Abstract: A food-processing device for blending and mixing food comprises a mixing vessel, a blade holder, and a motor base. The motor is a high power motor. The device has various safety features designed for the high power motor. The blade holder comprises a safety mechanism that prevents the motor base from operating without the mixing vessel covering the blade. The mixing vessel also contains emitters that interact with detectors on the motor base that can allow a user to select an alternate blend speed according to the mixing vessel that is attached.

Abstract: The present invention describes a system and method for easy, affordable, efficient, and convenient preparation and storage of fresh, high-quality homemade baby food. The system generally comprises a blender for processing fresh produce into baby food and multiple devices to store multiple portions of freshly produced baby food resulting from one use of the system. For example, one component of the system includes a storage cup having a freshness indicator and lid to immediately store the freshly made food in an organized and convenient manner. The method comprises steps of producing the baby food, transferring the food to an appropriate storage receptacle, adjusting an indicator on the storage receptacle to indicate the freshness level of the food, and immediately serving and covering the remaining receptacles to store the unused food.

Abstract: A beverage container assembly for use with a blender is provided comprising a beverage container having an open top portion and a closed bottom portion. A first removable cover is for selectively covering the top portion of the beverage container. The first cover is adapted to be removably mountable on and off a blender and comprises an adapter portion for mounting the beverage container on a blender. A second removable cover is for selectively covering the open top portion of the beverage container. The second cover includes a drinking hole. The first and second covers are interchangeable on the beverage container and the second cover is mountable on the closed bottom portion for storage.

Abstract: A stirring blade group structure comprises a stirring blade base and at least three groups of stirring blades attached to the stirring blade base. Each stirring blade group includes a stirring shaft, a lower stirring blade, and an upper stirring blade. The upper stirring blade and the lower stirring blade cross and are attached to one end of the stirring shaft. The upper stirring blade is U-shaped.

Abstract: A mixer appliance having a base unit and a container unit. The base unit has a motor with a drive shaft. The container unit has a container and a rotor with a rotor shaft and a rotor element. A coupling arrangement connects the drive shaft and the rotor shaft when the container unit is connected to the base unit. A longitudinal axis extends through the drive shaft, coupling arrangement, and rotor shaft. The container unit has a bottom portion with a flexible diaphragm and a bearing member. The bearing member is supported by the flexible diaphragm, and the rotor shaft extends through the bearing member. The flexible diaphragm provides flexibility perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis, such that the bearing member is displaceable perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis to align the rotor shaft with the drive shaft along the longitudinal axis when the container unit is connected to the base unit.

Abstract: A mixer household appliance having a container unit and a base unit. The container unit includes a container for foodstuff and a rotor element arranged inside the container at a first end of the container unit. The appliance further includes a lid for at least partially covering an opening of the container unit. A device extends into the container via the lid and includes a surface element. The device is arranged to be fixedly positioned in at least a first position and a second position. In the first position of the device, the surface element is arranged at a first distance from the rotor element. In the second position of the device the surface element is arranged at a second distance from the rotor element.

Abstract: A jug body having a through opening for receiving a blade assembly, the opening extending through a hub formed on an underside of the jug; the blade assembly having a bearing case within which is mounted bearings for supporting a shaft; the bearing case having a flange at one end and having threads at an opposite end, the threads protruding from a lower surface of the hub; the threads cooperating with a threaded nut that draws the flange into engagement with the jug; the lower surface of the hub and the nut being capped by a cover through which protrudes the shaft; a lower end of the shaft having attached to it, a coupling.

Abstract: A compact blender with a drinking water connection tube, supporting conventional tap water connections has a water dosing valve to pressure water distributed to the blending compartment or jug. Water flows from the connection tube, to a splitting device, from where inlet tubes that allow passing of water inside the blending compartment. The lid has external protrusions with inner cavities connected a duct with holes that introduce drinking water inside the blending compartment. When the frozen fruit capsule is introduced through the lid and the operation button is pushed, the exact amount of water is dosed by the water dosing valve. When water enters the blending compartment, the motor starts running turning the axle of the rotor and blades, so that water is mixed with the frozen fruit capsule thus generating the juice to be dispensed.

