Abstract: Food processing apparatuses having a drive unit which has more than one mode of operation, works with more than one food processing container, and/or may be operated in more than orientation are disclosed. The drive unit may be operated in first and second modes of operation. In some embodiments, the drive unit may be actuated in a different manner in the second mode of operation as compared to the first mode of operation. In some embodiments, the orientation of the drive unit in the second mode of operation is vertically flipped upside-down as compared to the orientation of the drive unit in the first mode of operation.

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 food processor is provided which includes a container, a blade assembly, a lid configured to cover the top of the container, and a handle attached to the lid. The handle may be movable between at least a first position and a second position with respect to the lid, where when the handle is in the first position, the lid is capable of being coupled to the container, and when the handle is in the second position, the lid is locked to the container. When the handle is in the first position, the motor may be prevented from being activated, and when the handle is in the second position activation of the motor may be permitted. A release button on the lid may be configured to move the handle out of the second position.

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 blender system includes a container having a rotatable blade assembly therein, a lid covering an open end of the container, and a base with a motorized unit. When the container is coupled with the base, the motorized unit is adapted to drive rotation of the rotatable blade assembly. The lid includes a hinged actuator lever adapted to actuate the motorized unit. A detent extends from the hinged actuator lever and passes through a series of apertures and presses against a slidable actuator shaft disposed in the container and maintained in its position by a spring force, thereby depressing a switch for the motorized unit. A rotatable blade system includes cutting blade(s) and crushing blade(s). The crushing blade extends longitudinally outwardly from a hub. When the hub rotates in a first direction or second direction opposite the first direction, a face of the crushing blade is leading or trailing, respectively.

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 food processor is provided which includes a container, a blade assembly, a lid configured to cover the top of the container, and a handle attached to the lid. The handle may be movable between at least a first position and a second position with respect to the lid, where when the handle is in the first position, the lid is capable of being coupled to the container, and when the handle is in the second position, the lid is locked to the container. When the handle is in the first position, the motor may be prevented from being activated, and when the handle is in the second position activation of the motor may be permitted. A release button on the lid may be configured to move the handle out of the second position.