U.S. patent application number 12/894650 was filed with the patent office on 2011-03-31 for method and system for measuring ingredients in a container of a beverage dispenser.
This patent application is currently assigned to MANITOWOC FSG OPERATIONS, LLC. Invention is credited to Daryl G. Erbs, Jerry L. Landers, James R. Mosenfelder, Gregory K. Thompson.
Application Number | 20110073212 12/894650 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43778961 |
Filed Date | 2011-03-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110073212 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Erbs; Daryl G. ; et
al. |
March 31, 2011 |
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MEASURING INGREDIENTS IN A CONTAINER OF A
BEVERAGE DISPENSER
Abstract
A system for measuring an ingredient in a container of a
beverage dispenser includes a scale having a base with the
container supported on the base. The ingredient has a recipe weight
equal to a weight of a total amount of the ingredient that will be
dispensed into the container and an in-flight weight that is equal
to a weight of the ingredient that has left the dispenser but is
not yet supported within the container so that it is detected by
the scale. A dispenser controller subtracts the in-flight weight
parameter from the recipe weight to calculate a target weight of
ingredient within the beverage container, thereby controlling the
activation or deactivation of the ingredient dispenser(s).
Inventors: |
Erbs; Daryl G.; (Sheboygan,
WI) ; Mosenfelder; James R.; (Appleton, WI) ;
Landers; Jerry L.; (Memphis, IN) ; Thompson; Gregory
K.; (Louisville, KY) |
Assignee: |
MANITOWOC FSG OPERATIONS,
LLC,
|
Family ID: |
43778961 |
Appl. No.: |
12/894650 |
Filed: |
September 30, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61247429 |
Sep 30, 2009 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
141/1 ; 141/361;
141/83 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01G 19/30 20130101;
B67D 1/0041 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
141/1 ; 141/83;
141/361 |
International
Class: |
B65B 1/04 20060101
B65B001/04; B65B 3/26 20060101 B65B003/26 |
Claims
1. A system for measuring an amount of an ingredient in a container
of a beverage dispenser comprising: a weighing device comprising a
base portion and weight measuring assembly, wherein said container
is disposed on said base portion; an ingredient dispenser that
dispenses said ingredient into said container in an amount equal to
a predetermined recipe weight; and a dispenser controller which
monitors an actual weight of said ingredient actually disposed
within said container as detected by said weighing device, and
determines if said actual weight meets or exceeds a predetermined
target weight, so as to activate or deactivate said ingredient
dispenser.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein said target weight is determined
by subtracting an in-flight weight of said ingredient from a recipe
weight.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein said recipe weight is equal to a
total amount of said ingredient that is to be dispensed into the
container per the selected recipe.
4. The system of claim 2, wherein said in-flight weight is equal to
a weight of the ingredient that has left said ingredient dispenser
but has not yet been received by said container and is not measured
by said weighing device as part of said target weight.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein said weighing device is a
scale.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein said base portion is connected to
said weight measuring assembly, wherein said weight measuring
assembly comprises a cantilever beam having a first end connected
to said base portion and a second end, opposite said first end,
connected to a strain gauge that measures a deflection of said
cantilever beam to calculate said actual weight of said ingredient
disposed within said container.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein said container comprises a bottom
portion, a top portion and a wall disposed between said bottom
portion and said top portion, wherein said top portion is open for
receiving said ingredient.
8. The system of claim 7, further comprising a mixer that extends
through an aperture in said bottom portion of the container.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein said mixer extends through an
aperture in said base portion of said weighing device.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein said dispenser controller
prohibits said mixer from mixing during activation of said
ingredient dispenser.
11. A method comprising: providing a recipe weight equal to a
weight of a total amount of an ingredient that will be dispensed
into a container and an in-flight weight that is equal to a weight
of said ingredient that has left an ingredient dispensing assembly
but is not yet supported within said container so that it is
detected by a scale; and calculating a target weight that is equal
to a difference of said recipe weight and said in-flight
weight.
12. The method of claim 11, further comprising providing said scale
having a base with said container supported on said base and said
ingredient dispensing assembly that dispenses said ingredient into
said container.
13. The method of claim 12, further comprising selecting a recipe
for a beverage that includes said ingredient.
14. The method of claim 13, further comprising detecting a detected
weight of said container that is empty by said scale.
15. The method of claim 14, further comprising detecting whether
said detected weight is within a predetermined weight of an empty
container limit.
16. The method of claim 14, further comprising recording said
detected weight in a memory.
17. The method of claim 16, further comprising activating said
ingredient dispensing assembly dispensing said ingredient into said
container, and detecting a dispensed weight of said container and
said ingredient while said ingredient is being dispensed into said
container.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising determining if said
dispensed weight minus said detected weight is greater than said
target weight.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising deactivating said
ingredient dispensing assembly to stop said dispense of said
ingredient into said container if said dispensed weight minus said
detected weight is greater than said target weight.
