Abstract: The disclosed apparatus, system and method relate to a shaft-actuated spindle mixer where the spindle mixer includes a motor and at least one motor switch enclosed in a mixer housing. A spindle shaft extends from the housing and is mechanically connected to the motor. The motor is mounted to a moveable mixer component such that the spindle shaft can be displaced to thereby causing the associated movement of the enclosed motor and moveable mixer component to which the motor is mounted. Movement of the movable mixer component actuates a switch. Actuating the switch causes the selective activation of the mixer motor. Activating the mixer motor rotates the spindle shaft. The disclosed apparatus and method provide for the optional one-handed operation of a spindle mixer, eliminate the need for a user or a cup to directly contact a switch to engage the spindle mixer, and further provides for the sanitary operation of a spindle mixer.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an automated blend in-cup apparatus and the related method of operation. The disclosure relates generally to the field of mixing consumable material. More specifically, the disclosure relates to a mixer that is automatically operable to lower a mixing blade into a cup or vessel that contains material to be blended/mixed. A shield is automatically lowered to at least partially isolate the cup. After mixing, the shield and blade are automatically retracted, and the cup is removed from the apparatus. The shield and blade may be automatically lowered again for a cleaning operation. Overall, the apparatus contains various structural and safety elements that provide a unique construction and method of operating the apparatus.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an automated blend in-cup apparatus and the related method of operation. The disclosure relates generally to the field of mixing consumable material. More specifically, the disclosure relates to a mixer that is automatically operable to lower a mixing blade into a cup or vessel that contains material to be blended/mixed. A shield is automatically lowered to at least partially isolate the cup. After mixing, the shield and blade are automatically retracted, and the cup is removed from the apparatus. The shield and blade may be automatically lowered again for a cleaning operation. Overall, the apparatus contains various structural and safety elements that provide a unique construction and method of operating the apparatus.

Abstract: A kitchen appliance includes a housing that defines a cavity. The housing has a housing rim defining an opening to the cavity. A heating or cooling element is disposed within the housing to heat or cool the cavity. A container has a generally hollow interior and a container rim. A lid is sized and shaped to at least partially cover the opening of the container when placed on the container. The lid has an exterior surface and an opposing interior surface. At least one latching mechanism or handle is operable to seal the contents of the appliance within the appliance.

Abstract: A kitchen appliance includes a housing enclosing a motor and a switch mechanism. A bowl is removably mountable onto the housing. At least one actuation member is movable between a first position and a second position. A bowl lid is removably mountable onto the upper rim of the bowl. When the bowl lid is properly positioned onto the upper rim of the bowl, the motor is actuated or permitted to be actuated by pressing downwardly on the lid such that at least a portion of one of a plurality of flanges of the bowl contacts at least a portion of the actuation member to force the actuation member to the second position.

Abstract: A combination food steamer and food processor appliance includes a housing surrounding a motor and a heater. A water cavity is positioned within the housing. At least a portion of a drive shaft extends upwardly beyond a first end of the housing. A jar is removably mountable to the first end of the housing. Portions of a bottom wall and a side wall of the jar define a food processing cavity. A steam cavity is also defined in the jar. At least a portion of the drive shaft extends through a portion of the bottom wall of the jar when the jar is mounted to the housing. A lid is removably mountable to a rim of the side wall of the jar. A basket is removably mountable within the food processing cavity of the jar in a first operating configuration. Portions of a bottom wall and a side wall of the basket define a food steaming cavity.

Abstract: A kitchen appliance for processing foodstuff includes a housing enclosing a motor. A bowl is removably mountable to the housing. The bowl includes a mouth for receiving a rotatable tool within the bowl. A bowl lid is removably mountable on to the mouth of the bowl. A clamping mechanism is movably attached to the bowl lid and removably engagable with at least a portion of the bowl. The clamping mechanism is movable between a first position for engaging at least a portion of the bowl to retain the bowl lid on the mouth of the bowl and a second position spaced-apart from the bowl for allowing the bowl lid to be removed from the bowl. The kitchen appliance being assembled without rotating the bowl relative to the housing or the lid relative to the bowl.

Abstract: An ice pop making apparatus for rapid or “on demand” ice pop production involves an apparatus and method whereby one or more mold inserts are removable from the ice pop making apparatus subsequent to an edible product being frozen in the mold insert. The mold insert is exposed to ambient conditions or a fluid bath or stream to release the edible material from the mold insert. The mold insert may be cleaned and/or filled remotely from the ice pop making apparatus so that the ice pop making apparatus will be kept clean and there is no cross-contamination of edible products or flavors between consecutive batches of ice pops.

Abstract: A lid that is removably mountable to an upper open end of a jar of a mixing device includes a generally circular base having a top surface and a opposing bottom surface. A pour spout extends generally vertically upwardly from the base when the lid is mounted to the upper end of the jar. The pour spout has a crisp edge for pouring foodstuff when the lid is mounted to the jar. Further, the lid includes a channel that generally surrounds the pour spout to collect errant drips of foodstuff when the lid is mounted to the jar and when foodstuff is poured through the pour spout.

