U.S. patent application number 13/871306 was filed with the patent office on 2013-09-19 for integrated method for dispensing and blending/mixing beverage ingredients.
This patent application is currently assigned to Enodis Corporation. The applicant listed for this patent is ENODIS CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Jan Claesson, Roberto Nevarez, William E. Smith.
Application Number | 20130243917 13/871306 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42229607 |
Filed Date | 2013-09-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130243917 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nevarez; Roberto ; et
al. |
September 19, 2013 |
INTEGRATED METHOD FOR DISPENSING AND BLENDING/MIXING BEVERAGE
INGREDIENTS
Abstract
A method for producing at least one beverage, the method
comprising: selecting a beverage from a menu; portioning and/or
dispensing of ice and/or at least one ingredient into a beverage
container, based upon the menu selection; positioning the beverage
container with the ice and the beverage ingredient into an interior
of a housing of the blender module, the blender module comprising
an integrated cleaning apparatus; blending and/or mixing the ice
and the ingredient in the beverage container while disposed in the
blender module, thereby producing the beverage; and initiating a
cleaning mode wherein, upon completion of the blending and/or
mixing process and removal of the beverage container from the
blender module, the interior of the blender module is cleaned for
subsequent usage.
Inventors: |
Nevarez; Roberto; (Hudson,
FL) ; Smith; William E.; (Land O' Lakes, FL) ;
Claesson; Jan; (Land O' Lakes, FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ENODIS CORPORATION |
New Port Richey |
FL |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Enodis Corporation
New Port Richey
FL
|
Family ID: |
42229607 |
Appl. No.: |
13/871306 |
Filed: |
April 26, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12633790 |
Dec 8, 2009 |
8459176 |
|
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13871306 |
|
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|
61120771 |
Dec 8, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
426/416 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A23L 2/38 20130101; B67D
1/0888 20130101; A47J 31/002 20130101; B67D 1/0021 20130101; A47J
31/58 20130101; B67D 1/0858 20130101; A23G 9/30 20130101; B67D
1/0051 20130101; A23G 9/224 20130101; B67D 1/07 20130101; A23G
9/045 20130101; A47J 31/60 20130101; A47J 43/07 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
426/416 |
International
Class: |
A23G 9/04 20060101
A23G009/04 |
Claims
1. A method for producing at least one beverage, said method
comprising: selecting a beverage from a menu; portioning and/or
dispensing of ice and/or at least one ingredient into a beverage
container, based upon said menu selection; positioning said
beverage container with said ice and said beverage ingredient into
an interior of a housing of said blender module, said blender
module comprising an integrated cleaning apparatus; blending and/or
mixing said ice and said ingredient in said beverage container
while disposed in said blender module, thereby producing said
beverage; and initiating a cleaning mode wherein, upon completion
of the blending and/or mixing process and removal of said beverage
container from said blender module, said interior of said blender
module is cleaned for subsequent usage.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein said beverage container
is a single serving cup in which said beverage is blended and/or
mixed and thereafter served directly to said consumer in said
cup.
3. The method according to claim 1 further comprising the step of
producing ice prior to the step of portioning and/or dispensing of
ice.
4. The method according to claim 1, wherein said step of producing
ice is performed by either ice crusher/grinder or an ice
shaver.
5. The method according to claim 4, wherein said ice is either
flake ice or nugget ice.
6. The method according to claim 1, wherein said ingredient is at
least one beverage flavor.
7. The method according to claim 1, wherein said menu is displayed
on a touch screen allowing for the customizing of a beverage
selection.
8. The method according to claim 1, wherein said ingredient is
dispensed via an ingredient module which comprises: a refrigerated
housing, at least one ingredient container disposed within said
housing, an ingredient conduit disposed between said ingredient
container and said dispensing apparatus, and a actuatable means for
causing said ingredient to move from said ingredient container,
through said ingredient conduit and into said dispensing apparatus
under pressure or gravity.
9. The method according to claim 1, wherein said ice is portioned
via an ice portion control module which comprises: an ice bin for
storing ice; a rotatable base of said ice bin having one or more
portion control compartments; at least one leveling blade that
ensures consistent volume of said ice in each portion control
compartment; a dispensing port in communication between a selected
portion control compartment and a dispensing apparatus thereby
allowing ice in said compartment to be dispensed into said
dispensing apparatus which determines the amount of ice which is
dispensed from said dispensing port.
10. The method according to claim 9, further comprising an agitator
to prevent ice in said ice bin from congealing which would prevent
ice from entering into the rotatable base.
11. The method according to claim 9, wherein said rotatable base is
formed by a pair of oppositely disposed first and second plates,
wherein each compartment is formed by at least one sidewall
disposed between said first and second plates, wherein said first
plate comprises an opening associated with each said compartment to
allow said ice to move from said bin into each said compartment,
and wherein said second plate includes drainage holes which allow
for water to drain from said ice disposed within each said
compartment.
12. The method according to claim 9, wherein said rotatable base is
formed by a plate and at least one compartment wherein the
compartment is formed by at least one sidewall attached to said
plate, wherein said plate comprises an opening associated with said
compartment to allow said ice to move from said bin into said
compartment, and wherein said compartment includes drainage holes
which allow for water to drain from said ice disposed within said
compartment.
13. The method according to claim 11, wherein said ice portion
control module further comprises a rotatable shaft connected to a
motor which rotates said rotatable base, and said at least one
leveling blade to ensure consistent portion of ice, wherein said
first plate and said sidewall rotate together with said rotatable
shaft, while said second plate remains stationary and wherein said
at least one dispensing port is disposed within said second plate
to allow the contents of each compartment to be removed therefrom
when said compartment is aligned with said at least one dispensing
port.
14. The method according to claim 12, wherein said ice portion
control module further comprises a rotatable shaft connected to a
motor which rotates said rotatable base, and said at least one
leveling blade to ensure consistent portion of ice, wherein said
plate and said sidewall rotate together with said rotatable shaft
and wherein said at least one dispensing port is disposed within
said plate to allow the contents of each compartment to be removed
therefrom when said compartment is aligned with said at least one
dispensing port.
15. The method according to claim 1, wherein said ice is portioned
via an ice portion control module which comprises: an ice bin for
storing ice which incorporates at least one sloped wall to feed ice
into at least one dispensing port in communication between a
selected portion control compartment and a dispensing apparatus,
thereby allowing ice in said compartment to be dispensed into said
dispensing apparatus; and a sensor in communication with said
controller and which determines the amount of ice which is
dispensed into said dispensing apparatus.
16. The method according to claim 1, wherein said blending and/or
mixing, and cleaning and/or sanitizing mode take place in a blender
module which comprises: a housing; a door which provides access to
the interior of said housing; a spindle and blade used to blend
and/or mix said ice and ingredient to form said beverage; a
container seal disposed about said spindle which is capable of
sealing said beverage container during blending and/or mixing, as
well as preventing said beverage container from rotating
thereabout; and a container holder.
17. The method according to claim 16, further comprising supplying
water and/or a cleaning and/or sanitizing solution to said
container holder for cleaning and/or sanitizing at least said
interior of said housing, said spindle, said blade and said
container seal after use.
18. The method according to claim 16, further comprising the step
of: activating said cleaning mode subsequent to the last blending
and/or mixing sequence and returning said door to the closed
position.
19. The method according to claim 1, wherein a controller provides
integrated control between said menu selection, portioning and
dispensing of ice, and dispensing of said ingredient(s) based upon
said menu selection, and blending and/or mixing based upon said
menu selection.
20. The method according to claim 19, further comprising the step
of activating said cleaning mode via said controller.
21. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of selecting
from a menu is automatically done from a point-of-sale device.
22. The method according to claim 1, wherein the steps of
portioning said ice and at least one said ingredient are performed
by a dispensing apparatus, wherein said dispensing apparatus is a
dispensing nozzle which comprises an ice dispensing conduit and at
least one ingredient conduit disposed about or proximate to said
ice dispensing conduit, wherein said ingredient conduit is isolated
from any other ingredient conduits and said ice dispensing conduit,
whereby ingredient contamination is avoided.
23. The method according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of
beverages are produced in stages or simultaneously.
