Beverage maker with ventilation and baffle

Abstract

A beverage maker with ventilation and baffles is provided. The beverage maker includes a mixing container configured to receive a beverage product. The beverage product is mixed within the mixing container. The beverage maker also includes a cooling circuit configured to cool the beverage product within the mixing container. The beverage maker also includes a housing including at least one ventilation panel. The at least one ventilation panel includes at least one array of apertures configured to permit airflow to ventilate the housing. The at least one vent panel further includes at least one baffle proximate an inner surface of the at least one vent panel, the at least one baffle configured to at least partially block a set of apertures in the at least one array of apertures.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present utility model generally relates to beverage making machines, and in non - limiting embodiments or aspects, to beverage making machines including automatic control based on sensed conditions (including temperature and motor conditions) during beverage product processing. Background Art

[0002] A frozen beverage making machine (which may also be referred to as a semi - frozen drink making machine or a crushed ice beverage making machine) can include a tank or mixing container that receives and processes a beverage product. The processing includes cooling the beverage product, typically transforming the beverage product from a pure liquid (or a mixture of liquid and ice portions) into a frozen or semi - frozen product (such as, for example, granita, slush, smoothie, ice cream, or other frozen or semi - frozen products, etc.), and then dispensing it. The cooled product can be dispensed through a valve, faucet, or dispenser. Thus, as used herein, the term "frozen beverage making machine" is not limited to a device that only makes beverages or frozen beverages, but includes a device for cooling the received beverage product to produce a cooled output in any of a variety of cooled, frozen, and semi - frozen forms. The beverage product can consist of a liquid mixture including water, juice, or milk, and can include additives (such as sugar, spirits, syrup, or flavoring powder, etc.) for imparting the desired taste and / or color to the beverage product. The frozen beverage making machine can include a mixing system within the mixing container and can also include a refrigeration system to cool the beverage product in the mixing container. Summary of the Utility Model

[0003] Accordingly, an improved beverage making machine configured with automatic control based on sensed conditions during beverage product processing is provided.

[0004] According to non - limiting embodiments or aspects, a beverage making machine is provided. The beverage making machine includes a mixing container configured to receive a beverage product, wherein the beverage product is mixed within the mixing container. The beverage making machine further includes a cooling circuit configured to cool the beverage product within the mixing container. The beverage making machine further includes a temperature sensor configured to periodically detect the temperature associated with the beverage product and output a periodic temperature signal indicative of the periodically detected temperature. The beverage making machine further includes a controller configured to determine whether a phase change of the beverage product has occurred based on the periodic temperature signal and to control the cooling circuit based on the determination of whether the phase change has occurred.

[0005] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the controller may also be configured to receive periodic temperature signals during the mixing of a beverage product. The controller may further be configured to, for each periodic temperature signal, determine the rate of change of temperature over a certain time period based on the received periodic temperature signal. The controller may further be configured to, for each determined rate of change, determine whether the determined rate of change is less than or equal to a threshold rate of change. The controller may further be configured to determine that a phase change of the beverage product has occurred based on determining that the rate of change corresponding to the first periodic temperature signal in the periodic temperature signals and corresponding to the first corresponding time period is less than or equal to the threshold rate of change.

[0006] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the threshold rate of change may be in the range of about 0.08 degrees Celsius per 30 seconds to 0.18 degrees Celsius per 30 seconds.

[0007] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the temperature sensor may be configured to periodically detect temperature at intervals in the range of about 0.1 second to about 5 seconds.

[0008] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, each corresponding time period may have a duration in the range of about 5 seconds to 60 seconds.

[0009] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the temperature sensor may be configured to periodically detect temperature at a plurality of intervals, each periodic temperature signal corresponding to a respective interval among the plurality of intervals and associated with the temperature detected at the respective interval. The first corresponding time period may include one or more intervals among the plurality of intervals that occurred before the interval corresponding to the first periodic temperature signal.

[0010] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the controller may also be configured to determine a phase - change temperature value corresponding to the phase change and control a cooling circuit based on the phase - change temperature value.

[0011] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the controller may also be configured to receive periodic temperature signals during the mixing of a beverage product. The controller may further be configured to, for each of the periodic temperature signals, determine a rate of change of temperature over a period of time based on the received periodic temperature signal. The controller may further be configured to, for each of the determined rates of change, determine whether the determined rate of change is less than or equal to a threshold rate of change. The controller may further be configured to determine that a phase change of the beverage product has occurred based on determining that, for a first periodic temperature signal among the periodic temperature signals, the determined rate of change corresponding to the first corresponding period of time of the first periodic temperature signal is less than or equal to the threshold rate of change. A temperature sensor may be configured to periodically detect temperature at a plurality of intervals, and each periodic temperature signal is associated with the temperature detected at a corresponding one of these intervals. A phase change temperature value may be determined based on one or more of the temperature values detected at one or more of the intervals within the first corresponding period of time determined to have had a phase change.

[0012] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the phase change temperature value may be set to a temperature value detected at at least one of one or more of the intervals within the first corresponding period of time.

[0013] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the controller may also be configured to calculate a target temperature value based on the determined phase change temperature value. The controller may further be configured to control a cooling circuit to reach the target temperature value of the beverage product in the mixing container.

[0014] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the controller may also be configured to compare the phase change temperature value with a threshold temperature value. The controller may further be configured to, in response to the phase change temperature value being greater than the threshold temperature value, control at least one of the following: an alert to a user of the beverage maker regarding an associated condition, a corrective action to address the associated condition, and any combination thereof.

