WO2011082257A2

WO2011082257A2 - Powdered beverage dispensing appliance with mixing funnel

Info

Publication number: WO2011082257A2
Application number: PCT/US2010/062416
Authority: WO
Inventors: Wilson George Zeitler; Gaurav Rohatgi; Allan Lee Cameron; Zachary Traina
Original assignee: Abbott Laboratories
Priority date: 2009-12-31
Filing date: 2010-12-29
Publication date: 2011-07-07
Also published as: WO2011082257A3

Abstract

A beverage dispensing appliance (10) for mixing a powdered beverage with a liquid to make an end product liquid beverage includes a mixing funnel (50). In one embodiment, the mixing funnel includes a mixing segment (56) which has an inner surface (62) that is convex as it extends longitudinally. In another embodiment, the mixing segment has an arcuate inner surface and a slope. The slope increases as the inner surface extends longitudinally from an upper end of the mixing segment to a lower end of the mixing segment. Moreover, a powder delivery system (18) of the dispensing appliance has an outlet (46) from which powdered beverage is dispensed into the funnel. This outlet (46) is disposed within the funnel one of at and below the open upper end (52) of the funnel.

Description

POWDERED BEVERAGE DISPENSING APPLIANCE WITH

MIXING FUNNEL

BACKGROUND

[0001] The field of the invention relates generally to a beverage dispensing appliance for automatically mixing a powdered beverage with a liquid to produce an end product liquid beverage mixture, and more particularly to a mixing funnel operable to mix the powdered beverage with the liquid prior to the end product being dispensed from the dispensing appliance.

[0002] Powdered infant/toddler formulas, energy drinks, soft drinks and other powdered beverages are typically mixed with a liquid (e.g., water or milk) to produce a consumable beverage in liquid form. To prepare the end product, the powdered beverage is scooped from its packaging, such as by a scoop provided with the packaging or by a suitable measuring spoon or cup and loaded into a suitable receptacle. The liquid to be mixed with the powdered beverage may be provided in the receptacle prior to the powdered beverage being loaded therein, or the liquid may be added to the receptacle after the powdered beverage. The mixture is then stirred, or the entire receptacle shaken, to mix the powdered beverage with the liquid to form the end product.

[0003] To this end, dispensing machines and appliances have been produced in an effort to automate the dispensing process. For example, in one known appliance in which infant formula is mixed with water to produce a ready-to-feed end product, powdered infant formula is automatically delivered by a suitable delivery system into a mixing funnel similar to that illustrated in Fig. 1 herein. A water inlet is formed tangential to the funnel sidewall just below the top of the funnel. Water is delivered into the funnel at the inlet to swirl around the funnel as it flows downward to the funnel outlet. The powder delivered into the funnel mixes with the water as the water flows downward, thereby forming the mixed end product before the end product is dispensed from the appliance at the funnel outlet. [0004] As seen in Fig. 2, one drawback of such a mixing funnel is that the incoming water flows down within the funnel too quickly, leaving a dry area in the upper reaches of the funnel. As a result, powder dispensed into the funnel can fall onto this dry area and never mix with the water. Additionally, partially mixed or wetted powder can swirl up into this area and stick to the funnel wall. The powder remaining in this dry area between dispensings negatively impacts the cleanliness (e.g., the sterility) of the funnel and hence the dispensing appliance.

SUMMARY

[0005] In one aspect, a beverage dispensing appliance for mixing a powdered beverage with a liquid to make an end product liquid beverage generally comprises a mixing funnel, a liquid delivery system, and a powder delivery system. The mixing funnel has an open upper end, an open lower end defining an outlet of the funnel, and a mixing segment extending longitudinally intermediate the upper and lower ends of the funnel. The mixing segment has an inner surface. The inner surface of the mixing segment is convex as it extends longitudinally. The liquid delivery system is operable to deliver liquid to the mixing funnel adjacent the upper end thereof. The powder delivery system is operable to deliver a powdered beverage to the mixing segment of the funnel.

