Patent Publication Number: US-2020281408-A1

Title: Vacuum food processing system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/816,004, filed Mar. 8, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to a blender, and more particularly to a container of a blender configured to receive one or more food items therein. 
     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. 
     Several benefits can be achieved by forming a vacuum within a blender container or attachment either prior to or after a blending operation. For example, by forming a vacuum prior to a blending operation, the overall degradation of the nutritional properties of the ingredients being processes may be reduced. Accordingly, a blender container or attachment may include a seal that is movable to selectively form a vacuum within the blender container. However, when the blender container is used in high vibration environments, such as in a vehicle or when the container is being carried in a bag for example, it is possible that liquid or other ingredients from the interior of the blender container may leak through the seal. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to an embodiment, a reservoir assembly for a food processing system including a vacuum mechanism includes a housing having a hollow interior, an inlet pipe extending through said housing into said hollow interior, a fluid flow path from said hollow interior to the vacuum mechanism, and a valve positioned within said hollow interior, said valve being movable to control a flow of air provided to the vacuum mechanism via said fluid flow path. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said valve is movable between a first position and a second position in response to a volume of contents of said hollow interior. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said valve is a float valve, said float valve being buoyant relative to said volume of contents of said hollow interior. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments when said valve is in said second position, an inlet to said fluid flow path is sealed. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said an inlet is offset from a bottom surface of said housing. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said valve includes a mating surface and said inlet of said conduit includes a sealing ring, said mating surface and said sealing ring being engaged to seal said conduit when said valve is in said second position. 
     According to another embodiment, a food processing system includes a vacuum mechanism, an attachment configured for removable association with vacuum mechanism, and a reservoir assembly arranged upstream from said vacuum mechanism relative to a fluid flow provided to said vacuum mechanism from said attachment. The reservoir assembly is positioned relative to said vacuum mechanism and said attachment to collect particulate from said attachment during operation of said vacuum mechanism. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said food processing system further comprises a food processor base and said reservoir assembly is associated with said food processor base. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said reservoir assembly is removably connectable to said food processor base. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said reservoir assembly is disposed at an upper surface of said food processor base. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said attachment further comprises a vacuum passage, and said vacuum passage is fluidly connected to said reservoir assembly when said attachment is associated with said food processor base. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said reservoir assembly further comprises: a housing having a hollow interior, an inlet for providing fluid to said hollow interior, an outlet fluidly coupled to said vacuum mechanism, and a valve arranged within said hollow interior, said valve being movable to control a flow of fluid provided to said vacuum mechanism. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said valve is translatable between a first position and a second position in response to a volume of particulate within said hollow interior. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said valve is a float valve, said float valve being buoyant relative to said volume of particulate within said hollow interior. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said valve is in said second position when said volume of particulate within said hollow interior exceeds a maximum threshold. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments when said valve is in said second position, said outlet fluidly coupled to said vacuum mechanism is sealed. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments operation of said vacuum mechanism is automatically stopped when a fluid flow from said outlet to said vacuum mechanism falls below a minimum threshold. 
     According to another embodiment, a reservoir assembly for a food processing system including a vacuum mechanism includes a housing having a hollow interior, an inlet pipe extending through said housing into said hollow interior, a fluid flow path from said hollow interior to the vacuum mechanism, and a plurality of electrical contactors positioned within said hollow interior. The plurality of electrical contactors is operable to detect when a volume of liquid within said hollow interior exceeds an allowable threshold. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments when said volume of liquid within said hollow interior is less than said allowable threshold, said plurality of electrical contactors are not electrically connected. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments when said volume of liquid within said hollow interior exceeds said allowable threshold, said liquid electrically connects said plurality of electrical contactors. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments when said volume of liquid within said hollow interior exceeds said allowable threshold, said vacuum mechanism is inactive. 
