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.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     This is a non-provisional continuation-in-part application of non-provisional application Ser. No. 12/638,110, filed on Dec. 15, 2009 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,841,764, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference and the priority benefit of which is hereby claimed, which is a continuation of non-provisional application Ser. No. 12/399,251, filed on Mar. 6, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,632,007, which is a continuation of non-provisional application Ser. No. 11/657,948, filed on Jan. 24, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,520,659, which is a division of non-provisional application Ser. No. 10/438,437, filed on May 15, 2003, which is a division of non-provisional application Ser. No. 09/835,118, filed on Apr. 13, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,609,821. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates generally to household appliance, and more particularly to blenders and food processors. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Blenders are household devices often used to blend or mix drinks or liquids. On the other hand, food processors are household devices commonly used to chop, cut, slice, and/or mix various solid foods such as vegetables, fruits, or meats. Different blade designs and rotation speeds are used in a blender or a food processor in order to accomplish the mixing or cutting actions desired. 
     Conventional household blenders typically have a motor connected to a blade assembly, and the speed of the rotating blade or motor may be varied based on selections made by the user. 
     For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,678,288 to Swanke et al. describes a blender having seven speed selection push buttons. The push-buttons drive slider elements that close switches so as to selectively energize various combinations of fields in a drive motor having multiple fields. Field selection provides seven speeds in a high range. Seven speeds in a low range are obtained by applying only half cycles of the AC energizing voltage to the motor when certain combinations of the switches are actuated. Once a speed selection push button is depressed, the motor is energized until an OFF switch is actuated. The device also has a jogger or pulse mode pushbutton that energizes the motor at one speed only as long as the pushbutton is depressed. Pulsing the motor on/off or at high and then low speeds permits the material being blended to fall back to the region of the cutting knives thereby improving the blending or mixing of the material. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,951,351 to Ernster et al. describes a blender having a rotary switch for selecting a high or low range of speeds and five pushbutton switches for selecting a speed within the selected range. The pushbutton switches connect various segments of the motor field winding in the energizing circuit. This device also includes a pulse mode pushbutton that causes energization of the motor only as long as the pushbutton is depressed. The motor may be energized in the pulse mode at any selected speed. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,548,280 to Cockroft describes a blender provided with 10 speed selection switches. A SCR is connected in series with the motor and has a control electrode connected to resistances that are brought into the electrode circuit by actuation of the speed selection switches to control the angle of firing of the SCR and thus the speed of the motor. This device also has a mode selection switch for selecting the manual mode or a cycling or pulse mode in which the motor is alternately energized and deenergized over a plurality of cycles, the number of cycles being set by a potentiometer controlled by a rotatable knob. In a preferred embodiment, the on and off intervals are set during manufacture but two potentiometers may be provided to enable an operator to vary the on and off times. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,347,205 to Piland describes a blender with a microcontroller for controlling energization of the blender drive motor. The speed of the motor is determined by a manual selection of N speed range selection switches, M speed selection switches, and a pulse mode switch. 
     Typically, the blade attachment in conventional blenders consists of two generally shaped blades, a top blade and a bottom blade, joined together at a central point with their respective ends oriented in opposite directions. Because of this blender blade design, conventional blenders usually are not able to successfully chop, slice, or cut solid food because solid food does not flow into the U-shaped blades without adding liquid. Although the solids may make some contact with the blades, typically at least some liquid must be added to the blender in order to successfully liquefy or cut the solid food into very small pieces. 
     Another drawback with blenders is the number of different operations that must be performed to successfully blend a mixture. Typically, to blend or mix items in a blender, a user will press a sequence of buttons on the blender. For example, to chop ice, a user may hit a slow button, wait a while, hit a faster speed, wait, hit yet a faster speed, etc. The user may have to stop the blending process to dislodge ice or to assure the ice is coming into contact with the blades. This process can be very frustrating, and with conventional blenders may still result in an unsatisfactory chopping or blending of the items in the blender. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with embodiment of the invention, there is provided a container assembly for use with a blender blade base, comprising a drinking container having a first interface at an open first end and a fourth interface at a closed second end, a blade base removably mountable on and off a blender and having a blade unit thereon and a second interface thereon, the second interface configured to mate with the first interface, the blade base and the drinking container forming a sealed container, and a cover having a drinking hole and third and fifth interfaces. The third interface is configured to mate with the first interface and the fifth interface is configured to mate with the fourth interface when the first interface is mated with the second interface. 
     In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a beverage container assembly for use with a blender comprising a beverage container having an open top portion and a closed bottom portion, a first removable cover for selectively covering the top portion of the beverage container. The first cover is adapted to be removably mountable on and off the blender and includes an adapter portion for mounting the beverage container on a blender. A second removable cover selectively covers 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. 
     In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method of blending comprising providing a blender assembly comprising a blender base having a motor, a collar having an agitator, a container, and a cover with a drinking hole, the cover configured for mounting on an open end of the container for drinking from the container and configured for mounting on a closed end of the container for storage when not in use. The method further includes placing ingredients in the container and closing an open end of the container with the collar. The method further includes inverting the container and collar and placing the container and collar on the motorized base. The method further includes blending the ingredients in the container with the motorized base. The method further includes removing the container and collar from the base. The method further includes positioning the container and collar in a generally upright position. The method further includes removing the collar from the container. The method further includes placing the cover on the open end of the container so that the blended ingredients can be consumed by drinking through the cover. 
     Other features and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which: 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A more complete understanding of the present invention, and the attendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a front, left, perspective view of a blender base and container incorporating the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view showing a number of components that may be attached to the blender base of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of the blender base and blender container of  FIG. 1 , showing a blade base that connects to the blender base; 
         FIG. 4  is a back, left perspective view of the blender base of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a cutaway view taken along the line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a bottom perspective view of a jar for the blender container of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded perspective view of a lid and cap assembly for use with blender container of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the blade base and blade unit shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a side view of the top blade for the blade unit shown in  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a side view of the bottom blade for the blade unit shown in  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a top view of the middle blade for the blade unit shown  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a blade unit utilizing an extraction mechanism in accordance with one aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  is a cutaway view of the extraction mechanism of  FIG. 12 , with the extraction mechanism shown in a released position; 
         FIG. 14  is a cutaway view of the extraction mechanism of  FIG. 12 , with the extraction mechanism shown in a locked position; 
         FIG. 15  is a bottom-exploded perspective view of the blender container of  FIG. 1 , with the cap of  FIG. 7  shown aligned with the blade base; 
         FIG. 16  is a partial cutaway of the bottom of the blender jar of  FIG. 1 , showing a beginning step of inserting the blade base with the cap; 
         FIG. 17  is a partial cutaway, similar to  FIG. 16 , showing a further step of inserting the blade base with the cap; 
         FIG. 18  is a partial cutaway, similar to  FIGS. 16 and 17 , showing full insertion of the blade base with the cap; 
         FIG. 19  is an exploded perspective view showing how a single serving beverage container attaches to a collar and fits onto the blender base of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 19A  is an exploded perspective view showing how an alternate embodiment single serving beverage container attaches to a collar and fits onto the blender base of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 19B  is a side perspective view showing how a cover mounts to the closed end of the beverage container of  FIG. 19 ; 
         FIG. 19C  is a bottom view of the cover of  FIGS. 19A-B ; 
         FIG. 19D  is a side perspective view of the beverage container of  FIGS. 19A-B  showing the cover threaded onto the beverage container; 
         FIG. 20  is a side perspective view showing attachment of a food processor to the blender base of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 21  is a block diagram showing components that may be used to implement the features of the blender base of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 22  is a simplified circuit diagram for a motor that may be used with the blender base of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 23  is a simplified circuit diagram for another motor that may be used with the blender base of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 24  is a simplified circuit diagram for yet another motor that may be used with the blender base of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 25  shows a routine that may be implemented by the blender base of  FIG. 1  to mix powdered drinks; 
         FIG. 26  shows a routine that may be implemented by the blender base of  FIG. 1  to make batter; 
         FIG. 27  shows a routine that may be implemented by the blender base of  FIG. 1  to form a milkshake; 
         FIG. 28  shows an example of a user interface that may be used on the blender base of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 29  shows a second example of a user interface that may be used on the blender base of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 30  shows a third example of a user interface that may be used on the blender base of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 31  shows a method of operating the blender base of  FIG. 1  with the user interface of  FIG. 28  in accordance with one aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 32  shows a method of operating the blender base of  FIG. 1  with the user interface of  FIG. 29  or  30  in accordance with another aspect of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 33-37  show displays of some functions that may be presented by the user interface of  FIG. 29 ; and 
         FIG. 38  shows a method of enabling functions for a blender base in accordance with a particular container sensed the blender base in accordance with one aspect of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In the following description, various aspects of the present invention will be described. For purposes of explanation, specific configurations and details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without the specific details. Furthermore, well-known features may be omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the present invention. 