24. The method according to claim 16, further comprising the step
of operating a plurality of blender modules simultaneously, when a
plurality of beverages are to be produced substantially
simultaneously.
25. The method according to claim 1, wherein, when a plurality of
beverages are produced in stages, said beverage container
containing said ice and said ingredient is either (a) being blended
and/or mixed or (b) being cleaned and/or sanitized, while an
additional beverage container is being filled with said ice and/or
said ingredient.
26. The method according to claim 24, wherein, when a plurality of
blender modules are used, further providing a signal indicative of
which blender module is in use or not in use.
27. The method according to claim 24, wherein said blender module
includes a variable speed and direction motor to move said spindle.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/633,790, filed on Dec. 8, 2009, and claims
priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/120,772, filed on
Dec. 8, 2008, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in
their entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to an integrated
method for dispensing and blending/mixing beverage
flavor/ingredients, thereby producing a beverage, e.g., a smoothie.
More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an integrated
assembly that includes a flavor/ingredient dispensing module, an
ice making and portion control module, and a blender module which
is capable of dispensing all primary flavor/ingredients and,
optionally, portioning and dispensing onboard manufactured ice into
a single serving cup; blending and/or mixing such
flavor/ingredients and ice to form a pre-selected beverage; and
cleaning the blender shaft, blade and mixing compartment post
mixing to avoid flavor contamination and to satisfy health and
sanitary regulations.
[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. Smoothie making requires the use of
blender pots to create the drink, meaning that the operator is
required to purchase, maintain, and then store small wares (blender
pots). Limitations of current technology also require the labor
intensive transportation of ice to the smoothie machine from a
separate icemaking machine in order to maintain a level of usable
ice in the smoothie machine. This ice transfer is an issue for many
reasons. First, labor is required to transport the ice typically
from a back storage room to the point of sale (POS) counter area of
a restaurant, where the smoothie machines are typically located.
This ice transfer can create a safety hazard for employees who
could slip and fall on wet floors or injure themselves by
improperly carrying a heavy bucket. It can also increase the
likelihood of ice contamination through mishandling.
[0006] Once the ice is stocked, the employee must manually add an
estimated amount to the blender pot. Since the amount of ice is not
measured, but rather "guesstimated" by each employee, this
ingredient is not precise and, therefore, makes it difficult to
create the same franchised drink time after time.
[0007] After the ice is manually added, the juice and any
additional fruit or flavor "mix-in" is added by the operator as
well. Finally, a size of cup is chosen, and the drink is poured.
This last step presents the largest chance for waste. Since the
employee must portion the ingredients by hand, any overspill of the
drink is left in the blender pot. At each step during this manual
process, portion control is compromised, and money is potentially
wasted on excess ingredients.
[0008] 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 blender pot after each use to prevent the
transfer of flavors and germs. Often, to save time, the blender
pots 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.
[0009] Each step in this process to create a smoothie takes time,
typically four to five minutes, and that time could be better spent
serving customers or taking more food and beverage orders, directly
contributing to the bottom line.
[0010] Although premium beverages such as smoothies are growing in
popularity, most quick-service restaurants (QSRs) are unable to
offer customers these options due to the time limitations of the
quick-serve world. Those QSR owners that do opt to serve smoothies
are confronted with a common set of challenges--mainly how to sell
the same franchised drink time after time with existing labor and
equipment limitations.
[0011] Accordingly, it has been determined by the present
disclosure, there is a need for an assembly that dispenses and
mixes beverage flavors/ingredients with ice in one integrated
system, and thereafter self cleans for immediate reuse without
subsequent flavor contamination. It has been further determined by
the present disclosure, there is a need for an assembly for
dispensing ice that uniformly dispenses ice. It has been further
determined by the present disclosure, there is an additional need
for an assembly for mixing a beverage which is capable of
automatically rinsing/cleaning/sanitizing the blender housing,
blender shaft and blender blade.
SUMMARY
[0012] An integrated beverage blending system comprising: at least
one system controller; an ice portioning module; an ingredient
module; a dispensing apparatus in communication with the ice
portioning module and/or the ingredient module; a blender module
with an integrated cleaning apparatus.
[0013] Preferably ice from the ice portioning module and at least
one ingredient from the ingredient module are dispensed into a
beverage container via the dispensing apparatus; and wherein the
beverage container with the ice and the ingredient is placed in the
blender module for blending and/or mixing the ice and the
ingredient in the beverage container, thereby producing the
beverage.
[0014] Upon removal of the beverage container from the blender
module, the system initiates a cleaning mode of the blender module
via the cleaning apparatus.
[0015] The system further comprising an ice maker which is in
communication with the ice portion control module. The system
further comprising an ice crusher/grinder which is communication
with the ice portion control module. The system further comprising
an ice shaver which is communication with the ice portion control
module. The system further comprising a flake ice or nugget ice
apparatus which is in communications with the ice portion control
module.
[0016] The ingredient module dispenses at least one beverage flavor
and/or other ingredient. The beverage container preferably is a
single serving cup which receives the dispensed ice and
ingredients, is used to blend the beverage in the blending module
and then is delivery directly to the consumer, thereby avoiding the
need to transfer to another serving cup and also avoiding the need
for cleaning of the single serving cup after use.
[0017] Preferably, the system controller comprises a menu selection
controller with a touch screen display allowing for the customizing
of a beverage selection.
[0018] The ingredient module comprises: a housing, at least one
ingredient container disposed within the housing, an ingredient
conduit disposed between the ingredient container and the
dispensing apparatus, and an acuator that moves the ingredient from
the ingredient container, through the ingredient conduit and into
the dispensing apparatus under pressure and/or gravity.
[0019] The ice portion control module comprises: an ice bin for
storing ice; a rotatable base of the ice bin having at least one
portion control compartment; at least one leveling blade that
ensures consistent volume of the ice in each portion control
compartment; a dispensing port in communication between a selected
portion control compartment and the dispensing apparatus, thereby
allowing ice in the compartment to be dispensed into the dispensing
apparatus; and a sensor in communication with the controller which
determines the amount of ice which is dispensed into the dispensing
apparatus.
[0020] Preferably, an agitator is used to prevent ice in the ice
bin from congealing which would prevent ice from entering into the
rotatable base.
[0021] Alternatively, the ice portion control module comprises: an
ice bin for storing ice which incorporates one or more sloped walls
to feed ice into a dispensing port, thereby allowing ice in the
compartment to be dispensed into the dispensing apparatus; and a
sensor in communication with the controller which determines the
amount of ice which is dispensed into the dispensing apparatus.
[0022] The rotatable base is formed by a pair of oppositely
disposed first and second plates, wherein one or more compartments
are formed by at least one sidewall disposed between the first and
second plates, wherein the first plate comprises an opening
associated with each the compartment to allow the ice to move from
the bin into each the compartment, and wherein the second plate
includes drainage holes which allow for water to drain from the ice
disposed within each the compartment.
[0023] Alternatively, the rotatable base is formed by a plate and
at least one compartment wherein the compartment is formed by at
least one vertical sidewall attached to the plate, wherein the
plate comprises an opening associated with the compartment to allow
the ice to move from the bin into the compartment, and wherein the
compartment includes drainage holes which allow for water to drain
from the ice disposed within the compartment.
[0024] The ice portion control module further comprises a rotatable
shaft connected to a motor which rotates the rotatable base, and
the at least one leveling blade to ensure consistent portion of
ice, wherein the first plate and the sidewall rotate together with
the rotatable shaft, while the second plate remains stationary and
wherein the dispensing port is disposed within the second plate to
allow the contents of each compartment to be removed therefrom when
the compartment is aligned with the dispensing port.
[0025] Alternatively, the ice portion control module further
comprises a rotatable shaft connected to a motor which rotates the
rotatable base, and the at least one leveling blade to ensure
consistent portion of ice, wherein the plate and the sidewall
rotate together with the rotatable shaft and wherein the dispensing
port is disposed within the plate to allow the contents of each
compartment to be removed therefrom when the compartment is aligned
with the dispensing port.