Abstract: A food processor is provided which includes a container, a blade assembly, and a base arranged such that the container is coupleable to the base. The base includes a housing and a motor configured to drive the blade assembly. The food processor further includes an actuator included with the container moveable between a first position and a second, extended position. When the container is coupled to the base and the actuator is in the second, extended position, the actuator is configured to actuate a switch to permit activation of the motor, and the base is constructed such that the container can be coupled to the base when the actuator is in the second, extended position.

Abstract: A food processing assembly (20) includes a base member (21), a container (22) and a cover (23). The base member (21) has a platform portion (26) adapted to carry the container (22) and a housing portion (25) for a motor. A wall (29) of the housing (25) has a plurality of air inlet slots (35) and a gutter (37) protects the slots (35) from receiving any liquid which might be on the base member (21). The container (22) has a sidewall (52) with an open top that has a peripheral rim (57). A cover (23) includes a tab assembly (73) that has a notch (70) to receive the rim (57). The vertical lifting of a handle portion (77) of the tab assembly (73) removes the cover (23) from the container (22). A spout (61) and a handle (60) are formed near the top of the container (22). A heat shield (62) includes a body portion (63) which is attached to the sidewall (52) at a location under the spout (61), and it also includes a flap (62).

Abstract: A portable baby bottle blender includes a baby bottle having a top collar with external threads and a bottom collar with external threads. A top cap has a central aperture. The top cap is internally threaded to be removable threaded onto the top collar of the baby bottle and holds a feeding nipple extending through the central aperture of the top cap onto the top collar. A sealing O-ring fits onto the bottom collar of the baby bottle. A bottom cap has a rim internally threaded. An agitating unit is centrally retained within the bottom cap. When the rim of the bottom cap is removably threaded onto the bottom collar of the baby bottle and against the sealing O-ring, the agitating unit extends into the bottom collar of the baby bottle. A base member has a top recess to receive the bottom cap on the baby bottle therein. A spur-crown gear coupling is for operating the agitating unit, so that the mixing blade assembly mixes formula within water placed through the top collar of the baby bottle.

Abstract: A blending system is shown and described herein. A blending system may include a base including a motor and a first shell that encases the motor. The blending system may also include a container that is removably coupled to the blender base. The blending system may also have a second shell selectively attached to the first shell. The blending system may also have a wall positioned within the base to direct airflow from the fan along a volute-shaped path.

Abstract: A blender is adapted to process and heat food products. The blender includes a base and a container coupled with the base. Disposed in the container is a work area and a processor component adapted to process food products. Disposed within the processor component is a fluid conduit through which steam may pass. The fluid conduit includes at least one outer wall and an interior lumen. The outer wall of the fluid conduit is separated from an inner wall of the processor component by a gap. The gap is in fluid communication with the work chamber. Disposed in the base is a reservoir (adapted to hold one or more fluids, e.g., water), which is in fluid communication with the interior lumen of the fluid conduit of the container. Steam formed in the reservoir passes from the reservoir into the work chamber by way of the interior lumen and the gap.

Abstract: A food processing machine having a base and a cylindrical jar lock extending upwardly from a top surface of the base. A jar assembly has a jar and a collar that extends downwardly from the jar. The collar is adapted to fit circumferentially around the cylindrical jar lock. A plurality of locking tabs extend radially inwardly from the collar. The locking tabs engage with the cylindrical jar lock and prevent vertical movement of the jar while allowing rotational movement of the jar and linear movement of the jar with respect to the base in the xy-plane. The cylindrical jar lock is optionally spring-mounted to the base to provide dampened movement in the vertical direction of the cylindrical jar lock with respect to the base.

