U.S. patent application number 14/171101 was filed with the patent office on 2014-05-29 for integrated mixing and cleaning beverage assembly and method thereof.
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 | 20140147564 14/171101 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42229607 |
Filed Date | 2014-05-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140147564 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nevarez; Roberto ; et
al. |
May 29, 2014 |
INTEGRATED MIXING AND CLEANING BEVERAGE ASSEMBLY AND METHOD
THEREOF
Abstract
An integrated beverage blending and cleaning includes at least
one blender module comprising a housing, a spindle, at least one
blade, a drain, and a cleaning assembly. The housing comprises a
substantially vertically disposed wall. A controller which, upon
completion of a blending or mixing sequence, activates a cleaning
and/or sanitizing mode via said cleaning assembly to clean at least
an interior of said housing.
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.: |
14/171101 |
Filed: |
February 3, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12633766 |
Dec 8, 2009 |
8672534 |
|
|
14171101 |
|
|
|
|
61120772 |
Dec 8, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
426/416 ;
241/166; 241/33; 241/37.5; 241/60 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A23L 2/38 20130101; A47J
31/60 20130101; A47J 31/002 20130101; A23G 9/045 20130101; B67D
1/0888 20130101; A47J 43/07 20130101; B67D 1/0021 20130101; A23G
9/224 20130101; B67D 1/07 20130101; B67D 1/0051 20130101; A47J
31/58 20130101; A23G 9/30 20130101; B67D 1/0858 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
426/416 ;
241/166; 241/60; 241/37.5; 241/33 |
International
Class: |
A47J 31/60 20060101
A47J031/60; A47J 31/58 20060101 A47J031/58; A23L 2/38 20060101
A23L002/38 |
Claims
1. An integrated beverage blending and cleaning system comprising:
at least one blender module comprising a housing, a spindle, at
least one blade, a drain, and a cleaning assembly, said housing
comprising a substantially vertically disposed wall; and a
controller which, upon completion of a blending or mixing sequence,
activates a cleaning and/or sanitizing mode via said cleaning
assembly to clean at least an interior of said housing.
2. The system according to claim 1, wherein said blender module
further comprises: a lid assembly which is capable of contacting a
top portion of said beverage container during blending and/or
mixing, as well as preventing said beverage container from rotating
thereabout; and a container holder.
3. The system according to claim 1, wherein said cleaning assembly
comprises a water source and/or at least one cleaning and/or
sanitizing solution source, wherein said water source and/or said
cleaning and/or sanitizing solution source are connected to at
least one orifice disposed within said housing for cleaning and/or
sanitizing at least said interior of said housing, said spindle,
and said blade after use.
4. The system according to claim 1, wherein said blender module
includes a variable speed motor to rotate said spindle and said
blade in a radial direction.
5. The system according to claim 1, wherein said blender module
further comprises a variable speed and direction motor to move said
spindle.
6. The system according to claim 1, wherein said housing
substantially prevents water and/or cleaning and/or sanitizing
solution from passing outside of said housing during said cleaning
and/or sanitizing mode.
7. The system according to claim 3, further comprising a container
holder, wherein said container holder comprises at least one arm
disposed about said beverage container and a plurality of orifices
disposed thereon, wherein water and/or cleaning and/or sanitizer
solution provided from a water and/or cleaning and/or sanitizer
solution sources is/are supplied via said orifices into said
housing.
8. The system according to claim 7, wherein said dispensing of
water and/or cleaning and/or sanitizing solutions is/are dispensed
under pressure.
9. The system according to claim 3, wherein said cleaning assembly
further comprises a conduit in fluid communication with said
container holder, whereby water and/or cleaning and/or sanitizing
solution from said water and/or cleaning and/or sanitizing solution
sources is/are supplied within said housing.
10. The system according to claim 3, wherein said water source
comprises: a water storage container, at least one valve and at
least one water conduit connecting said water storage container to
said orifices under pressure.
11. The system according to claim 10, wherein said cleaning and/or
sanitizing solution sources further comprises: a cleaning solution
storage container, one or more valves and at least one cleaning
and/or sanitizing solution conduit connecting said cleaning and/or
sanitizing solution source to said one or more orifices under
pressure, wherein said water conduit and said cleaning and/or
sanitizing solution conduit are connected to an inlet of said one
or more orifices via a fitting disposed downstream of said water
source and said cleaning and/or sanitizing solution source.
12. The system according to claim 1, wherein said spindle and said
blade are reversible so as to both blend said ice and said at least
one ingredient when said spindle and blade are rotated in one
direction and mixing into said beverage said at least one mixin
when said spindle and blade are rotated in a second direction.
13. The system according to claim 1, wherein said blade is an
emulsifying blade.
14. The system according to claim 2, wherein said lid assembly
comprises a lid portion and at least one alignment member, thereby
preventing said ice and said other ingredients from splashing
outside of said beverage container and/or preventing container
rotation or other unwanted movement during the blending and/or
mixing process.
15. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a linear
slide and stepper motor which move said spindle and said blade in a
substantially vertical direction.
16. The system according to claim 15, wherein said controller is
capable of determining the location of said blade within said
beverage container, thereby allowing said ice and said at least one
other ingredient to blend throughout said beverage container
providing a uniform beverage each time a beverage is blended and/or
mixed in said blender module.
17. The system according to claim 1, wherein said at least one
blender module further comprises a safety switch that disengages
said blade or said blender motor.
18. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a device in
proximity with said housing which will prevent said housing from
being opened when said spindle and/or said blade is engaged.
19. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a sensor
which indicates the presence of said beverage container in said
blender module.
20. A method for producing at least one beverage in a blender
module and cleaning and/or sanitizing said blender module
subsequent to producing said beverage in said blender module, said
method comprising: blending and/or mixing ice and at least one
other ingredient, and/or at least one mixin in a beverage
container, thereby producing said beverage; and activating a
cleaning and/or sanitizing mode upon completion of a blending or
mixing sequence and subsequent to the removal of said beverage
container from said interior of said blender module, wherein said
blending assembly is cleaned and/or sanitized for subsequent
usage.
21. The method according to claim 20, wherein said blender module
comprises: a housing; a spindle and blade used to blend and/or mix
said ice and at least one other ingredient to form said beverage; a
lid assembly which is capable of contacting a top portion of said
beverage container during blending and/or mixing, as well as
preventing said beverage container from rotating thereabout; and a
container holder.
22. The method according to claim 21, wherein said cleaning mode is
performed by supplying water and/or at least one cleaning solution
and/or at least one sanitizing solution via a cleaning assembly
associated with said blending module, wherein said cleaning
assembly comprises a water source and/or cleaning and/or sanitizing
solution source connected to at least one orifice in said disposed
within said housing for cleaning and/or sanitizing at least said
interior of said housing, said spindle, said blade and said lid
assembly after completion of each blending and/or mixing for the
preparation of completed beverage.
23. The method according to claim 21, wherein said cleaning
assembly comprises a water source and/or at least cleaning solution
and/or at least one sanitizing solution source connected to at
least one orifice disposed within the housing for cleaning and/or
sanitizing at least said interior of said housing, said spindle,
said blade and said lid assembly after use.
24. The method according to claim 21, wherein said cleaning and/or
sanitizing mode is activated upon completion of a blending or
mixing sequence and subsequent to the removal of said beverage
container from said interior of said housing.
25. The method according to claim 21, wherein said blending module
includes a variable speed motor to rotate said spindle and said
blade in a radial direction.
26. The method according to claim 21, wherein said blending module
includes a variable speed motor to move said spindle.
27. The method according to claim 21, wherein said housing
substantially prevents water and/or cleaning and/or sanitizing
solutions from passing outside of said housing during said cleaning
mode.
28. The method according to claim 22, wherein said container holder
comprises at least one arm disposed about said beverage container
and said at least one orifice disposed thereon, wherein water
and/or cleaning and/or sanitizing solutions provided from said
water source and/or cleaning and/or sanitizing solution source
is/are supplied via said at least one orifice into said
housing.
29. The method according to claim 28, wherein said dispensing is
performed under pressure.
30. The method according to claim 22, wherein said cleaning
assembly further comprises a conduit in fluid communication with
said container holder, whereby water and/or cleaning and/or
sanitizing solution from said water source and/or cleaning and/or
sanitizing solution source are supplied within said housing.
31. The method according to claim 22, wherein said water source
comprises: a water storage container, a valve and at least one
water conduit connecting said water storage container to said at
least one orifice under pressure.
32. The method according to claim 31, wherein said cleaning and/or
sanitizing solution source further comprises: a cleaning and/or
sanitizing storage container, a valve and at least one cleaning
and/or sanitizing solution conduit connecting said cleaning and/or
sanitizing storage container to said at least one orifice under
pressure, wherein said water conduit and said cleaning and/or
sanitizing solution conduit are connected to an inlet of said at
least one orifice via a fitting disposed downstream of said water
source and said cleaning and/or sanitizing solution source.
33. The method according to claim 21, wherein said spindle and said
blade are reversible so as to both blend said ice and said at least
one ingredient when said spindle and blade are rotated in one
direction and mixing into said beverage said at least one mixin
when said spindle and blade are rotated in a second direction.
34. The method according to claim 21, wherein said blade is an
emulsifying blade.
35. The method according to claim 21, wherein said lid assembly
comprises a lid portion and at least one alignment member.
36. The method according to claim 21, further comprising moving
said spindle and said blade in a substantially vertical
direction.
37. The method according to claim 36, further comprising
controlling the location of said blade within said beverage
container, thereby allowing said ice and said at least one other
ingredient to blend throughout said beverage container providing a
uniform beverage each time a beverage is blended and/or mixed in
said blender module.