     Referring now to the drawing, in which like reference numerals represent like parts throughout the several views,  FIG. 1  shows a blender  30  incorporating many features of the present invention. Briefly described, in accordance with one aspect of the invention and as is best shown in  FIG. 2 , the blender  30  includes a blender base  32  that may be utilized with a number of different components, including a jar  34  having an integral collar (hereinafter “collared jar  34 ”), a threaded jar  36 , a single serving beverage container  38 , and a food processor  40 . As subsequently described, the blender base  32  is preprogrammed with a plurality of routines designed for particular food or drink items, for example, by taking a particular sequence of motor commands (e.g., direction of rotation, speed, duration or time of rotation, etc.) which are automatically implemented based on the function (e.g., end result) selected by the user. Additionally, sensors may be present on the apparatus of the present invention to detect the presence of and type of container in which the mixing or processing will take place. Other novel features of the present invention will become apparent below. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 3 , the blender base  32  includes four feet  42  for placing the blender base on a surface such as a table. Rounded, tapered sides  43  lead to an attachment base  44 . An attachment protrusion  46  is mounted on the top of the attachment base  44 , and includes tapered sides having alternating triangular-shaped concave surfaces  48  and convex surfaces  50  (detail is further shown in  FIG. 4 ). The upper outer shell of the blender base  32  may be extruded as a single piece of plastic, or alternatively may be cast as several pieces and assembled. In addition, the blender base may be formed of other suitable materials, such as metal, for example. 
     The concave surfaces  48  are configured so that their bases are at the top of the attachment protrusion, whereas the convex surfaces  50  are configured so that their bases are at the bottom. The top  52  of the attachment protrusion  46  is flat, and includes a rotation lock  54  and a male drive element  56 . The rotation lock  54  is preferably a male protrusion shaped like a fin. The male drive element  56  is shaped like a gear and includes a number of teeth  58  ( FIG. 4 ). In the embodiment shown, there are 16 teeth, but the male drive element  56  may be designed to have any number of teeth as appropriate. 
     The male drive element  56  is preferably formed of metal, and, as is subsequently described, a corresponding female drive element for containers that are attached to the blender base is also preferably metal. The metal-to-metal contact ensures limited wear, a close tolerance fitting, and reduces the likelihood of broken parts. However, one problem that may be encountered with a metal-to-metal connection is that, if an electrical motor is used, a user may experience shock from voltage flowing through the male drive element  56 . To alleviate this problem, as can be seen in  FIG. 5 , the present invention utilizes an insulating bushing  60  to insulate the male drive element  56  from a motor shaft  64 . To do so, the male drive element includes an outer ring  62  and an inner metal attachment  63 . The teeth  58  are mounted on the outside of the outer ring  62 . The inner metal attachment  63  fits onto the motor shaft  64 . The insulating bushing  60  is preferably formed of rubber, although any insulating material may be used. 
     The insulating bushing  60  is designed and arranged so that it fits fully inside the outer ring  62 . In addition, the metal attachment  63  is preferably designed and configured so that the metal attachment fits fully within the bushing  60 . This structure offers maximal stability, in that most shear stresses applied by the motor shaft  64  may be uniformly transferred to the outer ring  62  through the bushing  60 . Thus, a shear along the length of the bushing (i.e., top to bottom in  FIG. 5 ) does not occur. Although variations of this structure may be used, it is preferred that the metal attachment  64  be at least partially surrounded by the outer ring  62 , so that the outer ring and metal attachment&#39;s stiff structures may provide stability for the bushing  60 , and so that shear forces in the bushing may be minimized. 
     A pair of first and second sensor switches  66 ,  67  ( FIG. 4 ) are included at the junction of the top  52  and the convex and concave surfaces  48 ,  50 , the function of which is subsequently described. In the embodiment of the blender base  32  shown in the drawings, the first and second sensor switches  66 ,  67  are mounted on opposite side of the apex of one of the convex surfaces  50 . 
     A user interface panel  68  is mounted on the front of the rounded, tapered sides  43 . As described below, various user interfaces may be displayed on the user interface panel  68 . 
     The blender base  32  is shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3  with the collared jar  34 . However, as described above, the blender base  32  may be used with any number of different blending or processing units that may serve different or overlapping functions. In general, each blending or processing unit that is to be used with the blender base  32  includes a container and a blade assembly of some kind. The blender base  32  includes a drive mechanism and attachment method that allows the blender to be used with the different containers. As described subsequently, this container flexibility even allows the blender base  32  to operate purely as a food processor, if desired. 
     The collared jar  34  is one example of a container that may be used with the blender base  32 . The collared jar  34  is preferably generally cylindrical in shape, and includes a handle  70  and a pouring spout  72 . The cylindrical shape promotes better mixing and minimizes accumulation of food or materials that may occur in containers having cross sectional areas with edges or corners. However, other shapes for the container may be used. 
     The collared jar  34  can be made from glass, plastic, metal, or any other suitable, nontoxic material which can resist high stress. Additionally, the inside of collared jar  34  may be coated with non-stick coating such as Teflon™ and the like to allow for better mixing or easier cleaning. 
     The sides of the collared jar  34  taper outward from a location just below the bottom juncture of the handle  70  and the sides, to both the open top of the collared jar and the open bottom. The upper, tapered, shape promotes good blending and processing of items in the collared jar  34 , because it promotes flow of the items downward to the bottom of the collared jar. 