Abstract: A blending system is shown and described herein. The blending system may include a base including a motor, a blade assembly selectively and operably engaged with the base, where the motor drives the blade assembly, and a container having an inner and outer layer. The blending system may also include a magnet positioned between inner and outer layers of the container, and a sensor positioned in the base, where the magnet in operative proximity to the sensor permits operation of the motor.

Abstract: A food blending appliance includes a housing with a motor therein. A food blending chamber having an inner wall surface is located proximate the housing. A wiper assembly is operably coupled to the motor and has a wiper blade that includes a tapered forward portion and a tapered rearward portion. The wiper blade includes an arced exterior surface that includes a radius of curvature that is substantially the same as a radius of curvature of the inner wall surface. The operable coupling between the motor and the wiper assembly results in rotation of the wiper blade when the motor is activated, which removes food from the inner wall surface of the food blending chamber during rotation.

Abstract: A container (11) for a blender includes a base surface (13) and a blade (20) which is rotatable on an axis above the base surface (13). An arcuate wall (14) and two generally straight walls (15, 16) extend upwardly from the base surface (13) and terminate at the upper end of container (11). The axis of rotation of the blade (20) is closer to the arcuate wall (14) than it is to the generally straight walls (15, 16). A skirt (25) extends downwardly from the base surface (13) and has an opening. Sound baffling fingers (32) extend from the skirt (25) and into the opening. A spout (40) is formed at the intersection of two of the walls (14, 15, 16), the spout (40) having an entry point located approximately twenty to thirty percent of the height of the walls (14, 15, 16) from the upper end of the container (11). A handle (34) is positioned opposite to the spout (40) and a cover (12) includes a plug (55) to close the spout (40).

Abstract: The present invention comprises novel methods, devices, and systems, such as blending containers configured to be used with a blender or food processor. The system comprises a blending container configured to attach to a blender or blender base unit with at least one aperture which may be positioned anywhere on the blending container. In preferred embodiments, the system comprises one or more nozzles, which may be temporarily attached to an opening or sprout on a food and beverage pouch, are configured to attach to or be positioned over one or more apertures. In some embodiments, the containers are generally cylindrical in shape and comprise two ends. A first end is open and comprises male or female threading configured to be removable mounted to a blender base unit configured with blender blades. In some embodiments, a second end is substantially closed with a smaller aperture. In other embodiments, the second end comprises a larger aperture and may be removably connected to a filling cap or plunger cap.

Abstract: A container (15) for a blender (10) includes a bottom surface (16) having a non-symmetrically shaped perimeter. A side wall (17) extends upwardly from the perimeter of the bottom surface (16). A mixing blade assembly (20) having a plurality of blades (21) is located above the bottom surface (16) and is rotatable on an axis which is displaced from the center of the bottom surface (10). Nonuniform spaces (25, 26) are thus created between the ends of the blades (21) and the side wall (17). The bottom surface (16) is inclined at an angle relative to the plane normal to the axis of rotation of the blade assembly (20), and it, as well as the side wall (17), may be provided with a plurality of spaced vanes (31, 32).

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing materials is disclosed. The apparatus includes a support. A mixing container is disposed in the support, where the mixing container is configured to retain materials. A driver assembly is configured to protrude through the support and into the mixing container. The mixing container includes a paddle, the driver assembly is configured to be attached to the paddle, where the driver assembly is configured to oscillate the paddle in a back and forth direction at a set angle in order to mix the materials in the mixing container.

Abstract: A blender includes a container having a plurality of substantially triangular shaped ribs projecting into a processing zone of the container. The plurality of spaced ribs each include a width and a depth that taper from a top end section adjacent a teardrop shaped opening of the container to a more narrow bottom end section adjacent a bottom wall of the container. A side wall of the container continuously tapers from the teardrop shaped opening to a substantially square shaped bottom end portion including first, second, third and fourth side wall sections connected to one another at respective rounded corners. A blade assembly is coupled to the container and includes a plurality of blades angled at different planes with respect to a horizontal plane. Each of the blades includes a beveled leading edge, resulting in a downward suction force that draws ingredients down into the blade for processing.

