WO2011094089A1 - Mélangeur doté d'un élément permettant de distribuer un produit en fonction du poids - Google Patents

Mélangeur doté d'un élément permettant de distribuer un produit en fonction du poids Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2011094089A1
WO2011094089A1 PCT/US2011/021519 US2011021519W WO2011094089A1 WO 2011094089 A1 WO2011094089 A1 WO 2011094089A1 US 2011021519 W US2011021519 W US 2011021519W WO 2011094089 A1 WO2011094089 A1 WO 2011094089A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
product
weight
blender
cup
dispensing
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2011/021519
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
J. Michael Herbert
Original Assignee
Island Oasis Frozen Cocktail Company, Inc.
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 US12/959,048 external-priority patent/US8616249B2/en
Application filed by Island Oasis Frozen Cocktail Company, Inc. filed Critical Island Oasis Frozen Cocktail Company, Inc.
Publication of WO2011094089A1 publication Critical patent/WO2011094089A1/fr

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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
    • A47J43/042—Mechanically-driven liquid shakers
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
    • A23G—COCOA; COCOA PRODUCTS, e.g. CHOCOLATE; SUBSTITUTES FOR COCOA OR COCOA PRODUCTS; CONFECTIONERY; CHEWING GUM; ICE-CREAM; PREPARATION THEREOF
    • A23G9/00—Frozen sweets, e.g. ice confectionery, ice-cream; Mixtures therefor
    • A23G9/04—Production of frozen sweets, e.g. ice-cream
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
    • A23G—COCOA; COCOA PRODUCTS, e.g. CHOCOLATE; SUBSTITUTES FOR COCOA OR COCOA PRODUCTS; CONFECTIONERY; CHEWING GUM; ICE-CREAM; PREPARATION THEREOF
    • A23G9/00—Frozen sweets, e.g. ice confectionery, ice-cream; Mixtures therefor
    • A23G9/52—Liquid products; Solid products in the form of powders, flakes or granules for making liquid products ; Finished or semi-finished solid products, frozen granules

Definitions

  • aspects and embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems and methods for the preparation of blended drinks including ice and one or more flavorings.
  • Frozen drinks often have a slush-like consistency and are generally prepared from a blended mixture of ice and one or more flavorings, such as juices, flavored syrups, or pieces of fruit.
  • Examples of popular frozen drinks include margaritas, daiquiris, and pina coladas.
  • aspects and embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems and methods for the preparation of blended drinks including ice and one or more flavorings.
  • systems and methods for an automated preparation of blended drinks wherein the ingredients used to make the drinks are dispensed by weight.
  • one or more ingredients are introduced into a blender cup while the blender cup is in a first position and one or more other ingredients are introduced into the blender cup when the blender cup is in a second position.
  • an apparatus for preparing frozen drinks comprising a platform configured to support a blender cup, the platform reversibly translatable between a first position beneath an ice shaver and a second position beneath a flavoring dispenser and a weight sensor mechanically coupled to the platform and configured to produce an output indicative of a weight of an object present on the platform.
  • the weight sensor comprises a load cell.
  • the load cell may comprise at least one of a semiconductor strain gauge, a capacitive stain gauge, a foil strain gauge, and a piezoelectric strain gauge.
  • the apparatus further comprises weight calibration circuitry electrically coupled to the weight sensor.
  • the weight calibration circuitry may be configured to tare a scale coupled to the weight sensor.
  • the weight calibration circuitry may be configured to determine a time in which it takes the ice dispenser to dispense a defined weight of ice.
  • the apparatus further comprises a circuit configured to compare a measured amount of time to dispense a defined weight of ice from the ice shaver to a defined time, and responsive to the measured amount of time differing from the defined time by more than a defined amount, providing a warning signal.
  • the apparatus further comprises circuitry configured to dispense ice into a blender cup for a defined period of time and providing a warning signal responsive to a weight of the dispensed ice being outside a tolerance band of a weight of ice expected to be dispensed during the defined period of time.
  • the ice dispenser is configured to selectively operate in a mode wherein ice is dispensed into the blender cup for a defined period of time during the preparation of a drink in the blender.
  • the weight calibration circuitry is configured to terminate a product dispenser priming operation responsive to a detection of change in weight of a blender cup present on the platform while the platform is in the second position.
  • the weight sensor is integral to the platform.
  • the apparatus further comprises a controller configured to provide for manual dispensing of at least one of ice and flavoring into the blender cup.
  • the apparatus further comprises a manually activateable control configured to interface with the controller to initiate manual dispensing of at least one of ice and flavoring into the blender cup.
  • the apparatus further comprises an indicator electrically coupled to the weight sensor configured to provide an indication of a defined weight of at least one of ice and flavoring having been added to the blender cup.
  • the apparatus further comprises a guard disposed above an upper edge of the blender cup when the blender cup is moved into a position for manual addition of ingredients, wherein the guard is configured to prevent a user from contacting the blender cup during the manual addition of ingredients.
  • the apparatus further comprises a safety circuit configured receive a sensor input and to facilitate safe operation of the apparatus responsive to the sensor input being indicative of a safe condition of the apparatus.
  • the sensor input comprises a signal from the weight sensor.
  • the sensor input indicative of a safe condition of the apparatus may comprise a signal from the weight sensor indicative of a weight within a desired range, the desired range corresponding with a point in a preparation of a frozen drink on the apparatus.
  • the safety circuit may be configured to disable activation of the blender absent a receipt of a signal from the weight sensor indicative of a weight within a desired range expected at a point in the preparation of the frozen drink immediately prior to the activation of the blender.
  • the desired range may be calculated at least in part from an expected weight of an amount of ingredients expected to be present in the blender cup prior to the activation of the blender.
  • the safety circuit is configured to disable movement of the platform absent a receipt of a signal from the weight sensor indicative of a weight within a range desired immediately prior to a point in the preparation of the frozen drink wherein movement of the platform is to be performed.
  • the desired range may include a weight consistent with that of an empty blender cup and lid prior to a point in the preparation of the frozen drink wherein drink ingredients are added to the blender cup.
  • the desired range includes a weight consistent with that of the blender cup filled with a desired quantity of at least one of ice and flavoring at point in the preparation of the frozen drink subsequent to the addition of one or more drink ingredients to the blender cup.
  • the safety circuit is configured to disable the ice shaver absent a receipt of a signal from the weight sensor indicative of a weight within a desired range expected at a point in the preparation of the frozen drink immediately prior to the activation of the ice shaver.
  • the desired range may include a weight consistent with that of an empty blender cup and lid and/or a weight consistent with that of the blender cup filled with a desired quantity of flavoring.
  • the safety circuit is configured to disable the flavoring dispenser absent a receipt of a signal from the weight sensor indicative of a weight within a desired range expected at a point in the preparation of the frozen drink immediately prior to the dispensing of flavoring into the blender cup.
  • the desired range may include a weight consistent with that of an empty blender cup and lid and/or a weight consistent with that of the blender cup filled with a desired quantity of ice.
  • the safety circuit is configured to disable a blending function of the apparatus when a lid of the blender cup is in an open position.
  • the apparatus may further comprise a mechanism configured to maintain the lid in an open position, the mechanism operable only when the apparatus is set to operate in a manual loading mode.
  • the safety circuit may be configured to disable the activation of the manual loading mode absent a receipt of a signal from the weight sensor indicative of a weight within a desired range.
  • the desired range may include a weight consistent with an expected weight of the blender cup and lid while the lid of the blender cup is being held in an open position at a point in the preparation of the frozen drink at which manual addition of ingredients to the blender cup is to be performed.
  • the desired range may include a weight consistent with that of the blender cup and lid while the lid of the blender cup is being held in an open position and the blender cup is empty or a weight consistent with that the blender cup and lid while the lid of the blender cup is being held in an open position and the blender cup is filled with a desired quantity of at least one of ice and flavoring.
