Abstract: An induction cooker has a temperature sensor mount that includes a reciprocating sensor holder and a flexible diaphragm.

Abstract: A food cooking appliance such as a waffle maker, pizza maker or toaster uses a combination of sensor inputs and optional user preferences to determine an optimal cooking time.

Abstract: A hand mixer has a detection mechanism for discriminating between beaters and other rotating accessories. The operation of the mixer may be altered depending on the type of accessory that is detected.

Abstract: A jug for use with a frothing apparatus. The jug comprising: a vessel body for holding a liquid to be heated; a handle attached to the vessel body, the handle for holding the jug; a user interface for receiving an operation-related user input; a communication means adapted to communicate data associated with the jug to the frothing apparatus; and a controller for controlling the user interface and the communication means. In an embodiment, The frothing apparatus comprises: a steam heater, a steam nozzle, and a steam path providing fluid communication from the steam heater to the steam nozzle for delivering heating steam to the jug; communication means adapted to receive operating data from a cooperating communication means associated with the jug, the data comprising an operation-related user input; and a controller for controlling operation of the steam heater and the steam path based on the operation-related user input.

Abstract: A sensor assembly for determining a temperature and an orientation of a jug having a bottom surface to rest on the assembly, the sensor assembly comprising: a temperature sensor for producing a temperature signal indicative of the temperature of the bottom surface, the temperature sensor being urged to move in a first direction; a diaphragm, the diaphragm being sealingly engageable with the temperature sensor and a platform supporting the jug, such that the temperature sensor extends through the platform to engage the bottom surface; a retainer, the retainer being connected to the temperature sensor and limiting movement of the temperature sensor in the first direction; and a signal generator for producing a signal when the temperature sensor is moved against the urge to move in the first direction.

Abstract: A cooking appliance includes a body having an interior to receive product to be cooked, the body having an opening via which the product can be moved relative to the interior; a pilot mounted within the body; and a door attached to the body to close the opening. The door includes a first latch mounted to the door and a second latch mounted to the door and independently reciprocable relative to the first latch between a first position and a second position, wherein the second latch is urged to move towards the second position such that, as the door is moved to close the opening, the second latch is received within the body and is deflected towards the first position by the pilot until a portion of the second latch clears the pilot and is urged to move towards the second position to come to rest behind the pilot.

Abstract: The technology relates to drip filter coffee machines and more particularly to the interconnection between a filter basket, its receptacle and the vessel into which it dispenses.

Abstract: An espresso machine has a built-in coffee grinder. A coffee grinding apparatus cooperates with a removable portafilter having a handle, the apparatus including: a cradle for supporting the portafilter; an actuator adjacent to the cradle for co-operating with the portafilter; a downward facing ledge engages a front tab of the portafilter for resisting imbalance of the portafilter when supported by the cradle. Wherein, when the portafilter is supported by the cradle and advanced forward, the front tab of the portafilter further contacts the actuator to operate an electrical switch, thereby causing a signal to be sent to a microprocessor for delivering coffee grinds to the portafilter.

Abstract: A food blending device including: a blending hub; a blending vessel that is removablly engagable to the hub; wherein the hub has a seal adapted to engage in an interior surface of the vessel and a clamping mechanism for engaging an exterior of a rim of the vessel.

Abstract: An induction cooker has a temperature sensor mount that includes a reciprocating sensor holder and a flexible diaphragm.

Abstract: A toaster (103) having a side wall (10) with a reflective surface (16) to reflect radiant heat towards a toasting chamber (13), and an external surface to which there is attached a sensor assembly (12). The sensor assembly (12) provides a source beam to illuminate part of the product and receives a reflected beam that is received by a sensor, with the sensor providing a signal indicative of a property of the reflected beam and therefore a chromatic property of the product.

Abstract: A food processor apparatus. The apparatus may include: a base having a motor; a processing bowl that is releasably couplable to the base; a lid for the processing bowl having a feed tube. A pusher device, having a body and a safety rail that extends from the body, cooperates with the feed tube. A longitudinal slot, is located about the feed tube, and has a pilot opening that is located about the top of the longitudinal slot for receiving the safety rail. A linkage assembly is located about the longitudinal slot. The safety rail engages the linkage assembly when the safety rail is at least partially inserted into the longitudinal slot. A majority of the longitudinal slot, as located below the pilot opening, has a full width of the longitudinal slot directly exposed to an interior of the feed tube.

Abstract: A domestic beverage carbonator for carbonating a liquid in a bottle comprising temperature and pressure sensors that communicate with processor to improve the carbonation process. The device further comprises a CO2 cylinder coupling and a cylinder discharge valve, an exhaust valve, a fill head and a user interface. The user interface further comprises user controls and a graphic display and the fill head has a pressure sensor to sense a pressure in the attached bottle and communicate a pressure signal to the processor and the processor uses the pressure signal to regulate the cylinder valve and the exhaust valve.

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 coffee making device has a body with a drip tray and a removable water tank that supplies water to a heat system of the device. The water tank is internal to the device and removable by a user. The body has a fluid refill opening that leads to the tank. The tank includes an overflow channel or conduit that dispenses into the drip tray.

Abstract: An accessory for a stick mixer comprises a coupling portion with an optional internal gearbox. In one embodiment, a leg assembly further comprises nested inner and outer legs. The inner leg carries a first array of openings and the outer leg carries a second array of openings. The inner and outer legs rotate relative to one another to produce third array of openings having variable sizes.

Abstract: A toaster has a user selectable supplementary toasting cycle that is intended to change the shade of a food after or during a toasting cycle.

Abstract: A lid 12 of a juicer provides several important functions. It prevents juice from escaping, it diverts pulp efficiently toward a collector 13 or chute 150, it cooperates with a locking bar to keep the device safe and closed and it provides a platform for the feed tube. The lid 12 comprises a polymeric cap 52 (for example a polycarbonate) to which is secured a metal, preferably stainless steel feed tube 51. Importantly the combination of clear cap 52 and steel feed tube provides all of the advantages of both, that is, adequate strength in the feed tube and knife and the ability to see under the cap.