Abstract: Nozzle control assemblies for a micro-puree machine include a bowl having a first end, a second end, and a sidewall extending between the first and send ends, the sidewall defining an interior volume of the bowl. The second end includes a nozzle in fluid communication with an interior of the bowl. A stopper is configured to be arranged in a first position, in which the stopper covers the nozzle, and a second position, in which the stopper does not cover the nozzle. A dial is assembleable to the second end of the bowl and configured to control extrusion of ingredients from the interior volume of the bowl through the nozzle.

Abstract: A micro-puree machine has an automatic bowl lock for locking to a bowl having at least one projection on an outer surface of the bowl. The bowl is rotatable relative to the micro-puree machine to rotate the at least one projection into and out of at least one slot on the micro-puree machine. The automatic bowl lock includes a locking pin moveable between a first position, in which the locking pin does not prevent the at least one projection from rotating out of the at least one slot, to a second position, in which the locking pin prevents the at least one projection from rotating out of the at least one slot, thereby locking the bowl to the micro-puree machine.

Abstract: A plunger retention assembly for a micro-puree machine includes a lid coupleable to a bowl. The lid defines a central passage through an interior of the lid. A plunger coupling is extendable through the central passage. A plunger has an attachment portion insertable through the central passage from a bottom surface of the lid. The attachment portion defines a channel for removeably receiving the plunger coupling.

Abstract: An aerosol generation device includes a casing; an aperture in the casing through which aerosol generating material is insertable into the aerosol generation device; a closure moveable relative to the aperture between a closed position in which the closure covers the aperture, an open position in which the aperture is unobstructed by the closure, and an activation position that is different from the open position; and a detector arranged to detect movement of the closure from the closed position to the open position and between the open position and the activation position.

Abstract: A helical coupling assembly for a micro puree machine includes at least one protrusion on a processing bowl configured to slidably engage a slot on an interior surface of the coupling when the processing bowl is rotated in a clockwise direction. The slots are configured such that, for a certain range of rotation, the slots are not helical to prevent the bowl from disengaging during extrusion of ingredients from the bowl.

Abstract: An extrusion assembly for a micro puree machine is disclosed. The extrusion assembly includes a plunger drive inhibitor configured to restrict input torque applied to the extrusion assembly from transferring to the extrusion drive train and the extrusion plunger. The plunger drive inhibitor may be implemented with various mechanisms, including a slip clutch assembly (with or without a frictional cone brake), a torsion spring, and/or an automated slip clutch assembly configured to cut power to the extrusion drive train when slipping of the clutch plates is detected.

Abstract: An extrusion lever mechanism is configured to change the extrusion state of a micro puree machine via electronic control. This control can be either manual or automatic, as selected by the user. The extrusion lever mechanism is also configured to provide a way for the user to retract an extruding plunger in order to remove the processing bowl from the machine.

Abstract: Micro puree machines have a locking assembly for locking a container to a coupling on the machine, preventing the container from rotating out of the coupling during processing. The locking assembly includes at least one protrusion on the container configured to slidably engage a slot on an interior surface of the coupling when the container is rotated in a clockwise direction. The coupling has a clip that is moveable from a first position, in which the clip prevents rotation of the container in the counterclockwise direction, to a second position, in which the clip allows rotation of the container in the counterclockwise direction. The clip is spring biased toward the second position. Pressing a button on the coupling moves the clip from the first to the second position.

Abstract: A micro puree machine has a drive motor positioned within a lower portion of a housing extending along a vertical axis. A mixing shaft positioned within an upper portion of the housing extends at a non-parallel angle relative to the vertical axis. The bowl of ingredients is installed to an angled surface of the upper portion of the housing along the mixing shaft axis, allowing for easier viewing of the bowl installation.

Abstract: Nozzle control assemblies for a micro-puree machine include a bowl having a first end, a second end, and a sidewall extending between the first and send ends, the sidewall defining an interior volume of the bowl. The second end includes a nozzle in fluid communication with an interior of the bowl. A stopper is configured to be arranged in a first position, in which the stopper covers the nozzle, and a second position, in which the stopper does not cover the nozzle. A dial is assembleable to the second end of the bowl and configured to control extrusion of ingredients from the interior volume of the bowl through the nozzle.