  • the safety circuit is configured to disable movement of the platform when a lid of the blender cup is in an open position.
  • the apparatus further comprises a force monitor configured to detect a resistance to movement of the platform in electrical communication with the safety circuit.
  • the safety circuit may be configured to halt movement of the platform responsive to a receipt of a signal from the force monitor indicative of a resistance to movement of the platform outside of a desired range.
  • the safety circuit is configured to halt movement of the platform responsive to a receipt of a signal from the weight sensor indicative of a resistance to movement of the platform outside of a desired range.
  • the safety circuit is configured to compare a measured amount of time to dispense a desired weight of ice from the ice shaver to a defined time, and responsive to the measured amount of time differing from the defined time by more than a defined amount, disabling operation of the ice shaver.
  • the safety circuit is configured to compare a measured amount of time to dispense a desired weight of flavoring from the flavoring dispenser to a defined time, and responsive to the measured amount of time differing from the defined time by more than a defined amount, disabling operation of the flavor dispenser.
  • a method for dispensing product into a food processing cup comprises calibrating a weight sensor coupled to a platform, the platform configured to support the food processing cup, moving the platform into a position such that the food processing cup supported thereon is located beneath a product dispenser, dispensing product into the food processing cup while the food processing cup is present on the platform, and terminating the dispensing of the product responsive to a signal from the weight sensor indicative of a determined weight of product having been dispensed.
  • calibrating the weight sensor comprises taring a scale coupled to the weight sensor when an empty food processing cup is in place on the platform.
  • the first time period and the second time period are equal, and in accordance with some aspects, the first time period and the second time period are unequal.
  • the method further comprises comparing a measured amount of time to dispense the defined weight of product from the product dispenser to a defined time, and responsive to the measured amount of time differing from the defined time by more than a defined amount, providing an error signal.
  • the method further comprises dispensing the product into the food processing cup for a defined period of time and verifying whether a weight of the dispensed product is within a tolerance band of a weight of product expected to be dispensed during the defined period of time.
  • dispensing product into the food processing cup comprises dispensing the product for a defined time. In accordance with some aspects, dispensing product into the food processing cup further comprises initiating dispensing of the product responsive to a first signal.
  • dispensing product into the food processing cup comprises dispensing a first product into the food processing cup while the dispensing cup is positioned below a first product dispenser, moving the dispensing cup to a position below a second product dispenser, and dispensing a second product into the food processing cup.
  • the dispensing of at least one of the first product and the second product may be terminated responsive to the weight sensor providing an indication that a defined amount of the at least one of the first product and the second product has been dispensed.
  • the method further comprises verifying the calibration of the weight sensor subsequent to the dispensing of the second product by weighing the food processing cup including the first product and the second product and comparing the weight of the food processing cup including the first product and the second product to a defined weight.
  • the method further comprises priming a product dispenser, the priming of the product dispenser comprising placing the food processing cup beneath the product dispenser, measuring a weight of the food processing cup, initiating a product dispensing operation, and terminating the product dispensing operation responsive to a signal from the weight sensor indicative of a change in weight of the food processing cup.
  • the method further comprises initiating dispensing of a first product and terminating dispensing of the first product responsive to receipt of a signal from the weight sensor indicative of the food processing cup attaining a first weight.
  • the method may further comprise initiating dispensing of a second product and terminating dispensing of the second product responsive to receipt of a signal from the weight sensor indicative of the food processing cup attaining a second weight.
  • the method may further comprise initiating dispensing of a third product and terminating dispensing of the third product responsive to receipt of a signal from the weight sensor indicative of the food processing cup attaining a third weight.
  • the method may further comprise moving the food processing container from a first position to second position subsequent to terminating dispensing of at least one of the first product and the second product.
  • initiating dispensing of a second product comprises initiating dispensing of ice.
  • the method further comprises initiating blending of material in the food processing cup after the initiation of the dispensing of the first product, but prior to the termination of the dispensing of the first product.
  • the method further comprises initiating blending of material in the food processing cup after the termination of the dispensing of the first product, but prior to the initiation of the dispensing of the second product.
  • the method further comprises initiating blending of material in the food processing cup after the initiation of the dispensing of the second product, but prior to the termination of the dispensing of the second product.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a blender in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a blender in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a blender in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a blender in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 5 is a cross sectional plan view of the platform of the blender of FIG. 1 taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 6 is a cross sectional side view of the platform taken along the line 6-6 of
  • FIG. 5 A first figure.
  • FIG. 7 is a schematic side view similar to FIG. 6, but showing the platform in an alternate extended position
  • FIG. 8 is a schematic cross sectional detail view on an enlarged scale of a portion of FIG. 7 showing the configuration of the load cell
  • FIG. 9 is a cross sectional front view of the platform and load cell taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 5;
  • FIG. 10 is a schematic cross sectional front view of the platform of the blender of FIG. 3 taken along the line 10-10 of FIG. 3;
  • FIG. 11 is a schematic plan view of a blender cup moving apparatus as seen along line 11-11 of FIG. 10 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 12 is a schematic plan view of a blender cup moving apparatus of a blender in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view of a blender cup moving apparatus of a blender in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 14 is a schematic plan view of a blender cup moving apparatus of a blender in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 15 is a schematic plan view of a blender cup moving apparatus of a blender in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 16 is a block diagram of a control system for use in embodiments of the present invention.
  • FIG. 17 is a flow chart of a method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 18 is a flow chart of another method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 19 is a flow chart of another method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 20 is a flow chart of another method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Some embodiments of the present invention include an apparatus for dispensing one or more flavoring products including, for example, juices, pieces of fruit, milk, cream, or flavored syrups (hereinafter referred to as "flavoring product,” “flavoring,” or “product”) into a blender cup placed on and supported by a platform while the platform is located in a first position.
  • the platform supporting the blender cup is constructed and arranged to move into a second position at which shaved ice (hereinafter referred to as simply "ice") and/or one or more additional products are dispensed into the blender cup.
  • a blender motor is included in the platform such that the blender may be activated to mix the ingredients in the blender cup when the platform is in the first and/or second position, or in some embodiments, while in a third position.
  • a weight sensor is coupled to the platform and configured to weigh the amount of product and/or the amount of ice dispensed into the blender cup such that a frozen drink with a defined quantity of various ingredients may be prepared by the apparatus.
  • Dispensing of flavoring product into a blender cup in a position different from a position where ice is dispensed into the blender cup provides for numerous advantages. For example, if in the position where the ice is dispensed there is no need to include flavoring product dispensers, a larger ice chute may be provided than if the ice chute had to share a position with flavoring product dispensers. Embodiments having larger ice chutes may exhibit a greater rate of ice dispensation, lowering a cycle time for the preparation of a frozen drink, as compared to conventional systems with smaller ice chutes. Further, in embodiments where flavoring product dispensers are located in a different position than an ice dispenser, a greater number and variety of flavoring dispensers may be provided. This allows for such a system to be capable of preparing a greater variety of frozen drinks as compared to a system where the number and/or type of flavoring dispensers are limited due to concerns with blocking the dispensing of ice from an ice dispenser.
  • the platform may be moved into a position where the top of the blender cup is at least partially unobstructed by flavoring dispensers or an ice dispenser. This may provide for a greater ease of manually introducing products such as solid fruit or additional liquid product into the blender cup as compared to conventional systems wherein the blender cup is placed in a blender in single position below an ice dispenser and/or flavoring product dispenser(s).
  • Some embodiments of the present invention include a weight sensor coupled to the platform on which the blender cup is supported.
