WO2024124202A1

WO2024124202A1 - Blender system with ultrasonic interlock components and methods of using and operating same

Info

Publication number: WO2024124202A1
Application number: PCT/US2023/083230
Authority: WO
Inventors: David Kolar; Saifur TAREEN; Eric Miller
Original assignee: Vita-Mix Management Corporation
Priority date: 2022-12-08
Filing date: 2023-12-08
Publication date: 2024-06-13

Abstract

Blender systems and components thereof are disclosed, as well as methods of operating the same blender systems. A blender system includes an ultrasonic component that is configured to emit and receive ultrasonic waves, a container, and a lid couplable to the container. Either the container or the lid includes a reflector.

Description

BLENDER SYSTEM WITH ULTRASONIC INTERLOCK COMPONENTS AND

METHODS OF USING AND OPERATING SAME

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present disclosure claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63/431,116, entitled “ULTRASONIC BLENDING SYSTEM” and filed December 8, 2022, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to blender systems, and more particularly, to a blender interlock system.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Blender systems are often used to blend and process foodstuffs. Conventional blenders generally include a base with a motor, a mixing container with an operable mixing blade disposed therein. A blender lid is adapted to cover the mixing container. A user inserts contents within the mixing container to be mixed by the rotation of the blade. The container is positioned on the base as a user controls the operation of the motor within the base to rotate the mixing blade within the container to mix the contents therein.

[0004] It may be desirable to generally prevent the mixing blades from rotating when the blender lid is completely removed from the container.

SUMMARY

[0005] In an aspect, a blender system includes an ultrasonic component that is configured to emit and receive ultrasonic waves, a container, and a lid couplable to the container. The container or the lid includes a reflector.

[0006] In another aspect, a lid for a blender system includes a body and one or more reflectors disposed on or within the body. The one or more reflectors are positioned to reflect ultrasonic waves emitted by an ultrasonic component of the blender system.

[0007] In yet another aspect, a container for a blender system includes a body defining a cavity and one or more reflectors disposed on or within the body. The one or more reflectors are positioned to reflect ultrasonic waves emitted by an ultrasonic component of the blender system.

[0008] In still another aspect, a blender system includes a controller with an ultrasonic component having one or more transmitters for emit ultrasonic waves and a receiver for receiving reflected ultrasonic waves. The blender system further includes a reflector positioned to reflect the ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic component. The controller is configured to cause the one or more transmitters to emit the ultrasonic waves, receive, via the receiver, one or more reflected ultrasonic waves, and determine, based on characteristics of the reflected ultrasonic waves, that components of the blender system are interlocked.

[0009] In still another aspect, a method includes causing, by a controller, an ultrasonic component to emit an ultrasonic signal, receiving, by the controller, an indication of an echo signal, the echo signal being the ultrasonic signal that has been reflected off a reflector in a blender system, and determining, by the controller, that the blender system is interlocked based on characteristics of the echo signal.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The present disclosure may be better understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in connection with the following illustrations, wherein.

[0011] FIG. 1A is a front view of an illustrative blender system in an interlocked state in accordance with one or more aspects shown and described herein;

[0012] FIG. IB is a front view of the blender system of FIG. 1A in a non-interlocked state in accordance with one or more aspects shown and described herein;

[0013] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of illustrative internal components of a blender system in accordance with one or more aspects shown and described herein;

[0014] FIG. 3 is a side view of an illustrative lid that includes reflectors in accordance with one or more aspects shown and described herein;

[0015] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of an illustrative lid that includes reflectors in accordance with one or more aspects shown and described herein;

[0016] FIG. 5 is front view of another illustrative blender system including a single serving container and a reflector in accordance with one or more aspects shown and described herein; and [0017] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of an illustrative method of operating a blender system in accordance with one or more aspects shown and described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] The present disclosure relates generally to a blender system with interlocking capabilities. In an aspect, the blender system generally includes a blender base that houses a motor, one or more ultrasonic components, a container, and a lid. In an aspect, the blender system can determine whether the blender base, container, and lid are “interlocked” (e.g., in an operative position for use) prior to allowing use of the blender system. The one or more ultrasonic components are disposed in at least one of the blender base, container, or lid. When the components of the blender system are appropriately interlocked, the ultrasonic component emits ultrasonic waves that interact with objects disposed within the container or lid. The objects cause the ultrasonic waves to reflect back to the ultrasonic component in a particular manner based on the orientation of the components of the blender system. A controller determines a relative location of the objects based on the reflected waves and further determines, based on this relative location, whether the components are appropriately interlocked before allowing operation of the blender assembly.

