WO2022175938A1

WO2022175938A1 - System for mixing liquid

Info

Publication number: WO2022175938A1
Application number: PCT/IL2022/050167
Authority: WO
Inventors: Evyatar SHALEV
Original assignee: Shalev Evyatar
Priority date: 2021-02-17
Filing date: 2022-02-10
Publication date: 2022-08-25
Also published as: IL280938A

Abstract

The present invention provides disposable mixer for mixing food stuff, magnetic food mixing systems comprising said mixer, and methods of using thereof.

Description

SYSTEM FOR MIXING LIQUID

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] The present invention provides liquid mixing devices, particularly for mixing various materials such as liquid food, more particularly for preparing serving of frozen or partially frozen food products, such as a frozen yogurt and smoothie.

BACKGROUND

[002] When mixing materials and when preparing various food stuff, such as smoothies and frozen yogurt, a user is required to mix all the ingredients to obtain the final product. Today, the mixing is carried out using an electric mixer, either external as seen in WO 1991/007879, or internal as seen in US 5,074,125. In addition, many home appliances include rotary mixers that can be used for such mixing (also seen in US 6,280,781).

[003] However, all known devices involve a blade that is in direct contact with the mixed food stuff. This means that the user is required to constantly clean the blade after each use, which is extremely problematic in ice-cream shops that provide many smoothies and/or frozen yogurt servings a day. Moreover, when extracting the blade after mixing, especially in frozen or semi- frozen food stuff, some of the food stuff remains stuck on the blade and is omitted from the final serving.

[004] Accordingly, a need exists for an innovative mixer, e.g., for food stuff.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[005] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a disposable mixer for mixing a material within a vessel (16), said mixer comprising a blade (20) with at least one wing (22), wherein said mixer is designed to be placed within said vessel (16) and driven by magnetic force. In specific embodiments, the material is food stuff.

[006] In a second aspect the present invention provides a disposable blender comprising a disposable vessel (16) with the disposable mixer of the invention.

[007] In a third aspect the present invention provides a disposable vessel comprising the disposable mixer of the invention. [008] In a fourth aspect the present invention provides a mixing system comprising: (a) a disposable mixer, a disposable vessel or a disposable vessel of the invention; and (b) a mixer propulsion system (12) designed to rotate said disposable mixer.

[009] In a fourth aspect the present invention provides a method for mixing a material, the method comprising the steps of: (a) placing a disposable mixer of the invention into a vessel (optionally a disposable vessel); (b) filling said vessel with said material; and (c) placing the filled vessel onto a mixer propulsion system (12) designed to rotate said disposable mixer residing within said vessel, and activating said system, thereby mixing the material within said vessel, wherein once mixing is complete, the disposable mixer remains in the vessel and is eventually discarded, optionally with the vessel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[010] Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of one possible respective view of a magnetic mixing system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[011] Fig. 2 is another schematic illustration of one possible respective view of a magnetic mixing system in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

[012] Figs. 3A-3B are schematic illustrations of possible propulsion systems that comprise electromagnets.

[013] Figs. 4A-4B are schematic illustrations of two possible examples of a baseplate and blade.

[014] Figs. 5A-5B are schematic illustrations of two possible container’s wall protective elements.

[015] Figs. 6A-6B are schematic illustrations of two possible elements within a container designed to be used together with the mixer of the invention.

[016] Figs. 7A-7D are illustrations of a mixer according to some embodiments of the invention: Fig. 7A is a bottom view; Fig. 7B is an upper view; and Figs. 7C-7D are side views.

[017] Figs. 8A-8C illustrate a possible mixer propulsion system (motor) according to the invention for rotating the mixer of the invention: Fig. 8A is a 3-dimentional view; Fig. 8B is a side view; and Fig. 8C is an illustration of a mixer propulsion system with a vessel thereon.

[018] Fig. 9 illustrates an alternative variation of a mixer propulsion system of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[019] In order to avoid disadvantages of known mixers, e.g. for mixing food, such as the need for cleaning the mixer after each mix, the preset invention provides disposable mixers for mixing various materials, such as smoothies and frozen yogurts, directly within a dedicated vessel/container (16).

[020] Accordingly, in a first aspect, the present invention provides a disposable mixer for mixing a material within a vessel (16), said mixer comprising a blade (20) with at least one wing (22), wherein said mixer is designed to be placed within said vessel (16) and driven by magnetic force. [021] The number of wings can be even or odd and can be 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more. The orientation, angle, size shape and length of each wing can vary according to need and desire. For instance, a mixer can have: (i) one wing located anywhere on the blade (2)- not necessarily in the middle, wherein the wing can be symmetric or amorphous; (ii) two wings pairs of the same shape and size, or each pair is of different shape and/or size; (iii) three wings, evenly dispersed on the blade (20); (iv) one pair of even wings; or any other configuration.