  • the weight sensor is used to monitor the changing weight of the blender cup as product and/or ice is added to the blender cup. This provides for a method of dispensing a known quantity of flavoring product and/or ice by weight. Dispensing flavoring product and/or ice by weight may provide for a more accurate dispensed amount of ingredients than in systems wherein the flavoring product and/or ice is dispensed for a defined time.
  • FIG. 1 A blender apparatus, generally indicated at 100, according to a first embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 1.
  • the blender 100 includes a moveable platform 110, which includes an area 120 for supporting a blender cup 130.
  • the area 120 is defined by a plurality of protrusions 140, which in use serve to hold the blender cup 130 in position on the platform 110.
  • the platform 110 is moveable along an axis perpendicular to a plane defined by the face of the blender 100.
  • the platform is moveable into and out of the body 105 of the blender 100 between a first position beneath a first product dispenser 150 and a second position beneath a second product dispenser 160.
  • the first product dispenser 150 includes a plurality of flavoring product dispensers.
  • the second product dispenser 160 includes an ice chute which is configured to deliver ice from an ice bin 165 mounted to the top of the blender 100.
  • the ice from the ice bin 165 is shaved by shaving blades (not illustrated) present in the body of the blender as it is dispensed into the blender cup 130.
  • the blender 100 also includes an optional blender cup rinse station 170, an optional blender cup drying station 175, and an optional drink cup dispenser 180.
  • a touch sensitive control and display panel 185 is utilized by an operator to operate the blender 100.
  • the blender cup 130 includes a set of blades used to mix product in the blender cup. These blades are driven by a magnetically coupled blender drive located in the platform 110.
  • the magnetically coupled blender drive is of the type described in U.S. Patent No. 6,793,167, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
  • This drive uses a blender motor located in platform 110 or any other convenient location, which drives a magnetic coupling to drive a drive plate in the base of the blender cup to rotate the blender blades without a mechanical connection or linkage between the blender motor and the blender cup.
  • the blender motor is of a conventional type, including a rotatable shaft which physically couples to a rotatable member on the bottom of the blender cup when the blender cup is lowered into position onto the platform.
  • the rotatable member is coupled to the blades of the blender such that the blender motor is physically coupled to and may rotate the blades.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a blender in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
  • a blender similar to that of FIG. 1 is mounted atop a cabinet 200.
  • the cabinet 200 includes a refrigerated compartment in which flavoring product is located. In use flavoring product in the cabinet 200 is pumped to the blender 100 when needed for the preparation of a frozen drink.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a blender in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
  • the platform 110 is designed to remain stationary while the blender cup 130 is moved across the platform to positions beneath flavoring and/or ice dispenser(s) by a moveable arm 190.
  • the blender is mounted atop a cabinet 200, similar to the cabinet 200 illustrated in FIG. 2.
  • perforations may be provided in the platform
  • the perforations may be present on only a portion of the platform, and in other embodiments, the perforations may be present across substantially all of an upper surface of the platform 110.
  • a weight sensor is coupled to the platform 110.
  • the weight sensor in some embodiments comprises a load cell.
  • This load cell may comprise any one or more of a semiconductor strain gauge, a capacitive strain gauge, a foil strain gauge, a piezoelectric strain gauge, or any other form of strain gauge known in the art.
  • FIG. 5 is a cross sectional plan view of the platform 110 taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 1.
  • the platform includes a pair of support structures 205 which slide back and forth in direction x - x' along guide rails 210 and support the platform 110.
  • the support structures 205 include bearing blocks 215 through which the guide rails pass.
  • the platform is moved back and forth along the guide rails 210 through the use of an electric motor 305 which drives a belt 310 about a pulley 315.
  • the electric motor 305 may be a brushless DC motor or a DC stepper motor.
  • Attached to the belt 310 is a belt clamp 320 which connects the belt 310 to one of the bearing blocks 215. Motion of the belt 310 is transmitted to the platform 110 through the belt clamp 320.
  • the platform 110 further includes a compartment 220 in which the blender drive motor resides.
  • FIG. 6 a cross sectional plan view of the platform through line 6-6 of FIG. 5, illustrates the positioning of the load cell 330 beneath the blender drive.
  • the load cell 330 is positioned beneath a blender drive support 340 and a platform base 350.
  • the platform base 350 is mechanically coupled to the support structures 205.
  • FIG. 6 also illustrates in greater detail the pulley system including pulley 315 which is utilized to transmit motion to the platform from the electric motor 305 through the belt 310 and the belt clamp 320.
  • a rear upper surface 360 of the platform 110, which extends from the area 120 for supporting a blender cup 130 is also illustrated in FIG. 6.
  • FIG. 7 is similar to FIG. 6 schematically illustrates the platform 110 in an alternate, extended position.
  • FIG. 8 is a schematic close up detail view of the load cell 330.
  • the load cell 330 may comprise a cantilever type load cell. If of a cantilever type, the load cell 330 may be mechanically coupled to a bottom surface of the blender drive support 340 at one end 330a and to an upper surface of the platform base 350 at another end 330b. The orientation of the cantilever may, for example, be fore and aft. Force generated by the weight of a blender placed on the platform is transmitted through the compartment 220 and blender drive support 340 and causes the load cell 330 to deform and generate a signal which may be read by a controller of the blender.
  • FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of the platform from the front along line 9-9 of FIG. 5.
  • the load cell 330 may be positioned substantially centered beneath the blender drive compartment.
  • Other load cell arrangements may also be used.
  • plural load cells can be distributed about the expected center of pressure to stabilize the configuration if desired for a particular design.
  • the platform may be moved inward and outward from the body of the blender by a hydraulic piston, a motor mounted within the platform with teeth which engage the guide rails, or by an electrically driven screw drive.
  • a hydraulic piston a motor mounted within the platform with teeth which engage the guide rails
  • an electrically driven screw drive an electrically driven screw drive.
  • the platform extends over the entire distance and area defined by first and second locations where the blender cup may be positioned during the preparation of a drink.
  • the blender cup can be moved by an arm 190 having a shape or features corresponding to the shape or features of the blender cup so as to engage the blender cup for movement in one or more directions as desired.
  • the arm 190 may have a single projection for moving the blender cup in a single direction as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, or in alternate embodiments may have multiple projections capable of moving the blender in either direction on the platform 110 across the face of the blender.
  • the arm 190 is moved by an electric motor, and in other embodiments by a pneumatic system.
  • the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to any particular method or apparatus for moving the arm.
  • the arm 190 includes a gripping mechanism, for example, a claw, configured to securely grip the blender cup while moving it from one position to another.
  • the arm 190 may be capable of positioning the blender in more than two positions on the platform along the front face of the blender. This may be useful in some embodiments where multiple flavor dispensers and/or ice dispensers are located in different positions.
  • a platform as illustrated in the blender of FIG. 3 may be configured as illustrated in FIG. 10, a schematic cross sectional view of the platform of FIG. 3 from the front along line 10-10.
  • the platform is divided into a left portion 110A and a right portion 110B.
  • the right portion of the platform 110B includes a position where flavoring may be dispensed into a blender cup 130
  • the left portion includes a position where ice may be dispensed into the blender cup and a blender drive motor located in cavity 220 may impart motion to blades in the blender cup to mix a drink.
  • the right portion of the platform 110B may include a perforated upper surface 410 and a drain 420 which may provide for liquid spilled on this portion of the platform to drain away into a main blender drain (not shown).
  • a load cell 330 may be present beneath the platform on either of the platform portions 11 OA or 110B.
  • a load cell 330 is illustrated in FIG. 10 only under the right portion of the platform 110B, however it should be understood that a load cell may alternatively, or additionally be present beneath the left portion of the platform 110A. In different embodiments, the positions of platform portions 110 A and 110B may be reversed.
  • FIGS. 11-15 Various mechanisms for moving a blender cup 130 across the platform 110 of the blenders of FIGS. 3 and 4 are illustrated in FIGS. 11-15.