[0006] In another aspect, a beverage dispensing appliance for mixing a powdered beverage with a liquid to make an end product liquid beverage generally comprises a mixing funnel, a liquid delivery system, and a powder delivery system. The mixing funnel includes a mixing segment having an upper end, a lower end and an inner surface extending longitudinally from the upper end to the lower end of the mixing segment. The inner surface of the mixing segment is arcuate and has a slope. The slope of the inner surface increases as the inner surface extends longitudinally from the upper end of the mixing segment to the lower end of said mixing segment. The liquid delivery system is operable to deliver liquid to the mixing funnel adjacent the upper end of the mixing segment. The powder delivery system is operable to deliver a powdered beverage to the mixing segment of the funnel. [0007] In yet another aspect, a beverage dispensing appliance for dispensing a powdered beverage generally comprises a funnel and a powder delivery system. The mixing funnel has an open upper end and an open lower end defining an outlet of the funnel. The powder delivery system is operable to deliver a powdered beverage to the funnel. The powder delivery system has an outlet from which powdered beverage is dispensed into the funnel. The outlet is disposed within the funnel one of at and below the open upper end of the funnel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Fig. 1 is a cross-sectioned elevation of a prior art mixing funnel having a conventional sidewall shape;

[0009] Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the prior art mixing funnel of Fig. 1 schematically illustrating water flowing;

[0010] Fig. 3 is a perspective of one embodiment of a beverage dispensing appliance;

[0011] Fig. 4 is a schematic illustration of the dispensing appliance;

[0012] Fig. 5 is a perspective of a mixing funnel of the dispensing appliance;

[0013] Fig. 6 is a front elevation of the mixing funnel;

[0014] Fig. 7 is a top plan view of the mixing funnel;

[0015] Fig. 8 is a sectional view of the mixing funnel taken in a plane defined by the line 7— 7 in Fig. 7;

[0016] Fig. 9 is a sectional view of the mixing funnel taken in a plane defined by the line 9— 9 in Fig. 6;

[0017] Fig. 10 is a top plan view of the mixing funnel illustrating a liquid mixture vortex;

[0018] Fig. 11 is a perspective of the mixing funnel with an outlet segment thereof received in a nursing bottle; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The present disclosure is directed toward a powdered beverage dispensing appliance in which a powdered beverage is either dispensed from the appliance into a suitable receptacle, or mixed with a liquid by the appliance to form a flowable end product that is dispensed into a suitable receptacle. For example, in one embodiment illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4, a dispensing appliance is generally indicated at 10 and comprises an infant formula dispensing appliance operable to mix a powdered infant formula with water and dispense the infant formula into a suitable receptacle such as a nursing bottle. It is understood, however, that the dispensing appliance may be configured for mixing and dispensing powdered energy drinks, powdered flavored drinks and other powdered beverages, including powdered nutritional beverages such as infant, toddler, follow-on, pediatric and adult nutritional beverages, without departing from the scope of this invention. As used herein, the term powdered beverage means a beverage substance that is in the form of particulates, which may be fine or granular or any combination thereof. The powdered beverage is suitably of the type commonly used as a premix that is mixed with a liquid to form an end-product beverage. It is also contemplated that the various mixing concepts set forth herein may be used with dispensing appliances other than that disclosed herein.

