A dumbwaiter is a small
freight elevator or lift intended to carry objects rather than people.
Dumbwaiters found within modern structures, including both commercial, public
and private buildings, are often connected between multiple floors. When
installed in restaurants, schools, kindergartens, hospitals, retirement homes
or in private homes, the lifts generally terminate in a kitchen.
The term seems to have been
popularized in the United States in the 1840s, after the model of earlier
"dumbwaiters" now known as serving trays and lazy Susans. The
mechanical dumbwaiter was invented by George W. Cannon, a New York City
inventor. Cannon first filed for the patent of a brake system (US Patent no.
260776) that could be used for a dumbwaiter on January 6, 1883. Cannon later
filed for the patent on the mechanical dumbwaiter (US Patent No. 361268) on
February 17, 1887.Cannon reportedly generated a vast amount of royalties from
the dumbwaiter patents until his death in 1897.
A simple dumbwaiter is a movable
frame in a shaft, dropped by a rope on a pulley, guided by rails; most
dumbwaiters have a shaft, cart, and capacity smaller than those of passenger
elevators, usually 45 to 450 kg (100 to 1000 lbs.) Before electric
motors were added in the 1920s, dumbwaiters were controlled manually by ropes
on pulleys.
Early 20th-century codes
sometimes required fireproof dumbwaiter walls and self-closing fireproof doors
and mention features such as buttons to control movement between floors and
locks on doors preventing them from opening unless the cart is stopped at that
floor. Dumbwaiter Lifts in London were extremely popular in the houses of the
rich and privileged. Maids would use them to deliver laundry to the laundry
room from different rooms in the house. They negated the need to carry handfuls
of dirty washing through the house, saving time and preventing injury.
A legal complaint about a
Manhattan restaurant's dumbwaiter in 1915, which also mentions that food orders
are shouted up and down the shaft, describes its operation and limitations as
follows:
[There is] ... great play between
the cart of the dumb-waiter and the guides on which it runs, with the result
that the running of the cart is accompanied by a loud noise. The rope which
operates the cart of the dumb-waiter runs in a wheel with a very shallow
groove, so that the rope is liable to and does at times slip off. ... The cart
has no shock absorbers at the top, so that when it strikes the top of the shaft
or wheel there is a loud report. ... [T]he ropes of the dumb-waiter strike such
wall at frequent intervals with a loud report. ... [T]he dumb-waiter is often
negligently operated, by running it faster than necessary, and by letting it go
down with a sudden fall.
More recent dumbwaiters can be
more sophisticated, using electric motors, automatic control systems, and
custom freight containers of other kinds of elevators. Recently constructed
book lifts in libraries and mail or other freight transports in office towers
may be larger than many dumbwaiters in public restaurants and private homes,
supporting loads as heavy as 450 kg (990lbs)
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Kitchen ceiling feng shui precautions
In the kitchen ceiling design, Feng Shui principles should be carefully considered. One of the key points is to avoid having beams directly above the cooking area, as this can create a feeling of pressure and discomfort. If the ceiling is too low, it's better not to install a false ceiling, as it might make the space feel cramped and uninviting.
**Feng Shui Tips for Kitchen Ceilings**
In the Five Elements theory, the kitchen is associated with fire. A round-shaped ceiling may not be ideal, as it could conflict with the fire element. Instead, a rectangular or square ceiling is recommended, as it aligns well with the wood element, which in turn supports the fire energy. Since kitchens are usually smaller spaces, a narrow or elongated ceiling design can help prevent the feeling of being "trapped" inside.
The ceiling color should reflect the sky—light and airy. For example, light blue represents the sky, while white symbolizes clouds. Choosing light-colored ceilings not only enhances the visual space but also promotes a sense of openness and positivity. It’s also beneficial to consider the birth element of the household head when selecting colors, as this can further enhance their fortune.
Another important aspect of kitchen Feng Shui is the placement of the refrigerator and rice cooker. These appliances should always be well-stocked, as they represent abundance and stability. Keeping them filled symbolizes a life free from worries and financial stress. Additionally, the kitchen floor should not be higher than the living room or bedroom, as this can lead to negative energy flow and disrupt the balance between different areas of the home.
**Feng Shui in Kitchen Ceiling Decoration**
As the "top" of the house, the kitchen ceiling requires high-quality materials that support good energy flow. Poor choices, such as gypsum, plastic, or wooden ceilings, can negatively affect the family’s prosperity, leading to issues like talent loss or health problems. The ceiling should allow for proper ventilation, easy cleaning, and future replacement. It’s also advisable to include integrated lighting and electrical fixtures for optimal functionality.
Kitchens are prone to grease and odors, so choosing the right materials is essential. Common options include waterproof coatings, PVC sheets, and aluminum-plastic panels. While waterproof coatings are cost-effective and easy to apply, they may fade or peel over time. On the other hand, aluminum alloy ceilings have become increasingly popular due to their durability, non-fading colors, and eco-friendly properties. They are an excellent choice for maintaining both aesthetic appeal and positive energy in the kitchen.