  • an electrical drive motor 505 may drive a belt 510 around a pulley 520.
  • the belt may be coupled to the arm 190 by a belt clamp 525.
  • the arm may be mounted on guide rails 530. Bearings may be present within the body of the arm 190 to provide for low friction movement along the guide rails 530.
  • the motor moves the belt, for example in a direction clockwise around the pulley 520, the belt clamp transfers this motion to the arm 190 which moves the blender cup from right to left.
  • the blender may be configured to move the blender cup 130 in a rightward direction rather than a leftward direction, and in some embodiments the arm may be configured to move the blender cup in both a leftward and a rightward direction.
  • a drive motor 505 may be coupled to a drive wheel 535 by a drive shaft 540.
  • the drive wheel may engage a surface of the blender, or in some embodiments one of the guide rails 530 to move the arm 190, and in turn, the blender cup 130 across the platform 110.
  • an electrically driven screw 545 interfaces with a follower 550 mechanically coupled to the arm 190 to move the arm 190 and the blender cup 130 across the platform 110.
  • an electric drive linear actuator 555 pushes and pulls a shaft 560 which is mechanically coupled to the arm 190 to move the arm 190 and the blender cup 130 across the platform 110.
  • a driver 565 which may be, for example, a solenoid or an electric drive linear actuator, is coupled to a pivot linkage 570 by a shaft 575. The driver 565 rotates the pivot linkage about a pivot point 580. The pivot linkage is coupled to the arm 190 by a pin on the arm assembly and a slot in the pivot linkage. Movement of the pivot linkage 570 by the driver 565 results in the arm 190 and the blender cup 130 moving across the platform 110.
  • FIGS. 11-15 can also be employed to move the platform of the earlier-described embodiments.
  • any references to features or operations involving moving the blender cup by moving the platform should also be understood to apply to embodiments wherein the blender cup is moved across a stationary platform by an arm such as that illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 and/or as described above.
  • the blender 100 is provided with circuitry coupled to the weight sensor and configured to take a reading from the weight sensor.
  • This circuitry may include circuitry configured for calibrating the weight sensor and circuitry configured for outputting a signal indicative of a weight measurement from the weight sensor.
  • the circuitry may also include a timer circuit, which may in some embodiments be used to time the dispensing of flavoring product and/or ice.
  • a computerized controller for embodiments of the blender system disclosed herein is implemented using one or more computer systems 600 as exemplarily shown in FIG. 16.
  • the computer system 600 may be wholly or partially located within the body of the blender 100, or in other embodiments may be located entirely external to the blender 100.
  • the computer system 600 may enable a user to remotely control operation of the blender and/or create or modify drink recipes utilized by the blender.
  • Computer system 600 may be, for example, a general-purpose computer such as one based on an Intel PENTIUM ® or CoreTM processor, a Motorola PowerPC processor, a Sun UltraSPARC ® processor, a Hewlett-Packard PA-RISC ® processor, or any other type of processor or combinations thereof.
  • the computer system may include specially-programmed, special-purpose hardware, for example, an application- specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or controllers intended specifically for food processing equipment.
  • ASIC application- specific integrated circuit
  • Computer system 600 can include one or more processors 602 typically connected to one or more memory devices 604, which can comprise, for example, any one or more of a disk drive memory, a flash memory device, a RAM memory device, or other device for storing data.
  • the one or more processors 602 may include circuitry configured for outputting a signal indicative of a weight measurement from the weight sensor, circuitry configured to calibrate the weight sensor, and a timer circuit.
  • Memory 604 is typically used for storing programs and data during operation of the controller and/or computer system 600. For example, memory 604 may be used for storing historical data relating to measured parameters from any of various sensors over a period of time, as well as current sensor measurement data.
  • Software including programming code that implements embodiments of the invention, can be stored on a computer readable and/or writeable nonvolatile recording medium such as storage 612 which may comprise, for example, a hard drive or a flash memory, and then copied into memory 604 wherein it can then be executed by processor 602.
  • a computer readable and/or writeable nonvolatile recording medium such as storage 612 which may comprise, for example, a hard drive or a flash memory
  • Such programming code may be written in any of a plurality of programming languages, for example, Java, Visual Basic, C, C#, or C++, Fortran, Pascal, Eiffel, Basic, COBAL, or any of a variety of combinations thereof.
  • Components of computer system 600 may be coupled by an interconnection system 606, which may include one or more busses (e.g., between components that are integrated within a same device) and/or a network (e.g., between components that reside on separate discrete devices).
  • the interconnection mechanism typically enables communications (for example, data and/or instructions) to be exchanged between components of system 600.
  • the computer system 600 can also include one or more input devices 608, for example, control buttons, a keyboard, mouse, trackball, microphone, and/or touch screen, and one or more output devices 610, for example, indicator lights, a display screen, and/or a speaker.
  • the computer system 600 may be linked, electronically or otherwise, to one or more sensors 614, which may comprise, for example, a weight sensor or sensors to detect levels of ice in the ice hopper 165 or quantities of undispensed flavoring product.
  • the sensors 614 may also include safety interlocks, for example a force monitor configured to detect a resistance to movement of the platform (or movement arm), a sensor configured to detect whether the lid of the blender is open or closed, or other sensors associated with safety systems described in more detail below which may be included in various embodiments of the blender.
  • the computer system 600 may contain one or more interfaces (not shown) that can connect computer system 600 to a communication network (in addition or as an alternative to the network that may be formed by one or more of the components of system 600). This communications network, in some embodiments, forms a portion of a process control system for the blender.
  • the one or more output devices 610 are coupled to another computer system or component so as to communicate with the computer system 600 over a communication network.
  • Such a configuration permits one sensor to be located at a significant distance from another sensor and allows any sensor to be located at a significant distance from any subsystem and/or the controller, while still providing data therebetween.
  • the computer system 600 is shown by way of example as one type of computer system upon which various aspects of the invention may be practiced, it should be appreciated that the various embodiments of the invention are not limited to being implemented in software, or on the computer system as exemplarily shown. Indeed, rather than implemented on, for example, a general purpose computer system, the controller, or components or subsections thereof, may alternatively be
  • control system 600 implemented as a dedicated system or as a dedicated programmable logic controller (PLC) or in a distributed control system. Further, it should be appreciated that one or more features or aspects of the control system may be implemented in software, hardware, or firmware, or any combination thereof. For example, one or more segments of an algorithm executable on the computer system 600 can be performed in separate computers, which in turn, can be in communication through one or more networks.
  • PLC programmable logic controller
  • the platform 110 or an arm configured to move the blender cup, is configured to move the blender cup not only to a first position beneath a first product dispenser 150 and a second position beneath a second product dispenser 160, but also to a third position.
  • this third position is a position wherein blender cup and/or the platform 110 is extended outward from the body of the blender beyond the first position beneath a first product dispenser 150, or located between a position beneath an ice dispenser and a flavoring dispenser. In this position, the blender cup may be more easily accessed by a user so that the user may manually introduce items, such as pieces of fruit or flavoring product into the blender cup.
  • the blender cup may be fitted with a lid.
  • the blender cup lid may comprise one or more openings through which solid ingredients, liquid flavorings, or ice may be added into the blender cup.
  • the blender lid may also, in some embodiments, include one or more moveable portions which may be lifted by a user to facilitate access to the interior of the blender cup to, for example, manually add ingredients to the blender cup.
  • the blender cup lid may comprise a pouring accessory, such as that described in U.S. Patent No. 7,766,185, issued August 3, 2010, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
  • the pouring accessory may facilitate reduction in backsplash of ingredients from the blender cup when ingredients are added and/or blended, and/or may facilitate reduction in spilling of a blended frozen drink as it is poured from the blender cup.