     The bottom end of the collared jar  34  is opened so that it fits over the attachment protrusion  46  of the blender base  32 . In this manner, the bottom end of the collared jar  34  serves as a collar that fits over the attachment protrusion  46  of the blender base  32 . As can be seen in  FIG. 6 , the lower inside of the collared jar  34  includes a scalloped surface. The scalloped surface includes a series of concave triangular sections  74  connected at their bases, with the bases extending along the bottom edge of the collared jar  34 . Flat surfaces  76  extend between the areas defined between the concave triangular sections  74 . The concave triangular sections  74  and the flat surfaces  76  are arranged and configured so that when the collared jar  34  is fitted onto the attachment protrusion  46  of the blender base  32 , the concave triangular sections  74  fit over and against the convex surfaces  50  of the rectangular protrusion, and the flat surfaces  76  fit against the concave surfaces  48  of the attachment protrusion. In this manner, the collared jar  34  does not rotate when placed on the attachment protrusion  46  of the blender base  32 . 
     Markings  78  ( FIG. 6  only) indicating various ingredient levels for recipes may be placed onto the collared jar  34  to assist the user. For example, there may be markings  78  on the collared jar  34  to illustrate the proper amounts of ice and liquid to use for making a particular drink (e.g., a frozen margarita). Such markings  78  can be a permanent, such as by etching or embossing the markings on the collared jar  78 . Alternatively, the markings  78  may be removable (e.g., removable stickers) that are included with the collared jar  34 , or that are supplied separately to a user (e.g., with a recipe mix or the like). 
     A series of switch activators  80  ( FIG. 6 ) are included on the inside surface of the collared jar  34 . The switch activators  80  are male protrusions that are located just to one side of the junction of the concave triangular sections  74  and the flat surfaces  76  and are aligned and configured so that one of the switch activators abuts and engages the second sensor switch  67  so the second sensor switch  67  is depressed when the collared jar is pressed into position against the attachment protrusion  46  of the blender base  32 . By providing switch activators  80  at each of these junctures, one of the switch activators is arranged to engage and depress the second sensor switch  67  upon placing the collared jar  34  onto the attachment protrusion  46  of the blender base  32 , regardless of how the collared jar is rotated relative to the blender base. The function of depressing the second sensor switch  67  is described further below. 
     A lid  82  ( FIG. 3 ) is provided that fits over the upper opening of the collared jar  34 . As can best be seen in  FIG. 7 , the lid  82  includes flanges  84 , made of rubber, TPE, or another suitable material, at a bottom edge for snuggly fitting into the upper opening of the collared jar  34 . A central hole  86  extends through the center of the lid  82  and includes tapered outer edges  88 . The central hole  86  provides a receptacle through which ingredients, such as ice or liquids, may be added to the collared jar  34 . 
     A removable cap  90  fits into the central hole  86 . The removable cap  90  includes finger grips  92 ,  94  at top, outer edges, for gripping the cap and removing it from the central hole  86 . A cylindrical extension  96  extends out of the bottom of the cap  90 . The cylindrical extension  96  fits snugly into, and closes the central hole  86  in the lid  82  when the cap  90  is placed in the lid. The cylindrical extension  96  includes a series of notches  98  evenly spaced along its bottom edge, the function of which is described below. 
     An abutment surface  100  ( FIG. 6 ) is provided above the scalloped inner surface of the collared jar  34 , and is arranged to abut against a top surface  102  ( FIG. 8 ) of a blade base  110 . When inserted onto the collared jar  34 , the blade base  110  forms a sealed bottom for the collared jar, and the two elements form an opened-top container. Although described as being removably attachable (i.e., by threads) to the collared jar, the blade base  90  may be permanently or removably attached to the bottom of the collared jar  34  or another container. However, providing a removable blade base  110  permits easier cleaning of the blender  30 . 
     The blade base  110  includes a novel blade unit  112  that enables the blender  30  to have improved food-processing capabilities. The blade unit  112  may include any number of blades, but preferably includes at least one generally U-shaped blade assembly such as is used in contemporary blenders. In addition, the blade unit  112  includes a second blade assembly that extends substantially radially relative to the rotational axis of the blade unit. 
     The blade unit  112 , as shown in an exemplary embodiment in  FIG. 8 , includes a top or first, blade assembly  114 , a middle or second blade assembly  116 , and a third or bottom blade assembly  118 . The blade assemblies  114 ,  116 ,  118  may be made of any durable material such as metal, steel, carbon, etc. which can be sharpened and withstand high stress and heat. 
     The top blade assembly  114  and the bottom blade assembly  118  are preferably similar to conventional blender blade designs (i.e., one or more generally U-shaped blades). In particular, as shown in  FIG. 9 , the top blade assembly  114  includes a central, substantially flat base  120  that extends generally radially with respect to the rotational axis of the blade unit  112 . A first blade  122  extends at a first angle upward from the base  120 , and a second blade  124  extends at a second angle from the base. Providing the two blades  122 ,  124  at different angles from the base provides enhanced blending and processing. Preferably, the blades  122 ,  124  are formed integrally with the base  120 . 
     The bottom blade assembly  118  ( FIG. 10 ) also includes a base  130  that extends generally radially with respect to the rotational axis of the blade unit  112 . First and second curved blades  132 ,  134  are preferably formed integral with the base  130 , and extend downward and outward from the ends of the base  130 . The curved shape of the blades enhances blending and processing, and permits the edges of the blades to extend to adjacent the bottom of the container formed by the collared jar  34  and the blade unit  112 . In this manner, blended and processed items are dislodged and forced upward from the bottom of the container. 
     The middle blade assembly  116  has, for example, a food processor blade design (i.e., one or more blades that extend generally radially from the rotational axis of the blade unit  112 ). In an exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 11 , the middle blade assembly  116  includes a central base  136  and first and second blades  138 ,  140 . The blades  138 ,  140  are coplanar with the base  136  and are curved, but may be straight in alternate embodiments. The central base  136  and the first and second blades  138 ,  140  are preferably integrally formed, but may be formed as separate elements. In addition, the two blades  138 ,  140  may be provide on alternate bases, and may be spaced axially from one another so that they are not located in the same plane. 
     As subsequently described, the blender base  32  is preferably designed so that the blade unit  112  may be rotated in forward and backward directions, and/or may be oscillated. If a reverse function is provided, the blades  122 ,  124 ,  132 ,  134 ,  138 ,  140  may be sharpened on leading edges, and blunt on opposite edges, or may be sharpened on both (i.e., opposite) edges. In addition, if desired, one or more of the blades may be provided with different sharpened surface, such as a serrated edge, to enhance or change the cutting of the blades. For example, for the embodiment of the middle blade assembly  116  shown in  FIG. 11 , the blades  138 ,  140  include sharpened leading edges  142 ,  144 , and blunt trailing edges  146 ,  148 . As defined herein, the leading edges are the edges that are forward (i.e., hit the blended items first) when the blade unit is traveling in the forward direction. The trailing edges are the rearmost (i.e., hit the blended items last) parts of the blades when the blades travel in the forward direction. Providing a blunt edge on the trailing end has been found to enhance mixing when the blade unit is rotated in a reverse direction, whereas sharpening both edges has been found to increase the cutting action of the blades and blending when rotated in the reverse direction or oscillated. 
