An improved fluid level sensor includes a radially magnetized magnet integrated into a float, and a Hall sensor adapted to monitor the magnet field emitted from the magnet. This arrangement provides a continuously variable signal across a range of travel, such that a controller receiving the signal can produce precise fluid level measurements and detect operational states of an associated device based on fluid behavior. In addition, the present fluid level sensor is suitable for use in harsh service environments, both because it is physically resilient to fouling, and because the controller is capable of detecting fouling by sensor behavior. In the context of a steam cooker, the present fluid level sensor can also sense low-water, overfill and fouling conditions, while remaining relatively insensitive to food residue, water scale buildup, corrosion and foaming.

An electric kettle may include a body made of a metal material, formed by an outer body and an inner body having a cylindrical shape with an open upper surface and an open lower surface, a heat insulation space being formed between the outer body and the inner body, a heating module configured to form a bottom of a space in which fluid, such as water may be contained inside of the body and heat the fluid, a mounting port that passes through the outer body and the inner body, a window made of a transparent material and mounted on the mounting port to allow an inside of the body to be viewed therethrough, and a gasket disposed along a circumference of the window to seal a gap between the inner body and the window. The window may be doubly sealed in contact with the outer body and the gasket.

A kit and related method for preparing an alcoholic spirit for subsequent consumption generally comprises: a blending container in which the alcoholic spirit is to be mixed, and a predetermined amount of ethanol less than the volume of the blending container received therein and having a relatively high alcohol percentage generally not suited for consumption. This leaves a portion of the volume of the blending container to receive a prescribed amount of water such that the alcoholic spirit can be formed in the blending container, by mixing of the ethanol and the water, with an alcohol percentage which is less than the alcohol percentage of the ethanol.

A system and method for storing, preserving and cooking meals using the sous-vide technique. The system and method of the present invention is designed to automatically cook, upon request a meal having various ingredients by immersing bagged food in temperature-controlled liquid. The cooking time may be manually or automatically programmed from downloaded cooking direction associated with the food. The cooking request may be given by a user from the physical apparatus or using a mobile device application.

A sous vide assembly for use in a microwave oven includes an outer tank and an inner tank positioned inside the outer tank to define a heating gap therebetween. The inner tank and the outer tank are filled with water and are in fluid communication with each other through one or more apertures. One or more vertical dividers are positioned within the inner tank and extend along the vertical direction to define a plurality of food chambers and a cover is mounted over the one or more vertical dividers and is movable between an open position and a closed position to provide selective access to the plurality of food chambers and keep food submerged during the sous vide cooking process.

A barbecue smoker device for cooking food includes a container, a heat source disposed in the container, and a fuel chute coupled to the container. The fuel chute includes a door panel, a hinge mechanism, and a back panel coupled to the door panel. The fuel chute is rotatable between an open position and a closed position. In the open position the fuel chute receives a supply of fuel, and in the closed position the fuel chute directs the supply of fuel to a fuel basket.

A beverage maker device is disclosed. In embodiments, the device includes an external housing and a water tank coupled to a water supply via an inlet. The beverage maker includes a manifold within the housing, the manifold controlling the dispensing of the water into a server or through a faucet via solenoid valves. Within the inlet body connecting the tank to the water supply are plumbed two pressure transducers on either side (e.g., tank-side and coupling-side) of a restriction orifice. The tank-side and coupling-side pressure transducers sense flow pressure on their respective sides of the restriction orifice and generate tank-side and coupling-side flow pressure signals. Within the housing a process control board (PCB) includes control processors and control circuitry in communication with the solenoid valves. The PCB control processors determine a differential pressure associated with the water flow based on the received tank-side and coupling-side pressure signals.

A beverage maker platen overflow sensing system is disclosed. The sensing system includes a process control board (PCB) in communication with solenoid valves of a manifold, the solenoid valves controlling the flow of hot water (e.g., for brewing coffee or tea) into a server positioned in a platen of the beverage maker. The PCB further includes an overflow detection circuit connected to the solenoid valves. Two signal probes are positioned near the forward edge of the platen. Similarly, ground probes are positioned in the platen below the signal probes and providing a ground path to the PCB. The overflow detection circuit generates an electrical signal between the signal probes and detects an overflow state when fluid in the platen grounds the signal between the signal probes and the ground probes. While the overflow persists, the overflow detection circuit ceases the water flow by electrically signaling the solenoid valves to close.

A coffee storage container provides for the removal of coffee without introducing air into the remaining coffee within the container. The container includes a container body defining an internal chamber, a dispenser, and a floating ceiling. The dispenser includes a top side located within the internal chamber that provides a resting surface for coffee stored in the internal chamber. The dispenser dispenses the coffee through a bottom side of the dispenser. The floating ceiling is located within the internal chamber above the dispenser. The floating ceiling rests on the coffee stored in the internal chamber and moves downwards with a top level of remaining coffee in the internal chamber as the coffee is dispensed through the bottom side of the dispenser. The floating ceiling and the top side of the dispenser define a storage space for the coffee that decreases in volume as the coffee is dispensed by the dispenser.

A ruler for mixing the ingredients of a selected beverage is slidably received in a vertical slot formed on the inside wall of a pitcher. The beverage ingredients for mixing are listed on each side of the ruler. The list of ingredients for each beverage is color coded to distinguish one beverage from another. The amount and order for mixing the ingredients in the pitcher are identified by parallel spaced measuring lines extending from the bottom to the top of the ruler. The lowermost measuring line on the ruler identifies the first ingredient added to the pitcher. The remaining ingredients are sequentially added to the pitcher to the level of the measuring line identifying each ingredient. The ingredients for mixing are added to the pitcher without requiring the volume of each ingredient to be separately measured and added. With the mixing ruler being releasably attached to the pitcher a set of mixing rulers for a collection of beverage recipes is available for use in mixing beverages in the pitcher.