[0020] With particular reference to Figs. 3 and 4, the illustrated dispensing appliance 10 includes functional systems that are assembled together in a single unit, although it is understood herein that such systems may comprise separate units acting as a single dispensing appliance. In general, the dispensing appliance 10 comprises a liquid delivery system, generally indicated at 16, and a powder delivery system, generally indicated at 18, that respectively dispense a desired quantity of water (broadly, a liquid) and a desired amount of powdered infant formula (broadly, a powdered beverage) to a mixing station, generally indicated at 20. The water and infant formula are admixed at the mixing station 20, and the end product infant formula is delivered to a receptacle receiving station, generally indicated at 22, which in the illustrated embodiment comprises a nursing bottle 23 but may otherwise comprise any suitable receptacle. [0021] Referring still to Figs. 3 and 4, the liquid delivery system 16 of the illustrated embodiment comprises a liquid reservoir 24 for holding a quantity of water (or other liquid, such as milk). In one embodiment, the liquid reservoir 24 may be an integral, non-removable component of the appliance 10 that is accessible by a user so that the reservoir can be filled with liquid and refilled after it is depleted. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, a lid 26 over an opening of the reservoir 24 can be removed to fill the reservoir. It is also envisioned that the reservoir 24 may have a liquid-level sensor 28 for detecting when the reservoir needs to be refilled. Other ways of making the liquid reservoir 24 accessible and other ways of filling the reservoir with liquid do not depart from the scope of the present invention. For example, in another embodiment the liquid reservoir 24 may be removable from the dispensing appliance 10 to fill the reservoir. The liquid reservoir 24 may also be cleaned after it is removed from the appliance 10. Other ways of filling and refilling the liquid reservoir 24 do not depart from the scope of the present invention. Moreover, the liquid delivery system 16 may not include a reservoir without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the liquid delivery system 16 may be fluidly connectable to an external supply of liquid, such as an external supply of water, including but not limited to a public water system.

[0022] In the illustrated embodiment, a liquid conduit 30 (e.g., tubing, illustrated schematically in Fig. 4) fluidly connects the liquid reservoir 24 to a liquid outlet 32, which directs water from the reservoir into the mixing station 20. A suitable pump 34, such as an electric pump, is in fluid communication with the liquid conduit 30 and operable to deliver water from the reservoir 24 to the outlet 32. The pump 34 may be a centrifugal pump or another type of suitable pump. The pump 34 is electrically connected to a controller 12 that operates the pump to control the flow rate and quantity of liquid delivered to the mixing station 20. It is understood that the liquid delivery system 16 may not include a pump and remain within the scope of the present invention. For example, the liquid delivery system 16 may be configured to deliver water to the mixing station 20 by gravity. In one such example, the liquid reservoir 24 may be positioned above the liquid outlet 32 and the mixing station 20, and the liquid outlet may comprise a control valve (not shown) for opening and closing the outlet. [0023] Referring still to Fig. 4, the liquid delivery system 16 may also include a heater 36 for heating the liquid before it is dispensed through the outlet 32. For example, the liquid delivery system 16 may include a heating chamber 38 downstream from the pump 34 that is in thermal contact with the heater 36. Liquid entering the heating chamber 38 may be heated to a desired temperature, such as from about 60 °F (15.6 °C) to about 140 °F (60 °C). A heating chamber control valve (not shown) may be positioned downstream of the heating chamber 38 to retain the liquid in the heating chamber for a desired period of time before allowing the liquid to flow to the liquid outlet 32. A liquid temperature sensor (not shown) may also be disposed downstream of the heating chamber 38 to ensure that the temperature of the liquid exiting the heating chamber is not above an upper threshold temperature. The controller 12 may be electrically connected to any or all of the heater 36, the heating chamber control valve, and the temperature sensor for controlling the heating of the liquid. Other ways of heating the liquid before it is dispensed through the liquid outlet 32 do not depart from the scope of the present invention. Moreover, it is understood that the dispensing appliance 10 may not include a heater and remain within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the appliance 10 may include a cooler or chiller for cooling (i.e., removing heat) from the water or other liquid.