[0019] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized, and structural and functional changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Further, features of the embodiments may be combined, switched, or altered without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, features of each disclosed embodiment may be combined, switched, or replaced with features of the other disclosed embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. As such, the following description is presented by way of illustration and does not limit the various alternatives and modifications that may be made to the illustrated embodiments and still be within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0020] As used herein, the words “example” and “exemplary” mean an instance, or illustration. The words “example” or “exemplary” do not indicate a key or preferred aspect or embodiment. The word “or” is intended to be inclusive rather an exclusive, unless context suggests otherwise. As an example, the phrase “A employs B or C,” includes any inclusive permutation (e.g., A employs B; A employs C; or A employs both B and C). As another matter, the articles “a” and “an” are generally intended to mean “one or more” unless context suggests otherwise.

[0021] “Logic” refers to any information and/or data that may be applied to direct the operation of a processor. Logic may be formed from instruction signals stored in a memory (e.g., a non-transitory memory). Software is one example of logic. In another aspect, logic may include hardware, alone or in combination with software. For instance, logic may include digital and/or analog hardware circuits, such as hardware circuits comprising logical gates (e.g., AND, OR, XOR, NAND, NOR, and other logical operations). Furthermore, logic may be programmed and/or include aspects of various devices and is not limited to a single device.

[0022] It is noted that references to a blender, blender system, and the like, are understood to include food processor systems and other mixing systems. Such systems generally include a blender base that may include a motor, a blade assembly, and a controller. Further, such systems may include a container, a display, a memory and/or a processor. A blade assembly, a blending container, and a blender base may removably or irremovably attach to one another.

[0023] The blending container may be powered in any suitable manner, such as, for example, powered by a power source that is positioned in a container and/or a component thereof (e.g., in a lid, a body, a handle, a base, or any combination thereof), or within a base such that when the container is coupled to the base, the power source positioned in the base is usable to power components within the container. The power source may be wired or wireless. Non-limiting examples of power supplies include energy storage devices and rechargeable and regenerative power supplies. For example, a coil may be embedded or encapsulated in the container. A magnet in operative proximity to the coil induces an electrical current and provides power to the container. When the magnet passes by the coil in the container, an electric current is induced and is available to provide power to the container. The magnet may be positioned in the blender base. The regenerative energy may be used to charge a rechargeable battery, capacitor, or the like.

[0024] Furthermore, while blending of “ingredients,” “contents” or “foodstuffs” is described by various embodiments, it is noted that non-food stuff may be mixed or blended, such as paints, epoxies, construction material (e.g., mortar, cement, etc.), and the like. In addition, blending of ingredients may result in a blended product. Such blended products may include drinks, frozen drinks, smoothies, shakes, soups, purees, sorbets, butters (including nut butters), dips, or the like. Accordingly, such terms may be used interchangeably unless context suggests otherwise or warrants a particular distinction among such terms. Further, such terms are not intended to limit possible blended products and should be viewed as examples of possible blended products.

[0025] In embodiments, the blender systems described herein may include any household blender and/or any type of commercial blender system, including those with covers that may encapsulate or partially encapsulate the blender. Commercial blender systems may include an overall blender system, such as a modular blender system that may include the blender along with other components, such as a cleaner, foodstuff storage device (including a refrigerator), an ice maker and/or dispenser, a foodstuff dispenser (e.g., a liquid or powder flavoring dispenser), or any other combination of such.

[0026] As used herein, the phrases “blend process,” “blend program,” and the like are used interchangeably unless context suggests otherwise or warrants a particular distinction among such terms. A blend process may include a series or sequence of blender settings and/or operations to be carried out by the blending device. In an aspect, a blend process may comprise at least one motor speed and at least one time interval for the given motor speed. For example, a blend process may comprise a series of blender motor speeds to operate the blender blade at the given speed, a series of time intervals corresponding to the given motor speeds, and other blender parameters and timing settings. The blend process may further include a ramp up speed that defines the amount of time the motor takes to reach its predetermined motor speed. The blend process may be stored on a memory and recalled by or communicated to the blending device.

[0027] Interlock systems may be utilized to attempt to prevent the mixing blades from rotating when the blender lid is not positioned on the container. These interlock systems generally prevent the operation of the rotation of the mixing blade unless the blender lid is covering the mixing container. Some interlock systems include a latch cover mechanism with a link rod and a compression spring in communication with a power circuit control switch in the base of the blender. Others include an attachment that engages a lid and a drive member at the base of the blender to actuate a motor once the lid is secured to the container.

