Patent Publication Number: US-2022211215-A1

Title: Food processing system

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     This application is directed to a food processor, and more particularly, to an individual serving blending system. 
     Food processors, such as blenders are commonly used to process a plurality of different food products, including liquids, solids, semi-solids, gels and the like. It is well known that blenders are useful devices for blending, cutting, and dicing food products in a wide variety of commercial settings, including home kitchen use, professional restaurant or food services use, and large-scale industrial use. They offer a convenient alternative to chopping or dicing by hand, and often come with a range of operational settings and modes adapted to provide specific types or amounts of food processing, e.g., as catered to particular food products. 
     Food processors encompass both handheld and freestanding devices. Large freestanding devices occupy a great deal of counter space, making them difficult to store. Such devices are also generally designed for use with large portions. Handheld blenders are more suited to individualized portions but may lack the power needed to fully blend food products. Small freestanding blending devices that provide the power of large freestanding devices and that are well suited to individualized portions require a base that accommodates a motor of sufficient power to provide the blending performance needed. The inclusion of such a motor results in individualized blenders that are either of a height that makes them difficult to store under kitchen cabinets or have a footprint that occupies too much counter space. Accordingly, there remains a need for an individualized blender system that has a small footprint and low profile that still provides sufficient power to fully blend food products. 
     Further, it has been determined that a food processing operation resulting in a smaller particle size is typically more pleasing to a user. Smaller particle size can be achieved by adjusting several features of the food processor including by increasing the rotational speed of the processing tool. It is therefore desirable to achieve an increased rotational speed of the processing tool under load, such as without changing the configuration of the processing jar or the processing tool. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to an embodiment, a food processing base of a food processing system includes a housing having a mounting area for receiving an attachment including a processing assembly and a motorized unit arranged within said housing. The motorized unit is operable to rotate said food processing assembly about an axis of rotation. The motorized unit includes a diameter to height ratio that is greater than 3:1. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said diameter to said height ratio is equal to or greater than 10:1. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said motorized unit includes a stator assembly having at least one stator lamination, where said diameter to said height ratio is a ratio of said diameter of said at least one stator lamination to said height of said at least one stator lamination. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said at least one stator lamination including a plurality of stator arms, and said stator assembly includes a plurality of stator poles, each of said plurality of stator poles including a stator coil wound about at least one of said plurality of stator arms. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments comprising a drive coupler operable to engage said food processing assembly when said attachment is connected to said housing. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments comprising a transmission operably coupled to a drive shaft of said motorized unit and said drive coupler, wherein a gear reduction ratio of said transmission is greater than 3:1. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments a gear reduction ratio of said transmission is up to 20:1. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said height of said food processing base is less than 5 inches. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said motorized unit is rotatable at a speed between 5000 rpm and about 25000 rpm when no load is applied to said motorized unit. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said motorized unit is rotatable at a speed between 5000 rpm and about 13000 rpm when a load is applied to said motorized unit. 
     According to another embodiment, a food processing base of a food processing system includes a housing having a mounting area for receiving an attachment including a food processing assembly and a motorized unit arranged within said housing. The motorized unit is operable to rotate said food processing assembly about an axis of rotation. The motorized unit includes a plurality of poles, said plurality of poles including more than two poles. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said motorized unit has four stator poles. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said motorized unit further comprises a stator assembly including a plurality of independent stator coils associated with said plurality of poles, said stator assembly further comprising at least one stator lamination having a plurality of stator arms, wherein each of said plurality of stator coils being wound about at least one of said plurality of stator arms. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments comprising a drive coupler operable to engage said food processing assembly when said attachment is connected to said housing. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments comprising a transmission operably coupled to a drive shaft of said motorized unit and to said drive coupler, and a gear reduction ratio of said transmission is greater than 3:1. 
     According to yet another embodiment, a food processing base of a food processing system includes a housing having a mounting area for receiving an attachment including a food processing assembly and a motorized unit arranged within said housing. The motorized unit is operable to rotate said food processing assembly about an axis of rotation. The motorized unit includes a rotor assembly including a drive shaft rotatable about an axis, an armature affixed to said drive shaft, and a bearing coupled to said drive shaft. The bearing is mounted in overlapping arrangement with said armature relative to said drive shaft. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said bearing is mounted concentrically with said armature relative to said drive shaft. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said armature includes a hollowed region and said bearing is arranged within said hollowed region. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said motorized unit further comprises a stator assembly including at least one stator lamination, and a ratio of a diameter of said at least one stator lamination to a height of said at least one stator lamination is greater than 3:1. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said motorized unit further comprises a stator assembly including a plurality of stator poles, said plurality of stator poles including more than two stator poles. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification embodies several aspects of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serves to explain the principles of the disclosure. In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is perspective view of a food processing system according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a base of the food processing system of  FIG. 1  according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an attachment compatible with the base of the food processing system according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a food processing system including another attachment according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a food processing system including another attachment according to an embodiment; 
         FIGS. 6A-6F  are perspective views of various rotatable blade assemblies according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of the attachment of  FIG. 5  according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic: diagram of a control system of the food processing system according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic diagram a control system of the food processing system according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a motorized unit of a food processing system according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 11  is another perspective view of a motorized unit of a food processing system according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a motorized unit of a food processing system with the fan and mounting bracket removed according to an embodiment; and 
         FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a motorized unit of a food processing system according to an embodiment; and 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a base of the food processing system according to an embodiment. 
     