20. The method of claim 19, determining whether said recipe
includes another ingredient to be dispensed into said
container.
21. The method of claim 20, further comprising detecting a new
value of a weight of said container with said ingredient therein
after waiting a predetermined in-flight time delay after
deactivating said ingredient dispensing assembly to stop said
dispense of said ingredient into said container.
22. The method of claim 17, wherein said dispensed weight is a
plurality of dispensed weights taken over a predetermined period of
time that are averaged to calculate an average sample weight.
23. A method for preparing a beverage comprising: selecting a
beverage recipe having at least one ingredient; determining if a
container for dispensing ingredient according to said recipe is
empty; if container is empty, then determining a target weight of
said ingredient to be dispensed into said container according to
said recipe as the difference between a recipe weight and in-flight
weight of said ingredient; energizing a pump or valve to dispense
said ingredient into said container; monitoring said target weight
as said ingredient is dispensed into said container; and
de-energizing said pump or valve when said target weight of said
ingredient is reached or exceeded.
24. The method of claim 23, further comprising energizing said pump
or valve to dispense a second ingredient into said container;
monitoring said target weight for said second ingredient being
dispensed into said container; and de-energizing said pump or valve
when said target weight of said ingredient is reached or exceeded.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/247,429, filed Sep. 30, 2009. U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/247,429, filed Sep. 30, 2009 is hereby
incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field
[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to mixing
beverages. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an
apparatus and method for dispensing a predetermined amount of
ingredients for a beverage into a container and rinsing the
container.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] Multiple steps are involved in creating a beverage or drink,
for example, a smoothie drink, from beginning to end, and potential
issues can occur at all stages. An employee must manually add an
estimated amount to a blender pot or container. After the ice is
manually added, the juice and any additional fruit or flavor
"flavor ingredient" is added by the operator as well. Since the
amount of ice and/or flavor ingredient is not measured, but rather
"guesstimated" by each employee, the amount of ice and/or flavor
ingredient is not precise and, therefore, makes it difficult to
create the same beverage time after time.
[0006] Once the order is complete and the customer has his or her
drink, there is one last step to finalize the process--the method
of manually cleaning the container after each use to prevent the
transfer of flavors and germs. Often, to save time, the blender
containers are rinsed in a sink, which can compromise sanitation.
While this might seem insignificant, flavor contamination can be a
serious threat if customers have food allergies. Another drawback
to the washing process is that it involves a substantial amount of
time and labor on the part of the operator.
[0007] Accordingly, it has been determined by the present
disclosure, there is a need for a system that increases accuracy of
measuring one or more ingredients of a beverage to be mixed in a
container. It has been further determined by the present
disclosure, there is an additional need for an assembly for mixing
a beverage that rinses and/or sanitizes the container.
SUMMARY
[0008] A device for measuring an ingredient in a container of a
beverage dispenser includes a scale having a base with the
container supported on the base. The ingredient has a recipe weight
equal to a weight of a total amount of the ingredient that will be
dispensed into the container and an in-flight weight that is equal
to a weight of the ingredient that has left the dispenser but is
not yet supported within the container so that it is detected by
the scale. A dispenser controller subtracts the in-flight weight
parameter from the recipe weight to calculate a target weight of
ingredient within the beverage container, thereby controlling the
activation or deactivation of the ingredient dispenser(s).
[0009] A system for measuring an amount of an ingredient in a
container of a beverage dispenser comprising: a weighing device
comprising a base portion and weight measuring assembly, wherein
the container is disposed on the base portion; an ingredient
dispenser that dispenses the ingredient into the container in an
amount equal to a predetermined recipe weight; and a dispenser
controller which monitors an actual weight of the ingredient
actually disposed within the container as detected by the weighing
device, and determines if the actual weight meets or exceeds a
predetermined target weight, so as to activate or deactivate the
ingredient dispenser.
[0010] The target weight is determined by subtracting an in-flight
weight of the ingredient from a recipe weight. The recipe weight is
equal to a total amount of the ingredient that is to be dispensed
into the container per the selected recipe. The in-flight weight is
equal to a weight of the ingredient that has left the ingredient
dispenser but has not yet been received by the container and is not
measured by the weighing device as part of the target weight. The
weighing device is a scale.
[0011] The base portion is connected to the weight measuring
assembly, wherein the weight measuring assembly comprises a
cantilever beam having a first end connected to the base portion
and a second end, opposite the first end, connected to a strain
gauge that measures a deflection of the cantilever beam to
calculate the actual weight of the ingredient disposed within the
container.