[0028] Typically, blender interlocks require a physical connection between the lid and the motor. These interlocks generally include a system of mechanical actuators, mechanical arms, links, springs, or other attachments that prevent a user from operating the motor to rotate the mixing blade unless the blender lid is secured onto the container. For example, a push rod or arm of a container may physically press a buton of, or lock with, the blender base. Generally, such blender system interlocks are subject to damage or failure caused by the vibrations of the operating motor, normal wear, users, or the like. These interlock mechanisms can fail and cause a false actuation, giving a signal the blender lid is in place when, in fact, it is not. Further still, these mechanical systems may be difficult to clean. Additionally, such mechanical interlock systems take up extra space for mechanical connection paths, thereby adding to the overall size and/or bulk of the blender system as a whole, and these connection paths may not allow for sufficient vibration isolation or tamping. In instances where the quietness of a blender under operation is necessary or preferred, such interlock systems may not be desirable.

[0029] Even further, in some embodiments, a user may be able to manually override the interlocking mechanism to operate a blender system. This defeats the purpose of a true interlock, can result to physical damage of parts, can cause damage and/or injury, and/or the like.

[0030] Furthermore, certain blender systems may be designed to utilize a particular container with a particular base. For example, a blender base may have a dedicated container that is designed to attach to the blender base. If a user attaches the wrong container to a blender base that includes a particular interlock system, then the blender may not function properly because the container is not compatible. This can lead to spilled contents, excess noise, improper functioning of the blades, inoperability, or the like.

[0031] To address the issues noted above, the blender system described herein includes interlocking capabilities that utilize ultrasonic waves for the purposes of ensuring the components of the blender system are appropriately coupled to one another and/appropriately aligned relative to one another before allowing operation thereof. In an aspect, embodiments generally include a blender base that houses a motor, one or more ultrasonic components, a container, and a lid. In an aspect, the blender system can determine whether the blender base, container, and lid are “interlocked” based on ultrasonic signals that are emitted, reflected, and sensed. More specifically, the one or more ultrasonic components include an emitter that is disposed in at least one of the blender base, container, or lid. When the various components of the blender system are appropriately coupled to one another and/or aligned with one another, the emitter of the ultrasonic component may emit ultrasonic energy (e.g. ultrasonic waves) that interact with objects disposed within the container or lid. The objects may reflect the ultrasonic energy back to the ultrasonic component (e.g., a receiver of the ultrasonic component). A controller, such as one within the blender base (e.g., a processor) may determine the location of the objects based on the reflected ultrasonic energy. The controller operatively and selectively allows for operation of a rotation of the blades within the container based on the determined location of the objects. The blender base may perform other operations based on the location or shape of the objects, such as identify a type of object. Various other advantages may be apparent throughout this specification.

[0032] Referring now to FIG. 1 A-1B, depicted are front views of a blender system 100 that may selectively allow operation of a motor disposed within a base 110 thereof (motor not depicted). More specifically, FIG. 1A depicts the blender system 100 in a closed state and FIG. IB depicts the blender in an open state, as described in greater detail herein.

[0033] Still referring to FIGS. 1 A-1B, the blender system 100 generally includes the base 110, a lid 120, and a container 130. When coupled together, the base 110 supports the container 130 thereon such that the motor is operatively coupled to a blade assembly 140 disposed within the container 130. In addition, the lid 120 is generally shaped and/or sized to correspond to an opening 131 in the container 130 (e.g., an opening in a body of the container) such that the lid 120, when coupled to the container 130, covers the opening 131 thereof. It is noted that blender system 100 may further include other or additional components, such as a second container, a tamper, or other device. Thus, the present disclosure is not limited solely to the components depicted in FIGS. 1A-1B.

[0034] The base 110 may be any appropriate size and/or configuration for housing the motor that is used to drive the blade assembly 140 disposed in the container 130 when the container 130 is coupled to the base 110. In some embodiments, the base 110 may include additional components that direct or cause operation as described herein. For example, the base 110 may house and generally protect the operative components of the blender system 100 in addition to the motor, such as, for example, a fan, one or more controllers, various circuitry components, one or more user interface components 112 (e.g., a touch screen, one or more lights, one or more buttons, one or more knobs, one or more dials, one or more switches, and/or other actuators), a display 118 (e.g., a light emitting diode (FED) display and/or a liquid crystal display (LCD)) and the like. Additional components that may be housed within the base 110 are described herein with respect to FIG. 2.

[0035] The lid 120 may include a body 122 that is formed from a food grade material, such as a plastic, rubber, or the like. A reflector 124 is disposed within the lid 120, such as, for example, on an inner surface of the lid 120 (e.g., a surface that faces an interior of the container 130 when the lid 120 is coupled to the container 130), embedded within the lid 120, and/or the like. The reflector 124 may include a particular shape and material to cause a particular reflection of ultrasonic energy that can be sensed, as described herein. For instance, the reflector 124 may include a metal object disposed with the lid 120. In an aspect, the reflector 124 may be overmolded, adhered to, or otherwise attached to the lid 120. It is noted that different lids (e.g., different makes, models, etc.) may include differently shaped or sized reflectors 124. Further, while the lid 120 is illustrated with a single reflector 124, any number of reflectors may be utilized, including, but not limited to, two reflectors, three reflectors, four reflectors, five reflectors, or greater than five reflectors. For example, lid 120 may comprise x reflectors 124, where x is a number. In some embodiments, a plurality of reflectors 124 may be disposed in an array or grid configuration in or on the lid 120. In other embodiments, a single reflector 124 may be disposed in a particular location on or in the lid 120 to ensure a particular reflection of ultrasonic energy when the lid 120 is properly disposed over the opening

131 of the container 130 (e.g., fully closed). Additional details regarding the lid 120 and the reflectors 124 will be described herein.

