Food processing device, componentry, and related methods
Food processing devices capable of performing multiple functions, including mixing and extruding pasta or other food products, are described. The food processing devices have a door assembly with a feed chute extending from an opening in the mixing bowl and leading to an extruder. The door assembly can be closed or opened, depending on the type of food processing to be performed. The food processing device mixes food ingredients within the mixing bowl while the door assembly is in a closed position. When the food ingredients are sufficiently mixed, the door assembly is moved to an open position to allow the mixed food ingredients to flow through the feed chute to the extruder. The disclosed food processing devices conveniently allow for both mixing and extruding of food products within a single device configured to efficiently and safely perform both tasks.
1 . A food processing device comprising:
a base;
a mixing bowl mountable on the base, the mixing bowl including a first opening arranged to receive unmixed food items, and a second opening arranged to output mixed food items;
a mixing assembly arranged to mix the unmixed food items in the mixing bowl to produce the mixed food items;
an extruder arranged to receive the mixed food items from the second opening via a feed chute, the extruder comprising an extrusion chamber, an inlet arranged to align with the second opening of the mixing bowl, an outlet, and an auger configured to rotate within the extrusion chamber to move contents from the inlet to the outlet; and
a door assembly arranged to be movable between a first position that serves a barrier between the second opening and the inlet to prevent contents of the mixing bowl from entering the extruder and one or more second positions in which contents of the mixing bowl are enabled to exit the mixing bowl through the second opening and enter the feed chute and then the extruder through the inlet,
wherein the door assembly has a plunger positioned within the feed chute which extends from the second opening,
wherein the plunger is configured to pivot within the feed chute between the first position in which the plunger seals the second opening and a second position of the one or more second positions in which the plunger retracts within the feed chute and the second opening is open to the feed chute to permit entry of the mixed food items into the feed chute, and
wherein the plunger is configured to force contents from the feed chute back into the mixing bowl when the plunger moves to the first position.
2 . The food processing device of claim 1 , wherein the mixing assembly includes a gear assembly comprising:
a central gear coupled to a drive shaft and arranged to rotate about a central axis of the mixing bowl in response to rotation of the drive shaft;
a first gear coupled to the central gear and extending radially away from the central axis in a first direction, the first gear arranged to rotate in response to rotation of the central gear, the first gear being coupled to a first accessory attachment connector configured to receive a detachable first accessory attachment; and
a second gear coupled to the central gear and extending radially away from the central axis in a second direction different from the first direction, the second gear arranged to rotate in response to rotation of the central gear, the second gear being coupled to a second accessory attachment connector configured to receive a detachable second accessory attachment.
3 . The food processing device of claim 2 , wherein the gear assembly further comprises a third accessory attachment connector configured to receive a detachable third accessory attachment.
4 . The food processing device of claim 3 , wherein the detachable first accessory attachment is a beater, the detachable second accessory attachment is a hook, and the detachable third accessory attachment is a blade.
5 . The food processing device of claim 1 , wherein the mixing bowl comprises a sidewall defining the first opening at a top edge of the sidewall and a mixing cavity therein, wherein the food processing device further comprises a lid shaped to fit on the sidewall and cover the first opening, wherein the lid comprises one or more apertures sized to permit entry of liquid ingredients into the mixing cavity.
6 . The food processing device of claim 1 , further comprising an extrusion die positioned at the outlet of the extruder to form the mixed food items into a desired shape.
7 . The food processing device of claim 1 , wherein the auger has a helical rib that rotates within the extrusion chamber to move the mixed food items from the extruder inlet to the extruder outlet.
8 . The food processing device of claim 7 , wherein the helical rib is wound more loosely toward the inlet of the extruder than the outlet of the extruder.