A method for operating an automated food making apparatus having a motor, actuator arm, and an apparatus. The apparatus may be a paddle with flexible fins. The method rotates the paddle with a pin-shaft mechanism to dispense an ingredient placed in a canister, controls the motor automatically based on weight sensor readings, and locates a position of the actuator arm with position sensors. The same motor dispenses ingredients from a plurality of canisters. The method may have a plurality of paddle rotation and weight measurement steps until a target weight is reached. The plurality of paddle rotation steps may be unidirectional or bidirectional paddle rotation. The paddle may be rotated according to one or more paddle rotation algorithms, an error recovery algorithm, or different algorithms based on the amounts of ingredients remaining in the canister. The paddle may be rocked until the target weight is achieved.

A method for operating an automated food making apparatus having a motor, actuator arm, and an apparatus. The apparatus may be a paddle with flexible fins. The method rotates the paddle with a pin-shaft mechanism to dispense an ingredient placed in a canister, controls the motor automatically based on weight sensor readings, and locates a position of the actuator arm with position sensors. The same motor dispenses ingredients from a plurality of canisters. The method may have a plurality of paddle rotation and weight measurement steps until a target weight is reached. The plurality of paddle rotation steps may be unidirectional or bidirectional paddle rotation. The paddle may be rotated according to one or more paddle rotation algorithms, an error recovery algorithm, or different algorithms based on the amounts of ingredients remaining in the canister. The paddle may be rocked until the target weight is achieved.

A wire terminal protector, an assembly component, and a household cooking appliance are provided. The wire terminal protector includes a first component and a second component. The first component and the second component are assembled to form an enclosed space. One or both of the first component and the second component are provided with a first through-hole that connects the enclosed space to an outside. A wire terminal is accommodated in the enclosed space, and the first through-hole is configured for insertion of a wire into the enclosed space.

A wire terminal protector, an assembly component, and a household cooking appliance are provided. The wire terminal protector includes a first component and a second component. The first component and the second component are assembled to form an enclosed space. One or both of the first component and the second component are provided with a first through-hole that connects the enclosed space to an outside. A wire terminal is accommodated in the enclosed space, and the first through-hole is configured for insertion of a wire into the enclosed space.

A temperature-regulating unit includes a base, a resonant tank, and a controller. The base is configured to support a pan. The resonant tank includes a coil and a capacitor. The resonant tank has a resonant frequency that is affected by a material of the pan and a temperature of the pan. The controller is configured to receive a temperature setting, monitor the resonant frequency, determine the material of the pan based on the resonant frequency, determine the temperature of the pan based on the resonant frequency, and adaptively control a thermal element based on the temperature of the pan, the material of the pan, and the temperature setting.

A temperature-regulating unit includes a base, a resonant tank, and a controller. The base is configured to support a pan. The resonant tank includes a coil and a capacitor. The resonant tank has a resonant frequency that is affected by a material of the pan and a temperature of the pan. The controller is configured to receive a temperature setting, monitor the resonant frequency, determine the material of the pan based on the resonant frequency, determine the temperature of the pan based on the resonant frequency, and adaptively control a thermal element based on the temperature of the pan, the material of the pan, and the temperature setting.

An item of cookware including a body having an outer wall, a base, and a handle. The handle being vertically rotatable between a first working position in which the handle is oriented to extend away from the outer wall and a second stowed position in which a major portion of the length of the handle is located extending across the body substantially parallel with the base or at a downward angle relative to the plane of the base. The handle has a proximal end and a distal end, where the proximal end is rotatably secured to an item of cookware via a connecting portion attached to one side of the cookware and the distal end having a gripping member disposed thereon. The handle includes a cavity that has a locking assembly comprising a locking member. The locking member moves between a first locked position and a second unlocked position.

A food holding pan and a trivet for a food holding pan are disclosed. The pan includes opposed side walls, opposed end walls, and a pan bottom connected to the opposed side walls and the opposed end walls, all of which define a food receiving area. A plurality of ribs extending into the food receiving area in a direction away from the pan bottom, with the plurality of ribs defining at least one channel therebetween. A plurality of vents are in fluid communication with the food receiving area and configured to promote a flow of air through the food receiving area.

A food holding pan and a trivet for a food holding pan are disclosed. The pan includes opposed side walls, opposed end walls, and a pan bottom connected to the opposed side walls and the opposed end walls, all of which define a food receiving area. A plurality of ribs extending into the food receiving area in a direction away from the pan bottom, with the plurality of ribs defining at least one channel therebetween. A plurality of vents are in fluid communication with the food receiving area and configured to promote a flow of air through the food receiving area.