    
    
     The detailed description explains embodiments of the disclosure, together with advantages and features, by way of example with reference to the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , an example of a multi-functional food processing system  20  is illustrated. In general, the food processing system  20  can be adapted to perform any food processing or blending operation including as non-limiting examples, dicing, chopping, cutting, slicing, mixing, blending, stirring, crushing, or the like. Although the food processing system illustrated and described herein is a personal blender system, other food processing systems are within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     The food processing system  20  includes a food processing base  22  having a body or housing  24  within which a drive unit  102  and at least one controller  104  (see  FIGS. 7 and 8 ) are located. The drive unit  102  includes at least one rotary component, such as a drive coupler  26  (see  FIG. 2 ) for example, driven by a motorized unit  106  (see  FIGS. 7 and 8 ) located within the housing  24 . The base  22  additionally includes a control panel or user interface  28  having one or more inputs  30  for turning the motorized unit  106  on and off and for selecting various modes of operation, such as pulsing, blending, or continuous food processing. The at least one drive coupler  26  is configured to engage a portion of an attachment coupled to the base  22  for the processing of food products located within an interior of the attachment. This will become more apparent in subsequent FIGS. and discussion. 
     One or more attachments varying in size and/or functionality may be configured for use with the base  22 . An example of a first attachment  32  suitable for use with the base  22  is illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 3 . As shown, the first attachment  32  includes an inverted jar or container  34 . The container  34  typically includes a first open end  36 , a second closed end  38 , and one or more sidewalls  40  extending between the first end  36  and the second end  38 . The sidewalls  40  in combination with one or more of the ends  36 ,  38  of the container  34  define a hollow interior or processing chamber  42  of the container  34 . In an embodiment, the container  34  is a “personal blending container” or “cup” that has a first configuration when separated from the base  22  and a second inverted configuration when coupled to the base  22 . In such embodiments, the attachment  32  further includes a processing accessory  44  configured to removably couple to the first open end  36  of the container  34  to seal the processing chamber  42 . In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the processing accessory  44  includes a body  46  having a rotatable processing assembly  48  extending therefrom. When the processing accessory  44  is connected to the container  34 , the rotatable processing assembly  48  is disposed within the processing chamber  42  of the container  34 . The container  34  and the processing accessory  44  may be threadably coupled together; however, it should be understood that other mechanisms for removably connecting the container  34  and the processing accessory  44 , such as a bayonet connection or a clip for example, are also contemplated herein. 
     Examples of another attachment  50  that may be suitable for use with the base  22  is illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . As shown, the attachment  50  similarly includes a container  52  having a first open end  54 , a second closed end  56 , and one or more sidewalls  58  extending between the first end  54  and the second end  56  to define a hollow processing chamber  60  of the container  34 . In an embodiment, the container  52  is a “food processing bowl” and may be sized to hold approximately 40 fluid ounces ( FIG. 4 ). Alternatively, the container  52  may be a “pitcher” having a capacity greater than the food processing bowl, such as approximately 72 fluid ounces for example ( FIG. 5 ). However, embodiments, where the container  52  has a larger or smaller capacity are also within the scope of the disclosure. 
     A rotatable processing assembly  48  disposed within the processing chamber  60  may be integrally formed with the second end  56  of the container  52 , or alternatively, may be removably coupled thereto. The rotatable processing assembly  48  may have a substantially similar configuration to the rotatable processing assembly  48  of the embodiment of  FIG. 3 , or alternatively, may have a different configuration. The attachment  50  may additionally include an accessory, such as a lid  64  configured to couple to the first open end  54  of the container  52  to seal the processing chamber  60 . The second sealed end  56  of the attachment of  FIGS. 4 and 5  is configured to mount to the base  22  to perform a food processing operation. Accordingly, the orientation of the container  52  when the attachment  50  is connected to the base  22  and when the attachment  50  is separated from the base  22  remains generally constant. 
