Abstract: A hot beverage maker includes a hot liquid generator for receiving a liquid, including at least one heating element for heating the liquid, and a reservoir for receiving an amount of foodstuff. The reservoir is in fluid communication with the hot liquid generator for receiving the hot liquid and making the hot beverage. The reservoir has an outlet for dispensing the hot beverage. The hot beverage maker further includes a sensor for sensing weight of the foodstuff in the reservoir and for generating and outputting electrical signals proportional to the weight of the foodstuff, and a controller for receiving the electrical signals from the sensor and determining a number of scoops of foodstuff present in the reservoir according to the sensed weight of the foodstuff.

Abstract: An unpressurized, relatively high powered beverage maker and related scoop for producing a single serving of brewed beverage, such as coffee, may include a showerhead with a preferential water outlet, a overflow port in the sidewall of the scoop, a secondary filter, and the like. The beverage maker is a drip (gravity) beverage maker with a relatively high water flow rate due to use of a relatively high powered water heater. The brewing happens at atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A mixing device configured to blend food. The mixing device includes a base enclosing a motor. A jar is removably mounted to the base for containing food. A collar is removably mounted between the base and the jar. A dispensing spout is removably mounted to the collar. Further, a splash guard is removably mounted to the base.

Abstract: The invention relates to an interlock assembly for a spindle mixer where the interlock assembly includes a cup guide, an actuator pin, and an interlock mechanism. Placing a cup within the cup guide actuates the actuator pin that, in turn, engages the interlock mechanism. Engagement of the interlock mechanism selectively activates an electric motor. The pin moves through the body of the guide. The guide can be selectively removed from the mixer, and the pin, in one embodiment, is selectively removed from the guide. An optional bypass switch can be included to allow for the direct engagement of the motor.

Abstract: A fruit and vegetable juice extractor for extracting juice includes a grating disc rotatable about a substantially vertical axis. A frustoconically shaped filter is attached to the outer periphery of the grating disc and projects upwardly and outwardly thereof. A food chute is arranged above the grating disc and the filter. The food chute includes a rib extending at least partially in the axial direction and projecting radially inwardly. A food pusher is insertable into the food chute.

Abstract: A dispensing blender for blending foodstuff and dispensing foodstuff therefrom. The dispensing blender includes a base enclosing a motor, a jar removably mountable to the base, a collar removably mountable between the base and the jar and a dispensing spout mounted to the collar. At least a portion of the dispensing spout is movable to an open position wherein foodstuff within the jar is able to flow from the jar, through the collar and out of the dispensing spout and a closed position wherein the foodstuff is blocked from flowing out of the dispensing spout.

Abstract: The invention relates to an interlock assembly for a spindle mixer where the interlock assembly includes a cup guide, an actuator pin, and an interlock mechanism. Placing a cup within the cup guide actuates the actuator pin that, in turn, engages the interlock mechanism. Engagement of the interlock mechanism selectively activates an electric motor. The pin moves through the body of the guide. The guide can be selectively removed from the mixer, and the pin, in one embodiment, is selectively removed from the guide. An optional bypass switch can be included to allow for the direct engagement of the motor.

Abstract: A mixing device configured to blend food. The mixing device includes a base enclosing a motor. The base includes a recessed area and a projection extends from the recessed area. A jar is removably mounted to the base for containing food. A collar is removably mounted between the base and the jar. The collar has a blending tool that is operatively engaged with the motor when the collar is positioned on the base. Further, a splash guard is removably mounted to the base. The splash guard covers said recessed area. A space defined by the recessed area of the base and the splash guard provides storage for a cap. The cap is releasably mounted to the projection.

Abstract: A mixing device configured to blend food. The mixing device includes a base enclosing a motor. A jar is removably mounted to the base for containing food. A collar is removably mounted between the base and the jar. A dispensing spout is removably mounted to the collar. Further, a splash guard is removably mounted to the base.

Abstract: A fruit and vegetable juice extractor for extracting juice includes a grating disc rotatable about a substantially vertical axis. A frustoconically shaped filter is attached to the outer periphery of the grating disc and projects upwardly and outwardly thereof. A food chute is arranged above the grating disc and the filter. The food chute includes a rib extending at least partially in the axial direction and projecting radially inwardly. A food pusher is insertable into the food chute.