[0015] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the associated condition may include that the beverage product cannot be properly slushed by the beverage maker due to an insufficient amount of one or more ingredients.

[0016] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, one or more ingredients may include at least one of the following: sugar, alcohol, and any combination thereof.

[0017] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the controller may also be configured to determine when a target temperature value of a beverage product in a mixing container has been reached. The controller may further be configured to determine whether a phase change of the beverage product has occurred before the target temperature value is reached. The controller may further be configured to keep the compressor of the cooling circuit on until a phase change of the beverage product is determined, in response to determining that a phase change of the beverage product has not occurred before the target temperature is reached.

[0018] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the controller may also be configured to cycle the cooling circuit on and off to maintain the temperature at approximately the target temperature value, in response to determining a phase change of the beverage product.

[0019] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the beverage maker may also include a stirrer driven by a drive motor, the stirrer being configured to mix the beverage product within the mixing container. The controller may also be configured to pulse the drive motor of the stirrer to trigger nucleation of the beverage product, in response to determining that a phase change of the beverage product has not occurred before the target temperature is reached.

[0020] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the controller may also be configured to cycle the cooling circuit on and off to maintain the temperature at approximately the target temperature value, in response to determining that a phase change of the beverage product has occurred before the target temperature is reached.

[0021] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the beverage maker may also include a memory configured to store a beverage data object representing a beverage type corresponding to the beverage product, the beverage data object specifying a predefined temperature value of the beverage product. The beverage maker may also include a user interface. The controller may also be configured to determine the target temperature value based on at least one of: the predefined temperature value, a temperature adjustment value caused by a user input from the user interface, and any combination thereof.

[0022] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the controller may also be configured to determine whether the temperature of the beverage product has dropped below a low temperature threshold. The controller may also be configured to perform at least one of the following, in response to determining that the temperature of the beverage product has dropped below the low temperature threshold: alert the user of the beverage maker, disconnect the cooling circuit and the drive motor of the beverage maker, cycle the cooling circuit on and off to prevent the temperature of the beverage product from dropping further, and any combination thereof.

[0023] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the controller may also be configured to determine whether the determined phase - change temperature value is below a low - temperature threshold defined for the phase - change temperature value. The controller may also be configured to, in response to determining that the temperature of the beverage product has dropped below the low - temperature threshold, perform at least one of the following: alert the user of the beverage machine, shut off the cooling circuit and drive motor of the beverage machine, cycle the cooling circuit on and off to prevent further reduction of the temperature of the beverage product, and any combination thereof.

[0024] According to non - limiting embodiments or aspects, a method of processing a beverage product in a beverage machine is provided. The method includes mixing the beverage product within a mixing container of the beverage machine. The method also includes cooling the beverage product within the mixing container. The method also includes periodically detecting a temperature associated with the beverage product. The method also includes outputting a periodic temperature signal indicative of the periodically detected temperature. The method also includes determining whether a phase change of the beverage product has occurred based on the periodic temperature signal. The method also includes controlling a cooling circuit of the beverage machine based on the determination of whether a phase change has occurred.

[0025] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the method may include receiving, by a controller of the beverage machine, a periodic temperature signal during mixing of the beverage product. The method may also include: using the controller and for each periodic temperature signal, determining a rate of change of temperature over a period of time based on the received periodic temperature signal. The method may also include using the controller and for each determined rate of change, determining whether the determined rate of change is less than or equal to a threshold rate of change. The method may also include: using the controller, based on determining that the rate of change corresponding to a first periodic temperature signal among the periodic temperature signals, for the first corresponding period of time determined for the first periodic temperature signal, is less than or equal to the threshold rate of change, determining that a phase change of the beverage product has occurred.

[0026] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the threshold rate of change may be in the range of about 0.08 degrees Celsius / 30 seconds to 0.18 degrees Celsius / 30 seconds.

[0027] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the temperature sensor may be configured to periodically detect the temperature at intervals in the range of about 0.1 second to about 5 seconds.

[0028] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, each corresponding period of time may have a duration in the range of about 5 seconds to 60 seconds.

[0029] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, periodically detecting a temperature associated with a beverage product can include periodically detecting the temperature at a plurality of intervals, each periodic temperature signal corresponding to a respective one of the plurality of intervals and associated with the temperature detected at the respective interval. A first respective time period can include one or more than one of the plurality of intervals that occur before the interval corresponding to the first periodic temperature signal.

[0030] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the method can include using a controller of a beverage maker to determine a phase - change temperature value corresponding to a phase change. The method can also include using the controller to control a cooling circuit based on the phase - change temperature value.

[0031] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the method can include using the controller to receive periodic temperature signals during the mixing of the beverage product. The method can also include: using the controller and for each periodic temperature signal among the periodic temperature signals, determining a rate of change of temperature over a period of time based on the received periodic temperature signal. The method can also include using the controller and for each determined rate of change, determining whether the determined rate of change is less than or equal to a threshold rate of change. The method can also include: using the controller, based on determining that the rate of change for the first respective time period corresponding to the first periodic temperature signal among the periodic temperature signals is less than or equal to the threshold rate of change, determining that a phase change of the beverage product has occurred. The method can also include: using a temperature sensor to periodically detect the temperature at a plurality of intervals, each periodic temperature signal being associated with the temperature detected at the respective one of these intervals. The method can also include: using the controller, based on one or more of the temperature values detected at one or more of the intervals within the first respective time period determined to have undergone a phase change, determining the phase - change temperature value.

