Abstract: A consumable item dispenser and method may include an ingredient storage unit configured to store a consumable ingredient used to produce consumable items by the dispenser. A sensor may be configured to sense an amount of consumable ingredient remaining to be dispensed. An input/output unit may be configured to communicate data over a communications network. A processing unit may be in communication with the sensor, and be configured to authenticate an electronic device associated with an operator and register the electronic device associated with the operator. A determination as to whether an amount of the ingredient in the ingredient storage unit is at or below a threshold level. The processing unit may generate a notification indicative that the ingredient is at or below a threshold level, and communicate the notification to the operator in response to being generated.

Abstract: A consumable item dispenser and method may include an ingredient storage unit configured to store a consumable ingredient used to produce consumable items by the dispenser. A sensor may be configured to sense an amount of consumable ingredient remaining to be dispensed. An input/output unit may be configured to communicate data over a communications network. A processing unit may be in communication with the sensor, and be configured to authenticate an electronic device associated with an operator and register the electronic device associated with the operator. A determination as to whether an amount of the ingredient in the ingredient storage unit is at or below a threshold level. The processing unit may generate a notification indicative that the ingredient is at or below a threshold level, and communicate the notification to the operator in response to being generated.

Abstract: A consumable item dispenser and method may include an ingredient storage unit configured to store a consumable ingredient used to produce consumable items by the dispenser. A sensor may be configured to sense an amount of consumable ingredient remaining to be dispensed. An input/output unit may be configured to communicate data over a communications network. A processing unit may be in communication with the sensor, and be configured to authenticate an electronic device associated with an operator and register the electronic device associated with the operator. A determination as to whether an amount of the ingredient in the ingredient storage unit is at or below a threshold level. The processing unit may generate a notification indicative that the ingredient is at or below a threshold level, and communicate the notification to the operator in response to being generated.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein that include providing a beverage dispensing machine with a cleaning system comprising a first water branch and a second water branch connected in fluid communication with a three-way valve, a cleaning supply connected in fluid communication with the second water branch via a pump, and a nozzle. The three-way valve may be operated in a “dispensing mode” to provide a flow of at least one of water and carbonated water through the first water branch and a flowpath of the three-way valve to the nozzle, and operated in a “cleaning mode” to provide a flow of a cleaner, and optionally a flow of at least one of water and carbonated water, through the second water branch and a secondary flowpath of the three-way valve to the nozzle to clean the nozzle and/or a drain of the beverage dispensing machine.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein that include providing a beverage dispensing machine with a cleaning system comprising a first water branch and a second water branch connected in fluid communication with a three-way valve, a cleaning supply connected in fluid communication with the second water branch via a pump, and a nozzle. The three-way valve may be operated in a “dispensing mode” to provide a flow of at least one of water and carbonated water through the first water branch and a flowpath of the three-way valve to the nozzle, and operated in a “cleaning mode” to provide a flow of a cleaner, and optionally a flow of at least one of water and carbonated water, through the second water branch and a secondary flowpath of the three-way valve to the nozzle to clean the nozzle and/or a drain of the beverage dispensing machine.

Abstract: A flip-assisted frying pan that aids a user while flipping food while cooking with the pan. The present invention evenly heats food while resting on a heated stove top. The present invention effectively directs the path of food being flipped or tossed back onto the pan. In order to contain food within the pan while flipping food with the present invention, the present invention comprises at least one handle, a body, a guiding lip, and a rim.

Abstract: A consumable item dispenser and method may include an ingredient storage unit configured to store a consumable ingredient used to produce consumable items by the dispenser. A sensor may be configured to sense an amount of consumable ingredient remaining to be dispensed. An input/output unit may be configured to communicate data over a communications network. A processing unit may be in communication with the sensor, and be configured to authenticate an electronic device associated with an operator and register the electronic device associated with the operator. A determination as to whether an amount of the ingredient in the ingredient storage unit is at or below a threshold level. The processing unit may generate a notification indicative that the ingredient is at or below a threshold level, and communicate the notification to the operator in response to being generated.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein that include providing a beverage dispensing machine with a cleaning system comprising a first water branch and a second water branch connected in fluid communication with a three-way valve, a cleaning supply connected in fluid communication with the second water branch via a pump, and a nozzle. The three-way valve may be operated in a “dispensing mode” to provide a flow of at least one of water and carbonated water through the first water branch and a flowpath of the three-way valve to the nozzle, and operated in a “cleaning mode” to provide a flow of a cleaner, and optionally a flow of at least one of water and carbonated water, through the second water branch and a secondary flowpath of the three-way valve to the nozzle to clean the nozzle and/or a drain of the beverage dispensing machine.

Abstract: A ventilated hardhat for helping keep the head of a wearer cool and ventilated. The ventilated hardhat includes a hardhat with an interior cavity and a bottom opening into the interior cavity for receiving a head of a user therein. The hardhat has a plurality of vent holes therethrough. A fan is mounted to the hardhat in the interior cavity. A motor is also mounted to the hardhat in the interior cavity for rotating the fan to draw air through the vent holes into the interior cavity.

Abstract: An oven door includes a bottom trim frame having each end connected to a bottom end of a leg of a U-shaped door trim frame, which has a top portion connected to the legs at their upper ends. A rectangular shaped pane of glass has its bottom edge supported in a channel in the bottom trim frame and its upper edge supported in a channel in a vent or upper trim frame, which is connected to the top portion of the U-shaped door trim frame. The channels also retain the pane of glass against horizontal movement. The side edges of the pane of glass are exposed for a decorative look. A pair of door end caps, which are supported on the legs of the U-shaped door trim frame and formed of a heat insulating material, also aid in preventing horizontal motion of the pane of glass.

Abstract: An appliance backsplash assembly includes an appliance housing with a top member. A control housing assembly includes a rear wall and a pair of end caps mounted adjacent the rear portion of the top member. The control housing also includes a control panel assembly with a mounting plate and a cover. The mounting plate has tabs spaced across its bottom edge with slots therein. The cover includes tabs spaced apart across its bottom edge and received in the slots in the mounting plate tabs. The mounting plate tabs are received slots in the rear portion of the top member so that the mounting plate can be pivoted to a position exposing one of its faces. Controls are mounted to the mounting plate through that face to be removable when that face is exposed.

Abstract: A lid switch assembly including a lid switch configured to be substantially located within a coin box of a coin operated appliance is described. In one embodiment, the lid switch assembly is configured for use in connection with a coin operated washing machine including a lid rotatably mounted to a washer cover and a coin box mounted to the washer cover adjacent the lid. The lid switch assembly includes a hinge rod secured to the lid and rotatable with the lid. The hinge rod includes an actuating arm configured to be substantially located within the coin box. The lid switch assembly also includes a switch configured to be mounted within the coin box. The switch is electrically connected in series with a power source and the washing machine motor. As the washing machine lid is opened, the hinge rod actuating arm rotates so that the switch actuator moves.

Abstract: A top assembly for an appliance, such as a top loading clothes washer, includes a top support member. A top panel is attached to and positioned over the support member. The top panel terminates forward of the rear of the support member and includes a rear portion extending side to side of the support member. A control housing includes an assembly of a rear wall and end caps. The end caps are mounted on the support member and extend rearward of the rear portion of the top panel and the rear wall extends across the rear of the support member. The control housing also includes a control panel assembly mounted on the rear portion of the top panel and attached to the rear wall and end cap assembly.