     The middle blade assembly  116  is sandwiched between the top blade assembly  114  and the bottom blade assembly  118 , and the three blade assemblies are mounted on an upwardly extending rotational shaft  150 . As subsequently described, when the blade unit  112  and collared jar  34  are placed on the blender base  32 , the shaft  150  is rotated by the blender base  32 , which in turn rotates the combined blade unit  112 , 
     It has been discovered that including a food processor design blade (e.g., the middle blade assembly  116 ) in combination with one or two conventional blender design blades (e.g., the top blade assembly  114  and the bottom blade assembly  118 ) enables the blender  30  to have superior chopping, cutting, and slicing capabilities. Specifically, the food processor design blade often comes into contact with items that are missed by conventional blender design blades. In addition, for those items that are contacted, the food processor design blade hits them more directly, most likely because the blade is not at an angle with respect to the axis of rotation of the blade unit  112 . The blade assemblies may be spaced differently than they are spaced in the shown embodiment, but it has been found that locating the blade assemblies adjacent to one another in the sandwiched configuration provides these enhanced cutting features, and provides the least amount of interference for placing into the container items that are to be blended. 
     The blade unit  112  may be permanently or removably attached to the blade base  110 , and in one embodiment is riveted to the shaft  150  with a washer  152  ( FIG. 8 ). For example, the end of the shaft may be deformed using an orbital riveting process to lock the blade unit in place, and the washer may be used to help hold the blade unit in place. In an alternate embodiment shown in  FIGS. 12-14 , the blade unit  112  may include an optional extraction mechanism  160  that allows a user to disengage blade unit  112  from blade base  110 . By removing the blade unit  112 , the container formed by the blade base  110  and the collared jar  34  may serve as a pitcher, and the blade unit  112  may be easier to clean. 
     In an exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 12 , the extraction mechanism  160  comprises a conical-shaped cap  162  that snaps over a rotation shaft  164  for the blade unit  112 . The conical-shaped cap  162  may be made of rubber, plastic, or any other suitable nontoxic material. The conical-shaped cap  162  includes a hollow interior ( FIG. 13 ) having a lower, tapered surface  166  that extends downward to a narrowed, flat portion  168  at its lower surface. A spring  170  is mounted inside the upper end of the conical-shaped cap  162 , and is arranged to push downward on a washer  172 . A ball bearing  174  (or alternatively, a plurality of ball bearings) is captured inside the conical-shaped cap  162  and below the washer  172 . 
     To attach the extraction mechanism  160 , the cap  162  is pressed onto the shaft  164 . As the cap  162  is pressed downward, the ball bearing  174  or bearings are wedged between the tapered surface  166  and the shaft  164  ( FIG. 12 ). The spring  170  maintains the ball bearing  174  in this position, and the friction caused by the pressure of the spring  170  pressing the ball bearing against the shaft keeps the cap  162  in place. If upward pressure is placed on the cap  162 , for example by the blade unit  112  or by a user trying to pull up on the cap, the ball bearing  174  is further driven into the shaft  164  by the relationship of the tapered surface  166  and the shaft. 
     To remove the cap  162 , a user may press inward on the sides of the cap ( FIG. 14 ), which drives the washer  172  up the tapered surface  166  against the force of the spring. This movement releases the tension placed on the ball bearing  174 , allowing it to roll freely into the space defined by the tapered surface  166 , the washer  172 , and the shaft  164 . With the pressure and friction of the ball bearing  174  removed from the shaft  164 , the user may then easily remove the cap  162  from the shaft. 
     Other extraction mechanisms may be used. For example, a pair of lock nuts may be used. However, an advantage of the described extraction mechanism  160  is that it does not require tools for a user to remove the blade unit  112 . 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 15 , the bottom side of the blade base  110  includes a female connector  180  that is designed to fit on the male drive element  56 . The female connector  180  is preferably formed of metal, so the male drive element  56  and the female connector may utilize a metal-to-metal connection as described above. The female connector  180  is rotatably mounted in the blade base  110  and is fixed to rotate with the shaft  150  ( FIG. 8 ). The bottom side of the blade base  110  also includes radially-extending ribs  182 . 
     The outer circumference of the blade base  110  includes a series of evenly spaced cam surfaces  184  (best shown in  FIG. 8 ). The cam surfaces  184  include an indentation  186 . 
     To mount the blade base  110 , the blade base is grasped by a user (e.g., by the ribs  182 ), and is inserted into the bottom of the collared jar  34  until the cam surfaces  184  extend between and beyond the switch actuators  80  on the collared jar and into contact with the abutting surface  100  ( FIG. 17 ). A gasket  188  ( FIG. 15 ), made of rubber or other material, may be utilized to provide a snug fit of the blade base with the abutting surface  100 . The blade base  110  is then rotated until the cam surfaces  184  engage the switch actuators  80 . As rotation continues, the cam surfaces  184  slide along the top of the switch actuators  80 , gradually pressing the blade base  110  against the gasket  188 , until the switch actuators  80  are located in the indentations  186 . The blade base  110  is now in place, and the indentations prevent accidental disconnection of the blade base from the collared jar. The blade base  110  may be removed by pushing the blade base in (effectively compressing the gasket  188 ) to remove the switch actuators  80  from the indentations  186 , and the blade base is rotated and removed to move the switch actuators to a position where they are free of the cam surfaces  184 . The blade base  110  may then be pulled out of the bottom of the collared jar  34 . 
     As shown in an exemplary embodiment in  FIGS. 15-18 , the cap  90  is designed so that it may be used to disengage and remove the blade base  110  from the collared jar  34 . As described earlier, the cap  90  includes notches  98 . These notches  98  align with the ribs  182  on the blade base  110  to form a fitted connection for easier disengagement (e.g., by turning) of the blade base  110  from the collared jar  34 . 
     To remove the blade base  110  using the cap  90 , the cap is removed from the lid  82  (e.g., by grasping the cap with the finger grips  92 ,  94 ). The notches  98  are aligned with and inserted on the ribs  182 , and the user presses the cap forward into the bottom of the collared jar  34  ( FIG. 16 ) until the cam surfaces  184  extend between and beyond the switch actuators  80  on the collared jar and into contact with the abutting surface  100  ( FIG. 17 ). The user then rotates the cap  90  and blade base  110  to lock the blade base into position, as described earlier. The cap may be similarly used to remove the blade base  110  from the collared jar  34 . 
     When placed on the blender base  32 , one of the ribs  182  on the blade base  110  engages the rotation lock  54 . In this manner, the driving action of the male drive element  56  does not rotate the blade base  110  off of the collared jar  34  when the motor rotates the blade unit in a reverse direction. 
     As an alternative to the blade base  110  and the collared jar  34 , an agitator collar  190  ( FIG. 2 ) may be used with the blender base  32 . The agitator collar  190  includes essentially the same features as the bottom portion of the collared jar  34  and the blade base  110 . That is, the agitator collar  190  includes a blade unit  112 A, a female drive member, the scalloped inner surfaces that are found on the lower inside of the collared jar  34 , and switch activators. However, in a preferred embodiment, the features of the blade base  110  are formed integrally with the agitator collar  190 , as opposed to the connection that is used to attach the blade base  110  to the collared jar  34 . In addition, the agitator collar  190  includes internal threads  192  ( FIG. 19 ) at the upper, inside portion of the agitator collar. 