  • blender cups used with embodiments of the blender described herein do not include a lid.
  • a moveable lid may be fixed to the blender, and may cover the blender cup when the blender cup is located in one of the positions on the platform.
  • a lid such as lid 195 illustrated in FIG. 1 may be lowered onto a top of a blender cup before a blending operation is initiated. This may facilitate a reduction in splashing of ingredients from the blender cup during blending.
  • the moveable lid 195 may be lowered vertically onto the top of the blender cup from above, or may be hingedly attached to the blender and swung into place, either manually or automatically, on the blender cup when desired.
  • a ring of material (not shown) may be present and fixed to the blender beneath the moveable lid 195. This ring of material is exposed when the moveable lid 195 is lifted.
  • the ring of material may be formed from metal, plastic, or any other material of adequate mechanical strength.
  • This ring of material forms a guard which blocks a user from resting a container of material from which a product is being manually dispensed on the rim of the blender cup. This helps keep the blender cup from being overturned as material is being manually added, and also helps prevent interference with any weight measurement which is performed during the manual addition of material to the blender cup.
  • the guard may be formed in the shape of a ring, or any other shape as desired.
  • the platform 110 is not configured to move forward and backward into and out of the body of the blender 100 as is illustrated in FIG. 1. Rather, the platform 110 may be configured to move side to side parallel to a front face of the blender 100. In these alternate embodiments, the first and second product dispensers 150, 160 may also be positioned in a side to side relationship, rather than in forward and backward relationship as is illustrated in FIG. 1. Further, a third platform position which may be utilized for the manual introduction of items into the blender cup may be positioned between the first and second product dispensers 150, 160 or in other embodiments to the side of one or both of the first and second product dispensers 150, 160. In even further embodiments, the first position beneath the first product dispenser 150 and the second position beneath the second product dispenser 160 are vertically displaced from one another.
  • the shape, size, and configuration of the platform may be varied from that illustrated in FIG. 1.
  • protrusions 140 may not be present.
  • the blender cup 130 may rest in a recess in the upper surface of the platform 110.
  • Embodiments of the present invention are not limited to any particular method or structure for holding or securing a blender cup 130 on the platform 110.
  • the platform may move the blender cup between positions in a different manner than described above.
  • a conveyor belt may be provided on the platform 110 to move the blender cup 130 between positions.
  • the platform may horizontally rotate about a vertical axis rather than move linearly to move the blender cup from one position to another.
  • the display screen 185 may be a touch sensitive screen as described above, which a user may utilize to enter commands for the blender, and which may display various indicators to the user.
  • various indicators to the user.
  • physical buttons are provided on the blender which the user may press to enter commands for the blender.
  • One or more indicator lights may also be present on the blender to provide indications of various conditions.
  • a first method of using a blender according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in the flow chart of FIG. 17.
  • a user places an empty blender cup 130 on the platform 110 of the blender.
  • the blender than takes a reading from the weight sensor to determine a weight of the platform holding the empty blender cup (act 710).
  • the weight measurement of the platform holding the empty blender cup may be initiated automatically by the blender upon placement of a blender cup 130 on the platform 110 or may be initiated by the user pressing a control on the blender to read a tare weight of the empty blender cup.
  • the measured weight may be used to zero out the weight measurement circuitry of the blender, or in other embodiments may be stored in a memory of the blender controller for later use.
  • a measured weight of the platform holding the empty blender cup may be determined by the blender by taking several readings from the weight sensor and averaging the readings together.
  • the blender make take a series of weight readings and choose a final reading as the correct reading after a specified number of subsequent readings are within a specified range of each other.
  • act 720 the user selects a drink type for the blender to make. This selection may be made by, for example, pressing a control indicator on the touch screen 185. In embodiments where the blender is only configured for a single drink type, or wherein the blender will default to a particular drink type if none is selected, act 720 may be omitted, or replaced by an act of the user pressing a "go" or "start” control. In some embodiments, act 720 may be performed before the blender cup is placed on the blender platform.
  • the platform 110 moves the blender cup 130 into a first position beneath a first product dispenser. This step may be omitted in embodiments where the blender cup is already in the first position after the empty blender cup 130 is loaded onto the platform 110.
  • a first product for example, flavoring or ice, is then dispensed at act 740.
  • the platform holding the blender cup is weighted (act 750) and the weight of the first product that has been dispensed is determined by taking a measurement from the weight sensor.
  • the weight of the first product will be a reading from the weight sensor circuitry of the blender if the weight measurement circuitry was zeroed out during the taring of the scale while the empty blender cup 130 was present on the platform 110.
  • the weight of the first product is determined from subtracting the measured weight of the platform holding the empty blender cup stored in memory from the measured weight of the blender cup with the first product dispensed into it.
  • the weight measurement of act 750 may be performed while the dispensing of the first product is momentarily suspended, and in other embodiments, the weight measurement of act 750 may take place as the product is being dispensed.
  • the blender determines whether the weight of the first product dispensed has reached a desired weight called for by a recipe for the drink type selected. If insufficient product has been dispensed, the dispensing of the first product continues. If a desired amount of the first product (or more) has been dispensed, the blender terminates dispensing of the first product. In some
  • the blender will alter the amount of any additional products to be dispensed to form the drink being prepared to obtain the same ratio of ingredients as was called for in the recipe for the drink. If one or more other product is to be dispensed at the first position, the blender repeats acts 740-755 for the one or more other products. In some embodiments, multiple products may be dispensed in steps 740-755 simultaneously. After the last product is dispensed to a desired weight at the first position, the blender stops the dispensing of this last product and the platform 110 moves the blender cup to a second position (act 760).
  • a second product for example, flavoring or ice
  • act 770 When the blender cup 130 is in place in the second position, a second product, for example, flavoring or ice, is dispensed into the blender cup (act 770). Like in acts 750 and 755, in acts 780 and 785 the second product is dispensed until a desired weight of the second product is present in the blender cup.
  • the weight of the second product dispensed is calculated from subtracting the weight of the blender cup with the first product(s) and second product from the weight of the bender cup with the first product(s) that was calculated in act 750 before the blender was moved to the second position.
  • the weight sensor circuitry of the blender is zeroed out again when the blender cup enters the second position, and the weight of the second product dispensed is read directly from the weight measurement circuitry.
  • act 785 the blender stops the dispensing of the second product (act 790). If additional products are called for to be dispensed with the blender cup in the second position, acts 780-790 are repeated for these additional products.
  • the blender blends the products in the blender cup to form the frozen drink (act 795).
  • the blending occurs while the blender cup is in the second position.
  • the blender cup is moved to the first position or to a third position before the blending commences or while the blending is occurring.
  • the blender starts the blending operation prior to the completion of the dispensing of the first product(s).
  • the blender starts the blending operation after the dispensing of the first product(s) but before the dispensing of the second product(s), or after the dispensing of the second product(s) has been initiated but prior to the completion of the dispensing of the second product(s).
  • optional acts 792-794 are performed.
  • a time that a second product was dispensed for to reach the desired dispense weight is determined from, for example, a timer included in the control circuitry of the blender.
  • the dispense rate (grams/second) is determined from the dispensed weight of the second product and the time it took to dispense the second product.
  • the dispense rate is then compared to a desired range of dispense rates for the second product, and if the calculated dispense rate falls outside an acceptable range, a warning or error signal is activated (act 794).
  • the dispense rate could vary for various reasons, and the error signal may indicate a need for maintenance of the blender.
  • a liquid line of the blender may need to be cleaned, a liquid pump replaced or serviced, or a source of liquid product replaced.
  • the dispense rate measured is for shaved ice, and this rate is calculated as below a desired rate, the ice shaver blades of the blender may need to be replaced, or the shaver motor speed increased or the motor serviced, or more ice may be needed in the ice hopper, or an accumulation of ice in the hopper may need to be broken up.