[0036] As noted above, FIG. 1 A depicts the blender system 100 in a closed state where the lid 120 is covering (e.g., fully covering) the opening 131 of the container 130. In this state, items within the container 130 may be prevented from escaping the container 130 because the lid 120 is blocking the opening 131. In contrast, FIG. IB depicts the blender system 100 in an open state where the lid 120 is not covering (e.g., not fully covering, partially covering) the opening 131 of the container 130. As such, at least a portion of the container 130 is open (including partially open or fully open). As will be described in greater detail herein, the blender system 100 is configured to determine whether the base 110, the lid 120, and the container 130 are interlocked via an ultrasonic component.

[0037] Still referring to FIG. IB, since the blender system 100 is in a open state, the blender system 100 is also in a non- interlocked state where the body 128 of lid 120 is not operatively connected to the container 130. As noted above, this would allow contents to escape the container 130 and/or other inefficiencies in blending. As will described herein, one or more components (e.g., one or more components in the base 110) may generate signals 150 or 152 that are reflected as echo 154 from the reflector 124. A determination may be made that the reflector 124 (e.g., and the lid 120) are in a location other than that representing an interlocked location (e.g., the positioning depicted in FIG. 1A). As such, operation of the motor may be prevented. [0038] Referring again to FIGS. 1A-1B, in at least one embodiment, the base 110 may include a display 118. The display is generally configured to output information by displaying the information. The information may include timers, selected programs, status, or the like. For example, as shown in FIG. 1A, the display 118 may display an indicator that the blender system 100 is ready to blend (e.g., because the components are all appropriately attached and the lid 120 is closed over the opening 131 of the container 130). In another example, as shown in FIG. IB, the display 118 may display an error message that the components of the blender system 100 are not interlocked, which components are not interlocked (e.g., by displaying that the lid 120 is ajar), and/or the like, based on signals or instructions that have been received.

[0039] Referring now to FIG. 2, the blender system 100 includes a controller 200 in some embodiments. The controller 200 may be housed within the base 110 (FIGS. 1A-1B), may be a remote controller that is communicatively coupled to components within the base 110 (FIGS. 1A-1B), or may exist in another configuration. The controller 200 may include an ultrasonic component 204, a processor 210, a memory 212, the display 118, communications components 214, and/or the user interface components 112 according to some embodiments. The various components may be communicatively coupled to one another via any type of connection medium, may be directly coupled, or may be coupled via a bus 201 or the like. The communicative coupling between components may be wired or wireless, and may use any type of communications protocol now known or later developed.

[0040] The memory 212 may generally be any non-transitory, processor-readable storage medium that is particularly configured to store computer executable instructions. The processor 210 may facilitate execution of the computer executable instructions from the memory 212. While FIG. 2 depicts the processor 210 and the memory 212 as separate components, this it nonlimiting. That is, in some embodiments, the processor 210 and the memory 212 may be integrated into a single component. According to embodiments, the memory 212 may store object recognition patterns. For example, and with reference to FIGS. 1 A-1B, a user may attach the container 130 and the lid 120 to the base 110. The processor 210 may receive imaging information from ultrasonic component 204 and compare the imaging information with information stored in memory 212 and/or another storage device (not depicted). It is noted that the memory 212 may store other information (e.g., blend programs). While the memory 212, the processor 210, and ultrasonic component 204 are shown as separate components for simplicity of explanation, the components may include one or more devices. [0041] The communications components 214 may generally be any components that transmit and/or receive communications (e.g., via signals or the like) to other components external to the controller 200. For example, the communications components 214 may facilitate communication between the controller 200 and one or more external devices, such as a mobile device or the like.

[0042] Also depicted in FIG. 2 is the motor 220. The motor is generally any motor that is configured to drive movement of the blade assembly 140 as described herein. The motor 220 may be communicatively or electrically coupled to the controller 200 and/or one or more components thereof to facilitate operation of the motor 220. That is, power and/or communications may be delivered to the motor to turn on, turn off, adjust a speed, and/or the like by the controller 200 and/or one or more components thereof.