[0032] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the method can include using the controller to set the phase - change temperature value to the temperature value detected at at least one of one or more of the intervals within the first respective time period.

[0033] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the method can include using the controller to calculate a target temperature value based on the determined phase - change temperature value. The method can also include using the controller to control the cooling circuit to achieve the target temperature value of the beverage product in the mixing container.

[0034] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the method can include comparing a phase change temperature value with a threshold temperature value using a controller. The method can further include: in response to the phase change temperature value being greater than the threshold temperature value, using the controller to control the performance of at least one of the following: alerting a user of the beverage maker about an associated condition, corrective actions to address the associated condition, and any combination thereof.

[0035] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the associated condition can include that the beverage product cannot be properly slushified by the beverage maker due to an insufficient amount of one or more ingredients.

[0036] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, one or more ingredients can include at least one of the following: sugar, alcohol, and any combination thereof.

[0037] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the method can include using a controller to determine when a target temperature value of a beverage product in a mixing container has been reached. The method can further include using the controller to determine whether a phase change of the beverage product has occurred before the target temperature value is reached. The method can further include: in response to determining that a phase change of the beverage product has not occurred before the target temperature is reached, using the controller to keep the compressor of the cooling circuit on until a phase change of the beverage product is determined.

[0038] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the method can include: in response to determining a phase change of the beverage product, using the controller to cycle the cooling circuit on and off to maintain the temperature at approximately the target temperature value.

[0039] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the method can include: in response to determining that a phase change of the beverage product has not occurred before the target temperature is reached, using the controller to pulse - drive a drive motor of a stirrer of the beverage maker to trigger nucleation of the beverage product.

[0040] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the method can include: in response to determining that a phase change of the beverage product has occurred before the target temperature is reached, using the controller to cycle the cooling circuit on and off to maintain the temperature at approximately the target temperature value.

[0041] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the method can include using a memory of the beverage maker to store a beverage data object representing a beverage type corresponding to the beverage product, the beverage data object specifying a predefined temperature value of the beverage product. The method can further include using the controller to determine a target temperature value based on at least one of the following: the predefined temperature value, a temperature adjustment value caused by a user input from a user interface of the beverage maker, and any combination thereof.

[0042] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the method may include using a controller to determine whether the temperature of a beverage product has dropped below a low - temperature threshold. The method may further include, in response to determining that the temperature of the beverage product has dropped below the low - temperature threshold, using the controller to perform at least one of the following: alerting a user of the beverage maker, disconnecting a cooling circuit and a drive motor of the beverage maker, cycling the cooling circuit on and off to prevent further reduction of the temperature of the beverage product, and any combination thereof.

[0043] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the method may include using a controller to determine whether a determined phase - change temperature value is below a low - temperature threshold defined for the phase - change temperature value. The method may further include, in response to determining that the temperature of the beverage product has dropped below the low - temperature threshold, using the controller to perform at least one of the following: alerting a user of the beverage maker, turning off a cooling circuit and a drive motor of the beverage maker, cycling the cooling circuit on and off to prevent further reduction of the temperature of the beverage product, and any combination thereof.

[0044] According to non - limiting embodiments or aspects, a beverage maker is provided. The beverage maker includes a mixing container configured to receive a beverage product, wherein the beverage product is mixed within the mixing container. The beverage maker further includes a stirrer driven by a drive motor and configured to mix the beverage product within the mixing container. The beverage maker further includes a cooling circuit configured to cool the beverage product within the mixing container. The cooling circuit includes a compressor. The beverage maker further includes a motor condition sensor configured to periodically detect a motor condition associated with the drive motor and output a periodic motor condition signal indicative of the periodically detected motor condition. The beverage maker further includes a controller. The controller is configured to: determine whether a value of the motor condition satisfies a first motor condition threshold based on one or more than one first motor condition signals in the periodic motor condition signal. The controller is further configured to, in response to determining that the value of the motor condition satisfies the first motor condition threshold, disconnect the compressor for a first period of time.

[0045] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the controller may further be configured to determine whether the value of the motor condition satisfies a second motor condition threshold greater than the first motor condition threshold based on one or more than one second periodic motor condition signals in the periodic motor condition signal. The controller may further be configured to, in response to determining that the value of the motor condition satisfies the second motor condition threshold, disconnect the drive motor.

[0046] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the controller may also be configured to turn on the drive motor after a certain period of time after the drive motor is disconnected.

[0047] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the controller may also be configured to repeatedly determine whether the value of the motor condition satisfies the second motor condition threshold. In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the controller may also be configured to, in response to determining that the value of the motor condition satisfies the second motor condition threshold, cycle the drive motor on and off until the controller determines that the value of the motor condition does not satisfy the second motor condition threshold.

[0048] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the controller may also be configured to alert the user of the beverage maker in response to determining that the value of the motor condition satisfies the second motor condition threshold.

[0049] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the value of the motor condition that satisfies the second motor condition threshold may indicate an impending stall of the drive motor.

[0050] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the cooling circuit may also include an evaporator, which is contained within a drum, the outer surface of which is within the mixing container. The value of the motor condition that satisfies the first motor condition threshold may indicate ice buildup on the outer surface of the drum.

[0051] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the controller may also be configured to periodically repeat determining whether the value of the motor condition satisfies the first motor condition threshold.

[0052] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the motor condition may include at least one of motor current, motor power, motor torque, and any combination thereof.

[0053] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the motor condition may include the motor current of the drive motor, and the first motor condition threshold may be associated with a predefined motor current value.

