Abstract: A blender control apparatus and method includes monitoring the operation of a blender motor as a measure of monitoring the quality and results of blending. The method includes a two-step query to the user to determine both a predetermined blender cycle and the number of portions to be blended.

Abstract: A blender control apparatus and method includes monitoring the operation of a blender motor as a measure of monitoring the quality and results of blending. By connecting a feedback sensor to the motor, it is possible to determine whether a blend process is complete. It is also possible to identify when cavitation is occurring or about to occur. In another aspect, the blender controls are directed to an improved method for portion blending. The method includes a two-step query to the user to determine both a predetermined blender cycle and the number of portions to be blended.

Abstract: A blender control apparatus and method includes monitoring the operation of a blender motor as a measure of monitoring the quality and results of blending. By connecting a feedback sensor to the motor, it is possible to determine whether a blend process is complete. It is also possible to identify when cavitation is occurring or about to occur. In another aspect, the blender controls are directed to an improved method for portion blending. The method includes a two-step query to the user to determine both a predetermined blender cycle and the number of portions to be blended.

Abstract: A blender control apparatus and method includes monitoring the operation of a blender motor as a measure of monitoring the quality and results of blending. By connecting a feedback sensor to the motor, it is possible to determine whether a blend process is complete. It is also possible to identify when cavitation is occurring or about to occur. In another aspect, the blender controls are directed to an improved method for portion blending. The method includes a two-step query to the user to determine both a predetermined blender cycle and the number of portions to be blended.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus, system and method relate to a shaft-actuated spindle mixer where the spindle mixer includes a motor and at least one motor switch enclosed in a mixer housing. A spindle shaft extends from the housing and is mechanically connected to the motor. The motor is mounted to a moveable mixer component such that the spindle shaft can be displaced to thereby causing the associated movement of the enclosed motor and moveable mixer component to which the motor is mounted. Movement of the movable mixer component actuates a switch. Actuating the switch causes the selective activation of the mixer motor. Activating the mixer motor rotates the spindle shaft. The disclosed apparatus and method provide for the optional one-handed operation of a spindle mixer, eliminate the need for a user or a cup to directly contact a switch to engage the spindle mixer, and further provides for the sanitary operation of a spindle mixer.

Abstract: A blender jar defines a geometry to impart vertical movement to material being processed in the blender jar, and, alternatively or in combination, improves the horizontal movement to the blended material. By configuring one or more agitators on the floor of a jar, laminar flow or symmetric flow of material around the jar is disrupted. The material is forced in an upward direction in the jar and, therefore, into more frequent contact with the cutter blades rotating in the jar. A dispensing blender jar includes a hole in the jar wall that leads to a dispensing spout. The hole is positioned, at least in part, on the leading edge of a vertical bump in the sidewall of the jar.

Abstract: A blender jar defines a geometry to impart vertical movement to material being processed in the blender jar, and, alternatively or in combination, improves the horizontal movement to the blended material. By configuring one or more agitators on the floor of a jar, laminar flow or symmetric flow of material around the jar is disrupted. The material is forced in an upward direction in the jar and, therefore, into more frequent contact with the cutter blades rotating in the jar.

Abstract: An ice shaver/blender control apparatus and method includes monitoring the operation of a blender motor as a measure of monitoring the quality and results of blending. By connecting a feedback sensor to the motor, it is possible to determine whether a blend process is complete. It is also possible to identify when cavitation is occurring or about to occur. In another aspect, the blender controls are directed to an improved method for portion blending. The method includes a two-step query to the user to determine both a predetermined portion size and the number of portions to be blended.

Abstract: A blender with an air intake snorkel where the snorkel extends away from a motor housing provided by the blender is provided. The snorkel includes an air intake opening, an outlet opening, and a conduit fluidly connecting the intake and outlet openings. In one preferred embodiment, the snorkel includes a cap connected to the snorkel wherein the cap partially obstructs access to the intake opening in order to prevent contamination of the conduit. The outlet opening fluidly communicates with an inlet aperture provided by the motor housing. In use, an electric motor contained by the housing actuates a fan. The fan pulls air through the intake opening, conduit, and outlet opening. The air enters the housing via the inlet aperture where it acts to cool the electric motor. In one preferred embodiment, the appliance is a blender and the motor housing comprises a blender base that is installed on a countertop or in-counter (i.e., a portion of the blender extends into or through the plane defined by a countertop).

Abstract: A dispensing blender for blending foodstuff and dispensing foodstuff therefrom. The dispensing blender includes a base enclosing a motor, a jar removably mountable to the base, a collar removably mountable between the base and the jar and a dispensing spout mounted to the collar. At least a portion of the dispensing spout is movable to an open position wherein foodstuff within the jar is able to flow from the jar, through the collar and out of the dispensing spout and a closed position wherein the foodstuff is blocked from flowing out of the dispensing spout.

Abstract: A blender jar defines a geometry to impart vertical movement to material being processed in the blender jar, and, alternatively or in combination, improves the horizontal movement to the blended material. By configuring one or more agitators on the floor of a jar, laminar flow or symmetric flow of material around the jar is disrupted. The material is forced in an upward direction in the jar and, therefore, into more frequent contact with the cutter blades rotating in the jar.

Abstract: A blender jar defines a geometry to impart vertical movement to material being processed in the blender jar, and, alternatively or in combination, improves the horizontal movement to the blended material. By configuring one or more agitators on the floor of a jar, laminar flow or symmetric flow of material around the jar is disrupted. The material is forced in an upward direction in the jar and, therefore, into more frequent contact with the cutter blades rotating in the jar.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Musa plant named ‘MeKong Giant’, that is characterized by its large green leaves with red coloration on the lower surface of the young leaves, its very fast growth habit and large stature, its good cold hardiness, its thick trunks that are streaked with dark pink to dark maroon with age, and its large underground rhizomes with new growth that returns quickly from winter dormancy.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Canna plant named ‘Maui Punch’, that is characterized by its medium to large flowers that are bright yellow with numerous bright red spots that are self-cleaning and do not require deadheading, its compact plant habit, its branched flower spikes, resulting in numerous flowers per spike, and light green foliage, and its bloom from spring until frost.