     According to another embodiment, a reservoir assembly connectable to an attachment of a food processing system including a vacuum mechanism includes a housing having a hollow interior arrangeable in fluid communication with the vacuum mechanism and an inlet pipe extending through said housing into said hollow interior, said inlet pipe being movable relative to said housing to form a seal with the attachment. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said inlet pipe is translatable relative to said housing. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said inlet pipe is pivotable relative to said housing. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said inlet pipe is movable between a first position and a second position, and in said first position an end of said inlet pipe extends beyond an upper surface of said housing and in said second position, said end of said inlet pipe is arranged flush with or vertically below said upper surface. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments comprising a movement mechanism operably coupled to said inlet pipe, said movement mechanism including a body and a biasing mechanism operably coupled to said body. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said body includes a protrusion that extends beyond an upper surface of said housing, said protrusion including at least one angled surface. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said body and said inlet pipe are movable in response to application of a force to said at least one angled surface. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said force is generated as the attachment is moved laterally relative to said housing of the reservoir assembly. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said movement mechanism further comprises a lever operably coupled to said body, said biasing mechanism being directly connected to said lever. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said body includes a first plurality of teeth and said lever includes a second plurality of teeth arranged in meshing engagement with said first plurality of teeth. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said body and said inlet pipe are movable in response to application of a force to said lever. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said force is generated as the attachment is moved laterally relative to said housing of the reservoir assembly. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification embodies several aspects of the present invention and, together with the description, serves to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an example of a food processing system; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a base of a food processing system; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a food processing system having a first attachment; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of a food processing system according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an attachment suitable for use with the food processing system according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 5A  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the attachment of  FIG. 5  according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of portion of an attachment suitable for use with the food processing system according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a food processing base according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a reservoir assembly of a food processing base according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 9  is another perspective view of a reservoir assembly having a valve in a first position according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of the reservoir assembly having a valve in a first position according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 11  is another perspective view of a reservoir assembly having a valve in a second position according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of the reservoir assembly having a valve in a second position according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a reservoir assembly according to another embodiment; 
         FIG. 14  is a partial cross-sectional view of the reservoir assembly of  FIG. 13  according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 15  is a plan view of the reservoir assembly of  FIG. 14  according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view of a movement mechanism of a reservoir assembly according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 17  is a cross-sectional view of a movement mechanism of a reservoir assembly according to another embodiment; 
         FIG. 18  is a cross-sectional view of a movement mechanism of a reservoir assembly according to an embodiment; and 
         FIG. 19  is a cross-sectional view of a movement mechanism of a reservoir assembly according to an embodiment. 
     
    
    
     The detailed description explains embodiments of the invention, 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  20  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 base  22  having a body or housing  24  within which a motorized unit (not shown) and at least one controller (not shown) are located. The base  22  includes at least one rotary component, such as a drive coupler  26  (see  FIG. 2 ) for example, driven by the motorized unit located within the housing  24 . The base  22  additionally includes a control panel or user interface  28  having one or more inputs  29  for turning the motorized unit 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  30  coupled to the base  22  for the processing of food products located within an interior of the attachment  30 . This will become more apparent in subsequent FIGS. and discussion. 
     One or more attachments  30  varying in size and/or functionality may be configured for use with the base  22 . An example of an attachment is illustrated in more detail in  FIG. 3 . In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the attachment  30  is an inverted jar or container  32  having a rotatable blade assembly  34  coupled thereto. As shown, the container  32  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  32  define a hollow interior processing chamber  42  of the container  32 . In embodiments where the attachment  30  is a personal blending container that has a first configuration when separated from the base  22  and a second inverted configuration when coupled to the base  22 , a rotatable blade assembly  34  is configured to removably couple to the first open end  36  of the container  32  to seal the processing chamber  42 . The container  32  and blade assembly  34  may be threadably coupled together; however, it should be understood that other mechanisms for removably connecting the container  32  and the blade assembly  34  are also contemplated herein. 
     The rotatable blade assembly  34  is receivable within or about the base  22  of the food processing system  20 . A driven coupler  35  (see  FIG. 4 ) associated with the at least one blade  44  is positioned adjacent an external surface of the rotatable drive assembly  34 , outside of the processing chamber  42 . The at least one drive coupler  26  is configured to engage the driven coupler to rotate the at least one blade  44  about an axis X to process the food products located within the processing chamber  42  of the attachment  30 . It should be understood that the attachment  30  including an inverted container  32  and a rotatable blade assembly  34  is intended as an example only, and that other attachments, are also contemplated herein. 
     In embodiments where the attachment  30  includes an inverted container  32 , the attachment  30  may include one or more contact members  46 , such as tabs for example, positioned about the periphery of the attachment  30 . Although four contact members  46  are generally illustrated in the FIGS., any number of contact members  46  is within the scope of the disclosure. In embodiments where the attachment  30  includes an inverted container  32  and a blade assembly  34 , the contact members  46  may extend outwardly from the container  32 , the blade assembly  34 , or both. 