[0012] The container comprises a bottom portion, a top portion and
a wall disposed between the bottom portion and the top portion,
wherein the top portion is open for receiving the ingredient. The
system further comprising a mixer that extends through an aperture
in the bottom portion of the container. The mixer extends through
an aperture in the base portion of the weighing device.
[0013] The dispenser controller prohibits the mixer from mixing
during activation of the ingredient dispenser.
[0014] A method comprising: providing a recipe weight equal to a
weight of a total amount of an ingredient that will be dispensed
into a container and an in-flight weight that is equal to a weight
of the ingredient that has left an ingredient dispensing assembly
but is not yet supported within the container so that it is
detected by a scale; and calculating a target weight that is equal
to a difference of the recipe weight and the in-flight weight.
[0015] The method further comprising providing the scale having a
base with the container supported on the base and the ingredient
dispensing assembly that dispenses the ingredient into the
container.
[0016] The method further comprising selecting a recipe for a
beverage that includes the ingredient.
[0017] The method further comprising detecting a detected weight of
the container that is empty by the scale.
[0018] The method further comprising detecting whether the detected
weight is within a predetermined weight of an empty container
limit.
[0019] The method further comprising recording the detected weight
in a memory.
[0020] The method further comprising activating the ingredient
dispensing assembly dispensing the ingredient into the container,
and detecting a dispensed weight of the container and the
ingredient while the ingredient is being dispensed into the
container.
[0021] The method further comprising determining if the dispensed
weight minus the detected weight is greater than the target
weight.
[0022] The method further comprising deactivating the ingredient
dispensing assembly to stop the dispense of the ingredient into the
container if the dispensed weight minus the detected weight is
greater than the target weight.
[0023] The method further comprising determining whether the recipe
includes another ingredient to be dispensed into the container.
[0024] The method further comprising detecting a new value of a
weight of the container with the ingredient therein after waiting a
predetermined in-flight time delay after deactivating the
ingredient dispensing assembly to stop the dispense of the
ingredient into the container.
[0025] The dispensed weight is optionally a plurality of dispensed
weights taken over a predetermined period of time that are averaged
to calculate an average sample weight.
[0026] A method for preparing a beverage comprising: selecting a
beverage recipe having at least one ingredient; determining if a
container for dispensing ingredient according to the recipe is
empty; if container is empty, then determining a target weight of
the ingredient to be dispensed into the container according to the
recipe as the difference between a recipe weight and in-flight
weight of the ingredient; energizing a pump or valve to dispense
the ingredient into the container; monitoring the target weight as
the ingredient is dispensed into the container; and de-energizing
the pump or valve when the target weight of the ingredient is
reached or exceeded.
[0027] The method further comprising energizing the pump or valve
to dispense a second ingredient into the container; monitoring the
target weight for the second ingredient being dispensed into the
container; and de-energizing the pump or valve when the target
weight of the ingredient is reached or exceeded.
[0028] The above-described and other features and advantages of the
present disclosure will be appreciated and understood by those
skilled in the art from the following detailed description,
drawings, and appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] FIG. 1 is a front plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a
beverage mixing system according to the present disclosure;
[0030] FIG. 2 is an enlarged partial top front perspective view of
a blending area and a rinse area of the beverage mixing system of
FIG. 1;
[0031] FIG. 3 is side cross-sectional view of the rinse area of the
beverage mixing system of FIG. 1;
[0032] FIG. 4 is an enlarged partial top front perspective view of
the rinse area of the beverage mixing system of FIG. 1;
[0033] FIG. 5 is an enlarged partial top front perspective view of
an area of the container having a magnet and an area of the rinse
area having the switch;
[0034] FIGS. 6-7B are front side perspective views of the exemplary
embodiment of the beverage mixing system according to the present
disclosure;
[0035] FIG. 7C is a side view of the exemplary embodiment of the
beverage mixing system according to the present disclosure;
[0036] FIG. 7D is a rear side perspective view of the exemplary
embodiment of the beverage mixing system according to the present
disclosure;
[0037] FIG. 7E is a front plan view of the exemplary embodiment of
the beverage mixing system according to the present disclosure;
[0038] FIGS. 8A and 8B are a logic and flow diagram of a controller
of the present disclosure;
[0039] FIG. 9 is a logic and flow diagram of a rinse controller of
the present disclosure;
[0040] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a controller of the beverage
mixing system according to the present disclosure; and
[0041] FIG. 11 is an example of a wiring schematic that may be
included in system 100 that may implement process 800 and/or
process 900.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0042] Referring to the drawings and in particular to FIG. 1, an
exemplary embodiment of a beverage mixing system according to the
present disclosure is generally referred to by reference numeral
100. System 100 mixes ingredients that may be stored thereon into a
beverage. One such beverage, for example, is a smoothie that may
include a flavor ingredient, for example, fruit or flavored syrup,
and ice mixed together.
