Abstract: Cooking devices, cooking systems, and sensor assemblies for use therewith are provided. In one embodiment, a cooking system is provided and includes a housing, at least one cooking container, and a sensor assembly. The housing can have a sensor port formed in an exterior surface thereof for operably coupling to a connector housing on a sensor assembly. The cooking system can further include a through-passage formed between the housing and the cooking container for receiving a cable extending from the connector housing on the sensor assembly to allow a probe coupled to a distal end of the cable to be positioned within the cooking container for measuring a temperature. In certain exemplary embodiments, the sensor port and connector housing can include features that prevent rotation of the connector housing relative to the sensor port.

Abstract: Micro puree machines have a locking assembly for locking a container to a coupling on the machine, preventing the container from rotating out of the coupling during processing. The locking assembly includes at least one protrusion on the container configured to slidably engage a slot on an interior surface of the coupling when the container is rotated in a clockwise direction. The coupling has a clip that is moveable from a first position, in which the clip prevents rotation of the container in the counterclockwise direction, to a second position, in which the clip allows rotation of the container in the counterclockwise direction. The clip is spring biased toward the second position. Pressing a button on the coupling moves the clip from the first to the second position.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus may include a cleaner body and a dust cup coupled to the cleaner body. The dust cup may be configured to pivot between at least three indexed positions.

Abstract: A cooking system includes a housing having a first cooking zone and a second cooking zone and at least one heating element associated with said first cooking zone and said second cooking zone. The cooking system is operable in a synchronized mode, and in said synchronized mode a first cooking operation performed in said first cooking zone and a second cooking operation performed in said second cooking zone are synchronized to be completed simultaneously.

Abstract: An attachment for use with a food processing system includes a sealable body including a wall and a processing chamber, a chamber opening formed in said sealable body, and a vacuum passage arranged in fluid communication with said chamber opening. The vacuum passage is associated with at least one of said wall and said processing chamber of said sealable body.

Abstract: Food processing devices capable of performing multiple functions, including mixing and extruding pasta or other food products, are described. The food processing devices have a door assembly with a feed chute extending from an opening in the mixing bowl and leading to an extruder. The door assembly can be closed or opened, depending on the type of food processing to be performed. The food processing device mixes food ingredients within the mixing bowl while the door assembly is in a closed position. When the food ingredients are sufficiently mixed, the door assembly is moved to an open position to allow the mixed food ingredients to flow through the feed chute to the extruder. The disclosed food processing devices conveniently allow for both mixing and extruding of food products within a single device configured to efficiently and safely perform both tasks.

Abstract: A cutting device configured to couple to an extruder outlet is described herein. The cutting device includes a blade operatively coupled to a biasing member, a motor, and a charging chamber. The charging chamber has a charging member and a release feature. The charging member is arranged to be rotated by the motor. The motor drives forward movement of the charging member within the charging chamber until the release feature reaches a release point within the charging chamber. At the release point the biasing member is mechanically released to drive movement of the blade. The blade is arranged to move in at least a first direction in response to the mechanical release of the biasing member.

Abstract: Food processing devices having a gear assembly configured to mix food ingredients within a mixing bowl are described. The gear assembly includes a drive shaft and a gear assembly housing. The drive shaft is configured to couple with a drive coupler of the mixing bowl and rotate about a central axis within the mixing bowl. The gear assembly housing is configured to rotate about the central axis and includes a central gear, a first gear, and a second gear. The central gear is coupled to the drive shaft. The first gear and the second gear are each arranged to rotate in response to rotation of the central gear. The first gear is coupled to a first accessory attachment interface configured to receive a detachable first accessory attachment and the second gear is coupled to a second accessory attachment interface configured to receive a detachable second accessory attachment.

Abstract: Food processing devices having a door assembly for a mixing bowl are described. The mixing bowl includes an opening extending through at least a portion of one wall of the mixing bowl. The door assembly includes a feed chute positioned adjacent to the opening and a plunger. The plunger has a face and is configured to pivot between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the face of the plunger is flush with an interior surface of the mixing bowl. In the second position, the face of the plunger retracts into the feed chute and permits food ingredients from the mixing bowl to enter and flow through the feed chute.

Abstract: Food processing devices capable of performing multiple functions, including mixing and extruding pasta or other food products, are described. The food processing devices have a base, a mixing bowl mountable on the base, a mixing assembly, and an extruder. The base has a first motor operably coupled to drive the mixing assembly when the mixing bowl is coupled to the base, a data store arranged to store a plurality of computer-readable signals defining at least a first sequence of food processing instructions, and a controller in electronic communication with the data store. The controller is operable to execute the plurality of computer-readable signals, the execution of which controls the first motor to actuate the mixing assembly for at least a first period of time to produce mixed food items and controls operation of the extruder for at least a second period of time, causing extrusion of the mixed food items.