     The threaded jar  36  ( FIG. 2 ) includes male threads  194  that mate with the internal threads  192  on the agitator collar  190 . Otherwise, the threaded jar  36  is configured similarly to the top portion of the collared jar  34 . The lid  82  and the cap  90  may be utilized with the threaded jar  36 , or another top may be provided. An advantage of the threaded jar  36  is that it may be produced out of a different material than the collared jar  34 , providing a user additional versatility. For example, the threaded jar  36  may be formed of glass, wherein the collared jar could be formed of plastic. Another advantage is that the agitator collar  190  may be used with other containers, as described below. 
     To use the threaded jar  36 , the agitator collar  190  is threaded onto the male threads  194 , and the combined agitator collar and threaded jar are mounted on the blender base  32 . A gasket  195  may be used to assure a snug fit. 
     The single serving beverage container  38  ( FIG. 2 ) may also be used with the agitator collar  190 . To this end, the single serving beverage container  38  includes male threads  196  at an upper end for mating with the internal threads  192  on the agitator collar  190 . 
     The single serving beverage container  38  (shown also in  FIG. 19 ) is slightly tapered along its length, and preferably is sized to fit into a user&#39;s hand as well as a typical beverage holder in automobiles. A removable cap  198  ( FIG. 2 ) is provided that may be screwed onto the male threads  196 . The removable cap  198  may include a drinking hole, and/or may include a closure tab to avoid spillage. 
     To use the single serving beverage container  38 , the cap  198  is removed (if present), and beverage ingredients are placed in the single serving beverage container  38 . The agitator collar  190  is then screwed onto the male threads  196 . A gasket  199  may be used to assure a snug fit. The single serving beverage container  38  and the agitator collar  190  are then inverted ( FIG. 19 ) and installed on the blender base  32 . The beverage ingredients may then be mixed and/or blended by the blender base  32 . The agitator collar  190  and the single serving beverage container  38  are then removed, inverted, and the agitator collar is screwed off of the single serving beverage container. The cap  198  may then be screwed onto the single serving beverage container  38 , and the single serving beverage container is ready for use. 
     In another embodiment, an alternate single serving beverage container  438  ( FIGS. 19A-19D ) may also be used with the agitator collar  190 . To this end, the single serving beverage container  438  includes male threads  496  at an upper end for mating with the internal threads  192  on the agitator collar  190 . 
     The single serving beverage container  438  is tapered inward along its length, and preferably is sized to fit into a user&#39;s hand as well as a typical beverage holder in automobiles. The beverage container  438  may include an indented portion  438   a  to aid in gripping the beverage container  438 . Alternately, the beverage container  438  may include a plurality of circumferential partial helical ribs  435  ( FIG. 19D ) formed on the exterior of the side gall of the beverage container  438  for aiding in gripping the container  438 . The ribs  435  are spaced such that a user&#39;s finger may be inserted there between. A threaded removable cap  498  is provided that may be screwed onto the male threads  496 . The removable cap  498  may include a drinking hole  499 , and/or may include a closure tab  497  hingedly connected to the cap  498  to avoid spillage. In use, the closure tab  497  is moved from a closed position to an open position to expose the drinking hole  499 . The cap  498  may include a looped portion  498   a  for attaching the assembled container  438  and cap  498  to another article or object such as a belt, backpack, bicycle, etc. for easy transport. 
     To use the single serving beverage container  438 , the cap  498  is removed (if present), and beverage ingredients are placed in the single serving beverage container  438 . The agitator collar  190  is then screwed onto the male threads  196 . A gasket  199  may be used to assure a snug fit. The single serving beverage container  438  and the agitator collar  190  are then inverted ( FIG. 19A ) and installed on the blender base  32 . The beverage ingredients may then be mixed and/or blended by the blender base  32 . 
     The cap  498  of the single serving beverage container  438  may be stored on the closed end  439  of the beverage container  438  during blending or non-use of the blender base  32 /container  438  arrangement with a securing means. For example, the cap  498  may be stored on the closed end  439  of the beverage container  438  with a semi-interference type fit. The cap  498  may include a lip  498   b  ( FIG. 19   c ) that fits over a complementary annular ridge  439   a  ( FIG. 19B ) formed on the closed end  439  of the beverage container  438 . The lip  498   b  is then seated against an annular edge  439   d  of the closed end  439  of the beverage container  438 . One or more projections  439   c  may be formed on the annular ridge  439   a  that engage complementary notches  498   c  formed in the lip  498   b  of the cap  498 . The projections  439   c  aid in securing the cap  498  to the beverage container  438  as well as aligning the cap  498  therewith. 
     The agitator collar  190  and the single serving beverage container  438  are then removed, inverted, and the agitator collar  190  is screwed off of the single serving beverage container  438 . The cap  498  may then be screwed onto the single serving beverage container  438  ( FIG. 19D ), and the single serving beverage container  438  is ready for use. 
     The food processor  40  ( FIGS. 2 and 20 ) may also be used with the blender base  32 . To this end, the food processor  40  includes a drive collar  200  that is configured much like the agitator collar  190  in that it includes a female drive member, the scalloped inner surfaces that are found on the lower inside of the collared jar  34 , and switch activators. However, the drive collar  200  does not include the blade unit  112 . Instead, a drive shaft  201  ( FIG. 2 ) extends out of the center of the drive collar  200  and is connected for rotation with the female drive member. In addition, unlike the agitator collar  190 , the switch activators on the drive collar  200  are arranged and configured to engage the first sensor switch  66  (whereas the switch actuators  80  on the agitator collar  190  and the collared jar  34  are arranged and configured to engage the second sensor switch  67 ). The function of this difference is subsequently described. 
     The remainder of the food processor  40  is of conventional design. The food processor  40  includes a food mixing tub  202  having a chopped food exit chute  204 , a mixing and chopping blade  206 , and a lid  210 . The lid includes an entry port  212 . A pressing tool  214  may be included to press food items through the entry port and into contact with the blade  206 . 
     In use, the drive collar  200  is mounted on the blender base  32 , and the food tub  202  is placed over the drive shaft  201 . The blade  206  is placed on the drive shaft and is connected in a suitable manner. The lid  210  is then placed over the food tub  202 . Food may then be inserted and pushed through the entry port  212 . If desired, additional blades may be utilized that provide sweeping features so that the processed food may exit the food exit chute  204 . 
       FIG. 21  is a block diagram showing a number of components that may be used for operation of the blender base  32  in accordance with one aspect of the present invention. As described in further detail below, a user interface  222  is provided that allows a user to operate the blender  30  manually and/or select from various preprogrammed functions available. The user interface  222  is connected to a microcontroller  224  which includes, for example, a central processing unit (cpu)  226 , a read only memory  228  and a nonvolatile memory  230 , such as electronically erasable programmable memory (“E 2  PROM”). However, although described with these specific components, the microcontroller  224  may include any software or hardware components that enable it to perform the functions described herein. The microcontroller  224  is connected to or interfaced with a power source  232 , a motor  234 , and a display  236 . 
     The motor  234  is connected to the shaft  201  and its operation rotates the blade unit  112 . The motor  234  may be unidirectional (capable of actuating or rotating the blade unit  3  in one direction only), or bi-directional (capable of actuating or rotating the blade unit  112  in either direction). The motor  234  may additionally be capable of oscillating the blade unit  112 . 
