Abstract: A beverage mixing vessel or drink shaker has internal features effective for breaking up ice as the beverage mixing vessel or drink shaker is shaken. One or more protrusions disposed near the bottom of a container have apexes aligned in the direction of shaking motion. The impact of ice cubes upon the apexes of the protrusions facilitates breaking the ice cubes into smaller pieces, thereby having the effect of cooling a mixed beverage more quickly.

Abstract: A grinder for a food item includes a top shell having a top axis, a top inner surface disposed about the top axis, and a plurality of top teeth extending downwardly from the top inner surface. The grinder further includes a bottom shell having a bottom axis, a bottom inner surface disposed about the bottom axis, and a plurality of bottom teeth extending upwardly from the bottom inner surface. A plunger is slidable within the cavity between a retracted position and an advanced position, the plunger having an upper surface directed away from the bottom inner surface, the upper surface having a perimeter configured for slidable engagement with an inner surface of the sidewall and a plurality of apertures in registration with the plurality of bottom teeth.

Abstract: A grinder including a hollow base, a receptacle, an automatic open/close control device, a grinding unit, and a housing. The automatic open/close control device has a follower member, a bottom cover, a position-limitation structure, and a torsion spring connected between the follower member and the bottom cover. When a friction force produced during grinding of the grinder is greater than a torsional force of a torsion spring, the follower member is rotated relative to the bottom cover from a first position where radial blocks of the follower member block outlets of the bottom cover to a second position where the radial blocks of the follower member are moved away from the outlets of the bottom cover and guide slots of the follower member are moved into alignment with the outlets respectively for discharge of ground powder out of the grinder through the guide slots and the outlets.

Abstract: This utility patent is a single-handed vertical solid material grinder. It includes a shell, a handle set with a motion handle and a mounted handle, and a grinding set. The grinding set has a sector unit that is a sector cylinder with parallel teeth and a grinding unit with fixed teeth. The mounted handle is placed inside the shell. Between the motion handle and the shell is an elastic repositioning unit. There is a driving set between the motion handle and the sector unit. When using one hand to pull and then release the handle set, through the handle set inside the shell and the grinding set of sector unit and grinding unit, the motion handle will drive the sector unit move back and forth around the spinning axis, thus pushing the parallel teeth on the sector surface to smash back and forth through the fixed teeth on the grinding unit's surface. Thus the solid raw material is caught between the surfaces of the parallel teeth and the fixed teeth and is grinded down.

Abstract: An apparatus for the manual cutting of foods includes a first basic element and a second basic element, wherein the first and second basic elements are pivotably movable relative to one another about a pivot axis from a non-usage setting into a work setting, wherein the first and second basic elements each have a front side and a rear side, each of the front and rear sides having a functional surface configured as a guideway and as a cutting zone for food, and wherein the first and second basic elements lie one against the other in the non-usage setting. The apparatus also has an integrated latching device disposed in a region of the pivot axis configured to secure defined angular settings of the first and second basic elements.

Abstract: A container for holding an edible liquid has a storage chamber for holding the liquid. The storage chamber has at least one outlet. The container also has an ingredient chamber separate from the storage chamber and for holding a flavor enhancing ingredient. A grinder is provided to communicate with the ingredient chamber for grinding the flavor enhancing ingredient. The grinder has at least one opening for dispensing the flavor enhancing ingredient on the opposite side of the grinder from the ingredient chamber.

Abstract: The present invention is a device for cutting solid medications, whether in the form of capsules, tablets or pills. When cutting capsules, the capsules are retained to be divided by a first blade. Tablets and other forms of the medication are retained by pill stabilizers and cut by a second blade. The device also may have a pill crusher and a section to hold whole or divided medications.

Abstract: A device for adjusting the grinding of a condiment in a mill includes a drive element having a thimble 6, a thimble support 4, a wheel 9 and a fixing ring 11 for attachment to the mill. Rotational movement of an adjustment ring 3 fitted with an adjustment stop 5 independent of the device results in translational movement of the thimble support 4.