38. The method according to claim 21, further comprising a safety
switch, wherein said method further comprises disengaging said
blade when said housing is opened.
39. The method according to claim 21, further comprising a device
in proximity with said housing which will prevent said housing from
being opened when said spindle and/or said blade is engaged.
40. The method according to claim 20, further comprising detecting
or sensing when said beverage container is positioned within said
blending assembly.
41. The method according to claim 20, wherein said cleaning mode is
based upon instructions communicated from a controller.
42. The method according to claim 20, wherein said blender module
blends and/or mixes said ice and at least one other ingredient, in
said beverage container based upon instructions communicated from a
controller.
43. The method according to claim 22, said cleaning mode comprises:
supplying said water and/or said cleaning and/or sanitizing
solution into said housing of said blender module; energizing said
spindle and said blade; reciprocally moving said energized spindle
and said blade within said housing of said blender module;
de-energizing said spindle and said blade; returning said spindle
and said blade to its home position.
44. The method according to claim 20, wherein said other ingredient
are at least one selected from the group consisting of: syrup,
water, fruit juice, coffee, yogurt, tea, carbonated and
non-carbonated beverages, alcoholic beverages, milk and cream.
45. The method according to claim 20, wherein said mixin is at
least one selected from the group consisting of: candy, cookies,
syrups, nuts, fruits or fruit pieces or purees, whipped cream,
wheat grass, and neutriceuticals.
45. The method according to claim 43, further comprising supplying
air into said housing of said blender module to assist in the
removal of residual water and/or cleaning and/or sanitizing
solution, said supplied air will also provide a positive pressure
on the drain system to assist in the removal of residual beverage,
ice, water and/or cleaning and/or sanitizing solutions.
46. The method according to claim 21, wherein said cleaning mode
comprises: supplying said water and/or said cleaning and/or
sanitizing solution into said housing of said blender module and
spinning said blender blade.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser.
No. 12/633,766, filed Dec. 8, 2009, which claims the benefit of
U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/120,772, filed Dec. 8, 2008.
U.S. application Ser. No. 12/633,766, filed Dec. 8, 2009 and U.S.
Provisional Application No. 61/120,772, filed Dec. 8, 2008 are
incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to an integrated
method and system for blending and/or mixing beverages, and
thereafter automatically cleaning the beverage assembly. More
particularly, it relates to a blender module which is capable of
blending and/or mixing flavor/ingredients and ice to form a
pre-selected beverage (e.g., a smoothie), as well as cleaning the
blender shaft, blade and mixing compartment post-mixing, thereby
avoiding flavor contamination and satisfying 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, the present inventors have developed a unique
integrated blender module that is capable of blending and/mixing
beverage flavors/ingredients with ice, and thereafter automatically
self cleans itself for immediate reuse without subsequent flavor
contamination.
SUMMARY
[0012] An integrated beverage blending and cleaning system
comprising: at least one blender module which blends and/or mixes
ice and at least one other ingredient within a beverage container,
thereby producing the beverage; and a cleaning assembly disposed
within the blender module, wherein, upon completion of a blending
or mixing sequence and removal of the beverage container from the
blender module, a cleaning mode is automatically initiated.
[0013] 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 the at least one other
ingredient, and/or the at least one mixin 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.
[0014] The cleaning assembly comprises a water source and/or at
least one cleaning and/or sanitizing solution source, wherein the
water source and/or the cleaning and/or sanitizing solution source
are connected to at least one orifice disposed within the housing
for cleaning and/or sanitizing at least the interior of the
housing, the spindle, the blade and the container seal after
use.
[0015] The cleaning mode is activated subsequent to completion of
the last blending and/or mixing sequence and the removal of the
beverage container from the interior of the housing and returning
of the door to the closed position.
[0016] The blending module includes a variable speed motor to
rotate the spindle and the blade in a radial direction.
Alternatively, the blending module further comprises a variable
speed motor to move the spindle and the blade.
[0017] The system door is sealingly disposed about the housing,
thereby substantially preventing water and/or cleaning and/or
sanitizing solution from passing through the door during the
cleaning mode.
[0018] The container holder comprises at least one arm disposed
about the beverage container and a plurality of orifices disposed
thereon, wherein water and/or cleaning and/or sanitizer solution
provided from a water and/or cleaning and/or sanitizer solution
sources is/are dispensed via the orifices into the housing. The
dispensing of water and/or cleaning and/or sanitizing solutions
is/are dispensed under pressure.