[0026] The blender module comprises: a housing; a door which
provides access to the interior of the housing; a spindle and blade
used to blend and/or mix the ice and ingredient to form the
beverage; a container seal disposed about the spindle which is
capable of sealing the beverage container during blending and/or
mixing, as well as preventing the beverage container from rotating
thereabout; and a container holder.
[0027] Alternatively, the blender module comprises: a housing; a
door which provides access to the interior of the housing; a
spindle and blade used to blend and/or mix the ice and ingredient
to form the beverage; a container seal disposed about the spindle
which is capable of sealing the single serving cup during blending
and/or mixing, as well as preventing the single serving cup from
rotating thereabout; and a container holder.
[0028] The system further comprises a water and/or cleaning
solution supply system connected to the container holder for
cleaning at least the interior of the housing, the spindle, the
blade and the container seal after use.
[0029] The cleaning mode is preferably activated subsequent to the
last mixing sequence and returning of the door to the closed
position. The system further comprises at least one beverage
container holder.
[0030] The system controller provides integrated control between
the ice portioning module, the ingredient module, and blender
module, based upon a menu selection from the system controller. The
system controller further activates the cleaning apparatus.
[0031] The system further comprises a point-of-sale device which is
in communication with the system controller, whereby beverage
orders taken at the point-of-sale device initiate a menu selection
within the system controller.
[0032] The blender module blends and/or mixes the ice and the
ingredient in the beverage container based upon blending and/or
mixing instructions communicated from the system controller.
[0033] The dispensing apparatus is a dispensing nozzle comprising
an ice dispensing conduit and a plurality of ingredient conduits
disposed about the ice dispensing conduit, wherein each ingredient
conduit is isolated from other ingredient conduits and the ice
dispensing conduit, whereby ingredient contamination is avoided.
The ingredient conduits comprises a heat transfer device disposed
about the ingredient conduit, thereby controlling the temperature
of the ingredient passing through the ingredient conduit.
[0034] The system further comprising a plurality of the blender
modules which can operate either simultaneously or separately. The
system further comprising a plurality of the dispensing apparatus
and blender modules with the integrated cleaning apparatus which
can operate either simultaneously or separately. When the plurality
of blender modules are used, the system further comprising an
indicator which is capable of generating a signal indicative of
which blender module is in use or not in use. The blender module
includes a variable speed and direction motor to move the
spindle.
[0035] A method for producing at least one beverage, the method
comprising: selecting a beverage from a menu; portioning and/or
dispensing of ice and/or at least one ingredient into a beverage
container, based upon the menu selection; positioning the beverage
container with the ice and the beverage ingredient into an interior
of a housing of the blender module, the blender module comprising
an integrated cleaning apparatus; blending and/or mixing the ice
and the ingredient in the beverage container while disposed in the
blender module, thereby producing the beverage; and initiating a
cleaning mode wherein, upon completion of the blending and/or
mixing process and removal of the beverage container from the
blender module, the interior of the blender module is cleaned for
subsequent usage.
[0036] The beverage container is a single serving cup in which the
beverage is blended and/or mixed and thereafter served directed to
the consumer in the cup.
[0037] The method further comprising the step of producing ice
prior to the step of portioning and/or dispensing of ice.
[0038] The menu is displayed on a touch screen allowing for the
customizing of a beverage selection.
[0039] The method further comprising an agitator to prevent ice in
the ice bin from congealing which would prevent ice from entering
into the rotatable base.
[0040] The blending and/or mixing, and cleaning mode take place in
a blender module which comprises: a housing; a door which provides
access to the interior of the housing; a spindle and blade used to
blend and/or mix the ice and ingredient to form the beverage; a
container seal disposed about the spindle which is capable of
sealing the beverage container during blending and/or mixing, as
well as preventing the beverage container from rotating thereabout;
and a container holder.
[0041] The method further comprising supplying water and/or a
cleaning solution to the container holder for cleaning at least the
interior of the housing, the spindle, the blade and the container
seal after use.
[0042] The method further comprising the step of: activating the
cleaning mode subsequent to the last blending and/or mixing
sequence and returning the door to the closed position.
[0043] A controller provides integrated control between the menu
selection, portioning and dispensing of ice, and dispensing of the
ingredient(s) based upon the menu selection, and blending and/or
mixing based upon the menu selection.
[0044] The method further comprising the step of activating the
cleaning mode via the controller. Preferably, the step of selecting
from a menu is automatically done from a point-of-sale device.
[0045] Preferably, the steps of dispensing the ice and the
ingredients are performed by a dispensing apparatus, wherein the
dispensing apparatus is a dispensing nozzle which comprises a
centrally disposed ice dispensing conduit and at least one
ingredient conduit disposed about the ice dispensing conduit,
wherein the ingredient conduit is isolated from any other
ingredient conduits and the ice dispensing conduit, whereby
ingredient contamination is avoided.
[0046] Preferably, a plurality of beverages are produced in stages
or simultaneously. The method further comprising the step of
operating a plurality of blender modules simultaneously, when a
plurality of beverages are to be produced substantially
simultaneously. When a plurality of beverages are produced in
stages, the beverage container containing the ice and the
ingredient is either (a) being blended and/or mixed or (b) being
cleaned, while an additional beverage container is being filled
with the ice and/or the ingredient. When a plurality of blender
modules are used, further providing a signal indicative of which
blender module is in use or not in use.
[0047] The blender module includes a variable speed and direction
motor to move the spindle.
[0048] A refrigerated beverage and blending system comprising: a
controller for system operation; an ice portioning module utilizing
a positive displacement method; an ingredient module; a dispensing
apparatus in communication with the ice portion control module and
the ingredient module, wherein the ice and the ingredient are
dispensed into a beverage container via the dispensing apparatus;
and at least one blender module with integrated cleaning apparatus
which blends and/or mixes the ice and the ingredient in the
beverage container, thereby producing the beverage;
[0049] Optionally, the ice portion control module comprises: an ice
bin for storing ice; an ice portion dispensing system which
comprises a tipping beam where a counterbalance on one side is
balanced when a equal weight of ice is dispensed on the other side
causing it to tip into the dispensing apparatus. Preferably, the
number of tips is used to provide the required portion; and further
comprising a dispensing port in communication between a selected
portion control compartment and the dispensing apparatus, thereby
allowing ice in the compartment to be dispensed into the dispensing
apparatus; and a sensor in communication with the controller and
which determines the amount of ice which is dispensed into the
dispensing apparatus
[0050] The ice portion control module comprises: an ice bin for
storing ice which incorporates a sloped walls to feed ice into a
dispensing port in communication between a selected portion control
compartment and the dispensing apparatus, thereby allowing ice in
the compartment to be dispensed into the dispensing apparatus; and
a sensor in communication with the controller and which determines
the amount of ice which is dispensed into the dispensing apparatus.
The portion control compartment is disposed within the dispensing
port comprises a plurality of rotatable plates disposed above and
below the dispensing port. The dispensing port is of a
predetermined volume. The system further comprising at least one
sensor in communication with the controller in the dispensing port
detect the presence of ice and cause the plates to rotate. The
controller in communication with the dispensing port determines the
volume of ice dispensed.
[0051] An integrated beverage blending system comprising: a
controller for system operation; an ice portioning module for
portioning and dispensing of ice; an ingredient module for
portioning and dispensing of at least one ingredient; a single
serving container; a dispensing apparatus in communication with the
ice portioning module and/or the ingredient module for dispensing
the ice and the ingredient into the single serving container; and a
blender module with integrated cleaning apparatus, wherein the
blender module blends and/or mixes the ice and the ingredient in
the single serving container to delivery to the consumer.
[0052] An assembly for dispensing and mixing a beverage is provided
that includes an ice dispenser assembly, an flavor/ingredient
dispensing module, and a blender module as one integrated
assembly.
[0053] An assembly for dispensing ice is also provided that
includes one or more single serving cups that are fillable with
ice. The one or more cups each have a predetermined size to hold a
predetermined amount of the ice to dispense a predetermined amount
of ice.
[0054] A mixer for mixing a beverage is further provided that
includes a housing. A mixer is positioned within housing. One or
more apertures are within the housing to dispense a liquid within
the housing to rinse and/or sanitize the housing and/or mixer.