     The contact members  46  of the attachment  30  are configured to cooperate with a mounting area  48  of the base  22  to couple the attachment  30  to the base  22 . As shown, the mounting area  48  includes one or more receiving slots  50  within which each of the plurality of contact members  46  of the attachment  30  is receivable. The attachment  30  may be configured to slidably connect to the base  22  of the food processing system  20 . Alternatively or in addition, the attachment  30  may be configured to rotatably connect to the base  22  such that the attachment  30  is locked relative to the base  22 . However, it should be understood that any suitable mechanism for coupling the attachment to the base  22  is within the scope of the disclosure. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 4 , in an embodiment, the food processing system  20  is operable to perform a vacuum operation. Accordingly, the base  22  of the food processing system  20  may additionally include a vacuum system  52  having a mechanism  54  capable of drawing a vacuum, such as a vacuum pump for example. However, any mechanism capable of drawing a vacuum is contemplated herein. At least one attachment  30  configured for use with the base  22  is operably coupled to the vacuum mechanism  54  when the attachment  30  is connected with the base  22 . In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the vacuum mechanism  54  is arranged at a side  56  of the base  22 , such as at the rear thereof, to allow one or more attachments  30  having varying configurations to easily couple to the vacuum mechanism  54 . The vacuum mechanism  54  may be operably coupled to a controller, illustrated schematically at C, such that the vacuum mechanism  54  is operated by the controller C in response to actuation of one or more inputs  29  of the user interface  28 . 
     In an embodiment, the container  32  is a vacuum container suitable for performing a vacuum operation of the food processing system  20 . In such embodiments, best shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the container  32  includes an interior wall  60  disposed at a position located between the first end  36  and the second end  38  of the container  32 . In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the interior wall  60  is offset from the second end  38  of the container  32  and seals an end of the processing chamber  42 . A cover  62  is vertically offset from the interior wall  60 , at a position between the interior wall  60  and the second end  38  of the container  32 . The cover  62  may be permanently affixed to the container  32 , or alternatively, may be able to move, for example pivot, relative to the interior wall  60  between a closed position and an open position. In an embodiment, the cover  62  extends from a protrusion  64  located at a central portion of the interior wall  60  to an interior surface  66  of the sidewall  40 . A gasket or seal  68  may be mounted to the cover  62  and configured to contact the interior surface  66  of the sidewall  40  and the interior wall  60  to form an air-tight seal there between. Together the interior wall  60 , adjacent sidewall  40 , and cover  62  cooperate to define a vacuum chamber  70  sealed from the ambient atmosphere and separate from the processing chamber  42 . 
     The container  32  additionally includes a vacuum passage or conduit  72  configured to fluidly connect the vacuum mechanism  54  and the vacuum chamber  70  when the attachment  30  is coupled to the base  22 . The vacuum passage  72  may have a generally linear configuration as shown in  FIG. 5 , or alternatively, may have one or more bends or angles formed therein. Because the vacuum mechanism  54  is located at a side  56  of the base  22 , a first end  74  of the vacuum passage  72  configured to abut with a surface of the base  22  to fluidly couple to the vacuum mechanism  54  is similarly located adjacent a corresponding side of the container  32 . In an embodiment, a portion of the vacuum system  52  is arranged adjacent an upper surface  58  of the base  22 . As a result, the first end  74  of the vacuum passage  72  may be vertically offset from the first end  36  of the container  32 . However, embodiments where the first end  74  of the vacuum passage  72  is aligned with the first end  36  of the container  32  are also considered herein. 
     The vacuum attachment  30  includes a vacuum sealing assembly  80  located within the vacuum chamber  70 , at an interface between the processing chamber  42  and the vacuum chamber  70 . As best shown in  FIG. 6 , an example of a vacuum sealing assembly  80  is illustrated in more detail. More specifically, the vacuum sealing assembly  80  may be formed in the interior wall  60  that separates the processing chamber  42  from the vacuum chamber  70 . By arranging the vacuum sealing assembly  80  at this position, the vacuum sealing assembly  80  is easily accessible by a user when the attachment  30  is coupled to the base  22  of the food processing system  20 . However, in other embodiments, the vacuum sealing assembly  80  may be located at another location about the attachment  30 . 
