Abstract: A blender for home food preparation is improved by the incorporation of electronic motor control circuitry responsive to a microcontroller. The microcontroller includes memory for storage of data and programmed instructions. The programmed instructions permit a user to select from a plurality of blending speeds and define a pre-determined end time. Use of a pre-determined end time produces a two-speed blending cycle. The programmed instructions determine the length and energy level associated with each portion of the two-speed blending cycle. A user can stop the blending cycle at any time, with or without a pre-determined end time. Safety features include a pre-determined maximum motor run time, top jar load detector and auto shut down after a period of inactivity. The pre-determined end time from a previous blending cycle is stored in memory, allowing the microcontroller to reproduce the duration of the previous blending cycle.

Abstract: A food processor incorporates an electronic motor control and display. Times relevant to the operation of the food processor are displayed for reference by the user. A user can select a food processing cycle duration, in which case the display is operated in a count-down mode. If no duration is selected, the display is operated in a count-up mode. Measured motor speed is used by a microprocessor based motor control circuit to regulate power delivered to the drive motor. A programmed auto pulse function delivers power to the drive motor in an on off pattern, freeing the user's hands. A safety switch is arranged to sense the presence or absence of the food pusher in the chute. Operation of the food processor drive motor is paused until the food pusher is replaced in the chute. The food processor is provided with a high-speed function.