Patent Application
20250134315
The present disclosure relates to blending systems and, in particular, to blending systems, such as frothers, foamers, aerators, and the like, that include firmware logic and sensors to sense ingredients and provide more consistent and duplicable blends. The present disclosure further relates to a drive coupling.
Coffee-based drinks are very popular and are commonly served with a frothed liquid. It is also popular to serve other drinks, such as tea-based drinks, or chocolate-based drinks with frothed liquids. Some popular options for frothed liquids may include dairy items, such as milk, cream, skim milk, and the like, as well as non-dairy based items, including non-dairy creamers, almond milk, cashew milk, coconut milk, oat milk, other plant or nut based milks, and the like.
Blending or mixing foodstuff and liquids takes time to process. In commercial kitchens, consistency in blended or mixed products is very important. Thus, blending systems, including frothers, foamers, and aerators, as well as traditional blenders, food processors, and the like, may use programmed settings to run a particular blend cycle so that results maintain consistency.
Frothed liquids can be made at a café or restaurant by a stationary machine, such as a cappuccino machine, where steam is passed through a liquid to create a frothy consistency. These machines can be generally bulky, expensive, loud, and difficult to maintain.
Additionally, certain systems, such as those that are couple to a motor base may froth a liquid. Even if using programmed settings to run a particular blend cycle, the user may start a blend cycle before, during, or after adding ingredients to the container. This may cause inconsistence results as the foodstuff may be blended for a shorter amount of time if the blend cycle is started prior to adding all the foodstuff for the recipe into the container. Further, motor bases have a motor drive shaft that connects or couples a mixing assembly with the motor and enables rotation of the blade, whisk, or the like, in the container as driven by the motor in the base. The connection between the motor drive shaft of the motor base and the mixing assembly of the container may be facilitated by a drive coupling.
Traditional drive couplings for blenders, blending systems, and similar, typically have poor tolerances and are a low cost item. The poor tolerances can cause misalignment of components, e.g., between the motor drive shaft and the blending container or other attachment, and/or between the driver coupling and the motor drive shaft or blending container. Misalignment between components can cause excess or undesirable noise and vibration, and can impair function of the blending system.
Some systems for creating froth use wire whisks. These systems can include hand-held whisks, mug or cup mixing systems including a whisk, manual whisks, and powered whisks. Frothing of non-dairy liquids generally rely on hand-held units, which may be cumbersome and require the user to direct the hand-held whisk into the liquid during the entirety of the frothing process. Reliance on hand-held whisks can also decrease efficiency and may not be suitable for commercial applications, such as for use in cafés or restaurants. Wire whisks may also be difficult to clean as foodstuff may get stuck or trapped in the wires. Wire whisks may be susceptible to physical deformation (e.g., bending, breaking, etc.), rusting, or other damage if pressed against the container. Also, such use of hand-held systems may be reliant on the user's judgment and patience, which can result in inconsistent frothed products as the user decides where to position the whisk and when frothing is satisfactory.
There is a need for improved blending systems, such as frothers, foamers, aerators, and the like. More particularly, there is also a need for blending systems and frothing assemblies that provide one or more of the following benefits: easy to clean, portable, produce consistent product, minimize user error, minimize blending time, minimize equipment or steps, can assist in the evacuation of frothed liquid from the blending container, improved drive coupling, and the like. Additionally, there is a need for blending systems that automate and streamline the blending processes and that can provide duplicable blends.
The following presents a summary of this disclosure to provide a basic understanding of some aspects. This summary is intended to neither identify key or critical elements nor define any limitations of embodiments or claims. Furthermore, this summary may provide a simplified overview of some aspects that may be described in greater detail in other portions of this disclosure.
Described is a blending system. The blending system may include frothers, foamers, aerators, and the like. The blending system may include a container selectively attachable to a motor base and including a frothing device. The blending system may include firmware logic and sensors to sense ingredients. The blending system may sense ingredients as they are added to the container, and may prevent blending until all ingredients or the certain quantity of ingredients have been added to the container. The blending system may provide more consistent and duplicable blends and may minimize user judgment or error. The blending system may be used to froth dairy and non-dairy milks or creamers. The blending system may be portable and easy to clean on rinsers. The blending system may be rechargeable. The frothing device may include channels or apertures and the rotation thereof may force ingredients through the channels or apertures to provide frothing, foaming, aeration, etc.
Described is a blending system and a drive coupling. The drive coupling may facilitate a desired fit between a motor drive shaft and a container or other attachment. The drive coupling may allow for a desired clearance or range of alignment between mating components. The drive coupling may provide one or more (or all) of the following: streamline the use and function of the blending system, reduce vibration and noise of the blending system during operation, prevent mechanical loses due to misalignment of components, increase ease of use of the blending system, and/or minimize time spent aligning components of the blending system for use. The desired clearance or range of alignment between mating components may provide flexibility.
The drive coupling may include a top coupling that selectively couples with a container or other attachment, a locking nut that selectively couples to the motor drive shaft, and a bottom capture plate that is selectively attached to the top coupling. The top coupling may include a receptacle that is configured to receive the locking nut, wherein the receptacle of the top coupling may include a clearance between the locking nut and the receptacle. In an embodiment, the locking nut may include a clearance of 0.001-0.01 inches clearance from every surface of the top coupling and bottom capture plate. The clearance may allow the drive coupling to articulate in three dimensions and may provide a flexible coupling in the blender system.
Described is a blending system. In an embodiment, the blending system may comprise a container operatively attachable to a motor base, the motor base including a controller coupled to a motor; a frothing device positioned in the container and configured to froth a liquid; and at least one sensor. In an embodiment, the at least one sensor may sense an amount of liquid in the container and the controller may initiate the motor based on input from the at least one sensor. In an embodiment, the blending system may further include an actuator. In an embodiment, after the actuator is pressed, if a threshold amount of liquid in the container is not detected by the at least one sensor, the controller may delay initiating the motor. In an embodiment, when the at least one sensor detects the threshold amount of liquid in the container, the controller may initiate the motor.
In an embodiment, the at least one sensor may be one or more of a weight sensor, a photoelectric sensor, thermal sensor, motion sensor, or camera. In an embodiment, the at least one sensor may be a weight sensor located at a bottom of the container or a bottom of the motor base. In an embodiment, the controller may delay initiating the motor until a threshold weight of the liquid within the container is detected by the weight sensor. In an embodiment, the at least one sensor may be a point sensor located on a sidewall of the container. In an embodiment, the controller may delay initiating the motor until a threshold height of the liquid within the container is detected by the point sensor. In an embodiment, the blending system may further include a detachable charging base.
Described is a blending system. In an embodiment, the blending system may comprise a motor base comprising a handle portion, a controller and a motor, the motor operatively coupled to the controller, the handle portion including an actuator and configured to be held in a user's hand; a container operatively attachable to the motor base above the handle portion, the container having an open end configured to receive a liquid; and a frothing device positioned in the container when the container is attached to the motor base. In an embodiment, the controller may receive input from at least one sensor to initiate driving of the motor. In an embodiment, the motor may drive the frothing device.