[0043] System 100 has a housing 102. As shown in FIGS. 7C-7D,
housing 102 may have a depth D, for example of about 33 inches, a
height H1, for example, of about 72 inches, a width W1, for
example, of about 26 inches, and a counter height H2, for example,
of about 33 inches. Housing 102 may have one or more shelves 110,
as shown in FIG. 1. Shelves 110 include ingredients that are mixed
to form the beverage. Shelves 110 include a shelf 112 that includes
a shape having depressions sized to hold bananas 113. Shelves 110
include a shelf 114 that is partitioned to hold bottles of syrup or
flavoring 116 that can be mixed with other ingredients, for
example, ice or fruit, to form the beverage. Shelves 110 include a
shelf 118 that stores banana peels that are discarded after bananas
113 are peeled and used for mixing a beverage.
[0044] Housing 102 may also include storage for cups 130 and/or
lids that connect to cover an opening in cups 130. Cups 130 may be
in a stacked configuration and removably inserted into cup
dispenser 132. Cup dispenser 132 has one or more apertures 134
sized larger or equal to a largest dimension of cups 130, so that
cups 130 are supported within apertures 134 via friction fit. Cup
dispenser 132 may be spring loaded to urge cups 130 out of
apertures 134 when one or more cups 134 are removed or on an
incline so that cups are urged to apertures 134 by gravity. The
lids may be stored in lid dispensers 136 that have an opening 138
to access the lids. The lids may be stacked and stored on an
incline so that when one or more lids are removed the lids within
lid dispensers 136 move toward opening 138.
[0045] System 100 has a user interface that may be a touch screen
200 connected to housing 102. Touch screen 200 allows a user to
input, and/or the touch screen 200 may display, settings for
temperature, time, and other parameters of system 100.
[0046] System 100 has an ice storage container 105 that maintains a
predetermined temperature to store ice within housing 102. Ice
storage container 105 may include an insulated volume, such as a
"cooler", or temperature controlled volume cooled by a cooling
device, for example, a vapor compression cycle, for receiving and
holding ice that may be selectively removed to mix a beverage. Ice
storage container 105 is connected to a base 400 that has an ice
dispensing assembly that dispenses ice through an ice aperture from
ice storage container 105, for example, to a blending container
150. Ice within ice storage container 105 may contact a shaving
wheel of the ice dispensing assembly, so that the ice is shaved
into shaved particles, and the shaved particles are dispensed
through the ice aperture in base 400 to the blending container
150.
[0047] System 100 has a refrigerated storage container 120 that
maintains a predetermined temperature that is desirable for storing
ingredients of the beverage that is mixed, for example, whip cream
and/or fruit within housing 102. Refrigerated storage container 120
has an access door 122 that may be selectively opened and closed to
retrieve the contents within refrigerated storage container 120.
Access door 122 may provide access to ingredients only within the
vicinity of the access door 122, and additional access may be
provided to refrigerated storage container 120, for example, an
entire front wall 124 may be selectively opened and closed to
retrieve the contents within refrigerated storage container
120.
[0048] Refrigerated storage container 120 includes a refrigeration
cycle, such as, for example, a vapor compression cycle that
includes a compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator.
One or more of the compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and
evaporator may be integral with an ingredient dispensing assembly
or remote from the rest of the ingredient dispensing assembly. For
example, compressors may create undesirable noise and may be
remotely located from the rest of the assembly.
[0049] The ingredient dispensing assembly has one or more holders
that may each hold a container, such as, for example, a bag, that
contains a flavor ingredient for the beverage. Refrigerated storage
container 120 cools the one or more holders that may each hold the
container. The flavor ingredient may be a flavored liquid or mix.
The flavor ingredient is cooled while stored in refrigerated
storage container 120. Each of the holders may have a connection
aperture connected to a conduit of the ingredient dispensing
assembly that passes from refrigerated storage container 120 to
base 400. The conduit may connect to a pump of the ingredient
dispensing assembly that selectively moves a portion of the
ingredient from the container in the holders through the connection
aperture, to the conduit, to a nozzle in base 400 to dispense the
ingredient, for example, to blending container 150. The pump may be
an air powered pump that may include a diaphragm. One or more
holders may be a plurality of holders with an ingredient dispense
tube for each ingredient in each of holders.
[0050] The ingredient dispensing assembly and/or ice dispensing
assembly may be controlled by a controller. The controller may be
connected to housing 102 or remote from system 100, for example, a
remote computer.