[022] In specific embodiments, the blade has no wings. In alternative or added embodiments, the blade (20) is amorphous thereby generating pseudo-wing(s).

[023] The purpose of the wing(s) is to assist in the mixing process of the material and to bring it to a desired texture. For instance, when mixing frozen or semi-frozen food stuff, such as a smoothies and frozen yogurts, the wings may be thin with a slight angled position to enable movement of the mixer within the frozen material. In semi-frozen food stuff, the wings can be wider and/or bigger and can be designed such that mixing thereof creates a desired texture of the food (creamy, foamy, etc.).

[024] In some cases, the mixer consists of two main components: a blade (20) and a baseplate (18). In specific embodiments, the two are connected, either temporary or permanently, via any suitable means, such as a hole and a pin; a ball-head and a base-receiver; or a bearing construct, or any other means that allows the blade (20) to move/rotate. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the disposable mixer further comprises a baseplate (18) designed to protect the vessel’s bottom during mixing. In specific embodiments thereof, the baseplate (18) and blade (20) are connectable via dedicated connectors (24,26).

[025] In alternative or additional embodiments, the disposable mixer of any of the embodiments above further comprises a protective sleeve (50) designed to protect the vessel’s walls from any possible damage that the mixer might do during mixing. In specific embodiments, the protective sleeve (50) comprises an upper lip (52) designed to prevent the mixer from exiting the sleeve (50) during mixing. In certain embodiments, the sleeve (50) is a structure that contains the blade (20), and allows it to move on a certain axis (rotation), and prevents unwanted movement (getting out of the baseplate/vessel’s bottom).

[026] In certain embodiments of the disposable mixer of any of the embodiments above, the at least one wing (22) is amorphous or asymmetrical. In further or alternative embodiments, the at least one wing (22) is unevenly distributed along said blade (20). For instance, one wing can be on one side/half of the blade (20), and two other wings can be on the other side/half; or a single wing can be positioned eccentric to the blade’s center, or any other constellation.

[027] The disposable mixer of any one of claims 1-5, wherein said wing (22) is missing.

[028] In certain embodiments, the present invention provides a disposable mixer for mixing a material within a vessel (16), said mixer comprising: (a) a blade (20) with at least one wing (22); (b) a baseplate (18) designed to protect the vessel’s bottom during mixing; and (c) a protective sleeve (50) designed to protect the vessel’s walls during mixing, wherein said mixer is designed to be placed within said vessel (16) and driven by magnetic force. In specific embodiments thereof, the baseplate (18) and blade (20) are connectable to one another via dedicated connectors (24,26). [029] In certain embodiments, the present invention provides a disposable mixer for mixing a material within a vessel (16), said mixer comprising: (a) a blade (20) (without a wing); and (b) a baseplate (18) connectable to said blade (20), e.g., for protecting the vessel’s bottom during mixing, wherein said mixer is designed to be placed within said vessel (16) and driven by magnetic force. In specific embodiments, the blade’s shape is amorphous.

[030] Typically, the disposable mixer is made of or contains at least part thereof that is a magnet or is attracted to a magnet. In specific embodiments, the disposable mixer of any of the embodiments above is made of or comprises a magnetic material. In specific embodiments, the blade (20) is made of or comprises a magnetic material. In alternative or additional embodiments, the at least one wing (22) is made of or comprises a magnetic material. In further alternative embodiments, both the blade (20) and the wing(s) (22) is made of or comprises a magnetic material.

[031] The terms “magnet” or “magnetic material” as used herein interchangeably, refer to any material that is either a magnet per-se, i.e. produces a magnetic field, or is ferromagnetic material, such as iron, steel, nickel, cobalt, etc., which is attracted or repelled by a magnet. In certain embodiments, the magnetic components within the different devices/systems of the invention consists of a permanent magnet, or an electromagnet, or a combination thereof.

[032] In certain embodiments, the mixer according to any of the embodiments further comprises a heating element designed to heat the material during mixing thereof. In specific embodiments, the heating element is located within the baseplate (18). In alternative embodiments, the heating element is located within the blade (20). The specific embodiments, the heating element is an induction coil.

[033] In certain embodiments, the disposable mixer according to any of the embodiments above further comprises at the blade’s lower surface a thin layer, such as a thin plate, made of durable material designed to prevent unintentional damage to the vessel (16) during mixing. For instance, a 0.1 mm thick plastic plate can be placed in between the blade (2) and the vessel’s bottom. Such thin layer may be either an integral part of the mixer or an add-on that can be placed between the mixer and the vessel’s bottom when placing the mixer in the vessel (16).