[0024] With particular reference to Fig. 4, the controller 12 (e.g., a

microcontroller) is adapted to control various functions of the dispensing appliance 10, as explained in further detail later herein. The dispensing appliance 10 may also include a user interface 14 (see also Fig. 3 to allow a user to select, for example, a desired amount of an end product beverage that he/she wants made and to communicate this selection to the controller 12. The user interface 14 may allow for the user to make other selections, including, but not limited to, a temperature of the end product beverage, a composition of the end product liquid beverage mixture (e.g., adding optional ingredients), and a type of beverage when the dispensing appliance is configured to dispense multiple types of beverages. The user interface 14 may comprise any combination of a mechanical input device(s), a graphical user interface, and a touchscreen. The user interface 14 may alternatively, or additionally, comprise other types of user interface components. [0025] The powder delivery system 18 of the illustrated embodiment comprises a suitable container mount 39 for releasably mounting a container 40 of powdered infant formula (i.e., broadly, the powdered beverage) thereon. The container mount 38 may include fastening components, such as snap-fit fastener components (now shown), for releasably securing the container 40 on the mount. In the illustrated embodiment, the mount 38 is removably disposed in an enclosed compartment (see Fig. 3) of the dispensing appliance 10 so that the container 40 is inserted into the compartment and positioned on the mount. In a particular example, the container 40 may be part of disposable packaging to act in the manner of a cartridge. When the container 40 is empty, the container may be removed and disposed of (e.g., thrown away or recycled), and a new container of powdered beverage can be loaded into the appliance 10. The mount 38 may have other

configurations without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0026] In one example, the container 40 may include a dispenser 42 operable to dispense powdered beverage substance from the container. The dispenser 42 is selectively operated by a drive system 44 of the powder delivery system 18 (See Fig. 4). In one embodiment, the dispenser 42 is operatively connectable to the drive system 44 upon loading the container 40 in the appliance 10. Referring to Fig. 4, the illustrated drive system 44 comprises a motor, such as an electric motor having a drive shaft 48 operatively connected to the dispenser 42. The drive system 44 (e.g., the motor) is electrically connected to the controller 12 so that the controller can selectively dispense a desired amount of powdered infant formula from the container 40 by controlling operation of the dispenser. The dispenser 42 has an exit or outlet 46 through which the powdered beverage substance is dispensed. It is understood that the dispenser 42 may be of any suitable configuration without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0027] In another suitable embodiment, the dispenser 42 may be a component of the powder delivery system 18. In such an example, the dispenser 42, which may be substantially similar in function and structure to the dispenser described above, may be a non-removable component of the powder delivery system 18 or may be removable from the appliance 10, such as for ease of cleaning. Similarly, the container 40 may also be a refillable, and removable or non-removable component of the dispensing appliance 10. [0028] Referring now to Figs. 5-11, the mixing station 20 suitably comprises a mixing funnel, generally indicated at 50, for receiving and mixing powdered beverage substance (e.g., powdered infant formula) and liquid (e.g., water) dispensed from the respective powder delivery system 18 and liquid delivery system 16. The illustrated mixing funnel 50 has a sidewall defining an open upper end 52 and an open lower end 54 defining the outlet or exit of the funnel. The illustrated mixing funnel 50 also includes a platform P extending outward therefrom slightly above the lower end 54 for purposes of positioning and retaining the funnel in the dispensing appliance 10. It is understood, however, that the platform P may be omitted and the funnel 50 located and secured within the appliance 10 in any suitable manner without departing from the scope of this invention. Accordingly, it will be understood that the mixing funnel 50 may be releasably connected to suitable structure of the appliance to permit the funnel to be removed, such as for cleaning, or the funnel may be permanently mounted on the appliance.

[0029] The mixing funnel 50 is particularly configured to define a generally cylindrical rim segment 58 (which includes the upper end 52) at which liquid and powdered beverage substance enters the funnel as described in further detail later herein. The rim segment 58 includes an inwardly extending annular flange member 70 (Figs. 7 and 8) defining the open upper end 52 of the funnel 50. In this manner, the rim segment 58 of the mixing funnel 50 acts, in part, in the manner of a splash guard to inhibit liquid entering the mixing funnel from spattering and/or flowing over the upper end 52 of the funnel. It is understood, however, that the rim segment 58 of the mixing funnel 50 may be shaped other than as illustrated including vertically with the flange member omitted, or omitted altogether without departing from the scope of this invention.

