Abstract: Food processing apparatuses having a drive unit which has more than one mode of operation, works with more than one food processing container, and/or may be operated in more than orientation are disclosed. The drive unit may be operated in first and second modes of operation. In some embodiments, the drive unit may be actuated in a different manner in the second mode of operation as compared to the first mode of operation. In some embodiments, the orientation of the drive unit in the second mode of operation is vertically flipped upside-down as compared to the orientation of the drive unit in the first mode of operation.

Abstract: A cooking and processing appliance includes a container having a lid and a stirring mechanism for rotating at least one processing attachment of a plurality of processing attachments, a housing having a receptacle for receiving the container and having a motor in communication with the stirring mechanism, a heating structure disposed within the housing and a wall of the container, a heating activation system included within the housing and the container, wherein the heating structure defines a heating-active state when the container is received within the receptacle, a mixing activation system, wherein the motor defines a mixing active state when the container is received within the receptacle and the lid is in a closed position and a control in communication with the heating structure and the stirring mechanism.

Abstract: An appliance including a housing, an actuator movable relative to the housing, a switch disposed within the housing, at least one set of repelling magnets configured to remotely operate the switch; and at least one set of attracting magnets configured to retain the actuator on the housing.

Abstract: A stand mixer includes: a lower assembly comprising a base and a lower support arm extending upwardly from the base; an upper assembly comprising a generally horizontal head positioned above the base and an upper support arm extending downwardly from the head, the lower and upper support arm assemblies forming a generally vertical support arm, the head configured to provide a mounting location for a beater; and a head-raising mechanism that moves the head relative to the base between raised and lowered positions, the head remaining generally horizontal in the raised position.

Abstract: A food recycler can include a housing defining an interior and an access opening to the interior. A mixing bin can be located within the interior and can have an inlet and an outlet. The food recycler can further include an output bin, the output bin having an inlet. The outlet of the mixing bin can couple or connect to the inlet of the output bin.

Abstract: A blending system is shown and described herein. The blending system may include a base including a motor, a blade selectively and operably engaged with the base, where the motor rotates the blade, a container having an open end and a lid configured to cover the open end. The blending system may also include an interlock system that may include a plurality of induction coils positioned on the base and the container and be in electrical communication with at least one lid sensor, wherein the power is translated through the induction coils to engage a switch device to complete a power circuit to allow a user to operate the motor of the blender.

Abstract: A stand mixer arrangement includes a pedestal for a mixing bowl; an electric motor and a drive system including a rotary drive outlet disposed overhead of the bowl, capable of imparting a mixing action to a tool suspended into the bowl from a socket supported by said drive outlet; and illumination means encircling, or substantially encircling, said drive outlet and arranged to direct light into the mixing bowl.

Abstract: A mixing machine includes a head extending over a bowl receiving location, the head including a downwardly extending rotatable output shaft for receiving a mixer tool. A drive train including a motor having an output operatively connected to drive a planetary gear system that effects rotation of the rotatable output shaft about its axis and orbiting of the shaft axis about another axis. A control system includes a master control unit and a slave control unit, the master control unit connected with a first sensor located along the drive train between the motor and the planetary gear system, the slave control unit connected with a second sensor, wherein both the slave control unit and the second sensor rotate with a part of the planetary gear system, wherein the master control unit and the slave control unit are configured for wireless communication with each other.

Abstract: A mixing machine includes a head extending over a bowl receiving location, the head including a downwardly extending rotatable output shaft for receiving a mixer tool, the head including a planetary system therewithin for effecting rotation of the rotatable output shaft about its axis and orbiting of the shaft axis about another axis. A motor includes an output operatively connected to drive the planetary system. A control system includes a plurality of sensors, each sensor located for detecting a respective condition of mixing machine, and a diagnostic control operable to (i) track outputs from the plurality of sensors over time, (ii) analyze the tracked outputs and (iii) produce an alert indication based upon the diagnostic control identifying a performance characteristic indicative of a need for service or repair of the mixing machine.