     The vacuum sealing assembly  80  includes an umbrella valve  82  having a valve stem  84  extending through a primary opening  86  formed in the interior wall  60 , and a flange  88  extending generally perpendicular to the valve stem  84 . As shown, one or more dimensions of the distal end  90  of the valve stem  84  are greater than the primary opening  86  to restrict movement of the umbrella valve  82  relative to the container  32 . Via the engagement between the valve stem  84  and the primary opening  86 , a flow of fluid or food particles from the interior processing chamber  42  of the container  32  through the primary opening  86  is restricted. The flange  88  of the umbrella valve  82  is sized such that a portion of the flange  88 , such as near the periphery of the flange  88  for example, is in overlapping arrangement with the at least one secondary opening  92  formed in the interior wall  60 . Accordingly, under normal conditions, the flange  88  seals the at least one secondary opening  92  to prevent a flow of fluid and/or food particles there through. 
     During a vacuum operation, when either attachment is mounted to the base  22  and the vacuum passage  72  is operably coupled to the vacuum system  52 , the vacuum mechanism  54  generates a negative pressure which is applied to the exposed surface of the umbrella valve  82 . The negative pressure generated will cause the peripheral portion of the flange  88  to separate from the secondary opening  92  just enough to allow air within the processing chamber  42  to be drawn there through. As soon as operation of the vacuum mechanism  54  ceases and the negative pressure is removed, the peripheral portion of the flange  88  will bias back into its original position to seal the secondary opening  92 . This bias may be the result of the resilient material, such as silicone for example, from which the umbrella valve  82  is formed. Alternatively, a biasing mechanism may be used to facilitate movement of the flange  88  back into a sealing position. A vacuum operation may be performed after food has been disposed within the processing chamber  42  but prior to performing a food processing operation. In another embodiment, a vacuum operation is initiated to draw a vacuum within the processing chamber  42  after performance of a food processing operation has been performed. Forming a vacuum after a blending operation may be used to increase the shelf life or storage of the food products within the attachment  30 . 
     The vacuum attachment  30  additionally includes a release mechanism  94  operable to vent the processing chamber  42  of the container  32  to ambient, thereby breaking the vacuum formed therein. The release mechanism  94  is similarly mounted at a location of the attachment  30  that is easily accessible by a user. As shown, the release mechanism  94  is located remotely from and is not connected to the vacuum sealing assembly  80 . However, it should be understood that embodiments where the release mechanism  94  is directly or indirectly coupled to the vacuum sealing assembly  80  are also within the scope of the disclosure. With respect to the inverted vacuum jar, the release mechanism  94  is mounted at the exposed second end  38  of the container  32 . 
     In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the release mechanism  94  includes a connector  96  having a sealing member  98 . The release mechanism  49  additionally includes an actuator  100  pivotally coupled to the connector  96  via a pin  102  defining a pivot axis of the actuator  100 . In an embodiment, a camming lever  104  extends from the connector  96  toward the actuator  100 . When the release mechanism  94  is in an unactuated state, the sealing member  98  is engaged with an adjacent opening  106  fluidly connected to the processing chamber  42 . A biasing member  108 , such as a coil spring for example, may be coupled to the connector  96  to bias the sealing member  98  into engagement with the opening  106  to form an air tight and liquid tight seal. To actuate the release mechanism  94 , the actuator  100  is pivoted about the axis of pin  102 . This movement overcomes the bias of the biasing member  108  and also applies a force to the camming lever  104  of the connector  96 , thereby causing the connector  96  and sealing member  98  to move vertically, and out of engagement with the opening  106 . Upon removal of the force from the actuator  100 , the biasing member  108  will bias the release mechanism  94  back into its original position, thereby sealing the opening  106 . 
     After a vacuum has been generated within the processing chamber  42  of the container  32 , it is difficult, if not impossible to remove the blade assembly  34  and access the food product within the processing chamber  42  as a result of the forces acting thereon. Accordingly, a user should first break the vacuum within the container  32  by operating the release mechanism  94  prior to accessing the contents within the processing chamber  42  of the container  32 . 