[0019] The cleaning assembly further comprises a vertically
disposed conduit in fluid communication with the container holder,
whereby water and/or cleaning and/or sanitizing solution from the
water and/or cleaning and/or sanitizing solution sources is/are
dispensed at the top portion of housing via the distal end of the
conduit disposed opposite the container holder. The water source
comprises: a water storage container, at least one valve and at
least one water conduit connecting the water storage container to
the orifices under pressure. The cleaning and/or sanitizing
solution sources further comprises: a cleaning solution storage
container, one or more valves and at least one cleaning and/or
sanitizing solution conduit connecting the cleaning and/or
sanitizing solution source to the one or more orifices under
pressure, wherein the water conduit and the cleaning and/or
sanitizing solution conduit are connected to an inlet of the one or
more orifices via a fitting disposed downstream of the water source
and the cleaning and/or sanitizing solution source.
[0020] The spindle and the blade are reversible so as to both blend
the ice and the at least one ingredient when the spindle and blade
are rotated in one direction and mixing into the beverage the at
least one mixing when the spindle and blade are rotated in a second
direction. Preferably, the blade is an emulsifying blade.
[0021] The container seal comprises a lid portion and at least one
alignment member, and wherein the container seal moves in a
vertical direction together with the spindle and the blade such
that the lid sealingly engages a top portion of the beverage
container, thereby preventing the ice and the other ingredients
from splashing outside of the beverage container and preventing
container rotation or other unwanted movement during the blending
and/or mixing process.
[0022] The system further comprises a linear slide and stepper
motor which move the spindle and the blade in a vertical
direction.
[0023] The system further comprises a controller which counts a
number of steps that the motor travels allowing precise location of
the blade within the beverage container, thereby allowing the ice
and the at least one other ingredient to blend throughout the
beverage container providing a uniform beverage each time a
beverage is blended and/or mixed in the blender module.
[0024] The system further comprises a safety switch in proximity
with the door which disengages the blade when the door is opened.
Alternatively, the system further comprises a device in proximity
with the door which will prevent the door from being opened when
the spindle and/or the blade is engaged. The system further
comprises a sensor which indicates the presence of the beverage
container in the blending assembly.
[0025] A method for producing at least one beverage in a blender
module and automatically cleaning the blender module subsequent to
producing the beverage in the blender module, the method
comprising: blending and/or mixing ice and at least one other
ingredient, and/or at least one mixin in a beverage container,
thereby producing the beverage; and activating an automatic
cleaning mode wherein upon completion of a blending or mixing
sequence and subsequent to the removal of the beverage container
from the interior of the blender module, wherein the blending
assembly is cleaned for subsequent usage.
[0026] The cleaning mode is performed by supplying water and/or at
least one cleaning solution and/or at least one sanitizing solution
via a cleaning assembly associated with the blending module,
wherein the cleaning assembly comprises a water source and/or
cleaning and/or sanitizing solution source connected to the
container holder for cleaning and/or sanitizing at least the
interior of the housing, the spindle, the blade and the container
seal after use.
[0027] The cleaning assembly comprises a water source and/or at
least cleaning solution and/or at least one sanitizing solution
source connected to at least one orifice disposed within the
housing for cleaning and/or sanitizing at least the interior of the
housing, the spindle, the blade and the container seal after
use.
[0028] The cleaning and/or sanitizing mode is activated upon
completion of a blending or mixing sequence and subsequent to the
removal of the beverage container from the interior of the housing
and returning of the door to the closed position.
[0029] The method further comprises sealing the door about the
housing, thereby substantially preventing water and/or cleaning
and/or sanitizing solutions from passing through the door during
the cleaning mode.
[0030] The container seal comprises a lid portion and at least one
alignment member, and wherein the method further comprises moving
the container seal in a vertical direction together with the
spindle and the blade such that the lid sealingly engages a top
portion of the beverage container.
[0031] The method further comprising controlling the location of
the blade within the beverage container, thereby allowing the ice
and the at least one other ingredient to blend throughout the
beverage container providing a uniform beverage each time a
beverage is blended and/or mixed in the blender module.
[0032] The cleaning mode is based upon instructions communicated
from a controller. The blender module blends and/or mixes the ice
and at least one other ingredient, in the beverage container based
upon instructions communicated from a controller.
[0033] The cleaning mode comprises: dispensing the water and/or the
cleaning and/or sanitizing solution into the housing of the blender
module; energizing the spindle and the blade; reciprocally moving
the energized spindle and the blade within the housing of the
blender module; de-energizing the spindle and the blade; returning
the spindle and the blade to its home position; dispensing air into
the housing of the blender module to assist in the removal of
residual water and/or cleaning and/or sanitizing solution, the
dispensed air will also provide a positive pressure on the drain
system to assist in the removal of residual beverage, ice, water
and/or cleaning and/or sanitizing solutions.
[0034] The other ingredient are at least one selected from the
group consisting of: syrup, fruit juice, coffee, yogurt, tea,
carbonated and non-carbonated beverages, alcoholic beverages, milk
and cream. The mixin is at least one selected from the group
consisting of: candy, cookies, syrups, nuts, fruits or fruit pieces
or purees, whipped cream, wheat grass, and neutriceuticals.