In an embodiment, the at least one sensor may detect a threshold amount of liquid in the container. In an embodiment, the controller may delay blending until the threshold amount of liquid in the container is detected by the at least one sensor. In an embodiment, the controller may initiate driving of the motor when the threshold amount of liquid in the container is detected by the at least one sensor. In an embodiment, the blending system may further include a ledge at the top of the motor base. In an embodiment, the ledge may prevent a user's hand from slipping. In an embodiment, the container may be attachable to an adaptor at the open end of the container. In an embodiment, the adaptor may be attachable to the motor base. In an embodiment, the adaptor may include the frothing device. In an embodiment, the container may have an inverted draft when attached to the motor base.
Described is a method for a blending system. In an embodiment, the method may comprise identifying, via a controller of a blending system, a threshold quantity associated with one or more ingredients. In an embodiment, the method may comprise detecting, via a sensor of the blending system, the one or more ingredients within a blender container to determine an actual quantity of the one or more ingredients disposed within a container of the blending system. In an embodiment, the method may comprise comparing, via the controller, the actual quantity of the one or more ingredients to the threshold quantity. In an embodiment, the method may comprise, in response to determining the actual quantity meets the threshold quantity, transmitting, via the controller, a command to a motor of the blending system to begin driving the motor.
In an embodiment, the method may further include detecting button actuation and in response to determining the actual quantity does not meet the threshold quantity, preventing, via the controller, operation of the motor until the actual quantity meets the threshold quantity. In an embodiment, the method may further include detecting button actuation and in response to determining the actual quantity meets the threshold quantity, driving the motor for a predetermined amount of time. In an embodiment, the method may further include overriding the step for determining the actual quantity meets the threshold quantity and transmitting, via the controller, a command to a motor of the blending system to begin driving the motor regardless of the actual quantity and upon a second actuation signal. In an embodiment, the method may further include transmitting, via the controller, a command to a motor of the blending system to terminate driving the motor based on a predetermined amount of time of blending, tilt of the blending system, or actuation.
The following description and the drawings disclose various illustrative aspects. Some improvements and novel aspects may be expressly identified, while others may be apparent from the description and drawings.
The accompanying drawings illustrate various systems, apparatuses, devices and methods, in which like reference characters refer to like parts throughout.
Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like numbered aspects refer to a common feature throughout. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional changes may be made. Moreover, features of the various embodiments may be combined or altered. As such, the following description is presented by way of illustration only and should not limit in any way the various alternatives and modifications that may be made to the illustrated embodiments.
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 suggest otherwise. Furthermore, as used herein, the words “coupled,” “attached,” “connect,” and the like are utilized interchangeably unless contexts suggest otherwise. Such terms may mean removably (e.g, selectively coupled) or irremovably coupled. Furthermore, such terms may mean that articles or components may be or are capable of being coupled together. For instance, “G coupled with H” may mean that G is removably coupled with H, or G is irremovably coupled with H.
“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.
It is noted that the various embodiments described herein may include other components and/or functionality. It is further noted that while embodiments may refer to a blender or a blender system, various other systems may be utilized in view of the described embodiments. For example, embodiments may be utilized in food processor systems, spice grinder systems, coffee grinder systems, mixing systems, hand-held blending systems, various other food preparation systems, and the like. As such, 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 or a processor. A blade assembly, a blending container, and a blender base may removably or irremovably attach. The blending container may be powered in any appropriate manner, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 10,638,886, entitled Powered Blending Container, which is hereby incorporated by reference.
Moreover, blending or whipping of foodstuff or ingredients may result in a blended product. Such blended products may include sauces, salad dressings, creams, egg products (e.g., meringues), drinks, frozen drinks, smoothies, shakes, soups, purees, sorbets, or the like. Such blended products may include drinks, frozen drinks, smoothies, shakes, soups, purees, sorbets, butter (nut), dips or the like. It is noted that various other blended products may result from blending ingredients. Accordingly, terms such as “blended product” or “drink” 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. While blending of “ingredients,” “contents” or “foodstuffs” is described, it is noted that non-foodstuff may be mixed or blended, such as paints, epoxies, construction material (e.g., mortar, cement, etc.), and the like.
It is noted that the blending systems may include any household blender and/or any type of commercial blending system, including those with covers that may encapsulate or partially encapsulate the blender. For instance, described embodiments may be utilized with a noise dampening cover or enclosure. Commercial blending systems may include an overall blending system, such as a modular blending 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 (a liquid or powder flavoring dispenser) or any other combination of such.
As used herein, the phrases “blending process,” “blending program,” and the like are used interchangeably unless context suggests otherwise or warrants a particular distinction among such terms. A blending process may comprise a series or sequence of blender settings and operations to be carried out by the blending device. In an aspect, a blending process may comprise at least one motor speed and at least one time interval for the given motor speed. For example, a blending 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 blending process may further include a ramp up speed that defines the amount of time the motor takes to reach its predetermined motor speed. The blending process may be stored on a memory and recalled by or communicated to the blending device.
It is noted that the terms blender, blending systems, blending processes, blended products, and the like, may encompass frothers, frothing systems, frothing processes, and frothed products, and may be used interchangeably unless context suggests otherwise.
Traditional blending systems including a blade assembly do not froth or aerate a liquid, such as milk, to create a froth. In the past, frothing may have been done by hand with a wire whisk or with a device specifically designed for frothing, such as a powered, handheld wire whisk. Some of these devices use metallic whisks that have a wounded wire in a circular path. Such systems are often time-consuming, difficult to clean, easily damaged, and are overall cumbersome to use. Alternatively, frothing has been accomplished using steam such as in hot coffee related drinks. Devices that froth with steam are often loud, expensive, and large. Such devices also heat the liquid. It, however, is often desired to include frothing in a cold (or not hot) drink such as a cold pressed-coffee drink. However, using a steamed froth mixed with the cold drink may result in a less than desirable drink.
Described is a blending system. The blending system may include frothers, foamers, aerators, and the like. The blending system may include a container selectively attachable to a motor base and including a frothing device. The blending system may include firmware logic and sensors to sense ingredients, motor loads, states of the blending system, the like or a combination of any of the foregoing. The blending system may sense or detect the presence of ingredients as they are added to the container, and may prevent blending until addition of ingredients has stopped or a certain quantity or threshold amount of ingredients have been added to the container. The blending system may provide more consistent and duplicable blends and may minimize user judgment or error. The blending system may be used to froth dairy and non-dairy milks or creamers. The blending system may be portable and easy to clean, use with rinsers, rinse, store, and handle. The blending system may include a rechargeable power source. The frothing device may comprise a wire whisk, frothing disc, a blade, a combination of the above, etc. A frothing disc may include channels or apertures and the rotation thereof may force ingredients through the channels or apertures to provide frothing, foaming, aeration, etc.