     A simplified circuit diagram for one embodiment of a motor  234   1  that may be used with the blender base  32  is shown in  FIG. 22 . The motor  234   1  has a single wound field, and thus typically has only two leads. To reverse the motor  234   1 , additional leads are provided from the motor that separate the winding of the motor from the rotor of the motor. Once separated, reversing the wires on the rotor-reverses the motor. The circuit shown in  FIG. 22  utilizes a double pole double throw (DPDT) relay  240  to accomplish this function, and a triac  242  is used to for speed control. 
     An alternative circuit for another single wound motor  234   2  is shown in  FIG. 23 . Instead of the DPDT relay  240  and the triac  242 , the single wound motor  234   2  in  FIG. 23  utilizes four triacs  242 ,  244 ,  246 , and  248  to accomplish direction and speed control. 
     Although the single wound motors  234   1 ,  234   2 , and related circuits work well for their intended purpose, a problem, with using the single wound motors is complexity and cost of the switches. 
     To overcome this problem, a double wound motor  234   3  ( FIG. 24 ) may be used for the blender base  32 . Dual wound motors differ in that they have two separate windings on the field, one powered for the forward direction, and the other powered for reverse. The additional winding is of nominal cost, and only two triacs  250 ,  252  have to be used in the design, one for forward, and one for reverse. The control is greatly simplified. 
     The motor  234  may also include a sensor  254  ( FIG. 23 ). The sensor  254  is configured to provide the microcontroller  224  with information regarding the strain placed on the motor during operation. The sensor may, for example, utilize a hall effect sensor and a magnet to make a simple tachometer to measure the speed, and then compare the actual speed to known values to determine if the motor is operating in a legitimate portion of the torque-speed curve such that the motor can cool itself. The sensor  254  sends a signal to the microcontroller  224  if the motor is not operating in this portion. The microprocessor  224  may use this information to alter a routine being operated by the motor, as is subsequently described. 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 21 , the first and second sensor switches  66 ,  67  are connected or interfaced to the microcontroller  224 . The sensor switches  66 ,  67  are configured to detect the presence of a container on the blender base  32 , and to determine which type of container is placed on the blender base. To this end, the microcontroller  224  can determine the presence of a container and/or the type of container by the combination of switches  66 ,  67  that have been actuated (e.g., by the switch actuators  80 ). 
     For example, the sensor switches  66 ,  67  may normally be in an opened position. In such an embodiment, the microcontroller  224  may be programmed such that, if none of the switches are closed, then the blender base  32  will not operate. If, however, one or both of the sensor switches  66 ,  67  is closed (e.g., by the switch actuators  80 ), the specific switch or switches that are closed indicate to the microcontroller exactly what container or type of container is on the blender base  32 . As an example, when the collared jar  34  is placed on the blender base  32 , the sensor actuators  80  depress the second sensor switch  67 . Similarly, sensor actuators on the actuator collar  190  depress the second sensor switch  67  when the actuator collar is placed on the blender base. In contrast, when the food processor  40  is placed on the blender base  32 , the first sensor switch  66  is depressed. Yet another container might engage and depress both the sensor switches  66 ,  67 . As subsequently described, the microcontroller  224  may use the container information to provide particular functions for the blender base  32 , or even to provide relative information on the display  236 . 
     The sensor switches  66 ,  67  may be any kind of mechanical or electrical switch, which sends a signal or command, or closes/opens a circuit when actuated. Various sensor technologies (e.g., infrared, electrical, mechanical) may be used. Likewise, the switch actuators (e.g., the switch actuator  80 ) may be any configuration or technology that is necessary to trigger the sensor switches. In addition, more than two sensors may be used so that additional containers may be sensed. A single sensor may even be used that provides multiple functions (e.g., the blender base  32  does not operate if the sensor is not depressed, a first container presses the sensor one amount and sends a first signal to the microprocessor, and a second container presses the sensor a second amount and sends a second signal to the processor. 
     As previously discussed, for the embodiment of the collared jar  34  shown in the drawing, a plurality of switch actuators  80  are provided so that the collared jar may be attached to the blender base  32  from any direction and still trigger the proper sensor switch  67 . As an alternative, a plurality of sensor switches, and only one actuator may be used, or a sensor switch and the corresponding actuator may be centrally located. In any event, it is preferred that, regardless the type of switch, the switch may be actuated if the respective container is placed on the blender base  32  in a variety of orientations. 
     Read only memory  228  is preprogrammed with various motor commands (e.g., direction of rotation, speed, duration, reversing of rotation, oscillation, etc.) designed to achieve a particular result. The preprogrammed motor commands are grouped together according to a function of the blender (e.g., the end result or purpose for which the blender will be used). For example, a first memory section  260  may contain a program with all the motor commands necessary to make salsa, and a second memory section  262  may contain a program with all the motor commands necessary to mix a drink, etc. These preprogrammed motor comments or routines may be written using any conventional programming language such as c plus, java, and the like. 
     The following is an example of a routine that works particularly well for salsa: 
     Salsa 
     High Speed, Forward Pulse: 1 second 
     High Speed, Reverse Pulse: 1 second 
     Repeat 29 times 
     The above sequence has been found to produce salsa having ingredients thoroughly chopped, but none chopped so much as to make the salsa too fine. By alternating the forward and reverse pulses, the likelihood of food items being brought into contact with the blades increases. By having only short bursts of the chopping, the salsa is not made too fine. Although the above process has been found to work well, variations, such as increasing the number of bursts, or the length of the bursts, may be made for particular tastes (e.g., chunky salsa, different ingredients, etc). The first memory section  260  maintains instructions for the blender base  32  so that it may implement the above routine. 
     Examples of other routines are shown in  FIGS. 25-27 . These figures show example preprogrammed routines  264 ,  266 , and  268  for making powdered drinks, batter, and milkshakes, respectively. Although the shown processes have been found to work well for their intended purposes, it can be understood that the processes shown are examples and variations of blender routines may produce similar results. The routines  264 ,  266 , and  268  are written as executable instructions for the blender base  32 , and are stored in discrete data sections of the read only memory  228 . As subsequently described, the preprogrammed routines may be accessed and implemented upon selection on the user interface  222  of the related desired function for the blender base  32 . 
       FIGS. 28 ,  29 , and  30  illustrate exemplary embodiments for user interfaces  222   1 ,  222   2 ,  222   3  which may be used with the blender base  32 . One type, shown in  FIGS. 29 and 30 , includes a liquid crystal display (“LCD”)  270 . A second type, shown in  FIG. 28  may use one or more light emitting diodes (“LED”)  272 . Features that are common to the three user interfaces  222   1 ,  222   2 ,  222   3  will be explained first, followed by a description of the differences between the user interfaces. 
     A power switch  274  is included on the LCD and LED variants of the user interface  222  to turn on or off the power. A start/stop switch  276  is also included to begin or stop operation of the blender. 
     A pulse switch  278  is provided that, when depressed, causes a temporary power surge to motor  234 . In this manner, the pulse switch  234  serves as a temporary “start” button that will cause the motor to run, without hitting start/stop switch  276 , as long as the pulse switch remains depressed. The pulse switch  278  also can be depressed after running a preprogrammed routine to run a continuation segment of the preprogrammed routine. To this end, the E 2  PROM  230  includes programming which stores information about the last operation run, and if that operation is a preprogrammed routine, the E 2  PROM may select an appropriate speed or operation to perform when pulse switch  278  is depressed. For example, for a given preprogrammed routine (e.g., salsa), a continuation operation may be stored in read only memory  228  (e.g., forward pulse, 1 second, followed by reverse pulse, one second). The continuation function runs upon activation of the pulse switch  278 . Alternatively, the last speed and motor direction utilized by the preprogrammed routine may be stored in E 2  PROM  230 , and that operation may be temporarily continued when a user pushes the pulse switch  278  after a program has ended. In any event, the continuation function continues to operate until the pulse switch  278  is released. 
