EP3592187A1 - System and method for pressure control in automated blending devices - Google Patents

System and method for pressure control in automated blending devices

Info

Publication number
EP3592187A1
EP3592187A1 EP18711790.8A EP18711790A EP3592187A1 EP 3592187 A1 EP3592187 A1 EP 3592187A1 EP 18711790 A EP18711790 A EP 18711790A EP 3592187 A1 EP3592187 A1 EP 3592187A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
container
blade
platform
fluid
blending chamber
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP18711790.8A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
My Vu
Elvine PINEDA
Matthew UDOMPHOL
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
North American Robotics Corp
Original Assignee
North American Robotics Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US15/454,994 external-priority patent/US10624499B2/en
Application filed by North American Robotics Corp filed Critical North American Robotics Corp
Publication of EP3592187A1 publication Critical patent/EP3592187A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J43/00—Implements for preparing or holding food, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
    • A47J43/04—Machines for domestic use not covered elsewhere, e.g. for grinding, mixing, stirring, kneading, emulsifying, whipping or beating foodstuffs, e.g. power-driven
    • A47J43/046—Machines for domestic use not covered elsewhere, e.g. for grinding, mixing, stirring, kneading, emulsifying, whipping or beating foodstuffs, e.g. power-driven with tools driven from the bottom side
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J43/00—Implements for preparing or holding food, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
    • A47J43/04—Machines for domestic use not covered elsewhere, e.g. for grinding, mixing, stirring, kneading, emulsifying, whipping or beating foodstuffs, e.g. power-driven
    • A47J43/07—Parts or details, e.g. mixing tools, whipping tools

Definitions

  • a system for controlling pressure in a blending apparatus includes a blade platform, a fluid injection device, and an actuator.
  • the blade platform is configured to be sealingly coupled to a rim of a vessel including foodstuffs to form a blending chamber.
  • the blade platform defines an opening.
  • the blade platform includes a blade assembly having blades configured to be rotated to process the foodstuffs in the blending chamber.
  • the fluid injection device is configured to inject fluid via an opening defined within the blade platform while the blade platform is sealingly coupled to the vessel.
  • the injection of fluid causes a change in a pressure in the blending chamber.
  • the actuator is configured to decouple the blade platform from the rim.
  • the blade platform is configured to receive air to decrease a difference between the pressure within the blending chamber and a pressure external to the blending chamber.
  • a non-transient computer- readable medium contains instructions configured to cause a control circuit to perform a method.
  • the method includes sealingly coupling a blade platform to a rim of a vessel including foodstuffs to form a blending chamber, the blade platform including a blade assembly.
  • the method includes injecting fluid via an opening defined within the blade platform into the blending chamber while the blade platform is sealingly coupled to the vessel, the injection of fluid causing a change in a pressure in the blending chamber.
  • the method includes rotating blades of the blade assembly to process the foodstuffs in the blending chamber.
  • the method includes decoupling the blade platform from the rim subsequent to introduction of air into the blending chamber to decrease a difference between the pressure within the blending chamber and a pressure external to the blending chamber.
  • FIGURES 1 A and IB are isometric views of an example of the system.
  • FIGURE 3 is a cutaway view of the example of the system.
  • FIGURE 4 is a profile view of an example of the system components.
  • FIGURE 5 is an isometric view of an example of the system components, with the blade shield in the clean position.
  • FIGURES 8A and 8B are an isometric view and side view of a blade shield coupled to a blade assembly.
  • FIGURE 10 is a schematic representation of a variation of system control.
  • FIGURE 11 is a schematic representation of the method of system operation.
  • FIGURE 12 is a schematic representation of the method of system operation, including processing unit agitation.
  • FIGURE 13 is a schematic representation of the cleaning the blade assembly.
  • FIGURE 14 is a schematic representation of the method.
  • FIGURE 15 is a schematic representation of an example of the method.
  • FIGURE 16 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a container for use with an automated food processing system.
  • FIGURE 18 is a side view of an embodiment of the container of FIGURE 16.
  • FIGURE 19 is a bottom view of an embodiment of the container of FIGURE 16.
  • FIGURE 20 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the container of FIGURE 16 and a removable sleeve.
  • FIGURE 21 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a container for use with an automated food processing system illustrating an orientation of the exterior faces of the container.
  • FIGURE 22 is a sectional view of an embodiment of a container for use with an automated food processing system when received by a container receptacle and blade assembly of the automated food processing system.
  • FIGURE 23 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a container for use with an automated food processing system.
  • FIGURE 24 is a side view of an embodiment of the container of FIGURE 23.
  • FIGURE 25 A is a sectional view of an embodiment of the container of FIGURE 23.
  • FIGURE 25B is a detail view of an embodiment of a lip portion of the container of FIGURE 23.
  • FIGURE 25C is a detail view of an embodiment of a base portion of the container of FIGURE 23.
  • FIGURE 26 is a top view of an embodiment of the container of FIGURE 23.
  • FIGURE 27 is a bottom view of an embodiment of the container of FIGURE 23.
  • FIGURE 28 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a container including turbulence enhancement features, for use with an automated food processing system.
  • FIGURE 29 is a top view of an embodiment of the container of FIGURE 28.
  • FIGURES 31 A- 3 IB are top views of an embodiment of a container including turbulence enhancement features, for use with an automated food processing system.
  • FIGURE 32 are top views of various embodiments of containers for use with an automated food processing system.
  • FIGURE 33A is a side view of an embodiment of an adaptor device for a container secured by a container platform and blade assembly of an automated food processing system.
  • FIGURE 33B is a top view of an embodiment of an adaptor device receiving a container for use with an automated food processing system.
  • FIGURE 34 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment inversion process for declumping material in a container by an automated food processing system.
  • FIGURE 35 is a schematic diagram of a system for maintaining pressure in a blending chamber of a blending apparatus.
  • FIGURE 38A is a perspective view of a water heater for a blending apparatus.
  • FIGURE 39 is a schematic diagram of a door of a blending apparatus having a lid sensor.
  • FIGURE 40A is a schematic diagram of a latch assembly in a first state.
  • an automated food processing system 100 includes: a housing 200; a container platform 300 operable between a loading position 302 and a processing position 304; a blade assembly 400 including: a blade platform 420 operable between an engaged position 422 and a disengaged position 424 and a set of blades 440 rotatably mounted to the blade platform 420; and a blade actuator 800.
  • the automated food processing system is an automatic blending system, and is configured to blend the food solids into an emulsion.
  • the system 100 can additionally or alternatively include a door 220 operable between an open position and a closed position, the door 220 cooperatively enclosing the container platform 300, blade platform 420, set of blades 440, and blade actuator 800 in the closed position and exposing at least the container platform 300 in the open position; a set of sensors used to determine the presence of the container 120 within the container receptacle 320, the lid position, or any other operation parameter; and a processor 180 that automatically controls system operation.
  • the system 100 can include any other suitable component.
  • the automated food processing system 100 functions to process foodstuff.
  • the automated food processing system automatically blends food solids, such as frozen or whole food, into an emulsion.
  • the system 100 preferably processes single- serve food portions (e.g., portions of 8-16 oz), but can alternatively process multiple-serve food portions (e.g., portions of 2-4L).
  • the system 100 is preferably a countertop system, but can alternatively be a large appliance (e.g., for use in an office or cafe setting), or have any other suitable form factor.
  • the system 100 is preferably self-contained, but can alternatively connect to one or more utilities (e.g., an electricity outlet and/or water supply, such as a faucet).
  • the automated food processing system preferably processes foods into smoothies, but can alternatively or additionally make soups, baby food, sauces, chopped food, food mixes (e.g., batter), or otherwise process the food.
  • the automated food processing system functions to receive a container 120 (e.g., a cup, a bowl) containing food solids, to automatically process (e.g., mix, blend) the food solids within a processing cavity entirely or partially formed by the container 120 into a mixture (e.g., an emulsion), to deliver the mixture back to a consumer for consumption directly from the container 120, and to automatically clean the portions of the automated food processing system in direct contact with the food solids and/or the emulsion.
  • a container 120 e.g., a cup, a bowl
  • a mixture e.g., an emulsion
  • the automated food processing system can define a self- contained, countertop system that receives the cup containing frozen fruit and/or frozen vegetables.
  • the system 100 can automatically dispense a particular volume of water into the cup once the cup has been loaded into the automated food processing system.
  • the system 100 can automatically invert the cup and blend its contents into a smoothie, and return the cup - now containing the smoothie - to a consumer.
  • the system 100 can automatically clean all or portions of the automated food processing system in contact with the fruit, vegetables, and/or smoothie in preparation for receiving a subsequent cup of frozen fruit and/or vegetables.
  • the system 100 can additionally or alternatively receive a bowl containing soup ingredients, such as sliced vegetables, cream, stock, and spices, and the automated food processing system can then automatically blend the contents of the bowl into a soup, deliver the bowl back to a consumer for consumption of the soup directly from the bowl, and clean elements of the automated food processing system in contact with the soup or the soup ingredients in preparation for blending food solids in a subsequent cup or bowl loaded into the automated food processing system.
  • soup ingredients such as sliced vegetables, cream, stock, and spices
  • the automated food processing system can function as a standalone system for processing any other type of food solids into a mixture or an emulsification in situ within a container 120, wherein the container defines both a storage container 120 for the food solids and a consumption container 120 from which a consumer consumes the emulsification.
  • the automated food processing system can blend fruit into a smoothie, blend vegetables into a soup, process vegetables into salad, blend cornmeal into grits, grind oats into oatmeal, and/or blend fruits and vegetables into baby food, etc.
  • the automated food processing system can accept a container 120 containing one or more foodstuffs to be blended.
  • the container 120 can include a body, which defines a container opening fluidly connected to a container 120 lumen that retains the foodstuff.
  • the container 120 can additionally include a container lid.
  • the container 120 is preferably configured to removably couple (e.g., transiently couple) to the container receptacle 320, but can alternatively substantially permanently couple or otherwise couple to the container receptacle 320 or container platform 300.
  • the container 120 can be prepackaged (e.g., be provided by a manufacturer or supplier with the foodstuff pre-arranged within the container 120), be filled by a user, or be otherwise supplied.
  • the container 120 can be disposable (e.g., made of wax paper, cardboard, bamboo, plant fiber, polypropylene, etc.) or reuseable (e.g., made of thermoplastic, silicone, etc.).
  • the container 120 can be rigid, flexible, or have any other suitable deformation property (e.g., elasticity or rigidity).
  • the container 120 can be thermally insulative, thermally conductive, or have any other suitable thermal property.
  • the container 120 can be
  • the container 120 can be cylindrical, prismatic, frustroconical, or have any other suitable shape.
  • the keying feature is preferably defined along the portion of the container 120 configured to engage the container receptacle 320, but can alternatively be defined along the entirety of the container face (e.g., along the entire container 120 length, entire container base, etc.) or be defined along any other suitable portion of the container 120.
  • the keying feature can be defined along the container housing 200 (e.g., along the base or sidewall), along the container lid, or along any other suitable portion of the container 120.
  • the keying feature can include a multi-sided container cross-section, such as a polygon (e.g., an octagon, nonagon, etc.).
  • the keying feature can be the container edge or lip defining the container opening, wherein the container lip cross-section can be multi-sided.
  • the keying feature can be an asymmetric protrusion extending radially from the container sidewall.
  • any other suitable keying feature can be used.
  • the container 120 can additionally include flow features that facilitate turbulent flow generation, such as spiral features on the wall (e.g., in the direction of rotation, against the direction of rotation, etc.), protrusions extending radially inward from the wall, or include any other suitable feature that encourages turbulent flow.
  • the flow features are preferably defined along the wall interior (e.g., the wall face defining the container 120 lumen), but can be defined elsewhere.
  • the container 120 can additionally include a container lid, which functions to seal the foodstuff within the container 120 lumen.
  • the container lid can be a snap lid, a sheet melted, adhered, or otherwise coupled to the container opening, or be any other suitable container lid.
  • the container 120 can be inserted into the system 100 with the container lid, wherein the system 100 automatically manages the container lid (e.g., removes the container lid, pierce the container lid, etc.), or be inserted into the system 100 without the container lid. In the latter instance, the user preferably removes the container lid prior to container 120 insertion into the system 100. In this instance, the system 100 can additionally notify the user in response to determination that the container lid is still on the container 120. However, the container lid can be otherwise processed.
  • a container 120 can be cup containing frozen strawberries, frozen blueberries, and frozen yogurt and sealed with a lid, such as a molded polymer snap lid or a wax-paper lid bonded over an opening of the cup.
  • the cup lid can be removed from the cup and the cup then loaded into the automated food processing system by a user, the automated food processing system can execute the method to add fluid (e.g., water, juice, milk, etc.) to the cup and to blend the frozen strawberries, frozen blueberries, and frozen yogurt in a fruit smoothie, and the cup then removed from the automated food processing system and the smoothie consumer directly from the cup by the user.
  • fluid e.g., water, juice, milk, etc.
  • the foodstuff can be substantially whole foodstuff (e.g., whole berries, whole nuts, whole seeds, whole fruits), be pre-blended foodstuff refrozen into pellets, discs, or as a solid piece within the cup, be presented in liquid form, or be in any other suitable form factor.
  • liquid, high-cellulose content, and/or foods with a high clumping probability e.g., apples
  • the foodstuff temperature is preferably maintained at substantially 0°F (e.g., within a margin of error, such as several degrees) but can alternatively be maintained at 15-20°F, maintained at room temperature, or be maintained at any other suitable temperature.