Turning to
In an example, the one or more sensors 108 and logic of the blending system 100 may be integrated into the motor base 250350, 450, 550, 750, 1050. In an example, the one or more sensors 108 and logic of the blending system 100 may be integrated into the motor base 250350, 450, 550, 750, 1050 and the containers 210, 310, 410, 510, 710, 1010. For example, the blending system 100 may be integrated into the motor base 250350, 450, 550, 750, 1050 and the sensors may be integrated into either or both the motor base 250350, 450, 550, 750, 1050 and containers 210, 310, 410, 510, 710, 1010. It is also noted that the blending system 100 and sensors 108, or components thereof, may be separate from, but able to communicate with the blending systems 200, 300, 400, 500, 700, 1000.
In an embodiment and as described herein, the sensors 108 may be used to monitor and determine quantity information related to ingredients that are added to the containers 210, 310, 410, 510, 710, 1010 of the blending systems 200, 300, 400, 500, 700, 1000. The sensors 108 may include weight sensors and may be positioned at the bottom of the container 210, 310, 410, 510, 710, 1010 or on the motor base 250, 350, 450, 550, 750, 1050, see
Although the figures show different orientations of the sensors 108 for the different embodiments, it is noted that these sensor 108 positions are non-limiting and may be used with any embodiments described herein. For example, the bottom surface weight sensors 108 shown for blending device 200 may be used with any of blending devices 300, 400, 500, 700, 1000. For example, height sensors 108 (such as point sensors and/or laser point sensors) shown for blending device 300 may be used with any of the blending devices 200, 400, 500, 700, 1000. Additionally, although the figures show sensors 108 in both the motor base 250, 350, 450, 550, 750, 1050 and the container 210, 310, 410, 510, 710, 1050 it is noted that sensors 108 in only the motor base or in only the container may also be utilized. Additionally, sensors 108 in the lid, on the mating portions, on the frothing disc, and/or on the charging base, etc, may also be used. In addition to the foregoing, sensors 108 may comprise a temperature sensor, vibration sensor, light sensor, camera, microphone, pressure sensor, weight sensor, a photoelectric sensor, thermal sensor, motor load sensor (e.g., current sensor), motion sensor, timer and the like. The blending system 100 may use the readings from these various sensors 108 to adjust, modify, conduct or practice certain blending programs so as to provide a blending product that is repeatable and with defined characteristics.
Using the quantity information obtained by the sensors 108, the blending system 100 as described herein, may actuate blending processes (e.g., actuate a motor controlled by a controller) only when certain quantities of or when less or more certain quantities of ingredients have been inputted into the containers 210, 310, 410, 510, 710, 1010. The blending system 100, firmware logic, and sensing components 108 may allow the resulting blended product or foam to be repeatable and robust no matter who is preparing the ingredients or drink. The processes and blending system 100 described herein may also be used for other purposes than recipe consistency, and can be adapted for food safety and user safety applications as well. In one example, the blending system 100 may utilize a temperature sensor 108 so that it will not operate if the temperature of the ingredients added to the containers 210, 310, 410, 510, 710, 1010 exceeds a defined temperature.
For example, as shown in
In an embodiment, the blending or blending process or could be stopped or halted based on one or more actions. For example, blending or blending process or could be stopped or halted by tilting the handle, detecting a foreign object (such as a utensil), tilting of the blending device (e.g., the unit), rapid movement of the handle or blending device (e.g., dropping the unit), pressing of a button (e.g., the actuator or power button), or the like. In an example, the blending device 200, 300, 400, 500, 700, 1000 may include an accelerometer, such as an accelerometer of any configuration.
The accelerometer may detect tilt or movement such as in the container 210, 310, 410, 510, 710, 1010. The accelerometer may be able to detect different thresholds of tilt or movement (e.g., normal operation or blending, improper operation or blending, falling over or being dropped, being picked up, being rotated for pouring, etc.). The accelerometer may be able to determine type of tilt or movement (e.g., normal operation or blending, improper operation or blending, falling over or being dropped, being picked up, being rotated for pouring, etc.). In an example, if a user begins to tilt or pour the blending device 200, 300, 400, 500, 700, 1000 or container 210, 310, 410, 510, 710, 1010, the accelerometer may detect or identify this movement and the 200, 300, 400, 500, 700, 1000 or motor thereof may shut off to prevent spilling. The accelerometer may also be able to detect vibrations in the container 210, 310, 410, 510, 710, 1010 that exceed a defined threshold. This may alert the user to a potential issue in the operation of the blending system 100. The accelerometer may also be able to detect vibrations in the motor base 250, 350, 450, 550, 750, 1050 if they exceed a defined amount. These excessive vibrations may be caused by a defect or an issue in the operating parameters of the blending system 100. The accelerometer detecting vibrations exceeding a predefined threshold may provide a notice to the user.
The accelerometer may be located anywhere in the blending device 200, 300, 400, 500, 700, 1000 including for example, the container 210, 310, 410, 510, 710, 1010 and/or the motor base 250, 350, 450, 550, 750, 1050. The accelerometer may communicate with, in an example, the controller 106, which may be utilized to notify a user of certain conditions of the blending system 100.
Turning to
It is noted that the blending system 100 may include one or more devices, such as a user device, a blender device, and a scale. It is further noted that one or more devices may comprise, at least in part, these various components. For instance, a single component of the blending system 100 may be comprised by one or more devices. While shown as separate or distinct components, the components of the blending system 100 may be comprised by one or more components. Further, the blending system 100 may include a plurality of blending devices that may be linked together through a network and transceivers. These blending devices may be operatively linked with a server that may operate or otherwise update the plurality of blending devices.
In an embodiment, ingredient component 110 may identify or monitor ingredients added to a blending system, such as to blending systems 200, 300, 400, 500, 700, 1000. In an aspect, ingredient component 110 may receive input 114 comprising data that describes an ingredient, where the input 114 may be user inputted, input from a wireless device, input from a scanner that scans a bar code of a packaging, etc., and may output information like executable blending instructions, such as blending processes, that are specific to the identified or monitored ingredients added to the blending system, e.g., to blending systems 200, 300, 400, 500, 700, 1000. The blending processes can include one or more of the actuation, speed, acceleration, deceleration, operation time, etc, of the motor.
The data may be user input in the form of text, voice input, selection of a prompt (e.g., user selecting a check box, etc.), or the like. For example, the user may type “almond milk” via an input device (e.g., touch screen, keyboard, etc.) of system 100, the user may speak a term or phrase into a microphone and ingredient component 110 may utilize a speech recognition process to determine the identity or other aspects of the ingredient, or the user to scroll through a list of ingredients and select a representation of almond milk (e.g., textual, graphical, etc.).
In another aspect, ingredient component 110 may include or may communicate with other systems, such as sensors, cameras, optical scanning devices, optical scanners, spectrometer, multi-wave length scanner, electronic noses, or the like. Based on input from the other systems, ingredient component 110 may determine an identity of an ingredient. Ingredient component 110 may utilize image recognition techniques to identify an image received as input 114. For example, a user may utilize user equipment devices, such as a smart phone or other camera device to capture an image of one or more ingredients. Ingredient component 110 may receive the image and identify one or more ingredients in the image. In another aspect, identified ingredients may be added to a list of ingredients for a current blending process.
