Abstract: The invention provides an interlock system whereby operation of a domestic appliance such as a food processor containing an electric motor capable of driving a bladed or similar processing tool at relatively high speed is inhibited unless a vessel having a first or a second base configuration is securely mounted to the appliance so as to contain the tool; the vessel having a lid or cover intended to be in place for safe operation when the processing tool is driven by the motor. A vessel-supporting surface of the appliance carries several up-standing latches, each of which is formed with features capable of co-operating with vessels having either of the base configurations to temporarily latch either type of vessel operationally to the appliance.

Abstract: This invention provides a safety system for electrically operated kitchen appliances such as blenders, food processors and the like. To protect users from contact with cutting or macerating implements which, in operation of such appliances, are rotated at reasonably high speeds by means of powerful electric motors. In order to provide a reliable and robust safety system which is economical to manufacture, the invention utilises a detent member (30, 50) which is rotatable with either the motor or the implement (80). A trapping member (110, 130), which is mobile between two positions along the motor's axis of rotation, but which cannot rotate, traps or releases the detent member, depending upon the trapping member's position. The trapping member (110, 130) is moved into the position at which the detent member (30, 50) is released only when a container (110) is correctly inserted into place to contain the implement.

Abstract: Taught herein is a coffee maker (10) comprising a water tank (20) a heater device (40), a brewing station (50) and a jug or carafe (60) positioned to receive coffee brewed at the station (50), wherein the water tank (20) and the brewing station (50) are interconnected by a water pipe (70), part of which is heated by the heater device (40); the tank (20) is fitted with a flow control valve (30) containing a piston (32) arranged to respond to the head of water in the tank (20) and to heater-induced suction in the pipe (70) by moving within a housing (31) to block or to allow the passage of water from the tank (20) into the pipe (70), thereby to control the flow of water from the tank (20) through the heater (40) to the brewing station (50) so as to ensure that, however much water the tank (20) contains; and the heater (40) is able to transfer sufficient heat to water delivered to the brewing station (50) by way of the pipe (70) to provide brewed coffee at a palatable temperature.