Abstract: Food processing apparatus and methods for processing food are disclosed. The apparatus may include stored sequences for operating a processing tool. The stored sequences may address various challenging aspects of blending solid foods and/or ice. In some embodiments, particular sequences are implemented with specific processing tools.

Abstract: Food processing apparatus and methods for processing food are disclosed. The apparatus may include stored sequences for operating a processing tool. The stored sequences may address various challenging aspects of blending solid foods and/or ice. In some embodiments, particular sequences are implemented with specific processing tools.

Abstract: A selectively attachable attachment device for a steam appliance is capable of delivering a mixture of steam and a cleaning additive for cleaning surfaces. The attachment device includes a member that can be coupled to a steam source, and a housing configured to receive the member. The member and the housing include complementary tabs and detent(s) such that an adjustable spacing may be maintained between the steam nozzle and the additive nozzle. The adjustable spacing permits control of the rate at which cleaning additive is added to the steam.

Abstract: A food processor is provided which includes a container, a blade assembly, and a base arranged such that the container is coupleable to the base. The base includes a housing and a motor configured to drive the blade assembly. The food processor further includes an actuator included with the container moveable between a first position and a second, extended position. When the container is coupled to the base and the actuator is in the second, extended position, the actuator is configured to actuate a switch to permit activation of the motor, and the base is constructed such that the container can be coupled to the base when the actuator is in the second, extended position.

Abstract: A fabric steam towel for mounting onto a steam frame of a steam appliance is provided. The pocket includes two complimentary substantially planar layers of fabric joined at their peripheral edge with an open section for mounting onto the steam frame and allowing the open edges to butt against each other. The fabrics are constructed of an outer terry layer and inner material with an upper jersey layer, padding and a lower mesh layer with a 45 degree quilting pattern to improve performance. The fabric is sealed about the frame a first length of a fastener is secured to the inside face along the open edge of one layer with a complimentary length of fastener secured to the inside face of the second layer and extending beyond the edge to allow the open edges of each layer to abut each other and for the fasteners to engage and secure the fabric pocket about the edge of the frame.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention disclosed herein include steam appliances and methods which apply steam and a liquid containing a cleaning agent to the floor via separate outlets. In some embodiments, the liquid containing a cleaning agent is applied to an area of the floor that is physically separated from a steam application area. The steam may be applied to the floor through a steam-permeable fabric. The liquid containing a cleaning agent may be heated before being applied to the floor or being mixed with steam.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to blender where movement of a blender jar assembly is used as part of activating the motor. In some embodiments, the blender jar assembly is held by a blender base without requiring toggling or activation of a switch or switches associated with blender operation. To then toggle the switch or switches, the blender jar assembly may be pushed downwardly, or a different suitable force may be applied, to operate the blender. In this manner, a blender may be pulsed while engagement members such as tabs are retained by slots in the blender base.

Abstract: A food processor includes at least two different types of blades to process foods. A processing assembly includes a shaft, a set of pureeing blades attached to the shaft, and a set of substantially horizontal blades attached to the shaft. Each substantially horizontal blade may have a rearwardly curved leading cutting edge. The substantially horizontal blades are positioned higher with a food processing container than the pureeing blades. In some embodiments, upwardly angled blades may be included to induce vertical circulation and/or vorticial flow of the processed food.