  • Acts 792-794 are illustrated in FIG. 18 as occurring after the second product was dispensed, but may also, or alternatively, be performed after the first product was dispensed, wherein the dispense rate for the first product is checked. These acts may be performed each time a frozen drink is prepared, on a time based or drink quantity based schedule such as after a determined amount of time has passed since the last time these acts were performed or after a determined amount of drinks were prepared since the last time these acts were performed. In some embodiments, acts 792-794 are performed as an independent operation and not during the preparation of a drink.
  • additional acts may be performed in the process of FIG. 17, and in other embodiments the acts depicted may be performed in different orders or one or more of the depicted acts may be omitted.
  • one or more ingredients may be manually added to the blender after, or in place of the first or second product.
  • the blender may move to a third position to facilitate the manual addition of ingredients, or the ingredients may be manually added while the blender is in one of the first or second position.
  • the blender may facilitate the addition of a proper amount of manually added ingredients by measuring the weight of the blender cup as the ingredient(s) are manually added and providing a signal, such as the illumination of a light or an indication on the control screen 185 when the desired amount(s) of manually added ingredient(s) have been added to the blender cup.
  • the manual addition of ingredients to the blender cup may in some embodiments be an act programmed into the process for preparing a particular drink. In other embodiments, the manual addition of ingredients to the blender cup may be initiated by a user by selecting an option on the blender display screen 185 or by pressing a manual override or other button on the blender.
  • the weight measurement acts disclosed should be construed as also involving an act of moving the blender cup to a portion of the platform where the weight may be measured, and then returning the blender cup to a previous position, if desired.
  • FIG. 18 depicts a flowchart of another method in accordance with the present invention.
  • the method of FIG. 18 is substantially similar to the method of FIG. 17. Acts 800-870, 880, 884, 886, and 890 of FIG. 18 correspond to acts 700-770, 790, 793, 794, and 795, respectively of FIG. 17.
  • the method of FIG. 18 may include any or all of the variations on the illustrated method of FIG. 17 described above.
  • a difference in the method of FIG. 18 as compared to the method of FIG. 17 is that in the method of FIG. 18, the second product is dispensed on a time basis rather than on a weight basis. Specifically, in act 875 of the method of FIG.
  • the second product is dispensed for a defined time rather than until a desired weight of product has been dispensed as in the method of FIG. 17.
  • a weight of the second product that was dispensed is determined from the weight sensor, in a manner similar to act 780 of FIG. 17.
  • the blender controller 600 divides the measured weight of the second product dispensed by the defined time the second product was dispensed for to determine a dispense rate in act 884 and compares this dispense rate to an acceptable range of dispense rates. If the dispense rate is outside an acceptable range, an error signal is provided (act 886).
  • the first product rather than the second product that is dispensed on a time basis, and in these embodiments, acts 882-886 could be performed for the first product to check the dispense rate of the first product. In some embodiments, both the first and the second product are dispensed on a time basis.
  • the time that it takes the blender to dispense a defined amount of product, or a dispense rate may be determined according to a calibration process as is illustrated in FIG. 19.
  • a user places an empty blender cup 130 on the platform 110 of the blender 100.
  • the weight of the platform holding the empty blender cup (the tare weight) is determined. This tare weight is used as a zero point against which a weight of the platform holding the blender cup including a dispensed product is compared to determine the weight of the dispensed product.
  • the blender cup that is placed on the platform need not be completely empty, and in some embodiments, a receptacle other than an empty blender cup may be used to receive dispensed product in the calibration process.
  • the user indicates to the blender that a calibration routine is to be performed and which product is to have its dispense rate calculated. This may be done by interfacing with controls on the touch screen 185 of the blender or by utilizing other controls. The user may perform this indication either before placing the blender cup on the blender platform or after.
  • the determination of the weight of the platform holding the empty blender cup in act 920 may be performed automatically by the blender if the user had indicated to the blender prior to the loading of the blender cup that a calibration routine was to be performed.
  • the user manually initiates a determination of the weight of the platform holding the empty blender cup by actuating a control of the blender, and then manually initiates the calibration routine by actuating another control.
  • a product is dispensed into the blender cup for a first defined time.
  • the product may include, for example, a flavoring product or ice.
  • the time the product is dispensed for may be set as a time that a user approximates may dispense an amount of the product that is used in a typical drink recipe for a drink prepared on the blender.
  • the weight of the product that was dispensed in act 930 is measured by the blender's weight measurement circuitry by measuring the weight of the platform and blender cup and subtracting the tare weight. The weight of the product that was dispensed in act 930 is then stored in the blender' s memory.
  • the product is dispensed into the blender cup for a second defined time.
  • the second defined time may in different embodiments be less than, equal to, or greater than the first defined time.
  • the weight of the product that was dispensed in act 950 is measured by the blender's weight measurement circuitry by measuring the weight of the platform and blender cup and subtracting the weight determined in act 940. This second weight is also stored in the blender's memory. After the termination of the dispensing of the product, the user may remove the blender cup from the blender.
  • calibration circuitry of the blender adds together the weight of product dispensed in acts 930 and 950 and divides this total weight by the sum of the first defined time and the second defined time to calculate a product dispense rate.
  • the product dispense rate is verified (act 980) by dispensing the product into a blender cup or other receptacle for a third defined time, which in some embodiments may be equal to or different than either the first or the second defined times, measuring the weight of the product dispensed and checking that weight of the product dispensed, and hence the dispense rate, is within an acceptable tolerance band about the dispense rate calculated in act 970.
  • the dispense rate is verified in act 980 by dispensing a defined weight of product into a blender cup or other receptacle and comparing the time it takes to dispense the defined weight of product to an expected time based upon the dispense rate calculated in act 970, and verifying that the time it takes to dispense the defined weight of product is within an acceptable tolerance band about the expected time. If the dispense rate is within an acceptable range, the blender may provide an indication, for example an illumination of a green light or a message on the display 185. If the dispense rate is not within an acceptable range, the blender may provide a different indication, for example an illumination of a red light or a different message on the display 185.
  • the product dispense rate is determined from only a single dispensing of the product.
  • a product dispense rate may vary with the amount of time for which a product is dispensed. This may be due to a product dispense pump or an ice shaver motor taking time to come up to speed. Thus, in some embodiments it may be desirable to calculate a dispense time to dispense weight calibration curve rather than or in addition to a simple dispense rate. To do this, the product is dispensed for different times and a dispense rate is calculated for each of the dispense times. For example, a step could be added to the process of FIG. 19 after step 940 to calculate a first dispense rate based only on the amount of product dispensed for the first defined time. This first dispense rate could be combined with the dispense rate calculated in act 970, and/or dispense rates calculated for one or more additional dispense times to build the calibration curve.
  • dispensing a product by time may not result in a desired amount of product being dispensed unless the product dispensing apparatus is primed. It may be desirable to prime the product dispensing apparatus after, for example, attaching a new source of product to the blender, or after the blender was not used for a period of time.
  • a process for priming a dispense apparatus of the blender is illustrated in FIG. 20.
  • a user places an empty blender cup onto the platform 110 of the blender 100.
  • the weight of the platform holding the empty blender cup (the tare weight) is determined by the blender weight measurement circuitry and stored in the blender' s memory. The tare weight may then be used to zero out a weight measurement for the platform 110 and empty blender cup.
  • a receptacle other than an empty blender cup may be used, and in some embodiments, the weight of the platform and blender cup is not zeroed out in the blender weight measurement circuitry, and as such, act 1020 may be omitted.
  • act 1030 if the blender cup is not already positioned beneath the product dispenser to be primed, the platform moves the blender cup under the appropriate product dispenser. If the blender cup is loaded onto the blender platform in act 1010 under the appropriate product dispenser, act 1030 may not be necessary.
