Abstract: A temperature sensing assembly for a milk frothing apparatus. The assembly including: a temperature sensor element and a resilient support element that receives and biases the temperature sensor element towards thermal communication with the underside of a vessel; wherein the assembly is located towards the end of a protruding portion that extends from the body of the a milk frothing apparatus; and wherein an upper surface of the temperature sensor assembly is adapted to promote liquid movement into a drip tray reservoir. The apparatus may include: a steam source; an air source coupled to an air injector module for mixing the air and steam; a user interface for receiving input from a user; and wherein the apparatus is configurable by receiving input parameters through the user interface, whereby the parameters includes final milk temperature, and an indication of froth amount.

Abstract: A kitchen appliance for processing content is described. The kitchen appliance comprises a body portion, a removable accessory received by the body portion, the removable accessory being in contact with the content during processing thereof; and at least one sensor incorporated into the removable accessory. The kitchen appliance also comprises a wireless transmitter associated with the removable accessory, the transmitter receiving input from the at least one sensor and transmitting parameters associated with the input; and a controller in the body portion for controlling operation of the kitchen appliance based upon the parameters. The removable accessory is a food processing attachment that rotates with a mixing action.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling one or more switched high power loads (or heating elements). The apparatus including: one or more switched high power loads (or heating elements), each high power load being powered from a common alternating current power source, and wherein each load is independently switched using a switching signal for zero crossing switching to achieve a desired average power output; the switching signal is generated that comprises a repeated switching sequence; the switching sequence indicates a respective selecting activation for each of the switched high power load over a sequence of half or full cycles.

Abstract: A fruit and vegetable juicing device having a feed tube, a juice collector and a grating disc carrying a frusto-conical sieve, the grating disc having a first array of grating teeth, a secondary processing surface with a second array of grating teeth; each tooth having one leading edge and one trailing edge, wherein the juice collector has either an internal helical ramp with an elevated discharge nozzle or a circumferential trough having a lowest point that leads to a discharge nozzle.

Abstract: A tamping augur may be controlled in various ways to obtain a consistent fill height and uniformity in the distribution of coffee grinds in a portafilter.

Abstract: A steam wand assembly for an espresso machine has features for preventing overheating of the tip of the steam wand. In a first aspect there is provided a steam wand device comprising a metallic main body tube, a steam hose that passes through the tube, the steam hose also passing through a flexible spacer that is within the tube. In a further aspect there is provided a steam wand device comprising a main body tube having a metallic primary tube and a metallic tip, the primary tube and the tip being attached to one another by a polymeric steam nozzle, the nozzle having a central bore that extends from an inlet adjacent to a lower end of a steam hose to an exit opening.

Abstract: A user interface for a microwave oven. The user interface including: a power input element for receiving user input to adjust a cooking power setting; a time input element for receiving user input to adjust a cooking time setting; a display element for displaying the cooking power setting and the cooking time setting; and a processor module that receives a first signal from the power input element that is indicative of an adjustment to a cooking power setting and a second signal from the time input element that is indicative of an adjustment to a cooking time setting; the processor being coupled to the display element to cause the display to present the user selected cooking power setting and the user selected cooking time setting; wherein: upon commencing a cooking cycle, user input applied to the power input module caused the user selected cooking power setting to be adjusted.

Abstract: A fruit and vegetable juicing device having a feed tube, a juice collector and a grating disc carrying a frusto-conical sieve, the grating disc having a first array of grating teeth, a secondary processing surface with a second array of grating teeth; each tooth having one leading edge and one trailing edge, wherein the juice collector has either an internal helical ramp with an elevated discharge nozzle or a circumferential trough having a lowest point that leads to a discharge nozzle.

Abstract: There is disclosed a cooking appliance (2010) including: a body (2014) providing a floor (2016), a ceiling (2018) and an intermediate wall (2020) locating between the floor (2016) and ceiling (2018), the floor (2016), ceiling (2018), and wall (2020) at least partly surrounding a cooking cavity (2022), the body (2014) having an opening (2024) via which product to be cooked can be moved relative to the cavity (2022); at least one upper heating element (2030) located in an upper portion (2032) of the cavity (2022) to deliver radiant energy to cook the product; and at least one shield (2034) positioned relative to the element (2030) to shield a portion of the product from the radiant energy.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical interface device for an appliance. The device including: a mounting element having a first side and a second side, the mounting element having a mounting aperture from the first side through to the second side; a first selection element in the form of a hollow sleeve that is partially located through the mounting aperture from the first side of mounting element; and a fastening ring engages the first selection element from the second side of mounting element, such that the first selection element is releasably retained from being withdrawn from the mounting aperture, wherein the first selection element is rotatable with respect to the mounting element. The device may further include a hub element is located within the circular-sleeve of the first selection element that restricts separation of the first selection element from the fastening ring.