My son and DIL also purchased one and love it!! (She is expecting) and they report the same slight glitches that you do. I have been over there and notice it always smells and looks perfectly clean! Their brand has the word "maid" in it but can't remeber exactly - it combs the litter into a sealed container and works on an electric eye so as never to work if a kitty is in the box!! It sounded a little pricey, but I would LOVE to have one!!