     A pause/resume switch  279  may be used to stop the operation (e.g., a preprogrammed routine) of the blender when pressed a first time. The pause/resume switch  279  resumes operation of the blender from where it left off when pressed a second time. 
     The user interfaces  222   1 ,  222   2 ,  222   3  also include manual speed switches  280  (high) and  282  (low) so that the user can manually control the speed and operating time of the blade unit  110  to perform other functions not preprogrammed into the blender. If desired, a motor speed indicator may be provided for the user interfaces  222   2  and  222   3  so that the user can monitor the relative speed of the motor (e.g., the relative speed of the rotation of blade unit  110 ) on the LCD  270  as the manual speed switches  280  or  282  are pressed. Such relative speed may be indicated by text, bars, symbols, or the like. With the LED-based user interface  222   1 , the relative speed of the motor may be indicated by the position of the lighted LEDS  272  relative to speed markers  284  (e.g., high, low; drink, food; etc.), or alternatively by the relative blinking speed of a lighted LED. 
     A plurality of preprogrammed function switches  286  are included on the LED-based user interface  222   1 s of  FIG. 28 . The function switches  286  represent various programs for functions or end results that have been preprogrammed into the read only memory  228 , as described above. For example, pressing or touching a function switch  290  labeled “salsa” will cause microcontroller  224  to access memory section  260  of read only memory  228  for the program containing preprogrammed motor commands used to make salsa, and the preprogrammed commands (e.g., the commands described above) are executed by microcontroller  224  to control the speed, pause time, and/or direction of the motor  234 . To alert the user which function or program is running, a LED  292  can light up on the particular function switch  286  that was pressed. 
     The LED-based variants user interface  222   1  shown in  FIG. 28  may include a progress indicator  294  that indicates the relative completion of the program by color, lighted LED, or other suitable indication means. 
     As described above, the user interfaces  222   2  and  222   3  utilize the display  236 , such as a liquid crystal display (LCD)  270  or another type of display. In such an embodiment, the E 2  PROM  230  stores user-selectable parameters for the initial operation of the blender base  32 . When the blender base  32  having an LCD  270  is turned on, the LCD  270  is initialized and set up in accordance with the stored programming from the E 2  PROM  230 . Additionally, E 2  PROM  230  may include programming that allows the text in the LCD  270  to be displayed in multiple languages (e.g., English, Spanish) or units (e.g., metric, English). 
     The E 2  PROM  230  may further include subsequent storage of information in order to organize the LCD menu, for example based on the most commonly selected functions or programs (e.g., the creation of a “favorites list”). Alternatively, the E 2  PROM  230  may maintain a most recently used list so as to present recently-used functions or programs. 
     In an exemplary embodiment of a LCD-based user interface shown in  FIG. 29 , a plurality of function switches  300  are used to choose the various functions or programs for the blender. Here, the function switches  300  are lined up to correspond to a preprogrammed function/program displayed on the LCD  270   1 . To select the program displayed on the LCD  270   1  screen, the user only need to press the corresponding function switch  300 . 
     In another exemplary embodiment of a LCD-based user interface  222   3  as shown in  FIG. 30 , navigation switches  302  are used to choose the various functions or programs for the blender. The navigation switches  302  are directional buttons (e.g., back, forward, up, down, or arrow symbols) that allow the user to navigate the LCD  270   2  screen until a particular function/program is selected using the select switch  304 . A progress indicator, and/or a manual speed indicator, may appear on the LCD  270   2  screen. 
     The various switches described with reference to the user interfaces  222   1 ,  222   2 ,  222   3  may be any kind of push button, membrane, or touch sensitive buttons or switch known in the art which sends a signal or command, or closes/opens a circuit when pressed or touched by the user. In addition, if desired, the display  236  may be a touch-sensitive screen, whereby a user may input operation functions by touching the screen. Additional control methods may also be used, such as voice-recognition programs, remote controls, or other features. 
     The microcontroller  224  may be programmed to implement only certain functions based on which container is detected by sensors  66 ,  67 . For example, the microcontroller  224  may be preprogrammed to implement the motor commands for making powdered drinks only if a regular blender or single serving container (e.g., via the agitator collar  190 ) is placed on the blender base  32 . Thus, if the sensors  66 ,  67  detect a food processor container on the blender base  32 , then the microcontroller  224  will not allow the powdered drinks program/function to be selected and implemented. In such a circumstance, if the user wants to make powdered drinks with a food processor container, the user may do so manually using the manual speed switches  280  and  282 . 
     The sensors  66 ,  67  and the microcontroller  224  may also be used to determine what items are displayed on the display  236 . For example, if a mixing container (e.g., the collared jar  34  or a combination of the agitator collar  190  and an attached container) is sensed by the sensors  66 ,  67 , then the microprocessor instructs display of preprogrammed routines for mixing containers. 
       FIG. 31  shows a process for operating the blender base  32  with the LED-based user interface  222   1  in accordance with one aspect of the present invention. Beginning at step  310 , the user first turns on the power by pressing the power switch  274   1 . After a container and blade unit (e.g., the collared jar  34  and the blade unit  112 ) have been properly secured to blender base  32 , and food or drink is loaded into the collared jar, the user then selects a function/program for the blender base at step  312  by pressing any of the various function switches  286 . If there is a particular function switch that is not available (e.g., no preprogrammed motor controls for that function), the user can manually control the motor with manual speed switches  280  and  282 . Additionally, a preset function switch  286  may not work if the sensors  66 ,  67  detect an incompatible type of container for that function. Manual speed switches  280  and  282  could be used in that situation as well. An LED  292  on the selected function switch  286  lights up to indicate to the user the current selection. 
     Once a function is successfully chosen, the start/stop switch  276   1  is pressed at step  314  to begin the programmed operation. The microcontroller  224  runs the motor  234  based on the preprogrammed motor commands stored in read only memory  228  for that selected function or program. As described above, preprogrammed motor commands may include instructions on, for example, how fast the motor will run, the direction of blade rotation, the reversal of the blade rotation direction, the duration of rotation in a given direction, the oscillation of the blade unit, etc. A soft start program  330  ( FIG. 21 ) in the microcontroller  224  may be provided to control or slow the acceleration of the motor  234  to a desired speed for better processing or mixing than prior conventional blenders where the motor accelerates to the maximum speed as fast as possible. 
     As motor  234  runs during operation step  316 , the progress of the program is displayed on the progress indicator  294  while the microcontroller  224  continues to execute the preprogrammed motor commands. If desired, the sensor  254  may be used to determine if the speed of the motor  234  has exceeded a threshold amount relative to the motor&#39;s torque-speed curve (step  318 ). If so, the microcontroller  224  may instruct the motor  234  accordingly. For example, the microcontroller  224  may instruct the motor to shut down. However, in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, for some preprogrammed routines, such as those that involve crushing and cutting of ice, the microcontroller  224  may instruct the motor to momentarily reverse direction, thereby possibly dislodging the cause of the strain on the motor (step  320 ). The process may then proceed back to operation (step  316 ). If desired, the microprocessor may try only a set amount of times (e.g., twice) to reverse and dislodge the motor  234 . 