It is noted that ingredient component 110 may utilize other methods or processes of identifying an ingredient, such as scanning a barcode, label, radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, or other identifier on a product or product packaging. This may be particularly useful in a commercial blending system whereby prepackaged foodstuff ingredients are used and stored for use with the blending system. The prepackaged foodstuff may include at least one of the aforementioned devices to communicate with the blending system 100 to identify the contents of the prepackaged foodstuff.
In an embodiment, quantity component 120 may detect, identify or monitor the presence or quantity of ingredients added to a blending system, such as to blending systems 200, 300, 400, 500, 700, 1000. In an aspect, quantity component 120 may receive input 114 comprising data that describes a quantity of an ingredient or detection of an ingredient, where the input 114 may be user inputted or based on input from a sensor, wireless device, etc., and may output information like executable instructions, such as a timer, signal to initiate a motor, blending processes, or the like based on the detected or identified quantity of ingredients added to the blending system, e.g., to blending systems 200, 300, 400, 500, 700, 1000. The blending processes can include one or more (or all) of the actuation, speed, acceleration, deceleration, operation time, etc, of the motor.
Quantity component 120 may include a scale, counter, sensor, or other device capable of determining a quantity, e.g., one or more sensors 108. For instance, quantity component 120 may include a scale that measures a weight or mass. It is noted that the scale may be comprised within a blending device or may be a standalone device. In various embodiments, quantity component 120 may determine a weight of an ingredient and may communicate, via a wireless or wired connection, the weight to ingredient component 110 or another component in the system, such as recipe component 130, memory 102, processor, 104, controller 106, etc. In some instances, quantity component 120 may not have wireless or wired communication capabilities. In such instances, a user may read a measurement from a display of quantity component 120 and may supply the measurement as input 114 to the blending system 100, such as through an interface (e.g., touch screen, etc.). In embodiments, a user may override measurement data from quantity component 120. For instance, a user may review a volume or weight of an ingredient and may alter the volume or weight.
It is noted that the ingredient component 110 may also determine a quantity associated with an ingredient (e.g., acting as both the ingredient component 110 and quantity component 120, and identifying type and quantity of ingredient based on user input, input from a sensor, wireless device, etc., or any combination thereof). The quantity may be based on received input 114. Input 114 may be user input, for example, such as a user entered volume, mass, or the like. Further, the quantity may be derived from an image, such as through use of a camera. For instance, ingredient component 110 may recognize a gradient mark on a measuring device (e.g., measuring cup, etc.) or a quantity indicator on a packaging. A sensor (e.g., temperature or pressure sensor) can identify where on the container the ingredients are added. In examples, the sensor may detect changes in temperature or pressure with a container. A camera may also be used to identify such by noting where on the gradient markings the ingredients come up to.
Recipe component 130 may store recipes (e.g., via memory 102) and output 112 blending instructions for recipes (e.g, to processor 104) for various drinks, smoothies, shakes, or the like. Such recipes may be predetermined (e.g., from database of recipes), received from a different device (e.g., shared by other user devices), or the like. In some embodiments, the recipe component 130 may receive a recipe or have a recipe inputted directly therein. In an example, a central office of a restaurant chain may modify a current or a plurality of current recipes or add or delete a recipe or a plurality of recipes for use by the entire restaurant chain or a set of predefined locations.
A recipe may include information associated with the ingredients (identity, quantities, statuses, characteristics, ratios, etc, that may be received by one or more components of the blending system 100 such as either or both the ingredient component 110 and quantity component 120) and a blending process (e.g., power settings, blade speeds, blending patterns, timing information, etc, that may be specific to the information associated with the ingredients).
In an embodiment, recipe component 130 may generate a blending process comprising instructions for a blender device (e.g., power settings, blade speeds, blending patterns, timing information, etc.). In an embodiment, recipe component 130 may determine the blending process based on determining attributes associated with content to be blended (e.g., identity, quantities, statuses, characteristics, ratios, etc.). For instance, recipe component 130 may include processes that determine a blending process based on type of ingredient (e.g., dairy or non-dairy milks), when all ingredients have been added to the container (e.g., the entire quantity of milk for a desired recipe), desired a consistency/texture of blending product (e.g., thickness, thinness, amount of aeration or frothing, etc.), a ratio of liquids to solids, a time associated with blending, a power usage associated with blending, a temperature change associated with blending, and the like. As described herein, the blending system 100 may monitor the addition and quantity of ingredients and may actuate blending processes only when the desired quantity of ingredients are sensed, such as all of the milk, sweetener, etc, to make a recipe.
Such blending processes may take the context of what is being blended in regards to the ingredients, statuses of ingredients, quantities of ingredients, and personal preferences or recommended consistencies or event temperature and may create a custom blending process or program based on those ingredients, statuses, quantities, order of addition of ingredients, and preferences to meet target thresholds. It is noted that various aspects may alter attributes of a finished product. For example, use of a fresh (not canned or frozen) raw carrot may result in a different consistency than use of a fresh (not canned or frozen) cooked carrot. Further, a raw and canned carrot may result in a different consistency than a raw and non-canned carrot. Moreover, a thawed (e.g., previously frozen) carrot may result in a different consistency than a raw (e.g., never frozen) carrot. Different types or dairy and non-dairy milks, different quantities of liquids for different sized drinks, different temperatures for cold foam or hot foam, etc., may require specific blending processes to achieve a desired blended product. The blending system 100 may adjust the blending process and/or blending parameters to account for use of a different status of an ingredient. This may allow the blending system 100 to produce a consistent blended product regardless of the status of the ingredient (e.g., fresh, frozen, raw, cooked, etc.)
In embodiments, the blending system 100, including either or both the ingredient component 110 and a quantity component 120, may monitor or determine presence, addition, and subtraction of ingredients. In an aspect, ingredient component 110 may record a time associated with an ingredient being added to a container 210, 310, 410, 510, 710, 1010 of a device 200, 300, 400, 500, 700, 1000. In some embodiments, the blending system 100 may determine a time associated with a blending process based on information received from quantity component 120.
Users may attempt to activate a blending process before, during, or after adding foodstuff to a container. If the blending program is run based on a time from actuation (e.g., a button press), the consistency of the end product may be different based on when the user added ingredients. For instance, as shown in
During 55 to 56, the blending system 100, such as via quantity identifier component 120, may determine that no ingredients have been. As an example, the quantity identifier component 120 may include a current sensor that senses a load on the motor based on current drawn by the motor. If the current meets a threshold associated with no ingredients in the container, the quantity identifier component 120 may determine that no ingredients have been added. The current sensor may monitor or take additional readings to determine if and when a load is applied to the blades and hence to the motor. In these embodiments, the current sensor can sense the amount of current draw being applied to the motor. When the current draw increases, a load is applied to the blades. The quantity of ingredients may correlate to a current draw based on a correlation factor. The correlation factor may be utilized in an algorithm to determine the quantity.