[0055] Preferably, a plurality of beverages are produced in stages
or simultaneously. When a plurality of beverages are produced
simultaneously, a plurality of blender modules are operating
simultaneously. When a plurality of beverages are produced in
stages, the beverage container containing the ice and the
ingredient is either (a) being blended and/or mixed or (b) being
cleaned, while an additional beverage container is being filled
with the ice and/or the ingredient. When a plurality of blender
modules are used, further providing a signal indicative of which
blender module is in use.
[0056] The above-described and other advantages and features 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
[0057] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an exemplary
embodiment of a system that dispenses and mixes beverages according
to the present disclosure;
[0058] FIG. 2 is a side view of the assembly that dispenses and
mixes beverages of FIG. 1;
[0059] FIG. 3 is a front view of the assembly that dispenses and
mixes beverages of FIG. 1;
[0060] FIG. 4 is a top view of the assembly that dispenses and
mixes beverages of FIG. 1;
[0061] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the assembly that dispenses
and mixes beverages of FIG. 1;
[0062] FIG. 6 is a top front left-side perspective view of the
system of the present disclosure wherein the front left-side
portion has been cut away to depict each of the ice making and
portioning module, and dispensing module.
[0063] FIG. 7 is a partial front cross-sectional view of the
integrated ice maker bin and portion control assembly, dispensing
nozzle and pair of oppositely disposed mixer/cleaning modules
according to the present disclosure;
[0064] FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of an ingredient
dispensing module according to the present disclosure;
[0065] FIG. 9 is a side view of the ingredient dispensing module of
FIG. 8;
[0066] FIG. 10 is a front view of the ingredient dispensing module
of FIG. 8;
[0067] FIG. 11 is a top view of the ingredient dispensing module of
FIG. 8;
[0068] FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the ingredient dispensing
module of FIG. 13;
[0069] FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of an ingredient
dispensing module according to the present disclosure;
[0070] FIG. 13a is a connection apparatus for use with the
ingredient dispensing module of FIG. 13;
[0071] FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of an flavor/ingredient
dispensing module according to the present disclosure;
[0072] FIG. 15 is a top front side perspective view of a ice chute
and ingredient dispensing nozzle according to the present
disclosure;
[0073] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the nozzle of FIG. 15
along line 16-16;
[0074] FIG. 17 is a top front right side perspective view of a
ingredient dispensing cassette with a support bar according to the
present disclosure;
[0075] FIG. 18 is a top front right side perspective view of an ice
dispensing module according to the present disclosure, wherein the
ice portion control assembly has been removed therefrom and shown
in an exploded view;
[0076] FIG. 19 is top left side perspective view of an ice bin,
rake and portion control assembly according to the present
disclosure;
[0077] FIG. 20 is a top front perspective view of the rake and
portion control assembly of FIG. 19;
[0078] FIG. 21 is a top front perspective view of an ice leveler
and bottom plate components of the portion control assembly of FIG.
20;
[0079] FIG. 22 is a bottom front perspective view of the rake and
portion control assembly of FIG. 19;
[0080] FIG. 23 is a top front right side perspective view of a
blender module according to the present disclosure;
[0081] FIG. 24 is a side view of the blender module of FIG. 23;
[0082] FIG. 25 is a front view of the blender module of FIG.
23;
[0083] FIG. 26 is a top view of the blender module of FIG. 23;
[0084] FIG. 27 is an exploded view of the blender module of FIG.
23;
[0085] FIG. 28 is a front right side perspective view of the
blender module according to the present disclosure with a serving
cup disposed therein, the blending blade in the retracted position
and the door in the closed position;
[0086] FIG. 29 is front right side perspective view of the blender
module of FIG. 28, wherein the door has been removed from the
module;
[0087] FIG. 30 is a back right side perspective view of a pair of
blender modules according to another embodiment of the present
disclosure with associated cleaner storage receptacles;
[0088] FIG. 31 is a right side view of the blender/mixer/cleaning
housing unit according to FIG. 28 with a cleaner snorkel dispensing
member;
[0089] FIG. 32 is a right side view of the entire blender module
according to FIG. 28 without the cleaner snorkel dispensing
member;
[0090] FIG. 33 is a bottom front perspective view of a blender
blade according to the present disclosure;
[0091] FIG. 34 is a bottom front perspective view of the serving
cup lock and seal lid used in the blender module of FIG. 28;
[0092] FIG. 35 is a top right side perspective view of the
combination serving cup holder and cleaner dispensing unit with the
cleaner snorkel dispensing member according to the present
disclosure;
[0093] FIG. 36 is a front planar view of an exemplary embodiment of
the system according to the present disclosure;
[0094] FIG. 37 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a
system according to the present disclosure;
[0095] FIG. 38 is a block diagram of the network gateway, front
panel display controller, blender/mixer and cleaner module
controller and ice making and portion controller according to the
present disclosure;
[0096] FIG. 39 is a process flow diagram of an exemplary embodiment
of a method for dispensing, blending/mixing and cleaning according
to the present disclosure;
[0097] FIG. 40 is a listing of controller steps for selecting
ingredients/flavors, additives and serving cup size according to
the present disclosure;
[0098] FIG. 41 is a listing of controller steps for dispensing
ingredients into a pre-selected serving cup size, selecting which
blending/mixer module is to be activated and activating the
selected blender according to the present disclosure; and
[0099] FIGS. 42a and b are a listing of controller steps and
displays for a system setup mode according to the present
disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0100] Referring to the drawings and in particular to FIGS. 1-5, an
exemplary embodiment of an assembly that dispenses and mixes
beverages ("assembly"), according to the present disclosure is
generally referred to by reference numeral 100. Assembly 100 makes
ice, dispenses flavors/ingredients and ice into a serving cup 15,
and then blends or mixes to form a beverage. One such beverage, for
example, is a smoothie that preferably includes a flavor ingredient
and ice mixed together. Assembly 100 has an onboard ice maker, ice
storage and portion control module 300, a flavor/ingredient
dispensing module 1100, and a blender module 303. Assembly 100
shows ice maker, ice storage and portion control module 300,
flavor/ingredient dispensing module 1100, and blender module 303 as
one integrated assembly. It is contemplated by the present
disclosure that one or more of ice maker, ice storage and portion
control module 300, flavor/ingredient dispensing module 1100, and
blender module 303 may be separate from assembly 100, however, it
is preferable that they are all integrated into a single assembly
100. That is, vertical placement of ice maker, ice storage and
portion control module 300, flavor/ingredient dispensing module
1100, and blender module 303 reduces a size of assembly 100 and its
associated flooring footprint in comparison to three separate and
distinct machines.
[0101] Assembly 100 has a housing that includes a lower wall 6, an
upper wall 7, side walls 11 and 12, and a top wall 13. Lower wall 6
has a container holder portion 20. The housing connects cup
supports 4 and 5 that secure cup holders 14 to assembly 100. Cup
holders 14 removably hold cups 15 therein. Cup 15 may be disposable
or reusable single serving cups. If cup 15 is disposable, such as,
for example, paper or plastic cups, the beverage dispensed and
mixed within cup 15 may be served directly to a customer
eliminating the step of pouring the beverage into a serving cup and
eliminating labor needed to wash an additional container. Cup 15
may be any size, such as, for example, about 10 ounces to about 32
ounces.
[0102] FIGS. 6 and 7 provide a overview of the integrated assembly
100 according to the present disclosure, wherein assembly 100
comprises: flavor/ingredient dispensing module 301, ice maker, ice
storage and portion control module 300 and a pair of blender
modules 303 disposed on opposite sides of dispensing nozzle 304.
