Abstract: Food processing devices capable of performing multiple functions, including mixing and extruding pasta or other food products, are described. The food processing devices have a door assembly with a feed chute extending from an opening in the mixing bowl and leading to an extruder. The door assembly can be closed or opened, depending on the type of food processing to be performed. The food processing device mixes food ingredients within the mixing bowl while the door assembly is in a closed position. When the food ingredients are sufficiently mixed, the door assembly is moved to an open position to allow the mixed food ingredients to flow through the feed chute to the extruder. The disclosed food processing devices conveniently allow for both mixing and extruding of food products within a single device configured to efficiently and safely perform both tasks.

Abstract: Food processing devices capable of performing multiple functions, including mixing and extruding pasta or other food products, are described. The food processing devices have a base, a mixing bowl mountable on the base, a mixing assembly, and an extruder. The base has a first motor operably coupled to drive the mixing assembly when the mixing bowl is coupled to the base, a data store arranged to store a plurality of computer-readable signals defining at least a first sequence of food processing instructions, and a controller in electronic communication with the data store. The controller is operable to execute the plurality of computer-readable signals, the execution of which controls the first motor to actuate the mixing assembly for at least a first period of time to produce mixed food items and controls operation of the extruder for at least a second period of time, causing extrusion of the mixed food items.

Abstract: A lid and blade assembly for a micro puree machine includes a lid having a central aperture for receiving a central hub of the blade. At least two cutting arms and at least two mixing arms extend radially outward from the central hub. A retaining component retains the blade within the lid during processing. The lid includes a recess below the retaining component for collecting slush and ice displaced by the blade during processing. Portions of the blade also include serrated grooves for clearing slush deposits when the blade engages the lid.

Abstract: A lid and blade assembly for a micro puree machine includes a lid having a central aperture for receiving a central hub of the blade. At least two cutting arms and at least two mixing arms extend radially outward from the central hub. A retaining component retains the blade within the lid during processing. The lid includes a recess below the retaining component for collecting slush and ice displaced by the blade during processing. Portions of the blade also include serrated grooves for clearing slush deposits when the blade engages the lid.

Abstract: A micro puree machine includes a mixing shaft coupled to a blade and rotatable by means of a gear. A magnet is coupled to the gear and a rotation sensor is mounted on the machine housing. As the mixing shaft descends into the pre-frozen ingredients, the rotation sensor detects a magnetic field of the magnet as the gear rotates and generates a rotation signal in response. A controller receives the rotation signal and determines a rotation count associated with the gear, causing the mixing shaft to ascend back toward the housing once a pre-selected rotation count has been reached. The pre-selected rotation count correlates with the partial processing of the ingredients.

Abstract: A lid and blade assembly for a micro puree machine includes a lid having a central aperture for receiving a central hub of the blade. At least two cutting arms and at least two mixing arms extend radially outward from the central hub. A retaining component retains the blade within the lid during processing. The lid includes a recess below the retaining component for collecting slush and ice displaced by the blade during processing. Portions of the blade also include serrated grooves for clearing slush deposits when the blade engages the lid.

Abstract: Mix-in tools for use with processed food include two wing members defining a helical profile coupled to a central shaft attached to a handle. Inserting the wing members into the processed food and rotating the handle creates a central cavity in the processed for gently mixing in ingredients before additional processing. The wing members also include spatula-like, flat edged sides for cleaning out the processed food from a vessel.

Abstract: A lid and blade assembly for a micro puree machine includes a lid having a central aperture for receiving a central hub of the blade. At least two cutting arms and at least two mixing arms extend radially outward from the central hub. A retaining component retains the blade within the lid during processing. The lid includes a recess below the retaining component for collecting slush and ice displaced by the blade during processing. Portions of the blade also include serrated grooves for clearing slush deposits when the blade engages the lid.

Abstract: A micro puree machine includes a mixing shaft coupled to a blade and rotatable by means of a gear. A magnet is coupled to the gear and a rotation sensor is mounted on the machine housing. As the mixing shaft descends into the pre-frozen ingredients, the rotation sensor detects a magnetic field of the magnet as the gear rotates and generates a rotation signal in response. A controller receives the rotation signal and determines a rotation count associated with the gear, causing the mixing shaft to ascend back toward the housing once a pre-selected rotation count has been reached. The pre-selected rotation count correlates with the partial processing of the ingredients.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for providing a cabinet security system is disclosed. The system includes a magnetic lock to be mounted on a movable cabinet panel and a catch that is mounted on a cabinet frame and configured to engage the magnetic lock to hold the cabinet panel in a closed position relative to the cabinet frame.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for providing a cabinet security system is disclosed. The system includes a magnetic lock to be mounted on a movable cabinet panel and a catch that is mounted on a cabinet frame and configured to engage the magnetic lock to hold the cabinet panel in a closed position relative to the cabinet frame.