[034] In specific embodiments, the mixer is not designed to rotate, but rather to vibrate, or to move back and forth in some variation. In alternative specific embodiments, the mixer is designed to both rotate and vibrate.

[035] It is another object of the present invention to facilitate easy mixing of the material and to reduce cleaning requirements and to enable disbursement of containers with ready-to-eat food stuff, which only requires mixing prior to serving: for instance, personal smoothies and frozen yogurt servings that can be sold to private consumers, or to ice-cream shops. Accordingly, the present invention further provides a disposable blender, wherein the blender is comprised of a disposable vessel (16) equipped with a disposable mixer according to any of the embodiments above. Alternatively, the present invention provides a disposable vessel that comprises the disposable mixer according to any of the embodiments above. Such a vessel can be equipped with a lid, such that it can be stored and delivered while containing the food stuff.

[036] The term “vessel” as used herein refers to any container such as a cup, a mug, a bowl, a plate, etc. that can hold a material such as food stuff for serving. In specific embodiments, the vessel is disposable, meaning that the user can dispose of the container together with the disposable mixer without needed to separate between them. In certain embodiments, when the vessel is disposable, it can be made of any suitable material, such as paper, plastic, wood, cardboard, or any combination thereof.

[037] In certain embodiments, the disposable blender or disposable vessel of the invention further comprises a thicker bottom or a dedicated protmsion (62) at its bottom acting as a baseplate for protecting the vessel’s bottom. In further or alternative embodiments, the disposable blender or disposable vessel of the invention further comprises a flange (60) at its inner wall acting as a barrier (similar to the upper lip (52) mentioned above) designed to maintain said mixer in place, i.e. close to the vessel’s bottom and prevent it from ascending from the vessel’s bottom during mixing. [038] In specific embodiments, the present invention provides a disposable blender comprising a disposable vessel (16) with the disposable mixer according to any of the embodiments above; wherein said vessel (16) comprises: (i) a thicker bottom or a dedicated protrusion (62) at its bottom acting as a baseplate for protecting the vessel’s bottom; and/or (ii) a flange (60) at its inner wall acting as a barrier designed to prevent said mixer from ascending from the vessel’s bottom during mixing.

[039] In specific embodiments, the present invention provides a disposable vessel comprising: (i) the disposable mixer according to of the embodiments above; (ii) a thicker bottom or a dedicated protrusion (62) at its bottom acting as a baseplate for protecting the vessel’s bottom; and (iii) a flange (60) at its inner wall acting as a barrier designed to prevent said mixer from ascending from the vessel’s bottom during mixing.

[040] In certain embodiments of the disposable blender or disposable vessel according to any of the embodiments above, the disposable mixer is attached to the vessel’s bottom via dedicated connectors (24,26), in which case the flange (60) is not entirely necessary.

[041] In specific embodiments, the blade (20) and baseplate (18) are not located at the vessel’s bottom, but at the vessel’s top (i.e. mixes the content from the vessel’s top) or middle (e.g. when the baseplate is a sleeve positioned at the middle portion of the vessel’s wall).

[042] In certain embodiments, the disposable vessel according to any of the embodiments above further comprises a heating element designed to heat the material/food stuff during mixing thereof. In specific embodiments, the heating element is located within the vessel’s bottom. In alternative embodiments, the heating element is located within the vessel’s walls. [043] In certain embodiments, the disposable vessel according to any of the embodiments above further comprises a material to be mixed within said vessel (16). In specific embodiments thereof said material is food stuff, such as smoothies or frozen yogurt or ice-cream.

[044] In certain embodiments, the disposable vessel according to any of the embodiments above is a closed vessel holding inside a magnetic mixer according to any of the embodiments above, as well as frozen foodstuff, which is pre-ground foodstuff material that is frozen in any shape, such as a cube(s) or triangular(s) smaller than 5 * 5 cm. In this way, i.e., when storing pre-ground foodstuff in the vessel, the mixer does not need to break down the original frozen foodstuff but is required only to mix pre-ground material, which is much easier and makes smoothies creation faster and easier (compared to a process in which the mixer needs to break down complete, unground, foodstuff.

[045] Accordingly, in specific embodiments, the present invention provides a disposable blender or disposable vessel comprising a disposable vessel (16) equipped with a disposable mixer according to any of the embodiments above, and filled with a material, such as a food stuff (e.g. smoothies or frozen yogurt or ice-cream).

[046] In certain embodiments, the disposable vessel (16) according to any of the embodiments above is a closed vessel holding inside a magnetic mixer of the invention, as well as frozen foodstuff.

