Abstract: An appliance for making a beverage comprising: a conduit defining a liquid flow path for the liquid; a pump to move the liquid under pressure along the flow path and configured to operate in a first mode and a second mode, different to the first mode, a sensor assembly configured to determine a first flow rate of the liquid in the flow path when the pump operates in the first mode and determine a second flow rate when the pump operates in the second mode; and a controller operatively coupled with the pump and the sensor assembly and configured to cause the pump to switch from the first mode to the second mode if the first flow rate is below a first threshold and to cause the pump to switch from the second mode to the first mode if the second flow rate is above a second threshold. In the second mode, the pump causes the liquid to move under increased pressure than in the first mode to at least aid in resolving cavitation. A method of controlling the appliance to make a beverage is also disclosed.

Abstract: A control method and control system for an agitating mechanism are provided. The control method includes receiving a load current detected by a current detecting apparatus when the agitating mechanism is rotating along a specific direction; determining whether the rotation of the agitating mechanism meets a preset trigger condition based on the load current; and controlling the agitating mechanism to rotate in a direction opposite from the specific direction when the trigger condition is met. The present invention can reduce the possibility of the electrical components of the agitating mechanism being burnt out and prolong the lifespan of the agitating mechanism. The present invention can improve agitation results of the agitating mechanism. At low speed, the agitating mechanism can perform the agitation gently without damaging the texture of the solid food. At high speed, the agitating mechanism can more homogeneously and finely agitate the mushy food with enhanced agitating efficiency.

Abstract: A control method and control system for an agitating mechanism are provided. The control method includes receiving a load current detected by a current detecting apparatus when the agitating mechanism is rotating along a specific direction; determining whether the rotation of the agitating mechanism meets a preset trigger condition based on the load current; and controlling the agitating mechanism to rotate in a direction opposite from the specific direction when the trigger condition is met. The present invention can reduce the possibility of the electrical components of the agitating mechanism being burnt out and prolong the lifespan of the agitating mechanism. The present invention can improve agitation results of the agitating mechanism. At low speed, the agitating mechanism can perform the agitation gently without damaging the texture of the solid food. At high speed, the agitating mechanism can more homogeneously and finely agitate the mushy food with enhanced agitating efficiency.

Abstract: A cooking appliance (10) includes a housing (12), a food process area (14) inside the housing, a heat source (22, 504), a low voltage DC motor (18, 510, 610) driving an impeller (16) disposed upstream of the heat source to circulate air and convectively transfer heat for preparing food In one embodiment, the heat source (22), serving as a voltage divider, and a shunt (24), cooperate to regulate the voltage and current input for driving the low voltage DC motor (18). In another embodiment, the heat source (504, 604) is connected across an AC power source (502, 602) and a voltage divider (506, 606) regulates the voltage input to the low voltage DC motor (510, 610).

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for cleaning a plurality of electronic components. A tank is provided for containing a cleaning fluid and an ultrasonic resonator is mounted in communication with the cleaning fluid for charging ultrasonic energy thereto. A support platform positionable over a top surface of the cleaning fluid supports the electronic components such that the electronic components are in contact with said top surface of the cleaning fluid in use. Further, a cleaning fluid supply system is configured to generate a continuous flow of cleaning fluid into the tank for cleaning the electronic components in contact with said top surface of the cleaning fluid.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for cleaning a plurality of electronic components. A tank is provided for containing a cleaning fluid and an ultrasonic resonator is mounted in communication with the cleaning fluid for charging ultrasonic energy thereto. A support platform positionable over a top surface of the cleaning fluid supports the electronic components such that the electronic components are in contact with said top surface of the cleaning fluid in use. Further, a cleaning fluid supply system is configured to generate a continuous flow of cleaning fluid into the tank for cleaning the electronic components in contact with said top surface of the cleaning fluid.

Abstract: Packages of varying dimensions are loaded into a plurality of electrical package tubes. A guide arrangement is provided, which is programmable to receive the electrical packages by automatically configuring to accommodate the varying dimensions of the electrical packages, the configuring being performed without manual intervention, and a receiving arrangement is provided to receive the electrical package tubes and configured to individually align the electrical package tubes with the guide arrangement to receive the electrical packages. Upon application of a feeding force to the electrical packages, the guide arrangement guides the electrical packages into the electrical package tubes.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for off-loading items of varying size such as electronic packages into receptacles such as tubes, there being means automatically to adjust dimension parameters of the apparatus whereby to accommodate packages of different size and load same into a tube therefor. The apparatus also has means for stacking a plurality of tubes for loading a bottom one of the stack, ejecting that one when loaded, and providing a subsequent tube from the stack for loading.