  • the housing 200 of the automated food processing system functions as a mounting point and support for the system components.
  • the housing 200 (system body) also functions to house and enclose the system components.
  • the housing 200 can include a base and sidewalls extending from the base.
  • the sidewalls can extend from the base at a normal angle (e.g., at a 90° angle), or extend from the base at any other suitable angle.
  • the sidewalls and/or base are preferably rigid, but can alternatively be flexible or have any other suitable material property.
  • the housing 200 is preferably substantially opaque, but can alternatively be transparent or translucent.
  • the automated food processing system 100 can additionally include a door 220 that functions to cooperatively enclose the system components with the housing 200.
  • the door 220 is preferably operable between an open position and a closed position.
  • the door 220 preferably cooperatively encapsulates the container receptacle 320 within the housing 200 in the closed position and exposes the container receptacle 320 in the open position, but can additionally or alternatively enclose the container platform 300, blade assembly 400 (e.g., including the blade platform 420 and set of blades 440), blade actuator 800, or any other suitable component within the housing 200 in the closed position and expose the component in the open position.
  • the door 220 is preferably actuatably mounted to the housing 200, but can alternatively be statically mounted to the housing 200.
  • the door 220 can be slidably engaged to the housing 200, and includes a handle or pull that enables a user to actuate the door 220.
  • the housing 200 can form a lower portion of the system body, while the door 220 forms an upper portion of the system body.
  • the upper and lower portions of the system body are preferably coupled along a coupling axis (e.g., substantially aligned with a gravity vector when the base is rested on a support surface) , wherein the upper portion (the door 220) slides along a plane perpendicular the coupling axis.
  • the door 220 can be pivotally connected to the housing 200.
  • a longitudinal edge of the door 220 can be pivotally (rotatably) connected to the housing 200, wherein the door 220 can be arranged along a sidewall of the housing 200.
  • an edge of the door 220 can be pivotally connected to a top of the housing 200.
  • the door 220 can be otherwise connected to the housing 200.
  • the housing 200 can additionally or alternatively include any other suitable component.
  • the container platform 300 (vessel platform) of the automated food processing system functions to receive and retain the container 120. More preferably, the container platform 300 functions to locate the container 120 laterally, longitudinally, and vertically (in a substantially upright position) within the automated food processing system until the blade platform 420 is closed over the container platform 300 upon initiation of a blend cycle, but can alternatively orient the container 120 in any other suitable orientation.
  • the container platform 300 preferably defines a container receptacle 320 that receives and retains the container 120, but can alternatively receive and retain the container 120 in any other suitable manner.
  • the container platform 300 can additionally cooperatively seal the container 120 against the blade assembly 400, place the container 120 in the processing position 304 (e.g., blending position), facilitate container content heating, retain the container orientation and/or position, or otherwise manipulate the container 120 or contents therein.
  • the container platform 300 is preferably arranged proximal the housing 200 opening (e.g., proximal the door 220), but can alternatively be arranged within the door 220 or be arranged in any other suitable location.
  • the container platform 300 is preferably arranged parallel a housing base and/or perpendicular a gravity vector in the loading position 302, but can alternatively be arranged in any other suitable configuration.
  • the container platform 300 can be arranged proximal a front of the automated food processing system in the loading position 302, such as behind or underneath a door 220 of the automated food processing system.
  • a user can retrieve a prepackaged container 120 containing food solids sealed therein by a lid, remove the lid from the container 120, and load the container 120 into the receiver (e.g., through bore) in the container platform 300 currently in the loading position 302.
  • the container can be received through an opening proximal the front of the automated food processing system (e.g., the door opening), at an exposed container receptacle, or otherwise received.
  • the container platform 300 can be substantially planar (e.g., within a margin of error), curved (e.g., convex or concave toward the blade platform 420), or have any suitable configuration.
  • the container platform 300 is preferably larger than the container opening, but can alternatively be smaller than the container opening or have any suitable set of
  • the container platform 300 in the loading position 302, can be substantially parallel the housing base, perpendicular the housing base, be at an angle between parallel and perpendicular to the housing base, or be in any other suitable orientation.
  • a second container platform edge opposing the pivoting edge is preferably distal the blade actuator 800 in the loading position 302 (e.g., such that a normal vector of the receiving face is at a non-zero angle to the rotational axis of the blade actuator 800, but can alternatively be at any other suitable angle), but can alternatively be proximal the blade actuator 800 or be arranged in any other suitable position.
  • the container 120 can be a frustoconical container that tapers towards the container base and defines a rim about the circumference of its open end, the receiving face can define a bore of an internal diameter greater than an outer diameter of the container open end and less than the maximum outer diameter of the rim of the container 120, such that the receiving face supports the container 120 from its rim.
  • the system can additionally include a lifting mechanism 340 that functions to bias a retained container 120 out of the system 100.
  • the lifting mechanism 340 preferably biases the container 120 along a vector normal to the container receptacle 320, but can alternatively bias the container 120 along any other suitable vector.
  • the lifting mechanism 340 e.g., elevator
  • the lifting mechanism 340 can be active (e.g., driven by a motor) or passive.
  • Examples of the passive lifting mechanism 340 include a spring, magnet, or pendulum biasing a lifting platform upward (e.g., toward the container receptacle 320), wherein the passive lifting mechanism 340 can be retained in a receiving position (e.g., such that the mechanism does not bias the container 120 upward) by a switch, latch, or other mechanism.
  • the lifting mechanism 340 is preferably operated in response to completion of the processing cycle, but can alternatively be operated at any other suitable time.
  • the blade assembly 400 of the automated food processing system functions to retain the blades, and can additionally function to engage with the container 120 and/or container platform 300, facilitate desired flow within the processing lumen cooperatively formed between the blade assembly 400 and the container 120 (e.g., turbulent flow), or perform any other suitable functionality.
  • the blade assembly 400 includes a blade platform 420 and a set of blades 440, and can additionally include a drive shaft connected to the blades, sensors, a locking mechanism 480, or any other suitable component.
  • the blade assembly and blade actuator preferably cooperatively forms a split drive system in which the blade assembly is selectively couplable to the blade actuator, but can alternatively be substantially permanently coupled (e.g., wherein the blade actuator moves with the blade assembly) or have any other suitable configuration.
  • the blade assembly 400 preferably actuates relative to the blade actuator 800, the container platform 300, and/or the housing 200, as shown in FIGURES 11, 12, and 13, but can alternatively remain substantially static.
  • the blade assembly 400 is preferably pivotable between an engaged position 422 and a disengaged position 424, but can alternatively slide between the first and the blade platform 420 or actuate in any other suitable manner.
  • the engaged position 422 is preferably complimentary (e.g., substantially similar to) the processing position 304 of the container platform 300, while the disengaged position 424 is preferably complimentary to the loading position 302 of the container platform 300.
  • the blade assembly 400 includes a set of bearings (e.g., two tapered bearings) that are set in the bore of the blade platform 420, a driveshaft 460 extending through the blade platform 420 and supported between the set of bearings, a coupler fixed to back end of the driveshaft 460 and configured to engage an output shaft of the blade actuator 800 (e.g., blade actuator interface 820), a rotor defining a set of sharpened blades (e.g., sharpened stainless steel blades) extending from the driveshaft 460 over a container 120- facing surface of the blade platform 420, and a seal 428 sealing the driveshaft 460 to the container 120-facing surface of the blade platform 420.
  • a set of bearings e.g., two tapered bearings
  • a driveshaft 460 extending through the blade platform 420 and supported between the set of bearings
  • a coupler fixed to back end of the driveshaft 460 and configured to engage an output shaft of the blade actuator 800 (e.g., blade actuator interface
  • the rotor with sharpened blades can be undersized for the open end of the container 120 such that the blades clear the internal walls of container 120 as the blade platform 420 is rotated into the first position adjacent the container platform 300, the blades thus passing fully into the container 120 along an arcuate path.
  • the blades can be of any other form or type and can be mounted in any other way to the blade platform 420.
  • the blade platform 420 preferably defines a processing face (e.g., a broad face) bounded by a set of edges and sides.
  • the processing face is preferably arranged proximal the container platform 300, but can alternatively be arranged distal the container platform 300 or arranged in any other suitable orientation.
  • the blade platform 420 can additionally define a blade recess 426 (e.g., recessed blade chamber) that functions to entirely or partially surround the set of blades 440, a driveshaft 460 aperture, or any other suitable feature.
  • the blade platform 420 can be substantially flat, continuous, or have any other suitable configuration.
  • the blade platform 420 can additionally include a seal 428 that functions to seal against the container 120, container platform 300, or container receptacle 320, or include any other suitable component.
  • the blade platform 420 of the blade assembly 400 is preferably actuatable relative to the housing 200, wherein blade platform 420 actuation actuates the blade assembly 400, but can alternatively be statically coupled to the housing 200 or otherwise coupled to the housing 200.
  • the blade platform 420 is pivotable between the engaged position 422 and the disengaged position 424, wherein the engaged position 422 is distinct from the disengaged position 424.
  • the engaged and disengaged positions are preferably different angular positions, but can alternatively be different horizontal positions, different vertical positions, or actuate along any other suitable axis.
  • the blade platform 420 can be arranged over and adjacent the container platform 300 (in the loading position 302) in the disengaged position 424, and can be engaged with or be proximal to the blade actuator 800 in the engaged position 422.
  • the blade platform 420 can pivot about the length of a blade platform side (e.g., be hinged along the respective corner or edge), pivot about an axis normal to the blade platform side face (e.g., about a blade platform edge or along a portion of the blade platform side), or pivot in any other suitable direction.
  • the blade platform 420 can slide or otherwise actuate between the engaged and disengaged positions.
  • the blade platform pivot axis can be parallel to the container platform pivot axis, be shared with (i.e., coincident) the container platform pivot axis, be at a non-zero angle to the container platform pivot axis, or be otherwise related to the container platform pivot axis,
  • the blade platform 420 is preferably coupled to the housing 200, but can alternatively be coupled to any other suitable portion of the system 100.
  • the blade platform 420 can be at an obtuse angle relative to the housing base, substantially parallel the housing base, perpendicular the housing base, be at an angle between parallel and perpendicular to the housing base, contact or be aligned with the container platform 300 in the processing position 304, be arranged proximal the blade actuator 800, or be in any other suitable orientation.
  • the second blade platform edge opposing the pivoting edge or face is preferably proximal the blade actuator 800 in the engaged position 422 (e.g., such that a normal vector of the processing face is substantially parallel to the rotational axis of the blade actuator 800, but can alternatively be at any other suitable angle), but can alternatively be distal the blade actuator 800 or be arranged in any other suitable position.
  • the blade platform 420 can be otherwise retained relative to the housing 200, and be operable between any other suitable set of positions.
  • the blade platform 420 can be rigid or flexible.
  • the blade platform 420 can be thermally conductive, thermally insulative, or have any other suitable material property.
  • the blade platform 420 can be made of metal, polymer, rubber, or any other suitable material.
  • the blade platform 420 can be substantially planar, substantially continuous, or define one or more features.
  • the blade platform 420 defines a blade recess 426 that functions to surround all or a portion of the blades.
  • the set of blades 440 preferably do not extend beyond the opening plane defined by the blade recess 426, but can alternatively extend beyond the recess.
  • This configuration can confer several benefits, including: increasing the volume of foodstuff that can be processed (e.g., by reducing the amount of volume occupied by the blade within the cup while blending); reducing blending stress, thereby enabling higher-speed and/or powered processing, such as blending (e.g., such that whole vegetables and fruits can be blended); and a more uniform blended matter consistency.
  • the features can promote desired flow formation (e.g., direct fluid flow within the processing chamber 142); reduce blending stress on the blade platform 420, blades 440, driveshaft 460, container 120, or container platform 300; facilitate container 120 sealing to the blade platform 420, or perform any other suitable functionality. 6.1.2 Driveshaft bore
  • the set of blades 440 of the blade assembly 400 function to process the foodstuff within the processing chamber 142, and/or generate turbulent flow within the processing chamber 142 and/or cleaning chamber 162 (e.g., cooperatively formed by the blade platform 420 and the blade shield 900).
  • the set of blades 440 is preferably rotatably mounted to the blade platform 420. More preferably, the set of blades 440 is statically mounted to a driveshaft 460, wherein the driveshaft 460 rotates relative to the blade platform 420.
  • the actuator engagement end 464 functions to engage the blade actuator 800 in the engaged position 422 (e.g., such that the driveshaft 460 can transfer processing, or rotational, force from the blade actuator 800 to the blades on the blade end 462), and is disengaged from the blade actuator 800 in the disengaged position 424.
  • the blade assembly 400 includes a driveshaft 460 with a convex, rounded surface that interfaces with the blade actuator 800.
  • the radius of the rounded actuator engagement end 464 is preferably determined based on the radius of the arcuate travel path (e.g., be calculated from the path radius or substantially match the path radius), but can alternatively have any other suitable radius.
  • the rounded actuator engagement end 464 can include a dome (e.g., a spherical cap), a cylinder with rounded edges, a cylinder with filleted edges, or have any other suitable profile.
  • the actuator engagement end 464 can be prismatic with sharp, rounded, or filleted edges, or have any other suitable shape.
  • the misalignment between the blade actuator 800 and driveshaft 460 can be accommodated by a compliant interface 840.
  • the compliant interface 840 can be arranged at the blade actuator 800 (e.g., such that the blade actuator 800 can move relative to the housing 200 and blade assembly 400), be arranged at the blade assembly 400 (e.g., such that the pivot point includes the compliant interface 840), and/or be assembled to any other suitable component.