[047] The present invention further provides a mixer propulsion system (12) designed to rotate a disposable mixer according to any of the embodiments above while residing within a vessel (16). In specific embodiments, the system (12) comprises a bulge (58) at its upper surface designed to fit a groove at the vessel’s bottom, thereby preventing movement of the vessel (16) during mixing. In alternative specific embodiments, the system (12) comprises a socket (64) at its upper surface designed to embrace a vessel (16) placed therein, thereby preventing movement of the vessel (16) during mixing.

[048] In further specific embodiments of the above mixer propulsion systems (12) the bulge (58) or socket (64) are created using a dedicated cover mounted onto the mixer propulsion system (12). In alternative specific embodiments, the above mixer propulsion system (12) further comprises a dedicated cover mounted thereon, wherein said cover creates/comprises said bulge (58) or socket (64). [049] The present invention further provides various mixing systems that utilize the disposable mixer according to of the embodiments above. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the present invention provides a mixing system that comprises: (a) a disposable mixer according to of the embodiments above; and (b) a mixer propulsion system (12) (with magnetic force) designed to rotate said disposable mixer after being placed into a vessel.

[050] In alternative embodiments, the present invention provides a mixing system that comprises: (a) a disposable vessel or a disposable vessel according to of the embodiments above; and (b) a mixer propulsion system (12) (with magnetic force) designed to rotate said disposable mixer residing within said vessel.

[051] In certain embodiments, the mixing system of the invention is a magnetic mixing system that mixes liquid food, including semi-liquid or soft food stuff. The magnetic mixing system may include two parts: a propulsion system (12), and a mixer, wherein the propulsion system (12) is designed to mix/stir the mixer. In the propulsion system (12) there is typically a motor which typically rotates a magnetic part (also referred to herein as “magnetic mixing component”), which in turn rotate the mixer that is in magnetic contact therewith. In some cases, the propulsion is done by turning on & off electromagnets that are arranged in such a way that facilitates circular movement of the mixer. The mixer includes a blade (20), and optionally a baseplate (18) or other anchoring element such as a sleeve (50), which is placed inside a container/vessel prior to the addition of any food stuff therein (especially if the food stuff is semi-solid of frozen and will prevent insertion of such a mixer into a pre-filled vessel/container. The blade (20) is placed on the vessel’s bottom, optionally on a baseplate (18). In some cases, the purpose of the baseplate (18) is to provide support to the blade (20), to prevent damage to the vessel/container (16). The blade (20) and baseplate (18) are connected via dedicated connecting elements (24,26). Once the mixer is in the vessel (16) and is ready for mixing, the vessel/container ( 16) is placed on the propulsion system (12), which then turn/twist/rotate the mixer. The mixing can be done by a rotating motor (2) inside the propulsion system (12) that rotates a magnetic part (8), which in turn rotates the blade (20). In some cases, the propulsion is done by turning on & off electromagnets that are arranged in a certain way (see Fig. 3B). [052] The purpose of the magnets in the magnetic part is to rotate the blade (20). Therefore, in some cases, the shape of the magnet / electromagnet's composition in the magnetic part is similar to the shape of the blade (20), so that it can perform the action of rotating the blade by magnetic attraction.

[053] In certain embodiments, the magnetic component is (or comprises) one or more magnets, or one or more electromagnets, or a combination thereof, that are attached to the motor or the motor shaft. Their magnetic field direction is usually vertical to the axis of rotation.

[054] In certain embodiments, the shape of the blade (20) is asymmetrical. In some applications it consists of zero or more wings. In some applications the blade (20) is any shapeless piece of material that is attracted to a magnet.

[055] In certain embodiments, the mixing system according to any of the embodiments above further comprises a computing system for operating thereof, the computing system comprising a processor and a memory, the memory comprises sequences of instmctions that when executed by the processor activate the mixing system. The activation may involve the sequence and speed of activation of electromagnets, or the speed of turning the magnetic part (8), for controlling the mixing process. The activation may also involve selection of the operation plan, or the operation time, or even communication with a server for data transfer.

[056] The propulsion system (12) of the invention is an electric system that can receive power from an external power source, or by an internal power source, such as batteries, optionally rechargeable batteries.

[057] In certain embodiments, the mixing system according to any of the embodiments above further comprises a heating element designed to heat the material/food stuff during mixing thereof. In specific embodiments, the heating element is located within the plate of the propulsion system (12) onto which the vessel is placed. In alternative embodiments, the heating element is designed to surround the vessel positioned onto the propulsion system (12).