[0051] Blending container 150 is supported and held in position on
a scale 600 when the flavor ingredient and/or ice is dispensed into
blending container 150, as shown in FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 1,
scale 600 has a base plate 610 and pad that each are affixed on a
first end of a cantilever beam that provides the only support for
plate 610, the pad, and blending container 150 against the force of
gravity. The cantilever beam is connected on a second end, opposite
the first end, to a strain gauge that measures a deflection of the
cantilever beam. Based on the known mechanical properties of the
cantilever beam, a weight of blending container 150 is calculated
and reported to the controller used to operate the ingredient
dispensing assembly and/or ice dispensing assembly.
[0052] As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the controller controls a
process 800 to control an amount of ice and/or flavor ingredient
dispensed into blending container 150. A user enters a drink
preparation function in step 802. For example, a user selects a
recipe that is stored in a memory, for example, the user selects a
recipe via user interface 200, for a desired beverage. An output of
scale 600 of a detected weight is read in step 804. It is
determined whether the detected weight in step 804 is within a
predetermined weight of an empty container limit in step 806. If
the detected weight in step 804 is not within a predetermined
weight of an empty container limit in step 806, it is determined if
a predetermined amount of time has elapsed in step 808. If a
predetermined amount of time has elapsed, a container fault
condition is output in step 810, for example, a container fault
condition outputs a signal displayed to the user on user interface
200. If a predetermined amount of time has not elapsed, steps 804
and 806 are repeated. If the detected weight in step 804 is within
a predetermined weight of an empty container limit in step 806, an
empty container weight reading from scale 600 is recorded in a
memory in step 812. A recipe weight of an ingredient is equal to a
weight of a total amount of the ingredient, flavor ingredient or
ice, is actually dispensed into the container and detected by the
scale, and an in-flight weight that is equal to a weight of the
ingredient that has left the dispenser, the flavor ingredient
dispenser or ice dispenser, but is not yet disposed within the
container for detection by the scale. The recipe weight and
in-flight weight are each stored in the memory. A target weight
that is equal to the in-flight weight subtracted from the recipe
weight is calculated and stored in the memory in step 814. During
operation, the controller sends an output signal to a solenoid or
other valve to dispense selected ingredient(s), such that the
ingredient(s) is dispensed from either flavor ingredient dispenser
or ice dispenser into blending container 150 in step 816. While the
ingredient is dispensed into blending container 150, a weight
detected by scale 600 is read in step 818. The weight detected by
scale 600 that is read in step 818 minus the empty container weight
determined in step 806 is compared in step 820 to the target weight
determined in step 814. If weight detected by scale 600 that is
read in step 818 minus the empty container weight determined in
step 806 is less than the target weight determined in step 814,
steps 818 and 820 are repeated. If weight detected by scale 600
that is read in step 818 minus the empty container weight
determined in step 806 is equal to or greater than the target
weight determined in step 814, then controller sends an output
signal to a solenoid or other valve to stop dispensing the
ingredient, such that the ingredient(s) is no longer dispensed from
either flavor ingredient dispenser or ice dispenser into blending
container 150 in step 822 and process 800 may end.
[0053] The sample weight detected in step 818 taken by scale 600
may be a plurality of weights that are taken over a predetermined
period of time that are averaged to calculate an average sample
weight. The average sample weight may then be compared to the
target weight. This moving average of the sample readings is used
to filter noise introduced by harmonic vibration modes of the scale
beam and base plate, and a time delay effect of the moving average
filter is also compensated by the in-flight parameter value.
[0054] Once the ingredient is no longer dispensed because the
target weight was reached, another ingredient may be dispensed
according to steps 824-852 of process 800. A time delay, or scale
de-bounce time parameter, equal to an in-flight time parameter that
corresponds to the in-flight weight may be elapsed, in step 824,
before a new value of a weight of blending container 150 with the
first ingredient dispensed therein is recorded into the memory for
use in dispensing another ingredient in step 826. A change in
reaction force on blending container 150 resulting from the stop of
flow of the first ingredient will introduce a vibration in the
cantilever beam due to an excitation of a spring-mass system that
includes blending container 150, the ingredient, base plate 610 and
pad, and cantilever beam. The in-flight time parameter may allow
this oscillation to decay sufficiently to obtain a stable and
accurate reading for the new value of blending container weight in
step 826. For example, the recipe weight may be between about 6.0
ounces to about 24 ounces with an in-flight weight parameter from
about 0.5 ounces to about 4.0 ounces, and with the in-flight time
parameter of about 0.2 seconds to 2 seconds.