     Examples of various rotatable processing assembly  48  suitable for use with one or more attachments of the food processing system  20  as illustrated in  FIGS. 6A-6E . These include, a rotatable processing assembly including six blades ( 3  pairs) stacked along the axis of rotation ( FIG. 6A ), a rotatable processing assembly including four blades ( 2  pairs) stacked along the axis of rotation ( FIG. 6B ), a rotatable processing assembly including a pair of downwardly angled blades, a pair of upwardly angled blades, and a pair of vertically extending crushing blades ( FIG. 6C ). a rotatable processing assembly including two blades contoured specifically for preparation of dough ( FIG. 6D ), a rotatable processing assembly including four blades ( 2  pairs) stacked along an axis of rotation and contoured specifically for preparation of dough ( FIG. 6E ), and a disc including at least one blade for performing a slicing operation ( FIG. 6F ). It should be understood that the rotatable processing assemblies  48  illustrated herein are intended as an example only and that any suitable processing assembly is within the scope of the disclosure. 
     With reference again to  FIG. 2 , in the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the base  22  includes a generally planar upper surface  70 , and a coupling wall  72  extends upwardly from the upper surface  70 . The coupling wall  72  may extend perpendicularly from the upper surface  70  ( FIG. 14 ), or alternatively, may extend from the upper surface  70  at a non-perpendicular angle ( FIG. 2 ). For example, as shown, the coupling wall  72  has a generally frustoconical configuration. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the coupling wall  72  is oriented generally parallel to a portion of the housing  24 , such as a sidewall  74  for example, that extends downwardly at an angle from the outer periphery of the upper surface  70 . 
     For each of the various attachments, the rotatable processing assembly  48  is configured to couple to the base  22  of the food processing system  20 . A driven coupler  76  (see  FIG. 7 ) associated with one or more blades of the rotatable processing assembly  48  is positioned at an external surface of rotatable processing assembly  48 . Accordingly, when an attachment, such as attachment  32  or attachment  50  to the base  22 , the driven coupler is receivable within the hollow interior  77  defined by the coupling wall  72 . The at least one drive coupler  26  is configured to engage the driven coupler  76  to rotate the rotatable processing assembly  48  about an axis X to process the food products located within the processing chamber  42 ,  60  of the attachment  32 ,  50 . 
     In some embodiments, such as when the rotatable processing assembly  48  is part of a processing accessory  44  configured for use with an inverted container  34  for example, the processing accessory  44  and/or the first end  36  of the container  34 , is also receivable within the hollow interior of the coupling wall. Alternatively, the attachment  32 ,  50  may be positionable in overlapping arrangement with the coupling wall  72  (see  FIGS. 4 and 5 ). In an embodiment, best shown in  FIG. 7 , the at least one sidewall  58  of the container  52  extends beyond the second end  56  of the container  52  to define a coupling chamber  78  there between. As shown, the driven coupler  76  of the rotatable processing assembly  48  is disposed within the coupling chamber  78 . In such embodiments, when connecting the container  52  to the base  22 , the coupling wall  72  is receivable within the coupling chamber  78  of the container  52 . In an embodiment, the configuration of the extended portion  59  of the sidewall  58  at the coupling chamber  78 , such as the angle and/or length for example, is complementary to the coupling wall  72  such that an outwardly facing surface  81  of the coupling wall  72  directly contacts an interior surface  83  of the extended portion  59  of the sidewall  58 . It should be understood that any attachment suitable for use with the base  22 , regardless of the configuration of the attachment, may be either receivable within the interior  77  of the coupling wall  72 , or alternatively, in overlapping arrangement with the coupling wall  72 . 
     In an embodiment, best shown in  FIG. 3 , an attachment, such as attachment  32  for example, may include one or more contact members  80 . However, it should be understood that any attachment, such as attachment  50  for example, may include one or more contact members. As shown in the FIG., the contact members may be tabs or another protrusion positioned about the periphery the attachment  32 . Although the embodiment of  FIG. 3  includes four contact members  80 , it should be understood that an attachment having any number of contact members  80  is within the scope of the disclosure. Further, although the contact members  80  are illustrated as being located at the body  46  of the processing accessory  44 , it should be understood that embodiments where one or more contact members  80  alternatively or additionally extend from the container  34  are also within the scope of the disclosure. 
