Abstract: An electric spice mill comprising a power unit coupled to the motor of the mill, the power unit comprising: (i) first and second electric circuits; (ii) a switch in electrical contact with said first and said second electric circuits; and (iii) an actuator movable between first and second positions, wherein, in the first position, the actuator prevents current flow in the first electric circuit and, in the second position, the actuator allows a first current to flow in the first electric circuit and the switch is responsive to the first current in the first electric circuit to allow a second current to flow in the second electric circuit such that the grinding unit of the mill is driven by the motor.

Abstract: An electric spice mill comprising a power unit coupled to the motor of the mill, the power unit comprising: (i) first and second electric circuits; (ii) a switch in electrical contact with said first and said second electric circuits; and (iii) an actuator movable between first and second positions, wherein, in the first position, the actuator prevents current flow in the first electric circuit and, in the second position, the actuator allows a first current to flow in the first electric circuit and the switch is responsive to the first current in the first electric circuit to allow a second current to flow in the second electric circuit such that the grinding unit of the mill is driven by the motor.

Abstract: Device having a cover to be positioned on a vessel with an interior wall. A shaft extends through a transverse passageway in the cover. A basket for holding a flavoring substance is mounted to the end of the shaft. The basket can thus be raised and lowered within the vessel through action of the shaft. A continuous lip of flexible polymer surrounds the periphery of the basket, for engagement with the interior wall of the vessel. With flavoring substance in the basket, liquid is poured into the vessel in such a way as to retain air in the space between the basket and the bottom of the vessel. The basket is pushed downwards, causing at least part of the air retained in the space between the basket and the bottom portion of the vessel to displace the flavoring substance while the air rises within the vessel, resulting in improved infusion of the flavoring substance.

Abstract: Cap for a container, including a body having an inlet, a spout and a passageway therebetween. The cap also includes a valve movable between a first position wherein the passageway is blocked and a second position wherein the passageway is at least partly unblocked, the valve being biased towards the first position. Furthermore, the cap includes an actuator mounted to the body and engaging the valve. Selective control of the state of the valve is associated with movement of the actuator in a different direction than for securing the valve in the open position. The combination of movements required to lock the valve in the open position is sufficiently complex to reduce its probability of opening unintentionally. Meanwhile, the combination of movements is simple enough to be performed by a single finger.

Abstract: A reusable pouring cap for a container capable of receiving potable liquids for human consumption. The cap comprises a cap body having threads for retaining it onto the container and the cap body further comprises an integral upright passageway defining a pouring opening. The cap also comprises a valve for maintaining the passageway closed to prevent discharge of a liquid contained in the container through the pouring opening, an actuated shutter for covering the pouring opening and a single actuator responsive to finger pressure for moving the valve and the shutter.