Abstract: A blending apparatus is provided which includes a container defining a cavity having a center axis and a substantially rectangular cross section through the center axis. The blending apparatus further includes a lid to cover the cavity defined by the container, and an attachment to fit within the cavity and rotate about the center axis of the cavity. In some arrangements, a set of sides of the container defines (i) a substantially octagonal interior cross section through the center axis at a location adjacent a bottom of the container to prevent lodging of food products at the bottom of the container when the attachment rotates within the cavity; and (ii) a substantially square interior cross section through the center axis at a location further from the bottom of the container.

Abstract: A blending apparatus is provided which includes a container, a lid for covering the container, and an attachment within the container. The attachment includes a central shaft having a first end and a second end, the first end being configured to engage the lid, and the second end being configured to engage a drive member of the container. The attachment further includes blades extending outwardly from the central shaft, the blades being operable to engage food products in the container. The attachment rotates within the container body (i) while the attachment is captured between a bushing of the lid and the drive member of the container, the first end of the central shaft engaging the bushing and the second end of the central shaft engaging the drive member of the container and (ii) while the second end of the attachment receives torque from the drive member of the container.

Abstract: A kitchen appliance comprising a base station having a support surface on an upper portion thereof and a rotatable drive shaft comprising a first coupling part at a free end thereof. The appliance comprises a removable bowl comprising a bottom part that is supported by the support surface during operation and a coupling member supported from said bottom part. The member comprises a second coupling part for coupling with the first cJoupling part. The first coupling part comprises a head with an outer surface with a number of first cam portions. The second coupling part comprises a socket for accommodating the head, the socket has an inner circumferential surface with a number of second cam portions, said first and second cam portions comprise first respectively second cam faces, which mate upon accommodation of the head in the socket.

Abstract: A blender blade or blade for being mounted to an interior base of a blender container for rotation about a vertical axis is described. The blade includes at least two blade wings, such that it may include four blade wings. The blade includes a body, first transition section, second transition section, first blade wing and second blade wing. Body includes an aperture, wherein the body is located on a first horizontal plane. First and second transition sections extend at downward angles from opposite sides of the body. First blade wing extends outwardly from the first transition section, wherein the first blade wing is located on a second horizontal plane. Second blade wing extends outwardly from the second transition section, wherein the second blade wing is located on a third horizontal plane. The blade is a one-piece blade and can process approximately 6-48 ounces of working medium.

Abstract: In an electric blender having a lid assembly including a strainer, the blender includes a base including a motor; a jar with a top aperture and an impeller; and a lid for removably covering the jar. The lid includes a strainer section and a closer. The strainer section includes holes extending through the lid to allow contents of a predetermined size to flow out of the jar. The closer includes a pivot arm having an end pivotably connected to the first section. The pivot arm has a flat portion near the end. The flat portion is configured to contact the first section of the lid to maintain the closer in an open position relative to the strainer section. The first section has a recessed area above the strainer section.

Abstract: A blade assembly for use with a jug having a central throat, the blade assembly includes: one or more blades; a plug element having a peripheral annular flange; a seal element located below the annular flange; a coupling component for engaging a co-operating coupling component on a blender base, the coupling component being coupled to the one or more blades by a rotatable shaft assembly; and a locking element for retaining the plug element with the seal element sealingly engaging the jug, thereby providing a sealing arrangement between the blade assembly and the jug.

Abstract: A blender includes a container having a plurality of substantially triangular shaped ribs projecting into a processing zone of the container. The plurality of spaced ribs each include a width and a depth that taper from a top end section adjacent a teardrop shaped opening of the container to a more narrow bottom end section adjacent a bottom wall of the container. A side wall of the container continuously tapers from the teardrop shaped opening to a substantially square shaped bottom end portion including first, second, third and fourth side wall sections connected to one another at respective rounded corners. A blade assembly is coupled to the container and includes a plurality of blades angled at different planes with respect to a horizontal plane. Each of the blades includes a beveled leading edge, resulting in a downward suction force that draws ingredients down into the blade for processing.