     The contact members  80  of the attachment  32  may be configured to cooperate with a mounting area of the base  22  to couple the attachment  32  to the base  22 . In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the coupling wall  72  may form the mounting area of the base  22 . However, embodiments where the mounting area is arranged at another portion of the base, such as in the upper surface  70  of the base  22  or within the interior  77  for example, are also contemplated herein. The mounting area may include one or more receiving slots  84  within which each of the plurality of contact members  80  of the attachment  32  is receivable (see  FIG. 14 ). The attachment  32  may be configured to slidably connect to the base  22  of the food processing system  20 . Alternatively or in addition, the attachment  32  may be configured to rotatably connect to the base  22 . For example, the attachment may be configured to rotate approximately 30 degrees between a configuration where the attachment  32 ,  50  is separable from the base  22  and a configuration where the attachment  32 ,  50  is locked relative to the base  22 , such as during operation of the system for example. However, it should be understood that any suitable mechanism for coupling the attachment  32 ,  50  to the base  22  is within the scope of the disclosure. 
     In an embodiment, engagement between the contact members  80  and the corresponding receiving slots  84  defines an interlock operable to engage one or more microswitches to complete a circuit for delivering power to the motorized unit  106 . Alternatively, or in addition, one or more sensors may define an interlock of the food processing system. In an embodiment, an attachment includes one or more magnets and the base includes one or more reed switches. In such embodiments, the motorized unit cannot operate unless each reed switch is engaged with a corresponding magnet. Use of a plurality of magnets and reed switches may allow the attachment to connected to the base in multiple orientations. Such an interlock system allows for easy engagement between the attachment and the base by a user, without requiring careful alignment of tabs or other contact members. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 8 , an example of a control system  100  of the food processing system  20  is illustrated in more detail. As shown, the control system  100  includes the user interface  28 , which is positioned adjacent one or more sides of the housing  24 , or alternatively, on the upper surface  70  of the base  22 . The user interface  28  includes one or more inputs  30  associated with energizing the motorized unit  106  and for selecting various modes of operation of the food processing system  20 . One or more of the inputs  30  may include a light or other indicator to show that the respective input has been selected. The user interface  28  may additionally include a display  108 , separate from and associated with the at least one input  30 . However, embodiments where the display  108  is integrated into the at least one input  30  are also contemplated herein. As shown, the control system  100  of the food processing system  20  includes a controller or processor  104  operably coupled to the user interface  28  and to the drive unit  102 . The controller  104  is configured to controlling operation of the motorized unit  106  and in some embodiments for executing stored sequences of operation of the rotatable processing assembly  48  in response to one or more inputs  30  provided to the user interface  28 . 
     As illustrated schematically in the  FIG. 8 , the drive unit  102  includes a centrally located drive shaft  110  rotatable about axis X in at least one direction, and in some embodiments, in both a first direction and a second, opposite direction. The drive coupler  26  is affixed to a portion of the drive shaft  110 , such as an end thereof for example. Rotation of the drive shaft  110  is controlled by the motorized unit, illustrated schematically at  106 . The motorized unit  106  may be directly coupled to the drive coupler, such that the drive coupler is rotated at the same speed as the drive shaft  110 , as shown in  FIG. 8 . Alternatively, the motorized unit  106  may be indirectly connected to the drive coupler  26 , such as via a gearbox or transmission  112  for example (see  FIG. 9 ), such that a rotational speed of the drive shaft  110  may, but need not be different, for example greater than or less than the rotational speed of the drive coupler  26 . In such embodiments, the axis of the drive shaft  110 , may be coaxial with the axis of the drive coupler  26 . However, embodiments where the axis of the drive shaft  110  is offset from the axis of the drive coupler  26 , in either a parallel or angled configuration, are also contemplated herein. 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 10-13 , an example of the motorized unit  106  of the food processing system  20  is illustrated in more detail. As shown, the motorized unit  106  includes an electric motor having a stator assembly  120  rigidly mounted within the base  22 , and a rotor assembly  122  configured to rotate about an axis of rotation. The stator assembly  120  includes at least one, and in some embodiments, a plurality of stacked stator laminations  124 . In embodiments including a plurality of stator laminations  124 , the stator laminations  124  may be glued, bonded, or welded together. The one or more stator laminations  124  have a diameter, measured between opposite sides of an outer periphery of the stator laminations  124  within a plane arranged generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation R of the rotor assembly  122 . In an embodiment, the diameter of the stator laminations  124  is greater than 90 mm, such