     A container  32  having a vacuum sealing assembly  80  as illustrated and described herein when used in conjunction with a vacuum mechanism  54  prior to a food processing operation may provide a food product having increased vitamin retention, specifically vitamin C. Exposure to oxygen within during the blending process may cause the ingredients within the container  32  to degrade. By removing the oxygen from the container  32 , the overall degradation of the nutritional properties of the ingredients being processes is reduced. The vacuum attachment  30  illustrated and described herein is intended as an example only, and it should be understood than any vacuum attachment suitable for use with the base  22  is within the scope of the disclosure. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 7 , the vacuum system  52  of the base  22  is illustrated in more detail. As previously described, the vacuum system  52  includes a vacuum mechanism  54  operable to generate a negative pressure to draw air out of the processing chamber  42  of an attachment  30  connected to the base  22 . The vacuum system  52  additionally includes a reservoir assembly  110  disposed between the vacuum mechanism  54  and the vacuum passage  72  of the container  32 . In an embodiment, the reservoir assembly  110  is removably mounted at an upper surface  58  of the base  22 . Accordingly, when an attachment  30  is installed onto the base  22 , the first end  74  of the vacuum passage  72  is connected directly to the reservoir assembly  110 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 8-12 , an example of the reservoir assembly  110  is illustrated in more detail. As shown, the reservoir assembly  110  includes a housing  112  having a generally hollow interior  114 . An inlet pipe  116 , for example arranged at the center of the housing  112 , provides a fluid inlet into the hollow interior  114  of the housing  112 . The hollow interior  114  of the housing  112  defines a reservoir in which a fluid other than air may collect. A first end  118  of the inlet pipe  116  is extending beyond the upper surface  120  of the housing  112  is configured to connect to the vacuum passage  72  of the container  32 , and the second, opposite end  122  of the inlet pipe  116  is offset from a lower surface  124  of the housing  112 . 
     In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment of  FIGS. 8-12 , a valve  130 , such as a float valve for example, is located within the hollow interior  114  of the housing  112 . The valve  130  is movable between a first position (see  FIG. 8 ), and a second position (see  FIG. 11 ). In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the valve  130  is configured to translate vertically along an axis from a first position, generally near the lower surface  124  of the housing  112  for example, to a position near an upper surface  126  of the hollow interior  114 . However, embodiments where the valve  130  is configured to move in another direction, such as horizontally or diagonally for example, are also within the scope of the disclosure. In an embodiment, the valve  130  is sized such that undesired movement of the float valve  130 , such as rotation thereof relative to the housing  112 , is prevented as the valve  130  moves between the first and second positions. Alternatively, the float valve  130  may include a valve housing  132  ( FIG. 10 ) that defines a path or float channel along which the float valve  130  may move between the first and second positions. In yet another embodiment, the float valve  130  may be designed such that a specific orientation of the float valve  130  is not required for proper operation of the float valve  130 . In such embodiments, the float valve  130  may be generally spherical in shape. 
     The reservoir assembly  110  additionally includes a fluid flow path connecting the vacuum mechanism  54  to the inlet pipe  116  (best shown in  FIG. 9 ). The fluid flow path may be defined in any suitable manner, such as via one or more channels or conduits  134  for example. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the at least one conduit  134  defines a circuitous, or non-linear fluid flow path, and an inlet  136  of the at least one conduit  134  is offset from the lower surface  124  of the housing  112 , such as generally adjacent the upper surface  126  of the housing  112  for example, in alignment with the float valve  130 . 
     If the processing chamber  42  of a container  32  attached to the base  22  is filled beyond a predetermined threshold, a portion of the contents of the processing chamber  42  may be drawn into the vacuum passage  72  during a vacuum operation. Because of the small size of the secondary opening  92  associated with the vacuum sealing assembly  80 , the food drawn into the vacuum passage  72  is typically a liquid, or a slurry including processed food particles. To prevent this food from entering into the vacuum mechanism  54 , the reservoir assembly  110  is arranged between the vacuum passage  72  of the container  32  and the vacuum mechanism  54 . 
     An example of the path of the air drawn from the processing chamber  42  into the vacuum mechanism  54  is illustrated in  FIG. 9 . As shown, the air is provided to the first end  118  of the inlet pipe  116 , which is coupled to the end  74  of the vacuum passage  72 . The air flows through the inlet pipe  116  into the hollow interior  114  of the housing  112 . When the float valve  130  is in the first position, or alternatively, in any position except the second position, the air is configured to flow around the float valve  130  and into an inlet  136  of the one or more conduits  134  defining the fluid flow path from the hollow interior  114  of the housing  112  to the vacuum mechanism  54 . 