[0043] As depicted in FIG. 2, the ultrasonic component 204 may include one or more transmitters 206 and/or one or more receivers 208. For example, the ultrasonic component 204 may include a first transmitter 206/receiver 208 and a second transmitter 206/receiver 208. The transmitters 206 and the receivers 208 may combined together in a single device (e.g., a transceiver) or as a plurality of devices as depicted in FIG. 2. In another aspect, one or more transmitters 206 and the one or more receivers 208 may be disposed on a common silicon chip or wafer. The transmitter(s) 206 may generate an ultrasonic pulse or signal, such as ultrasonic signals/pulses 150 and 152 depicted in FIGS. 1 A-1B. If an object is disposed in the path of the ultrasonic signals/pulses 150 and 152, part or all of the pulses are reflected back to the ultrasonic component 204 (e.g., received by the receiver 208) as an echo 154. The ultrasonic component 204 may receive the echo 154 and may measure or determine properties associated with the echo 154. In an example, the echo 154 may include one or more pulses that may represent reflections off of different objects.

[0044] The transmitter 206 may generate sound waves in ultrasonic frequencies (e.g., frequencies in a higher range than humans can hear), such as greater than about 20 kilohertz (kHz). The receiver 208 may receive ultrasonic waves that may be reflected off of an object (e.g., echo waves). In an aspect, the transmitter 206 and/or the receiver 208 may include one or more diaphragms that may be vibrated or attuned to a desired frequency or range of frequencies. It is noted that the transmitter 206 and receiver 208 may be the same or separate devices. In another aspect, the ultrasonic component 204 may include one or more devices coupled together. [0045] The ultrasonic component 204 may operatively detect echo waves and sources or objects to which the echo waves have reflected. For instance, the ultrasonic component 204 may receive (e.g., via the receiver 208) sound waves that have modulated or altered as a result of reflection off of an object. The alterations may indicate a type (e.g., metal, plastic, glass, liquid, etc.), location, shape, proximity or the like of an object, and specific characteristics of these alterations may be stored in a database, look up table, machine learning server, or the like for access and determination of the type. Described embodiments may refer to a particular type of object for simplicity of explanation. For instance, examples may describe an ultrasonic component that is attuned to detect the presence or location of a metal object. It is noted that embodiments may be attuned to other types of objects.

[0046] Referring to FIGS. 1A-1B and 2, the ultrasonic component 204 may transmit (e.g., via the transmitter 206) the ultrasonic signals/pulses 150 and 152 towards the container 130 and the lid 120. The container 130, the contents within the container, and/or the lid 120 may reflect the ultrasonic signals/pulses 150 and 152 back (e.g., as the echoes 154) to the ultrasonic component 204 (e.g., such that they are received at the receiver 208). In an aspect, the controller 200 or a component thereof (e.g., the ultrasonic component 204 and/or the processor 210) may distinguish between or be attuned to echoes with properties that indicate a metallic object reflection. For instance, the reflector 124 may include a metallic object that reflects the echo 154. The echo 154 may reflect back to ultrasonic component 204, and the ultrasonic component 204 may receive or detect the echo 154.

[0047] The controller 200 or a component thereof (e.g., the ultrasonic component 204, the processor 210, etc.) may determine a size, location, or distance of the reflector 124 based on the received echoes 154. Based on this information, controller 200 or a component thereof (e.g., the ultrasonic component 204, the processor 210, etc.) may determine whether the container 130 and lid 120 are interlocked with the base 110. For instance, controller 200 or a component thereof (e.g., the ultrasonic component 204, the processor 210, etc.) may measure the difference in time between the signals 150/152 being transmitted and the echo 154 being received to determine the distance. In at least one embodiment, the controller 200 or a component thereof (e.g., the ultrasonic component 204, the processor 210, etc.) may measure a length of time that the container 130 and lid 120 are interlocked with the base 110, or otherwise not in motion. If the position of the container 130 and the lid 120 move, it may indicate that the user held the lid 120 above the base 110 without interlocking it with the container 130. [0048] The controller 200 or a component thereof (e.g., the ultrasonic component 204, the processor 210, etc.) may selectively allow operation of the motor 220 based on whether the container 130 and the lid 120 are interlocked with the base 110. If they are interlocked, the controller 200 or a component thereof (e.g., the ultrasonic component 204, the processor 210, etc.) may allow operation of the motor 220 (e.g., by transmitting an actuation signal, supplying power, and/or the like). If they are not interlocked controller 200 or a component thereof (e.g., the ultrasonic component 204, the processor 210, etc.) may disable or prevent operation of the motor (e.g., by transmitting a signal, removing power, and/or the like).