[0035] 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
[0036] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an exemplary
embodiment of a system that dispenses and blends/mixes/cleans
beverages according to the present disclosure;
[0037] FIG. 2 is a side view of the assembly that dispenses and
blend/mixes/cleans beverages of FIG. 1;
[0038] FIG. 3 is a front view of the assembly that dispenses and
blends/mixes/cleans beverages of FIG. 1;
[0039] FIG. 4 is a top view of the assembly that dispenses and
blends/mixes/cleans beverages of FIG. 1;
[0040] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the assembly that dispenses
and blends/mixes/cleans beverages of FIG. 1;
[0041] 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.
[0042] 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 blender/mixer/cleaning
assembly according to the present disclosure;
[0043] FIG. 8 is a front planar view of a blending/mixing/cleaning
assembly according to the present disclosure, wherein
representative position points for the spindle during processing
are exemplified according to one embodiment;
[0044] FIG. 9 is a top front right side perspective view of a
blender/mixer/cleaning module according to the present
disclosure;
[0045] FIG. 10 is a side view of the blender/mixer/cleaning
assembly of FIG. 9;
[0046] FIG. 11 is a front view of the blender/mixer/cleaning
assembly of FIG. 9;
[0047] FIG. 12 is a top view of the blender/mixer/cleaning assembly
of FIG. 9;
[0048] FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the blender/mixer/cleaning
assembly of FIG. 9;
[0049] FIG. 14 is a front right side perspective view of the
blender/mixer/cleaning assembly 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;
[0050] FIG. 15 is front right side perspective view of the
blender/mixer/cleaning assembly of FIG. 14, wherein the door has
been removed from the assembly;
[0051] FIG. 16 is a back right side perspective view of a pair of
blender/mixer/cleaning assemblies according to another embodiment
of the present disclosure with associated cleaner storage
receptacles;
[0052] FIG. 17 is a right side view of the blender/mixer/cleaning
housing unit according to FIG. 14 with a cleaner snorkel dispensing
member;
[0053] FIG. 18 is a right side view of the entire
blender/mixer/cleaning assembly according to FIG. 14 without the
cleaner snorkel dispensing member;
[0054] FIG. 19 is a bottom front perspective view of a blender
blade according to the present disclosure;
[0055] FIG. 20 is a bottom front perspective view of the serving
cup lock and seal lid used in the blender/mixer/cleaning assembly
of FIG. 14;
[0056] FIG. 21 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;
[0057] FIG. 22 is a front planar view of an exemplary embodiment of
the system according to the present disclosure;
[0058] FIG. 23 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a
system according to the present disclosure;
[0059] FIG. 24 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;
[0060] FIG. 25 is a process flow diagram of an exemplary embodiment
of a method for dispensing, blending/mixing and cleaning according
to the present disclosure;
[0061] FIG. 26 is a listing of controller steps for selecting
ingredients/flavors, additives and serving cup size according to
the present disclosure;
[0062] FIG. 27 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
[0063] FIGS. 28a 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
[0064] 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/mixer/cleaning module 303.
Assembly 100 shows ice maker, ice storage and portion control
module 300, flavor/ingredient dispensing module 1100, and
blender/mixer/cleaning 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/mixer/cleaning 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/mixer/cleaning module 303
reduces a size of assembly 100 and its associated flooring
footprint in comparison to three separate and distinct
machines.
[0065] 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.
[0066] 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/mixer/cleaning 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.
[0067] 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.
[0068] The blend-in-cup smoothie system of the present disclosure
includes a variable speed vertical blender/mixer/cleaning modules
303 that permits the operate and customers to develop unique
drinks. The blender/mixer/cleaning modules 303 is comprises of the
following components: blender spindle driven by a variable speed
motor, linear slide used to move the blender spindle in and out of
the drink cup. The blender spindle is attached to the linear slide.
The linear slide utilizes a drive motor with variable speeds to
control the speed at which the blender spindle is inserted or
removed from the drink cup. Additionally, the linear slide can be
stopped and started at different levels in the cup. This is
important from both a drink consistency and an equipment
reliability. It is possible to stall the spindle if the spindle is
lowered to quickly or to far into the cup prior to the start of the
blending operation. Prior to blending the ice size is much larger
than the ice in a fully blended drink.
[0069] The electronic controller is used to control the speed,
depth and dwell time of the blender spindle. FIG. 8 demonstrates
the vertical movement of the spindle within the cup during blending
and mixing, wherein the mixer is turned on during the downward
movement at point 501 at the spindle 503 enters cup or vessel 505
and rapidly moves to a first downward position 507 at 1 ft/sec.
Thereafter, spindle 503 continues its downward descent into cup 505
until it reaches a second downward position 509 at a speed of about
2 ft/sec. near the bottom of cup 505. After a predetermined period
of time when spindle 503 is at second downward position 509, it
then begins its upward movement to a first upward position 511 at a
speed of 2 ft/sec and then to a second upward position 513 where
the spindle 503 is turned to the off position. Finally, spindle 503
is removed from the cup and returned to a pre-mixing position
515.