[058] In certain embodiments, the present invention provides a magnetic mixing system that is configured to mix liquids or any other mixture, the system comprising: (a) a magnetic mixing component comprising a blade (20) and a baseplate (18), placed inside a container. The blade (20) is designed to move and mix the content of the container; and (b) a propulsion system (12) comprising a motor and designed to rotate the magnetic mixing component. Typically, the motor and the magnetic component are placed inside a shell (14). In some cases, the propulsion is done by several electromagnets, arranged in such a way that by controlling their operation (turning them on & off), a force is created that drives the magnetic mixing component in rotation. In this case, the propulsion system (12) does not involve any moving magnetic or electromagnetic parts.

[059] The orientation of the electromagnets within the propulsion system (12) can be in any order. For instance, they can be arranged in a straight line or in a circle (Fig. 3B). The direction of the magnetic field is usually perpendicular to the base of the blade.

[060] In certain embodiments, mixing system according to any of the embodiments above further comprises at least one of: a computing system that controls the operation of the propulsion system (12); one or more sensors designed to collect information about the preparation process and forward same to the computing system; and a heating coil or induction heating coil. In specific embodiments, said coil is located inside the blade’s shell.

[061] In certain embodiments, the upper surface of the propulsion system (12), onto which the vessel (16) is to be placed, is made-of, coated- with or comprises, a material and/or a pattern that is designed to increase the friction between the vessel the propulsion system (12) to prevent movement of the vessel during mixing. In alternative or added embodiments, the propulsion system (12), further comprises means to hold the vessel during mixing, such as a fastener, loop, robotic arms, or any other element that can hold the vessel firmly during mixing.

[062] The present invention further provides a method for mixing a material, such as food stuff, the method comprising the steps of: (a) placing a disposable mixer according to any of the embodiments above into a vessel (optionally a disposable vessel); (b) filling said vessel with said material; and (c) placing the filled vessel onto a mixer propulsion system (12) designed to rotate said disposable mixer residing within said vessel, and activating said system, thereby mixing the material within said vessel, wherein once mixing is complete, the disposable mixer remains in the vessel and is eventually discarded, optionally with the vessel.

[063] In certain embodiments, the activation of the propulsion system (12) is automatic and begins immediately when the propulsion system (12) identifies that a vessel with a mixer of the invention has been placed thereon.

[064] In certain embodiments, steps (a) and (b) can be carried, e.g., in a factory, and the filled vessel can be shipped somewhere else or sold to a consumer, and only then the end user/consumer continues with step (c) when he/she desires to prepare the food stuff. [065] In certain embodiments, the method is as follows: a frozen, semi-frozen, or non-frozen material, is placed inside a container (16) with a mixer according to any of the embodiments above. The filled container ( 16) is then placed on the propulsion system’s shell (12). The motor (2) rotates the gear (4) and the magnetic or electromagnetic component (8), which leads to the rotation of the mixer/blade, which mixes the content of the vessel (16). Alternatively, a controller turns on & off some electromagnets within the propulsion system (12), in a certain pattern/structure, so that a force is created and applied onto the mixer/blade, which leads to its rotation. The controller controls the traction of electromagnets, as well as the speed of rotation.

[066] In some cases, a controller (not shown) controls the operating time and speed of the mixer’s movement. In some cases, sensor(s) collects information/data about the mixing process, and transfers it to a computing system.

[067] In certain embodiments, the frozen, semi-frozen, or non-frozen material is made/prepared by: pre-grinding, e.g., nutrients, freezing them into cubes or other shapes, and subsequently placing them in a vessel (16) having the mixer of the invention at its bottom, and eventually sealing the vessel for storage until use.

[068] The present invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description of applications thereof, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[069] Figs. 1 & 2 are schematic illustration of respective views of a magnetic mixing system (1) in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. As illustrated, the system includes a propulsion system (12), that may include a motor (2), a gear (4), an axis (6), magnetic or electromagnetic component (8), and a shell (14). In some cases, there is no gear in the system. [070] Another part of the system is a mixer/stirrer that may include one or more blades (20), optionally equipped with one or more wing (22), e.g. one or more pair of wings, and optionally a baseplate (18). As illustrated, the blade (20) is connected to the baseplate (18) via a dedicated connection component (24,26). In some cases, the upper and lower connection components are permanently connected. In alternative embodiments, they are attached removably or laid out loosely. In specific embodiments, one is a pin, and the other is a socket, which are placed on top of each other. In specific embodiments, the pin on which the blade (20) is connected to, is a piece of the baseplate (18), which has been partially cut and embossed, to be used as a pin. In specific embodiments, the blade (20) rotates around the point of connection. Another form of connection between the baseplate (18) and the blade (20) is that the baseplate is in the shape of a hollow half- cylinder (50), in some cases with an edge at the top (52), and the blade (20) is placed inside the hollow half-cylinder (50).