Abstract: A beverage container assembly for use with a blender is provided comprising a beverage container having an open top portion and a closed bottom portion. A first removable cover is for selectively covering the top portion of the beverage container. The first cover is adapted to be removably mountable on and off a blender and comprises an adapter portion for mounting the beverage container on a blender. A second removable cover is for selectively covering the open top portion of the beverage container. The second cover includes a drinking hole. The first and second covers are interchangeable on the beverage container and the second cover is mountable on the closed bottom portion for storage.

Abstract: This jar includes a bottom wall, bearing rotary mechanical elements for processing foodstuffs. This jar also includes a side wall extending transversely from the bottom wall while delimiting with the latter a free space in which the rotary elements act on the foodstuffs to be processed, this side wall having, opposite the bottom wall, a free end for introducing the foodstuffs into the free space. In order to make the use of this jar simple and efficient, the free end of the side wall has a regular pentagonal profile.

Abstract: The reversible blender jug is one embodiment of a blender jug, comprising a vessel with dual and opposing openings, a plurality of lids (some having attached agitators), and a means for securing said lids to said vessel. The reversible blender jug can be operated in an upright or inverted position. Inverting the blender jug imparts vertical movement to the contents, creating more frequent contact between the agitators and the contents.

Abstract: A blender control apparatus and method includes monitoring the operation of a blender motor as a measure of monitoring the quality and results of blending. By connecting a feedback sensor to the motor, it is possible to determine whether a blend process is complete. It is also possible to identify when cavitation is occurring or about to occur. In another aspect, the blender controls are directed to an improved method for portion blending. The method includes a two-step query to the user to determine both a predetermined blender cycle and the number of portions to be blended.

Abstract: A juicer device comprised of a motor disposed within a housing and having an output shaft projecting away from the housing; at least two alternate cutters each individually detachably connectable to the output shaft; a plurality of alternate inserts wherein a selected one of the plurality of alternate inserts circumscribes a selected one of the at least two alternate cutters detachably connected to the output shaft; and a body circumscribing the selected one of the plurality of alternate inserts wherein the body and the selected one of the plurality of alternate inserts include openings for feeding food to the selected one of the at least two alternate cutters detachably connected to the output shaft and openings for receiving juice, homogenized food, or shredded food therefrom upon actuation of the motor under the control of a safety system.

Abstract: A kitchen appliance (10) for processing food, and in particular for producing blended beverages is provided. The kitchen appliance (10) includes a drive unit (12), and is swivel-mounted in a support unit (14). In addition the kitchen appliance (10) includes an attachment section (18) that is designed to accommodate a mixing container (30) in such a way that the attachment section (18) and the mixing container (30) define a hermetically sealed mixing space in which the cutting and/or stirring unit (20) is located. Food located in the mixing container (30) is fed to the cutting and/or stirring unit (20) on account of gravity. Preferably the attachment section (18) is composed of a cylindrical recess in the drive unit (12). Alternatively, the attachment section (18), preferably in the form of a cylindrical dish, and the cutting and/or stirring unit (20) can be designed as an insert that can be removed from and replaced back in the drive unit.

Abstract: A kitchen machine having a housing that includes a housing base; a channel molded in a periphery of the housing and running in a direction of the housing base; a housing recess connected to the channel; and a coupling arranged in the housing recess to couple working apparatuses to the kitchen machine, wherein the housing recess includes means to discharge impurities.

Abstract: A blender has a base, an axle assembly mounted on the base, a container securely attached to an axle housing of the axle assembly, and a stirring disk securely mounted on an axle of the axle assembly. A user puts foodstuffs, such as powder material, syrup, liquid material, ice cubes and so on, or tea leaves and water, into the container, and then drives the axle assembly and the stirring disk to rotate. Thus, stirring ribs of the stirring disk stir and mix the foodstuffs without crushing the foodstuffs, or the tealeaves and the water are brewed into tea. The blender is simple, easy and safe, especially for a person or a household to use.