[0055] A second recipe weight of a second ingredient is equal to a
weight of a total amount of the second ingredient, flavor
ingredient or ice, that will be dispensed into the container and a
second in-flight weight that is equal to a weight of the second
ingredient that has left the dispenser, the flavor ingredient
dispenser or ice dispenser, but is not yet supported within
container 150 to be detected by scale 600. The second recipe weight
and the second in-flight weight are each stored in the memory. A
second target weight that is equal to the second in-flight weight
subtracted from the second recipe weight is calculated and stored
in the memory in step 828. Thereafter, the controller sends an
output signal to dispense the second ingredient(s), such that the
second ingredient(s) is dispensed from either flavor ingredient
dispenser or ice dispenser into blending container 150 in step 830.
While the ingredient is dispensed into blending container 150, a
weight detected by scale 600 is read in step 832. The weight
detected by scale 600 that is read in step 832 minus the empty
container weight determined in step 826 is compared in step 834 to
the second target weight determined in step 828. If weight detected
by scale 600 that is read in step 832 minus the empty container
weight determined in step 826 is less than the second target weight
determined in step 828, steps 832 and 834 are repeated. If weight
detected by scale 600 that is read in step 832 minus the empty
container weight determined in step 826 is equal to or greater than
the second target weight determined in step 828, then the
controller sends an output signal to stop the dispensing of the
second ingredient, such that the second ingredient is no longer
dispensed from either flavor ingredient dispenser or ice dispenser
into blending container 150 in step 836 and process 800 may
end.
[0056] A time delay, or scale de-bounce time parameter, equal to a
second in-flight time parameter that corresponds to the second
in-flight weight may be elapsed, in step 838. If it is determined
in step 840 that there is an additional ingredient, or third
ingredient, to be dispensed, steps 824-840 are repeated. If it is
determined in step 840 that there is not an additional ingredient
to be dispensed and ice is to be dispensed, an ice target scale
reading for ice as a difference between an ice recipe weight and an
ice in-flight parameter value is determined in step 842.
Thereafter, the controller sends an output signal to dispense ice,
such that ice is dispensed from ice dispenser into blending
container 150 in step 844. While ice is dispensed into blending
container 150, a weight detected by scale 600 is read in step 848.
The weight detected by scale 600 that is read in step 848 minus the
empty container weight that may be read after step 840 is compared
in step 848 to the ice target weight determined in step 842. If
weight detected by scale 600 that is read in step 846 minus the
empty container weight is less than the ice target weight
determined in step 842, steps 846 and 848 are repeated. If weight
detected by scale 600 that is read in step 846 minus the empty
container weight is equal to or greater than the ice target weight
determined in step 842, then the controller sends an output signal
to stop the ice dispensing, such that the ice is no longer
dispensed from the ice dispenser into blending container 150 in
after step 848 and process 800 may end or a blending cycle may
begin in step 852.
[0057] When adding flavoring ingredients and shaved ice to a
blending container, such as, blending container 150, placed on a
scale, such as scale 600, a first reading from the scale at a first
point in time does not represent an actual weight that would end up
in the container if a flow of the ingredient were stopped at the
first point in time due to effects of one or both of 1) a quantity
of ingredient that has left the dispense nozzle, such as base 400,
and has not reached blending container, such as blending container
150, so that the blending container supports the ingredient and is
detected by the scale, and 2) a reaction force created from a
momentum change of the ingredient flow as it strikes the blending
container. Process 800 described herein anticipates the combined
impact of a quantity of the ingredient that is airborne and a
force-induced scale error to determine a more accurate scale
reading to stop the ingredient from being dispensed and obtaining a
desired quantity of the ingredient.
[0058] The in-flight weights may be determined or adjusted by
comparing an actual weight to the recipe weight. The actual weight
equals a difference between a weight following dispensing the
ingredient into blending container 150 and a weight of blending
container 150 without the ingredient therein that is stored in the
memory. The in-flight weight may be determined or adjusted by
subtracting the recipe weight from the actual weight.
[0059] Referring to FIG. 1, system 100 has a mixer 190. Mixer 190
may extend through an aperture in base plate 610 and container 150
when container 150 is in position on scale 600. Mixer 190 may be a
spindle that rotates to mix flavor ingredients and ice within
container 150. Mixer 190 may be controlled by a controller, for
example, that rotates the spindle of mixer 190 a predetermined
amount of time during the blending cycle. It may be undesirable to
activate mixer 190 during process 800 due to forces mixer 190 may
have on scale 600. The controller may prohibit the mixing cycle
during process 800.
[0060] Now referring to FIGS. 1-5, system 100 has a rinse area 140.