[0049] It is noted that the measured travel time of pulses with an empty container 130 may be different from those through a non-empty container. In another aspect, the travel time may depend on the type of foodstuff being blended, temperature of the foodstuff, or the like. As such, the controller 200 or a component thereof (e.g., the ultrasonic component 204, the processor 210, etc.) may adjust detection based on the type of foodstuff, temperature, etc. It is further noted that the travel time may be affected by the status of the motor 220 (e.g., whether it is running, has run within a period of time, or the like). Embodiments may compensate for the state of the motor 220 and controller 200 or a component thereof (e.g., the ultrasonic component 204, the processor 210, etc.) may adjust detection. Such information may be entered by a user or automatically detected (e.g., via a thermostat, image recognition, etc.).

[0050] As previously noted herein, the ultrasonic component 204 may include one or more transmitters 206 or receivers 208. These transmitters 206 or receivers 208 may operate independently or cooperatively to detect presence of objects. For example, a first transmitter 206 may generate signal 150 and a second transmitter 206 may generate signal 152. Signals 150 and 152 may comprise disparate pitches, wavelengths, or other properties. In at least one example, signals 150 and 152 are generated at disparate times. One or more receivers 208 may receive the echo 154. The controller 200 or a component thereof (e.g., the ultrasonic component 204, the processor 210, etc.) may determine information associated with the reflector 124 based on echo 154 due to both signals 150 and 152.

[0051] It is noted that the blender system 100 may include other components that may be detected by the ultrasonic component 204. For instance, the ultrasonic component 204 may detect the blade assembly 140, a tamper (not shown), or other objects. The controller 200 or a component thereof (e.g., the ultrasonic component 204, the processor 210, etc.) may fdter out these components or may utilize the components to determine the location of the container 130 and/or the lid 120. For instance, the controller 200 or a component thereof (e.g., the ultrasonic component 204, the processor 210, etc.) may selectively allow operation of the motor based on the location of both the reflector 124 and the blade assembly 140.

[0052] In another aspect, the controller 200 or a component thereof (e.g., the ultrasonic component 204, the processor 210, etc.) may utilize fdtering techniques to fdter out or ignore image noise. Image noise may include signal noise that is not due to the location of the reflector 124 or other objects which are being detected. These image noises may include noise due to motor operation, movement of foodstuff, type of foodstuff in the container 130, echoes from other objects, or the like.

[0053] It should be understood that the functionality of the controller 200 described hereinabove may be achieved by comparing signals to stored data relating to characteristics of known signals for the purposes of determining whether components are interlocked, whether items are within the container, and/or the like. The stored data may be located on the memory 212, may be located in other data storage within the controller 200 (not shown), may be stored on a remote database communicatively coupled to the controller 200, may be located on a machine learning server that is trained to recognize certain reflected signals, and/or the like.

[0054] FIGS. 3 and 4 are lids 300 and 400 that may be utilized by various disclosed systems (e.g., the blender system 100, etc.). For example, lids 300 and 400 may include reflectors that may interact with an ultrasonic component (e.g., ultrasonic component 204).

[0055] Referring to FIG. 3, the lid 300 may include a body 302, a lip 304, a cap 306, a first reflector 322, and a second reflector 324. The reflectors 322 and 324 may be disposed at various locations (e.g., in the cap 306, the lip 304, or the body 302). Referring to FIG. 4, the lid 400 includes reflectors 422, 424, 426, and 428. As can be seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the lid 300 and the lid 400 include differently arranged reflectors. An ultrasonic component may detect and differentiate between the lids 300 and 400 based at least in part on the pattern, number, location, size, or the like of their reflectors. The lids 300 and 400 may be associated with different types of containers. In at least one embodiment, disclosed blender systems may differentiate between the containers based on detection of the type of lid. The blender system may then adjust blend programs (e.g., speed, time, ramps, etc.) accordingly.

[0056] It is noted that various other patterns, numbers (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, etc.), shapes, or sizes of reflectors may be utilized. It is further noted that reflectors may be disposed in other components of a blender system. As shown in FIG. 5 for example, a blender system 500 may include a base 510, a container 530, and a blade assembly 540. The container 530 may include a reflector 532 disposed on or within the container 530. It is noted that other portions of the blender system 500 (e.g., the blade assembly 540) may include one or more reflectors.

[0057] It is noted that different makes and models of containers may include different patterns, numbers, or types of reflectors. For instance, container 530 may represent a small format or single-serving container, whereas, by contrast, the container 130 depicted in FIGS. 1A-1B may represent a large format container. The container 530 may include different patterns, numbers, or types of reflectors with respect to container 130 depicted in FIGS 1 A-1B. An ultrasonic component may differentiate between containers based on the detected reflectors and may adjust a blend program accordingly. It is further noted that various disclosed systems may allow for detection of other components, such as tampers and attachments. It is further noted that disclosed systems may prevent use of third party or non-authorized containers, attachments, lids, etc. from being used with a blender system.