  • the compliant interface 840 can include a set of springs (e.g., one or more) biasing the coupled component away from or toward the housing 200, a set of magnets (e.g., one or more) biasing the coupled component away from or toward the housing 200, a set of dampers, foam, a motor actively changing the angle of the component relative to the housing 200 (e.g., the same motor as the blade actuator 800, blade platform 420 actuator, and/or container platform actuator, or be a separate motor), or be any other suitable interface capable of adjusting the angle of the component relative to the housing 200.
  • the compliant interface 840 can be mounted to the housing 200 and the component, or be mounted to any other suitable set of mounting points.
  • the blade actuator platform can additionally include an extension that protrudes beyond the motor interface, such that the blade platform 420 contacts and applies a depression force to the extension, instead of prior to contact force application to the motor interface.
  • the blade platform 420 can be mounted on springs, or any other suitable compliant interface 840 can be used.
  • the blade assembly 400 can additionally include a set of sensors that function to report the operation parameter values of the blade assembly 400. More preferably the sensors are configured to measure the operation parameter values of the processing chamber 142 and/or cleaning chamber 162 (e.g., wherein the sensors are connected to or arranged proximal the processing face of the blade platform 420), but can alternatively measure the tilt or any other suitable operation parameter of the blade assembly 400.
  • the sensors can include flow sensors (e.g., configured to measure the flow rate within the processing chamber 142 or cleaning chamber 162), temperature sensors, pressure sensors, cameras, optical sensors, orientation sensors (e.g., accelerometer, etc.), rotary sensors, or include any other suitable sensor.
  • the locking mechanism 480 can be actuated once the blade shield 900 reaches the clean position to lock the blade shield 900 to the blade platform 420, thereby sealing the blade shield 900 to the blade platform 420 as cleaning fluid is injected toward the blender blade and the blender blade spun during the clean cycle.
  • the locking mechanism 480 can be coupled to any other suitable component.
  • the locking mechanism 480 includes an electromechanical pull latch operable between an unlatched position and a latched position.
  • the egress manifold 700 can be a tube, pipe, hole in the cavity, or have any other suitable configuration, and can be unobstructed, include a valve (e.g., one way or two way valve configured to control fluid flow from the system interior to or from the system exterior), vent, or any other suitable flow regulation mechanism.
  • the egress manifold can be operable between an open position that permits fluid flow therethrough, and a closed position that prevents fluid flow therethrough or prevents flow of selective fluids therethrough.
  • the egress manifold operation can be passively controlled (e.g., by pressure differentials), actively controlled (e.g., by a motor, electromagnetic coupling mechanism, etc.), or otherwise controlled.
  • the trough 710 can therefore also define a width substantially similar to or greater than a width of the receiver of the blade platform 420 to substantially ensure that any blended matter falling from the blade platform 420 - but missing the container 120 as the blade platform 420 moves from the first position to the second position - is captured by the trough 710.
  • the trough 710 can thus collect food waste collected from the blade platform 420 during a blend cycle and wash and rinse fluid collected from the blade platform 420, the blender blade, and the blade shield 900 during a rinse cycle.
  • the trough 710 can further dispense of this waste from the automated food processing system by funneling this waste into a residential or commercial drain in a space in which the automated food processing system is located or installed.
  • the platform actuator 500 of the automated food processing system is coupled to the blade platform 420, and functions to pivot the blade platform 420 from the engaged position 422 into the disengaged position 424.
  • the platform actuator 500 can additionally pivot the blade platform 420, the container 120, and the container platform 300, locked to the blade platform 420 by the locking mechanism 480, between a first position and a second position (e.g., the disengaged and engaged positions, respectively; the processing and loading positions 302, respectively).
  • a container platform actuator separate from the platform actuator 500 can actuate the container platform 300 between the loading and processing positions 304.
  • the platform actuator 500 functions to move the blade platform 420 between the engaged position 422 and the disengaged position 424 during a food processing cycle (e.g., blending cycle).
  • the blade platform 420 is arranged in the engaged position 422 with the blender assembly engaged with the blade actuator 800, and the container platform 300 is arranged in the loading position 302 (i.e., the first position), thus separated (e.g., angularly offset) from the blade platform 420.
  • the platform actuator 500 can apply a torque to the blade platform 420 to rotate the 480 can then latch the blade platform 420 to the container platform 300 with the container blade platform 420 into the first position over the container platform 300.
  • the blade actuator 800 can apply a torque to the blade platform 420 in an opposite direction to pivot the container platform 300, the container 120, and the blade assembly 400 - in unit - to the second position, in which the driveshaft 460 of the blade assembly 400 engages the blade actuator interface 820 (blade actuator 800 output shaft).
  • the container 120 is thus supported in a substantially inverted orientation by the blade and container platforms 300.
  • opposing adjacent faces of the blade and container platforms 300 can be arranged at a 30° angle from horizontal in the second position.
  • the platform actuator 500 can therefore include a rotary actuator that is directly or indirectly coupled to the blade platform 420 to move the blade platform 420 (and other latched components of the automated food processing system) between the first and second positions.
  • the blade platform 420 can be locked to an axle
  • the container platform 300 can be bushed on the axle and therefore pivot about the axle independently of the axle
  • the platform actuator 500 can include an electric gearhead motor coupled to the axle by a timing belt that communicates torque from an output shaft of the electric gearhead motor into the axle to pivot the blade platform 420.
  • the platform actuator 500 can be any other suitable type of actuator and can selectively rotate and/or translate the blade platform 420, the container platform 300, and/or the container 120 between the first and second positions in any other suitable way. 7.1 Platform actuator sensors
  • the automated food processing system can further include one or more sensors that detect a position of the blade platform 420, the container platform 300, and/or the platform actuator 500 to inform control of the platform actuator 500.
  • the sensors can include switches (e.g., limit switches, tilt switches, pressure switches, toggle switches, etc.), rotary encoders (e.g., conductive encoders, optical encoders, on-axis magnetic encoders, off-axis magnetic encoders, etc.), or include any other suitable sensor.
  • the platform actuator 500 sensors are preferably connected to the platform actuator 500, but can alternatively be connected to the force transfer mechanism, the blade assembly 400 (e.g., the blade platform 420), or be connected to any other suitable component.
  • the platform actuator 500 sensors are preferably connected to the processor 180, but can alternatively be connected (e.g., wirelessly or through a wired connection) to any other suitable control system.
  • the automated food processing system can include various limits switches, and a processor 180 (or similar controller) arranged within the automated food processing system can trigger the platform actuator 500 to pivot the blade platform 420 from the first position toward the second position until the blade platform 420 contacts a second limit switch, thereby indicating that the blade platform 420 has fully entered the second position.
  • the controller can trigger the platform actuator 500 to pivot the blade actuator 800 from the second position back toward the first position (as in Block S140) until the blade platform 420 contacts a first limit switch, thereby indicating that the blade platform 420 has fully entered the first position.
  • the automated food processing system can similarly include a third and a fourth limit switch that indicate the limits of the blade shield 900 between a clean position and a retracted position, and the processor 180 can control an actuator to move the blade shield 900 between these positions accordingly.
  • the automated food processing system can incorporate one or more optical trip sensors, linear or rotary encoders, a Hall effect sensors, or any other suitable type of sensor(s) to detect the position of the blade platform 420 (and/or other component) within the automated food processing system, and the processor 180 within the automated food processing system can trigger an actuator to move one or more elements of the automated food processing system between positions in any other way or according to any other schema.
  • Blade actuator can incorporate one or more optical trip sensors, linear or rotary encoders, a Hall effect sensors, or any other suitable type of sensor(s) to detect the position of the blade platform 420 (and/or other component) within the automated food processing system, and the processor 180 within the automated food processing system can trigger an actuator to move one or more elements of the automated food processing system between positions in any
  • the blade actuator 800 of the automated food processing system functions to actuate (e.g., rotate) the blades.
  • the blade actuator 800 preferably selectively engages the blades when the blade assembly 400 is in the engaged position 422, and is selectively disengaged from the blades when the blade assembly 400 is in the disengaged position 424.
  • the blade actuator 800 functions to spin the blades to blend contents within the container 120 when the blender blade is engaged with the blade actuator 800 in the engaged position 422.
  • the blade actuator 800 can be permanently mounted to the blade platform, blades, or be otherwise configured.
  • the blade actuator 800 can be a motor, such as an electric motor, but can alternatively be any other suitable force-generating mechanism.
  • the electric motor can be a DC motor or an AC motor. Examples of the electric motor include a brushed DC motor, an electronic commutator motor, a universal AC -DC motor, an induction motor, a synchronous motor, a doubly fed electric machine, a rotary motor, a linear motor, or be any other suitable motor.
  • the blade actuator 800 can be retained by a blade actuator platform, to the housing 200, or to any other suitable component.
  • the blade actuator 800 is preferably statically mounted to the mounting surface, but can alternatively actuate relative to the blade assembly 400, or be retained in any other suitable manner.
  • the blade actuator platform can be coupled to the housing 200 by a compliant interface 840, as discussed above; statically mounted to the housing 200; or otherwise coupled to the housing 200.
  • the blade actuator 800 can additionally include a blade actuator interface 820 that functions to drivably engage with the blade assembly 400.
  • the blade actuator interface 820 can be an output shaft, complimentary magnet, or be any other suitable force transfer mechanism configured to transfer a rotary force generated by the blade actuator 800 to the blade assembly 400 (e.g., the driveshaft 460 and/or set of blades 440).
  • the blender blade can include an electric motor with an output shaft configured to transiently engage the blade actuator 800 (e.g., only when the blade platform 420 is in the second position) and to communicate torque into the blender blade when the blender blade and the blade actuator 800 are engaged.
  • the blade actuator 800 can rotate the blender blade according to a particular blend time, a particular blend formulae (e.g., pattern), a particular blend schema, or any other suitable set of operation parameters to process the contents of the container 120.
  • the blade actuator 800 can rotate the blender blade continuous as a maximum power or rotation rate (e.g., 4000rpm) for a preset period of time (e.g., ten seconds).
  • the blade actuator 800 can pulse rotation of the blender blade between off and maximum power, such as 'full-power' for one second, off for one-half of one second, and repeat this for ten cycles.
  • the blade actuator 800 can ramp the blender blade from static up to maximum speed (or maximum power) and then back down to static smoothly over a period of time (e.g., twelve seconds).
  • the blade actuator 800 can implement any other blend schema or cycle.
  • the blade actuator 800 can execute the same processing schema for each fresh container 120 loaded into the automated food processing system, for each container 120 containing the same type of food (e.g., one processing schema for all smoothies and another processing schema for baby foods), or uniquely for each container 120 or user, etc.
  • the blade actuator 800 can rotate the blade at a first speed (e.g., 4000rpm) for a first time (e.g., ten seconds) for a smoothie to achieve a desired consistency of the smoothie (i.e., emulsion), and the blade actuator 800 can rotate the blade at a second speed (e.g., 60rpm) for a second time (e.g., thirty seconds) for oatmeal to achieve a desired level of mixing of the oatmeal grains with milk, cinnamon, and sugar.
  • a first speed e.g., 4000rpm
  • a first time e.g., ten seconds
  • a second time e.g., thirty seconds
  • the blade actuator 800 can include any other suitable type of actuator that spins the blade to mix or blend, etc. the contents of the container 120 according to any other suitable schema.
  • the blade actuator 800 can additionally be waterproofed or water-resistant.
  • the blade actuator 800 can be enclosed within a waterproof or water-resistant enclosure, coated with a hydrophobic coating, made from or include hydrophobic materials, incorporate oneway water- selective membranes or valves that drain water out of the motor enclosure, or include any other suitable water management system.
  • the system 100 can additionally include soundproofing mechanisms that function to reduce the amount of generated or emitted noise from the system 100.
  • Soundproofing mechanisms can include: using a low-sound emission motor, using sound-absorbing material for the cup (e.g., bagasse, bamboo, plastic, etc.), using a low-sound emission blade design, including sound insulation or dampeners in the container 120 holder (e.g., silicone lining, etc.) and/or blade actuator 800, or include any other suitable sound-proofing mechanism.
  • the fluid dispenser 600 preferably includes a fluid manifold fluidly connected to a fluid source 620, but can alternatively include any other suitable fluid connection.
  • the fluid source can be a fluid reservoir, a fluid heater (e.g., connected in-line between a fluid source and the system 100), a fluid generator, a utility (e.g., a city water system), or be any other suitable fluid source.
  • the fluid source can be a water heater configured to heat water to at least 100°F, to between 120°F -200°F, to approximately 190°F (within a margin of error, such as 5°F), or to any other suitable temperature.
  • the fluid dispenser 600 can additionally include passive and/or active valves (e.g., check valves, ball valves, etc.) that function to control fluid flow therethrough, one or more water filters, one or more additive manifolds (fluidly connected to additive reservoirs), or include any other suitable component.
  • passive and/or active valves e.g., check valves, ball valves, etc.
  • water filters e.g., water filters, one or more additive manifolds (fluidly connected to additive reservoirs), or include any other suitable component.
  • the fluid dispenser 600 can be oriented and/or introduce fluid along a normal vector to the receiving or processing faces, along an acute angle to the receiving or processing faces, along a tangent to the blade recess 426 and/or container receptacle 320, or along any other suitable vector.
  • the fluid dispenser 600 can be a separate fluid manifold from the other system components (e.g., be a separate tube), can be defined by the system components, or can be defined in any other suitable manner.