  • the blender initiates dispensing of the product.
  • the dispensing apparatus for example, a liquid product pump or ice shaving motor, runs until in act 1050 the weight measurement circuitry of the blender determines that the weight of the blender cup has increased.
  • the increase in the weight of the blender cup indicates that the product dispenser has been primed and the product has begun to be dispensed into the blender.
  • the blender terminates the dispensing of the product in act 1060.
  • the dispensing of the product continues for a short period of time after the determination that the weight of the blender cup has increased in act 1050 and the termination of the dispensing operation in act 1060. After the termination of the dispensing of the product, the user may remove the blender cup from the blender.
  • the blender may include a safety circuit configured receive a sensor input and to facilitate safe operation of the apparatus responsive to the sensor input being indicative of a safe operating condition of the blender.
  • One sensor from which the sensor input may be received is the weight sensor.
  • the weight sensor may be utilized to provide a signal to the safety circuit indicative of whether the blender is functioning or being used properly. For example, at various points in the preparation of a frozen drink, a determined weight of product and/or ice may be expected to have been dispensed into the blender cup.
  • the weight sensor may be used to weigh the blender cup at one or more points during the preparation of a frozen drink and provide a signal to the safety circuit indicative of the weight measured.
  • the safety circuit may determine whether the measured weight is within a defined tolerance band about an expected weight corresponding to the one or more points in the preparation of the frozen drink.
  • the tolerance band may be calculated from historical natural variation (e.g. at plus or minus three standard deviations about a historically observed mean or median weight stored in a memory of the blender during previous preparations of the drink) in the observed weight of the blender cup at the point in question in the preparation of the frozen drink.
  • Points in the preparation of a frozen drink where a sensed weight may be compared to an expected weight to ascertain proper operation or usage of the blender may be any one or more of at the initiation of a drink preparation operation, just prior to or just after movement of the platform, just prior to or just after introduction of a first ingredient into the blender cup, just prior to or just after introduction of a second or subsequent ingredient into the blender cup, just prior to or just after a manual ingredient addition operation, just prior to blending of the ingredients in the blender cup, after blending of ingredients in the blender cup, and any other point before or after any of these points.
  • the signal provided from the weight sensor to the safety circuit is indicative of a weight outside of the defined tolerance band about the expected weight corresponding to the one or more points in the preparation of the frozen drink, this may be indicative that one or more sub- systems of the blender may be
  • the weight is too low, this may be indicative of a blockage in a flavoring dispenser, an electrical malfunction in a pump associated with a flavoring dispenser, an electrical short which has resulted in the ice dispenser failing to dispense ice, a malfunction of the platform such that the blender cup was not positioned properly beneath a flavoring dispenser or the ice dispenser to receive flavoring or ice, that the blender cup may have fallen from the platform, that an improper blender cup may have been loaded onto the blender, that a user of the blender may have inadvertently placed a finger or other body part beneath the blender cup or other portion of the blender, or some other equipment fault or human error may have occurred.
  • the measured weight is greater than expected, this may be indicative of, for example, the ice dispenser or a flavoring dispenser dispensing ice or flavoring more quickly or in a greater volume than expected, an improper blender cup having been loaded onto the blender, the blender cup having been overfilled due to some other cause, or a user of the blender may have inadvertently placed a finger or other body part on the blender cup, weight sensor, or other portion of the blender.
  • one or more of the sub-systems of the blender may be deactivated pending troubleshooting, and an indication of the deactivation may be provided to an operator by for example, an illumination of a light or a message on the display screen 185.
  • the sub-system deactivated may in some embodiments be one which was utilized in the preparation of the frozen drink just prior to the signal indicative of the unexpected weight being sent to the safety circuit.
  • a weight of the blender cup at least partially filled with ingredients is checked for a proper weight by the weight sensor and the safety circuit just prior to the point in the preparation of the frozen drink when the ingredients are to be blended.
  • An indication of a weight greater than expected may be indicative of an over full blender cup that could overflow when the ingredients contained therein are blended.
  • the blending function may be disabled and an indication provided to a user that troubleshooting may be required.
  • movement of the platform may be disabled if a weight outside of an expected range at a point in the preparation of the frozen drink just prior to the movement of the platform is detected.
  • a warning indicative of a possible problem with one or more sub-systems may be provided to a user when the movement of the platform is disabled.
  • any one or more of the above described error indications or warnings may need to be cleared by a user prior to the blender safety circuitry allowing for normal operations of the blender, including for example, re- enabling of any disabled sub-systems, to resume.
  • the blender may continue operation, but not be operable to produce frozen drinks which require the use of the disabled flavoring dispenser or other sub-system.
  • a warning may be issued if the preparation of a drink requiring the use of the disabled flavoring dispenser or other sub-system is called for on the blender.
  • a weight of the blender cup may be checked by the safety circuit prior to the introduction of any ingredients into the blender cup. If the weight sensed is outside of a range consistent with an empty blender cup, or in embodiments where the blender cup includes a lid, of an empty blender cup and lid, this may be indicative of a partially full blender cup or other inappropriate container, or no container at all, having been placed on the platform. In such instances, in some embodiments, the blender will halt the drink preparation operation and not allow the introduction of ingredients into the blender cup until an error message or warning is cleared.
  • the blender cup may have a lid which may be moveable between an open position and a closed position. In such embodiments it may be desirable to ensure the lid is closed when the platform is to be moved to ensure the open lid does not catch on a portion of the blender or so that ingredients in the blender cup will not spill out during movement of the blender cup.
  • a lid sensor is provided, for example attached to or forming part of the body of the blender, which may monitor the open or closed state of the blender cup lid.
  • the lid sensor may be a magnetic sensor, a capacitive sensor, an electric eye, or any other type of sensor capable of detecting a position of a blender cup lid.
  • the lid sensor may comprise the weight sensor, which may register a change, e.g. a decrease, in weight of a blender cup when the lid is held open.
  • the lid sensor may communicate a signal indicative of the state of the blender cup lid to the safety circuitry of the blender. If the blender cup lid is detected as open, movement of the platform may be disabled until the lid is closed.
  • the state of the blender cup lid may be checked prior to initiating blending and the blending function may be disabled while the blender cup lid is in an open position.
  • the blender may include an apparatus, for example an electromagnet or a solenoid, which facilitates maintaining the blender cup lid in an open position. It may be desirable to maintain the blender cup lid in an open position at a point in the preparation of a frozen drink where, for example, drink ingredients are to be manually added to the blender cup.
  • the apparatus for facilitating maintaining the blender cup lid in the open position may only be enabled at a point in a drink preparation operation where manual addition of ingredients is called for.
  • the blender will only transition to a manual loading mode wherein the apparatus for facilitating maintaining the blender cup lid in the open position is enabled after verification by the safety circuit that the blender cup has a proper weight.
  • the proper weight may be defined by a weight range consistent with the blender cup holding an amount of ingredients expected at a point in a drink preparation operation wherein manual addition of ingredients to the blender cup is to be performed. If the measured weight is inconsistent with an expected weight, the blender may disable the initiation of manual mode.
  • the apparatus for facilitating maintaining the blender cup lid in the open position is only operable when the blender is in manual mode. Thus, the apparatus for facilitating maintaining the blender cup lid in the open position may in some embodiments only be operable after a check is performed to verify a weight of the blender cup is within a desired range of a defined weight.
  • the apparatus for facilitating maintaining the blender cup lid in the open position may exert an upwards force on the blender cup and/or blender cup lid.
  • a measured weight of the blender cup may thus decrease when the lid is held open by the apparatus for facilitating maintaining the blender cup lid in the open position.