[071] The blade (20) and baseplate (18) are designed to be placed inside a vessel/container (16)- before filling it. Typically, some or all of the blade (20) is composed of a material that is attracted to a magnet. In some cases, it is composed of a magnet. In some cases, a combination of the two. Typically, the baseplate (18) is made of a hard material, or other material, which is not attracted to a magnet, or has low affinity to a magnet. In some cases, a baseplate (18) is not required, and is thus absent. In some cases, the baseplate is attached to a container (16). In some cases, the baseplate (18) is part of the container (16). In some cases, the container (16) is constructed in such a way that no baseplate (18) is needed. In some cases, the blade (20) is permanently attached to the baseplate (18). In specific embodiments, a computing system controls the operation of the electromagnet.

[072] In some applications, the pivot point around which the magnetic part revolves is not the center of the baseplate (18) or the shell (14) or the container (16). In this way, it allows the system to mix the contents of the container (16) more powerfully. This position prevents the contents of the container, if frozen, from moving as one piece, as a hard body.

[073] In certain embodiments, as noted above, a heating coil or an induction heating coil is located at the upper part of the shell (14) - inside or outside the shell - and is designed to heat the contents of the container (16) during the mixing process. In some cases, part of the baseplate (18) and/or part of the blade (20) consists of a material that heats up from the induction coil. In some cases, there is another component located near or inside the container (16), which heats up from the induction coil. In specific embodiments, there is a sensor (e.g. a temperature sensor) that regulates the operation of the heating coil. In further or alternative embodiments, a computing system controls the operation of the heating coil. In some cases, there is more than one coil.

[074] Figs. 3A & 3B are schematic illustration of respective views of a propulsion system (12) that uses electromagnets. As illustrated, the system consists of several electromagnets (32,34,36,38,40,42), which are arranged in, e.g., a circle. In this illustration, the number of the electromagnets is 12, but there can be any number of electromagnets, such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 or more. In some cases, the number of electromagnets is even, and in some cases odd. In this case it is even, so each pair of opposite electromagnets turns on & off together (32,40), (34,42). In specific embodiments, the electromagnets are placed inside a cylinder of a ferromagnetic material (44). In alternative or added specific embodiments, there is a core of a ferromagnetic material (46).

[075] Typically, the way this propulsion system (12) works is that at each stage a different pair of electromagnets is turned on, so that the blade (20) is rotated. That is, for example, in the first stage electromagnets (32,40) are turned on, in the second stage electromagnets (32,40) are turned off, and electromagnets (34,42) are activated, and so on.

[076] In some cases, there are one or more electromagnets, and the movement of the blade (20) is not rotational, but rather vibrational, partly rotated, or back and forth movement.

[077] In some cases, there is more than one counter-pair of electromagnets activated at each stage. In some cases, the rotational speed of the electromagnet's activation is controlled by a controller operable manually by a user or by a computing system. In some cases, the shape of the electromagnets is not a circle as illustrated in the figures. In some cases, the electromagnets are powered by DC, or AC, or any other form of current.

[078] Figs.4A & 4B are schematic illustration of respective views of two examples of a baseplate (18) and blade (20) form. Fig. 4A illustrates a blade (20) with a standard baseplate (18), whereas Fig. 4B illustrates an alternative baseplate shaped as a hollow half-cylinder or sleeve (50) designed to retain the blade (20) in terms of direction of movement during rotation.

[079] As seen in Fig. 4A, the baseplate (18) has a pin (24), and the blade (20) has a hole (26) so that the blade (20) sits on the pin (24) in a way that restricts its movement. In other cases, the blade (20) has a pin and the baseplate has a hole, which achieve the same purpose (not shown).

[080] As seen in Fig. 4B, the blade (20) is placed inside a sleeve-shaped baseplate (50), with an edge/lip (52) at its top opening, which also limits the blade’s degree of movement and prevents the blade from coming out during the mixing/swiveling.

[081] Figs. 5A & 5B are schematic illustrations of two possible protective elements designed to be placed within a vessel underneath the mixer to protect the vessel’s inner wall during the mixing/swiveling .