  • the fluid dispenser 600 can remain substantially static relative to the blade assembly 400, the container platform 300, or the housing 200, or can actuate relative to the blade assembly 400, the container platform 300, or the housing 200.
  • the fluid dispenser 600 can be actuated by a passive actuator (e.g., a spring, foam, etc.) or an active actuator (e.g., a motor).
  • the fluid dispenser 600 includes a water line that connects to a commercial or residential water supply with a kitchen, office, or other space occupied by the automated food processing system.
  • the water dispenser can include a pressure regulator, a valve, and a spigot, wherein the pressure regulator regulates water pressure from the commercial or residential water supply (e.g., at 50psi) down to an internal- use pressure (e.g., 30psi), and wherein the valve is selectively actuated for discrete periods of time to meter a particular volume of fluid from the pressure regulator, through the spigot, into the container 120.
  • the spigot can include a rigid water line pivotably suspended over and directed downward toward the receiver of the container platform 300 to dispense the volume of water from the valve directly into the container 120.
  • the spigot can include a flexible line extending downward over and directed toward the receiver of the container platform 300.
  • the spigot is coupled to an access door 220 of the automated food processing system via a mechanism such that, when the access door 220 is opened by a user to load a fresh container 120 into the container platform 300, the mechanism moves the spigot out of the way of the path of the container 120 into the automated food processing system.
  • the blade platform 420 moves into the first position over the container platform 300, the blade platform 420 can push the spigot out of its the path.
  • the fluid dispenser 600 can supply the volume of fluid into the container 120 in response to detected insertion of a new container 120 into the container platform 300, in response to closure of the door 220 through which the new container 120 was loaded into the automated food processing system, in response to selection of a "start" button or a menu selection on the automated food processing system (or a device in communication with the automated food processing system), in response to opening of the door 220, in response to removal of the container from the container receptacle, in response to a predetermined time duration having passed, or in response to any other suitable event.
  • the elastomeric layer can therefore function both to: seal the rim of the container 120 to the blade platform 420 during a blend cycle; and to seal the blade shield 900 to the blade platform 420 during a clean cycle.
  • the blade shield 900 can be of any other form and can engage the blade platform 420 in any other suitable way.
  • the cleaning fluid injector can include: a T-fitting that taps into the fluid line between the regulator and the valve of the fluid dispenser 600 described above; a nozzle extending through (or coextensive with) the blade shield 900; a flexible line coupled to the nozzle; and a valve arranged between the flexible line and the T-fitting and actuatable to release fluid (e.g., water) toward the blade during a clean cycle.
  • the cleaning fluid injector can also include a soap dispenser than selectively releases a food-safe soap into the valve or into the flexible line during a clean cycle.
  • the other components can additionally be operated during the clean cycle.
  • the blade actuator 800 can spin the blender blade (e.g., at full- or half-speed), the (first) valve can open for a full clean cycle period (e.g., ten seconds) to release water from the regulator toward the blender blade now enshrouded by the blade shield 900), and a second valve arranged between the soap dispenser and the flexible line can open for a limited period of time less than the duration of the clean cycle period (e.g., five seconds) to release soap into the water moving toward the blade.
  • a full clean cycle period e.g., ten seconds
  • the cleaning fluid injector can inject or dispense fluid (e.g., cleaning fluid, rinse fluid) directly toward the blender blade as the blade actuator 800 spins the blender blade in a forward direction.
  • the blender actuator can also pulse to intermittently spin the blender blade, spin the blender blade backward, or actuate the blender blade in any other way and according to any other schema or schedule during a clean cycle.
  • the control circuit can generate a control signal configured to trigger operation of fluid injection devices, actuators, or other components associated with the cycle operation as described in Section 10 above.
  • the control circuit can be configured to retrieve, from a memory, a cycle frequency or a predetermined maximum time elapsed from a previous cycle compare the retrieved value to a threshold value, and execute the clean cycle based on the retrieved value exceeding the threshold, in some embodiments, the control circuit can be configured to maintain a count of cycles in a register and increment the count responsive to transmitting a control signal to execute the corresponding cycle.
  • the control circuit can be configured to maintain a timer associated with a time at which a cycle is executed and reset the timer responsive to executing a cycle.
  • the control circuit can retrieve a value of the timer (e.g., number of seconds elapsed since previous cycle execution), compare the value to a threshold, and execute the cycle based on the value exceeding the threshold.
  • the threshold value may be preprogrammed by a user or a technician.
  • the control circuit can increment the count of sanitization cycles upon executing or completing the sanitization cycle.
  • the control circuit can poll the count of sanitization cycles, divide the count by a time associated with resetting the count to determine a frequency of cycles, and generate the control signal to execute the sanitization cycle based on the frequency being less than a threshold value.
  • the frequency may be a predetermined value, such as once every 12 hours or once every 24 hours.
  • the control circuit can execute at least one of the clean cycle or the sanitization cycle based on a trigger condition.
  • the control circuit can be configured to determine whether a trigger condition has been satisfied.
  • the trigger condition for executing one of a clean cycle or a sanitation cycle can be based on a duration of water injection, duration of blade rotation, number of cycles, time since the last cycle, or other parameters described herein.
  • a first condition for triggering execution of the cleaning cycle can include detecting completion of a blend cycle (e.g., as described above).
  • the first condition can include detection of completion of a predetermined number of blend cycles (e.g., based on the control circuit comparing a count of cycles to a threshold value).
  • the control circuit can execute the sanitization cycle responsive to determining that a trigger condition for the sanitization cycle is satisfied or receiving a signal indication.
  • the second condition for triggering sanitization may be based on a maximum time that has elapsed since a previous sanitization (e.g., 12 hours, 24 hours). For example, the control circuit can compare the timer for sanitization cycles to a threshold value and execute the sanitization cycle based on the timer value being greater than the threshold value.
  • the control circuit can poll a clock to retrieve a time of day and compare the time of day to a second condition associated with a time of day (e.g., a predetermined time such as at night; a time at which it is expected that a blending cycle will not be run, such as based on historical times at which blending cycles occur). Similar to execution of a clean cycle, the control circuit can receive a signal indicating a level or temperature of water in a water heater from which water for cleaning will be drawn, compare the received value to a corresponding threshold, and execute the sanitization cycle based on the received value exceeding the threshold (or not execute the cycle unless the value is exceeded).
  • a time of day e.g., a predetermined time such as at night; a time at which it is expected that a blending cycle will not be run, such as based on historical times at which blending cycles occur.
  • a second condition associated with a time of day e.g., a predetermined time such as at night; a time at which
  • control circuit can receive the first condition or the second condition as a command signal indicating a command to execute a clean cycle or sanitization cycle, such as a command received at a user interface (e.g., from a user or a technician).
  • a command signal indicating a command to execute a clean cycle or sanitization cycle, such as a command received at a user interface (e.g., from a user or a technician).
  • Example measurements can include detection of a weight or pressure on the lifting mechanism 340 (e.g., detection of a depression force), determination that a laser beam has been interrupted, detection of actuation of the lifting mechanism 340 or a set of container 120 retention mechanisms, or be any other suitable measurement.
  • the container opening can be sealed in response to a container 120 being present within the container receptacle 320 (e.g., in response to receipt of the container 120, in response to determination that the container 120 is within the container receptacle 320, etc.), in response to the door 220 being in the closed position (e.g., in response to determination that the door 220 is in the closed position based on the sensor data, etc.), in response to a combination thereof, or in response to the occurrence of any other suitable trigger event.
  • the first surface 1029 of the lip portion 1028 is configured to contact an engagement feature of a blade assembly (e.g., seal 428 of blade assembly 400 shown in FIGURES 9 and 22, etc.), and the second surface 1030 of the lip portion 1028 is configured to contact a protrusion of the container receptacle (e.g., protrusion 322 of container receptacle 320 shown in FIGURES 3and 22, etc.).
  • the contacts can be frictional engagements and/or sealing engagements between the lip portion 1028 and the blade assembly 400 and the container receptacle 320, respectively.
  • first surface 1029 and/or the second surface 1030 of the lip portion 1028 can include anti- rotation features (e.g., notches, rough portions, teeth, etc.) configured to increase friction between the first and second surfaces of the lip portion 1028 and the blade assembly 400 and container receptacle 320, respectively.
  • anti- rotation features e.g., notches, rough portions, teeth, etc.
  • the exterior surface 1038 of the wall structure 1036 flares (e.g., increases in distance relative to the central axis 1004 along a path away from the base portion 1032) toward the lip portion 1028 such that a distance between the exterior surface 1038 and corresponding sides of the container receptacle 320 that form an opening for receiving the container 1000 is below a threshold distance to inhibit rotation of the container 1000 relative to the container receptacle 320 while the blade assembly is rotating.
  • the thickness 1027 of the lip portion 1028 between the first surface 1029 and the second surface 1030 is sized to establish a seal between the blade assembly 400 and the first surface 1029 when the blade assembly 400 is engaged with the container platform 300 and, when the container platform 300 is in the second position, to align a blade assembly coupler (e.g., blade actuator interface 820, etc.) with the blade actuator 800 to enable sufficient torque delivery to the blade assembly.
  • a blade assembly coupler e.g., blade actuator interface 820, etc.
  • the first surface 1029 may not properly engage the seal 428 so as to form a seal between the lip portion 1028 and the blade assembly 400 (e.g., clamping/compressing forces that clamp against the lip portion 1028 from the container receptacle 320 and the seal 428 may be insufficient to generate sufficient engagement between the first surface 1029 and the seal 428).
  • the thickness 1027 is greater than an upper threshold thickness, then the blade assembly 400 may not be properly aligned such that the locking mechanism 480 cannot engage the container platform 300 to the blade assembly 400 (e.g., the locking mechanism 480 may not be able to fully latch the container platform 300 to the blade assembly).
  • the width is configured to enable the lip portion 1028 to be sealed with a cover member that encloses the container 1000, such as for storage and/or transportation of the container 1000.
  • the width can be configured for the cover member to be adhered to the lip portion 1028, such as by a heat seal and/or an adhesive seal.
  • the seal is a vacuum seal.
  • an interior gas in the container 1000 is replaced during a sealing process (e.g., nitrogen or carbon dioxide gas are introduced into the container 1000).
  • the turbulence enhancement features 1260 can be positioned on an interior surface 1238 of the body 1220 of the container 1200.
  • the turbulence enhancement features 1260 can include a first end 1264 positioned adjacent to the lip portion 1228 and a second end 1268 positioned on a central portion of the interior surface 1238 (e.g., the turbulence enhancement features 1260 extend from the lip portion 1228 towards the base portion 1232).
  • the turbulence enhancement features 1260 are oriented parallel to a central axis passing through a center of the base portion 1232 and transverse to the base portion 1232.
  • the first end 1364 of the turbulence enhancement feature 1360 can extend a lesser distance along the interior surface 1338 from the second end 1368 relative to the turbulence enhancement feature 1360 shown in FIGURE 3 OA.
  • the first end 1364 of the turbulence enhancement feature 1360 can extend a greater distance along the interior surface 1338 from the second end 1368 relative to the turbulence enhancement feature 1360 shown in FIGURE 3 OA.
  • the turbulence enhancement feature 1360 can define a greater width relative to the turbulence enhancement feature 1360 shown in FIGURE 3 OA.
  • the container defines a height (e.g., a height from the second surface 1030 of the container 1000 to a plane defined by the base portion 1032).
  • the height of the container 1000 is sized to correspond to a distance between a portion of the container platform 300 on which the base portion 1032 rests (e.g., to trigger an actuation switch) and a surface of the protrusion 322 contacted by the second surface 1030.
  • the height is greater than or equal to 1 inch and less than or equal to 8 inches. In some embodiments, the height is less than 8 inches, 7 inches, 6 inches, 5 inches, 4 inches, 3 inches, 2 inches, amongst others. In some
  • the height is greater than or equal to 3 inches and less than or equal to 4 inches. In some embodiments, the height is approximately 3.5 inches.
  • the container 1650 and features thereof can be similar to other containers described herein, except that the container 1650 is not sized or shaped to engage with or be received by the automated food processing system 100 or components thereof, such as if a diameter of a lip portion of the container 1650 is less than a diameter required for the container 1650 to be received by the container platform 300 and blade assembly 400 as shown for container 1000 in FIG. 22.
  • the adaptor device 1600 can be sized and/or shaped to be supported by and/or engage the container receptacle 320.
  • the adaptor device 1600 (or the adaptor device 1600 when supporting the container 1650) can have a weight that is equal to a weight of the container 1000, so as to similarly trigger weight-based sensors of the automated food processing system 100. While FIG. 33B illustrates the adaptor device 1600 and container 1650 having circular rims or lip portions, in various embodiments, the adaptor device 1600 and container 1650 can have various shapes (e.g., an outer rim of the adaptor device 1600 can match the container receptacle 320, such as by having matching sides or edges, such as nine sides; an inner rim of the adaptor device 1600 can match or be adjustable to match any shape of a container; etc.).
  • FIG. 33B illustrates the adaptor device 1600 and container 1650 having circular rims or lip portions
  • the adaptor device 1600 and container 1650 can have various shapes (e.g., an outer rim of the adaptor device 1600 can match the container receptacle 320, such as by having matching sides or edges, such as nine sides; an inner rim of the adapt
  • the adaptor body 1604 includes compressible material (e.g., air, liquid, foam, gel, air pockets, etc.) between the inner surface 1614 and the outer surface 1606.