Ice maker, ice storage and portion control module 300 includes an
ice maker 305. Ice maker 305 may be any ice maker, and, preferably
an ice maker that forms flakes of ice. For example, ice maker 305
may include an ice making head of cylindrical configuration in
which a water container that is filled with water from a water
source has at least one refrigerated wall forming a freezing
chamber cooled by a flow of refrigerant gas, and a motor driven
scraper which continuously breaks up ice forming on the
refrigerated surface into ice flakes. The refrigerant gas may be
cooled by 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 assembly 100
or remote from the rest of assembly 100. For example, compressors
may create undesirable noise and may be remotely located from the
rest of assembly 100. Ice maker 305 may include an
axially-extending auger or auger assembly that is rotatably
disposed within the freezing chamber and generally includes a
central body portion with one or more generally spirally-extending
flight portions thereon disposed in the space between the central
body portion and the refrigerated wall in order to rotatably scrape
ice particles from the cylindrical freezing chamber. A drive means
assembly rotatably drives the auger such that when make-up water is
introduced into the freezing chamber through a suitable water inlet
and frozen therein, the rotating auger forcibly urges quantities of
ice particles through the freezing chamber to be discharged through
an ice outlet end.
[0103] Nugget ice may be made from the flakes by passing the flakes
of ice through an extruder head where a nugget shape is formed.
Nugget ice is different from cube style ice in that the nugget is
not homogenous but is multiple flakes of ice compressed into a
nugget. Nugget ice is softer ice (easier to chew) that requires
less power to mix into a beverage. Ice maker, ice storage and
portion control module 300 is shown as mounted as an integral part
of assembly 100 but can be located remotely and ice mechanically
transported to assembly 100. The nuggets of ice are pushed through
the extruder head and this force can be used to transport the ice
to assembly 100, which may allow for larger ice output. Ice maker
305 reduces an overall sound level and allows for operation near a
front counter or drive-through window without impacting
communications. The use of nugget ice also allows the operate to
use single serving cup for dispensing, blending and serving the
consumer because the stress of blending cubed ice is reduced.
[0104] Referring to FIGS. 8-17, flavor/ingredient dispensing module
1100 is shown. Referring to FIG. 12, flavor/ingredient dispensing
module 1100 has a refrigerated housing 1110. Refrigerated housing
1110 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
flavor/ingredient dispensing module 1100 or remote from the rest of
flavor/ingredient dispensing module 1100. For example, compressors
may create undesirable noise and may be remotely located from the
rest of assembly 100.
[0105] Refrigerated housing 1110 cools one or more holders or
cassettes 1115. Holders 1115 each hold a flexible container via a
hanging rod 1117 (see FIG. 17, such as, for example, a bag, that
contains an ingredient for the beverage. The bag may be a 2.5
gallon bag. The ingredient may be a flavored liquid or mix. The
ingredient is cooled while stored in holders 1115 by refrigerated
housing 1110 having a door 1111 and wheels 1113. Each of holder has
a connection aperture 1117 with a gap 1118 (see FIG. 13a) for
allowing substantially all of the flavor/ingredient disposed in
container 1115 to be removed without concern regarding the
collapsing of the bag (not shown). Connection aperture 1117 of each
of holders 1115 is connected to a conduit 1119 that passes through
a base 1120. As shown in FIG. 13, conduit 1119 may connect to a
pump rack 1123. Pump rack 1123 has one or more pumps 1125 that
selectively move a portion of the ingredient from the bag/container
in holders 1115 through connection aperture 1117, to conduit 1119,
to a line conduit 1130, and to dispenser nozzle 304 to dispense the
ingredient out of assembly 100, for example, to cup 15. The ice and
the ingredient are dispensed into cup 15 but are segregated from
each other until dispensed into cup 15 to prevent contamination.
There is an ingredient dispense tube for each ingredient in each of
holders 1115 and one ice nozzle in nozzle 304. See FIGS. 15 and 16
for a view of nozzle 304 formed by injection molding of a plastic
material to provide an ice chute conduit 1126 centrally disposed
within nozzle 304 and a plurality of flavor/ingredient dispensing
apparatus 1127
[0106] As shown in FIG. 14, conduit 1119 may connect to a pump
1125. Pump 1125 selectively moves a portion of the ingredient from
the container in holders 1115 through connection aperture 1117, to
conduit 1119, to a line conduit 1130, and to dispenser nozzle 304
to dispense the ingredient out of assembly 100, for example, to cup
15. Pump 1125 may be an air powered pump that may include a
diaphragm.
[0107] A portion of the ingredient, such as, for example, a fruit
base, may be controlled by time. The pumps are calibrated initially
to the ingredient that they are pumping. This allows for variations
in product viscosity. It is possible to improve the dispense
accuracy by incorporating a fluid and or refrigerated base
temperature that would be used to provide a temperature
compensation to the calibration. The controller measures the amount
of product dispensed and subtracts it from the overall quantity of
the bag. This provides a measurement and indicator of the remaining
product in the bag.
[0108] As shown in FIGS. 18-22, ice maker, ice storage and portion
control module 300 has one or more portion cups 302 that are
fillable with ice. Portion cups 302 are formed by apertures 310
through a top plate 312. Plate 312 may have a circular shape. Each
of apertures 310 has a sidewall that extends from top plate 312.
Top plate 312 is positioned on a bottom plate 313 so that the
sidewall of each aperture 310 abuts bottom plate 313 forming an
interior volume for each of portion cups 302. Portion cups 302 have
a predetermined size to hold a predetermined volume of ice. Portion
cups 302 may be any size, such as, for example, about 1 ounce.
Bottom plate 313 has a dispensing aperture 323 that is aligned with
a nozzle 304. As shown in FIG. 7, dispenser nozzle 304 extends
through a top side of container holder portion 20.
[0109] Top plate 312 is connected to a drive assembly 301 by a
connector bar 314 to rotate portion cups 302. Drive assembly 301
may be, for example, a gear drive motor. Portion cups 302 that are
filled with ice rotate with connector bar 314 on bottom plate 313
while bottom plate 313 remains stationary. Each of portion cups 302
remains filled with ice on bottom plate 313 until the portion cup
passes over the dispenser aperture in bottom plate 313. The ice in
the portion cup passes through the dispenser aperture in bottom
plate 313 to dispenser nozzle 304 that dispenses the ice out of
assembly 100, for example, into cup 15. Water is removed from cups
302 via perforated holes 321 disposed in bottom plate 313.
[0110] Connector bar 314 connects to drive assembly through a
sensor 306. Connector bar 314 may include a cam or one or more
protrusions 328 that fit within sensor 306 to form a cam follower
and micro-switch for counting the number of portion cups 302 which
dispense ice via dispensing aperture 323. Connector bar 314 may be
connected to stirrer bars 320 and 322. Bars 320 and 322 are ice
agitators that rotate through the ice in a storage bin 305a shown
in FIG. 6 of ice dispenser 305. Their purpose is to keep the nugget
ice from clumping together which would prevent the ice from filling
into the ice cups.
[0111] The ice from ice dispenser 305 fills cups 302. Ice
dispensing assembly 300 controls an amount of ice dispensed out of
assembly 100 by controlling an amount of portion cups 302 that pass
over a dispenser nozzle 304. Portion cups 302, for example, are
round and hold a predetermined amount of ice. The number of portion
cups 304 that pass over dispenser nozzle 304 determine the size of
the drink being prepared. Portion cups 302 hold the predetermined
amount of ice in the interior volume and as the size of the volume
of ice increases or decreases a number of portion cups 302 that
pass over dispenser nozzle 304 increases or decreases based on the
predetermined amount of ice needed for each beverage. The cam
follower and micro-switch are used to count a number of portion
cups 302 that pass over dispenser nozzle 304. Counting a number of
portion cups 302 that pass over dispenser nozzle 304 prevents
positioning one of portion cups 302 partially over dispenser nozzle
304. A weight of the ice in storage bin 305a of ice dispenser 305
causes the ice cups to fill. As the assembly rotates the ice is
leveled by a wedge 303 to provide accurate portioning. Portion
control wedge 303 closes off a top of portion cups 302 as they pass
towards a dispense chute above dispenser nozzle 304 after being
filled with ice, thereby ensuring that a consistent portion of ice
is present in each cup 302 before is releases its content into
dispense chute 1126 disposed within nozzle 304. Wedge 303 may be a
sheet metal wedge with a top portion 316, a side portion 318, and a
bottom portion (not shown) that surround top plate 312 and bottom
plate 313.
[0112] FIGS. 23-35 depict a, blender module 303 of assembly 100. It
is contemplated by that assembly 100 may include, for example, from
one blender module up to six or more blender modules. More than one
blender module 303 allows for creation of a second beverage while
mixing a first beverage, contributing to higher beverage output by
assembly 100.
