Abstract: An induction cooker has a temperature sensor mount that includes a reciprocating sensor holder and a flexible diaphragm.

Abstract: An espresso machine has a built-in coffee grinder. A coffee grinding apparatus cooperates with a removable portafilter having a handle, the apparatus including: a cradle for supporting the portafilter; an actuator adjacent to the cradle for co-operating with the portafilter; a downward facing ledge engages a front tab of the portafilter for resisting imbalance of the portafilter when supported by the cradle. Wherein, when the portafilter is supported by the cradle and advanced forward, the front tab of the portafilter further contacts the actuator to operate an electrical switch, thereby causing a signal to be sent to a microprocessor for delivering coffee grinds to the portafilter.

Abstract: An apparatus for grinding coffee. The apparatus including: a grinder mechanism; a ground discharge region; a user control for enabling a user to select grind preferences; a display element for displaying data indicative of user inputs to the user control; a processor element coupled to the user control and a display element for controlling operation of the grinder mechanism. The apparatus being adapted to provides fine control over grind size and dispense discreet doses according to a users preference and control inputs; and display depictions representing a range of coffee grinder functions.

Abstract: A cooking appliance and method for heating an item positioned on the appliance and used in food preparation or food serving or cooking. The appliance including: a chassis having an upper platform for supporting the item in use; an induction element located below the platform for heating the item when positioned on the appliance; a temperature sensing assembly having a temperature sensing element; the temperature sensing element providing a temperature signal indicative of a current temperature of the item; a user interface for enabling a user to select a desired temperature of the item in use; and a processor module that receives the temperature signal and controls power to the induction element for providing the desired temperature; wherein the temperature sensing assembly is exposed to a fan cooling path such that the temperature sensing element is selectively cooled from below.

Abstract: A cooking appliance and method, the appliance including: at least one temperature controlled heating element; a user interface for enabling a user to select a predefined subject for cooking; and a processor module that maintains a cooking data for cooking the selected predefined subject, and provides prompts to the user during cooking. The cooking data can be indicative of a cooking sequence or procedure. A cookware sensor can automatically identifying cookware being used.

Abstract: A lid and a jug for a blender. The lid and jug cooperate, wherein the lid is a relatively tight fitting polymeric lid having an outer edge and an upper surface. A pull tab being integral with the lid. The pull tab forms a ring above the upper surface of the lid that defines an at least finger-sized opening located adjacent to the outer edge of the lid, the opening having a central axis of symmetry that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the jug.

Abstract: A lid and a jug for a blender. The lid and jug cooperate, wherein the lid is a relatively tight fitting polymeric lid having an outer edge and an upper surface. A pull tab being integral with the lid. The pull tab forms a ring above the upper surface of the lid that defines an at least finger-sized opening located adjacent to the outer edge of the lid, the opening having a central axis of symmetry that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the jug.

Abstract: A blender comprises a jug and a cutting assembly having an upwardly inclined main blade portion. The jug has an interior portion, and the lower portion has a profile that includes an upwardly reaching portion conforms to the blade shape of the cutting assembly to reduce food accumulation below the main blades.

Abstract: A device for conducting rail car inspections including an inspection module, an imaging module, a scanner module, a location module, a printer module and a communication module.

Abstract: A cooking appliance and method, the appliance including: at least one temperature controlled heating element; a user interface for enabling a user to select a predefined subject for cooking; and a processor module that maintains a cooking data for cooking the selected predefined subject, and provides prompts to the user during cooking. The cooking data can be indicative of a cooking sequence or procedure. A cookware sensor can automatically identifying cookware being used.

Abstract: A device for conducting rail car inspections including an inspection module, an imaging module, a scanner module, a location module, a printer module and a communication module.

Abstract: A device for conducting rail car inspections including an inspection module, an imaging module, a scanner module, a location module, a printer module and a communication module.

Abstract: An espresso machine has a built-in coffee grinder. An electrical switch toggles between a one cup dose and a two cup dose, The switch works in conjunction with a dose strength adjustment. Alteration of the dose strength adjustment alters the dose strength for both the one cup of two cup dose settings. The internal coffee grinder dispenses into a portafilter that is held in a hand free support cradle. In some embodiments, the upper burr head of the grinder is retained by a bracket. The combination of upper burr head and bracket allows the upper burr head to removed and replaced without having to re-set the grind size.