[0054] According to non - limiting embodiments or aspects, a method of processing a beverage product in a beverage maker is provided. The method includes mixing the beverage product within a mixing container. The method further includes cooling the beverage product within the mixing container. The method also includes periodically detecting a motor condition associated with a drive motor of the beverage maker. The method further includes outputting a periodic motor condition signal indicative of the periodically detected motor condition. The method also includes determining whether a value of the motor condition satisfies a first motor condition threshold based on one or more than one first motor condition signals in the periodic motor condition signal. The method further includes, in response to determining that the value of the motor condition satisfies the first motor condition threshold, disconnecting a compressor of a cooling circuit of the beverage maker for a first period of time.

[0055] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the method may include using a controller of the beverage maker and based on one or more than one second periodic motor condition signals in the periodic motor condition signal, determining whether a value of the motor condition satisfies a second motor condition threshold greater than the first motor condition threshold. The method may further include, in response to determining that the value of the motor condition satisfies the second motor condition threshold, using the controller to disconnect the drive motor.

[0056] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the method may include using the controller to turn on the drive motor after a certain period of time after the drive motor is disconnected.

[0057] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the method may include using the controller to repeatedly determine whether a value of the motor condition satisfies the second motor condition threshold. The method may further include using the controller to, in response to determining that the value of the motor condition satisfies the second motor condition threshold, cycle the drive motor on and off until the controller determines that the value of the motor condition does not satisfy the second motor condition threshold.

[0058] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the method may include using the controller to alert a user of the beverage maker in response to determining that the value of the motor condition satisfies the second motor condition threshold.

[0059] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the value of the motor condition that satisfies the second motor condition threshold may indicate an impending stall of the drive motor.

[0060] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the cooling circuit may further include an evaporator within a drum, the outer surface of which is within the mixing container. A value of the motor condition that meets the first motor condition threshold may indicate ice buildup on the outer surface of the drum.

[0061] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the method may include using a controller of the beverage maker to periodically repeat determining whether a value of the motor condition meets a first motor condition threshold.

[0062] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the motor condition may include at least one of motor current, motor power, motor torque, and any combination thereof.

[0063] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the motor condition may include the motor current of the drive motor, and wherein the first motor condition threshold is associated with a predefined motor current value.

[0064] According to non - limiting embodiments or aspects, a beverage maker is provided. The beverage maker includes a mixing container configured to receive a beverage product, wherein the beverage product is mixed within the mixing container. The beverage maker further includes a cooling circuit configured to cool the beverage product within the mixing container. The beverage maker further includes a temperature sensor configured to repeatedly detect a temperature associated with the beverage product and output a temperature signal indicative of the detected temperature. The beverage maker further includes a controller. The controller is configured to determine that a condition associated with a phase change of the beverage product has been met based on the temperature signal. The controller is further configured to alert a user of the beverage maker in response to determining the condition.

[0065] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the condition associated with a phase change of the beverage product may include a threshold temperature value associated with the phase change of the beverage product.

[0066] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the threshold temperature value may include a minimum threshold temperature value. The controller may be configured to determine that the temperature value of the phase change of the beverage product is less than or equal to the minimum threshold temperature value when it is determined that the condition has been met.

[0067] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the threshold temperature value may include a maximum threshold temperature value. The controller may be configured to determine that the temperature value of the phase change of the beverage product is greater than or equal to the maximum threshold temperature value when it is determined that the condition has been met.

[0068] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, a temperature sensor may be configured to repeatedly detect a temperature associated with a beverage product at periodic intervals in the range of about 0.1 second to about 5 seconds, wherein a temperature signal output from the temperature sensor indicates the temperature detected at the corresponding periodic intervals.

[0069] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the beverage maker may further include at least one output device. The at least one output device may include at least one of a display, a speaker, and a light indicator. The controller may be configured to cause the at least one output device to alert a user of the beverage maker when alerting the user of the beverage maker.

[0070] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the at least one output device may include at least one speaker and at least one light indicator. The controller may be configured to cause the at least one speaker to generate an audible alert and cause the at least one light indicator to generate a visual alert when alerting the user of the beverage maker.

[0071] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the at least one output device may include at least one speaker. The at least one output device may be configured to emit a series of sounds from the at least one speaker when caused by the controller to alert the user of the beverage maker.

[0072] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the series of sounds may include multiple sounds having at least one of a decreasing pitch and a decreasing volume when generated in succession.

[0073] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the series of sounds may include multiple sounds having at least one of an increasing pitch and an increasing volume when generated in succession.

[0074] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the at least one output device may include multiple light indicators. The at least one output device may be configured to sequentially illuminate the multiple light indicators when caused by the controller to alert the user of the beverage maker.

[0075] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the conditions associated with a phase change of the beverage product may include a threshold rate of change. The controller may also be configured to determine a rate of temperature change based on the temperature signal.

[0076] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the threshold rate of change may have a value in the range of about 0.002 degrees Celsius per second to about 0.006 degrees Celsius per second.

[0077] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the controller may be configured to determine that the rate of temperature change is less than or equal to a threshold rate of change when it is determined that a condition has been met.

[0078] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the controller may be configured to determine that a phase change has occurred in response to determining that the rate of temperature change is less than or equal to a threshold rate of change.

[0079] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the beverage maker may further include at least one output device. The at least one output device may include at least one of a display, a speaker, and a light indicator. The controller may be configured to cause the at least one output device to alert the user of the beverage maker that a phase change has occurred when alerting the user of the beverage maker.

[0080] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the controller may be configured to determine that the rate of temperature change is greater than or equal to a threshold rate of change when it is determined that a condition has been met.

