Abstract: A hand mixer 30 is formed with a housing 32 and a handle 34 extending in one direction from the housing. A pair of beaters 58 and 60 can be assembled with the hand mixer 30 and rotated by a motor 88 under the control of a sensory actuator 92. A slidable compliant switch pad 44 provides an external facility for an operator to selectively position the sensory actuator 92 to operate the motor 88, and the beaters 58 and 60, at the different speeds. The sensory actuator 92 provides a tactile response to the operator during selection of the different speeds. The hand mixer 30 is provided with a first embodiment of a beater ejection mechanism 192, or a second embodiment of a beater ejection mechanism 242, for facilitating ejection of the beaters 58 and 60 from the hand mixer. A button 52 located externally on top of the housing 32 provides operational access to the operator to initiate the beater ejection process.

Abstract: A first embodiment of a food processor 30 includes a base housing 32, a bowl 34, an implement 132 and a lid 36 formed with a two chute unit 201 and a food pusher 208 for facilitating the introduction of foodstuff into the bowl. A second embodiment of a food processor 230 further includes a small bowl 234 and a lid 236 therefor. A motor 38 is contained within the base housing 32 and selectively drives a shaft 40 which is coupled to the implement 132 for rotation thereof.