Abstract: A mixing machine includes a head extending over a bowl receiving location, a rotatable output shaft for receiving a mixer tool, and a gear system for effecting rotation of the rotatable output shaft about its axis and orbiting of the shaft axis about another axis. An electric motor includes an output operatively connected to drive the gear system. A variable frequency drive is connected to deliver 3-phase power to the electric motor to achieve variable speed and torque. The variable frequency drive includes a plurality of embedded sensors, including embedded current sensors and embedded voltage sensors. A diagnostic control is configured and operable to analyze outputs from the embedded sensors and produce an alert indication upon identification of a characteristic indicative of at least one of input power brownout, input power surge, machine short circuit, motor phase insulation arch, motor phase to ground arch or motor loss of phase.

Abstract: An interlocking method and blending apparatus is provided which includes a base, container, and lid. The apparatus comprises light emitters, light sensors, and light reflectors. Light is emitted by the light emitters from the base, through the container, and toward the lid. Light reflectors in the lid reflect the light back through the container and toward the base. The light sensors detect the reflected light and can be used to control operation of the blender and illumination of the container. Light may be in the visible spectrum, or sub-visible spectrum. The light emitters and light sensors may be at the base and/or the bottom of the container.

Abstract: A blending device includes a motor, a motor controller, and a wireless controller configured to receive a wireless signal. The motor controller may be configured to alter the operations of the motor based the wireless signal. The wireless signal may include a blending program to be carried out by the blending device. The blending device may include one or more sensors configured to sense parameters of the blending device. The wireless signal may include information related to the sensed parameters. A blending device network may be formed by providing a second blending device having a wireless controller in communication with the first blending device wireless controller. The first and second blending devices may share information over the network.

Abstract: A stirring member rotating around an axis of rotation in a direction of rotation together with a rotor and stirring a stirred object accommodated in an inner pot includes a stirring portion, a cross-sectional shape of the stirring portion in a cross-section orthogonal to the axis of rotation has a front end portion located foremost in the direction of rotation, and when a virtual circle centered at the axis of rotation and passing through the front end portion is drawn, a tangential straight line in the front end portion of a centerline of the cross-sectional shape is directed inward in a direction of radius of rotation on a forward side of the direction of rotation with respect to a tangent in the front end portion of the virtual circle.

Abstract: A dregs/juice separation apparatus includes a base having a power element driving a shaft to rotate. A pin protrudes from a surface of the shaft. A container includes an opening coupled with the base. A cutter unit includes a guiding member mounted around the shaft. The guiding member includes at least one guiding groove. The pin of the shaft extends into the at least one guiding groove. The cutter unit is rotatable relative to the shaft and is movable relative to the shaft in a longitudinal direction. The cutter unit further includes a cutter portion connected to the guiding member. A dreg collecting member includes an opening sealed by a cover. Objects to be processed are placed into the dreg collecting member via the opening of the dreg collecting member. The shaft extends through the dreg collecting member. The dreg collecting member receives the cutter unit.

Abstract: A blender including (i) a base with an interior space; (ii) a hollow central column extending upwardly from the base; (iii) a top housing mounted to the top of the column, a motor, drive transmission means and a drive shaft; (iv) an auger attached to a distal end of the drive shaft (v) a mixing bowl in coaxial alignment with the auger, (vi) a mixing bowl holder for releasably holding the mixing bowl in coaxial alignment; (vii) a ball screw drive mechanism housed within the column and for moving the mixing bowl in linear movement toward and away from the auger; and (viii) a splash guard positioned above the auger.

Abstract: An appliance for the treatment of a liquid food comprises a container (2) for the liquid food, a support (3) for the container (2), a cover (4) to close container (2), a hermetically sealed chamber (6) within the cover (4), a tool (5) rotating inside the container (2) for the treatment of the liquid food, a primary electrical winding (9) held by the support (3) and suitable to transfer energy by magnetic induction to a secondary electrical winding (7) positioned inside the hermetically sealed chamber (6), and a motor (8) driving the rotation of the tool (5) positioned within the hermetically sealed chamber (6) and electrically powered by the secondary winding (7).