Abstract: A peppermill includes a receiving unit that surrounds an axis and that defines a receiving space for receiving peppercorns, a grinding unit that includes a coupling shaft disposed rotatably in the receiving space and having a shaft hole extending therethrough along the axis, and that is operable for grinding the peppercorns to result in ground pepper, and a closure unit that includes a connecting rod extending movably through the shaft hole along the axis, and a closure member secured to the connecting rod and disposed under the grinding unit. Movement of the connecting rod results in corresponding movement of the closure member between a closed position for blocking discharge of the ground pepper through a discharge end of the receiving unit, and an opened position for permitting discharge of the ground pepper through the discharge end.

Abstract: A kitchen utensil, in the nature of a zester (15), having a zester blade (17) on which an array of teeth are formed. The blade (17) is fashioned out of a blank of thin metallic material, the edges of which are quite sharp. At least two such edges intersect to create a very sharp point and which becomes an area of potential injury. To minimize injury at that intersection, and further, to protect counter tops and the like from marring and scratching, a-protective tip (40) is fitted over that intersection. The protective tip (40) is made out of a soft plastic or rubber material and inhibits contact with the point at that intersection and the area immediately adjacent thereto.

Abstract: The invention provides a food grater assembly comprising a base; an external cylindrical portion removably attached to the base; a grater disc disposed within and removably attached to the lower end of the outer cylindrical portion; an inner divider having a cross wall dividing the inner space of the inner cylindrical portion in two equal portions; said divider being able to rotate freely within the external cylindrical portion; a plunger disposed within the divider, said plunger having a plurality of annular ridges disposed along a portion of its length; said plunger portion having a closed bottom wall and a slot defined axially and longitudinally along a portion of is length; a pair of engaging strips flexibly attached to and disposed in the wall of the external cylinder, each of said engaging strips having horizontal ridges along a portion of the inner surface thereof for engaging and disengaging the horizontal ridges of the plunger; and a cap disposed on the upper end of the inner plunger portion.

Abstract: A drive mechanism particularly suited for use in a manual grinder for the grinding of edible grindable product. The drive mechanism includes a toothed ring 15 is engaged with a toothed rack 21. A split sleeve 16 is located within the toothed gear 15 and a shaft 14 is engaged in the bore of the split sleeve 16. The split sleeve 16 is coupled (38, 40) to the toothed gear 15 such that relative movement between the split sleeve 16 and the gear 15 can occur when the rack is moved in a first position. This movement in the first direction results in contraction of the bore of the split sleeve 16 so as to create a driving contact between the split sleeve and the shaft. Upon the rack being moved in the second direction the driving contact is removed whereby the split sleeve and toothed gear 15 can move independent of the shaft 14.

Abstract: A mill for grinding edible particles is composed of a main body, a rotating knob, a shaft, a cover, a grinding base, a grinding block, a rotator, an anti-leaking cover, a ratchet block, a bottom base, an adjustment rotating base and two springs. By means of spiral grinding teeth of the grinding block and the grinding base, edible particles can be ground into powder to drop out of powder outlets of the bottom base while clockwise rotating the rotating knob. After using the mill, the powder outlets can be covered by the anti-leaking cover to prevent the powder from dropping on a table via counterclockwise rotating the rotating knob. And, via rotating the adjustment rotating base, the rotator can be moved up and down to alter the distance between the grinding block and the grinding base for grinding with diverse sizes of powder.

Abstract: Spoon-shaped kitchen implement including a shallow bowl (110) and a handle (120). The shallow bowl (110) has a leading edge (111), a concave upper surface and a convex lower surface. The handle (120) is attached to the bowl (110) at a position substantially opposite the bowl's leading edge (111). The bowl (110) also has a plurality of grating holes (112) through it that present a rubbing zone that is sufficiently rough that a gratable foodstuff can be reduced to small particles by rubbing it on the zone. Two such implements can be pivotably joined at their handles, to form a pair of tongs (200).

Abstract: A pill crusher device and method including a base and a lid movable between open and closed positions with respect to the base. The base includes a pill cup holder for holding a cup with one or more pills therein. The cup may include a flange that is keyed to the cup holder to prevent the cup from rotating with the cup holder. A head protrudes from the inside surface of the lid and is shaped to nest within the cup either directly against the pills, or against a second cup placed in the first cup with the pills located between the two cups.

