstract: The invention is a method for repositioning objects in an automated storage and retrieval system. The method allows objects to move one at a time in an optimally efficient non-revolving sequence, so that often-used storage items can be retrieved more quickly. The method includes arranging positionable objects, such as storage bins or appliances, within a frame with one or more walls. The objects are attached removably to the walls by connectors, such as hooks. One or more planar motion mechanisms, such as H-bots, are mounted on the walls next to the objects. The planar motion mechanisms lift the objects from the connectors to reposition the objects. When a target object is designated, a microcontroller teaches the planar motion mechanisms a sequence for moving the objects into vacant spaces such that the target object can travel to a target access position by the most direct path.