[0070] During recipe creation the customer is able to experiment
with different variables to provide the drink flavor and ice
profile desired. The controller is then used to signal the spindle
to move down at a specified speed to the initial contact point in
the cup "kiss off point" determined by the height of the cup. Upon
reaching the "kiss of point," the controller energizes the motor
for the blender spindle. The controller then instructs the linear
slide to move down to the bottom of the cup at a predefined speed.
The controller can then control the amount of time (dwell time)
that the spindle remains in its lowest position to fully emulsify
the ice and to blend the ingredients together. The controller then
instructs the spindle retract to its resting position.
[0071] By manipulating the variables the customer can control the
size of the particles (ice bites) and the viscosity of the drink.
Additionally, the variability of the blender speed provides the
customer the ability to mix in ingredient and mixins. A mixin is an
ingredient that the customer adds to the drink, but does not want
emulsified with the ice and flavor ingredients. To perform both
mixing and blending of the drink ingredients it is necessary to
either vary the speed of the blender motor or to use a
bi-directional (reversible) motor to spin the blender blade. In the
primary direction the sharp edges of the blade emulsify the
ingredients to create a fully blended drink. Use of a sharp edge of
the blade for emulsification maintains the integrity of the ice
bits. When mixing the drink, the motor is reversed such that the
dull edge of the blade only mixes the ingredient into the drink
without altering the size of such ingredients.
[0072] The electronic controller utilizes current sensors or other
sensors to measure and record the power output to the blender
spindle. If the power output required by the blender increases this
would indicate that the blender blade or the shaft bearings on the
blender are wearing and causing "drag" on the blender motor.
[0073] FIGS. 9-21 depict a blender/mixer/cleaning module 303 of
assembly 100. It is contemplated by that assembly 100 may include,
for example, from one blender/mixer/cleaning module up to six or
more blender/mixer/cleaning modules. More than one
blender/mixer/cleaning module 303 allows for creation of a second
beverage while mixing a first beverage, contributing to higher
beverage output by assembly 100.
[0074] As shown in FIG. 13, blender/mixer/cleaning module 303 has a
blender housing 205. Blender 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 14, and
an open position uncovering interior volume 230 when
blender/mixer/cleaning 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. 15. Bottom wall 225 may have a drain aperture 227.
Door 235 may optionally be sealed about the interior surface of
housing 205 by providing a tubing (not shown) about the interior
surface of door 235, which allows air to flow therethrough, thereby
creating a venturi suction to capture water and preventing the
water from exiting blender/mixer/cleaning module 303.
Alternatively, a tube may be disposed on the outside of door 235,
wherein the tube includes small orifices. During use, air would
flow through this tube and provide a pressurized door seal. In this
configuration, door 235 would slide easily up and down when not in
a cleaning mode, but be held securely in place during cleaning
mode. Drain aperture 227 may be covered by a filter cover 229.
[0075] Blender 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
blender 245. Motor 240 may be connected to blender 245 by a bracket
247 that is moved by motor 240. Motor 240 moves spindle shaft 260
of blender 245 in a reciprocal vertical movement through top wall
220 into or out of interior volume 230.
[0076] Blender 245 may be connected to a lid assembly 250, as shown
in FIG. 20. 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 blender
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 blender 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 blender 245 is
retracted toward top wall 220, blender 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 blender 245.
[0077] Blender 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 blender motor 265 that spins
blender blade 255 and spindle shaft 260.
[0078] Blender 245 may be attached to linear slide 241 so that
linear slide 241 moves blender 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 blender 245 is energized to spin blender blade
255. By moving blender blade 255 about 25% into the liquid within
cup 15 before blender 245 is energized to spin blender blade 255,
splatter from blender 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 14. 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. 19.
[0079] Door 235 may have a safety switch 236. Microswitches are
located on blender housing 205. When door 235 is raised a
microswitch 211, as shown in FIG. 13, 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. 18, that is a
door interlock on blender 245 that prevents door 235 from being
opened when blender blade 255 is lowered.
[0080] Referring to FIG. 18, 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 blender 245. Holder 270 may be
shaped complimentary to the shape of cup 15, for example, a
U-shape.
[0081] 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. 13) 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.
16 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. 17 and 21, is in
fluid communication with holder 270 so that cleaning fluid may be
dispensed substantially near the top of interior volume 230 of
blender housing 205.
[0082] 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 blender 245 may be rinsed/cleaned and/or sanitized. Water
solenoid 280 and air solenoid 220a (FIG. 10) are energized. Blender
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. Blender 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 blender 245.