[0113] As shown in FIG. 27, blender module 303 has a mixer housing
205. Mixer housing 205 has a first side wall 210, a second side
wall 215, a back wall 217, a top wall 220, and a bottom wall 225
forming an interior volume 230. Interior volume 230 may be enclosed
by a door 235 that moves to a closed position when in blending,
mixing or cleaning mode, shown in FIGS. 7 and 28, and an open
position uncovering interior volume 230 when blender module 303 is
in a load or unload mode. Optionally, door 235 may be a material
that transparent or translucent so that interior volume 230 is
visible when door 235 is in the closed position. Door 235 is
removable for maintenance as shown in FIG. 29. Bottom wall 225 may
have a drain aperture 227. Drain aperture 227 may be covered by a
filter cover 229.
[0114] Mixer housing 205 is optionally supported on a support
structure 237. Support structure 237 has a motor support 239 that
extends therefrom. Motor support 239 is connected to a motor 240.
Motor 240 may be a stepper motor 241a with a linear slide 241 that
is connected to motor support 239. Motor 240 is connected to a
mixer 245. Motor 240 may be connected to mixer 245 by a bracket 247
that is moved by motor 240. Motor 240 moves spindle shaft 260 of
mixer 245 in a reciprocal vertical movement through top wall 220
into or out of interior volume 230.
[0115] Mixer 245 may be connected to a lid assembly 250, as shown
in FIG. 34. Lid assembly 250 has a lid 252 and a plurality of
alignment rods 254. Lid 252 is complementary in shape to a
container, for example, a cup 15 having liquid therein placed
within interior volume 230. Lid assembly 250 may move with mixer
245 into interior volume 230 into contact with cup 15. Lid assembly
250 remains in contact with cup 15, once lid assembly 250 is in
contact with cup 15 while mixer 245 may move further into interior
volume 230 along a length of connection rods 254. Spindle does not
engage or spin until lid assembly 250 is in contact with cup 15 to
prevent and spray or splatter. When mixer 245 is retracted toward
top wall 220, mixer 245 moves along the length of alignment rods
254 until an end of alignment rods 254 is reached and then lid
assembly 250 moves with mixer 245.
[0116] Mixer 245 has a spindle assembly 242 having a blender blade
255 that is wider than a spindle shaft 260. Blender blade 255 has
projections that facilitate mixing of liquid within the cup 15.
Spindle shaft 260 connects to a mixer motor 265 that spins blender
blade 255 and spindle shaft 260.
[0117] Mixer 245 may be attached to linear slide 241 so that linear
slide 241 moves mixer 245 vertically. A controller provides a
mixing profile that insures proper mixing of the beverage. Linear
slide 241 is driven by the stepper motor 241a that provides precise
control of movement of linear slide 241. Controller may move
blender blade 255 about 25% into the liquid within cup 15 before
mixer 245 is energized to spin blender blade 255. By moving blender
blade 255 about 25% into the liquid within cup 15 before mixer 245
is energized to spin blender blade 255, splatter from mixer 245
energizing before entering into the beverage is reduced and/or
eliminated. After blender blade 255 is energized a customizable
program indexes blender blade 255 down into cup 15. Blender blade
255 may be energized with a customizable program that indexes
blender blade 255 down into cup 15 to insure that the nugget ice
has a particle size that is reduced to beverage specifications
defined by the user. Blender blade 255 dwells at a bottom of cup
215 for a predetermined amount of time. Blender blade 255 is raised
and lowered for a predetermined period of time to provide complete
blending of components of the beverage. After mixing is complete
spindle assembly 242 returns to a home position, as shown in FIGS.
7 and 28. Stepper motor 240a and linear slide 240 may have a
controller that counts a number of steps that motor travels
allowing precise location of blender blade 255 leading to uniform
beverages each time a beverage is dispensed and mixed from assembly
100. Preferably, blender blade 255 is an emulsifying blade as shown
in FIG. 33.
[0118] Door 235 may have a safety switch 236. Microswitches are
located on mixer housing 205. When door 235 is raised a microswitch
211, as shown in FIG. 27, is switched and blender blade 255 is
disengaged from cup 15 retracting to it off position. Additionally,
there is a tab 267, as shown in FIG. 32, that is a door interlock
on mixer 245 that prevents door 235 from being opened when blender
blade 255 is lowered.
[0119] Referring to FIG. 32, back wall 217 may have a container or
cup holder or guide 270 connected thereto. Holder 270 may hold cup
15 in position during mixing by mixer 245. Holder 270 may be shaped
complimentary to the shape of cup 15, for example, a U-shape.
[0120] Holder 270 may also be connected to a liquid source (not
shown) by tubing 275. Tubing 275 may be connected to the liquid
source through a solenoid 280. The liquid is dispensed through one
or more apertures 272 (shown in FIG. 27) in holder 270 into
interior volume 230. The liquid may be water and/or a sanitizer.
The water and/or sanitizer drains through drain aperture 227. FIG.
30 depicts a pair of sanitizer supply vessels 281 connected via
tubes or conduits 283 to tubes 275, respectively. Preferably, a
rinse or cleaning snorkel 286, as shown in FIGS. 31 and 35, is in
fluid communication with holder 270 so that cleaning fluid may be
dispensed substantially near the top of interior volume 230 of
mixer housing 205.
[0121] After cup 15 is removed from interior volume 230, door 235
may be moved to a closed position so that interior volume 230
and/or mixer 245 may be rinsed/cleaned and/or sanitized. Water
solenoid 280 and air solenoid 220a (FIG. 24) are energized. Mixer
245 is energized spinning blender blade 255 and lowered into
interior volume 230 by stepper motor 241a and linear slide 241.
Blender blade 255 is indexed up and down causing rinse liquid to
spray entire interior volume 230 or mix compartment. Mixer 245 is
de-energized stopping blender blade 255 from spinning and returns
to the home location. Air continues and is used to help in removal
of water residue. Another cup having another beverage therein may
be mixed by mixer 245.
[0122] Mixer 245 and interior volume 230 may be rinsed with water
only after mixing each beverage, mixer 245 and interior volume 230
may be rinsed with water and/or sanitized with a sanitizing liquid,
such as, for example, soap or detergent, after mixing each
beverage, or mixer 245 and interior volume 230 may be rinsed with
water only after mixing each beverage and periodically mixer 245
and interior volume 230 are sanitized. A "Y" fitting 284 (see FIG.
30) may be placed into a water line 275 upstream of solenoid 280 to
connect a source of sanitizing liquid 281. The sanitizing liquid
may be metered into the water to sanitize mixer 245 and interior
volume 230. The amount of sanitizing liquid may be controlled by a
flow restriction (not shown) in tubing 283 of the source of
sanitizing liquid 281 that connects to the "Y" fitting 284. A
solenoid valve may be connected to tubing 283 of the source of
sanitizing liquid 281 that connects to the "Y" fitting 284. The
solenoid valve may be controlled so as to provide water only to
rinse mixer 245 and interior volume 230 after mixing each beverage,
and to periodically (e.g., daily) add the sanitizing liquid with
the water to sanitize rinse mixer 245 and interior volume 230.
Interior volume 230 and/or mixer 245 being rinsed and/or sanitized
as described herein after each use prevents flavor transfer,
eliminates germs, and eliminates the need for manual washing.
[0123] Referring to FIGS. 23, 24 and 27, a controller 206, for
example, a printed circuit board, controls blender module 303. When
the beverage is dispensed into the cup and placed in mixer housing
205, a microswitch, such as microswitch 211, in door 235 is
switched indicating the presence of the cup. The control board
energizes stepper motor 241a on linear slide 241 or linear actuator
and mixer 245 is lowered into the cup to a predetermined level
(typically by counting a number of steps that stepper motor 240a is
operated). When blender blade 255 reaches a pre-determined level
the controller energizes blender blade 255 to rotate blender blade
255. Blender blade 255 dwells at the pre-determined level for a
time and then linear slide is energized and is lowered further into
the beverage to insure proper blending of the beverage. During the
mixing blender blade 255 is raised and lowered in a sequence
defined by the end user. Upon completion of the mixing process the
controller disengages the stepper motor 241a and energizes linear
slide 241 to remove blender blade 255 from the beverage. The
beverage is removed from the mix chamber or interior volume 230 and
trips the door microswitch. Upon the switching of the door
microswitch the controller begins the rinse process.