[0030] Referring to Figs. 6 and 8, the mixing funnel 50 is also configured to define a generally cylindrical outlet segment 60 that includes the lower end 54 of the mixing funnel. It is also contemplated that the outlet segment 60 may be other than cylindrical. [0031] As best illustrated in Figs. 7 and 8, the mixing funnel 50 further includes a funnel or mixing segment 56 extending longitudinally between and interconnecting the rim segment 58 and outlet segment 60. The mixing segment 56 has an inner surface 62 (and in the illustrated embodiment, it is the entire sidewall along this segment) that is suitably arcuate, and is more suitably convex, as it extends downward from the rim segment 58 toward the outlet segment 60. Even more suitably, the inner surface 62 of the sidewall along the mixing segment 56 of the funnel 50 has a gradually increasing downward slope (i.e., the inner surface falls off gradually relative to a horizontal plane and becomes increasingly more vertical in orientation).

[0032] For example, in one suitable embodiment the inner surface 62 of the mixing segment 56 comprises a segment of a one-sheeted hyperboloid and more suitably a one-sheeted hyperboloid of revolution (i.e., circular hyperboloid) taken above the foci of the hyperboloid. It is understood, however, that the inner surface 62 of the mixing segment 56 may alternatively comprise a segment of a one-sheeted hyperboloid taken below the foci of the hyperboloid. In other suitable embodiments, the inner surface 62 of the mixing segment 56 may comprise a segment of a one-sheeted elliptical hyperboloid, as opposed to the illustrated circular hyperboloid. It is also contemplated that the inner surface 62 of the mixing segment 56 of the funnel 50 may be of other convex shapes and/or configurations without departing from the scope of the present invention. In one example, the inner surface 62 may be a hydrophobic and/or an oleophobic material, which may be applied to the mixing segment 56 or integrally formed as part of the mixing segment. It is believed that such materials may promote cleanliness of the mixing funnel 50.

[0033] Referring to Figs. 7 and 8, the inner surface 62 of the mixing segment 56 of the funnel 50 has a cross-sectional area at its upper end (e.g., where it transitions from the rim segment 58) that is substantially greater than a cross-sectional area of the inner surface of the mixing segment at its lower end (e.g., where it transitions to the outlet segment 60). More suitably, a ratio of the inner cross-sectional area of the upper end of the mixing segment 56 to the inner cross-sectional area of the lower end of the mixing segment is in the range of about 2 to about 40, and more suitably about 15 to about 25. In another embodiment, such as in the illustrated embodiment where the inner surface 62 of the mixing segment 56 is a one-sheeted circular hyperboloid, the upper end of the mixing segment may have an inner diameter Di that is within a range of about 5.08 cm (2.0 in) to about 15.24 cm (6.0 in), and the lower end of the mixing segment may have an inner diameter D₂ that is within a range of about 0.76 cm( 0.3 in) to about 2.54 cm (1 in), such that a ratio of the upper end diameter to the lower end diameter is in the range of about 4.5 to about 9.5, and more suitably, about 6 to about 7.

[0034] In another example a height H (Fig. 8) of the mixing segment 56 may be suitably less than the inner diameter Di of the upper end of the mixing segment. For example, a ratio of the inner diameter Di of the upper end of the mixing segment 56 to the height H thereof may be within a range of about 1 to about 2.

[0035] For reasons explained in further detail below, the mixing funnel 50 may include a plurality of ribs 76 (Figs. 7 and 8) disposed on the inner surface of the outlet segment 60 of the funnel. Such ribs 76 may additionally, or alternatively, be disposed on the inner surface 62 of the mixing segment 56 of the funnel 50 adjacent the lower end of the mixing segment. While the illustrated ribs 76 are generally elongated and are oriented longitudinally along the inner surface, it is understood that the ribs may be shaped other than as illustrated and/or be oriented other than longitudinally without departing from the scope of the present invention. The lower end 54 of the funnel 50 may be spaced above the receptacle 23 when the receptacle is positioned in the receptacle-receiving station 22 (Fig. 3) or the outlet segment 60 of the funnel may be received within the open top of the receptacle (Fig. 11).