  • the compressible material can allow the adaptor body 1604 to absorb forces generated in the container 1650 that can cause expansion of the container 1650 (e.g., forces due to an increase in pressure in the container 1650 during a processing operation of the automated food processing system 100).
  • the inner surface 1614 can be flexible (e.g., can include a flexible material such as a flexible plastic or metal), such that the inner surface 1614 flexes in response to an expansion of the container 1650.
  • the adaptor body 1604 is configured to allow expansion of the container 1650 up to a threshold value above which the container 1650 deforms, bursts, or is otherwise irreversibly expanded, such as to prevent leaks of the container 1650.
  • the adaptor device 1600 includes retaining features 1616 (e.g., snaps, tabs, latches, locks, etc.) configured to engage, retain, attach to, support, lock on, or otherwise couple the container 1650 to the adaptor device 1600.
  • the retaining features 1616 can be configured to apply a force to an inner surface of the container 1650 to press the container 1650 to the inner surface 1614 of the adaptor device 1650.
  • the retaining features 1616 can extend along an axis transverse to the plane shown in FIG. 33B, such that a portion of the inner surface 1614 forms a portion of a lumen that is also formed by the blade assembly 400 and the container 1650; the container 1650 can thus be positioned below the lip portion 1028.
  • a bottom surface of the adaptor body portion 1604 is transparent. This can allow indicator information on a bottom surface of the to be detected by a sensor of the container platform 300 through the bottom surface.
  • the inner surface 1614 and/or the retaining features 1616 are adjustable in position.
  • a diameter of the inner surface 1614 and/or the retaining features 1616 can be increased or decreased, such as for sizing the adaptor device 1600 to receive containers 1650 of varying diameters.
  • the automated food processing system 100 and/or a container can be configured to declump materials (e.g., prevent clump, reverse clumping, break up clumped material) in the container 1000, such as to declump materials during a blend cycle.
  • declump materials e.g., prevent clump, reverse clumping, break up clumped material
  • the automated food processing system 100 can trigger various declumping actions, such as shaking the container 1000, changing a state of the material in the container 1000 (e.g., by injecting fluid or other materials into the container 1000), or causing the container 1000 to be inverted to dislodge clumped material (e.g., inverted by platform actuator 500).
  • declumping actions such as shaking the container 1000, changing a state of the material in the container 1000 (e.g., by injecting fluid or other materials into the container 1000), or causing the container 1000 to be inverted to dislodge clumped material (e.g., inverted by platform actuator 500).
  • the automated food processing system 100 is configured to change a state of the material in the container 1000 to declump the material.
  • the automated food processing system 100 can inject a fluid into the container 1000, such as by injecting a fluid via the fluid dispenser 600.
  • the fluid can be configured to declump the material.
  • the fluid can have a relatively greater temperature relative to the material in the container 1000, facilitating break-up of material (e.g., facilitating break-up of solidified or frozen material).
  • the fluid can be injected at a high pressure or velocity such that the fluid mechanically breaks up the material (e.g., the fluid applies a force to the material to break through a relatively solid boundary of the clumped material, etc.).
  • fluid injection is triggered based on a determined state of the material in the container, such as by determining that the material is solid or frozen as disclosed herein.
  • the automated food processing system 100 is configured to declump material within the container 1000 by shaking the container 1000.
  • the automated food processing system 100 can include an agitation device (e.g., a device configured to rotate or oscillate about an axis of the container 1000, the device being mechanically coupled to the container 1000 such that the rotation or oscillation translates the container 1000 about the axis) positioned adjacent to the container 1000 when the container 1000 is received by the container platform 320, shaking the coupled container 1000 and blade assembly 400, which can function to dislodge clumped, unblended materials, such as materials that are proximate to a bottom portion of an interior of the container 1000 or stuck to the interior surface 1039 of the container 1000.
  • the container 1000 and blade assembly 400 can be shaken along an axis of inversion, along an axis perpendicular to the inversion axis, or shaken in any other suitable manner.
  • the automated food processing system is configured to declump material within the container 1000 by inverting the container 1000 (e.g., inverting the container 1000 and/or the blade assembly 400 about an inversion axis, such as an inversion axis perpendicular to a direction defined by gravity).
  • the container 1000 and blade assembly 400 can be reverted (e.g., back to the starting position), then inverted (e.g., back to the blending position), wherein the unit can be reverted at a predetermined speed or acceleration, inverted at a predetermined speed or acceleration, or actuated at any other suitable pace.
  • the predetermined speed or acceleration can be selected based on the material to be blended (e.g., specified by the recipe, selected based on the clumping likelihood of the material, etc.), be constant for all blend cycles, or otherwise determined.
  • the material can be blended when the container 1000 is in the reverted position (e.g., in variations where the blade actuator 800 is coupled to the blade assembly 400 and/or the container 1000 via the blade assembly 400), or remain unblended.
  • an inversion axis is defined in relation to a direction defined by gravity.
  • the inversion axis can be perpendicular or otherwise transverse to the direction defined by gravity.
  • the inversion axis can be an axis about which the platform actuator 500 rotates the container 1000 and/or the blade platform 420 (e.g., pivots the blade platform 420 as described in Section 7), such as an axis approximately located in a plane defined by the blade platform 420 or defined by where the platform actuator is coupled to the container platform 300.
  • the inversion axis can pass through a point located at or
  • the system 100 is configured to cause inversion by actuation of the platform actuator 500.
  • the platform actuator 500 can receive a control signal indicating instructions to invert the container 1000 and invert the container 1000 based on the instructions.
  • the blade actuator 800 receives a signal including instructions to decouple from the blade assembly 400 when an inversion takes place.
  • processor 180 can send a first control signal including instructions to decouple to the blade actuator 800, and send a second control signal including instructions to invert to the platform actuator 500.
  • the second control signal is sent after a predetermined period of time after the first control signal (e.g., a predetermined period of time corresponding to a time required to decouple the blade actuator 800, a time required to decouple the blade actuator 800 plus a buffer time, etc.).
  • the platform actuator 500 can receive a control signal indicating instructions to revert the container 1000 (e.g., revert the container to a blending position, the processing position described herein, etc.).
  • the blade actuator can receive a control signal indicating instructions to recouple to the blade assembly 400 and/or to rotate the blades 440 of the blade assembly.
  • the processor 180 can send a third control signal including instructions to revert the container 1000 to the platform actuator 500, and send a fourth control signal including instructions to recouple to the blade assembly 400 and/or restart rotation of the blades 440 to the blade actuator 800.
  • the fourth control signal is sent after a predetermined period of time after the third control signal (e.g., a predetermined period of time corresponding to a time required for the platform actuator 500 to revert the container 1000; a time required for the platform actuator to revert the container 1000 plus a buffer time, etc.).
  • the control signals can include the respective predetermined periods of time.
  • the platform actuator is configured to perform an inversion (e.g., rotate from processing position) or a reversion (e.g., rotate to processing position) for a predetermined period of time.
  • the predetermined period of time can be a set time (e.g., less than one second, 1 second, 2 seconds, 3 seconds, etc.).
  • the predetermined period of time can be a function of a time required for material in the container 1000 to dislodge or declump.
  • the predetermined period of time can be a function of the container 1000 (e.g., a structural integrity of the container 1000; a known or expected friction force securing the container 1000 to the blade platform 420 and the container receptacle 320, such that a rate of rotation of the container 1000 is limited so that the container 1000 does not slip during inversion; etc.)
  • the processor 180 can be configured to determine the predetermined period of time based on the material in the container 1000, such as by executing an algorithm to determine the predetermined period of time, or by performing a lookup to retrieve the predetermined period of time, based on the material in the container 1000.
  • the processor 180 can determine the predetermined period of time based on a state of the material (e.g., temperature or pressure detected within the container 1000, etc.).
  • the control signals sent to the platform actuator 500 can include the predetermined periods of time.
  • the platform actuator 500 is configured to invert the container 1000 by rotating the container platform 300, blade assembly 400, and/or container 1000 by an angle relative to the processing position.
  • FIG. 34 shows the container 1000 and blade actuator 800 in a frame of reference oriented relative to the processing position (e.g., the frame of reference has been normalized relative to the processing position shown in FIG. 11, etc.).
  • the angle can be a predetermined angle (e.g., an angle between zero degrees and a position at which the container 1000 is loaded as shown in FIG. 3, such as an angle between zero degrees and an angle defined by a full range of motion of the platform actuator 500).
  • the angle can be 45 degrees, 90 degrees, 135 degrees, etc.
  • the angle can be determined based on various factors, including a force required to declump material in the container 1000 and the time required to perform the inversion. For example, as the angle of inversion increases, the instantaneous and/or cumulative effect of gravity forces applied to the material in the container 1000 can increase; as the angle of inversion increases, more time can be required to perform the inversion (which can cause a longer pause in the blend cycle).
  • the automated food processing system 100 can be configured to trigger a declumping action based on various conditions, such as at least one of a blend cycle schedule (e.g., instructions included in a blend cycle schedule) or a feedback signal.
  • the action can be triggered based on a difference between an anticipated state of the material being processed and an actual state of the material being processed.
  • the state of the material being processed is a consistency (e.g., viscosity, emulsion consistency).
  • the consistency can be determined based on sound emitted from the container 1000 or from the blade actuator 800, based on a back EMF of the blade actuator 800, based on a torque on the blade assembly 400 or the blade actuator 800, etc.
  • the state of the material being processed is a local density or a global density.
  • the declumping action can be triggered at various points in time during a blend cycle.
  • the declumping action can be triggered at an absolute time difference relative to a start or finish of the blend cycle (e.g., 1 second, 2 second, 5 seconds, 20 seconds, 30 seconds, 60 seconds, etc. after the start or before the finish of the blend cycle); or a relative time difference (e.g., 5% through the blend cycle, 25% through the blend cycle, 50% through the blend cycle, 75% through the blend cycle, 95% through the blend cycle, etc.).
  • the declumping action (e.g., inversion by the platform actuator 500) is triggered based on a feedback signal.
  • the feedback signal can be determined based on blending information detected by a sensor.
  • the blending information can correspond to a state of the material being processed.
  • the sensor can be configured to measure a local density or a global density of the material being processed within the container 1000 (e.g., a sensor that outputs a signal into the container 1000 and generates a feedback signal based on a return signal from the container 1000; a sensor that is calibrated to determine a state of the material being processed based on information detected outside of the container 1000, such as sound generated by the container 1000 or components of the automated food processing system 100; etc.).
  • the blending information can correspond to a state of an actuator driving the blade assembly 400 (e.g., blade actuator 800).
  • the blending information can correspond to a load or current draw of the blade actuator 800, such as if the load or current draw exceeds a maximum threshold or an expected threshold for the blend cycle (e.g., a load or current draw sensing circuit can be electronically coupled to the blade actuator 800 or to a power source for the blade actuator 800 and can output an indication of the load or current draw, such as by outputting a voltage, to the processor 180 for processing by the processor 180).
  • the blending information can correspond to a difference between an actual rate of rotation of the blade actuator 800 and an expected rate of rotation of the blade actuator 800 for a point in time during a blend cycle. For example if the blending information indicates that the actual rate of rotation of the blade actuator 800 is less than threshold percentage of the expected rate of rotation, then the declumping action can be triggered.
  • a target or predicted consistency of the material in the container 1000 can be determined based on the blend cycle (or a schedule thereof). For example, the target consistency can be determined for the conclusion of the blend cycle, for particular points or times throughout the blend cycle, or continuously from the start to the conclusion of the blend cycle, such as in the form or a graph, chart, or table.
  • the automated food processing system 100 receives a signal indicating a current draw of the blade actuator 800, terminates the current actuation period if the target current draw specified in the blend cycle schedule for the current actuation period is achieved and sustained (e.g., for one second), and extends the current actuation period of the blend cycle until the target current draw for the current actuation period is achieved and sustained (e.g., for one second).
  • the blend cycle schedule specifies a first actuation period, and a minimum current draw to be detected for the blade actuator 800, to complete the first actuation period (e.g., the first actuation period is determined to be complete based on an instantaneous current draw (or a time-averaged current draw over a period of time preceding the measurement point) exceeding the minimum current draw).
  • the system 100 actuates the blade actuator 800, monitors a current draw of the blade actuator 800, and maintains actuation of the blade actuator 800 (e.g., at 100% power) until the minimum current draw specified for the first actuation period is detected.
  • the blend cycle schedule can specify a pulse schedule for the blade actuator 800 (e.g., oscillating between 100% power and 0% power at the blade actuator at a rate of 5Hz as a square, sine, or sawtooth function) until a minimum current draw of the blade actuator 800 is detected, followed by a series of actuation periods (as described above) to be executed once the minimum current draw for the blade actuator 800 is detected.
  • a pulse schedule for the blade actuator 800 e.g., oscillating between 100% power and 0% power at the blade actuator at a rate of 5Hz as a square, sine, or sawtooth function
  • the automated food processing system 100 can thus implement the blend cycle schedule by pulsing the blade actuator 800, monitoring current (i.e., amperage) supplied to the blade actuator 800 as the blade actuator 800 is pulsed, identifying an instance as which the current draw of the blade actuator 800 exceeds the minimum current draw specified in the blend cycle schedule, and then executing blade actuator power and duration specifications for each actuation period defined in the blend cycle schedule until the blend cycle schedule is complete.
  • monitoring current i.e., amperage
  • the automated food processing system 100 can determine if a frozen or otherwise substantially solid mass within container 1000 has been drawn into one or more of the blades 440 or a portion of the lumen defined by the blade recess 426 based on a current draw of the blade actuator 800 (e.g., electric motor).