Abstract: Peppercorns and coarse salt are selectively stored, ground and dispensed. Two squeeze-levers are provided for actuating the grinder, with a lock for selectively disabling one of them so that only one condiment is dispensed at a time. Means is provided for increasing the quantity of condiment ground for each stroke of the grinder lever.

Abstract: A kitchen appliance apparatus (10) mountable on a work surface (12) for performing a culinary function includes a culinary unit (14) and a base (16) for the culinary unit. The apparatus (10) includes a suction assembly (48) that includes a suction member (50) that forms a bottom surface of the base (16). The suction assembly (48) is operable to form a vacuum between the suction member (50) and the work surface (12) that releasably connects the base (16) to the work surface. A clamp assembly (100) includes a clamping member (112) that has a clamping surface spaced from and presented toward the suction member (50). The clamping member (112) is movable toward the suction member (50) to clamp the work surface (12) between the clamping member and the suction member.

Abstract: A multi grater for material to be grated, such as fruit, vegetables, cheese, nuts, etc. comprises at least three, but preferably four or six grating devices which each have a specific grating function and are connected to one another at their edges. Thus, a grater body of polygonal cross section is formed with a cavity into which grated material is discharged. The grater body further comprises an insert which can be inserted into the cavity and is suitable for receiving the grated material.

Abstract: A pill crusher has a paper cup receptacle having an upwardly open, frusto-conical recess for receiving a paper cup, a plunger having a frusto-conical shape complimentary to that of the recess, the plunger being above and coaxial with the recess, an electric motor and a reciprocating drive transmission between the electric motor and the plunger for displacing the plunger into and out of the recess. The reciprocatory drive transmission comprises a worm and nut drive transmission for rotating the plunger while displacing the plunger into the receptacle. A drive control connected to the electric motor controls the motor so as to displace the plunger into and out of the recess.

Abstract: A spice grinding and dispensing device generally intended to be used for grinding one spice in a first portion and a second spice in the other portion. Each portion of the dual spice grinder includes a handle or trigger that activates an independent rasp mechanism. When the trigger is pressed, the rasp activated thereby moves down and forces ground spice through an opening. The pressure of the rasp against the inside of the bottom of the grinder breaks up the spice, and only spice that is properly sized can fit through the opening. Furthermore, the opening may be adjustable so that a user can create a coarse or finely ground spice.

Abstract: A cover (1) has a base (2) to which a vessel (5) can be nonrotatably attached and a cap (3) which is rotatable relative to the base (2) and has, via a gear (4) arranged in the cover (1) and having a transmission ratio of 4:1, an operative connection to a shaft (6) which is rotatably mounted in the vessel (5) and carries two blades (7a,b) which are staggered axially relatively to one another and are provided in each case with cutting edges (8) on both longitudinal edges. After the vessel has been filled with material to be cut and has been connected, the apparatus can be picked up and tilted and used for uniform comminution of material to be cut, in particular vegetables, by mutual rotation of the vessel (5) and of the base (2), on the one hand, and of the cap (3), on the other hand, with alternately opposite directions of rotation. It is particularly suitable for uniform cutting of onions into small cubes.

Abstract: A grinder includes a grinder housing having a grinder actuator, a first grinding plate, a second grinding plate and a detachable coupling arrangement. The first grinding plate is detachably coupling with the grinder actuator, wherein the first grinding plate has a plurality of first grinding knifes downwardly and spacedly extended from a bottom side of the first grinding plate. The second grinding plate has a plurality of second grinding knifes upwardly and spacedly extended from the top side of the second grinding plate at a position that the first and second grinding knifes are spacedly disposed within a grinding compartment, such that when the grinder actuator is turned with respect to the grinder base to drive the first grinding plate to rotate, the first and second grinding knifes are correspondingly moved within the grinding compartment to provide a grinding action.

Abstract: The invention is a tablet crusher including a linkage that is operable to bring to bear a force on a platen so as to urge it against an anvil, wherein platen and anvil are shaped so as to bring about a crushing force upon a tablet disposed therebetween. The device comprises: (1) a base; (2) an anvil integrally fixed to the base, the anvil having a concave crushing face; (3) a platen having a convex crushing face, coupled at a pivot to the base so as to be moveable against the anvil; (4) a screw actuator for facilitating movement of the platen against the anvil, the screw actuator having a handle; whereby movement of the handle produces movement of the platen relative to the anvil, for crushing a tablet between the anvil and the platen.