[0036] With reference to Fig. 4, the mixing funnel 50 receives both liquid dispensed from the liquid delivery system 16 and powder dispensed from the powder delivery system 18 and mixes the liquid and the powder to make the end product liquid beverage mixture. The outlet 32 of the liquid delivery system 16 may extend down into the funnel (Fig. 4) 50, or be disposed above the missing funnel (Fig. 10). The outlet 46 of the powder delivery system 18 is disposed above the mixing funnel 50. Alternatively, powder outlet 46 may extend down into the mixing funnel 50. The liquid outlet 32 and the powder outlet 46 respectively direct the liquid and the powder onto the inner surface 62 of the mixing segment 56. Referring to Fig. 10, as the liquid flows onto the upper end of the mixing segment 56 of the funnel 50, it flows substantially completely about the inner surface 62 of the mixing segment prior to flowing downward within the funnel so the inner surface of the mixing segment is entirely wetted. As a result, there are no dry areas on the inner surface 62 of the funnel 50 susceptible to powder not becoming entrained on the inner surface of the funnel. Rather, substantially all of the dispensed powder becomes entrained and mixes with the stream of liquid as the powder enters the mixing funnel 50.

[0037] It is believed, without being bound to any particular theory, that the shape of the inner surface 62 of the mixing segment 56 facilitates the liquid flowing substantially completely around the upper end thereof because the slope of the inner surface increases gradually, as opposed to increasing sharply in the manner of conventionally used funnels. The rim segment 58, including the annular flange 70, inhibits liquid from flowing over the upper end 52 of the mixing funnel 50. The stream of liquid and the entrained powder swirl downward along the mixing segment 56 as a vortex to facilitate mixing of the powder in the liquid. As the liquid mixture swirls past the ribs 76 in the outlet segment 60, the flow of the mixture is generally straightened (e.g., the swirling motion is reduced). As such, spattering of the liquid beverage mixture as it exits the outlet segment 60 (e.g., due to centrifugal forces of the swirling motion of the flow) is substantially reduced.

[0038] Referring back to Figs. 3 and 4 the receptacle receiving station 22 generally includes a platform or mount 80 (broadly, a support) on which the receptacle 23 can be placed or mounted or otherwise supported. The platform 80 may include a positioning device (not shown), such as a projection, that is adapted for reception in a bottom recess of the receptacle 23, to facilitate proper positioning of the receptacle on the platform. For example, the positioning device may locate the receptacle 23 on the platform 80 so that it is directly below and in fluid communication with the open lower end 54 of the funnel 50. The positioning device may removably secure the receptacle 23 to the dispensing appliance 10. Other configurations of the receptacle receiving station 22 and/or the positioning device do not depart from the scope of the present invention. [0039] In use, a user employs the dispensing appliance 10 to make the liquid beverage mixture. In the following description of an exemplary use, the appliance 10 is an infant formula dispensing appliance for making a desired amount of ready-to-feed infant formula. In one embodiment, for example, the container 40 (e.g., packaging) of powdered infant formula, which includes the dispenser 42 attached to the container, is inserted into the powder delivery system 18 of the appliance 10. The liquid reservoir 24 is opened and filled with water, and the nursing bottle 23 (i.e., the receptacle) is placed in the receptacle receiving station 22. The user selects a desired quantity of ready-to-feed infant formula using the user interface 14. For example, the user may select to have 4 fl. oz. of the formula made. The microcontroller 12 receives the selected input from the user interface 14 and operates liquid delivery system 16 and the powder delivery system 18 to deliver the required amount of water and powdered infant formula into the mixing funnel 50. As one example, the microcontroller 12 and/or the liquid delivery system 16 may be configured to deliver water into the funnel 50 at a rate within a range of about 15 cc/s to about 60 cc/s, e.g., about 30 cc/s. Moreover, the microcontroller 12 and/or the powder delivery system 18 may be configured to deliver the powdered infant formula into the funnel 50 at a rate within a range of about 3 g/s to about 12 g/s, e.g., about 6 g/s.

