Abstract: A soft start circuit for a mixer is provided that includes an input for receiving an analog voltage representing a raw target speed; a current mirror for causing a speed target to change at a constant rate when the raw target speed represents a change from a current speed; and a comparator for receiving and comparing the raw target speed and an output from the current mirror and restricting the output from exceeding the raw target speed in order to restrict a soft start to only impede the speed target change when the raw target speed is increasing while not impeding the speed target change when the raw target speed is decreasing. The output of the soft start circuit is an analog representation of a soft start modified desired target speed.

Abstract: A soft start circuit for a mixer is provided that includes an input for receiving an analog voltage representing a raw target speed; a current mirror for causing a speed target to change at a constant rate when the raw target speed represents a change from a current speed; and a comparator for receiving and comparing the raw target speed and an output from the current mirror and restricting the output from exceeding the raw target speed in order to restrict a soft start to only impede the speed target change when the raw target speed is increasing while not impeding the speed target change when the raw target speed is decreasing. The output of the soft start circuit is an analog representation of a soft start modified desired target speed.

Abstract: A blender collar assembly including a plunger moveable between a lower position where a blade assembly is prevented from coupling with a motor, and an upper position where the blade assembly is able to couple with the motor. The plunger includes an arm extending upward and having a u-shaped feature, and a protrusion associated with the u-shaped feature. The assembly further includes a concentric interlock ring rotating responsive to rotation of a blender jar. The interlock ring including a first portion engaging the u-shaped feature preventing the plunger from moving upward, a second gap portion not engaging the u-shaped feature enabling the plunger to move upward and downward within the collar, and a key engaging a protrusion of the blender jar as the plunger moves upward preventing the interlock ring from rotating while the second portion is rotationally aligned with the u-shaped feature.

Abstract: A blender collar assembly including a plunger moveable between a lower position where a blade assembly is prevented from coupling with a motor, and an upper position where the blade assembly is able to couple with the motor. The plunger includes an arm extending upward and having a u-shaped feature, and a protrusion associated with the u-shaped feature. The assembly further includes a concentric interlock ring rotating responsive to rotation of a blender jar. The interlock ring including a first portion engaging the u-shaped feature preventing the plunger from moving upward, a second gap portion not engaging the u-shaped feature enabling the plunger to move upward and downward within the collar, and a key engaging a protrusion of the blender jar as the plunger moves upward preventing the interlock ring from rotating while the second portion is rotationally aligned with the u-shaped feature.

Abstract: A blender collar assembly including a plunger moveable between a lower position where a blade assembly is prevented from coupling with a motor, and an upper position where the blade assembly is able to couple with the motor. The plunger includes an arm extending upward and having a u-shaped feature, and a protrusion associated with the u-shaped feature. The assembly further includes a concentric interlock ring rotating responsive to rotation of a blender jar. The interlock ring including a first portion engaging the u-shaped feature preventing the plunger from moving upward, a second gap portion not engaging the u-shaped feature enabling the plunger to move upward and downward within the collar, and a key engaging a protrusion of the blender jar as the plunger moves upward preventing the interlock ring from rotating while the second portion is rotationally aligned with the u-shaped feature.

Abstract: A blender collar assembly including a plunger moveable between a lower position where a blade assembly is prevented from coupling with a motor, and an upper position where the blade assembly is able to couple with the motor. The plunger includes an arm extending upward and having a u-shaped feature, and a protrusion associated with the u-shaped feature. The assembly further includes a concentric interlock ring rotating responsive to rotation of a blender jar. The interlock ring including a first portion engaging the u-shaped feature preventing the plunger from moving upward, a second gap portion not engaging the u-shaped feature enabling the plunger to move upward and downward within the collar, and a key engaging a protrusion of the blender jar as the plunger moves upward preventing the interlock ring from rotating while the second portion is rotationally aligned with the u-shaped feature.

Abstract: A blending appliance includes a blender jar defining a receptacle portion, an open end, and a closed end. A blender lid is configured to mate with the open end of the bender jar. The lid defines an aperture. A blender has an upper housing defining a cavity configured to accept a funnel. The blender is configured to accept the blender jar such that the funnel and the lid aperture are aligned. A scraping utensil has a scraper portion and a bulge. The bulge is configured to pivotally engage the funnel such that the scraper portion may be adjusted within the receptacle portion.

Abstract: A method of determining a voltage and phase across an electric heating element in a laundry treating appliance, such as a clothes dryer.

Abstract: A method of determining a voltage and phase across an electric heating element in a laundry treating appliance, such as a clothes dryer.