as equal to or greater than about 100 mm, 105 mm, 110 mm, 115 mm, or 120 mm. The stator laminations  124  additionally have a height measured parallel to the axis of rotation R of the rotor assembly  122 . In an embodiment, the stator laminations  124  have a height less than or equal to about 20 mm, and in some embodiments, less than or equal to about 18 mm, 15 mm, 14 mm, 13 mm, 12 mm, 11 mm, or 10 mm. Accordingly, a stator lamination having any combination of a height less than or equal to about 20 mm and a diameter greater than or equal to about 100 mm is within the scope do the disclosure. Further, in an embodiment, a ratio of the diameter to the height of the stator laminations  124  is greater than 3:1. For example, the ratio of the diameter to the height of the stator laminations  124  may be equal to or greater than 3.5:1, 4:1, 5:1, 6:1, 7:1, 8:1, 9:1 10:1, 11:1 12:1, 15:1, or 20:1. In an embodiment, the ratio of the diameter to the height of the stator laminations  124  may be anywhere between 3:1 and 250:1. 
     In addition, each stator lamination  124  includes a plurality of inwardly extending stator arms  126 . Although only four stator arms  126  are illustrated in the non-liming embodiment, it should be understood that a stator assembly  120  having any number of inwardly extending stator arms is within the scope of the disclosure. A wire, such as formed from a copper or aluminum material for example, may be wound around the stator arms  126  of the one or more stator laminations  124  to form coils  128  that generate a magnetic field configured to interact with the rotor assembly  122 . Various configurations of the stator coils  128  are known. Although the plurality of stator coils  128  are illustrated as being generally separate from one another, a person having skill in the art would understand that the stator coils  128  may be integrally formed such as via a continuous wire for example. 
     As shown, each stator arm  126  and a corresponding stator coil  128  wrapped about the stator arm  126 , in combination, define one a pole of the stator assembly  120 . Although each stator coil  128  is illustrated as being wound about a single stator arm  126 , respectively, it should be understood that in other embodiments, the stator coils  128  may be wound about a plurality of stator arms  126 . In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the stator assembly  120  includes four poles. Accordingly, the wire may be wrapped about the stator arms  126  of the at least one stator lamination  124  to define four distinct poles where adjacent poles have an opposite polarity. As shown, the poles may, but need not have substantially identical configurations and/or be equidistantly spaced about the stator. However, it should be understood that embodiments where the stator assembly  120  has any number of poles are also contemplated herein. For example, the stator assembly  120  may be configured with any of three poles, four poles, five poles, six poles, seven poles, or eight poles. 
     The rotor assembly  122 , best shown in  FIG. 12 , includes a main armature  130  rotationally fixed to the central drive shaft  110 . The drive shaft  110  is supported by one or more bearings  132  carried by a casing or housing of the motorized unit  106 . The bearings  132  are typically mounted adjacent the ends of the drive shaft  110 , in a stacked configuration with the main armature  130  relative to the axis R of the drive shaft  110 . However, as best shown in  FIG. 13 , in an embodiment, a bearing  132  may be mounted concentrically with a portion of the main armature  130 . As shown, the main armature  130  may be designed with a hollowed region  134  within which a portion of the motor housing  136  and the bearing  132  may be mounted. By mounting the bearing  132  in overlapping arrangement, and specifically concentrically within the main armature  130 , the overall height of the rotor assembly  122  may be reduced. 
     Further, in the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment (best shown in  FIG. 12 ), the main armature  130  includes an armature core  138  having a plurality of teeth  140  extending radially outwardly such that slots  142  are formed between adjacent teeth  140  and extend parallel to the axis of rotation R. The plurality of teeth  140  may be equidistantly positioned about the periphery of the armature core  138 . The motorized unit  106  may be a wound field motor such that the main armature  130  additionally includes a plurality of windings (not shown) wound about the teeth  140  of the main armature  130 . An end of the windings is configured to terminate at a commutator  144  affixed to a portion of the drive shaft  110 . As is known in the art, the windings or coils  128  of the stator assembly  120  and the windings of the rotor assembly  122  may be connected to form a series wound motor (stator windings and the rotor windings arranged in series), a shunt wound motor (stator windings and the rotor windings are arranged in parallel), or a compound wound motor. One or more brushes  146  are arranged in contact with a surface of the commutator  144 . The brushes  146  are configured to connect the rotor windings to a source of electrical power via the commutator  144 . Although the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment includes four brushes  146 , it should be understood that a motorized unit  106  having any suitable number of brushes  146  is within the scope of the disclosure. The power required to operate the motorized unit  106  may be between about 600 W and 2 kW. 