Abstract: A manually operable pill crusher device for use with pill pouches. A base includes a crushing surface over which a head is mounted. A handle is attached to a cam inside the head, and the head has a slot that permits the handle to move from a horizontal position to a vertical position. The cam is mounted inside a ram which slideably moves axially inside the head from a raised position in the head when the handle is vertical to a lowered position when the handle is horizontal. The ram includes a crushing surface engaging surface. The head also includes a slot through which a pill in a pouch can be inserted on to the crushing surface when the handle is raised. Lowering the handle then crushes the pill with axial force directly over the crushing surface, avoiding any cocking or arcuate pressure on the pill.

Abstract: A foodstuff crusher/blender has a hollow body defining a closed elongate cavity. An access device, such as complementary screwthreads on respective ends of two portions of the body, enables the introduction and removal of foodstuff into and from the cavity. A crushing/blending ball is accommodated in the cavity. The cavity is of circular shape along its length in transverse cross-section. One end of the cavity is of substantially part-spherical shape with a diameter not substantially greater than that of the ball. The other end of the cavity is of substantially part-spherical shape with a diameter substantially greater than that of the ball. The diameter of the cavity increases progressively over at least a part of the distance between the two ends of the cavity.

Abstract: A manually drivable food cutter, it includes a cap with a axle journal, a blade shaft with one or more blade on it, a vessel connected to the blade shaft and a cap connecting the cap and the vessel, characterized in that the apparatus also include a gear shaft set above the base, and there is a gear part which can transmit the rotation of the cap to the blade shaft on the base, the gear part includes one or more gears. The advantages of the apparatus are that it can be conveniently operated and the units do not fall apart easily.

Abstract: A processing tool for garlic and like edibles including a container mounted comminuting unit having-upper-and lower sets of spaced linearly aligned blades selectively presented in an upwardly directed operating position upon an inverting of the unit, the blades of each set having a comminuting profile differing from that of the blades of the other set and are selectively engaged by a set of spaced pusher teeth aligned along a sinusoidal path and mounted on an overlying cap for, upon rotation of the cap relative to the comminuting unit, moving an edible through the comminuting blades for the desired comminution thereof, the cap including a separate chamber for preparation of the edible before the comminuting process.

Abstract: A pill crusher having a rack and pinion advancing a platen. Pill crushers are used to crush pills into powder for various medicinal reasons, such as ease of mixing or dosing. A rack on a slide way is linearly advanced by rotational movement of a pinion on a handle. The slide way is attached to a platen that advances towards an anvil. A pill in a pouch placed adjacent the anvil is crushed by the advancing platen. In one embodiment, a shaped anvil insert surface is mated to a complementary shaped platen surface and aids in crushing the pill. The present invention provides an efficient and sturdy pill crusher for commercial as well as personal use.

Abstract: A hand-held device for reducing the size of food items, for example by slicing or grating. The disclosed device has a slicing drum transversally inserted into an aperture on a lateral wall of a casing. Preferably, both the drum and its size reducing members, such as blades, are removable. Ideally, the drum can be inserted in an aperture on either of two opposing lateral walls so that the device may be easily used by both right-handed and left-handed people. A slicing compartment is formed by the casing and the slicing drum. A grip handle extends from the casing and preferably has an arm cover, which may open to a storage receptacle intended for storage of additional blades. The slicing drum is engaged with a crank lever assembly for rotation. A distal wall of the casing is preferably curved to form a tangential relationship with the slicing drum to, along with gravitational force, advance a food item to be reduced in size.

Abstract: A hand-held food processor having a weighted cylindrical universal handle with a circular triangle shaped base which can accommodate various detachable optional base pieces. The base pieces contemplated include a piercing tenderizer assembly, a coarse plate, as well as a smooth plate.