[0124] FIG. 37 shows a structure of control boards identifying that
they are separate but interconnected. This provides flexibility in
the design allowing additional boards to be added without
re-designing the entire controller. FIG. 37 shows a user interface
controller 401 that incorporates a button panel, such as a control
panel 500 shown in FIG. 36, that an operator uses to select the
drink as well as a computer that interconnects to other control
boards. A communications board control board 402 provides a gateway
for communication to various methods (web, modem, USB, and the
like.). Mixer boards 403 and 404 are mixer control boards that
contain logic controllers for the operation of mixer blender blade
255 and linear slides 240. Smart relay board 405 is a control board
that houses switching relays for ice maker, ice storage and portion
control module 300, flavor/ingredient dispensing module 1100, mixer
spindle motor 240, linear slides 241, water solenoid 280, and air
solenoid 220a. C-bus 406 is a communication interconnect. P-bus 407
is a wiring interconnect between boards.
[0125] FIG. 38 is block diagram showing inputs and outputs of
assembly 100. Network Gate C modbus Communication module that
allows communication via modem, internet, and the like. Front Panel
CCA User interface that includes Monochrome LCD, Membrane KB and
USB i/o. Blender controller receives sensor input from blender
module 303 that determines the presence of cup 15, the home
location of the spindle, and contains control logic for initiating
mixer motor and linear drive motor, water and air solenoid signals.
Blender controller has a controller for handling control of
refrigeration system including syrup solenoid driver, water
solenoid driver, syrup bag presence detection, and syrup
temperature. Blender controller has additional capabilities of
monitoring temperature of ice, level of ice in bin, low temperature
alarm, and dispenser position.
[0126] Referring to FIG. 7, in use, cup 15 is placed on container
holder portion 20 of assembly 100. Ice maker, ice storage and
portion control module 300 dispenses ice to cup 15 through nozzle
304 and ingredient dispenser assembly 1100 dispenses an ingredient,
such as, for example, a fruit base to cup 15 through nozzle 304.
Cup 15 is then transferred into interior volume 230 of blender
module 303. Door 235 is moved to the closed position and mixer 245
mixes the ice and fruit base. Upon completion of the mixing, door
235 is moved to the opened position and cup is removed and
delivered to the consumer. Door 235 is then closed and interior
volume 230 is rinsed and/or sanitized.
[0127] Each beverage may be mixed in a single serving cup 15 that
is served directly to a consumer, allowing the entire beverage to
be delivered to the consumer raising product yield and reducing
wasted beverage, e.g., when blending the beverage in a blender pot.
Having each beverage blended in its own cup improves flavor control
and reduces allergy issues caused through cross-contamination.
[0128] It has been found by the present disclosure that assembly
100 allows operators to produce and dispense consistently prepared
smoothie drinks in less than 40 seconds. Advantageously, assembly
100 generates ice through a fully integrated on-board ice system,
ice maker, ice storage and portion control module 300. Ice maker,
ice storage and portion control module 300 may, for example, have a
20-pound ice storage system that has the capability to create an
additional 10 pounds of ice each hour, with a peak total of 270
pounds per day. Having ice generation on board removes the risk of
injury through slips and falls, and it decreases the chance of
bacterial contamination through mishandling. Additionally, the ice
used in this machine is nugget-style ice, which is easier to
fracture and blend down into the smoothie consistency. All of this
allows for a perfectly blended beverage, for example, smoothie that
fits within a normal QSR delivery time.
[0129] Each beverage, for example, smoothie is blended in its own
cup, allowing the entire beverage or drink to be delivered to the
customer and, in turn, raising product yield. Having each drink
blended in its own cup improves flavor control and reduces allergy
issues caused through cross-contamination. Assembly may, for
example, consistently provide twenty 16-ounce drinks per hour and,
at peak capabilities, forty-five 16-ounce drinks for one-hour
bursts. Money is also saved through the elimination of small wares
or blender pots that were purchased and stored by restaurant owners
in the past.
[0130] Advantageously, spindle assembly 242 goes through a rinse
and sanitation process after each use to prevent flavor transfer
and eliminate the need for manual dishwashing. Additionally, for
example, two mixer modules included in assembly 100 to allow for
the creation of a second drink while mixing the first, contributing
to higher drink output and, consequently, to the bottom line of the
operation. To overcome this challenge, nugget-style ice may be used
with assembly 100. Nugget ice is softer than the more commonly
known cube ice, and it is formed in a freeze barrel with an
internal auger that continually scrapes the freeze surface. This
flake-style ice is moved to the top of the freeze barrel by the ice
auger, where it is extruded into the ice nugget. The resulting
smaller ice greatly reduces the amount of blending required to
create the drink. Additionally, the noise generated from the
blending process is reduced by using this smaller nugget ice. This
becomes especially important when the equipment is placed in the
proximity of the front counter or near a drive-through window.
[0131] The blender pots in current smoothie machines are designed
to fully mix the drink and grind the ice to a grain size that meets
customer taste profiles. When mixing in a cup, there is no geometry
to assist the mixing and grinding of the ice. To achieve the proper
drink consistency, linear slide 241 moves blender blade 255 up and
down in cup 15. This process simulates how a drink is made using a
handheld stick mixer. Blender blade 255 lowers into the drink
(about 25%), at which point blender blade 255 is energized. Once
engaged, the spindle is lowered fully into the cup and allowed to
dwell. This process grinds the majority of the ice, but at that
point, the drink is not fully developed. The spindle is then raised
and lowered following a profile created for the specific drink,
taking into account the viscosity of the fluids, ice-to-fluid
ratio, and the drink cup size.
[0132] It has been found by the present inventors that size
limitations (footprint) may be achieved by a configuration of the
components of assembly 100. While a traditional machine creates
drinks in a blender pot to mix more than one flavor, assembly 100
dispenses and mixes each drink in a serving cup, and may have dual
spindles to maintain throughput and delivery times. Assembly 100
may address size requirements by vertical placement of the
components.
[0133] Assembly 100 may maintain the accuracy of mixer 245--used to
create drink consistency--by stepper drive motors 241a control the
linear slides 241. Stepper motors 241a provide the ability to
create different blending profiles for the various types of drinks
(coffee-based, fruit-based, fruit-plus-yogurt drinks). Counting the
number of steps that stepper motor 241a travels allows precisely
locating blender blade 255 every time a drink is blended.
[0134] Ice maker, ice storage and portion control module 300
maintains ice dispense accuracy. The ice dispense was then divided
into portion cups. As the drink size changes, the number of
individual dispense cups dropping ice into the beverage increases
or decreases to match. To measure the number of ice dispenses,
micro switches (located outside of the ice bin) were incorporated
to count the number of cups. This method provides consistent ice
delivery regardless of the level of ice in the bin.
[0135] Blender pots that are currently used are made of hard
plastic, with the ability to withstand the forces used to crush ice
into an acceptable consistency for a smoothie drink. Grinding the
cube-style ice, most commonly found in QSRs, would put too much
stress on the machine's blender and the customer's cup.
[0136] Definitions, acronyms, and abbreviations may include:
TABLE-US-00001 Abbreviation Definition UIC User Interface
Controller SRB System Relay Board P-BUS Peripheral bus C-Bus
Communication Bus CCA Circuit Card Assembly SFR System Functional
Requirements
[0137] Referring to FIGS. 36 and 37, assembly 100 may be a
"Smoothie maker system" that consists of an integrated ingredient
dispensing unit, up to 4 mixing units (expandable from 2 in normal
configuration), and a control panel for user operation.
[0138] As depicted in FIG. 38, the system is designed using a Smart
Relay CCA, two mixer CCAs (normal configuration), an optional
communications board for external communications, and a user
interface controller board. All of the subsystem boards communicate
with each other using a MODBUS protocol and RS-485 physical
link.
