Abstract: In an aspect, data characterizing an instruction for an activation of an igniter and an operating mode of a smoke generator that includes the igniter can be received. A first amount of energy required for an ignition of a fuel source by the igniter can be determined based on the operating mode characterized by the received data. The igniter can be caused to activate based on the received data. A second amount of energy, output by the igniter over a period of time during which the igniter is activated, can be determined. A determination of whether the second amount of energy exceeds the first amount of energy can be made. The igniter can be caused to deactivate in response to a determination that the second amount of energy exceeds the first amount of energy. Related systems, apparatus, techniques, and articles are also described.

Abstract: Knife sharpener systems and methods are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a knife sharpening system can include a support structure configured to hold a knife having a handle and a blade extending therefrom, and a carriage assembly mounted on the support structure. The carriage assembly can have a sharpening element that is configured to sharpen a cutting edge of the blade. The carriage assembly can be movable relative to the knife blade to cause the sharpening element to apply a force to the cutting edge of the knife blade.

Abstract: A cleaning system may include a vacuum cleaner and a docking station. The vacuum cleaner may include an air inlet, a suction motor having a suction motor inlet and a suction motor outlet, and a cleaner dust cup configured to transition between a collection position and an emptying position, the cleaner dust cup being upstream of the suction motor inlet when in the collection position and downstream of the suction motor outlet when in the emptying position. The docking station may include a base, a support extending from the base, a station dust cup removably coupled to the support, and a receptacle coupled to the support and configured to receive at least a portion of the vacuum cleaner, the cleaner dust cup being fluidly coupled to and upstream of the station dust cup when the vacuum cleaner is inserted in the receptacle.

Abstract: A food processor system includes a user interface including a plurality of indicators, the user interface configured to receive a user input. A monitoring device is configured to detect at least one property associated with processing one or more food items and generating at least one detection signal. A controller is configured to control operations of a controllable component based on receiving the at least one detection signal, identifying one or more types of food items based on the received at least one detection signal, activating of a first indicator of the plurality of indicators on the user interface, and determining of one or more food processing actions based at least in part on the identified one or more types of food items.

Abstract: Cooking assemblies, cooking containers, lids, racks, and utensils are provided. In one embodiment, a handle is provided for use on a cooking assembly and is configured to interact with a utensil for supporting the utensil on the lid. In certain embodiments, the handle can have an aperture that is sized to receive a complementary support on a cooking utensil. Through this aperture and support, the utensil can be retained on the lid when not in use, and the support can further act as a support to elevate a utensil head and prevent excess mess.

Abstract: A micro puree machine including a housing, a power shaft, a bowl assembly and a platform. The power shaft extends from the housing. The bowl assembly including at least one locking bowl element. The platform includes at least one complementary locking platform element that is configured to engage the at least one locking bowl element such that rotation of the bowl assembly relative to the platform is prevented at times the bowl assembly is positioned thereon. The platform is rotatable from a first position to a second position relative to the housing such that the platform raises the bowl assembly towards the power shaft during the rotation of the bowl assembly and platform. The raising of the bowl assembly facilitates connection between the power shaft and a blade assembly that is positioned in a lid assembly on the bowl assembly.

Abstract: A system for preparing a brewed beverage from at least one flavorant includes a housing, a receptacle connectable to the housing for holding the at least one flavorant and a reservoir connectable to the housing. The receptacle including a first fluid inlet and a second fluid inlet and a first fluid flow path fluidly connects the reservoir to the first fluid inlet and a second fluid flow path fluidly connects the reservoir to the second fluid inlet.

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.