  • an expected weight of a blender cup at a point in a drink preparation operation just prior to, or just after manual addition of ingredients may be adjusted by the amount of weight by which the measured weight is expected to decrease due to the blender cup lid being held open by the apparatus for facilitating maintaining the blender cup lid in the open position.
  • a force monitor may be provided to measure the resistance to movement of the platform.
  • the force monitor may deliver a signal to the safety circuitry.
  • the safety circuitry may disable movement of the platform upon receipt of a signal consistent with the platform experiencing an unexpectedly or undesirably high resistance to movement.
  • the force monitor may comprise, for example, a load cell mechanically coupled to the apparatus utilized to move the platform, a current meter configured to measure a current delivered to an electrical motor utilized to move the platform, and/or may comprise the weight sensor.
  • the measured weight of a blender cup on the platform may be expected to vary in a predictable way.
  • the measured weight of the blender cup on the platform may be expected to vary only within a limited range. Resistance to movement of the platform may result in the platform moving jerkily, which may result in a measured weight of a blender cup on the platform deviating from what would be expected.
  • the measured weight of a blender cup on the platform may vary more over time when the platform is moving in opposition to an undesired or unexpected resistance to movement than would be expected if the platform was operating normally.
  • the movement of the platform may be disabled, and an error signal produced upon a detection by the safety circuit of a signal from the weight sensor indicative of a measured weight of a blender cup varying more over time during movement of the platform than would normally be expected (e.g. as compared to historically observed values recorded by the blender or otherwise programmed into the blender and accounting for normal variation in said historically observed values).
  • an angled connection may be provided between the load cell 330 and the platform 110.
  • an increase in weight may be measured by the weight sensor. If there is an unexpected resistance to movement of the platform at a point in the preparation of a frozen drink, the change in the weight measurement observed may vary from what would normally be expected at that point in the preparation of a frozen drink. A comparison between observed and expected weight measurements upon acceleration of the platform could thus also be used to detect an unexpected resistance to movement of the platform.
  • a micro-electromechanical (MEMS) accelerometer coupled to the platform could be utilized to measure the acceleration of the platform and provide a signal to the blender safety circuitry which could compare the measured acceleration to an expected acceleration to determine if there is an unexpected resistance to movement of the platform.
  • MEMS micro-electromechanical
  • the safety circuit may be configured to monitor a time it takes to dispense flavoring from a flavoring dispenser and/or ice from an ice dispenser and compare the amount of time to dispense a defined amount of flavoring or ice into a blender cup as measured by the weight sensor. If the measured amount of time is outside of an expected range (e.g. as defined by a historically observed dispense rate and a natural variation thereof) this may be indicative of an error in the flavoring or ice dispenser.
  • an expected range e.g. as defined by a historically observed dispense rate and a natural variation thereof
  • the safety circuit may disable the flavoring or ice dispenser and/or cause an error message or warning to be displayed and/or halt the preparation of a frozen drink until the warning or error is cleared.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Food Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Polymers & Plastics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Food-Manufacturing Devices (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention a trait à un appareil permettant de préparer des boissons congelées. L'appareil comprend une plate-forme configurée de manière à supporter une tasse de mélangeur, la plate-forme pouvant être déplacée de façon réversible entre une première position sous un rabot à glace et une seconde position sous un distributeur de matières aromatiques et un détecteur de poids mécaniquement couplé à la plate-forme et configuré pour produire une sortie indiquant le poids d'un objet présent sur la plate-forme.
PCT/US2011/021519 2010-02-01 2011-01-18 Mélangeur doté d'un élément permettant de distribuer un produit en fonction du poids WO2011094089A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US30025910P 2010-02-01 2010-02-01
US61/300,259 2010-02-01
US12/959,048 US8616249B2 (en) 2010-02-01 2010-12-02 Blender with feature for dispensing product by weight
US12/959,047 2010-12-02
US12/959,048 2010-12-02
US12/959,047 US8616248B2 (en) 2010-02-01 2010-12-02 Blender with feature for dispensing product by weight

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2011094089A1 true WO2011094089A1 (fr) 2011-08-04

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EP2912951A1 (fr) * 2014-02-28 2015-09-02 ALI S.p.A. - CARPIGIANI GROUP Machine et procédé de fabrication de produits alimentaires liquides et/ou semi-liquides
WO2018052930A3 (fr) * 2016-09-13 2018-04-26 Kerry Luxembourg S.a.r.l. Système de préparation de boissons
WO2021222170A1 (fr) * 2020-04-28 2021-11-04 Globe Food Equipment Co. Minuteur de nettoyage de trancheuse et arrêt

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US3461934A (en) * 1967-06-02 1969-08-19 Hobart Corp Apparatus for cutting,mixing and grinding materials
US4681030A (en) * 1986-02-20 1987-07-21 Herbert John M Apparatus for preparing frozen drinks
US5799567A (en) * 1994-04-28 1998-09-01 Vorwerk & Co. Interholding Gmbh Food processor with a mixing vessel and a drive mechanism for an agitator in the mixing vessel
US6194013B1 (en) * 1999-09-29 2001-02-27 Vita-Mix Corporation Method and apparatus for controlling the blending of drinks
US20050127098A1 (en) * 2000-07-12 2005-06-16 Claudio Bertone Multi-flavoured hot beverage dispenser
US20060238346A1 (en) * 1999-12-10 2006-10-26 David Teller System and Method Using a Scale for Monitoring the Dispensing of a Beverage
US20070158353A1 (en) * 2006-01-11 2007-07-12 Herbert J Michael Detachable spill guard for a blender cup or other container
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US3336957A (en) * 1965-04-12 1967-08-22 Frederick Z Goosman Automatic drink dispenser
US3461934A (en) * 1967-06-02 1969-08-19 Hobart Corp Apparatus for cutting,mixing and grinding materials
US4681030A (en) * 1986-02-20 1987-07-21 Herbert John M Apparatus for preparing frozen drinks
US4681030C1 (en) * 1986-02-20 2001-05-08 Hmc Of Massachusetts Ltd Partn Apparatus for preparing frozen drinks
US5799567A (en) * 1994-04-28 1998-09-01 Vorwerk & Co. Interholding Gmbh Food processor with a mixing vessel and a drive mechanism for an agitator in the mixing vessel
US6194013B1 (en) * 1999-09-29 2001-02-27 Vita-Mix Corporation Method and apparatus for controlling the blending of drinks
US20060238346A1 (en) * 1999-12-10 2006-10-26 David Teller System and Method Using a Scale for Monitoring the Dispensing of a Beverage
US20050127098A1 (en) * 2000-07-12 2005-06-16 Claudio Bertone Multi-flavoured hot beverage dispenser
US20070158353A1 (en) * 2006-01-11 2007-07-12 Herbert J Michael Detachable spill guard for a blender cup or other container
US20080230558A1 (en) * 2007-02-15 2008-09-25 Koerner Bruce H Dual hopper frozen food dispenser and methods

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2912951A1 (fr) * 2014-02-28 2015-09-02 ALI S.p.A. - CARPIGIANI GROUP Machine et procédé de fabrication de produits alimentaires liquides et/ou semi-liquides
US9986748B2 (en) 2014-02-28 2018-06-05 Ali S.p.A.—Carpigiani Group Machine and method for making liquid or semi-liquid food products
WO2018052930A3 (fr) * 2016-09-13 2018-04-26 Kerry Luxembourg S.a.r.l. Système de préparation de boissons
US11116352B2 (en) 2016-09-13 2021-09-14 Kerry Luxembourg S.à.r.l. Beverage preparation system
US11412884B2 (en) 2016-09-13 2022-08-16 Kerry Group Services International Limited Beverage preparation system
WO2021222170A1 (fr) * 2020-04-28 2021-11-04 Globe Food Equipment Co. Minuteur de nettoyage de trancheuse et arrêt

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