[0081] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the controller may further be configured to determine the elapsed time of mixing of the beverage product. The condition associated with the phase change of the beverage product may further include a threshold duration. The controller may further be configured to determine that the elapsed time is greater than or equal to the threshold duration when it is determined that the threshold condition has been met.

[0082] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the controller may be configured to determine the elapsed time of mixing of the beverage product. The condition associated with the phase change of the beverage product may include a threshold duration. The controller may be configured to determine that the elapsed time is greater than or equal to the threshold duration when it is determined that the threshold condition has been met.

[0083] According to some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, a method of processing a beverage product in a beverage maker is provided. The method includes mixing the beverage product within a mixing container of the beverage maker. The method further includes cooling the beverage product within the mixing container. The method further includes repeatedly detecting a temperature associated with the beverage product. The method further includes outputting a temperature signal indicative of the detected temperature. The method further includes determining that a condition associated with a phase change of the beverage product has been met based on the repeatedly detected temperature. The method further includes alerting the user of the beverage maker in response to determining the condition.

[0084] According to some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, a beverage making machine is provided. The beverage making machine includes a mixing container configured to receive a beverage product. The beverage product is mixed within the mixing container. The beverage making machine further includes a cooling circuit configured to cool the beverage product within the mixing container. The beverage making machine further includes a housing that includes at least one ventilation panel. The at least one ventilation panel includes at least one array of holes, and the at least one array of holes is configured to permit an airflow to ventilate the housing. The at least one ventilation panel further includes at least one baffling adjacent to an inner surface of the at least one ventilation panel. The at least one baffling is configured to at least partially block a group of holes in the at least one array of holes.

[0085] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the at least one array of holes may include a two - dimensional array of holes across a surface of the at least one ventilation panel.

[0086] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the holes positioned on the perimeter of the two - dimensional array of holes may be configured with a smaller diameter than the holes positioned inside the perimeter of the two - dimensional array of holes.

[0087] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the group of holes at least partially blocked by the at least one baffling may be selected from the holes positioned inside the perimeter of the two - dimensional array of holes.

[0088] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the maximum diameter of each hole in the at least one array of holes may be less than or equal to 0.25 inches.

[0089] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, each of the at least one baffling may include a plurality of blocking portions and a plurality of connecting portions, and each of the plurality of blocking portions is connected to at least one other blocking portion by at least one of the plurality of connecting portions.

[0090] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the plurality of blocking portions and the plurality of connecting portions of each of the at least one baffling may be configured as linear strips.

[0091] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, each of the at least one baffling may be positioned on the inner surface of the at least one ventilation panel in a vertical orientation. Each of the plurality of blocking portions of each of the at least one baffling may be positioned in correspondence with a hole in the at least one array of holes.

[0092] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the diameter of each of the plurality of blocking portions of each of the at least one baffling may be less than the hole in the at least one array of holes that is in positional correspondence.

[0093] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the diameter of each blocking portion among the multiple blocking portions of each baffle in at least one baffle can be at least 50% of the diameter of the hole corresponding in position in at least one hole array.

[0094] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, each hole in at least one hole array can have a substantially circular cross - section.

[0095] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, at least 50% of the holes in at least one hole array can be at least partially blocked by at least one baffle.

[0096] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, at least 75% of the holes in at least one hole array can be at least partially blocked by at least one baffle.

[0097] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, at least one ventilation panel can include a first ventilation panel and a second ventilation panel. The first ventilation panel can include a first hole array in at least one hole array and is positioned on a first side of the housing. The second ventilation panel can include a second hole array in at least one hole array and is positioned on a second side of the housing opposite the first side.

[0098] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, at least one baffle can include a first baffle strip group and a second baffle strip group. The first baffle strip group can be close to the inner surface of the first ventilation panel and can be configured to at least partially block a first group of holes in the first hole array. The second baffle strip group can be close to the inner surface of the second ventilation panel and can be configured to at least partially block a second group of holes in the second hole array.

[0099] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the compressor can be configured to pump refrigerant through a cooling circuit. The compressor can be at least partially positioned in the housing between the first ventilation panel and the second ventilation panel.

[0100] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, at least one baffle can be formed of at least one of a plastic material and an elastomeric material configured to perform at least one of reflection of acoustic energy and absorption of acoustic energy from inside the housing.

[0101] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, at least one baffle can be formed of a water - resistant material configured to reduce liquid penetration through at least one ventilation panel.

[0102] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the total cross - sectional area of at least one hole array can be at least 20% of the total cross - sectional area of at least one ventilation panel.

[0103] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the beverage maker may further include a cooling fan positioned within the housing. The cooling fan may be configured to draw air flow through a rear panel of the housing and expel the air flow through at least one array of holes in at least one ventilation panel out of the housing.

[0104] Further non-limiting embodiments or aspects are set forth in the numbered clauses below:

[0105] Clause 1: A beverage maker, comprising: a mixing container configured to receive a beverage product, wherein the beverage product is mixed within the mixing container; a cooling circuit configured to cool the beverage product within the mixing container; a temperature sensor configured to periodically detect a temperature associated with the beverage product and output a periodic temperature signal indicative of the periodically detected temperature; and a controller configured to determine whether a phase change of the beverage product has occurred based on the periodic temperature signal and to control the cooling circuit based on a determination of whether the phase change has occurred.