[0058] In view of the subject matter described herein, a method that may be related to various embodiments may be better appreciated with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 6. While method 600 is shown and described as a series of blocks, it is noted that associated methods or processes are not limited by the order of the blocks. It is further noted that some blocks and corresponding actions may occur in different orders or concurrently with other blocks. In addition, different blocks or actions may be utilized to implement the methods described hereinafter. Various actions may be completed by one or more of users, mechanical machines, automated assembly machines (e.g., including one or more processors or computing devices), or the like.

[0059] FIG. 6 depicts an exemplary flowchart of non-limiting method 600 associated with a blender system (e.g., blender system 100 depicted in FIGS. 1A-1B), according to various aspects of the subject disclosure. At block 602, an ultrasonic component of a base (e.g., ultrasonic component 204, etc.) may transmit a signal that may be operatively reflected off of objects, such as a reflector (e.g., reflector 124). The reflector may be disposed on or within a container or a lid. The ultrasonic component transmits the signal when caused by the controller to emit the signal.

[0060] At block 604, the reflector operatively reflects the signal from the ultrasonic component of the base as an echo. In an aspect, the ultrasonic component of the container may receive the signal when the container is interlocked with the base and the lid is properly disposed on the container. [0061] At block 606, the ultrasonic component of the base may operatively receive the reflected signal. It is noted that the reflected signal may be received during a listening period and/or may be monitored for at various times. Further, the controller receives information from the ultrasonic component corresponding to the received reflected signal.

[0062] At block 608, the controller determines whether the blender system is interlocked. It is noted that the ultrasonic component may operatively allow operation of the motor based on determining whether the blender system is interlocked. In another example, the controller may identify the type of container, lid, or other components of the blender system based on the received echo.

[0063] It should now be understood that the present disclosure relates to blender systems and methods of operation that include an ultrasonic component that is used to provide an interlock for the blender system. The ultrasonic component emits ultrasonic waves, which are reflected and characteristics of the waves are used to determine whether components are appropriately coupled before allowing a blender motor to operate.

[0064] Further aspects are provided by the subject matter of the following clauses:

[0065] A blender system, comprising: an ultrasonic component that is configured to emit and receive ultrasonic waves; a container; and a lid couplable to the container, wherein the container or the lid comprises a reflector.

[0066] The blender system according to any preceding clause, further comprising a base that supports the container thereon.

[0067] The blender system according to any preceding clause, further comprising: a controller configured to control operation of the ultrasonic component; and a motor, wherein the controller directs operation of the motor based on characteristics of the ultrasonic waves received by the ultrasonic component.

[0068] The blender system according to any preceding clause, further comprising a display and one or more user interface components, the one or more user interface components configured to receive one or more user inputs for operating the blender system and the display configured to display information regarding a status of the blender system.

[0069] The blender system according to any preceding clause, wherein the ultrasonic component comprises a transmitter and a receiver. [0070] The blender system according to any preceding clause, wherein the lid comprises a plurality of reflectors.

[0071] The blender system according to any preceding clause, wherein the plurality of reflectors are arranged in an array.

[0072] A lid for a blender system, the lid comprising: a body; and one or more reflectors disposed on or within the body, the one or more reflectors positioned to reflect ultrasonic waves emitted by an ultrasonic component of the blender system.

[0073] The lid according to any preceding clause, wherein the one or more reflectors is a plurality of reflectors.

[0074] The lid according to any preceding clause, wherein the plurality of reflectors are arranged in an array.

[0075] A container for a blender system, the container comprising: a body defining a cavity; and one or more reflectors disposed on or within the body, the one or more reflectors positioned to reflect ultrasonic waves emitted by an ultrasonic component of the blender system.

[0076] The container according to any preceding clause, wherein the one or more reflectors is a plurality of reflectors.

[0077] The container according to any preceding clause, wherein the plurality of reflectors are arranged in an array.

[0078] A blender system, comprising: a controller comprising: an ultrasonic component having one or more transmitters for emit ultrasonic waves and a receiver for receiving reflected ultrasonic waves; and a reflector positioned to reflect the ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic component, wherein the controller is configured to cause the one or more transmitters to emit the ultrasonic waves, receive, via the receiver, one or more reflected ultrasonic waves, and determine, based on characteristics of the reflected ultrasonic waves, that components of the blender system are interlocked.

[0079] The blender system according to any preceding clause, further comprising a lid, wherein the reflector is disposed on or within the lid.

[0080] The blender system according to any preceding clause, further comprising a container, wherein the lid and the container are the components of the blender system that are determined by the controller to be interlocked. [0081] The blender system according to any preceding clause, further comprising a container, wherein the reflector is disposed on or within a body of the container.