     Further, although the motorized unit  106  is illustrated and described herein as a brushed direct current motor, it should be understood that other types of motors are also within the scope of the disclosure. For example, embodiments where either the stator assembly  120  or the rotor assembly  122  includes a plurality of permanent magnets in place of the wound coils are also contemplated herein. In such embodiments, the motorized unit  106  may not require the commutator  144  and brushes  146  disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the drive shaft  110  of the motorized unit  106  may be rotatable at a speed between about 5000 rpm and 25000 rpm when a load is not applied to the motorized unit  106 , and the drive shaft  110  may be rotatable at a speed between about 5000 rpm and 13000 rpm when a load is applied to the motorized unit  106 , such as the processing assembly  48  for example. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 10-13 , the motorized unit  106  may additionally include a fan or impeller  148  operable to move air through the housing  24  to cool the motorized unit  106 . The fan  148  may be an axial flow fan, a radial flow fan, or a fan having another suitable configuration. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the fan  148  is operably coupled to the drive shaft  110 . As shown, the fan  148  may be connected to an end  150  of the drive shaft  110 , such that rotation of the drive shaft  110  driven by the rotor assembly  122  causes a similar rotation of the fan  148  about the axis of rotation R. The fan  148  may include a plurality of vanes  152  configured to direct air flowing across the stator and rotor assemblies  120 ,  122  radially outwardly. Further, at least one mounting bracket  154  may be used to mount the motorized unit  106  within the base  22 . As illustrated, the mounting bracket  154  may a central portion  156  having an opening  158  through which the drive shaft  110  extends and a include a plurality of arms  160  extending outwardly from the central portion  156  configured to connect to the stator assembly  120 , such as at a position between adjacent stator coils  128  for example. However, a mounting bracket  154  having any suitable configuration is within the scope of the disclosure. Further, although the mounting bracket  154  is illustrated as being disposed adjacent an opposite side of the stator assembly  120  as the fan  148 , embodiments where the mounting bracket  154  and the fan  148  are located at the same side of the stator assembly  120  are also within the scope of the disclosure. 
     It should be understood that embodiments where the fan  148  is located remotely from the drive shaft  110  are also within the scope of the disclosure. In such embodiments the fan  148  is driven independently from the drive shaft  110  of the motor. By positioning the fan  148  at a lateral side of the motor within the base  22 , the overall height of food processing base  22  may be reduced. Further, because the fan  148  is not driven by the drive shaft  110 , the fan is able to generate an air flow for cooling the motor even when the drive shaft  110  is operating at a low rotational speed, such as less than about 1300 rpm for example, during chopping or dough applications. 
     Existing food processing appliances typically use a motorized unit having a two pole configuration (the two poles referring to the total number of poles of the stator assembly  120 ). By using a motorized unit  106  having a four pole configuration, the motorized unit  106  can generate more torque than a motor having two pole configuration, when operated at the same speed. Accordingly, the motorized unit  106  having a four pole configuration can be operated at a slower speed than an existing two pole motor to generate the same torque output. 
     The rotational speed of the motor during a food processing operation may be configured to vary based one or more parameters of the food processing system  20 . Such parameters include, but are not limited to, the food processing operation being performed, the attachment  32 ,  50  affixed to the base  22 , and the rotatable processing assembly  48  being driven by the motorized unit  106 . For example, when the attachment connected to the base is one of a personal blending container and a pitcher, and the rotatable processing assembly  48  is a high speed bottom blade, as shown in  FIGS. 1-5 and 6C , the maximum rotational speed of the processing tool driven directly by the motorized unit  106  may be approximately 20,000 rpm, and the minimum rotational speed of the processing tool may be about 5,000 rpm. In an embodiment, the actual rotational speed of the processing tool will be between about 10,000 rpm and about 14,000 rpm. The maximum rotational speed, minimum rotational speed, and actual rotational speeds of each of the processing tools described herein represent speeds when the attachment is filled, also known as “under water load.” 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                   
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                 Under 
                 Under 
               