[0083] Blender 245 and interior volume 230 may be rinsed with water
only after mixing each beverage, blender 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 blender 245 and interior volume 230 may be rinsed with
water only after mixing each beverage and periodically blender 245
and interior volume 230 are sanitized. A "Y" fitting 284 (see FIG.
16) 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 blender 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 blender 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 blender 245 and interior
volume 230. Interior volume 230 and/or blender 245 being rinsed
and/or sanitized as described herein after each use prevents flavor
transfer, eliminates germs, and eliminates the need for manual
washing.
[0084] Referring to FIGS. 9, 10 and 13, a controller 206, for
example, a printed circuit board, controls blender/mixer/cleaning
module 303. When the beverage is dispensed into the cup and placed
in blender 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 blender 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.
[0085] FIG. 23 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. 23 shows a user interface
controller 401 that incorporates a button panel, such as a control
panel 500 shown in FIG. 22, 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.
[0086] FIG. 24 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/mixer/cleaning 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.
[0087] 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/mixer/cleaning module 303. Door 235 is moved to the closed
position and blender 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.
[0088] 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.
[0089] 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.
[0090] 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.
[0091] 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.
[0092] 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.
[0093] 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.
[0094] Assembly 100 may maintain the accuracy of blender 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.
[0095] 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.
[0096] 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
[0097] Referring to FIGS. 22 and 23, 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.
[0098] As depicted in FIG. 24, 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.
[0099] 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.
[0100] The Blender Controller CCA is responsible for position,
speed, cleaning and safety control of the system blender
module/subsystem, such as blender/mixer/cleaning module 303. It
controls the blender blade, water and air pumps and senses cup
present and door switch.
[0101] The user interface controller board consists of a monochrome
LCD display, membrane keypad for control and configuration.
[0102] Referring now to FIGS. 22-28b, functional requirements of an
exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure are shown and
described.
[0103] The system shall have method for configuration for the
following:
1. Mixing profiles 2. Particular fluids selections (x out of 254
displayed)
[0104] The system shall automatically go into a configuration
download menu if in idle when a SD card is inserted
[0105] The User Interface shall have a degrees F./C selection for
temperature display in the setup mode.
Dispenser Flavor(s)
[0106] The maximum Number of Flavors per Serving shall be 3
[0107] The minimum Number of Flavors per Serving shall be 1, unless
dispensing ice only
[0108] A flavor selection status shall be toggled by pressing the
button corresponding to the flavor in question
[0109] Upon reaching the maximum Number of Flavors per Serving, the
system shall not allow selection of any additional flavors;
unselected flavors become locked-out
[0110] The user shall be able to change the flavor selection(s) by
pressing the CANCEL button and selecting desired flavor(s)
[0111] 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)
[0112] 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)
[0113] 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.
[0114] The Maximum Number Of Selectable Additives shall be 3
[0115] The Minimum Number Of Selected Additives shall be 0
Refrigerated Base (Flavor Storage)
[0116] 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.
[0117] Base will be designed to accommodate up to 8 flavors (6
flavors is default for general market).
[0118] The base design will be such that flavors can be stored in
Mylar "bag-in-box" packaging
[0119] The base will house flavor pumps (up to 8) and all
associated delivery tubing, and air solenoid switches
[0120] The base will be designed to intake and discharge condenser
air from the front of the unit
[0121] The base dimensions will be: 26''w.times.33''d.times.32''
h
[0122] The base will be mounted on castors to allow access to rear
of unit for cleaning
[0123] The base will be designed to meet NSF and UL
requirements.
[0124] The base will have openings in top to allow tubing to pass
into dispense area
[0125] The base will provide a method air delivery and return to
dispenser section to maintain product temperature to the dispense
nozzle (per NSF)
[0126] The base refrigeration system will require 120v AC with the
option for 220v/50 hz (Europe requirement)
Ice Making
[0127] Smoothie machine will have on-board ice making
capabilities
[0128] The device shall have ice machine capability to store 9 kg
of ice in addition to ice making capabilities
[0129] The ice machine shall generate hard nugget ice
[0130] The ice machine will have the capability to generate a
minimum of 240 lbs of ice per day
[0131] The ice machine will be designed to operate on 120V 60
hz+/-10%
[0132] The ice machine shall have provisions for 220 50 Hz
operation for Europe +/-10%
Ice Dispensing
[0133] Ice is normally dispensed during the smoothie making process
but could also be dispensed exclusively.
[0134] The system shall allow dispensing of ice in an exclusive
manner (i.e. without flavors or water)
[0135] Ice shall be dispensed in a portion amount that allows
scaling for various drink cup sizes
[0136] Ice amount shall be dispensed with an accuracy of
.+-.10%
[0137] The system shall provide a button for ice only
dispensing
[0138] Upon selection of the ice-only button, the system shall
proceed to cup size selection
[0139] 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
[0140] There shall be a Service maintenance mode to allow cleaning
on the dispenser fluid lines
Cup Size Selection
[0141] The system shall allow cup size selections of small, medium
large, and extra large, with a provision for additional cup sizes
determined by customer
[0142] Provisions will be made for cup storage on the unit
[0143] Cup size selection shall trigger the dispensing process
[0144] There shall be up to five configurable cup sizes with
configurable volumes.
