Abstract: A knife block is described that includes a block body and a block insert that is coupled to the block body. The block insert includes a sharpening element holder and a cap attached to the sharpening element holder. The cap and the sharpening element holder have matching geometry. The cap or the sharpening element holder comprises one or more pins and the other of the cap or the sharpening element holder comprises a corresponding number of holes, such that the pins are received within the holes to align the cap and the sharpening element holder. The first sharpening element and a second sharpening element form a V-shape having a first sharpener angle that is greater than a first blade edge angle of the first knife.

Abstract: A vacuum blender including a base assembly having a blender motor and a vacuum motor, a vertical arm member for engaging both a blender jar assembly and a storage jar assembly, and vacuum technology associated with the base assembly, the vertical arm assembly, and the lid member associated with both the blender jar assembly and the storage jar assembly for removing oxygen from within either the blending jar prior to the start of a blending operation, or a storage/to-go jar wherein a finished blended food item can be stored in the storage jar and oxygen can be removed from within the storage jar for better food preservation before the storage jar is stored in a freezer, refrigerator or other storage locations. The storage jar further includes a drinking spout wherein the contents in the storage jar can be easily accessed for drinking when removed from storage.

Abstract: A blender or food processor having electronics associated therewith including at least one controller, at least one current sensor and at least one speed sensor, the controller controls the operation of the blender motor based upon the contents being blended inside the blender jar and compares measured current and speed values and measured changes in the current and speed values to predetermined values stored in memory in order to (1) determine the load size placed in the blender jar, (2) determine if cavitation exists in the blender jar, and (3) determine the final consistency associated with the output of the product placed within the blender jar as selected by the user.

Abstract: The present invention refers a kitchen appliance that includes a lid and a vessel. Handles associated with each of the lid and the vessel include electrical connectors (e.g., a plug, socket) so that when the lid is placed on the vessel, power is provided to the lid via the electrical connectors associated with the lid and vessel, respectively.

Abstract: A blender is provided that uses a latch handle to lock the blade base onto the jar member without the use of threads. When the latch is locked onto the jar member, the latch itself is engaged to a tab member protruding from the jar member in order to prevent the latch from opening on accident.

Abstract: A heating pad includes a heat pad with an anterior and posterior side. The heat pad includes a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer. The second layer is located in between the first layer and the third layer. The first layer is located on the posterior side, while the third layer is located on the anterior side. The second layer has a wire selectively heated to increase the temperature of the heat pad. The third layer is a reflective material positioned to reflect heat from the second layer towards the first layer, decreasing heat emitted on the anterior side of the heat pad. The heating pad also includes a battery storage section for securing a battery. The battery is in electronical communication with the wire of the heat pad. The heating pad further includes an engagement mechanism to secure the heating pad to a user.

Abstract: An appliance is provided that is able to vacuum and heat seal plastic bag members containing liquids such as sauces and soups. The appliance may take on a uniquely shaped profile to allow the liquid to sit upright within a bag during the vacuuming process. The appliance also preferably includes a pressure sensor to constantly monitor pressure inside of the bag during the vacuum and sealing process. This may help to prevent liquid from being sucked up and into the appliance.

Abstract: The present invention provides a combination pressure cooker and air fryer lid that may be attached to a vessel. The lid may be adjustable between two general cooking positions. In the first cooking position, the lid may operate with the vessel as a pressure cooker. In the second cooking position, the may operate with the vessel as an air fryer. In performing either of the pressure cooking or air fryer cooking functions, the lid need not be replaced.

Abstract: A food processor is provided that includes necessary blades and plates to carry out multiple functions of the food processor including slicing, shredding, and grating without having to remove and replace blades and plates to carry out those same functions. The motor of the food processor may operate in either the clockwise or counterclockwise direction. In the clockwise direction, the blades and plates within the cutting chamber may be configured to slice food at variable thicknesses, cut food at variable sizes in a julienne style, or grate food at various thicknesses. In the counterclockwise direction, food may be diced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hand mixer having a heat activation function. The heat activation function preferably allows a user to heat ingredients that are to be mixed by a hand mixer. The hand mixer may include a cavity that has each of a fan, a motor to drive the fan, heated coils, and an output area or mouth. When a user wishes to activate the heating function to soften ingredients in a bowl or other vessel to be mixed, he or she may use a controller to activate the fan and blow air through the heated coils and out from the output area toward the ingredients to be mixed and/or mixing devices used to mix the ingredients, so that the ingredients may be softened.