Abstract: A food mixer which includes a container having an impeller adapted to be driven by drive means adjacent the lower surface of the container and which impeller is adapted both to cooperate with various mixing devices and to rotate in either the clockwise or anti-clockwise direction.

Abstract: A vacuum packaging apparatus is disclosed having a novel vacuum sensor system. The vacuum sensor system includes first and second sensors in communication with a control circuit, which sensors are provided to detect first and second preset vacuum levels as a container is being evacuated. The control circuit further includes a timer for measuring the elapsed time between detection of the first and second preset vacuum levels. The control circuit computes an additional time period necessary to reach a target vacuum level after reaching the second preset vacuum level by multiplying the elapsed time between the first and second preset vacuum levels by an algorithmic factor stored in the control circuit. The algorithmic factor is a numerical constant that is derived for a particular pump type, and is based on the pump characteristics and selected values for the first and second preset vacuum levels and the target vacuum level.

Abstract: An energy discharge circuit includes a high-power ultracapacitor 4 for providing pulses of electrical energy to a sealer 8 in an apparatus for sealing a plastic bag 38. The ultracapacitor 4 is charged by a power supply 30 and discharges the stored energy to the sealer 8, thereby enabling the sealing apparatus to seal the plastic bag 38 without the need for a high energy continuous electrical power source.

Abstract: A hand held device for forming a vacuum within a container. The device includes a pump for drawing a vacuum within the container and a motor for driving the pump. A vacuum sensor is connected to control circuitry for indicating when a vacuum has been established within the container.

Abstract: A vacuum sensor for use in devices for the vacuum packaging of perishable items. The vacuum sensor senses fluid pulses or flow expelled from an exhaust port of a pump of the vacuum packaging device. The sensor converts a force of the fluid pulses or flow into a signal that changes with a change in the force of the fluid pulses or flow. The signal is then communicated to a control circuit which uses the signal to display the progress of the vacuum process and/or shut down the pump upon establishing a substantial vacuum within the package.