[0139] Smart Relay CCA is responsible for dispensing control,
monitoring and safety of the system ice-maker, and flavoring
assembly/subsystem. Also the Smart Relay CCA provides the power and
Modbus hub for the Smoothie System control electronics.
[0140] The Blender Controller CCA is responsible for position,
speed, cleaning and safety control of the system blender
assembly/subsystem, such as blender module 303. It controls the
blender blade, water and air pumps and senses cup present and door
switch.
[0141] The user interface controller board can consist of a
monochrome LCD display, membrane keypad for control and
configuration. A more common configuration is a color LCD display
with touch screen capability.
[0142] Referring now to FIGS. 36-42b, functional requirements of an
exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure are shown and
described.
[0143] The system shall have method for configuration for the
following:
1. Mixing profiles 2. Particular fluids selections (x out of 254
displayed)
[0144] The system can be updated by a USB flashdrive or via a
communication port that will allow for other media.
[0145] The User Interface shall have a degrees F./C. selection for
temperature display in the setup mode.
Dispenser Flavor(s)
[0146] The minimum Number of Flavors per Serving shall be 1, unless
dispensing ice only
[0147] A flavor selection status shall be toggled by pressing the
button corresponding to the flavor in question or de-selected by
using the canceling button
[0148] Upon reaching the maximum Number of Flavors per Serving, the
system shall not allow selection of any additional flavors;
additional flavors are not allowed
[0149] The user shall be able to change the flavor selection(s) by
pressing the CANCEL button and selecting desired flavor(s)
[0150] The user shall be able to change the flavor selection(s) by
first de-selecting a (the) flavor(s), then selecting the desired
flavor(s)
[0151] Unit shall monitor use cycles of flavors and provide a user
indication on the display of low level for each flavor for early
warning of flavor out.
Dispenser Additive(s)
[0152] The additives consist of a selection of 2 types of fresh
fruit and yogurt. Only the yogurt is dispensed automatically;
instead of dispensed, the fresh fruit has to be manually added. The
fresh-fruit selections are used to compute the amounts that are
dispensed. Fruit is placed in cup prior to receiving the ice and
fruit.
[0153] The Minimum Number Of Selected Additives shall be 0
Refrigerated Base (Flavor Storage)
[0154] The Fruit flavors and yogurt shall be stored in a
refrigerated base designed to maintain a product temperature
between 34.degree. F.-38.degree. F.
[0155] The base design will be such that flavors can be stored in
"bag-in-box" packaging
[0156] The base will house flavor pumps (up to 8) and all
associated delivery tubing, and air solenoid switches
[0157] The base will be mounted on castors to allow access to rear
of unit for cleaning
[0158] The base will be designed to meet NSF and UL
requirements.
[0159] The base will provide a method air delivery and return to
dispenser section to maintain product temperature to the dispense
nozzle (per NSF)
Ice Making
[0160] Smoothie machine will have on-board ice making
capabilities
[0161] The device shall have ice machine capability to store ice in
addition to ice making capabilities
[0162] The ice machine shall generate hard nugget ice or a method
of reducing cube ice to a smaller particle size
Ice Dispensing
[0163] Ice is normally dispensed during the smoothie making process
but could also be dispensed exclusively.
[0164] The system shall allow dispensing of ice in an exclusive
manner (i.e. without flavors or water)
[0165] Ice shall be dispensed in a portion amount that allows
scaling for various drink cup sizes
[0166] Upon selection of the ice-only button, the system shall
proceed to cup size selection
[0167] The ice-only button shall only be available when no flavors
are selected. Conversely, upon selection of a flavor the ice-only
button shall be disabled
[0168] There shall be a Service maintenance mode to allow cleaning
on the dispenser fluid lines
Cup Size Selection
[0169] The system can allow cup size selections of small, medium
large, and extra large, with a provision for additional cup sizes
determined by customer
[0170] Provisions will be made for cup storage on the unit
[0171] Cup size selection can trigger the dispensing process
Dispensing
[0172] The dispensing process shall use the cup size as a scaling
factor to compute ingredient amounts; water, ice and selected
flavors/additives
[0173] The ingredients and quantities dispensed can be used to
determine the mixing profile
[0174] Fruit flavor ingredients can be delivered using air driven
condiment pumps
[0175] Condiment pumps can be located in the refrigerated space
[0176] Condiment pumps shall be removable for easy access for
service
[0177] Condiment pumps can be energized using solenoid valves
mounted in the air flow to the pumps
[0178] The amounts of ingredients used for each smoothie including
flavored fluids, water, ice and additives shall be determined by
the drink recipe shall reside in the controller.
Mixing
[0179] The mixing process includes the actual mixing of the
ingredients in a cup and a subsequent cleaning cycle to ensure that
the blender's blades are clean for the next mixing cycle.
[0180] The mixing operation shall be asynchronous to the dispensing
operation]
[0181] The mixing operation can be determined by the current mixing
profile.
[0182] The mixing operation shall consist of a minimum of 2 steps,
blending & cleaning
[0183] The mixer shall be designed as a module that attaches to the
ice machine and refrigerated base
[0184] The mixer module shall consist of a mixer spindle, blade, a
linear slide, cup holder and water nozzles
[0185] The mixer module door shall contain sensors and or switches
to locate the door position and to provide a lockout
Mixer Sequence of Operation
[0186] When the drink has been dispensed it is placed into the cup
holder of the mixer module and the module door is closed.
[0187] When the closure of the door is an indication for the mixer
to begin the mixing process.
[0188] The mixer spindle shall index (via linear slide) down into
the drink cup X inches from home position, where X depends on the
height of the drink cup selected
[0189] The mixer blade shall be energized just prior to contacting
the ingredients in the cup
[0190] The spindle can dwell at the initial engagement point for a
period of X seconds, determined by blender profile.
[0191] The spindle can 1 then index into the drink to a depth of
cup X, determined by the blender profile.
[0192] The spindle can dwell in this location for a period of X
seconds, determined by blender profile.
[0193] The spindle can then move up to another location and
continue to mix for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 3
seconds), determined by the blender profile.
[0194] Upon completion the mixer blade shall change to a
pre-determined speed and continue to rotate until it breaks contact
with the fluid where it will be de-energized and returned to its'
home location.
[0195] The door is then opened and the drink is then removed and
served
Mixer Cleaning Process
[0196] After the last mixer sequence the module shall begin the
cleaning process when the mixer door is closed.
[0197] The cleaning process shall start with the spindle being
lowered into the mixing cavity and the spindle blade energized.
[0198] A water solenoid shall be energized for a user defined
amount of time (e.g., 3 seconds and begin to spray rinse the
spindle and cavity after the spindle blade is energized during a
mixer cleaning cycle.
[0199] An air solenoid connected to the water line can be energized
to provide a high pressure blast of water during the mixer cleaning
cycle as well as providing an air blast to assist in removing
residual water from the blender module.
[0200] The module can be designed to operate with sanitizing agents
in addition to water.
[0201] The unit can be able to detect run out of sanitizer
fluid.
[0202] When the mixer cleaning cycle has ended, the solenoids are
de-energized and rinse water is drained from the blender
module.
Mixing Profile
[0203] A mixing profile determines the steps to be performed during
the mixing operation. Each step in the mixing profile specifies
spindle's speed and time (how fast for how long) as well as
position (with dwell time).
[0204] A normal and Additive included mixing profile can be
available for each cup size.
[0205] When a-additive is selected, the mixer shall use the
Additive mixing profile
[0206] The mixing profiles shall be customer configurable.
User Interface Controller (UIC)
[0207] The UIC shall support handling of USB storage devices.
[0208] The UIC shall be capable of connecting to the C-Bus
[0209] The UIC can provide 1-press on-the-fly language switch
[0210] The UIC can be the P-Bus master
System Relay Board
[0211] The relay board can be responsible for determining the
system configuration including fluids loaded and number of blenders
and relaying to the Blender control board
Blender Control Board
[0212] The peripheral bus or P-Bus shall connect the User Interface
Controller to the system's peripherals (the System Relay Board and
the Mixer Control Boards)
[0213] The peripheral The P-Bus shall use RS-485.
[0214] The P-Bus can use ModBus RTU.
[0215] 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.
[0216] 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.
* * * * *