Abstract: A blender for blending foodstuff includes a base enclosing a motor and a jar sensor secured to the base. The base has an upper mounting surface and the motor is mounted beneath the upper mounting surface. The jar sensor is secured to the base proximate the upper mounting surface. A jar is removably mountable to the base on the mounting surface. The jar includes a closed end and an actuator is mounted proximate the lower jar surface. The jar sensor detects the presence of the actuator when the jar is mounted to the base in an operating position. The motor is powered when the jar sensor detects the presence of the actuator in the operating position.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus, system and method relate to a shaft-actuated spindle mixer where the spindle mixer includes a motor and at least one motor switch enclosed in a mixer housing. A spindle shaft extends from the housing and is mechanically connected to the motor. The motor is mounted to a moveable mixer component such that the spindle shaft can be displaced to thereby causing the associated movement of the enclosed motor and moveable mixer component to which the motor is mounted. Movement of the movable mixer component actuates a switch. Actuating the switch causes the selective activation of the mixer motor. Activating the mixer motor rotates the spindle shaft. The disclosed apparatus and method provide for the optional one-handed operation of a spindle mixer, eliminate the need for a user or a cup to directly contact a switch to engage the spindle mixer, and further provides for the sanitary operation of a spindle mixer.

Abstract: A blender for blending foodstuff includes a base enclosing a motor and having an upper mounting surface. A jar sensor is secured to the base proximate the upper mounting surface and a jar is removably mountable to the base on the mounting surface. The jar includes a closed end and an actuator is mounted proximate the closed end. The jar sensor detects the presence of the actuator when the jar is mounted to the base in an operating position. The motor is powered when the jar sensor detects the presence of the actuator in the operating position. A motor temperature indicator is positioned on a control panel on the base and a temperature sensor is in communication with the motor temperature indicator. First and second cordsets are adaptable for removable mounting to the base for powering the motor.

Abstract: A blender for blending foodstuff includes a base enclosing a motor and having an upper mounting surface. A jar sensor is secured to the base proximate the upper mounting surface and a jar is removably mountable to the base on the mounting surface. The jar includes a closed end and an actuator is mounted proximate the closed end. The jar sensor detects the presence of the actuator when the jar is mounted to the base in an operating position. The motor is powered when the jar sensor detects the presence of the actuator in the operating position. A motor temperature indicator is positioned on a control panel on the base and a temperature sensor is in communication with the motor temperature indicator. First and second cordsets are adaptable for removable mounting to the base for powering the motor.

Abstract: A blender for blending foodstuff comprising a motor housing that encloses an electric motor and has a first end and a second end. An upper housing is attached to the first end of the motor housing. The motor housing includes a fan driven by the motor controlled by a plurality of switches positioned behind a flexible cover. A transparent base having translucent base feet and an open bottom partially surrounds the motor housing and has a first end. The first end of the base is clamped between the upper housing and the first end of the motor housing to thereby solely suspend the motor housing from the first end of the base. A shroud is positioned partially around the motor within the motor housing. The fan draws air through the open bottom of the base into the second end of the motor housing and then around and outside of the shroud into the open top of the shroud to thereby cool the motor. The air is then directed out through the open side portion of the shroud and then sealingly vented to atmosphere.

Abstract: A blender for blending foodstuff includes a base enclosing a motor and having an upper mounting surface. A jar sensor is secured to the base proximate the upper mounting surface and a jar is removably mountable to the base on the mounting surface. The jar includes a closed end and an actuator is mounted proximate the closed end. The jar sensor detects the presence of the actuator when the jar is mounted to the base in an operating position. The motor is powered when the jar sensor detects the presence of the actuator in the operating position. A motor temperature indicator is positioned on a control panel on the base and a temperature sensor is in communication with the motor temperature indicator. First and second cordsets are adaptable for removable mounting to the base for powering the motor.

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 blender for blending foodstuff includes a base enclosing a motor and a jar sensor secured to the base. The base has an upper mounting surface and the motor is mounted beneath the upper mounting surface. The jar sensor is secured to the base proximate the upper mounting surface. A jar is removably mountable to the base on the mounting surface. The jar includes a closed end and an actuator is mounted proximate the lower jar surface. The jar sensor detects the presence of the actuator when the jar is mounted to the base in an operating position. The motor is powered when the jar sensor detects the presence of the actuator in the operating position.

Abstract: A lid that is removably mountable to an upper open end of a jar of a mixing device includes a generally circular base having a top surface and a opposing bottom surface. A pour spout extends generally vertically upwardly from the base when the lid is mounted to the upper end of the jar. The pour spout has a crisp edge for pouring foodstuff when the lid is mounted to the jar. Further, the lid includes a channel that generally surrounds the pour spout to collect errant drips of foodstuff when the lid is mounted to the jar and when foodstuff is poured through the pour spout.

Abstract: A kitchen appliance with a safety interlock for processing foodstuff including a housing with a motor and a switch to actuate the motor within the housing. A bowl has a first actuator therein for selectively actuating the switch. A bowl lid is removably mountable over a mouth of the bowl and is mounted to a mouth of the bowl when the bowl and bowl lid are in a working position. A feed tube defines a feed cavity including a feed mouth. The feed tube has a second actuator in an operative relationship with the first actuator. A feed tube lid is pivotably and removably mounted to the feed tube and includes a tab. The tab contacts and moves the second actuator to its operative position to thereby actuate the switch through the first actuator when the feed tube lid is in a closed position.

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. A cup actuation lever mounted to the base is movable to a dispensing position wherein the dispensing spout is urged to the open position and a resting position wherein the dispensing spout is urged to the closed position.