In
At time 57, the user may stop adding ingredients for the recipe to the container and the quantity component 120, such as through a current sensor, may detect that current draw has reached a threshold, is not changing, or is not changing a certain amount for a period of times (e.g., such as a minimum change over a period of time readings). At this time, the current sensor determines that no ingredients are being added and the processor 104 may initiate a blending program, such as a time program.
It is noted that
As described herein, ingredients added to a container may indicate a load. The load or ingredients may be sensed according to various manners, including, without limitation via a load sensor, a point sensor, a weight sensor, a temperature sensor on the motor that would measure an operating temperature thereof and then determine the load that causes such temperature. Moreover, a capacitive or inductive sensor may also be utilized. Further still, a speed sensor may be utilized where the speed of the blade unloaded is determined and then as load is added, the speed slows down and can be measured to determine the amount and type of ingredients.
In an embodiment, the quantity component 120 may include one or more point sensors positioned to detect liquid at a certain position in a container. Beginning at time 55, the point sensor may determine that ingredients are not at a desired positon. The point sensor or sensors may identify that liquid is being added at from 55 to 56. The point sensor or sensors may monitor the level of liquid and determine that it meets a threshold at 57, which may be associated with a desired level to initiate a blending program (e.g., a timer). When this threshold level is reached, the quantity component 120 may send a notification to the processor 104, which may initiate the blending program that controls a motor and terminates driving the motor after a period of time or a consistency is reached.
According to other embodiments, the quantity component 120 may include one or more weight sensors positioned to detect liquid weight or mass added in a container. Beginning at time 55, the weight sensors may determine that ingredients are not at a desired weight and/or no liquid is added. The weight sensors or sensors may identify that liquid is being added at from 55 to 56 based on a change in weight. The weight sensors or sensors may monitor the weight of liquid and determine that it meets a threshold at 57, which may be associated with a desired quantity to initiate a blending program (e.g., a timer). When this threshold level is reached, the quantity component 120 may send a notification to the processor 104, which may initiate the blending program that controls a motor and terminates driving the motor after a period of time or a consistency is reached.
In an aspect, the blending system 100 may analyze what has been added and identify for the user that the identified end product is not obtainable based upon the recipe being used. Further, the blending system 100 may notify the user or may modify (or send notification to so modify) the recipe or processing parameters based upon the ingredients added. For example, the blending system 100 may analyze (such as through any manner, including, without limitation those described herein) the added ingredients. The blending system 100 may identify that too much or too little of a particular ingredient was added that would result in a consistency that is not preferred, such as through measurements using the weight sensor or sensors. The blending system 100 may modify directly or send notification to modify the blending time to account for the over-added or under-added ingredient.
It is noted that a blending process may comprise instructions that generate notifications for actions to be executed by a user, such as addition or subtraction of an ingredient. For example, the blending process may instruct an interface (e.g., a screen of a smart phone or tablet) to display a prompt that prevents blending or motor operation if a particular quantity of an ingredient is not detected (e.g., “please add 2 more ounces of milk,” “1 cup of milk not detected.” etc.) or requests a user to add an ingredient after a certain amount of blending has occurred (e.g., “please add 1 cup of ice”). Indications may be made via a user interface, such as a monitor, LED, audio device, tactical, haptics or vibration, or the like.
Moreover, recipe component 130 may generate or select one or more sets of instructions for a recipe, such as a blending process. One or more blending processes may be stored, such as in memory 102. For example, memory 102 may store a set of preconfigured blending processes. The blending processes may comprise a series or sequence of blender settings and operations to be carried out by the blending device. For example, a blending process may comprise a series of blender motor speeds to operate the frothing disc at the given speed, a series time intervals corresponding to the given motor speeds, and other blender parameters and timing settings. The blending processes may further include a ramp or ramp up period that defines the amount of time it takes or the rate at which the motor gets up to the predetermined motor speed.
In an aspect, recipe component 130 may generate output 112 as instructions to implement the recipe or blending process, such as through communications to the processor 104 and controller 106. Blending systems 200, 300, 400, 500, 700, 1000 may include integrated blending systems 100 or the blending system 100 may communicate with the blending systems 200, 300, 400, 500, 700, 1000 and the blending systems 200, 300, 400, 500, 700, 1000 may be capable of receiving and executing instructions from the blending system 100 of the blending process. It is noted that communicating the recipe, or other information, may comprise any wired or wireless connection, including, without limitation, Wi-Fi communication, cellular communication, wired communications, or the like. For instance, blending system 100 may utilize near field communication. In near field communication data may be exchanged (e.g., recipes) between devices when they are brought into a predefined close proximity of each other, including, without limitation the container and the process of the blending device.
While various sensors, such as weight and/or point sensors 108 are described herein, it is noted that blending system 100 and blending systems 200, 300, 400, 500, 700, 1000, e.g., containers 210, 310, 410, 510, 710, 1010 may include any kind of sensor that may sense or detect any aspect of the ingredients added, including identity, quantity, etc. The sensor 108 may be integrated into or otherwise attached with the containers 210, 310, 410, 510, 710, 1010.
In an embodiment, the blending system 100 may facilitate the automatic initiation of a blending program, detection of blended drink completion, or the like by detecting the presence of material in the container when running. In an embodiment, the blending system 100 may detect viscosity of blended material to determine blended drink completion based on input such as the type of ingredients (e.g., milk or milk alternatives), such as via a flowmeter, current draw, optical sensors, etc. In an embodiment, the blending system 100 may detect the presence of ingredients or liquid and initiate a predetermined time out. The blending system 100 may support “in-flight” blending and provide consistency in blending and blended product.
In an embodiment where based on a blending program comprising a timed blending process, a user may press an actuator (e.g., start or power button of the blending system 100). The blending system 100 may power on, but would not initiate a countdown timer until ingredients are detected. It is noted that the blending system 100 may initiate the motor or may prevent initiation of the motor. The blending system 100 may monitor for addition of ingredients. Once the blending system 100 detects the ingredients and or a desired amount of ingredients, the blending system 100 may initiate the countdown timer and/or the motor. The blending system 100 may operate the motor at predetermined speeds or power until the countdown timer ends. At such point, the blending system 100 may terminate or end driving of the motor. In some embodiments, the blending system 100 may indicate that the blending program has completed via an interface, such as LEDs, audio device, display screens, etc.
In an example, conventionally, if a user were to walk up to a milk dispenser and milk is being dispensed into the container, a user would need to wait until all the milk is dispensed into the container to press the start or power button. Pressing the start or power button earlier than when all the milk is dispensed would cause inconsistency in the blended drinks because some of the ingredients would be blended more or less than others depending on the operator and when the start or power button was pressed. If a user started the unit before the ingredients are dispensed, the unit would clock out before it would have a chance to blend the ingredients properly. The blending system 100 allows the user to press the start or power button at any time (before, during, or after dispensing) while ensuring the ingredients are blended for the appropriate or desired time for every use so that the blended products are generally consistent.
Timing drink production is reliable and repeatable. The method ensures if a user pressed the button too early that the unit would keep running until the true start timer is initiated which would give the drink the proper amount of time to finish, which would result in a consistent product regardless of who operated the blending system 100.