[0106] Clause 2: The beverage maker according to Clause 1, wherein the controller is further configured to: receive the periodic temperature signal during mixing of the beverage product; for each periodic temperature signal, determine a rate of change of the temperature over a period of time based on the received periodic temperature signal; for each determined rate of change, determine whether the determined rate of change is less than or equal to a threshold rate of change; and based on a determination that, for a first periodic temperature signal among the periodic temperature signals, the determined rate of change corresponding to the first corresponding period of time of the first periodic temperature signal is less than or equal to the threshold rate of change, determine that a phase change of the beverage product has occurred.

[0107] Clause 3: The beverage maker according to Clause 1 or Clause 2, wherein the threshold rate of change is in the range of about 0.08 degrees Celsius per 30 seconds to 0.18 degrees Celsius per 30 seconds.

[0108] Clause 4: The beverage maker according to any one of Clauses 1 to 3, wherein the temperature sensor is configured to periodically detect the temperature at intervals in the range of about 0.1 second to about 5 seconds.

[0109] Clause 5: The beverage maker according to any one of Clauses 1 to 4, wherein each corresponding period of time has a duration in the range of about 5 seconds to 60 seconds.

[0110] Clause 6: The beverage making machine according to any one of Clauses 1 to 5, wherein the temperature sensor is configured to periodically detect the temperature at a plurality of intervals, each periodic temperature signal corresponding to a respective one of the plurality of intervals and being associated with the temperature detected at the respective interval, and wherein the first respective time period includes one or more intervals among the plurality of intervals that occur before the interval corresponding to the first periodic temperature signal.

[0111] Clause 7: The beverage making machine according to any one of Clauses 1 to 6, wherein the controller is further configured to determine a phase change temperature value corresponding to a phase change, and to control the cooling circuit based on the phase change temperature value.

[0112] Clause 8: The beverage making machine according to any one of Clauses 1 to 7, wherein the controller is further configured to receive periodic temperature signals during the mixing of the beverage product; for each periodic temperature signal, to determine the rate of change of the temperature over a period of time based on the received periodic temperature signal; for each determined rate of change, to determine whether the determined rate of change is less than or equal to a threshold rate of change; and based on determining that the rate of change corresponding to the first periodic temperature signal among the periodic temperature signals and the first respective time period corresponding to the first periodic temperature signal is less than or equal to the threshold rate of change, to determine that a phase change of the beverage product has occurred, wherein the temperature sensor is configured to periodically detect the temperature at a plurality of intervals, each periodic temperature signal being associated with the temperature detected at the respective one of these intervals, and wherein the phase change temperature value is determined based on one or more of the temperature values detected for one or more of the intervals within the first respective time period determined to have undergone a phase change.

[0113] Clause 9: The beverage making machine according to any one of Clauses 1 to 8, wherein the phase change temperature value is set to the temperature value detected for at least one of the one or more intervals within the first respective time period.

[0114] Clause 10: The beverage making machine according to any one of Clauses 1 to 9, wherein the controller is further configured to calculate a target temperature value based on the determined phase change temperature value; and to control the cooling circuit to achieve the target temperature value of the beverage product in the mixing container.

[0115] Clause 11: The beverage making machine according to any one of Clauses 1 to 10, wherein the controller is further configured to compare the phase change temperature value with a threshold temperature value; and in response to the phase change temperature value being greater than the threshold temperature value, to control the performance of at least one of the following: an alert to the user of the beverage making machine regarding an associated condition, a corrective action to address the associated condition, and any combination thereof.

[0116] Clause 12: A beverage making machine according to any one of Clauses 1 to 11, wherein the associated condition includes that the beverage product cannot be properly slushified by the beverage making machine due to an insufficient amount of one or more ingredients.

[0117] Clause 13: A beverage making machine according to any one of Clauses 1 to 12, wherein the one or more ingredients include at least one of the following: sugar, alcohol, and any combination thereof.

[0118] Clause 14: A beverage making machine according to any one of Clauses 1 to 13, wherein the controller is further configured to determine when a target temperature value of the beverage product in the mixing container has been reached; determine whether a phase change of the beverage product has occurred before the target temperature value is reached; and in response to determining that a phase change of the beverage product has not occurred before the target temperature is reached, keep the compressor of the cooling circuit on until a phase change of the beverage product is determined.

[0119] Clause 15: A beverage making machine according to any one of Clauses 1 to 14, wherein the controller is further configured to, in response to determining a phase change of the beverage product, cycle the cooling circuit on and off to maintain the temperature at approximately the target temperature value.

[0120] Clause 16: A beverage making machine according to any one of Clauses 1 to 15, the beverage making machine further includes a stirrer driven by a drive motor, the stirrer being configured to mix the beverage product in the mixing container, wherein the controller is further configured to, in response to determining that a phase change of the beverage product has not occurred before the target temperature is reached, pulse drive the drive motor of the stirrer to trigger nucleation of the beverage product.

[0121] Clause 17: A beverage making machine according to any one of Clauses 1 to 16, wherein the controller is further configured to, in response to determining that a phase change of the beverage product has occurred before the target temperature is reached, cycle the cooling circuit on and off to maintain the temperature at approximately the target temperature value.

[0122] Clause 18: A beverage making machine according to any one of Clauses 1 to 17, the beverage making machine further includes a memory configured to store a beverage data object representing a beverage type corresponding to the beverage product, the beverage data object specifying a predefined temperature value of the beverage product; and a user interface, wherein the controller is further configured to determine the target temperature value based on at least one of the following: the predefined temperature value, a temperature adjustment value caused by a user input from the user interface, and any combination thereof.

