Abstract: An extrusion assembly for a micro puree machine is disclosed. The extrusion assembly includes a plunger drive inhibitor configured to restrict input torque applied to the extrusion assembly from transferring to the extrusion drive train and the extrusion plunger. The plunger drive inhibitor may be implemented with various mechanisms, including a slip clutch assembly (with or without a frictional cone brake), a torsion spring, and/or an automated slip clutch assembly configured to cut power to the extrusion drive train when slipping of the clutch plates is detected.

Abstract: An extrusion lever mechanism is configured to change the extrusion state of a micro puree machine via electronic control. This control can be either manual or automatic, as selected by the user. The extrusion lever mechanism is also configured to provide a way for the user to retract an extruding plunger in order to remove the processing bowl from the machine.

Abstract: A cooking system positionable on a support surface including a housing having an internal heating compartment and an opening formed in said housing for accessing said internal heating compartment. The housing is movable between a first position and second position. The opening is arranged within a first plane when said housing is in said first position, and the opening is arranged within a second plane when said housing is in said second position, said first plane and said second plane being distinct.

Abstract: A hair care appliance is provided. The hair care appliance includes a handle and a body coupled to the handle via a rotational hinge joint. The body can be movable via the rotational hinge joint between a straight configuration in which the body is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the handle and a bent configuration in which the body extends along an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the handle. A fluid flow path extends between an inlet in the handle and an outlet in the body. The hair care appliance can be operated with minimal loss of fluid flow in either the straight configuration and the bent configuration. The hair care appliance includes a fan assembly in the handle and a heater assembly in the body that are positioned to create a balanced center of mass of the hair care appliance when operated by a user.

Abstract: A cooking system including a housing having a hollow interior, a heating element associated with said housing, a support body for supporting the food within said hollow interior such that the food is positionable on a support surface of said support body, and a guard located between at least a portion of the support surface and said heating element. The guard is permissive of convective airflow between said hollow interior and said heating element, and is generally impermeable to projectile matter generated during a cooking operation.

Abstract: Various exemplary attachments for hair care appliances and methods of using attachments for hair care appliances are provided. In general, a hair care attachment in an exemplary embodiment is in the form of a brush accessory that has a hollow body having first and second region, an attachment collar at a first end of the hollow body and having an inlet for receiving airflow, a plurality of bristles positioned along the first region of the hollow body, a plurality of outlet openings positioned along the first region of the hollow body adjacent the plurality of bristles, and a heater assembly positioned along the second region of the hollow body.

Abstract: A micro puree machine has a drive motor positioned within a lower portion of a housing extending along a vertical axis. A mixing shaft positioned within an upper portion of the housing extends at a non-parallel angle relative to the vertical axis. The bowl of ingredients is installed to an angled surface of the upper portion of the housing along the mixing shaft axis, allowing for easier viewing of the bowl installation.

Abstract: An attachment for use with a food processing system including a container body including a sidewall, a first end configured to be mounted to a food processing base, and a second end remote from said first end. The first end is open and the second end includes an end wall oriented transverse to the sidewall. A chamber is defined by said container body. A first agitating member is receivable at said first end and a second agitating member receivable at said second end. The second agitating member is extendable into said chamber from said second end.

Abstract: A beverage system and methods for preparing flavored beverages are provided. In one embodiment, the beverage system includes a housing, a flavorant system, and a processor. The housing includes a mixing chamber configured to operably couple to a fluid reservoir and pressurized gas source. The processor is disposed in the housing and can be configured to cause, in response to at least one input, the separate dispensing of a fluid and a flavorant into a receptacle. The processor can also cause the delivery of gas from the pressurized gas source to the mixing chamber, where it can be used to form a carbonated fluid.

Abstract: A cooking system positionable on a support surface includes a housing having an internal cooking compartment and an opening formed in the housing for accessing said internal cooking compartment. At least one heating element is provided for heating said internal cooking compartment. The heating element is operable to heat the internal cooking compartment while the opening is at least partially exposed to an ambient environment to allow fluid transfer between the ambient environment and the internal cooking compartment. An output from said at least one heating element is variable across said internal cooking compartment during operation of the system.

Abstract: Nozzle control assemblies for a micro-puree machine include a bowl having a first end, a second end, and a sidewall extending between the first and send ends, the sidewall defining an interior volume of the bowl. The second end includes a nozzle in fluid communication with an interior of the bowl. A stopper is configured to be arranged in a first position, in which the stopper covers the nozzle, and a second position, in which the stopper does not cover the nozzle. A dial is assembleable to the second end of the bowl and configured to control extrusion of ingredients from the interior volume of the bowl through the nozzle.

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: 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.