Abstract: A dispensing blender for blending foodstuff and dispensing foodstuff therefrom. The dispensing blender includes a base enclosing a motor, a jar removably mountable to the base, a collar removably mountable between the base and the jar and a dispensing spout mounted to the collar. At least a portion of the dispensing spout is movable to an open position wherein foodstuff within the jar is able to flow from the jar, through the collar and out of the dispensing spout and a closed position wherein the foodstuff is blocked from flowing out of the dispensing spout.

Abstract: A mount with a first attachment member; a second attachment member spaced from the first attachment member; and resilient members joining the first and second attachment members, each of the resilient members having at least one void, the voids being collapsible under loading between a first open void condition where the mount has a first substantially constant stiffness, and a second collapsed condition where the voids are substantially closed, the mount having a second substantially constant stiffness when the voids are in the second collapsed condition.

Abstract: A mount comprising a first attachment member; a second attachment member spaced from the first attachment member; and at least one resilient member joining the first and second attachment members, each of the at least one resilient members comprising at least one void, each of said at least one voids being collapsible under loading between a first open void condition where the mount has a first substantially constant stiffness, and a second collapsed condition where the at least one void is substantially closed, the mount having a second substantially constant stiffness when each of the at least one void is in the second collapsed condition.

Abstract: A tilting mount for controlling the angular tilting or rocking displacement of a support member. The tilting mount comprises an outer elastomeric member and an inner sleeve with an annular flange. An end of the support member is inserted in a bore that extends through the sleeve. The mount is adapted to be seated in a base, and a cup substantially overlays the mount. As the support member is tilted and displaced from its vertical position, diagonally disposed portions of the mount member are compressed between the flange and both the cup and base in order to facilitate and control the angular displacement of the support member. The elastomeric member provides snubbing that limits the angular displacement of the support member.

Abstract: A lift strut with directional damping comprising a housing comprising a wall that defines a housing chamber, the housing defining an axis; spring means located in the chamber; piston means movable through the chamber along the axis in a first direction and a second direction, the spring means biasing the piston means in the first direction, the piston means comprising a shaft, a seat connected to the shaft along the shaft length, and a resilient member fixed to the seat, the resilient element comprising at least one primary damping ridge and a damping tongue, each of the at least one primary damping ridges being in friction engagement with the housing as the resilient member is moved in the first and second directions, the damping tongue being in engagement with the housing wall when the resilient member is moved in the first direction and being located away from the housing wall when the resilient member is moved in the second direction.

Abstract: A door closer, for controlling the movement of a door as the door is opened and closed, the door closer comprising: an input member movable in response to movement of the door, the input member being movable in a first direction and in a second direction; return means for moving the input member in the second direction; and damping means for controlling the movement of the input member in the second direction, the damping means comprising: a rubbing member movable in the first and second directions, and a body for engagement by said rubbing member to produce a surface effect damping force in at least one of the first or second directions.

Abstract: A lift strut with directional damping comprising a housing comprising a wall that defines a housing chamber, the housing defining an axis; spring means located in the chamber; piston means movable through the chamber along the axis in a first direction and a second direction, the spring means biasing the piston means in the first direction, the piston means comprising a shaft, a seat connected to the shaft along the shaft length, and a resilient member fixed to the seat, the resilient element comprising at least one primary damping ridge and a damping tongue, each of the at least one primary damping ridges being in friction engagement with the housing as the resilient member is moved in the first and second directions, the damping tongue being in engagement with the housing wall when the resilient member is moved in the first direction and being located away from the housing wall when the resilient member is moved in the second direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to an interlock assembly for a spindle mixer where the interlock assembly includes a cup guide, an actuator pin, and an interlock mechanism. Placing a cup within the cup guide actuates the actuator pin that, in turn, engages the interlock mechanism. Engagement of the interlock mechanism selectively activates an electric motor. The pin moves through the body of the guide. The guide can be selectively removed from the mixer, and the pin, in one embodiment, is selectively removed from the guide. An optional bypass switch can be included to allow for the direct engagement of the motor.