A stand mixer includes a casing including a base, a column extending from the base, and a motor housing connected to the column; a motor assembly provided within the motor housing and including a motor shaft; and a shaft adjustment assembly operably coupled with the motor shaft, the shaft adjustment assembly including an output shaft connected with the motor shaft, the output shaft configured to receive a rotational input from the motor shaft, the output shaft including an attachment holder at a distal end thereof; a handle adjustably coupled with the output shaft, the handle being configured to be rotatable about the circumferential direction; and a resilient member connecting the handle with the output shaft, the resilient member biasing the handle along the axial direction and along the circumferential direction.

A stand-alone automated machine for the automatic blending of drinks. The machine will generally puree materials including fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables provided in large particulate sections or chunks within a cup which is available from a neighboring refrigerator or freezer unit. The blending machine can handle all aspects of drink blending as well as automatic cleaning, sanitization, and/or sterilization cycles.

The present invention relates to the field of food processing equipment, and more specifically to a lifting mechanism for a food processor. The mechanism comprises a mounting platform; a cutter shaft rotatable and axially movable relative to the platform; a drive sleeve with an internal threaded structure; an external threaded structure on the cutter shaft in threaded engagement with the drive sleeve; and a driving module configured to rotate the cutter shaft. When a rotational speed difference exists between the drive sleeve and the cutter shaft, the threaded engagement causes axial movement of the cutter shaft. This design employs a single driving module to achieve both rotation and lifting, thereby reducing structural complexity and manufacturing costs.

A micro puree machine has a mixing shaft attachable to a blade that is subject to both linear and rotational movement. A drive motor is contained within a lower portion of the machine housing and operatively couples to a first gear that engages a second gear on the mixing shaft for rotation of the mixing blade. A position motor within the upper housing operates to move the mixing blade linearly to engage the ingredients in the bowl. During both axial and rotational movement of the mixing shaft, the drive motor and the position motor remain stationary within their respective positions in the housing.

An example food processing system is provided. The food processing system include a housing. A drive shaft extends from the housing. The drive shaft includes a first end configured to receive a blade assembly and a second end opposing the first end. At least one sensor is configured to detect a position of the second end of the drive shaft to determine if the blade assembly is coupled to the drive shaft or not.

An automated self-cleaning frothing appliance includes: a housing having a base, a tower extending upwardly from the base, and a canopy extending from an upper portion of the tower above the base; a vessel mounted beneath the canopy, the vessel having an outlet at a lower end; a frothing tool extending from the canopy into the vessel; a first fluid pathway in the housing to receive water from a water source and deliver water into the vessel; a valve positioned to selectively open and close the outlet to the vessel; a valve-opening mechanism attached to the housing to selectively open and close the valve; a drain positioned beneath the outlet to receive water draining from the outlet; a second fluid pathway routed from the drain to deliver water to an external receptacle; and a controller operatively connected with the drive unit, the first fluid pathway and the valve-opening mechanism.

A micro puree machine including a housing, a power shaft, a bowl assembly and a platform. The power shaft extends from the housing. The bowl assembly including at least one locking bowl element. The platform includes at least one complementary locking platform element that is configured to engage the at least one locking bowl element such that rotation of the bowl assembly relative to the platform is prevented at times the bowl assembly is positioned thereon. The platform is rotatable from a first position to a second position relative to the housing such that the platform raises the bowl assembly towards the power shaft during the rotation of the bowl assembly and platform. The raising of the bowl assembly facilitates connection between the power shaft and a blade assembly that is positioned in a lid assembly on the bowl assembly. A blade assembly detection system detects proper positioning of the blade assembly within the lid assembly.

A multifunctional countertop kitchen appliance includes a housing that supports an ice and water dispenser assembly and a dual-mode mixing assembly configured to prepare blended beverages. The mixing assembly includes a first mixing mechanism located in a lower compartment of the housing, comprising a first motor and actuator operable to rotate a blade member within a cup that is selectively and releasably coupled to the actuator. A second mixing mechanism is located in an upper compartment and includes a second motor driving an elongate mixing rod having a distal mixing blade configured to extend into a pitcher for mixing contents therein. Both mechanisms may operate via independent or shared motors and controls. In some embodiments, the appliance is integrated into a refrigerator door. The system is adaptable to multiple vessel types and streamlines beverage preparation by combining dispensing and mixing functions within a single unit.

Methods and systems are herein disclosed, including a mixing apparatus, comprising a mixing base, an upright support column, a mixing head, and a bushing. The mixing base has a top face defining a mixing platform. The upright support column extends outwardly from the top face. The mixing head comprises a motor, a housing, and a drive shaft. The drive shaft extends outwardly from the outer housing surface and is operatively connected to the motor. The drive shaft has an implement securement portion configured to engage a mixing implement. The mixing head is pivotally attached to the upright support column such that the mixing head is movable between an operating position and a resting position. The bushing is configured to dampen an impact force exerted on the bushing when the mixing head is moved from the resting position to the operating position.

A stand-alone automated machine for the automatic blending of drinks. The machine will generally puree materials including fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables provided in large particulate sections or chunks within a cup which is available from a neighboring refrigerator or freezer unit. The blending machine can handle all aspects of drink blending as well as automatic cleaning, sanitization, and/or sterilization cycles.