[0082] The blender system according to any preceding clause, wherein the controller further comprises a memory, the memory storing data corresponding to the characteristics of the reflected ultrasonic waves.

[0083] The blender system according to any preceding clause, further comprising a motor.

[0084] The blender system according to any preceding clause, wherein the controller is further configured to direct operation of the motor based upon the determining that the components of the blender system are interlocked.

[0085] The blender system according to any preceding clause, further comprising a display.

[0086] The blender system according to any preceding clause, wherein the controller is further configured to direct the display to display information pertaining to the components of the blender system being interlocked.

[0087] A method, comprising: causing, by a controller, an ultrasonic component to emit an ultrasonic signal; receiving, by the controller, an indication of an echo signal, the echo signal being the ultrasonic signal that has been reflected off a reflector in a blender system; and determining, by the controller, that the blender system is interlocked based on characteristics of the echo signal.

[0088] A system, comprising: a processor, and a non-transitory, processor readable storage medium communicatively coupled to the processor, the non-transitory, processor readable storage medium comprising programming instructions thereon that, when executed, cause the processor to carry out the method according to claim 23.

[0089] What has been described above includes examples of the present specification. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the present specification, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the present specification are possible. Each of the components described above may be combined or added together in any permutation to define embodiments disclosed herein. Accordingly, the present specification is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A blender system, comprising: an ultrasonic component that is configured to emit and receive ultrasonic waves; a container; and a lid couplable to the container, wherein the container or the lid comprises a reflector.

2. The blender system according to claim 1, further comprising a base that supports the container thereon.

3. The blender system according claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising: a controller configured to control operation of the ultrasonic component; and a motor, wherein the controller directs operation of the motor based on characteristics of the ultrasonic waves received by the ultrasonic component.

4. The blender system according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a display and one or more user interface components, the one or more user interface components configured to receive one or more user inputs for operating the blender system and the display configured to display information regarding a status of the blender system.

5. The blender system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ultrasonic component comprises a transmitter and a receiver.

6. The blender system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid comprises a plurality of reflectors.

7. The blender system according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of reflectors are arranged in an array.

8. A lid for a blender system, the lid comprising: a body; and one or more reflectors disposed on or within the body, the one or more reflectors positioned to reflect ultrasonic waves emitted by an ultrasonic component of the blender system.

9. The lid according to claim 8, wherein the one or more reflectors is a plurality of reflectors.

10. The lid according to claim 9, wherein the plurality of reflectors are arranged in an array.

11. A container for a blender system, the container comprising: a body defining a cavity; and one or more reflectors disposed on or within the body, the one or more reflectors positioned to reflect ultrasonic waves emitted by an ultrasonic component of the blender system.

12. The container according to claim 11, wherein the one or more reflectors is a plurality of reflectors.

13. The container according to claim 12, wherein the plurality of reflectors are arranged in an array.

14. A blender system, comprising: a controller comprising: an ultrasonic component having one or more transmitters for emit ultrasonic waves and a receiver for receiving reflected ultrasonic waves; and a reflector positioned to reflect the ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic component, wherein the controller is configured to cause the one or more transmitters to emit the ultrasonic waves, receive, via the receiver, one or more reflected ultrasonic waves, and determine, based on characteristics of the reflected ultrasonic waves, that components of the blender system are interlocked.

15. The blender system according to claim 14, further comprising a lid, wherein the reflector is disposed on or within the lid.

16. The blender system according to claim 15, further comprising a container, wherein the lid and the container are the components of the blender system that are determined by the controller to be interlocked.

17. The blender system according to claim 14, further comprising a container, wherein the reflector is disposed on or within a body of the container.

18. The blender system according to any one of claims 14-17, wherein the controller further comprises a memory, the memory storing data corresponding to the characteristics of the reflected ultrasonic waves.

19. The blender system according to any one of claims 14-18, further comprising a motor.

20. The blender system according to claim 19, wherein the controller is further configured to direct operation of the motor based upon the determining that the components of the blender system are interlocked.

21. The blender system according to any one of claims 14-20, further comprising a display.

22. The blender system according to claim 21, wherein the controller is further configured to direct the display to display information pertaining to the components of the blender system being interlocked.

23. A method, comprising: causing, by a controller, an ultrasonic component to emit an ultrasonic signal; receiving, by the controller, an indication of an echo signal, the echo signal being the ultrasonic signal that has been reflected off a reflector in a blender system; and determining, by the controller, that the blender system is interlocked based on characteristics of the echo signal.

24. A system, comprising: a processor, and a non-transitory, processor readable storage medium communicatively coupled to the processor, the non-transitory, processor readable storage medium comprising programming instructions thereon that, when executed, cause the processor to carry out the method according to claim 23.