  • the blade actuator 800 e.g., electric motor
  • an instance of spiking current draw at the blade actuator 800 can occur during a blend cycle when a substantially solid or frozen mass within the container 1000 or the blade recess 426 impacts the blades 440 as the blades 400 are spinning, thereby indicating that a frozen or otherwise substantially solid mass in the base of the container 1000 has released from an inner surface of the container 1000 (e.g., inner surface 1039) and is thus accessible by the blades 440 for blending.
  • lack of a significant spike in current draw at the blade actuator 800 during a blend cycle may indicate that a frozen or otherwise substantially solid mass in the base of the container 1000 has not released from inner surface 1039 of the container 1000 and is therefore not available to the blades 440 for blending, thereby preventing complete blending of the contents of the container 1000.
  • the automated food processing system 100 can monitor current draw of the blade actuator 800 to detect a current draw (or current spike) event indicative that substantially all contents of the container 1000 are accessible to the blades 440 for blending, and the automated food processing system 100 can modify the blend cycle schedule - such as by extending a duration of an actuation period or by adding a pulsing actuation period to the blend cycle schedule - to achieve a suitable current draw (or current spike) event, such as a minimum current draw specific to the type of material (e.g., type of beverage) corresponding to the container 1000 and/or as specified in the blend cycle schedule selected for the container 1000.
  • a suitable current draw (or current spike) event such as a minimum current draw specific to the type of material (e.g., type of beverage) corresponding to the container 1000 and/or as specified in the blend cycle schedule selected for the container 1000.
  • the blend cycle schedule can specify a target current-time (e.g., 'amps-seconds') value for each actuation period of the blend cycle schedule; and, for each actuation period in the blend cycle schedule executed by the automated food processing system 100 to blend contents of the container 1000, the automated food processing system 100 can integrate a total current draw of the actuator over time, terminate a current blend cycle schedule once a calculated current-time value for the current actuation period reaches (or exceeds) the corresponding target current-time specified in the blend cycle schedule, and then execute the subsequent actuation period specified in the blend cycle schedule until the blend cycle schedule is complete.
  • a target current-time e.g., 'amps-seconds'
  • the blend cycle schedule can include a curve defining target current draw over time for each actuation period of the blend cycle schedule; and, for each actuation period in the blend cycle schedule executed by the automated food processing system 100 to blend contents of the container 1000, the automated food processing system 100 can adjust - substantially in real-time - a voltage supplied to the blade actuator 800 during a current actuation period of the blend cycle to map an actual current draw of the blade actuator at a current time to the target current draw specified for the current time in the corresponding target current draw / time curve.
  • the blend cycle schedule can specify a target rotational speed (e.g., "RPM") of the blades 440, a target decrease in rotational speed of the blades 440 (due to an impact with a solid or frozen mass within the vessel), a target total number of blade rotations, a curve defining blade rotations over time, or one or more other rotation or speed parameters of the blade for one or more actuation period of the blend cycle schedule; and the automated food processing system 100 can interface with an encoder, tachometer, or other sensor coupled to the blade actuator 800 or to the driveshaft 460 to track rotations and/or speed of the blade.
  • RPM target rotational speed
  • the automated food processing system 100 can implement methods and techniques similar to those described above to manipulate a voltage or current supplied to the blade actuator 800 and/or to manipulate a duration of one or more actuation periods of the blend cycle schedule to achieve the rotation or speed parameters defined in the blend cycle schedule selected for the container 1000.
  • one or more declumping actions can be performed in sequence or concurrently. For example, while the container 1000 is inverted, fluid can be injected into the container 1000 and/or the container 1000 can be agitated. While the container 1000 is being agitated, fluid can be injected into the container 1000.
  • FIGURE 35 a system 3500 is shown according to further embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • the system 3500 be similar to the system described above with respect to Sections 1-15 of the present disclosure and can incorporate features of various devices described herein, including the blade platform 420, the container 120, and the container 1000.
  • the system 3500 is configured to control, manage, maintain, equalize, or otherwise manipulate a pressure associated with a blending chamber.
  • the system 3500 can include one or more of an air inlet 3502, a water inlet 3506, a water heater 3508, a circulation pump 3510, a fluid transfer device 3512, a blade platform 3522, and a container 3524.
  • the blade platform 3522 is configured to be sealingly coupled to a rim of the container 3524.
  • the container 3524 can be deformable and can include foodstuffs. Coupling the blade platform 3522 to the rim of the container 3524 can form a blending chamber 3520.
  • the blade platform 3522 can include a blade assembly having blades configured to be rotated to process the foodstuffs in the blending chamber 3520. Fluid may be injected via an opening defined within the blade platform 3522 into the blending chamber 3520 while the blade platform 3522 is sealingly coupled to the rim of the deformable container 3524, such that the injection of the fluid causes a change in pressure in the blending chamber 3520.
  • Air may be received by or introduced into the blending chamber 3520 to decrease a difference between the pressure within the blending chamber 3520 and a pressure external to the blending chamber 3520 to reduce a suction force applied by the blending chamber 3520 to an external environment, and/or to prevent deformation of the container 3524 (e.g., if the container is deformable).
  • the blade platform 3522 may be decoupled from the rim of the container 3524 (e.g., using blade platform actuator 500).
  • the blending chamber 3520 may be partially sealed to allow some air to exit the blending chamber 3520 during fluid injection to prevent pressurization and then fully sealed; air may be received in or expelled from blending chamber 3520 using one or more of a partial seal, a valve, or a pump.
  • the system 3500 is configured to process (e.g., blend, mix) foodstuffs.
  • Processing foodstuffs can include blending foodstuffs with a fluid.
  • the foodstuffs may be stored in or provided to the container 3524 at a relatively low temperature.
  • the foodstuffs may be partially or completely frozen.
  • the foodstuffs may have an average temperature near a refrigeration temperature (e.g., approximately 35 to 38 degrees Fahrenheit; less than 40 degrees Fahrenheit) or a freezer temperature (e.g., approximately 0 degrees Fahrenheit; less than or equal to 0 degrees Fahrenheit).
  • the fluid may have a relatively high temperature (e.g., greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit; less than or equal to boiling point; approximately 140 degrees Fahrenheit to 185 degrees Fahrenheit; 145 degrees Fahrenheit), which can facilitate blending and bringing the final product to a temperature suitable for consumption (e.g., a temperature corresponding to a recipe temperature, such as 30 degrees Fahrenheit; between 29 degrees Fahrenheit and 40 degrees Fahrenheit for relatively cold products; between 100 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit for warm products;
  • a relatively high temperature e.g., greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit; less than or equal to boiling point; approximately 140 degrees Fahrenheit to 185 degrees Fahrenheit; 145 degrees Fahrenheit
  • a temperature suitable for consumption e.g., a temperature corresponding to a recipe temperature, such as 30 degrees Fahrenheit; between 29 degrees Fahrenheit and 40 degrees Fahrenheit for relatively cold products; between 100 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit for warm products;
  • processing the fluid and the foodstuffs in the blending chamber 3520 may result in a temperature change (e.g., a decrease in average temperature) in the blending chamber 3520 that is disproportionate to the initial temperatures of the fluid and foodstuffs prior to blending. If the blending chamber 3520 is sealed (e.g., the blending chamber 3520 is a constant volume chamber), then the temperature change may result in a corresponding change in pressure (e.g., decrease in pressure).
  • a temperature change e.g., a decrease in average temperature
  • heat transfer from the relatively hot fluid to the relatively cold foodstuffs results in a change in the average temperature of the material in the blending chamber 3520, such as where the fluid is relatively hot and the foodstuffs are at least partially frozen (e.g., at least a portion of the heat transferred from the relatively hot fluid causes the foodstuffs to undergo a phase change from a solid state to a liquid state).
  • heat transfer from the relatively hot fluid which may at least partially be in vapor state (e.g., steam), can cause a phase change of the fluid, such as to condense the fluid.
  • the kinetic temperature of the fluid may decrease (e.g., decrease more than a corresponding temperature increase of the foodstuffs), causing the pressure within the blending chamber to decrease.
  • the blending chamber 3520 may apply a suction or vacuum force against a boundary of the blending chamber 3520, such as at an opening by which air or fluid may enter the blending chamber 3520, or at a seal (e.g., seal 3526) between the container 3524 and the blade platform 3522.
  • the suction force applied between the container 3524 and the blade platform 3522 may increase a force necessary to separate or decouple the container 3524 from the blade platform 3522.
  • the concepts described herein improve over existing systems by introducing or allowing air to be introduced into the blending chamber 3520 under conditions when the pressure in the blending chamber 3520 is less than an external pressure, mitigating the effects of any suction force developed by the blending chamber 3520 (for example, causing the container to collapse) and facilitating operation of the system 3500 and removal of the container 3524 from the system 3500 for consumption. It will be appreciated that the concepts described herein to address a pressure decrease in the blending chamber 3520 may also be applied for implementations where pressure in the blending chamber 3520 might increase.
  • the system 3500 includes the air inlet 3502.
  • the air inlet 3502 is configured to receive a flow of air and transfer the flow of air into a fluid line 3503 (e.g., pipe, tubing).
  • the air inlet 3502 includes an air valve, such as a solenoid valve.
  • the air inlet 3502 can be configured to be actuated (e.g., switch the flow of air on or off) based on a control signal received from a control circuit.
  • the air inlet 3502 can be configured to be actuated automatically, such as based on a difference between an air pressure downstream from the air inlet 3502 and a threshold pressure.
  • the fluid line 3503 includes or is coupled to a junction 3504, at which fluid (e.g., water) can be received from the water heater 3508.
  • the junction 3504 may be located at a higher elevation than a fluid level in the water heater 3508 or a maximum fluid level in the water heater 3508.
  • water is drawn (e.g., by fluid transfer device 3512) from the water heater 3508 while the air inlet 3502 is closed.
  • At least one of the junction 3504 or the air inlet 3502, or components thereof may be replaced with a three-way valve configured to selectively flow water or air through the fluid line 3503.
  • the three-way valve can be configured to be actuated (e.g., switch the between flowing air and flowing water) based on a control signal.
  • the three-way valve can be configured to be actuated automatically, such as based on a difference between an air pressure downstream from the three-way valve and a threshold pressure.
  • the system 3500 includes the water inlet 3506.
  • the water inlet 3506 is configured to receive water and transfer a flow of water to the water heater 3508.
  • the water inlet 3506 includes a valve.
  • the water inlet 3506 can be configured to be actuated based on a control signal.
  • the water heater 3508 is configured to receive water from the water inlet 3506 and increase a temperature of the water.
  • a circulation pump 3210 is configured to pull water from the water heater 3508 and pump water into the water heater 3508, such as to more uniformly heat water in the water heater 3508.
  • the water heater 3508 may include features of the water heater 3800 described with reference to FIGURE 38.
  • the fluid transfer device 3512 is configured to transfer, pump, flow, or allow the flow of air, water, or other fluids into the blending chamber 3520.
  • the fluid transfer device 3512 includes a valve configured to selectively flow air or water into the blending chamber 3520.
  • the valve can be configured to selectively flow air or water based on or relative to a pressure downstream of the valve. For example, if a pressure downstream of the valve is less than a pressure upstream of the valve, or if a difference between the pressure downstream of the valve and the pressure upstream of the valve is greater than a threshold pressure difference, then the valve can open, allowing air or water in the line 3503 to flow into the blending chamber 3520.
  • the valve is a check valve.
  • the check valve can be configured for one-way operation (e.g., the check valve only opens in one direction, such as a direction by which air or fluid would flow through the check valve downstream into the blending chamber 3520).
  • the valve is configured to be actuated based on a control signal.
  • the system 3500 can include a pressure sensor configured to detect a pressure in the blending chamber 3520 or along a fluid line 3513 between the fluid transfer device 3512 and the blending chamber 3520.
  • the pressure sensor can output an indication of the detected pressure (e.g., a voltage corresponding to the pressure or a value of the pressure).
  • a control circuit e.g., a control circuit including the processor 180
  • the control circuit can generate the control signal to actuate the valve.
  • the fluid transfer device 3512 can include a pump.
  • the pump can be configured to pump at least one of air or fluid (for instance, water) into the blending chamber 3520.
  • the system 3500 can include a first pump configured to pump air and a second pump configured to pump water.
  • the pump is a diaphragm pump (e.g., a diaphragm pump incorporating a check valve as described herein).
  • the pump can be configured to be operated in a passive mode.
  • the pump can be in an off state (e.g., the pump does not actively drive fluid flow), yet air may flow through the pump into the blending chamber 3520 based on action of the check valve.
  • the fluid transfer device 3512 can be driven in an on state or active state (e.g., to pump fluid) while the air inlet 3502 is in a closed or off state, which can draw water from the water heater 3508 for filling or washing the blending chamber 3520 or other parts of the system 3500.
  • the fluid transfer device 3512 can be configured to inject fluid (e.g., hot water, food preparation fluids) into the blending chamber 3520.
  • the fluid transfer device 3512 can inject fluid while the blade platform 3522 is coupled (e.g., sealingly coupled) to the rim of the container 3524.
  • an opening may be defined in the blade platform 3522, a container platform supporting the container 3524 (e.g., container platform 300), or the container 3524.
  • the fluid transfer device 3512 can inject or introduce fluid into the blending chamber 3520 via the opening.
  • the fluid transfer device 3512 can be fluidly coupled to the blending chamber 3520 opening via the fluid line 3513.
  • Introducing air into the blending chamber 3520 may include operating the fluid transfer device 3512 in a passive mode while the air inlet 3502 is open, such as while the blades of the blade assembly are being rotated to process the foodstuffs.