Abstract: A needle hub for a drug delivery device includes a hub body, an activation button, a needle holder moveable relative to the hub body, a needle attached to the needle holder, a needle spring biasing the needle holder to a retracted position where the needle is positioned within the hub body, a cannula holder moveable relative to the hub body and the needle holder, a cannula attached to the cannula holder, with the cannula configured to be in fluid communication with a fluid source, and a cannula spring biasing the cannula holder to a retracted position. Movement of a portion of the hub body is configured to disengage a connection between the cannula holder and the hub body to allow the cannula holder to return to the retracted position.

Abstract: Micro puree machines have a locking assembly for locking a container to a coupling on the machine, preventing the container from rotating out of the coupling during processing. The locking assembly includes at least one protrusion on the container configured to slidably engage a slot on an interior surface of the coupling when the container is rotated in a clockwise direction. The coupling has a clip that is moveable from a first position, in which the clip prevents rotation of the container in the counterclockwise direction, to a second position, in which the clip allows rotation of the container in the counterclockwise direction. The clip is spring biased toward the second position. Pressing a button on the coupling moves the clip from the first to the second position.

Abstract: An aerosol generation device includes a casing; an aperture in the casing through which aerosol generating material is insertable into the aerosol generation device; a closure moveable relative to the aperture between a closed position in which the closure covers the aperture, an open position in which the aperture is unobstructed by the closure, and an activation position that is different from the open position; and a detector arranged to detect movement of the closure from the closed position to the open position and between the open position and the activation position.

Abstract: A needle hub for a drug delivery device includes a needle holder and a needle attached to the needle holder, a needle actuation assembly configured to move the needle holder from a retracted position, to an insertion position, and back to the retracted position, and a pressure interlock comprising an inlet configured to be in fluid communication with a fluid source, an outlet in fluid communication with the needle, and a lock member. The lock member having a first position where the lock member prevents actuation of the needle actuation assembly and a second position where the lock member allows actuation of the needle actuation assembly. The lock member is moved from the first position to the second position based on a pressure within the pressure interlock.

Abstract: Food processing devices having a door assembly for a mixing bowl are described. The mixing bowl includes an opening extending through at least a portion of one wall of the mixing bowl. The door assembly includes a feed chute positioned adjacent to the opening and a plunger. The plunger has a face and is configured to pivot between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the face of the plunger is flush with an interior surface of the mixing bowl. In the second position, the face of the plunger retracts into the feed chute and permits food ingredients from the mixing bowl to enter and flow through the feed chute.

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: A cutting device configured to couple to an extruder outlet is described herein. The cutting device includes a blade operatively coupled to a biasing member, a motor, and a charging chamber. The charging chamber has a charging member and a release feature. The charging member is arranged to be rotated by the motor. The motor drives forward movement of the charging member within the charging chamber until the release feature reaches a release point within the charging chamber. At the release point the biasing member is mechanically released to drive movement of the blade. The blade is arranged to move in at least a first direction in response to the mechanical release of the biasing member.

Abstract: An adjustable blade assembly includes a threaded hub coupleable to a drive shaft of a food processor and a slicing plate slidably mounted on the hub. A slicing blade couples to the hub above a first surface of the slicing plate for cutting food introduced into the food processor. A cannulated support collar couples to the hub and includes a plurality of detents. A slicing adjustment sleeve rotatably couples to the hub and to the support collar to move the slicing plate up and down relative to the hub, thus changing a selected distance between the slicing plate and the slicing blade. As the user rotates the slicing adjustment sleeve, a plunger housed inside the slicing adjustment sleeve engages the plurality of detents on the support collar, thus providing tactile feedback to the user and maintaining the slicing blade in the desired position relative to the slicing plate.

Abstract: A twist off container and coupling assembly of a micro puree machine includes a container and a coupling on the micro puree machine. An interior surface of the coupling has at least one ramped slot that is angled relative to a lower annular surface of the coupling. The container has at least one protrusion correspondingly angled relative to an upper annular surface of the container. The protrusion is configured to engage the slot when the container is rotated in a clockwise direction and to disengage from the slot when the container is rotated in a counterclockwise direction. When the container is rotated, the container moves both axially and rotationally relative to the coupling.

Abstract: An aerosol generation device has a body and a closure. The body has an aperture through which an aerosol substrate is receivable into the aerosol generation device. The closure is moveable relative to the aperture between a closed position in which the closure covers the aperture and an open position in which the aperture is substantially unobstructed by the closure; the closure is stable in each of the closed position and the open position. The closure is further moveable from the open position to an activation position. At the activation position, the aerosol generation device is operable to initiate an activation signal.