Abstract: A blender includes a container having a plurality of substantially triangular shaped ribs projecting into a processing zone of the container. The plurality of spaced ribs each include a width and a depth that taper from a top end section adjacent a teardrop shaped opening of the container to a more narrow bottom end section adjacent a bottom wall of the container. A side wall of the container continuously tapers from the teardrop shaped opening to a substantially square shaped bottom end portion including first, second, third and fourth side wall sections connected to one another at respective rounded corners. A blade assembly is coupled to the container and includes a plurality of blades angled at different planes with respect to a horizontal plane. Each of the blades includes a beveled leading edge, resulting in a downward suction force that draws ingredients down into the blade for processing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high-speed blending, heating and temperature sensing structure of an electric blender. The blender includes a temperature transducer installed at the bottom of a mixing cup, and the temperature transducer has a temperature sensing head extended into the mixing cup and an upper connector coupled to the bottom of the temperature transducer and installed at the bottom of the mixing cup, and a temperature sensing signal is coupled between the temperature sensing head and the upper connector. A hidden temperature sensing connector seat is disposed at the top of the base and has a lower connector corresponding to the upper connector at the bottom of the mixing cup, and both upper and lower connectors are coupled with each other when the mixing cup and the base are combined, and the lower connector is coupled to a display screen and a touch control switch on the base through a signal line.

Abstract: A system for blending and dispensing a frozen mixture includes a blending chamber to receive the ingredients to be blended and a blending mechanism that includes a rotating blade for blending and a motor to drive the blade. A piston is located within the blending chamber, and a dispensing mechanism dispenses a blended mixture from the blending chamber. A discharge mechanism discharges a cleaning fluid from the blending chamber. The piston is moved to a first position with respect to the blending mechanism during a blending cycle and moved to a second position during a dispensing cycle, the second position being closer to the blending mechanism than the first position. The piston is moved to a third position with respect to the blending mechanism during an introduction of a cleaning fluid into the blending chamber, the third position being farther away from the blending mechanism than the first position.

Abstract: A collar assembly for coupling a blade assembly and a removable jar to the base of a motorized blender includes an interlock assembly that prevents coupling of the blade assembly to the blender motor unless the jar is secured to the collar assembly, and prevents removal of the jar from the collar assembly when the collar and blade assembly is coupled to the blender base.

Abstract: A blender has a base, an axle assembly mounted on the base, a container securely attached to an axle housing of the axle assembly, and a stirring disk securely mounted on an axle of the axle assembly. A user puts foodstuffs, such as powder material, syrup, liquid material, ice cubes and so on, or tea leaves and water, into the container, and then drives the axle assembly and the stirring disk to rotate. Thus, stirring ribs of the stirring disk stir and mix the foodstuffs without crushing the foodstuffs, or the tealeaves and the water are brewed into tea. The blender is simple, easy and safe, especially for a person or a household to use.

Abstract: A blending apparatus includes a blending jar and a lid. The blending jar has an internal surface defining an internal volume, and a mixing blade positioned within the internal volume. The lid is releasably mounted to the blending jar and includes at least one scraper extending into the internal volume. The at least one scraper is adjacent to the internal surface of the blending jar and is arranged and configured to disrupt rotational flow of food particles within the internal volume and/or scrape food particles from an inner surface of the blending jar.

Abstract: A beverage blender includes a beverage container, one or more vibrating mechanisms permanently or releasably attached to the beverage container (e.g., to a bottom portion or handle of the beverage container) or integrated within one or more walls of the beverage container, and a blender base that includes a motor for turning a blade in the beverage container when the beverage container is docked to the blender base. The one or more vibrating mechanisms is/are activated while the beverage is being poured so that vibrations from the one or more vibrating mechanisms are mechanically transmitted to the beverage container. The mechanically transmitted vibrations promote the pourability of the beverage from the beverage container, including dislodging beverage ingredients that are lodged or trapped in crevices of the beverage container and freeing up beverage ingredients that may have accumulated at the bottom of the beverage container during blending.

