Abstract: A soya milk processing apparatus includes a container and a grinding element that fits to a top of the container. An electric motor 18 having a drive coupling is supported above the grinding element so that the drive coupling of the grinding element can be engaged as required. The motor is supported on a bracket that allows the motor and its drive coupling to move downwards and upwards so that the container and the grinding element can be removed when a processing cycle has been completed.

Abstract: A dual appliance for steam treating garments having a central reservoir and an electrical water pump to supply water to a steamer or a steam iron. Separate braided flexible cables supply water and power to the steamer and to the steam iron, to which the respective cables are respectively permanently connected. Plugs are provided at the ends of the cables for connection to a socket.

Abstract: A lid for a pressure cooker has two radially slidable jaws with upstanding lips, respectively. A locking plate can slide transversely outwards from the position shown so that the lips ride along limbs of apertures and are thereafter held, to prevent radial movement, by the plate. The plate is held in its transverse outward position by a plunger (not shown) of a locking valve that is engaged in an aperture in the plate. The plunger is released to fall from an uplifted locking position when pressure in the cooker falls below a predetermined level and to enable the plunger to become slidable along the aperture. This allows the plate to move and unlock the jaws so that the lid can be removed.

Abstract: An electric heating element having a central conductor and an outer metallic sheath is welded to a base of vessel to provide a heating container, for hot water in a domestic appliance for example. In order to carry out the welding, the vessel is heated up by an induction heater to a certain temperature and the temperature of the actual contacting welding surfaces raised above the certain temperature to a fusing temperature by applying and controlling electric power supplied to the conductor while the heating element is held firmly in position against the base.

Abstract: A vacuum coffee maker has a starved electric heating arrangement having a solid body providing a reservoir. The chamber is covered by a circular lid that prevents flow of steam directly vertically up a tube from the chamber. At the end of a normal heating cycle, the temperature of the body rises rapidly and power supplied to a heating element is automatically turned off under the control of a thermostat. The heating arrangement is used without alteration (e.g. to the setting of the thermostat) to keep-warm hot coffee in a lower container after the end of the normal heating coffee-making cycle. The effect of having the lid is that during a keep-warm function, the reservoir is generally starved of liquid because any liquid entering the reservoir is immediately evaporated and this restricts flow of more liquid into the reservoir and hence starves the reservoir.

Abstract: A single loaf breadmaker has a container sealingly mounted to the top of a housing and an electric heating element is mounted to an outside surface. A paddle is mounted at the bottom of the container and driven in use by an electric motor . Because the container is sealed in place in the housing and because the heating of the container is direct, no foodstuff can enter the housing and much less heat is wasted. Means are described for lifting the paddle at the end of backing to aid removal of each cooked bread loaf.

Abstract: An expresso coffee maker includes a steam outlet valve for supplying steam to froth milk for making cappuccino coffee. A valve member automatically closes off a tube when a water level in a water compartment falls below a low level. This closing off completes each expresso making cycle and ensures that sufficient water is retained, and sealed off, inside the compartment to sustain a supply of steam for frothing the milk.

Abstract: A popcorn maker has a flap 17 which closes off a passageway 13 to prevent corn, especially unpopped corn, reaching a discharge outlet 14. The flap is balanced in its closed position and is pushed open by any build up of popped corn to allow the corn to be discharged. The flap will then remain open until closed manually.

Abstract: An automatic breadmaking appliance has an outer housing containing a baking chamber for receiving a mold in which the bread ingredients are mixed, kneaded and baked. A heating element located in the baking chamber supplies heat as necessary throughout the breadmaking process and an improved ventilating system is selectively operable under control of the appliance process controller to circulate cooling air through the baking chamber and to recirculate heated air from the upper region of the baking chamber to the lower regions thereof to accelerate heating and conserve energy. The ventilating system also effectively cools the housing and prevents condensation from forming thereon. Temperature sensing means located outside the baking chamber senses the temperature of the contents of the mold in the baking chamber. An improved viewing window, window cover, and light facilitate visual inspection of the bread being baked.

Abstract: A steam cooker having a high capacity heating element in the bottom wall of the cooker reservoir employs a body of heat conducting metal to define a shallow boiler for transferring heat to water in the reservoir from a metal sheathed electric resistant heating element extending in a generally circular groove in the bottom of the metal body with the terminal end portions of the heating element extending in generally radially overlapping relation. An annular recess formed in the top surface of the metal body has a first portion of uniform depth defined by a first substantially planar bottom wall portion and a second portion of varying depth defined by a second substantially planar bottom wall portion overlaying the overlapped end portions of the heating element and inclined with respect to the first wall portion whereby water in the water reservoir will have a greater depth above the first bottom wall portion than above the second bottom wall portion.

Abstract: A food processor has a base unit, a removable bowl attached to the base unit and a removable lid on the bowl. The base unit houses an electric motor for driving processing tools in the bowl. The lid and bowl have interengaging formations which attach the lid to the bowl when the lid is on the bowl in a fixed angular relationship thereto. A switch mechanism for energizing the motor comprises two electrical switches in the base unit, a switch actuator slidable in an actuator housing on the bowl against the urging force of a spring and a switch button slidable in a switch button housing on the lid of the bowl also against the urging force of another spring. When the lid is attached to the bowl the switch can be operated by manually depressing the switch button which in turn depresses the switch actuator. The switch button can be held down manually to operate the processor in a short burst.