[0123] Clause 19: The beverage making machine according to any one of Clauses 1 to 18, wherein the controller is further configured to determine whether the temperature of the beverage product has dropped below a low temperature threshold; and in response to determining that the temperature of the beverage product has dropped below the low temperature threshold, perform at least one of the following: alert the user of the beverage making machine, disconnect the cooling circuit and the drive motor of the beverage making machine, cycle the cooling circuit on and off to prevent the temperature of the beverage product from dropping further, and any combination thereof.

[0124] Clause 20: The beverage making machine according to any one of Clauses 1 to 19, wherein the controller is further configured to determine whether the determined phase change temperature value is below the low temperature threshold defined for the phase change temperature value; and in response to determining that the temperature of the beverage product has dropped below the low temperature threshold, perform at least one of the following: alert the user of the beverage making machine, turn off the cooling circuit and the drive motor of the beverage making machine, cycle the cooling circuit on and off to prevent the temperature of the beverage product from dropping further, and any combination thereof.

[0125] Clause 21: A method of processing a beverage product in a beverage making machine, comprising: mixing the beverage product in a mixing container of the beverage making machine; cooling the beverage product in the mixing container; periodically detecting a temperature associated with the beverage product; outputting a periodic temperature signal indicative of the periodically detected temperature; determining whether a phase change of the beverage product has occurred based on the periodic temperature signal; and controlling a cooling circuit of the beverage making machine based on determining whether a phase change has occurred.

[0126] Clause 22: The method according to Clause 21, further comprising: receiving, by a controller of the beverage making machine, a periodic temperature signal during mixing of the beverage product; for each periodic temperature signal, determining, by the controller and based on the received periodic temperature signal, a rate of change of temperature over a period of time; for each determined rate of change, determining, by the controller, whether the determined rate of change is less than or equal to a threshold rate of change; and determining, by the controller, that a phase change of the beverage product has occurred based on determining that, for a first periodic temperature signal among the periodic temperature signals, the rate of change corresponding to the first corresponding period of time determined for the first periodic temperature signal is less than or equal to the threshold rate of change.

[0127] Clause 23: The method according to Clause 21 or Clause 22, wherein the threshold rate of change is in the range of about 0.08 degrees Celsius / 30 seconds to 0.18 degrees Celsius / 30 seconds.

[0128] Clause 24: The method according to any one of Clauses 21 to 23, wherein the temperature sensor is configured to periodically detect the temperature at intervals in the range of about 0.1 second to about 5 seconds.

[0129] Clause 25: The method according to any one of Clauses 21 to 24, wherein each respective time period has a duration in the range of about 5 seconds to 60 seconds.

[0130] Clause 26: The method according to any one of Clauses 21 to 25, wherein periodically detecting the temperature associated with the beverage product includes periodically detecting the temperature at a plurality of intervals, each periodic temperature signal corresponding to a respective one of the plurality of intervals and being associated with the temperature detected at the respective interval, and wherein the first respective time period includes one or more intervals that occur before the interval corresponding to the first periodic temperature signal among the plurality of intervals.

[0131] Clause 27: The method according to any one of Clauses 21 to 26, further comprising: determining, using a controller of the beverage maker, a phase change temperature value corresponding to a phase change; and controlling, using the controller, a cooling circuit based on the phase change temperature value.

[0132] Clause 28: The method according to any one of Clauses 21 to 27, further comprising: receiving, using the controller, periodic temperature signals during mixing of the beverage product; for each periodic temperature signal among the periodic temperature signals, determining, using the controller and based on the received periodic temperature signal, a rate of change of temperature over a period of time; for each determined rate of change, determining, using the controller, whether the determined rate of change is less than or equal to a threshold rate of change; determining, using the controller and based on determining that the rate of change of the first respective time period corresponding to the first periodic temperature signal among the periodic temperature signals is less than or equal to the threshold rate of change, that a phase change of the beverage product has occurred; periodically detecting the temperature at a plurality of intervals using a temperature sensor, each periodic temperature signal being associated with the temperature detected at the respective one of these intervals; and determining, using the controller, a phase change temperature value based on one or more of the temperature values detected at one or more of the intervals within the first respective time period determined to have undergone a phase change.

[0133] Clause 29: The method according to any one of Clauses 21 to 28, further comprising: setting, using the controller, the phase change temperature value to a temperature value detected at at least one of one or more of the intervals within the first respective time period.

[0134] Clause 30: The method according to any one of Clauses 21 to 29, further comprising: calculating, using the controller, a target temperature value based on the determined phase change temperature value; and controlling, using the controller, a cooling circuit to achieve the target temperature value of the beverage product in the mixing container.

[0135] Clause 31: The method according to any one of Clauses 21 to 30 further includes: comparing, by a controller, a phase change temperature value with a threshold temperature value; and in response to the phase change temperature value being greater than the threshold temperature value, controlling, by the controller, the performance of at least one of the following: alerting a user of the beverage maker about an associated condition, a corrective action to address the associated condition, and any combination thereof.

[0136] Clause 32: The method according to any one of Clauses 21 to 31, wherein the associated condition includes that the beverage product cannot be properly slushified by the beverage maker due to an insufficient amount of one or more ingredients.

[0137] Clause 33: The method according to any one of Clauses 21 to 32, wherein the one or more ingredients include at least one of the following: sugar, alcohol, and any combination thereof.

[0138] Clause 34: The method according to any one of Clauses 21 to 33 further includes: determining, by a controller, when a target temperature value of the beverage product in the mixing container has been reached; determining, by the controller, whether a phase change of the beverage product has occurred before the target temperature value is reached; and in response to determining that a phase change of the beverage product has not occurred before the target temperature is reached, maintaining, by the controller, the compressor of the cooling circuit on until a phase change of the beverage product is determined.

