Abstract: A blender base that may be used with a food processor container, a blender container, and a single use beverage container. The blender container includes a novel blade unit having a food processor-style blade and blender type blades. Programs with preprogrammed motor commands for desired operations are stored in memory and may be selected by a user on a user interface. The user interface may include a liquid crystal display, or function switches and light emitting diodes. Upon selection of a particular pre-defined function, the microcontroller retrieves the appropriate program from the read only memory and specifies the preprogrammed motor commands to accomplish the selected function.

Abstract: A pop-up auto-shutoff indicator for a pressing iron includes a signal-activated pop-up switch adapted to provide power to a soleplate heater when the pop-up switch is depressed by the user. An auto-shutoff circuit is adapted to receive an input signal from a motion detector and provide an actuation signal to actuate the pop-up switch upon detecting no motion of the iron for a predetermined period of time and to disconnect power to the soleplate heater.

Abstract: A mold has a depression defining the shape of the bottom of an infusion pod. The opening of the depression is rimmed with a mold sealing surface. A coffee pressing bolt has a protrusion in substantial conformity to the shape of the depression. A bolt carrier has a resilient member biasing the bolt. The bolt carrier is axially moveable relative to the mold to repeatedly bring the form into contact with the mold in such a manner as to bring the mold sealing surface and the bolt carrier sealing surface into compressive relation while simultaneously bringing the bolt and the depression into juxtaposition. The resilient member has a spring coefficient high enough to conform a sheet of filter material to the shape of the depression and mold sealing surface so as to create a flanged filter cup in a cupping operation, yet low enough to avoid over packing a quantity of an infusable material deposited within the flanged filter cup in a sealing operation.

Abstract: A blender base that may be used with a food processor container, a blender container, and a single use beverage container. The blender container includes a novel blade unit having a food processor-style blade and blender type blades. Programs with preprogrammed motor commands for desired operations are stored in memory and may be selected by a user on a user interface. The user interface may include a liquid crystal display, or function switches and light emitting diodes. Upon selection of a particular pre-defined function, the microcontroller retrieves the appropriate program from the read only memory and specifies the preprogrammed motor commands to accomplish the selected function.