Abstract: A cutting tool for juicer includes a seat of axis, on which mounted a main blade axis, a main tool and an assistant blade axis for driving an assistant tool. The main blade axis drives the assistant blade axis to rotate via a gear A and a gear B of a gearing arrangement. The assistant blade axis drives the assistant tool to rotate. The revolving direction of the assistant tool is vis-à-vis with respect to that of the main tool, and the speed of the assistant tool is different from that of the main tool. A gear C is provided at the top of the assistant blade axis. An assistant blade pan of having inner teeth that extend inward is sheathed on the top of the main blade axis. The assistant tool is mounted on an outboard surface of the assistant blade pan. The gear C engages with the inner teeth of the assistant blade pan.

Abstract: The present invention provides a blender lid safety protection device comprising a latch cover mechanism installed outside a mixing cup, such that after a lid is covered vertically onto the mixing cup, the lid is latched and fixed to the latch cover mechanism; and a link rod, having a spring coupled to the bottom of the link rod for propping the bottom of the link rod to a certain distance from one of the control switches of a power circuit control switch. After the blender lid is press down, the top end of the link rod drives a compression spring at the bottom of the link rod to move downward to trigger a control switch. Only after the blender lid is covered onto the mixing cup, the control switch of one of the power circuit switches will be electrically conducted, so as to provide a safety protection.

Abstract: A collar assembly for coupling a blade assembly and a removable jar to the base of a motorized blender includes an interlock assembly that prevents coupling of the blade assembly to the blender motor unless the jar is secured to the collar assembly, and prevents removal of the jar from the collar assembly when the collar and blade assembly is coupled to the blender base.

Abstract: A food-processing device for chopping, mixing, or liquefying foods. The device comprises a container, a removable base, and a blender base. The container comprises a locking member located at the periphery of the container. The container has an opening. The removable base comprises a blade member and is removably affixable to the opening of the container. The blender base comprises a motor and a recessed well. The recessed well comprises a pressure-activated switch and an interior wall having a locking surface formed therein. The removable base is adapted to removably fit within the recessed well such that such that the locking member of the container is capable of both engaging the switch to activate the motor and capable of biasing against the locking surface, thereby permitting continuous operation of the motor without requiring a user to exert a constant force on the container.

Abstract: A lid that is removably mountable to an upper open end of a jar of a mixing device includes a generally circular base having a top surface and a opposing bottom surface. A pour spout extends generally vertically upwardly from the base when the lid is mounted to the upper end of the jar. The pour spout has a crisp edge for pouring foodstuff when the lid is mounted to the jar. Further, the lid includes a channel that generally surrounds the pour spout to collect errant drips of foodstuff when the lid is mounted to the jar and when foodstuff is poured through the pour spout.

Abstract: Apparatus for preparing food, for instance baby food, the apparatus (1) comprising a receptacle (3) for receiving food to be prepared, a blending assembly comprising a blender element (10) for blending the food and heating means arranged for heating the food, wherein a first end (4) of the receptacle (3) is adapted to cooperate with the heating means to heat the food and wherein the blender element (10) is provided at an opposite second end (5) of the receptacle (3), such that in use an orientation of the receptacle (3) relative to the apparatus (1) is adaptable for switching between a heating operation and a blending operation.

Abstract: The invention provides mixing apparatus which has a container base and a container lid with the lid carrying mixing means extending through the lid with at one end a mixing element and at the other end a drive connection to a drive motor. When the drive is operated the mixing element mixes the contents of the container, usually when the container inverted. The lid has a rim portion with a circumferential slot and the top edge of the container is located into the slot when the lid is assembled with the container whereby to improve connection between the lid and the container during mixing. The lid within the rim portion carries the mixing means and, during mixing, the assembly is held to lock the assembly together.