The difference between empty and loaded may be detected by the blending system 100. Once liquid is detected then the blending system 100 will keep running but under the countdown timer, this will then give the planned drink consistency no matter if it is thinner alternative milk or a thicker heavy cream, or any other ingredient combination. The blending system 100 may employ an algorithm to detect and sense the presence of liquid and initiate blending. For example, the blending system 100 may use simple minimum threshold. AI detected change (PELT, constants change of a differential equation, variable change, training, etc.), and the like. In an embodiment, the blending system 100 may detect the presence of liquid (and not necessarily whether the liquid is done) such as through use of the sensors described above.
While described embodiments of the blending system 100 may refer to a predetermined time for blending to provide a blended product and adjusting the start time for blending based when ingredients are dispense, it is noted that the blending system 100 may monitor and evaluate other aspects to determine when a blended product is desirably blended. For example, the blending system 100 may monitor and evaluate viscosity of the blended product. The desired viscosity may differ between different types of milk.
While examples of blending or frothing milk or other liquids are provided, it is noted that other ingredients may be blended or mixed. For example, a user may add a liquid, ice cubes, fruit, or other ingredients for mixing. Embodiments described herein may be utilized with such ingredients.
Turning to
The method 190 may include step 194 for detecting presence and/or amount of ingredients within a blender container. In an embodiment, sensors 108 (such as the weight or point sensors described above) may quantify or detect ingredients as the ingredients are added to a container, e.g., container 210, 310, 410, 510, 710, 1010. In an embodiment, sensors 108 may determine an actual quantity of the ingredients disposed within a container, e.g., container 210, 310, 410, 510, 710, 1010.
The method 190 may include step 196 for comparing the actual quantity of the one or more ingredients to the threshold quantity of the one or more ingredients. At this step 196, the blending system 100, and/or the identity component 110, quantity component 120, and/or recipe component 130 thereof, may receive the sensor information relating to an actual quantity and compare the sensor information to a desired or threshold quantity based on a recipe or blending preference. This step 196 may be carried out by the blending system 100, and the identity component 110 and/or quantity component 120 thereof, a control, microcontroller, the controller, etc.
The method 190 may include step 198 for transmitting a command to begin blending the one or more ingredients in response to determining the actual quantity meets the threshold quantity of the one or more ingredients. The step 198 (or a different step) may prevent operation of the blending system 100 if the quantity of ingredients detected does not meet the threshold quantity. This would prevent the blending system 100 from operating unless the appropriate amount of ingredients have been added. The method 190 may include step 198 for transmitting a command to a motor of the blending system to begin driving the motor in response to determining the actual quantity meets the threshold quantity of the one or more ingredients. At step 198, the method 190 may include transmitting data instructing the blending device, such as blending device 200, 300, 400, 500, 700, 1000 to blend the one or more ingredients based at least in part on the parameters regarding presence and/or amount of ingredients. This step 196 may be carried out by the blending system 100, a control, the controller, etc.
The method 190 may further include detecting button actuation. The method 190 may further include driving the motor for a predetermined amount of time after determining the actual quantity meets the threshold quantity. The method 190 may further include in response to determining the actual quantity does not meet the threshold quantity, preventing or delaying operation of the motor until the actual quantity meets the threshold quantity. This step may be carried out by the blending system 100, a control, the controller, etc.
The method 190 may further include overriding the step for determining if the actual quantity meets the threshold quantity and transmitting a command to a motor of the blending system to begin driving the motor regardless of the actual quantity. The command to a motor of the blending system to begin driving the motor regardless of the actual quantity may be initiated by a second actuation signal. This step may be carried out by the blending system 100, a control, the controller, etc.
The method 190 may further include transmitting a command to a motor of the blending system to terminate driving the motor based on a predetermined amount of time of blending, tilt of the blending system, or actuation. This step may be carried out by the blending system 100, a control, the controller, etc.
Turning to
As shown in
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As best shown in
Referring now to
The container 310 may include a body 315, a mixing assembly 320 (such as a blade assembly, frothing disc or blade, bearings, splined coupler, etc.), and a lid 330. The body 315 may include a bottom end 316 that is selectively attachable to the motor base 350, a bottom surface 317, and a top end 318 that is selectively attachable to the lid 330. As described, the container 310 may include one or more sensors 108 positioned on any or all the body 315, mixing assembly 320, or lid 330, including any or all the bottom end 316, bottom surface 317, and top end 318 of the body 315. The sensor 108 may operate as described above.
The motor base 350 may include a mating portion 356 configured to receive and selectively attach with the container 310, e.g., the bottom end 316 of the container 310. An actuator, e.g., power button or switch 358 may be positioned on the motor base 350, see
Turning to
The container 710 may include a body 715, a mixing assembly 720 (such as a blade assembly, frothing disc or blade, bearings, splined coupler, etc.), and a lid (such as lid 230, 330). The body 715 may include a bottom end 716 that is selectively attachable to the motor base 350, a bottom surface, and a top end that is selectively attachable to the lid. As described, the container 710 may include one or more sensors positioned on any or all the body 715, mixing assembly 720, or lid, including any or all the bottom end 716, bottom surface, and top end of the body 715.
The motor base 750 may include a mating portion 756 configured to receive and selectively attach with the container 710, e.g., the bottom end 716 of the container 710. A power button or switch 758 may be positioned on the motor base 750. The motor base 750 may include an outer wall or shell that is sized and shaped for ergonomic blending allowing for handheld or single hand operation of the blending device 700. The motor base 750 may not include an extended neck and handle, as included in motor base 250. The motor base 750 may include a flush mating surface and a smaller circumference body or curved in body, to enable easy grabbling of the motor base 750 by a user's hand. The motor base and/or the container 710 may comprises the sensors 108 as described above. This may result in the blending device 700 operating as described above.
Turning to
The container 1010 may include a body 1015, a mixing assembly 1020 (such as a blade assembly, frothing disc or blade, bearings, splined coupler, etc.). The body 1015 may include an open end 1017 that is selectively attachable to an adapter 1090. The adapter 1090 may be selectively attachable the motor base 1050 in any appropriately mating manner. As described, the container 1010 may include one or more sensors (such as sensors 108) positioned on any or all the body 1015, mixing assembly 1020, or adapter 1090, including any or all the open end 1017.
The motor base 1050 may include a mating portion 1057 configured to receive and selectively attach with adapter 1090 (and thereby with the container 1010, e.g., the open end 1017 of the container 1010). A power button or switch 1058 may be positioned on the motor base 1050. The motor base 1050 may include an outer wall or shell that is sized and shaped for ergonomic blending allowing for handheld or single hand operation of the blending device 1000—this is particularly useful if the motor base 1050 comprises a battery making the blending device 1000 a handheld and portable device. The motor base 1050 may not include an extended neck and handle, as included in motor base 250. The motor base 1050 may include a flush mating surface and a smaller circumference body or curved in body, to enable easy grabbling of the motor base 1050 by a user's hand.