               
                   
                 cessing 
                 Trans- 
                 Water 
                 Water 
                 Water 
               
               
                 Attachment 
                 Tool 
                 mission 
                 Load 
                 Load 
                 Load 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Personal 
                 High 
                 N 
                 About 
                 About 
                 About 
               
               
                 Blending 
                 Speed 
                   
                 20,000 
                 5,000 
                 10,000- 
               
               
                 Container 
                 Bottom 
                   
                   
                   
                 14,000 
               
               
                 (FIG. 3) 
                 Blade 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Pitcher 
                 High 
                 N 
                 About 
                 About 
                 10,000- 
               
               
                 (FIG. 5) 
                 Speed 
                   
                 20,000 
                 5,000 
                 14,000 
               
               
                   
                 Bottom 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Blade 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Similarly, when the attachment connected to the base is a jar and the rotatable processing assembly  48  has a stacked 6-blade configuration ( FIG. 6A ) or a stacked 4-blade configuration ( FIG. 6B ), the maximum rotational speed of the processing tool driven directly by the motorized unit  106  may be approximately 10,000 rpm, and the minimum rotational speed of the processing tool may be about 2,000 rpm. In an embodiment, the actual rotational speed of the stacked 6-blade processing assembly or the stacked 4-blade processing assembly will be between about 5,000 rpm and about 7,000 rpm. Additionally, when the attachment connected to the base is a pitcher, the maximum rotational speed of the stacked 6-blade processing tool, whether driven directly by the motorized unit  106  or indirectly via a transmission, may be approximately 3,000 rpm, and the minimum rotational speed of the processing assembly may be about 1,000 rpm. In an embodiment, the actual rotational speed of the stacked 6-blade processing assembly will be about 1,500 rpm. For configurations including a pitcher and the stacked 4-blade processing tool, the maximum rotational speed of the processing tool may be approximately 4,000 rpm, and the minimum rotational speed of the processing tool may be about 1,000 rpm. In an embodiment, the actual operational speed of the 4-blade stacked processing tool is between about 1,500 and 3,000 rpm. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Max 
                 Min 
                 Actual 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 RPM 
                 RPM 
                 RPM 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Under 
                 Under 
                 Under 
               
               
                   
                 Processing 
                   
                 Water 
                 Water 
                 Water 
               
               
                 Attachment 
                 Tool 
                 Transmission 
                 Load 
                 Load 
                 Load 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Pitcher 
                 Stacked 
                 N 
                 About 
                 About 
                 5,000- 
               
               
                   
                 6 blade 
                   
                 10,000 
                 2,000 
                 7,000 
               
               
                   
                 (FIG. 6A) 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Food 
                 Stacked 
                 N 
                 About 
                 About 
                 1,500 
               
               
                 Processing 
                 6 blade 
                   
                 3,000 
                 1,000 
                   
               
               
                 Bowl 
                 (FIG. 6A) 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 (FIG. 4) 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Food 
                 Stacked 
                 Y 
                 About 
                 About 
                 1,500 
               
               
                 Processing 
                 6 blade 
                 (Gear Reduction 
                 3,000 
                 1,000 
                   
               
               
                 Bowl 
                 (FIG. 6A) 
                 between 
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 (FIG. 4) 
                   
                 20:1 and 3:1) 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Max 
                 Min 
                 Actual 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 RPM 
                 RPM 
                 RPM 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Under 
                 Under 
                 Under 
               