[082] Figs. 6A & 6B are schematic illustrations of two possible elements within a container/ vessel designed to be fabricated as part of a vessel or attached thereto after fabrication. These elements are designed to limits the blade’s degree of movement and prevent the blade from coming out during the mixing/swiveling (Fig. 6A) or protect the vessel’s bottom (Fig. 6B) similarly to the function of the baseplate. [083] Figs. 7A-7D are schematic illustrations of another variation of the mixer of the invention. As illustrated, the bottom of the mixer comprises an elongated hinge (56) (or protrusion) designed to distance the base of the mixer from the vessel’s bottom, thereby enabling an easier and soother rotation of the mixer in the vessel. Fig. 7B is an upper view of the mixer showing dedicated grooves (54) designed to hold magnets (or metal rods) to enable a magnetic rotation of the mixer using a propulsion system (12). As illustrated, the groove (54) can hold two magnets / metal rods and the mixer has two wings (22). Also illustrated is a protective sleeve (50) positioned at the mixer’s perimeter and designed to protect the vessel during rotation of the mixer within it.

[084] In certain embodiments, the blade (20) consists of a bottom, preferably circle -shaped, having designated place(s) (54) for one or more magnets, and equipped with one or more wings (22). In specific embodiments, the magnets face down. As illustrated in Fig. 7, the blade (20) may further comprise a hinge (56) at its lower surface, designed to make it easier for the blade (20) to rotate within the vessel (16).

[085] In certain embodiments, the blade’s bottom is made-of or coated-with a durable material, such as plastic or bamboo. In alternative or added embodiments, the hinge (56) at its lower surface of the blade’s bottom is made of such a durable material. This enables to protect the vessel (16) at the contact point between the mixer and the vessel (16). For example, a 0.1 mm thick PVC circle that is placed between the blade’s bottom and the vessel’s bottom can prevent the vessel (16) from being destroyed.

[086] Figs. 8A-8B show one possible configuration of a mixer propulsion system (12) designed to receive a container (16) holding a mixer and rotating same. As illustrated, the propulsion system (12) is designed to fit a paper cup with a groove at its bottom: the cup is designed to rest on a bulge (58) that enters into such a groove at the paper cup’s bottom. Fig. 8C illustrates how a paper cup (16) is placed onto the mixer propulsion system (12), such that the groove at the cup’s bottom sits over the bulge (58) of the mixer propulsion system (12). In such a configuration, in addition to the user holding the cup, the cup is further being held by the association between the cup’s bottom and the bulge (58) of the mixer propulsion system (12), which makes the cup more stable during mixing.

[087] Fig. 9 shows an alternative configuration of a mixer propulsion system (12) of the invention, this time with a socket (64) instead of a bulge (58). Such a configuration is suitable for vessels/cups (16) that do not have a groove at its bottom, so their insertion into a socket (64) within the mixer propulsion system (12) provides the additional support/stability for during the mixing. [088] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather, the scope of the present invention includes both combinations and sub-combinations of the various features described hereinabove, as well as variations and modifications thereof that are not in the prior art, which would occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description.

Claims

1. A disposable mixer for mixing a material within a vessel (16), said mixer comprising a blade (20) with at least one wing (22), wherein said mixer is designed to be placed within said vessel (16) and driven by magnetic force.

2. The disposable mixer of claim 1 , further comprising a baseplate (18) designed to protect the vessel’s bottom during mixing.

3. The disposable mixer of claim 2, wherein said baseplate (18) and blade (20) are connectable via dedicated connectors (24,26).

4. The disposable mixer of any one of claims 1-3, further comprising a protective sleeve (50) designed to protect the vessel’s walls during mixing.

5. The disposable mixer of claim 4, wherein said protective sleeve (50) comprises an upper lip (52) designed to prevent the mixer from exiting the sleeve (50) during mixing.

6. The disposable mixer of any one of claims 1-5, wherein said at least one wing (22) is amorphous or asymmetrical.

7. The disposable mixer of any one of claims 1-6, wherein said at least one wing (22) is an even number of wings.

8. The disposable mixer of any one of claims 1-6, wherein said at least one wing (22) is an odd number of wings.

9. The disposable mixer of any one of claims 1-8, wherein said at least one wing (22) is unevenly distributed along said blade (20).

10. The disposable mixer of any one of claims 1-5, wherein said wing (22) is missing.

11. A disposable mixer for mixing a material within a vessel (16), said mixer comprising: (a) a blade (20) with at least one wing (22); (b) a baseplate (18) designed to protect the vessel’s bottom during mixing; and (c) a protective sleeve (50) designed to protect the vessel’s walls during mixing, wherein said mixer is designed to be placed within said vessel (16) and driven by magnetic force.

12. A disposable mixer for mixing a material within a vessel (16), said mixer comprising: (a) a blade (20); and (b) a baseplate (18) designed to protect the vessel’s bottom during mixing, wherein said mixer is designed to be placed within said vessel (16) and driven by magnetic force.

13. The disposable mixer of claim 11 or 12, wherein said baseplate (18) and blade (20) are connectable to one another via dedicated connectors (24,26).