  • Introducing air into the blending chamber 3520 may include operating the fluid transfer device 3512 in an active mode (e.g., driving the pump) while the air inlet 3502 is open, such as after blending or to clear the fluid line 3503 and/or the fluid line 3513 of water.
  • a control circuit can transmit a control signal to the pump configured to cause the pump to be driven for a predetermined amount of time (e.g., an amount of time retrieved from a register associating pump modes with run times).
  • the fluid transfer device 3512 introduces or allows air to be introduced into the blending chamber 3520 when a pressure downstream of the fluid transfer device 3512 is less than a threshold check pressure.
  • the threshold check pressure may be a pressure at which the check valve is configured to open or switch to a state at which air or fluids can flow through the check valve into the blending chamber 3520.
  • the threshold check pressure may be less than or equal to an atmospheric pressure, a pressure upstream of the fluid transfer device 3512, or a pressure external to the blending chamber 3520.
  • introducing air into the blending chamber 3520 via the fluid transfer device 3512 equalizes the pressure within the blending chamber 3520 with the pressure external to the blending chamber 3520.
  • the fluid transfer device 3512 may be configured to allow air to flow into the blending chamber 3520 until the pressure within the blending chamber 3520 equals the pressure external to the blending chamber 3520.
  • the pressure within the blending chamber 3520 is increased up to a nominal (e.g., relatively small) difference from the pressure external to the blending chamber 3520; the nominal difference may correspond to a minimum pressure difference across the fluid transfer device 3512 at which the fluid transfer device 3512 allows air to flow through the fluid transfer device 3512.
  • the blending chamber 3520 can include portions of at least one of the blade platform 3522, the container 3524, and the seal 3526.
  • the blending chamber 3520 can be formed by an internal volume of the container 3524 and an internal volume of the blade platform 3522 (e.g., a volume associated with blade recess 426 of blade platform 420).
  • the container 3524 can be deformable.
  • the container can have relatively thin and/or flexible walls.
  • the container 3524 may be made from a deformable material that causes the walls to deform subject to a change in pressure within the blending chamber that exceeds a predetermined pressure threshold.
  • the container may undergo a shape change if the change in pressure within the blending chamber after the blade platform and the rim of the container are sealingly coupled exceeds a predetermined threshold.
  • the predetermined threshold can be at least 5 psi, at least 10 psi, or at least 15 psi.
  • the blending chamber 3520 can be bounded by an internal surface of the blade platform 3522, an internal surface of the container 3524, and the seal 3526.
  • the blending chamber 3520 includes an opening (e.g., an opening defined within the blade platform 3522). The opening can be fluidly coupled to the fluid transfer device 3512 to allow air, water, or other fluids to be introduced into the blending chamber 3520.
  • a sealed volume may include the blending chamber 3520 and the fluid line 3513, which is sealed by the fluid transfer device 3512.
  • the fluid transfer device 3512 includes a one-way valve configured to allow fluid to flow into the fluid line 3513 towards the blending chamber 3520 but not out of the fluid line 3513 through the fluid transfer device 3513
  • the one-way valve can function to seal the sealed volume.
  • the volume may be sealed such that no material (e.g., foodstuffs, fluid, air, and any other matter in the blending chamber) in the volume can exit the volume due to the one-way valve and the seal 3526.
  • the seal 3526 can be similar to the seal 428 described with reference to FIGURE 22.
  • the seal 3526 can be similar to the sealing assembly 3700 described with reference to FIGURE 37 further herein.
  • sealingly coupling the blade platform 3522 to the rim of the container 3524 includes positioning the blade platform 3522 adjacent to the container 3524 to position the seal 3526 at a boundary between the blade platform 3522 and the container 3524, and actuating a locking mechanism (e.g., locking mechanism 480; latch assembly 4000) to secure the blade platform 3522 to the container 3524.
  • the seal 3526 can be configured to cause an airtight or hermetic seal, such that material within the blending chamber 3524 may not exit the blending chamber 3520 while the system 3500 is being operated.
  • introducing air into the blending chamber 3520 decreases a sealing force between the blade platform 3522 and the rim of the container 3524.
  • the sealing force may be a sum of one or more of a force associated with gravity, a force associating with any mechanical clamping or securing of the blade platform 3522 to the rim of the container 3524, and a suction force associated a pressure difference between the pressure within the blending chamber 3520 and a pressure external to the blending chamber 3520.
  • Introducing air into the blending chamber 3220 may reduce the need for an actuator configured to decouple the blade platform 3222 from the container 3224 to be able to generate a sufficient force to overcome the suction force in addition to other components of the sealing force, or to be calibrated to account for the suction force (which may vary greatly depending on the fluid and foodstuffs being processed in the blending chamber 3220, and thus be difficult to effectively calibrate).
  • the system 3500 can be configured to inject the fluid into the blending chamber 3520 in response to insertion of the deformable container 3524 into the system 3500.
  • a sensor can be configured to detect insertion of the deformable container 3524 and output a signal indication insertion.
  • a control circuit e.g., a control circuit incorporating processor 180
  • FIGURE 36 a method 3600 for controlling or maintaining pressure in a blending apparatus is shown.
  • the method 3600 can be implemented using various devices described herein, including the blade platform 420, the container 120, the container 1000, and the system 3500.
  • the method 3600, or steps thereof, can be
  • control circuit e.g., a control circuit including processor 180 and storing instructions configured to cause the actions associated with method 3600).
  • a blade platform is sealingly coupled to a rim of a deformable vessel to form a blending chamber.
  • the deformable vessel can include or store foodstuffs.
  • the blade platform can include a blade assembly. Sealingly coupling the blade platform to the rim of the deformable vessel may include partially sealing the blending chamber prior to injection of fluid, and fully sealing the blending chamber subsequent to injection of fluid.
  • fluid is injected via an opening defined within the blade platform into the blending chamber while the blade platform is sealingly coupled to the deformable vessel.
  • Fluid may be injected by actuating a pump configured to draw water from a water source (e.g., a water heater).
  • the injection of fluid can cause a change in a pressure in the blending chamber.
  • heat transfer from the fluid to the foodstuffs while the blending chamber is sealed can cause a change in pressure in the blending chamber.
  • Sealingly coupling the blade platform to the rim can include coupling a first part of a seal to the rim prior to injecting fluid and coupling a second part of the seal to the rim subsequent to injecting fluid.
  • the fluid may be injected responsive to insertion of the deformable container into the blending apparatus.
  • a sensor can be configured to detect insertion of the deformable container, and a control signal can be generated based on the detected insertion to actuate a fluid injection device (e.g., a pump).
  • a fluid injection device e.g., a pump
  • blades of the blade assembly are rotated to process the foodstuffs in the blending chamber.
  • the blades may be rotated while the blending chamber is sealed.
  • Processing the foodstuffs may result in further heat transfer from the fluid to the foodstuffs and a corresponding change in pressure.
  • air is introduced into the blending chamber to decrease a difference between the pressure within the blending chamber and a pressure external to the blending chamber to prevent deformation of the deformable vessel.
  • Air may be introduced prior to decoupling the blade platform from the rim of the container, while decoupling the blade platform from the rim of the container, or after decoupling the blade platform from the rim of the container.
  • the air may be introduced when a check valve fluidly coupled to an opening of the blending chamber opens to allow air to flow into the blending chamber.
  • the check valve may open due to a pressure difference across the check valve (e.g., a pressure downstream of the check valve towards the blending chamber may be less than a pressure upstream of the check valve, such as an atmospheric pressure).
  • the air may be introduced when a fluid transfer device (e.g., a pump) pumps air into the blending chamber.
  • a fluid transfer device e.g., a pump
  • the pressure within the blending chamber is detected by a sensor, and the air can be introduced by actuating the air valve and/or the pump based on the detected pressure (e.g., responsive to determining that the pressure is less than a threshold pressure).
  • introducing air into the blending chamber includes opening an air valve (which may be fluidly coupled to the blending chamber directly or via a fluid transfer device) while the foodstuffs are being blended. If a pump is disposed between the air valve and the blending chamber, the pump may be set to an off state or a passive state in such embodiments.
  • introducing air into the blending chamber includes actuating the pump and opening the air valve, such as after blending or to clear fluid lines of water. For example, air can be introduced in a first mode while the foodstuffs are blended by opening the air valve, and in a second mode after the foodstuffs are blended by opening the air valve and actuating the pump. Introducing air into the blending chamber may equalize the pressure within the blending chamber with the pressure external to the blending chamber.
  • the blade platform is decoupled from the rim of the container.
  • Decoupling the blade platform may include causing a platform actuator to drive or rotate the blade platform.
  • introducing air into the blending chamber during and/or after blending facilitates decoupling the blade platform from the rim of the container by decreasing the difference between the pressure within the blending chamber and the pressure external to the blending chamber and thus reducing or eliminating a suction force applied by the blending chamber against the seal. 16.1. Sealing Assembly
  • a sealing assembly 3700 is shown according to further embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • the sealing assembly 3700 can incorporate features of the seal 428 described with reference to FIGURE 22.
  • the sealing assembly 3700 is configured to seal a blending chamber (e.g., blending chamber 3520).
  • a blending chamber e.g., blending chamber 3520.
  • the sealing assembly 3700 is configured to be in a first, unsealed state, a second partially sealed state, and a third, sealed state.
  • the sealing assembly 3700 can be in the partially sealed stated when a first latch assembly (e.g., latch assembly 4000) applies a first force to compress the sealing assembly 3700.
  • the sealing assembly can be in the sealed state when a second latch assembly (e.g., latch assembly 4000) applies a second force to compress the sealing assembly 3700 (e.g., a second force in addition to the first force).
  • the sealing assembly 3700 may be configured to restrict material (e.g., air, fluid, foodstuffs) from entering or exiting the blending chamber 3520 via the sealing assembly 3700 if a pressure difference between a pressure within the blending chamber 3520 and a pressure external to the blending chamber 3520 is less than a first threshold pressure difference. This may prevent pressurization of the blending chamber 3520 during fluid injection.
  • the sealing assembly 3700 may be configured to restrict material from entering or exiting the blending chamber 3520 if the pressure difference is less than a second threshold pressure difference that is greater than the first threshold pressure difference.
  • the second threshold pressure difference may be greater than a minimum value at which the sealing assembly 3700 generates an airtight or hermetic seal (e.g., relative to an external pressure that is approximately 1 atm; relative to typical pressures generated during operation of a blending apparatus as described herein).
  • the sealing assembly 3700 can be set to the partially sealed state prior to fluid injection into the blending chamber 3520, and can be set to the sealed state subsequent to fluid injection into the blending chamber 3520.
  • a control circuit can be configured to cause one latch assembly 4000 to engage a first side of the sealing assembly 3700 (or engage a container platform to compress the container platform against a blade platform including the sealing assembly 3700) to set the sealing assembly to the partially sealed state, and similarly cause another latch assembly 4000 to engage a second side of the sealing assembly 3700.
  • the sealing assembly 3700 can be configured to seal the blade platform and sealing assembly 3700 to the container and container platform to form a fully sealed (e.g., airtight seal, hermetic seal) blending chamber 3520.
  • the sealing assembly 3700 includes a first seal portion 3710 and a second seal portion 3720.
  • the first seal portion 3710 can include a metal (e.g., steel), which may provide a rigid or non-compliant surface, improving blending efficacy by reducing momentum loss of blending particles when they contact or impact the first seal portion 3710.
  • the first seal portion 3710 is configured to engage the second seal portion 3720.
  • the first seal portion 3710 can form an interference fit with the second seal portion 3720.
  • the second seal portion 3720 can include silicone.
  • the first seal portion 3710 can be configured to form a portion of the blending chamber 3520 (e.g., when compressed against a blade platform).
  • the second seal portion 3720 can be configured to seal against a container.
  • the first seal portion 3710 and second seal portion 3720 can be received in a blade platform (e.g., blade platform 420, blade platform 3522).
  • the sealing assembly 3700 can be compressed against the blade platform when sealed by actuation of latch assemblies 4000.
  • a blade assembly or portions thereof can be received through the sealing assembly 3700.
  • a bladed member 3730 e.g., a bladed member similar to or including set of blades 440
  • the blade coupling device 3735 may be rotated by a blade actuator (e.g., blade actuator 800) to rotate the bladed member 3730.
  • the silicone may provide an elastic surface that reduces momentum transfer and thus reduces blending efficacy, or the glue might degrade and desecure (e.g., decouple, no longer secure, deattach) the silicone from the blade platform, causing the silicone to be damaged by the blades.
  • the varied thermal expansion coefficients of the silicone and steel may result in uneven thermal expansion, causing a boundary seam between the silicone and steel to break or delaminate, and thus causing a non-food safe environment.
  • a water heater 3800 is shown according to further embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • the water heater 3800 is configured to store a volume of water and transfer heat to the water, e.g., via a heating element 3816.
  • the water heater 3800 can increase a temperature of water to a threshold value associated with food processing operations (e.g., at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit; at least 120 degrees Fahrenheit; at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit).
  • the water heater 3800 is configured to boil or nearly boil water (e.g., increase a temperature of water in the water heater 3800 to a temperature between 170 degrees Fahrenheit and 200 degrees Fahrenheit; to a temperature between 175 degrees Fahrenheit and 195 degrees Fahrenheit; to 185 degrees Fahrenheit).
  • the water heater 3800 can include a housing 3802 (e.g., tank) configured to store water.