The motor base 1050 may further include a controller 106, battery 107, and motor 109. The container 1010 may include a seal 1091 between the open end 1017 of the container 1010 and the adapter 1090. The seal 1091 may provide a fluid-tight seal between the open end 1017 of the container 1010 and the adapter 1090 so that ingredients will not leak from the open end 1017 of the container 1010 and the adapter 1090 when the container 1010 and the adapter 1090 are inverted for placement on the motor base 1050. The battery 107 may power the motor 109. The battery 107 may be charged by placement of the motor base 1050 on the charging base 1060. Motor 109 operation may be controlled by the controller 106 as described herein, and the controller may initiate, delay, and stop motor 109 operation based on one or more inputs from sensors 108, accelerometers, time elapsed, user actuation, secondary actuation, and the like. The motor 109 may drive the mixing assembly 1020 and provide mixing of ingredients within the container 1010. It is noted that these components and operation are applicable to all embodiments of the blending devices 200, 300, 700, 1000, etc. unless context or this disclosure suggests otherwise. It is noted that blending device 1000 may include articulating drive coupling 600 as shown in
Blending devices 200, 300, 700 may be inverted when the container 210, 310, 710 is still attached to the motor base 250, 350, 750 to pour the blended product. The container 210, 310, 710 may not need to be removed from the motor base 250, 350, 750 in order to pour the blended product. The container 210, 310, 710 can be selectively removed or separated from the motor base 250, 350, 750 for easy, quick, of convenient cleaning, for example. In an embodiment, the container 210, 310, 710, 1010 may be inverted and cleaned on a rinser.
Blending devices 200, 300, 700, 1000 may be battery operated and rechargeable, having a charging base 260, 360, 760, 1060. In an example, the blending device 200, 300, 700, 1000 or components thereof, may be placed on a drying rack and may be inductively charged. The unit may be charged while hanging upside down. In an example, the container 210, 310, 710, 1010 may be rinsed prior to charging, or the container 210, 310, 710, 1010 may be rinsed while charging, etc. The motor base 250, 750, 1050 may be fully sealed (e.g, with no cords, removable battery covers, or plug-in ports). Blending devices 200, 300, 700, 1000 may allow the user freedom of movement and speed of production.
Blending devices 200, 300, 700, 1000 may allow for a small batch quantity or single serve quantity. It is noted that blending devices having larger capacities may also be used, including bending device 400 shown in
As described, the blending system 100, firmware logic, and sensing components or sensors 108 may allow the resulting blended product or foam to be repeatable and robust no matter who is prepping the ingredients or drink. The processes and blending system 100 described herein may also be used for other purposes than recipe consistency, and can be adapted for food safety and user safety applications as well.
In an example, sensors 108 may be integrated into the blending system 100 of blending devices 200, 300, 400, 500, 700, 1000 that recognize when the container 210, 310, 410, 510, 710, 1010 is removed or attached to the motor base 250, 350, 450, 550, 750, 1050 or used to create a recipe. In one embodiment, the sensor or sensors 108 may comprise a near field component or and RFID that is able to detect when the container 210, 310, 410, 510, 710, 1010 is operatively attached to the motor base 250, 350, 450, 550, 750, 1050. The blending system 100 can monitor the number of uses of the container 210, 310, 410, 510, 710, 1010 between washing and alert the user when the container 210, 310, 410, 510, 710, 1010 needs to be washed. For example, to comply with NSF specs, containers 210, 310, 410, 510, 710, 1010 are supposed to be washed every 4 hours. The blending system 100 and sensors 108 could help to make sure health requirements are being met. If the container 210, 310, 410, 510, 710, 1010 is not removed from the motor base 250, 350, 450, 550, 750, 1050 after a certain period of time, e.g., 4 hours, or if the container 210, 310, 410, 510, 710, 1010 is removed from the motor base 250, 350, 450, 550, 750, 1050 a certain number of times, or used for a certain number of recipes, the blending system 100 can indicate to the user that the container 210, 310, 410, 510, 710, 1010 needs to be washed and in some embodiments, can prevent the blending system 100 from operating until it has gone through the appropriate cleaning process. The blending system 100 can illuminate an indicator light, or make a sound, can present a notification or error message, and can prevent the operation of the motor until confirmed cleaned, removed from the motor base 250, 350, 450, 550, 750, 1050, etc.
In another example, the sensors 108 may include water sensor or pressure sensors. The sensors 108 may be added to the motor base 250, 350, 450, 550, 750, 1050. The sensors 108 can monitor and indicate if any of the seals have been compromised. The blending system 100 can illuminate an indicator light, or make a sound, can present a notification or error message, and can prevent the operation of the motor until the seal is fixed, or operate in a safe mode. It is noted that the sensors 108 and blending system 100 as described herein may be used to monitor and alert any type of failure in the blending system 200, 300, 400, 500, 700, 1000.
In another embodiment, the blending system 100 may include a wireless charging system. The motor base 250, 350, 450, 550, 750, 1050 may be fully sealed (e.g, with no cords, removable battery covers, or plug-in ports) but may still be chargeable. This charging system may also allow data to be transferred through the wireless connection. This would allow the blending system 100 and/or blending systems 200, 300, 400, 500, 700, 1000 to download data parameters into the charging pad (which would likely have an internet of things module in it) and the charger could push data to the cloud on error messages, load profiles, run data, etc. Each unit could be serialized so the charging bases would not need to be specifically linked to the correct motor base 250, 350, 450, 550, 750, 1050 but any motor base 250, 350, 450, 550, 750, 1050 could be put onto the charger. An embodiment of the removable charging bases 260, 360, 760, 1060 selectively attachable to motor bases 250, 350, 760, 1060 are shown in
In an embodiment, the container 210, 310, 410, 510, 710, 1010 may be made of triton. The containers 210, 310, 410, 510, 710, 1010 may include a tint, such as a high gloss smoke tint.
Turning to
The articulating drive coupling 600 may include a top coupling 610. The top coupling 610 may have a generally cylindrical body. It is noted that other shapes are herein contemplated. The top coupling 610 may selectively couple with a container or other attachment. The top coupling 610 may include a recessed portion 612. The recessed portion 612 may be sized and shaped to receive a corresponding protrusion on the container or other attachment. The recessed portion 612 may be located on a top face of the top coupling 610. In an embodiment, the recessed portion 612 and the corresponding protrusion may have an interlocking gear shape. It is noted that other shapes are herein contemplated. The top coupling 610 may include an aperture 614 that extends through the body of the top coupling 610. In an embodiment, a drive shaft of the motor base may extend into or through the aperture 614 of the top coupling 610. The top coupling 610 may include a receptacle 616. The receptacle 616 may be configured to receive the locking nut 620. The receptacle 616 may be located on a bottom face of the top coupling 610.
