Abstract: An automatic beverage maker having a water supply, a housing having a base, a body and a pod section, a sealed water tank within the housing body, a heating system for controlling the heating of water contained within the water tank, a first water line connecting the water supply to the water tank inlet, a second water e connecting the water outlet to the cavity of the housing pod section, a water pump for moving water from the water supply to the tank via the first water line and from the tank to the cavity of the housing pod section via the second water line. A drain line fluidly coupled to the sealed tank and having an open end for discharging water from the sealed water tank may also be used.

Abstract: A vacuum blender having the ability to reduce oxidation of ingredients for a more nutrient-rich product. The blender includes a container for holding ingredients to be blended, the container being open at a top end and having blender blades at a lower end, a lid for covering the open end of the container, and a base having a motor contained therein for driving the blender blades, an interface for coupling with the blender blades of the container, a vacuum system for effecting a vacuum to the container and electronic controls for operating the motor and vacuum system. The vacuum system is configured to couple with the lid to draw a vacuum from the top of the container when activated.

Abstract: An air fryer housing having top or side air openings allows air to freely enter the system while both preventing liquids from entering the electronics and removing liquids which enter the housing. Liquids which find a way through an initial outer set of air openings, collect in a channel within the housing instead of passing with air flow into a second set of openings on an interior surface. The collected liquids are prevented from reaching any electrical or mechanical components of the system. The liquid may be pooled within the channel or drained to an exterior of the fryer from a discharge port in the bottom of the fryer. Alternately, the liquid is left to eventually evaporate from the liquid channel.

Abstract: A pressure cooker system having a cooking vessel, a removable pot, and a lid securable to the vessel. The lid is rotatable from a locked and fully-secured position to an unlocked and hinged position. The pressure cooker system also includes a plurality of locking flanges on an upper periphery of the open cooking vessel which correspond and interlock with a plurality of locking flanges on an interior periphery of the lid. A pressure indicator cooperates with a locking mechanism to prevent opening of the lid when the contents are under pressure. As an added safety feature, a pressure release gap located on one of the interlocking flanges prevents pressure build-up when the lid is not in the closed and locked position.

Abstract: An electrical appliance comprising a heating element, the heating element including a heating wire, the heating wire encased within an iron shell, the iron shell having an exterior surface, and a first coating layer disposed on the exterior surface of the shell, wherein the first coating layer is stainless steel. The appliance also includes a power supply. The power supply includes a heating element, a temperature sensor to sense the temperature of the appliance, and a temperature controller in communication with the temperature sensor to maintain the appliance within a desired temperature range. The power supply also includes at least one electrical contact rod operatively engaged with the appliance to supply electrical power to the heating element, and at least one contact receptacle adapted to accept the at least one electrical contact rod. The at least one contact receptacle has a length proportional to the electrical power supplied to the appliance to prevent overheating of the power supply.

Abstract: An automatic beverage maker having a finable reservoir for holding water, a housing supporting the reservoir and having a base, a body and a pod section, a sealed water tank within the housing body, a heating element for heating water contained within the water tank, a first water line connecting the reservoir to the water tank inlet, a second water line connecting the water outlet to the cavity of the housing pod section, a water pump for moving water from the reservoir to the tank via the first water line and from the tank to the cavity of the housing pod section via the second water line, and a drain line fluidly coupled to the sealed tank and having an open end for discharging water from the sealed water tank.

Abstract: A temperature control system for appliances, such as an electric grill, air fryer, vacuum blender, convection oven, induction cooker (e.g., wok), coffeemaker, etc. The control system comprises digital circuitry for controlling temperature of the appliance, and includes a first safety component in the circuitry for stopping the heating function at a threshold parameter, such as a maximum temperature, and a second safety component in the circuitry for stopping the heating function at a second threshold temperature if the first safety component fails at the first threshold temperature. The first and second safety components, preferably switches or fuses, are connected in series to establish a redundant safety mechanism.

Abstract: A vacuum blender having the ability to reduce oxidation of ingredients for a more nutrient-rich product. The blender includes a container for holding ingredients to be blended, the container being open at a top end and having blender blades at a lower end, a lid for covering the open end of the container, and a base having a motor contained therein for driving the blender blades, an interface for coupling with the blender blades of the container, a vacuum system for effecting a vacuum to the container and electronic controls for operating the motor and vacuum system. The vacuum system is configured to couple with the lid to draw a vacuum from the top of the container when activated.

Abstract: An electric grill used to cook food items positioned between upper and lower grilling surfaces is disclosed. The electric grill includes a base portion having outer surfaces and a first inner grilling surface contained therein, an lid portion pivotably connected to the lower base portion and having outer surfaces and a second inner grilling surface contained therein, a handle functionally connected to the lid portion to pivot the lid portion between an open position and a closed position, and an electronic control interface positioned on the handle configured to control the operation of the first and second inner grilling surfaces.

Abstract: A system and method for induction cooking using an induction cooking unit, an interface adapted to receive, store, and execute a plurality of instructions of a multistage programmable recipe using the induction cooking unit, a power supply, a controller coupled to said power supply, said interface, and said induction cooking unit.

Abstract: An automatic beverage system for producing a hot flavored beverage. The system includes a base unit having a water reservoir, a control system for heating liquid from the reservoir, a cartridge arm having a water injector and a cartridge holder, a pump and tubing system connecting the water reservoir to the cartridge holder and used to move water, the control system housed within the base unit and coupled to the heating element and pump to control temperature and movement of the liquid from the reservoir to the cartridge holder, and a container base positioned in an area adjacent the base unit and below the cartridge holder. The cartridge holder is adapted to receive interchangeable cartridges depending on the type and size of beverage desired. The beverage system is capable of using a beverage pod to dispense an individual cup of coffee or the like, and it is also capable of brewing larger volumes of coffee using freshly ground coffee beans.

Abstract: An air fryer system is disclosed which comprises a base having a heating source and an air source located therein, both sources being supplied power for operation by an AC power cord. A cooking chamber is defined within the base and a cooking drawer fits securely within the cooking chamber to substantially seal the chamber against heat loss during use. A handled food basket which detachably secures to the cooking drawer is configured to facilitate even distribution of heated air within the cooking chamber. A digital, touch screen user interface attached to a surface of the base is electronically coupled to a controller for powering on the fryer system and setting cooking conditions. The preferred system also includes infrared heating, time and temperature controls, and an automatic safety shutoff mechanism.