Abstract: A popcorn-making device comprises a bowl attached to a popping plate assembly and a base. The popping plate assembly can be used to hold and heat corn kernels so that they may be popped. A stirring rod rotates on the heat plate in order keep the kernels moving throughout the popping process. This enables the popcorn maker to require less oil, for a healthier alternative to microwave or other types of popcorn. The popping plate assembly can have a safety interlocking mechanism to enable a user to safely and easily remove and reattach the popping plate assembly to and from the base for washing purposes. The device can have a heater safety mechanism to automatically shut the heater when the popping plate assembly is disengaged from the base. At any time that the popping plate assembly is not properly engaged with the base, the heater will be shut off and the device will not operate.

Abstract: A locking system for an appliance has lid and feed chute locking components that include a spring-biased, ramp surfaced pivoting arm that is adapted to be activated to extend or retract a rod that activates or de-activates a motor drive of a food processor. The arm is activated by rotational movement of the lid relative to the bowl, as an extension member attached to the lid, which is activated by insertion of the plunger, extends downwardly from the lid and engages the ramp surface of the pivoting arm when the lid is rotated. Thus, the plunger can remain inside of the food chute of the lid while the lid is removed or replaced.

Abstract: A locking system for an appliance has lid and feed chute locking components that include a spring-biased, ramp surfaced pivoting arm that is adapted to be activated to extend or retract a rod that activates or de-activates a motor drive of a food processor. The arm is activated by rotational movement of the lid relative to the bowl, as an extension member attached to the lid, which is activated by insertion of the plunger, extends downwardly from the lid and engages the ramp surface of the pivoting arm when the lid is rotated. Thus, the plunger can remain inside of the food chute of the lid while the lid is removed or replaced.

Abstract: A detachable power supply apparatus for an appliance has a temperature control device for electrical connection to the appliance. The temperature control device has a first member extending outwardly therefrom and a conductor on the first side of the temperature control device. The temperature control device has a probe on a second side substantially opposite the first side. The apparatus has a power supply cord with a female electrical connector that connects to the conductor. The female connector is connectable to a power supply to supply power to the female connector and to the conductor. The power supply cord has a clip member that selectively fastens to the first member so that the first member disengages the clip member without disturbing a position of the appliance upon application of a force on the power supply cord.

Abstract: A cover assembly for a food processing appliance having a cover that cooperates with a working bowl or container, which in turn cooperates with an operating and/or control base. The cover has an ingress area, and the operating base has a rotatable processing tool with one or more peripheral impact regions. The cover assembly may also have an accessory for cooperating with the ingress area. The accessory and cover may be operatively connected to a safety system associated with the food processing appliance. In operation, the ingress area of the cover overlies the one or more impact regions of the processing tool without overlying the center of rotation thereof, and at least substantially overlies an impact region at the outermost periphery of the diameter of the processing tool.

Abstract: A detachable power supply apparatus for an appliance has a temperature control device and a power supply cord. The temperature control device is removably and electrically connected to the appliance, and has a first member that extends outwardly from a first side of the temperature control device. The temperature control device has a conductor on the first side and has a probe on a second side opposite the first side. The power supply cord has a female electrical connector at a first end connecting to the conductor. The female electrical connector is connectable to a power supply to supply power to the female electrical connector and to the conductor. The power supply cord has a second member. The first member selectively fastens to the second member so that the first member disengages the second member without disturbing a position of the appliance upon application of a force on the power supply cord.

Abstract: A small, portable retention stand for clamping and retaining a cylindrical object while forces, including torque, are applied to the object is particularly adapted to hold a cylindrical jar. The stand has a base that stands on a flat surface and that is connected to a housing. Within the housing are components that make up a ratchet-type sliding track that cooperates with a sliding planar member that slides in and out of the housing in a drawer-like fashion. The sliding member has a raised contact surface of, preferably, a concave arc adapted to engage the outer surface of a jar. An opposing concave surface is on the wall of the housing facing the raised contact surface. Both surfaces may be provided with resilient gripping materials such as rubber to engage the outside circumference of a jar. In use, the sliding member is withdrawn from the housing to an extent to allow ajar to be positioned on the sliding member.

Abstract: A locking system for an appliance has lid and feed chute locking components that include a spring-biased, ramp surfaced pivoting arm that is adapted to be activated to extend or retract a rod that activates or de-activates a motor drive of a food processor. The arm is activated by rotational movement of the lid relative to the bowl, as an extension member attached to the lid, which is activated by insertion of the plunger, extends downwardly from the lid and engages the ramp surface of the pivoting arm when the lid is rotated. Thus, the plunger can remain inside of the food chute of the lid while the lid is removed or replaced.