14. The disposable mixer of any one of claims 1-13, which is made of or comprises a magnetic material.

15. The disposable mixer of any one of claims 1-14, wherein said blade (20) is made of or comprises a magnetic material.

16. The disposable mixer of any one of claims 1-15, wherein said at least one wing (22) is made of or comprises a magnetic material.

17. The disposable mixer of any one of claims 1-16, further comprising at the blade’s lower surface a thin layer, such as a thin plate, made of durable material designed to prevent unintentional damage to the vessel (16) during mixing.

18. The disposable mixer of any one of claims 1-17, wherein said material to be mixed is food stuff.

19. A disposable blender comprising a disposable vessel (16) with a disposable mixer according to any one of claims 1-18.

20. The disposable blender of claim 19, further comprising a thicker bottom or a dedicated protrusion (62) at its bottom acting as a baseplate for protecting the vessel’s bottom.

21. The disposable blender of claim 19 or 20, further comprising a flange (60) at its inner wall acting as a barrier designed to maintain said mixer in place, i.e. close to the vessel’s bottom and prevent it from ascending from the vessel’s botom during mixing.

22. A disposable blender comprising a disposable vessel (16) with the disposable mixer according to any one of claims 1-18; wherein said vessel (16) comprises: (i) a thicker bottom or a dedicated protrusion (62) at its bottom acting as a baseplate for protecting the vessel’s bottom; and/or (ii) a flange (60) at its inner wall acting as a barrier designed to prevent said mixer from ascending from the vessel’s bottom during mixing.

23. The disposable blender of any one of claims 19-22, wherein said disposable mixer is attached to the vessel’s bottom via dedicated connectors (24,26).

24. The disposable blender of any one of claims 19-23, further comprising a material to be mixed within said vessel (16).

25. A disposable vessel comprising the disposable mixer according to any one of claims 1-18.

26. The disposable vessel of claim 25, further comprising a thicker bottom or a dedicated protrusion (62) at its bottom acting as a baseplate for protecting the vessel’s bottom.

27. The disposable vessel of claim 25 or 26, further comprising a flange (60) at its inner wall acting as a barrier designed to maintain said mixer in place, i.e. close to the vessel’s bottom and prevent it from ascending from the vessel’s bottom during mixing.

28. A disposable vessel comprising: (i) the disposable mixer according to any one of claims 1-18; (ii) a thicker bottom or a dedicated protrusion (62) at its bottom acting as a baseplate for protecting the vessel’s bottom; and (iii) a flange (60) at its inner wall acting as a barrier designed to prevent said mixer from ascending from the vessel’s bottom during mixing.

29. The disposable vessel of any one of claims 25-28, wherein said disposable mixer is attached to the vessel’s bottom via dedicated connectors (24,26).

30. The disposable vessel of any one of claims 25-29, further comprising a material to be mixed within said vessel (16).

31. The disposable vessel of any one of claims 25-30, which is a closed vessel holding inside a magnetic mixer according to any one of claims 1-18, as well as frozen foodstuff.

32. The disposable vessel of claim 31 , wherein said frozen foodstuff is a pre-ground foodstuff that has been frozen in any shape.

33. A mixer propulsion system (12) designed to rotate a disposable mixer according to any one of claims 1-18 while residing within a vessel (16), the system (12) comprising a bulge (58) at its upper surface designed to fit a groove at the vessel’s bottom.

34. A mixer propulsion system (12) designed to rotate a disposable mixer according to any one of claims 1-18 while residing within a vessel (16), the system (12) comprising a socket (64) at its upper surface designed to embrace a vessel (16) placed therein.

35. The mixer propulsion system (12) according to claim 33 or 34, wherein said bulge (58) or socket (64) are created using a dedicated cover mounted onto the mixer propulsion system (12).

36. A mixing system comprising: a) a disposable mixer according to any one of claims 1-18; and b) a mixer propulsion system (12) according to any one of claims 33-35, designed to rotate said disposable mixer after being placed into a vessel.

37. A mixing system comprising: a) a disposable vessel according to any one of claims 19-24 or a disposable vessel according to any one of claims 25-31; and b) a mixer propulsion system (12) according to any one of claims 33-35, designed to rotate said disposable mixer residing within said vessel.

38. A method for mixing a material comprising: a) placing a disposable mixer according to any one of claims 1-18 into a vessel; b) filling said vessel with said material; and c) placing the filled vessel onto a mixer propulsion system (12) designed to rotate said disposable mixer residing within said vessel, and activating said system, thereby mixing the material within said vessel, wherein once mixing is complete, the disposable mixer remains in the vessel and is eventually discarded.

39. The method of claim 38, wherein said material is food stuff.