Abstract: A compact portable blender system features a base unit. A base unit top surface features a recess having an “L” shaped locking slot and a motor with a drive gear. A base unit bottom surface features a removable power supply. The base unit features a power charger, a removable cord, a cord storage cavity, a power switch, and a power indicator. The system features a blending container. A blending blade unit is located on a container bottom. A blade drive gear located on a blending blade unit bottom and a blending blade is located on a blending blade unit top. The blending blade unit features a locking tab located on a blending blade unit side wall. The system features a container lid having an aperture. The container lid features a cover located over the aperture on a container lid top.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus, system and method relate to a shaft-actuated spindle mixer where the spindle mixer includes a motor and at least one motor switch enclosed in a mixer housing. A spindle shaft extends from the housing and is mechanically connected to the motor. The motor is mounted to a moveable mixer component such that the spindle shaft can be displaced to thereby causing the associated movement of the enclosed motor and moveable mixer component to which the motor is mounted. Movement of the movable mixer component actuates a switch. Actuating the switch causes the selective activation of the mixer motor. Activating the mixer motor rotates the spindle shaft. The disclosed apparatus and method provide for the optional one-handed operation of a spindle mixer, eliminate the need for a user or a cup to directly contact a switch to engage the spindle mixer, and further provides for the sanitary operation of a spindle mixer.

Abstract: A nutritious food processor includes a frame, a container mounted on top of the frame, and a housing mounted to the frame. A touch button device is mounted on the housing. The touch button device includes a touch screen coupled to the housing, a touch control board mounted to the touch screen, a film mounted between the touch screen and the touch control board, and a liquid crystal display fixed to the touch control board. The waterproof effect of the nutritious food processor is increased while simplifying the structure of the nutritious food processor. The technical sense of the product as well as the quality and positioning of the product are enhanced. The use is simple and durable. Since the touch button device overcomes the disadvantages of damage to the conventional press-type buttons resulting from pressing fatigue due to long-term use, the service life of the buttons is increased.

Abstract: A safety protection device for a speed changing device of a mixer is provided with a control unit on an operating rod assembly, and a tact switch is used in combination with the control unit. When using the operating rod assembly to perform gear shift, the user can feel whether the gear has been shifted to the correct position based on position change of the control unit with respect to the tact switch. During gear shift, the tact switch will turn off the power to the motor controller to stop the motor, so that gear shift operation can be performed more smoothly without interference with the motion transmission parts of the mixer, and consequently, the life of the mixer can be extended.

Abstract: A blending and dispensing appliance is provided which includes a blending container, a housing having a recess for receiving and supporting the blending container, and an agitator to agitate contents placed therein. A conduit is disposed on an outer sidewall of the blending container and fluidly connected to the blending container. An auger is disposed in the conduit and is rotated within the conduit when a dispensing arm is depressed. The rotating auger extrudes blended contents through the conduit from the blending container to a dispensing spout for further directing the blended contents into a beverage container. A motorized base containing both an agitator and auger motor selectively provide rotary power to the agitator and auger, respectively. A control system is provided for controlling the operation of auger and the agitator so that the contents placed into the beverage container are blended to a desired consistency.

Abstract: A programmable blender having record and playback features includes a record mode and a playback mode. When the blender is placed into the record mode, a processor stores a user created blending sequence to a memory unit. Alternatively, when the blender is placed into a playback mode, the processor automatically controls the operation of the blender in accordance with the stored blending sequence.

Abstract: A programmable blender having record and playback features includes a record mode and a playback mode. When the blender is placed into the record mode, a processor stores a user created blending sequence to a memory unit. Alternatively, when the blender is placed into a playback mode, the processor automatically controls the operation of the blender in accordance with the stored blending sequence.

Abstract: A blender comprises a jug and a cutting assembly having an upwardly inclined main blade portion. The jug has an interior portion, and the lower portion has a profile that includes an upwardly reaching portion conforms to the blade shape of the cutting assembly to reduce food accumulation below the main blades.