Rinse area 140 has a surface 141 connected to a water source by a
conduit 142. Conduit 142 is connected to a nozzle 144 that sprays
water and/or other cleaning liquid. Surface 141 has one or more
drain apertures 146 that drain liquid from surface 141. Surface 141
may be connected to counter 210. Counter 210 provides a support
portion, for example, for operators to dispense a beverage into one
of cups 130 supported thereon. Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B,
counter may have one or more storage trays 215. Storage trays 215
may be in thermal communication with refrigerated storage container
120 so that storage trays 215 are cooled. Storage trays 215 may be
within a cover 220 that can cover storage trays 215 in a closed
position, as shown in FIG. 7A, and provide access to storage trays
215 in an open position, as shown in FIG. 7B.
[0061] Surface 141 has one or more protrusions 148. Surface 141 has
a switch 160 within one of protrusions 148. Switch 160 activates a
rinse cycle. As shown in FIGS. 2-4, protrusions 148 are positioned
so that container 150 fits within protrusions 148 at one or more
predetermined orientations.
[0062] Container 150 has a sidewall 152 that surrounds a base wall
153 that encloses an inner volume 154, as shown in FIG. 3.
Container 150 has at least a first magnet 159 connected thereto.
Magnet 159 is connected to container 150 by being molded thereto.
Magnet 159 may be connected to container 150, for example, by
adhesive or any other connection. Container 150 may have a handle
156, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, connected to sidewall 152.
[0063] As shown in FIG. 2, container 150 fits within protrusions
148 in a first position so that handle 156 fits within a first
depression 149a in one of protrusions 148 and sidewall 152 and base
153 are inverted to cover nozzle 144. A second depression 149b may
be in one of protrusions 148 so that handle fits within second
depression 149b to position container 150 in a second position, and
sidewall 152 and base 153 are inverted to cover nozzle 144. When
container is in the first position, magnet 159 is close enough to
switch 160, so that magnet 159 may activate switch 160. In the
second position, container 150 may have a second magnet attached
thereto so that the second magnet is close enough to switch 160, so
that the second magnet may activate switch 160. Alternatively, a
second switch may be positioned within one of protrusions 148 so
that magnet 159 is close enough to the second switch, so that
magnet 159 may activate the second switch. The first position and
second position reduce operator confusion and allows for both left
and right hand location of container 150.
[0064] Switch 160 may have a bias device, for example, a spring,
that biases switch 160 to a deactivated position when the magnet is
moved away from switch 160. Magnet 159 activates or opens switch
160, as shown in FIG. 3, when blending container 150 is in the
first position, and thereby activates the rinse cycle that is
controlled by a rinse controller. During the rinse cycle, water
and/or other cleaning liquid is sprayed through nozzle 144. A
pressure of the water and/or other cleaning liquid is great enough
to spray water and/or other cleaning liquid to at least a height H3
of base 153, as shown in FIG. 3, in the first position or second
position of container 150. When magnet 159 is moved away from
switch 160, as container 150 is removed from surface 141, switch
160 is deactivated or closed, thus stopping the rinse cycle.
[0065] A process 900 for the rinse cycle may be controlled by a
rinse process 900, as shown in FIG. 9. Switch 160 provides reed
sensor input in step 902. Whether the reed sensor input indicates
that the reed sensor contact is open, for example, if magnet 159 is
within a predetermined proximity of switch 160 and wherein switch
160 is activated for greater than a predetermined time, such as
about 1 second, is determined in step 904. If the reed sensor input
indicates that that the reed sensor contact is open or activated
for less than or equal to the predetermined time in step 904, a
predetermined time is waited to elapse, for example about 0.1
second, in step 906, and steps 902 and 904 are repeated. If the
reed sensor input indicates that that the reed sensor contact is
open or activated for greater than the predetermined time in step
904, whether the reed sensor receives an input indicating that the
reed sensor contact in switch 160 is closed or deactivated which is
determined in step 908. If the reed sensor input indicates that
that the reed sensor contact of switch 160 is not closed in step
908, a predetermined time is waited to elapse, for example, about
0.1 second, in step 910, and step 908 is repeated. If the reed
sensor input indicates that that the reed sensor contact of switch
160 is closed in step 908, whether the reed sensor has been close
for a greater time than a predetermined time, for example, about 1
second is determined in step 912. If the reed sensor has been close
for less than or equal to the predetermined time in step 912, steps
910 and 908 are repeated. If the reed sensor has been close for
greater than the predetermined time in step 912, a rinse cycle is
commenced, for example, by opening a rinse solenoid valve in step
914. Switch 160 provides reed sensor input in step 916. Whether
reed sensor input detected in step 916 indicates that that the reed
sensor contact is closed is determined in step 918. If the reed
sensor input indicates that that the reed sensor contact is closed
in step 918, whether the reed sensor input indicates that that the
reed sensor contact is closed greater than a rinse parameter value,
for example a predetermined amount of time solenoid valve is open,
is determined in step 920. If the reed sensor input indicates that
that the reed sensor contact is closed less than or equal to the
rinse parameter value in step 920, steps 916-920 are repeated. If
the reed sensor input indicates that that the reed sensor contact
is closed greater than the rinse parameter value in step 920, the
rinse cycle is ended, for example, rinse solenoid is closed, and
steps 902-922 are repeated.