Abstract: A peppermill includes a body having upper and lower ends and defining a cavity extending between the upper and lower ends. The body defines a gap extending therethrough substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the body. A grinding mechanism is positioned within the body between the upper and lower ends. A cap rotatably secures to the body over the lower opening. A lateral opening extends through the cap in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and is alignable with the gap. The cap mounts to an insert secured within the cavity near the lower opening. The insert includes an insert opening. The cap rotatably mounts to the insert and further includes an arcuate flange positioned over the insert opening when the lateral opening is not aligned with the gap.

Abstract: A pill or tablet crusher and splitter using a combination lever and screw action. A lever attached to a ring having an internal screw thread advances a transversely movable platen towards a transversely fixed or placed anvil crushing a pill or tablet placed between the platen and anvil. The anvil may be removable for easy cleaning. A pill or tablet splitter may be placed in a sunken area beneath an intermediate portion of the lever. The pill or tablet splitter has a tray with a plurality of slopped bottom V-shaped pill or tablet holding clamps. A blade attached to a cover-cutter is placed over the tray. The cover-cutter is forced downward by the movement of the lever splitting or cutting the pills or tablets.

Abstract: A condiment mill for products such as dry garlic or citrus fruit peels includes a conventional container (2) for containing the condiment, a grinding mechanism (3) fixed to the bottom of the container (2), and a rotatable knob (4) which is arranged on the top part of the container (2) and which is mechanically connected to the grinding mechanism by a rotating drive shaft (5). The mill (1) is also provided with a cutting blade (6) which is arranged above the grinder (3) and which is fixed to the drive shaft (5). The mill is further provided with a separator for dividing the container into at least two adjacent compartments which conform to the size of the condiment in such a way that the condiment is maintained in a substantially vertical position, for slicing of the condiment by the cutting blade (6).

Abstract: A condiment grinder has a main container with a top rotatable drive portion having Drive arms are rotatably mounted in the bottom portion of the container in a compartment formed between a flat top plate and a flat bottom plate having cutting blades formed therein. The top plate is resiliently urged towards the flat bottom plate by a spring mounted in the container between the drive portion and the top plate. Condiment to be ground is placed in the compartment. The top drive portion is connected to the drive arms such that when the top drive portion is rotated, the drive arms drive the condiment against the cutting blades to effect the grinding action, the ground condiment being passed out from the container.

Abstract: A food contact device including a handle member with a first end and a second end. The first end of the handle member includes a pressure enhancing structure. One or more blade elements are in direct or indirect contact with the second end of the handle member. In operation, a user grasps the handle member, effects force in a contact direction via the handle member and the pressure enhancing structure. In this manner, the blade element contacts a food item.

Abstract: A vegetable chopper (10) includes a lower housing part (14), which has a knife (16) on its underside and receives a rotatable inner body with a chopping grid (20), the inner body (18) being fillable with the vegetable. Vegetable chopper (10) has an upper housing part (12) with a ram (26) which is disposed on a spindle (24) in the operating state plunges into the inner body (18) and upon rotation of the upper housing part (12) relative to the lower housing part (14) executes an axial motion counter to the chopping grid (20). Vegetable chopper (10) includes a coupling device (28), which in the operating state assure engagement with a thread of the spindle (24) and in the open state allows a free axial displacement of the spindle (24) and ram (26). The coupling device (28) is connected to the upper housing part (12), and the spindle (24) is guided for axial displacement relative to the upper housing part (12) and secured against rotation relative to the upper housing part (12) on the axial guide (34).

Abstract: An electric pepper mill is provided that is equipped with two terminal legs that normally do not touch each other, and a pressing block. When the pepper mill is in an upright position, the pressing block rests on the terminal legs to connect the terminal legs. circuit including a motor and batteries and when the motor is powered the pepper mill operates to grind pepper. When the pepper mill is in an upside-down position, the circuit including the motor and the batteries will be in the opened position, and the pepper mill will not operate.

Abstract: A pepper grinder includes pepper and salt containers. The pepper container has first and second openings, through which first opening the container may be refilled with pepper seeds, and includes a pepper grinding mechanism in the second opening, through which ground pepper may be dispensed. The salt container has first and second openings, through which first opening the container may be refilled with salt and through which second opening salt may be dispensed. The two containers are releasably interconnected at their first openings, whereby both openings are closed. A coupler releasably connects the two containers together, which has a first part releasably connected to the pepper container first opening and a second part releasably connected to the salt container first opening.