Abstract: A speed-controllable stirring container includes a container, a fixing base, a rotating device, an actuation member, and an elastic body. The rotating device is mounted in the fixing base and includes a rotor having a unidirectional rotation driving member coupled to the container so that the container is driven by the rotor to rotate unidirectionally. The actuation member extends into the fixing base and is reciprocally movable to drive the rotor. The elastic body helps position returning of the actuation member. As such, through the movement of the actuation member to drive the container to rotate, effects of stirring and temperature reducing can be applied to the substance (such as liquid) received and held in the container. Further, the actuation member can be readily and successively reciprocated so as to keep the container continuously rotating thereby achieving convenient and effective control of stirring speed 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: An integrated beverage dispensing and cleaning system comprising: at least one blender module which blends and/or mixes ice, at least one other ingredient, and/or at least one mixin within a beverage container, thereby producing the beverage; and a cleaning assembly integrated with the blender module, wherein, upon removal of the beverage container from the blender module, a cleaning mode is initiated.

Abstract: An electric bench mixer has a base, a column and a pivoting head. The tilt angle of the head and the configuration of the blades are optimalised to provide a wiping action of the blades against the interior of the ball as the head is pivoted. An ice cream making bowl and blade are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for preparing foam from a milk-based alimentary liquid, including the successive steps of: a) spacing a quantity of alimentary liquid in a container associated with stirring members; b) heating said quantity of alimentary liquid to bring it in proximity to a first desired temperature level while mechanically stirring it at a first stirring speed, lower than the foam creating speed, and c) stirring said quantity of liquid at a second stirring speed, sufficient to make said liquid foam.

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: The present invention is directed to systems, apparatus and methods for the reconstitution of dehydrated drinking products for use in a domestic setting. A captive magnetic mixing impeller is described. Furthermore, a dehydrated drinking product preparation system is described comprising a magnetic stir plate, a multipurpose mixing, storing, serving and drinking vessel with a captive magnetic mixing impeller and cap. Furthermore, methods for preparing dehydrated drinking products for human consumption are described using the apparatus and 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 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 blender lid safety protection device includes 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. A link rod has a compression 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 pressed down, the top end of the link rod drives the 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, to provide a safety protection.

Abstract: An apparatus for agitating materials contained in tubes, including cellular materials and tissues, to release their contents for scientific analysis. The apparatus includes a control enclosure containing a base and a motor, and an interchangeable module that connects to the motor. The interchangeable module includes a tube supporting structure and a rotatable hub connected to one or more strikers positioned to impact the tubes, resulting in agitation of tube contents. Interchangeable modules allow for different shapes and sizes of tubes to be used with a single control enclosure. The apparatus includes a means to measure the rotational velocity of the rotatable hub and a method for using the speed to determine the number of tubes in the apparatus, or the mass or volume of samples contained in tubes.

Abstract: A stirrer having programmable stirring mode control comprises a stirrer main body, an input interface, a controller and a frequency changer. The stirrer main body drives a stirring axle to rotate through a driving mechanism. The controller controls the frequency changer through a vector control circuit so as to control changeable frequency three-phase alternating current voltages or current of a three-phase induction motor. The controller executes stirring steps of multiple set of material items at an automatic mode. Predetermined parameters of the stirring step can be stored after updating, thereby forming the stirrer.

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 base is generally described. The blender base includes a base frame. An outer shell may be connected to the base frame. A motor housing is supported by the base frame and positioned inside the outer shell. The motor housing is isolated from direct connection with the outer shell to reduce the transfer of noise and vibration from the motor to the outer shell.

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 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 cooking and mashing device for cooking and mashing a food in a bowl comprising a generally flat cooking panel; a hot plate component disposed on the top surface of the cooking panel; a motor housing disposed on the top surface of the cooking panel; an arm pivotally attached to the top surface of the motor housing via a pivot component, wherein the arm can move between an up position and a down position; a plurality of mashing blades attached to the second end of the arm; a first motor for driving the mashing blades to rotate; and a drain for draining excess water that accumulates atop the hot plate component.

Abstract: A blender blade assembly, blade unit, and blade assembly for mixing materials. Blender blade assembly includes a center portion that defines an axis of rotation for the assembly. The assembly includes a lower double-sided blade coupled to the center portion. The lower blade includes blade sections that extend from the center portion. In addition, the assembly includes an upper double-sided blade coupled to the center portion. The upper blade includes blade sections that extend from the center portion. The lower and upper blades are separated by a partition. One blade section of the upper blade has a top sheered portion and the other blade section has a bottom sheered portion. One blade section of the lower blade has a top sheered portion along with a blade tip pointed downwards, while the other blade section has a bottom sheered portion along with a blade tip pointed upwards.