[0040] The water and the powdered formula enter the funnel 50, and the powdered formula becomes entrained in the water vortex. As the water and entrained powdered formula moves down the funnel 50, the formula and water mix to form the ready-to-feed liquid formula. In one embodiment, a small amount of the water may be delivered into the mixing funnel 50 before the powdered formula is dispensed in order to pre-wet the inner surface 62 of the funnel before the powder contacts the inner surface. In this manner, the powder does not contact a dry inner surface 62 of the funnel 50. In another embodiment, a small amount of the water or other liquid may be delivered to the funnel 50 after the powdered formula is dispensed to rinse the inner surface of the funnel and remove residual powdered material. As seen in Fig. 11, the liquid formula exits the lower end 54 of the funnel 50 and is dispensed into the nursing bottle 23 in the receptacle receiving station 22. The user can remove the nursing bottle 23 from the receptacle receiving station 22, once dispensing is complete. As illustrated in Fig. 3, the mixing funnel 50 may include a grip 84 to facilitate removal of the funnel from the dispensing appliance 10 for cleaning the funnel if necessary.

[0041] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A beverage dispensing appliance for mixing a powdered beverage with a liquid to make an end product liquid beverage, the appliance comprising:

a mixing funnel having an open upper end, an open lower end defining an outlet of the funnel, and a mixing segment extending longitudinally intermediate the upper and lower ends of the funnel, the mixing segment having an inner surface, said inner surface of the mixing segment being convex as it extends longitudinally;

a liquid delivery system operable to deliver liquid to the mixing funnel adjacent the upper end thereof; and

a powder delivery system operable to deliver a powdered beverage to the mixing segment of the funnel.

2. The beverage dispensing appliance set forth in claim 1 wherein the inner surface of the mixing segment comprises a segment of a one-sheet hyperboloid.

3. The beverage dispensing appliance set forth in claim 2 wherein the inner surface of the mixing segment comprises a segment of a one-sheet hyperboloid taken above foci of the hyperboloid.

4. The beverage dispensing appliance set forth in claim 2 wherein the inner surface of the mixing segment comprises a segment of a one-sheet circular hyperboloid.

5. The beverage dispensing appliance set forth in claim 4 wherein the inner surface of the mixing segment comprises a segment of a one-sheet circulate hyperboloid taken above foci of the hyperboloid.

6. The beverage dispensing appliance set forth in claim 1 wherein the mixing segment has an upper end and a lower end, an upper cross-sectional area at the upper end of the mixing segment and a lower cross-sectional area at the lower end of the mixing segment, a ratio of the upper cross-sectional area to the lower cross-sectional area being in the range of about 15 to about 25.

7. The beverage dispensing appliance set forth in claim 1 wherein the liquid delivery system is configured to deliver liquid into the funnel from above the open upper end of the funnel.

8. The beverage dispensing appliance set forth in claim 1 wherein the funnel has a liquid inlet disposed longitudinally below the open upper end of the funnel, said liquid inlet being oriented generally tangential to the funnel, the liquid delivery system being operable to deliver liquid into the funnel at the liquid inlet.

9. The beverage dispensing appliance set forth in claim 1 wherein the mixing funnel further has an annular rim segment extending up from the upper end of the mixing segment and including the upper end of the funnel, the mixing segment having a slope generally at its upper end, the rim segment of the funnel having a slope substantially greater than the slope of the mixing segment generally at the upper end of the mixing segment.

10. The beverage dispensing appliance set forth in claim 9 wherein the annular rim includes an annular flange extending at least in part radially inward and defining the open upper end of the funnel.

11. The beverage dispensing appliance set forth in claim 1 wherein the mixing funnel is removable from the dispensing appliance.

12. The beverage dispensing appliance set forth in claim 1 wherein the powder delivery system has an outlet from which powdered beverage is dispensed into the funnel, said outlet being disposed within the funnel one of at and below the open upper end of the funnel.

13. A beverage dispensing appliance for mixing a powdered beverage with a liquid to make an end product liquid beverage, the appliance comprising:

a mixing funnel including a mixing segment having an upper end, a lower end and an inner surface extending longitudinally from the upper end to the lower end of the mixing segment, said inner surface of the mixing segment being arcuate and having a slope wherein the slope increases as the inner surface extends longitudinally from the upper end of the mixing segment to the lower end of said mixing segment;

a liquid delivery system operable to deliver liquid to the mixing funnel adjacent the upper end of the mixing segment; and

14. The beverage dispensing appliance set forth in claim 13 wherein the inner surface of the mixing segment comprises a segment of a one-sheet hyperboloid.