               
                   
                 Processing 
                   
                 Water 
                 Water 
                 Water 
               
               
                 Attachment 
                 Tool 
                 Transmission 
                 Load 
                 Load 
                 Load 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Pitcher 
                 Stacked 
                 N 
                 About 
                 About 
                 About 
               
               
                   
                 4 blade 
                   
                 10,000 
                 2,000 
                 5,000- 
               
               
                   
                 (FIG. 6B) 
                   
                   
                   
                 7,000 
               
               
                 Food 
                 Stacked 
                 N 
                 About 
                 About 
                 About 
               
               
                 Processing 
                 4 blade 
                   
                 4,000 
                 1,000 
                 1,500- 
               
               
                 Bowl 
                 (FIG. 6B) 
                   
                   
                   
                 3,000 
               
               
                 Food 
                 Stacked 
                 Y 
                 About 
                 About 
                 About 
               
               
                 Processing 
                 4 blade 
                 (Gear Reduction 
                 4,000 
                 1,000 
                 1,500- 
               
               
                 Bowl 
                 (FIG. 6B) 
                 between 
                   
                   
                 3,000 
               
               
                   
                   
                 20:1 and 3:1) 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     In embodiments where the attachment connected to the base  22  is a food processing bowl and the processing assembly  48  is one of a 2-blade dough tool, a 4-blade dough tool, and a slicing disc, the maximum rotational speed of the processing assembly  48 , whether driven directly or indirectly by the motorized unit  106 , may be approximately 4,000 rpm, and the minimum rotational speed of the processing assembly  48  may be about 1,000 rpm. In an embodiment, the actual rotational speed of the processing assembly  48  when the container will be between about 1,500 rpm and about 3,000 rpm. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Min 
                 Actual 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Max 
                 RPM 
                 RPM 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 RPM 
                 Under 
                 Under 
               
               
                   
                 Processing 
                   
                 Under 
                 Water 
                 Water 
               
               
                 Attachment 
                 Tool 
                 Transmission 
                 Load 
                 Load 
                 Load 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Food 
                 Dough 2 blade 
                 N 
                 About 
                 About 
                 1,500- 
               
               
                 Processor 
                 (FIG. 6D) 
                   
                 4,000 
                 1,000 
                 3,000 
               
               
                 Bowl 
                 or 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Dough 4 blade 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 (FIG. 6E) 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 or 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Slicing Disc 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 (FIG. 6F) 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Food 
                 Stacked 4 blade 
                 Y 
                 About 
                 About 
                 1,500- 
               
               
                 Processor 
                 (FIG. 6D) 
                 (Gear Reduction 
                 4,000 
                 1,000 
                 3,000 
               
               
                 Bowl 
                 or 
                 between 20:1 and 
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Dough 4 blade 
                 3:1) 
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 (FIG. 6E) 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 or 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Slicing Disc 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 (FIG. 6F) 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     By using a motorized unit as described herein within a food processing device, the overall height of the food processing device may be substantially reduced, thereby reducing the total amount of space, such as above a countertop for example, occupied by the food processing system. In an embodiment, the overall height of the base  22  is defined as the vertical distance between the upper surface  70  of the base and a bottom surface of the base  22  in contact with a support surface such as the countertop. However, in other embodiments, the overall height may be the distance extending between an upper end of the coupling wall  72  and the bottom surface of the base  22  in contact with a support surface such as the countertop. The overall height of the base  22  of the food processing system  20  may be less than or equal to about 5 inches, less than or equal to 4.5 inches, such as between 4 inches and 4.5 inches for example, less than or equal to about 4 inches, less than or equal to 3.5 inches, such as between 3 inches and 3.5 inches for example, less than or equal to about 3 inches, and in some embodiments, less than or equal to about 2 inches. In an embodiment, the overall height of the base  22  is about 4.2 inches, and in another embodiment, the overall height of the base  22  is about 3.3 inches. Further, by using a motor having more than two poles, the torque generated by the motor is equal to or even greater than the torque of existing food processing systems having a two-pole motor. 
     All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein. 
     The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the disclosure (especially in the context of the following claims) is to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the disclosure and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the disclosure unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the disclosure. 
     Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the disclosure. Variations of those embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the disclosure to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this disclosure includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.