Abstract: A manually drivable apparatus for comminuting foods. The apparatus includes a substantially rotationally symmetrical vessel configured to receive a material to be cut, a substantially rotationally symmetrical removable cover configured to nonrotatably mount on the vessel, a shaft rotatably mounted centrally along an axis of the vessel, and at least one blade mounted to the shaft and projecting approximately at right angles from the shaft. The apparatus includes a cutting edge provided on the at least one blade on each of a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge opposite the first longitudinal edge. The apparatus includes a rotatable drive part configured to drive at least the shaft, and includes a gear arranged in the cover and configured to operatively connect the rotatable drive part to the shaft with a transmission ratio that is greater than 1.

Abstract: A pepper grinder comprising a pepper seed bottle having upper and lower openings, through which upper opening the bottle may be refilled. A pepper grinding mechanism is provided in the lower bottle opening, through which ground pepper may be dispensed. The mechanism comprises a female grinding member and a male grinding member supported co-axially therein for relative rotation to grind pepper, the two members being spaced apart by an annual gap in which pepper is to be ground. The mechanism includes a positioning ring in engagement with the male grinding member, which may be turned to adjust the axial position of the male grinding member relative to the female grinding member and hence the width of the gap and in turn the pepper grinding size. The positioning ring comprises a ring body and two spokes that extend across opposite sides of the ring body for engagement by a user to turn the ring.

Abstract: A spice or peppercorn grinder including a cylinder body; an L-grooved barrel in the cylinder body; a top cap connected to a pressure drum slidably mounted in the L-grooved barrel, a rotatable ?-shaped open-end long tube provided in a lower space of the pressure drum and engaged with a screw-shaped long axis assembly provided rotatably in the L-grooved barrel, so that when the ?-shaped open-end long tube moves downwardly with the pressure drum, the screw-shaped long axis is caused to rotate in a certain direction, the other end of the screw-shaped long axis assembly being provided with a pinion; a compression spring being provided between the seat of the L-grooved barrel and the bottom of the pressure drum; a gear-toothed ring transmission mechanism being provided beneath the L-grooved barrel; a grinding plate assembly being provided on the cylinder bottom and being driven by the gear reduction apparatus to rotate in one direction to grind spices or peppercorns.

Abstract: An apparatus for disintegrating waste matter preferably comprising a holding area for holding waste matter; and a fluid delivery mechanism for applying high pressure fluid to the holding area, wherein the high pressure fluid disintegrates the waste matter and applies a force sufficient to hydromechanically sever the waste matter. The holding area preferably includes a container bin having a bottom surface and an outer wall. Alternatively, the apparatus is a hand held device. An outlet port coupled to the bottom surface, wherein the disintegrated waste material exits the container bin via the outlet port. A fluid source coupled to the fluid delivery mechanism. The fluid delivery mechanism comprises at least one nozzle for applying a stream of highly pressurized fluid to the waste. The nozzle preferably includes a zero degree nozzle tip The fluid delivery mechanism comprises a column or a disk manifold, wherein the nozzle extends therefrom.

Abstract: An improved hand-held food processor for performing selected cutting operations upon a foodstuff is disclosed comprising an elongated housing, a lever arm extended substantially through the housing and pivotally coupled thereto under a spring bias, and a processing plate containing a cutting panel slidably disposed and adapted to engage the pivoting lever arm at its lower tip to provide reciprocating cutting motion. The housing is formed having a narrow grip-like upper section for handling and an expanded bell-shaped lower section with an open bottom at the base of the housing. The lower section of the housing is further formed having a forward compartment intended to hold the foodstuff to be processed. A spring-driven press mechanism is slidably mounted within the forward compartment of the housing and releasably engaged for activation to push the foodstuff through the compartment and onto the reciprocating plate for delivery of processed foodstuff.

Abstract: A culinary press (2) has a pair of pivotably connected members (4, 6) one comprising a chamber for receiving a foodstuff and having a perforated surface (18), and the other a plunger (24) movable into the chamber for, in use, forcing food through the perforated surface (18) to an opposite side thereof, and a scraper (26) mounted on the press (2) so as to be movable across the said opposite side of the perforated surface (18) to scrape off any foodstuff adhered thereto after crushing of food.