15. The beverage dispensing appliance set forth in claim 14 wherein the inner surface of the mixing segment comprises a segment of a one-sheet hyperboloid taken above foci of the hyperboloid.

16. The beverage dispensing appliance set forth in claim 14 wherein the inner surface of the mixing segment comprises a segment of a one-sheet circular hyperboloid.

17. The beverage dispensing appliance set forth in claim 16 wherein the inner surface of the mixing segment comprise a segment of a one-sheet circulate hyperboloid taken above foci of the hyperboloid.

18. The beverage dispensing appliance set forth in claim 13 wherein the mixing segment has an upper cross-sectional area at the upper end and a lower cross-sectional area at the lower end, a ratio of the upper cross-sectional area to the lower cross-sectional area being in the range of about 15 to about 25.

19. The beverage dispensing appliance set forth in claim 13 wherein the liquid delivery system is configured to deliver liquid into the funnel from above the upper end of the mixing segment.

20. The beverage dispensing appliance set forth in claim 13 wherein the funnel has an open upper end adjacent to the upper end of the mixing segment, wherein the funnel has a liquid inlet disposed longitudinally below the open upper end of the funnel, said liquid inlet being oriented generally tangential to the funnel, the liquid delivery system being operable to deliver liquid into the funnel at the liquid inlet.

21. The beverage dispensing appliance set forth in claim 13 wherein the funnel further has an annular rim segment extending up from the upper end of the mixing segment, the mixing segment having a slope generally at its upper end, the rim segment of the funnel having a slope substantially greater than the slope of the mixing segment generally at the upper end of the mixing segment.

22. The beverage dispensing appliance set forth in claim 21 wherein the annular rim includes an annular flange extending at least in part radially inward and defining an open upper end of the funnel.

23. The beverage dispensing appliance set forth in claim 13 wherein the mixing funnel is removable from the dispensing appliance.

24. The beverage dispensing appliance set forth in claim 13 wherein the powder delivery system has an outlet from which powdered beverage is dispensed into the funnel, said outlet being disposed within the funnel one of at and below the open upper end of the funnel.

25. A beverage dispensing appliance for dispensing a powdered beverage, the appliance comprising:

a funnel having an open upper end and an open lower end defining an outlet of the funnel; and a powder delivery system operable to deliver a powdered beverage to the funnel, the powder delivery system having an outlet from which powdered beverage is dispensed into the funnel, said outlet being disposed within the funnel one of at and below the open upper end of the funnel.

26. The beverage dispensing appliance set forth in claim 25 further comprising a liquid delivery system operable to deliver liquid to the funnel adjacent the upper end thereof.

27. The beverage dispensing appliance set forth in claim 26 wherein the outlet from which powdered beverage is dispensed into the funnel is disposed within the funnel below the level at which liquid is delivered by the liquid delivery system into the funnel.

28. The beverage dispensing appliance as set forth in claim 26 wherein the funnel has a mixing segment extending longitudinally intermediate the upper and lower ends of the funnel, the mixing segment having an inner surface, said inner surface of the mixing segment being convex as it extends longitudinally.

29. The beverage dispensing appliance set forth in claim 28 wherein the inner surface of the mixing segment comprises a segment of a one-sheet hyperboloid.

30. The beverage dispensing appliance as set forth in claim 26 wherein the funnel has a mixing segment having an upper end, a lower end and an inner surface extending longitudinally from the upper end to the lower end of the mixing segment, said inner surface of the mixing segment being arcuate and having a slope wherein the slope increases as the inner surface extends longitudinally from the upper end of the mixing segment to the lower end of said mixing segment.

31. The beverage dispensing appliance set forth in claim 30 wherein the inner surface of the mixing segment comprises a segment of a one-sheet hyperboloid.