     At step  322 , the pause/resume switch  279   1  may be pressed by the user to temporarily stop the blender operation. The program remains in effect, but the implementation of the preprogrammed motor commands is suspended and the status stored so that when the pause/resume switch  26  is pressed again at block  35 , the microcontroller  15  at operation block  36  will simply resume the program from where it left off. Thus, for example, if the program contained a preprogrammed motor command to rotate the motor at 60 rps for ten seconds, and the pause/resume switch  26  is pressed at step  322  five seconds into the program, then when the pause/resume switch  26  is pressed again at block  35 , the motor will resume rotation at 60 rps for another five seconds before ending the program. 
     If the operation has not been paused, then the program simply continues until all of the preprogrammed motor commands for that function or program are fulfilled at step  324 . A termination tone may sound to alert the user of the program completion. If the user is not satisfied with the result and would like to continue the same program for an arbitrary time period, the user may depress the pulse switch  278 .sub. 1  after the program ends. 
     The user can then turn off the blender at step  326 , or begin the process again at step  314  by loading new materials into the collared jar  34  and then selecting a function/program. 
       FIG. 32  illustrates a logic flowchart for the operation of the blender base  32  with an LCD-based user interface  222   2  or  222   3 , in accordance with one aspect of the present invention. The power is first turned on at step  332  by pressing power switch  274 . A menu of options ( FIG. 33 ) is then displayed on the LCD  270  at step  334 . A standard menu may appear each time the power is turned on, or the menu may vary depending on which container is placed on the base  2  as detected by sensors  66 ,  67 . For example, if sensors  66 ,  67  identify a blender container (e.g., the collared jar  34 ) on the blender base  32 , then the LCD menu  270  may display blender functions (e.g., a choice between drinks or food, as shown in  FIG. 33 ) instead of food processor functions (e.g., fruits, vegetables, etc.). The menu may also include an option for choosing which language or measurement unit to display. Additionally, the menu may be set up depending on the functions or programs most frequently selected by the user. As described earlier, E 2  PROM  230  may be programmed to remember the most popular selections and to display them at the start of each operation for the user to choose. 
     At step  336 , the user navigates through the LCD menu using the navigation switches  302  and makes selections using the select switch  304 , or the user simply makes a selection using the function switch  300 . If a particular function is not available on the menu, the user may manually control the motor with manual speed switches  280  and  282 . A function may not be displayed if the preprogrammed motor controls for that function are not available, or if that function is not available for the type of container detected by sensor  66 ,  67 . 
     In any event, in the examples shown in  FIG. 33 , “Drinks” are chosen by the user, which navigates the user to a screen ( FIG. 34 ) where the user is shown a number of types of drinks that may be mixed by the blender. After choosing “frozen drinks,” the user is navigated to a screen ( FIG. 35 ) showing particular drinks. The user selects “Margarita.” 
     In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the read only memory includes recipes and/or instructions for blending or processing certain items of food or drinks. The recipe is presented to the user in step  338 . An example of a recipe for a margarita is shown in  FIG. 36 . The user may then select “done” to go forward with the preprogrammed routine for the margarita. 
     Once a function is chosen, the start/stop switch  276  is then pressed at step  340  to begin the operation. The microcontroller  224  then runs the motor  234  based on the preprogrammed motor commands stored in read only memory  228  for that selected function/program. 
     As the motor  234  runs at operation step  342 , the progress of the program is displayed on the LCD  270  ( FIG. 37 ) while the microcontroller  224  continues to monitor and implement the preprogrammed motor commands. As described earlier, the microcontroller  224  may also be programmed with an enhanced speed control for the motor as well as a sensor control. 
     At step  344 , the pause/resume switch  279  may be pressed to temporarily stop the program (e.g., suspending the current implementation of preprogrammed motor commands). The status of these commands are stored by E 2  PROM  230  so that when the pause/resume switch  279  is pressed again at step  340 , the microcontroller  224  at operation step  342  will simply run the program from where it left off. 
     If the operation has not been paused, then the program simply continues until all of the preprogrammed motor commands for that function are fulfilled at step  346 . A termination tone may sound to alert the user of the program completion. If the user is not satisfied with the result and would like to continue the same program for an arbitrary time period, the user may depress the pulse switch  278  after the program ends. 
     At the end of the program, the LCD  270  returns to step  334  to display the menu again and the user may proceed with another operation. Alternatively, the user may turn off the blender base  32  at step  348 . 
     In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, as a routine is running, a user may activate one of the manual speed buttons  280 ,  282 . Preferably, doing so causes the motor speed for each operation during the routine to increment. The amount each step increments may be determined based upon how long the manual speed buttons are depressed. Alternatively, the motor speed may be changed for only the particular segment of the routine that is currently operating. Preferably, the changes are not recorded to the read only memory  228  so that the routine operates in the original modes (e.g., speeds) when the routine is subsequently selected. Alternatively, a programming or similar button may be provided to permanently save the changes. 
     Preferably, in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the blender base  32  includes an audible tone indicator  349  ( FIG. 21 ) that is associated with the microcontroller  224 . The audible tone indicator may be a buzzer, a bell, a whistle, a recording of a human voice or the like, that gives an audible tone when the programmed routines are complete, when the user needs to add ingredients to a recipe, or anytime that the user presses a button for simple feedback. 
       FIG. 38  shows a process for setting possible operations of the blender base  32  in accordance with the particular container (e.g., blender container or food processor container) located on the blender base. Beginning at step  350 , the sensors  66 ,  67  determine the presence of a container on the blender base  32 . If the container is a blender container (e.g., the collared jar  34  or the threaded jar  36 ), then step  352  branches to step  354 , where the microcontroller enables blender routines for the blender base  32 . As described earlier, this may, for example, involve displaying the routines on the LCD user interface  222   2  or  222   3 , or making blender function buttons available and active on the LED user interface  222   1 . In addition, some other processes, such as food processor routines, may be disabled or not available (step  356 ). 
     In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the manual speed range for the blender base may be determined by the type of container present on the blender base  32 . For example, the manual speed range may be higher for a blender container, and lower for a food processor container, so that the respective blades of these two containers may operate at their standard speeds. Thus, in accordance with this aspect of the present invention, the manual speed of blender base is set to blender at step  358 . 
     If the container is not a blender container, step  352  branches to step  360 , where a determination is made if the container is a food processor container. If so, step  360  branches to step  362 , where food processor routines are enabled, likewise, some routines, e.g., blender routines, may be disabled (step  364 ). The manual speed of the blender base  32  is set to the food processor range in step  366 . 
     If the container is neither a blender container or a food processor container, then step  360  branches to step  368 , where the microcontroller handles accordingly. For example, a separate type of container may be utilized with the blender base  32 , and routines and/or a particular speed range may be available for that type of container. 
     All references cited herein are expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described herein above. In addition, unless mention was made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all of the accompanying drawings are not to scale. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, which is limited only by the following claims.