The articulating drive coupling 600 may further include a locking nut 620. The locking nut 620 may selectively couple to a motor drive shaft on a blender base. The locking nut 620 may include an aperture 622 that extends through the locking nut 620. The aperture 620 may be configured to receive the motor drive shaft therethrough and to fasten to the motor drive shaft. In an embodiment, the aperture 620 may be threaded and attach to the motor drive shaft by threaded engagement. In an embodiment, the locking nut 620 may include a thread locking liquid like Loctite or a nylon locking feature in the locking nut 620 to attach to the motor drive shaft. The locking nut 620 may have the general shape of a nut, such as a hexagonal shape. It is noted that other shapes are herein contemplated. The locking nut 620 may have any number of sides and may be any shape, such as circular, rectangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, etc., and may have a star shape, an asymmetrical shape, and irregular shape, etc. The locking nut 620 can have many different geometries. The top coupling 610 and receptacle 616 can split and capture the locking nut 620 in many different ways as well corresponding, in embodiments, to the size and shape of the locking nut 620.
The articulating drive coupling 600 may further include a bottom capture plate 630. The bottom capture plate 630 may have a generally circular body. In an embodiment, the bottom capture plate 630 may have generally the same circumference as the top coupling 610. It is noted that other shapes are herein contemplated. The bottom capture plate 630 may selectively attach to the top coupling 610. The bottom capture plate 630 may selectively attach to the bottom face of the top coupling 610. The bottom capture plate 630 may selectively cover the receptacle 616 of the top coupling 610 or a portion thereof. The bottom capture plate 630 may selectively cover the locking nut 620 or a portion thereof when the locking nut 620 is selectively positioned in the receptacle 616 of the top coupling 610. The bottom capture plate 630 may include a center aperture 632 that extends through the bottom capture plate 630. The center aperture may be configured to receive the motor drive shaft therethrough.
The bottom capture plate 630 may selectively attach to the top coupling 610 by a fastener, such as screws, or may be welded or bonded to the top coupling 610, for example. The bottom capture plate 630 may include one or more apertures 634 configured to receive a corresponding fastener. The apertures 634 may be symmetrically located about a perimeter or circumference of the bottom capture plate 630. In an example, the bottom capture plate 630 may include four apertures each configured to receive a corresponding fastener, wherein the four apertures are positioned evenly spaced about the perimeter or circumference of the bottom capture plate 630. In an embodiment, the fasteners may extend through the bottom capture plate 630 and into the body of the top coupling 610 when the bottom capture plate 630 is selectively attached thereto the top coupling 610.
As described, the receptacle 616 of the top coupling 610 may generally be configured to receive the locking nut 620. The receptacle 616 of the top coupling 610 may include a clearance between the locking nut 620 and the receptacle 616. In an embodiment, the locking nut 620 may include a clearance of 0.001-0.01 inches clearance from every surface of the top coupling 610 or receptacle 616 of the top coupling 610 and bottom capture plate. In an embodiment, the locking nut 620 may include a clearance of 0.001-0.01 inches clearance from every surface of the bottom capture plate 630. In an embodiment, locking nut 620 may include a clearance of 0.001-0.01 inches clearance from every surface of the top coupling 610 or receptacle 616 of the top coupling 610 and the bottom capture plate 630. In an embodiment, the described clearance may be approximately 0.005 inches between surfaces, e.g., between all or some of the surfaces of the receptacle 616/top coupling 610 and bottom capture plate 630 to the locking nut 620.
The clearance may allow the drive coupling to articulate in three dimensions and may provide a flexible coupling in the blender system. The articulating driver coupling 600 may compensate for shaft to shaft misalignment and non-orthogonal misalignment of the driving shaft and receiving shaft. The articulating driver coupling 600 may reduce vibration, noise and mechanical loses due to misalignment of the driving system (blender) and driven system (container or attachment).
It is noted that the described articulating driver coupling 600 may be applicable to the handheld foamer and any other container or other attachment. The container on the handheld unit has, e.g., system 1000 shown in
The articulating driver coupling 600 may provide a quiet coupling. In systems where the container screws/twists into place onto the handset base, perfect alignment of components (e.g., the base, shaft, and container, etc.) may be difficult to achieve and such resulting alignments may cause excess noise and vibration that cannot be rectified by slightly altering the position of the container since the container is so “locked” into its position. Driver couplings in these systems may often be rigid, but this can also add to the excess noise and vibration or misalignment of the system. The driver couplings may also become stripped during use. The locking nut 620 attachment to the driver shaft and the top coupling 610 having a receiving geometry for the locking nut 620 may provide flexibility in the system, may reduce noise or vibration during use, and may provide strength and integrity in the system to prevent stripping. The bottom capture plate 630 can help to retain the top coupling 610 around the locking nut 620.
The articulating driver coupling 600 or other component of the devices described herein, or portions thereof, may comprise materials, such as plastic materials (e.g., including but not limited to, polymer material, polycarbonate, bisphenol-a (BPA) free plastics, food grade plastics, etc.), metals (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum, etc.), glass (e.g., thermal shock-resistant glass, etc.), or the like. According to embodiments, the articulating driver coupling 600 or other component of the devices described herein, or portions thereof, may be monolithically formed or formed of separate constructions attached to each other. For instance, the articulating driver coupling 600 or other component of the devices described herein, or portions thereof, may be monolithically formed via a molding process, a three-dimensional printing process, an etching process, or the like. The formation may form the articulating driver coupling 600 or other component of the devices described herein, or portions thereof, as a single piece or separate pieces that are attachable.
In another example, the articulating driver coupling 600 or other component of the devices described herein, or portions thereof, may be formed of multiple pieces, such as a metal core that is overmolded with a plastic. The metal core may be disposed within the plastic to balance the components and/or add weight to the components. In at least one embodiment, articulating driver coupling 600 or other component of the devices described herein, or portions thereof, may comprise a plurality of separate members that are attached (e.g., removably or irremovably) to each other and/or a drive shaft.
The articulating driver coupling 600 or other component of the devices described herein, or portions thereof, may comprise one or more apertures formed therethrough. As depicted, apertures may comprise a plurality of apertures extending from first side to a second side to fluidly connect an area above the first side to an area below the second side. In an aspect, the apertures may comprise rounded or non-sharp edges (e.g., dulled, not squared, filed, etc.). The rounded edges may improve the aeration of foodstuff, reduce frothing time, or the like. For example, the rounded edges may impart more air into a liquid in comparison to sharp or squared edges. It is noted that at least one embodiment may comprise apertures having at least one squared edge. It is noted that apertures may comprise other shapes, such as prisms, conical shapes, irregular in shape, or the like. It is further noted that apertures may be configured such that their side walls are at an angle (e.g., are not normal or perpendicular) with at least one of first side or second side.
Although the present embodiments have been illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the foregoing detailed description, it is to be understood that the blending system is not to be limited to just the embodiments disclosed, but that the blending system described herein is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions.
This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 63/311,198, filed on Feb. 17, 2022, entitled “Smart Beverage Foamer” and claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 63/352,788, filed on Jun. 16, 2022, entitled “Smart Beverage Foamer and Articulating Drive Coupling,” each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US2023/013321 | 2/17/2023 | WO |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63311198 | Feb 2022 | US | |
| 63352788 | Jun 2022 | US |