[0145] Cup shall be placed under dispense nozzle prior to drink
selection (no UI to tell you)
Dispensing
[0146] The dispensing process shall use the cup size as a scaling
factor to compute ingredient amounts; water, ice and selected
flavors/additives
[0147] The ingredients and quantities dispensed shall be used to
determine the mixing profile
[0148] Fruit flavor ingredients shall be delivered using air driven
condiment pumps
[0149] Condiment pumps shall be located in the refrigerated
space
[0150] Condiment pumps shall be removable for easy access for
service
[0151] Condiment pumps shall be energized using solenoid valves
mounted in the air flow to the pumps
[0152] Condiment Pumps shall deliver a portioned amount of flavor
with an accuracy of .+-.10%
[0153] The amounts of ingredients used for each smoothie including
a total of 8 flavored fluids, water, ice and up to 2 manually added
types of additives shall be determined by the Dispense
Algorithm.
Mixing
[0154] 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.
[0155] The mixing operation shall be asynchronous to the dispensing
operation
[0156] The mixing operation shall be determined by the current
mixing profile and shall take no longer than 20 seconds.
[0157] The mixing operation shall consist of 2 steps, blending
& washing
[0158] The mixer shall be designed as a module that attaches to the
ice machine and refrigerated base
[0159] The mixer module shall consist of a mixer spindle, blade, a
linear slide, cup holder with water nozzles
[0160] To access the mixer module a protective door must be
raised
[0161] The mixer module door shall contain micro-switches to locate
the door position and to provide a lockout
Mixer Sequence of Operation
[0162] The drink is placed into the cup holder and the door is
closed.
[0163] When the closure of the door has been identified the mixer
shall begin the mixing process.
[0164] The mixer spindle shall index (via linear slide) down into
the drink cup 2.5 inches from home position
[0165] After initial contact the mixer blade shall be energized
[0166] The spindle shall dwell at the initial engagement point for
a period of 3 seconds.
[0167] The spindle shall then index into the drink to a depth of
cup of approximately 75%.
[0168] The spindle shall dwell in this location for a period of 15
seconds.
[0169] The spindle shall then return to the initial location and
continue to mix for a period.
[0170] Upon completion the mixer blade shall be de-energized and
the spindle returned to its' home location.
[0171] The door is then opened and the drink is then removed and
served
Blender/Mixer Cleaning Process
[0172] After the mixer sequence the module shall begin the cleaning
process when the mixer door is closed.
[0173] The cleaning process shall start with the spindle being
lowered into the mixing cavity and the spindle blade energized.
[0174] A water solenoid shall be energized for 3 seconds and begin
to spray rinse the spindle and cavity after the spindle blade is
energized during a mixer cleaning cycle.
[0175] An air solenoid connected to the water line shall be
energized to provide a high pressure blast of water during the
mixer cleaning cycle.
[0176] The module shall be designed to operate with sanitizing
agents in addition to water.
[0177] The unit shall be able to detect run out of sanitizer
fluid.
[0178] When the mixer cleaning cycle has ended, the solenoids are
de-energized and rinse water is drained.
[0179] The mixer cleaning cycle shall take no longer than 5
seconds.
Blending/Mixing Profile
[0180] 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).
[0181] A normal and Additive included mixing profile shall be
available for each cup size.
[0182] When a non-dispensed-additive is selected, the mixer shall
use the Additive mixing profile
[0183] When NO non-dispensed-additives are selected, the mixer
shall use the normal mixing profile
[0184] The mixing profiles shall be customer configurable.
User Interface Controller (UIC)
[0185] Display use shall be OPTREX F-51851GNFQJ-LY-AND or
equivalent The UIC shall support handling of USB storage devices
formatted with FAT16.
[0186] The UIC shall be capable of connecting to the C-Bus
[0187] The UIC shall provide 1-press on-the-fly language switch
[0188] The UIC shall be the P-Bus master System Relay Board
Power-up
[0189] The relay board shall be responsible for determining the
system configuration including fluids loaded and number of blenders
and relaying to the Blender control board
Blender Control Board
[0190] Peripheral Bus (P-Bus
[0191] 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)
Physical Layer
[0192] The peripheral The P-Bus shall use RS-485.
[0193] The User Interface Controller shall be the bus master
(client).
Protocol
[0194] The P-Bus shall use ModBus RTU.
[0195] Communication Bus (C-Bus)
[0196] Physical Layer
[0197] Protocol
[0198] User interface and Configuration/Setup Modes
[0199] Product Mode.
[0200] System Setup Mode
[0201] 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.
[0202] 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.
* * * * *