Abstract: An electric rotary grater including an external cylinder and a roller being sheathed into the external cylinder and having a stirring plate connected to a blocking edge of the external cylinder. A chamber is defined each on both sides of the stirring plate which is connected to a grater disc having a plurality of grater holes. A power device having a power source disposed in a housing, and a pillar groove transversally disposed outside the housing into which the stirring plate is inserted and a housing pillar on both sides of the pillar groove. A transmission device being connected to the power device and having a motor, a retardation mechanism and a press switch in the housing. A top cover presses on a driven set assembly to make planet gears of the retardation mechanism run in idle and the housing and shell to rotate and thus driving the roller to rotate.

Abstract: The invention provides a generally cylindrical, releasable interlocking arrangement comprising a lower portion having an inwardly-directed rim at its upper end, and an upper portion having outwardly-directed resilient members at an outer periphery thereof. The two portions snap-fit into one another and are mutually rotatable. The second portion consists of a flexible ring-shaped element with the resilient members extending longitudinally and radially thereof, an outer element that receives the resilient members in slots in the outer periphery thereof, and a third element that engages with the outer element and retains the resilient members in the slots. The two portions of the interlocking arrangement may be secured within respective cylindrical housing parts of a grinding device, in particular a pepper mill, with a drive member of a grinding mechanism passing freely through the lower portion and engaging with the upper portion of the arrangement.

Abstract: The present invention provides a spice mill, in particular a pepper mill, having an improved design for setting the fineness of ground particles produced by the mill. Outer grinding teeth are located within a fixed seat. The fixed seat is connected to a rotating seat by means of a convex annular bead and a concave annular groove, thereby preventing movement of the rotating seat away from the fixed seat when the rotating seat is rotated in order to set the fineness of the ground particles. Inner grinding teeth are positioned within the outer grinding teeth and supported by a lift seat. Spokes on the lift seat are positioned within guide grooves located on the inner wall of the fixed seat whereby, on rotation of the rotating seat, the lift seat is moved upward or downward and the inner grinding teeth are shifted upwards or downwards, thereby setting the size and the fineness of the ground particles produced by the mill.

Abstract: A pepper grinder includes a grinding mechanism, a rotary sleeve, and a depressed sleeve. The rotary sleeve is supported so as to not move down, and joined to an inner wheel of the grinding mechanism with a shaft; the depressed sleeve has several protrusions on an inner side, and is biased upwards by a spring; the rotary sleeve is arranged under, and inserted into the depressed sleeve; the rotary sleeve has spaced spiral-curved guiding grooves on a cylindrical surface, and upright guiding grooves spaced between and connected to the spiral-curved grooves; when the depressed sleeve is not being depressed, the spiral-curved guiding grooves are fitted over upper ends of corresponding protrusions; thus, the inner wheel can be turned relative to an outer wheel for crushing peppercorns when the depressed sleeve is moved up and down repeatedly.

Abstract: A spice grinder is comprised of a mounting ring for screwing onto a spice container. An outer grinding member comprised of a ring is locked to the top of the mounting ring to prevent rotation. An inner grinding member comprised of a cone is positioned within the outer grinding member. A cap is positioned around the outer and inner grinding members, and rotationally fixed to the inner grinding member. An adjustment knob is attached to a shaft which is positioned through the cap and the inner and outer grinding members. A first spiral ramp under the knob is engaged against a second spiral ramp on the cap. An inner end of the knob is locked to the inner grinding member. Spring arms projecting radially from the inner grinding member are biased against an inner surface of the cap. Coarseness is adjusted by rotating the knob.

Abstract: Apparatus for severing small food pieces from larger food pieces, includes a barrel having a delivery opening through which the larger food pieces can be delivered to the barrel, and a dispensing opening through which the small food pieces can be dispensed. A rotating cutter having a number of blades is fitted into the barrel. A crank handle is attached to the cutter for rotating the cutter and an anvil is fitted within the barrel and has a number of slots into which the blades enter to sever the larger food pieces into the smaller food pieces.