     During vacuum operations where liquid or food particles are entrained within the air flow provided to the reservoir assembly  110 , the particulate (i.e. liquid and food particles) will accumulate within the hollow interior  114  or reservoir, adjacent the lower surface  124  of the housing  112 . The reservoir assembly  110  is configured to collect food contents while still allowing air necessary to operate the vacuum mechanism  54  to flow there through. The weight of the particulate prevents the particulate from moving with the air flow into the inlet  136  of the fluid flow path arranged near the upper surface  126  of the hollow interior  114 . Accordingly, over time, the particulate disposed within the hollow interior  114  will accumulate. 
     During operation of the vacuum system  52 , in a dry state, such as when the reservoir is absent any liquid, the weight of the float valve  130  will maintain the float valve in a first position, generally near the bottom  124  of the reservoir  114 . During operation of the vacuum system in a wet state, such as when liquid is introduced into the reservoir, the float valve  130  will move within the housing  112  between the first position and the second position. In an embodiment, the position of the float valve  130  is directly dependent on the volume of particulate within the hollow interior  114 . For example, in an embodiment, the liquid introduced into the reservoir  114  forms a meniscus with the internal walls of the housing  112 , creating a pressure adjacent the float valve  130 , such as within the float channel for example. The meniscus and pressure may cause the float valve  130  to move from the first position to the second position, to seal the inlet  136 . Alternatively or in addition, as liquid enters the reservoir  114 , the inlet area at the inlet  136  is reduced. This reduction in inlet area causes an increase in air velocity that may be sufficient to move the float valve  130  within the housing  112 . 
     When the liquid and/or food particulate accumulated within the hollow interior  114  reaches a maximum allowable volume, the float valve  130  is located at the second position to block the inlet of the fluid flow path to the vacuum mechanism  54 . In an embodiment, when the float valve  130  is in the second position, a mating surface  138  of the float valve  130  sealingly engages with a corresponding portion of the one or more conduits  134 , such as a gasket or seal  140 , thereby blocking the inlet  136  to the fluid flow path defined by the conduits  134 . As a result, no air will be able to flow to the vacuum mechanism  54 . 
     When an airflow to the vacuum mechanism  54  falls below a minimum threshold, such as when the float valve  130  is in the second position, the vacuum mechanism  54  may be configured to automatically shut off to avoid burnout. In an embodiment, the vacuum system  52  includes a sensor S separate from the vacuum mechanism  54  for detecting when the float valve  130  is in the second position, and/or when no air is provided to the vacuum mechanism  54  during operation of the vacuum mechanism  54 . Upon determining that either condition is present, the controller C, operably coupled to the sensor and the vacuum mechanism  54  may de-energize the vacuum mechanism  54 , such as by opening a switch formed in a power circuit thereof. 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 13-15 , another embodiment of a reservoir assembly  210  is illustrated. Similar to the previous embodiment, the reservoir assembly  210  includes a housing  212  having a generally hollow interior  214  (best shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15 ). An inlet pipe or conduit  216 , extending through an upper surface of the housing  212 , provides a fluid inlet into the hollow interior  214  of the housing  212 . The hollow interior  214  of the housing  212  defines a reservoir in which a fluid other than air may collect. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the reservoir assembly  210  additionally includes a plurality of terminals or contactors  240  that extend into the reservoir. The terminals  240  are separated from one another by a distance. Although the terminals  240  are illustrated as being mounted adjacent a bottom surface  224  of the housing  212 , embodiments where the terminals  240  are located at another surface of the housing  212 , such as one or more sides of the housing  212  for example, are also within the scope of the disclosure. 