  • the housing 3802 can be at least partially insulated to reduce a heat transfer rate from the water in the housing 3802 to other components of a blender apparatus (e.g., a blender apparatus according to various embodiments described herein).
  • the water heater 3800 can be configured to be integrated with the blender apparatus, such as by being located internally in the blender apparatus.
  • the water heater 3800 can be fluidly coupled to a circulation pump via a circulation inlet 3808 and circulation outlet 3810.
  • the water heater 3800 can be fluidly coupled to a water source via a water inlet 3812.
  • the water heater 3800 can be fluidly coupled to a blending chamber (e.g., directly to the blending chamber or to a pump or other fluid transfer device between the water heater 3800 and the blending chamber) via a water outlet 3806.
  • the water heater 3800 includes the heating element 3816.
  • the heating element 3816 is configured to output heat to heat the water in the housing 3802.
  • the heating element 3816 can be a resistive coil configured to convert electricity to heat.
  • the heating element 3816 can be arranged in the housing 3802 to increase or maximize a surface area of the heating element 3816 relative to a volume internal to the housing 3802.
  • the water heating 3800 can include a thermostat 3814 configured to detect a temperature of water in the water heater 3800.
  • the heating element 3816 can be welded at a junction (e.g., junction 3818) adjacent to the thermostat 3814 to provide a more accurate representation of the temperature of the water for detection by the thermostat 3814.
  • a lid sensor 3900 is shown according to further embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • the lid sensor 3900 is configured to detect information regarding a container 3914 (e.g., a container similar to container 120, container 1000, container 3524) when the container 3914 is received in a blending apparatus.
  • the lid sensor 3900 can be configured to detect that a container lid has been removed. By detecting whether a container lid has been removed, the lid sensor 3900 can indicate whether the container is ready for blending operations or if the container needs to have the lid removed.
  • a control circuit e.g., a control circuit including the processor 180
  • the lid sensor 3900 can be attached to a surface of a door.
  • the door may be similar to the door 220 described with reference to FIGURE 3.
  • the lid sensor 3900 can be oriented to face a container platform (e.g., container platform 300) when the container is received in the container platform.
  • a container platform e.g., container platform 300
  • the lid sensor 3900 is attached to an interior face 3910 of the door.
  • a line of sight 3912 associated with the lid sensor 3900 passes through a plane corresponding to the container platform 300 or the rim of the container 3914.
  • the lid sensor 3900 can detect information along the line of sight 3912, such as whether the lid has been removed based on detecting the lid along the line of sight 3912.
  • the lid sensor 3900 can improve over existing systems by detecting that the lid has not been removed after an expected time for which lid removal would occur (e.g., when the container 3914 is inserted into the container platform 300 or container receptacle) and prior to use of the container 3914 (e.g., prior to blending, which might otherwise begin when the door reaches a closed position).
  • the lid sensor 3900 is activated responsive to the door being moved or being moved to a closed position.
  • the lid sensor 3900 can be activated responsive to detecting a position of the door.
  • a position sensor can be configured to detect a position of the door (e.g., a position along a path between an open position and a closed position), and output an indication of the position.
  • a control circuit can receive the indication of the position, compare the position to a lid sensor activation position criteria (e.g., a position or range of positions at which the lid sensor 3900 should be activated), and cause the lid sensor 3900 to activate responsive to determining that the lid sensor activation position criteria has been satisfied.
  • the position sensor may be an electronic sensor, a switch, a linear position transducer, etc.
  • the lid sensor 3900 can be configured to detect information regarding the container 3914 and output a signal indicating whether the lid is on the container 3914.
  • the lid sensor 3900 includes a mechanical sensor.
  • the lid sensor 3900 can include a sensor arm configured to be automatically positioned adjacent to the container 3914 when the container 3914 is received in the container platform.
  • the sensor arm may be automatically positioned based on a control circuit causing an actuator to move the sensor arm into position (e.g., responsive to detection of cup insertion or door closure).
  • the sensor arm can be coupled to the door (e.g., via gears or another mechanical linkage) such that closing the door moves the sensor arm above or adjacent to the container 3914.
  • the sensor arm can configured to rotate about an axis parallel to and spaced from a plane of the container 3914, such that if the lid has been removed, the sensor arm will stop at a first position, and if the lid has not been removed, the sensor arm will stop at a second position.
  • the lid sensor 3900 can be configured to detect the position of the sensor arm (e.g., the sensor arm may activate one or more switches depending on its position) and output a signal indicating whether the lid has been removed based on the detected position.
  • the lid sensor 3900 includes a mechanical switch configured to be switched to a first position when a lid is on the container 3914 and a second position when the lid is not on the container 3914.
  • FIGURE 39 illustrates the lid sensor 3900 as being attached to an interior face 3910 of the door
  • the lid sensor 3900 may be located in various locations at which the lid sensor 3900 can detect information regarding the container 3914 (e.g., on other walls of the door; on the container platform 300; on a blade platform).
  • the lid sensor 3900 is configured to detect electromagnetic radiation.
  • the lid sensor 3900 can be an infrared sensor configured to detect infrared radiation from the container 3914. This may be used to detect whether the lid has been removed based on a temperature associated with the lid or with material in the container 3914.
  • material in the container 3914 may be relatively cold as compared to a room temperature, such that the lid sensor 3900 can be configured to detect that the lid has not been removed if a detected temperature is less than a threshold temperature.
  • the lid sensor 3900 may be an image capture device configured to detect visible light associated with the lid.
  • the lid sensor 3900 can be configured to capture an image, and execute an image recognition technique to detect an indicator associated with the lid (e.g., text, a predetermined marker or other graphical indicator), and determine whether the lid has been removed based on detecting the indicator.
  • the lid sensor 3900 can be configured to output an electromagnetic signal or an audio signal, detect a return signal, and determine a distance to an object based on the return signal; if the distance is less than a threshold value, than the lid sensor 3900 can determine that the lid has not been removed.
  • the lid sensor 3900 may execute the computations described herein for determining whether or the lid has been removed, or may output an indication of a detected parameter (e.g., output a temperature, a frequency of a return signal, or other detected parameter) to a control circuit, and the control circuit can be configured to determine whether the lid has been removed based on the detected parameter.
  • a detected parameter e.g., output a temperature, a frequency of a return signal, or other detected parameter
  • the latch assembly 4000 can include features of the locking mechanism 480.
  • the latch assembly 4000 is configured to selectively couple or secure a container platform 4010 (e.g., a container platform similar to container platform 300) to a blade platform 4020 (e.g., a blade platform similar to blade platform 420).
  • the latch assembly 4000 can include a first portion (e.g., as illustrated in FIGURES 40A-40C and described herein) on a first side of the blade platform 4020 and a second portion (not illustrated) on a second side of the blade platform 4020, such as on an opposite side of the first portion.
  • the latch assembly 4000 can be configured as a cam latch to convert rotational motion into linear motion.
  • the latch assembly 4000 can be configured to apply a force to the container platform 4010 to rotate the container platform 4010 about a rotational axis 4012 (e.g., a rotational axis along an axle at which the container platform 4010 is coupled to the blade platform 4020).
  • the latch assembly 4000 can be secured to the blade platform 4020 to cause the container platform 4010 to move relative to the blade platform 4020.
  • the latch assembly 4000 can be configured to be selectively engaged to the container platform 4010 and selectively secure the container platform 4010 to the blade platform 4020.
  • the latch assembly 4000 is configured to drive, rotate, or otherwise move the container platform 4010.
  • the container platform 4010 can include a latch receiving member 4014 configured to be coupled to the latch assembly 4000. For example, as shown in
  • the latch receiving member 4014 is a recess.
  • the latch assembly 4000 includes a latch member 4040 configured to be coupled to the latch receiving member 4014.
  • the latch receiving member 4014 can be shaped to selectively receive the latch member 4040 (e.g., the latch member 4040 can clamp a portion 4016 of the latch receiving member 4014 to drive the container platform 4010 towards the blade platform 4020.
  • the latch member 4040 can be rotated by an actuator.
  • the latch member 4040 can be configured to rotate about latch axis 4041.
  • FIGS. 40A-40C show a partial cutaway view illustrating an axle defining the latch axis 4041 about which the latch member 4040 rotates (e.g., the latch member 4040 can be fixed to an axle passing through latch axis 4041).
  • the latch member 4040 can include a cam portion 4042.
  • the cam portion 4042 can have a radius that varies in magnitude about a center of the cam portion 4042 (e.g., a center coinciding with the latch axis 4041).
  • the cam portion 4042 is configured to be disposed within (e.g., radially inward from) a latch portion 4044.
  • a position of the latch portion 4044 relative to the latch receiving member 4014 can vary based on the rotation of the cam portion 4042 and translational constraint of the linkage 4050 (described below).
  • the latch member 4040 can include the latch portion 4044.
  • the latch portion 4044 can include a hook (e.g., a surface defined by an open curve) configured to engage the latch receiving member 4014.
  • the latch assembly 4000 includes a linkage 4050.
  • the linkage 4050 is coupled to the latch member at link position 4051.
  • the linkage 4050 can be compliant, such as by including a spring 4054 configured to bias the link position 4051 (and thus the latch member 4040) relative to the origin 4052 (e.g., a point at which the linkage 4050 is secured to the blade platform 4020).
  • the linkage 4050 can constrain, restrict, or limit a range of motion of the latch member 4040, and thus the latch portion 4044.
  • the linkage 4050 can bias the link position 4051 to be away from the origin 4052 along a line defined by the link position 4051 and the origin 4052.
  • the cam portion 4042 and the linkage 4050 bias the latch portion 4044 to engage the latch receiving member 4014 in the arrangement shown in FIG. 40C.
  • the position and/or orientation of the latch portion 4044 can vary based on a relative angular position of the cam portion 4042 relative to the latch axis 4041 and a spring constant or compliance constant of the linkage 4050 (e.g., a constant defining a distance between the link position 4051 and the origin 4052 based on the compliance of the spring 4054).
  • the spring 4054 can compress, which may preferentially locate the stop 4046 of the latch member 4040 adjacent to the stop member 4048.
  • the stop 4046 may be located at least partially on an opposite side of the stop member 4048 from the blade platform 4010. Further rotation of the latch member 4040 may be restricted by the stop member 4048 such that the latch assembly 4000 clamps the blade platform 4010 to the container platform 4020.
  • the latch assembly 4000 includes one or more switches 4060a, 4060b.
  • the switches 4060a, 4060b can be configured to output a signal based on being mechanically activated by the latch member 4040.
  • the latch member 4040 can be configured to activate the switches 4060a, 4060b based on at least one of the stop 4046 or the stop 4047 contacting the switches 4060a, 4060b at a corresponding switch position associated with a rotational orientation and/or translational position of the latch member 4040 about the latch axis 4041 (e.g., based on rotation of the latch member 4040 and/or biasing by the linkage 4050).
  • the switch 4060a can output a signal indicating instructions for the control circuit to execute a blend cycle.
  • the switches 4060a, 4060b are configured to indicate one or more of the container platform 4010 being engaged to the blade platform 4020 or the container platform 4010 being disengaged from the blade platform 4020.
  • the switches 4060a, 4060b can indicate whether the container platform 4010 is in an engaged position at which a blend cycle may be performed, or whether the container platform 4010 is in a disengaged position at which the blade platform 4020 may be moved away from the container platform 4010.
  • the switch 4060a is configured to output a first signal indicating that the container platform 4010 is engaged (e.g., fully engaged) to the blade platform 4020.
  • the first signal can indicate that the latch assembly 4000 has secured the container platform 4010 to the blade platform 4020, including properly compressing the sealing assembly (e.g., sealing assembly 3700), such that a blend cycle may be properly executed.
  • a control circuit can receive the first signal and execute a blend cycle based on or responsive to the first signal.
  • the switch 4060b is configured to output a second signal indicating that the container platform 4010 is disengaged (e.g., fully disengaged) from the blade platform 4020.
  • the second signal can indicate that the latch assembly 4000 (e.g., the latch portion 4044 of the latch assembly 4000) is spaced from the container platform 4010 at a distance greater than a threshold distance at which the blade platform 4020 may be moved away.
  • a control circuit can receive the second signal and transmit a command to a platform actuator to rotate the blade platform 4020 away. While FIGURES 40A-40C illustrate the stop 4046 configured to activate the switch 4060b and the stop 4047 configured to activate the switch 4060a, it will be appreciated that in various embodiments, the latch assembly 4000 may include a single stop configured to activate either the switch 4060a or the switch 4060b depending on the position of the stop relative to the latch axis 4041; the positions of the switches 4060a, 4060b may also be varied.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Food Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Food-Manufacturing Devices (AREA)
EP18711790.8A 2017-03-09 2018-03-07 System and method for pressure control in automated blending devices Withdrawn EP3592187A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US15/454,994 US10624499B2 (en) 2014-07-30 2017-03-09 Systems and methods for pressure control in automated blending devices
PCT/US2018/021294 WO2018165258A1 (en) 2017-03-09 2018-03-07 System and method for pressure control in automated blending devices

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CA2770371C (en) * 2009-10-16 2014-06-17 F'real Foods, L.L.C. Commercial frozen food preparation apparatus electronics
EP3060090B1 (en) * 2013-10-18 2019-08-14 Breville PTY Limited Lid with check valve
KR101618729B1 (ko) * 2014-06-18 2016-05-09 씨티엠(주) 진공 믹서기 및 그 작동 방법
US9629503B2 (en) * 2014-07-30 2017-04-25 North American Robotics Corporation Blending container for use with blending apparatus

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