[0066] System 100 may include a safety measure that requires magnet
159 and switch 160 to break contact prior to another rinse cycle
commencing. This safety measure assures that the maximum of one
rinse cycle will occur should switch 160 malfunction. For example,
if the portion attracted to magnet 159 remains in the same position
even when magnet 159 is removed, the safety measure will minimize
the amount of water, sprayed from nozzle 144 in the absence of
blending container 150, that can contact users and the surrounding
environment.
[0067] Alternatively, one of protrusions 148 has an infrared
projector and one of protrusions 148 has receiver that is activated
by blending container 150 that has reflectors for returning a
signal from the infrared projector to the infrared receiver to
activate the rinse cycle. Another alternative includes a weigh beam
scale connected to surface 141 that activates the rinse cycle when
blending container 150 is placed on surface 141. A further
alternative includes an infrared beam located above rinse area 140
that activates the rinse cycle if the beam is broken by blending
container 150.
[0068] As shown in FIGS. 1, 6 and 7, housing 102 may have a
container support 170 that removably connects to base 153 of
blending container 150. Blending container 150 connects to
container support 170 by base 150 so that inner volume 154 opens
towards rinse area 140. After the rinse cycle, blending container
150 may be removably connected to container support 170 so that a
portion of excess liquid that falls off of blending container 150
can drain through drain aperture 146. Alternatively, as shown in
FIG. 7A, a container support 170A may be a shelf support 172 that
has one or more apertures 174. After the rinse cycle, blending
container 150 may be placed on container support 170A so that a
portion of excess liquid that falls off of blending container 150
can drain through shelf support 172 that has one or more apertures
174.
[0069] Referring to FIG. 10, computer 1022 includes a processor
1034, a communications unit 1036, a memory 1038 and a bus 1040. Bus
1040 interconnects processor 1034, communications unit 1036 and
memory 1038. Memory 1038 includes an operating system 1042 and a
program 1044. Operating system 1042 controls processor 1034 to
execute program 1044 to operate system 100 for processes 800 and/or
900. A memory media 1046 (e.g., a disk) contains a copy of
operating system 1042, program 1044 or other software, which can be
loaded into memory 1038. Communications unit 1036 includes the
capability to communicate via network 1030. Program 1044, when run,
permits a user to operate system 100 to dispense ice and/or flavor
ingredient and/or activate the rinse cycle.
[0070] Referring to FIG. 11, an example of a wiring schematic that
may be included in system 100 that may implement process 800 and/or
process 900.
[0071] Devices may utilize mechanical linkages that contacts
blending container 150 as it is placed in the rinse area to
activate the rinse cycle. Mechanical linkages undesirably increase
cost due to an amount of components included therein, can wear and
tear pivot/hinge points of the mechanical linkages, lose parts
during cleaning cycles, add a cleaning process for the linkage, and
can cause occasional wet operators when they accidentally contact
the linkage without a container located above the rinse nozzle.
Further, mechanical linkages can protrude above a resting surface
to contact the container for activation; the linkage accidentally
can become activated by an object laying on the linkage and
activating the rinse nozzle causing the surrounding area and
possibly the operator to become wet. The magnet 159 and reed switch
160 eliminate any need for a mechanical linkage and associated
problems therewith.
[0072] Rinse area 140 contacts blending container 150 when it is in
the first position or second position during the rinse cycle so
that an area that may manage waste is touching a container which
will be used to serve food after the rinse cycle. Since blending
container 150 will service food after the rinse cycle, rinse area
140 may meet predetermined standards, such as, for example,
National Sanitation Foundation fabrication criteria. Some
requirements for the criteria may include surfaces are 100 grit or
smoother, surfaces meet at an angle less than 135 degrees require
an 1/8.sup.th inch radius or otherwise the surface must be removed
for cleaning and replaced without the use of tools, which is
undesirable because cleaning cycle parts can be lost or installed
incorrectly causing store operational issue and loss of
revenue.
[0073] It should also be noted that the terms "first", "second",
"third", "upper", "lower", and the like may be used herein to
modify various elements. These modifiers do not imply a spatial,
sequential, or hierarchical order to the modified elements unless
specifically stated.
[0074] While the present disclosure has been described with
reference to one or more exemplary embodiments, it will be
understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be
made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof
without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In
addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular
situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without
departing from the scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that
the present disclosure not be limited to the particular
embodiment(s) disclosed as the best mode contemplated, but that the
disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of
the appended claims.
* * * * *