     During operation of the vacuum system  52 , in a dry state, the terminals extending into the reservoir are not electrically coupled or connected. During operation of the vacuum system in a wet state, however, liquid and/or particulate is gradually introduced into the reservoir  214 . Once the liquid within the reservoir  214  reaches or exceeds a maximum allowable volume or threshold, the liquid will electrically connect two or more of the plurality of terminals  240 . In an embodiment, the liquid exceeds the maximum allowable threshold once the two or more terminals  240  are submerged within the liquid. In response to the completion of the electrical circuit between the terminals  240 , the controller C, operably coupled to the terminals  240  and the vacuum mechanism  54  may de-energize the vacuum mechanism  54 , such as by opening a switch formed in a power circuit thereof. 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 16-19 , the inlet pipe  116  exposed at the upper surface  120  of the housing  112  may be movable relative to the housing  112  to facilitate the installation of an attachment  30  and the formation of a connection or seal between the inlet pipe  116  and a respective portion of an attachment  30  when the attachment  30  is mounted to the base  22 . Such movement allows the attachment  30  to be installed via both vertical and horizontal movement of the attachment  30  relative to the base  22 . The inlet pipe  116  may be movable via any suitable mechanism and in any suitable direction via operation of a movement mechanism  150 . In an embodiment, the inlet pipe  116  is translatable along an axis. As best shown in  FIG. 16 , a movement mechanism  150  is arranged within a compartment  152  formed in the housing  112  and includes a body  154  having a channel  156  in fluid communication with the hollow interior  114 . The inlet pipe  116  is arranged adjacent an upper surface of the body  154  in alignment with the channel  156 . The body  154  additionally includes a protrusion  158  that extends generally parallel to the inlet pipe  116 . In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the protrusion  158  includes at least one angled surface  160 . A biasing mechanism  162 , such as a coil spring for example, is positioned within the compartment  152  and is operably coupled to the body  154 . 
     As a force is applied to the at least one angled surface  160  of the protrusion  158 , such as by lateral movement of an attachment  30 , the force will oppose the biasing force of the biasing mechanism  162  causing the body  154 , and therefore the inlet pipe  116  to retract into the compartment  152  of the housing  112 . In this retracted position, the inlet pipe  116  may be located vertically beneath the upper surface  120  of the housing  112 . Once the attachment  30  is properly positioned relative to the base  22  and the reservoir assembly  110 , the force is removed from the body  154 . The biasing force of the biasing mechanism  162  will translate the body  154  upward and the inlet pipe  116  into sealing engagement with the end  74  of the vacuum passage  72  formed in the container  32 . In an alternative embodiment, illustrated in  FIG. 17 , an end  164  of the body  154  is connected to the housing  112 , and the body  154  of the movement mechanism  150  is configured to rotate about a pivot axis P in response to application of a force to the protrusion  158 . 
     In another embodiment, the movement mechanism  150  includes a body  154  connected to a portion of the inlet pipe  116  and a lever  166  operably coupled to the body  154 . In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment of  FIG. 18 , the body  154  includes a first plurality of teeth  168  and the lever  166  includes a second plurality of teeth  170  arranged in meshing engagement with the first plurality of teeth  168 . A biasing mechanism  172 , such as a coil spring for example, is configured to bias the lever  166  into a default position. In the default position, the inlet pipe  116  may be disposed beneath the upper surface  120  of the housing  112 . As the lever  166  is rotated about its pivot axis P, away from the inlet pipe  116 , such as in response to a force applied by a container  32  for example, the engagement between the first and second plurality of teeth  168 ,  170  causes the body  154 , and therefore the inlet pipe  116  to move upwards. Upon removal of the force, the biasing mechanism  172  will bias the inlet pipe  116  back to the lowered position. In the embodiment of  FIG. 19 , the inlet pipe  116  is configured to pivot in response to operation of a lever  166  operably coupled thereto into engagement with a first end  74  of a vacuum passage conduit  72  of a container  32 . The movement mechanisms  150  illustrated and described herein are intended as an example only, and any suitable mechanism for moving the inlet pipe  116  to selectively form a seal with an attachment  30  is contemplated herein. Additionally, any of the movement mechanisms  150  may be used with any configuration of a reservoir assembly  110 ,  210  illustrated and described herein. 
     A user can separate the reservoir assembly from the base  22  of the food processing system  20 , to empty the contents of the hollow interior  114  and/or clean the reservoir assembly  110 . Inclusion of the reservoir assembly  110  within the vacuum system  52 , protects the vacuum mechanism  54  from both inadequate air supply and contamination from food. 
     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 invention (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 invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention. 
     Exemplary embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. 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 invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention 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 invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.