Abstract: An apparatus for making, storing, and transporting frozen confections includes a first housing member. A second housing member fits within such first housing member. A mixing member is engageable within such second housing member for mixing predetermined ingredients. A first lid member having an aperture disposed therethrough for receiving a first predetermined end of such mixing member releasably covers such second housing. A motor, connectable to at least one of such first housing member, such second housing member, such first lid member, such mixing member, and a combination thereof, enables at least one of such second housing member and such mixing member to rotate such that such predetermined ingredients are mixed. A securing mechanism secures such motor member to such apparatus. A power source is operably connected to such motor.

Abstract: An electronic hand mixer for processing food materials is provided. The electronic hand mixer includes one or more beaters, a housing, and a drive motor mounted in the housing. The drive motor is adapted to apply rotational force to the beaters. The electronic hand mixer also includes a power control device for controlling electrical power supplied to the drive motor, a keypad for receiving instructions entered by users, a microprocessor for processing and carrying out the instructions and sending signals to the power control device, and a memory for storing the instructions. The instructions include at least one user-defined mixing course for conducting a mixing operation. The user-defined mixing course includes one or more mixing operations, and each of the mixing operations includes a user-defined running speed of the drive motor associated with a user-defined running period of time of the drive motor.

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 a locking groove located adjacent to the switch. The removable base is adapted to removably fit within the recessed well such that when the locking member contacts and depresses the switch, the downward movement of the switch activates the motor, wherein the container can be depressed and rotated to allow the locking member to engage the locking groove, thereby permitting continuous operation of the motor without requiring a user to exert constant pressure on the container.

Abstract: In a mixing system for mixing together a powdered beverage and a liquid in-situ to form a ready-to-drink beverage, a receptacle has an interior space defining a mixing chamber for receiving powdered beverage and liquid therein to be mixed. An agitator is removably disposed in the mixing chamber, the agitator being operable to mix the powdered beverage and liquid within the mixing chamber, said agitator being removable from the receptacle. A retention member is configured to inhibit the agitator against falling out of the receptacle upon substantially inverting the receptacle. A drive system is provided for operating the agitator, with the agitator and drive system being configured for operative coupling therebetween. The mixing system may include a support for supporting the receptacle in an upright orientation. The receptacle may be removable from the support. The agitator may include an anti-vortex member to inhibit formation of a vortex.

Abstract: A blender for blending foodstuff includes a base enclosing a motor and a jar sensor secured to the base. The base has an upper mounting surface and the motor is mounted beneath the upper mounting surface. The jar sensor is secured to the base proximate the upper mounting surface. A jar is removably mountable to the base on the mounting surface. The jar includes a closed end and an actuator is mounted proximate the lower jar surface. The jar sensor detects the presence of the actuator when the jar is mounted to the base in an operating position. The motor is powered when the jar sensor detects the presence of the actuator in the operating position.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus, system and method relate to a shaft-actuated spindle mixer where the spindle mixer includes a motor and at least one motor switch enclosed in a mixer housing. A spindle shaft extends from the housing and is mechanically connected to the motor. The motor is mounted to a moveable mixer component such that the spindle shaft can be displaced to thereby causing the associated movement of the enclosed motor and moveable mixer component to which the motor is mounted. Movement of the movable mixer component actuates a switch. Actuating the switch causes the selective activation of the mixer motor. Activating the mixer motor rotates the spindle shaft. The disclosed apparatus and method provide for the optional one-handed operation of a spindle mixer, eliminate the need for a user or a cup to directly contact a switch to engage the spindle mixer, and further provides for the sanitary operation of a spindle mixer.

Abstract: The invention relates to an interlock assembly for a spindle mixer where the interlock assembly includes a cup guide, an actuator pin, and an interlock mechanism. Placing a cup within the cup guide actuates the actuator pin that, in turn, engages the interlock mechanism. Engagement of the interlock mechanism selectively activates an electric motor. The pin moves through the body of the guide. The guide can be selectively removed from the mixer, and the pin, in one embodiment, is selectively removed from the guide. An optional bypass switch can be included to allow for the direct engagement of the motor.