Abstract: A food processing appliance for multiple purposes having one or more driven blades. A motorized, electrically powered reciprocating blade food preparation appliance that performs similar tasks as a mandoline slicer and, optionally, has a rotational blade that is mounted and driven in a novel manner to conserve space and make efficient use of a motor.

Abstract: A motor-driven reciprocating blade (32) for cutting food products in one instance, and a circumferentially-driven rotating disc blade (100) for cutting food products in another instance may be contained in a single appliance together or, in another embodiment, separately.

Abstract: A handle retention mechanism for a generally u-shaped handle (18) attached to a vessel (10) is formed by a hinge pin (42) connected to each of the handle ends, wherein each pin (42) is received in a bracket (34) mounted to the vessel (10) in a manner that allows each pin (34) to be retained in a first position in the bracket permitting rotation, and a second position in the bracket (34) prohibiting rotation, wherein a spring (54) biases the handle (18) into the second position and is designed for one-handed actuation to the first position for rotation.

Abstract: There is provided a coffee maker having a housing with a lid and a base, a control panel for operating the coffee maker, a coffee dispenser, an actuator for dispensing the coffee into a cup or container and a removable drip tray to catch any spilling of the coffee. Within the coffee maker is a fresh water reservoir to hold water to be heated, a heater to heat the water, a filter basket to hold the coffee grinds to be brewed, a water spreader to distribute the heated water into the filter basket, and a brewed coffee reservoir to hold the brewed coffee that drips from the filter basket. A secondary heater can be located within the brewed coffee reservoir to keep the brewed coffee warm. The coffee maker features a mechanical coffee level indicator. The indicator consists of a pivoted arm, a float and an indication gauge. The gauge is located on the front panel of the coffee maker and indicates how much coffee remains in the coffee holding reservoir.

Abstract: A frozen food appliance for making and dispensing frozen food products comprising a base, a removable container adapted to be chilled in a conventional freezer and then replaced into the base, a dispensing nozzle and associated control lever, an automatic scraper, auger and paddle for delivering frozen food product from the container and out of the dispensing spout, and a toppings dispenser for automatically delivering toppings to the frozen food product while or after the frozen food product is being dispensed.

Abstract: A grind and brew coffee making apparatus for providing freshly brewed coffee and having a number of features for easy cleaning, more efficient maintenance and improved safety. The coffee making apparatus has a housing assembly with an upper separable top cover, a grinding assembly with a removable grinding chamber and separable grinding chamber cover, a brewing assembly with a removable brew basket and separable brew basket cover, a control assembly with a safety lock mechanism and a control panel for providing a user with control over the various operations of the coffee making apparatus.

Abstract: A device for dispensing having a vessel having a cover at a first end and having a second end is provided. A longitudinal separator is positioned in the vessel that has an annular channel extending therethrough. The device provides for a first dial rotatably connected to the second end and having a central recess, a central hole and an first eccentric hole, a second dial received in the recess and having a second central hole in registration with the first hole, and a second eccentric hole capable of being in registration with the first eccentric hole. The device has a rotatable shaft extending through the cover, the channel, the first central hole and fixable in the second central hole for selectively providing registration between the first eccentric hole and the second eccentric hole. The dispenser is usable in a variety of appliances such as ice cream makers or coffee-related device.