[0139] Clause 35: The method according to any one of Clauses 21 to 34 further includes: in response to determining a phase change of the beverage product, cycling, by the controller, the cooling circuit on and off to maintain the temperature at approximately the target temperature value.

[0140] Clause 36: The method according to any one of Clauses 21 to 35 further includes: in response to determining that a phase change of the beverage product has not occurred before the target temperature is reached, pulse driving, by the controller, a drive motor of a stirrer of the beverage maker to trigger nucleation of the beverage product.

[0141] Clause 37: The method according to any one of Clauses 21 to 36 further includes: in response to determining that a phase change of the beverage product has occurred before the target temperature is reached, cycling, by the controller, the cooling circuit on and off to maintain the temperature at approximately the target temperature value.

[0142] Clause 38: The method according to any one of Clauses 21 to 37 further includes: using a memory of a beverage maker to store a beverage data object representing a beverage type corresponding to a beverage product, the beverage data object specifying a predefined temperature value of the beverage product; and using a controller to determine a target temperature value based on at least one of: the predefined temperature value, a temperature adjustment value caused by a user input from a user interface of the beverage maker, and any combination thereof.

[0143] Clause 39: The method according to any one of Clauses 21 to 38 further includes: using a controller to determine whether the temperature of the beverage product has dropped below a low temperature threshold; and in response to determining that the temperature of the beverage product has dropped below the low temperature threshold, using the controller to perform at least one of: alerting a user of the beverage maker, disconnecting a cooling circuit and a drive motor of the beverage maker, cycling the cooling circuit on and off to prevent the temperature of the beverage product from dropping further, and any combination thereof.

[0144] Clause 40: The method according to any one of Clauses 21 to 39 further includes: using a controller to determine whether the determined phase change temperature value is below a low temperature threshold defined for the phase change temperature value; and in response to determining that the temperature of the beverage product has dropped below the low temperature threshold, using the controller to perform at least one of: alerting a user of the beverage maker, turning off the cooling circuit and the drive motor of the beverage maker, cycling the cooling circuit on and off to prevent the temperature of the beverage product from dropping further, and any combination thereof.

[0145] Clause 41: A beverage maker includes: a mixing container configured to receive a beverage product, wherein the beverage product is mixed within the mixing container; a stirrer driven by a drive motor and configured to mix the beverage product within the mixing container; a cooling circuit configured to cool the beverage product within the mixing container, the cooling circuit including a compressor; a motor condition sensor configured to periodically detect a motor condition associated with the drive motor and output a periodic motor condition signal indicative of the periodically detected motor condition; a controller configured to: determine whether a value of the motor condition satisfies a first motor condition threshold based on one or more first motor condition signals among the periodic motor condition signals; and in response to determining that the value of the motor condition satisfies the first motor condition threshold, disconnect the compressor for a first period of time.

[0146] Clause 42: The beverage maker according to Clause 41, wherein the controller is further configured to determine whether a value of the motor condition satisfies a second motor condition threshold greater than the first motor condition threshold based on one or more second periodic motor condition signals in the periodic motor condition signal; and in response to determining that the value of the motor condition satisfies the second motor condition threshold, disconnect the drive motor.

[0147] Clause 43: The beverage maker according to Clause 41 or Clause 42, wherein the controller is further configured to turn on the drive motor after a certain period of time after the drive motor is disconnected.

[0148] Clause 44: The beverage maker according to any one of Clauses 41 to 43, wherein the controller is further configured to repeatedly determine whether the value of the motor condition satisfies the second motor condition threshold; and in response to determining that the value of the motor condition satisfies the second motor condition threshold, cycle the drive motor on and off until the controller determines that the value of the motor condition does not satisfy the second motor condition threshold.

[0149] Clause 45: The beverage maker according to any one of Clauses 41 to 44, wherein the controller is further configured to alert the user of the beverage maker in response to determining that the value of the motor condition satisfies the second motor condition threshold.

[0150] Clause 46: The beverage maker according to any one of Clauses 41 to 45, wherein the value of the motor condition that satisfies the second motor condition threshold indicates an impending stall of the drive motor.

[0151] Clause 47: The beverage maker according to any one of Clauses 41 to 46, wherein the cooling circuit further includes an evaporator, the evaporator is contained in a drum, an outer surface of the drum is within the mixing container, and wherein the value of the motor condition that satisfies the first motor condition threshold indicates ice buildup on the outer surface of the drum.

[0152] Clause 48: The beverage maker according to any one of Clauses 41 to 47, wherein the controller is further configured to periodically repeat determining whether the value of the motor condition satisfies the first motor condition threshold.

[0153] Clause 49: The beverage maker according to any one of Clauses 41 to 48, wherein the motor condition includes at least one of motor current, motor power, motor torque, and any combination thereof.

[0154] Clause 50: A beverage making machine according to any one of Clauses 41 to 49, wherein the motor condition includes the motor current of the drive motor, and wherein the first motor condition threshold is associated with a predefined motor current value.

[0155] Clause 51: A method of processing a beverage product in a beverage making machine, comprising: mixing the beverage product in a mixing container; cooling the beverage product in the mixing container; periodically detecting a motor condition associated with a drive motor of the beverage making machine; outputting a periodic motor condition signal indicative of the periodically detected motor condition; determining whether a value of the motor condition satisfies a first motor condition threshold based on one or more than one first motor condition signals in the periodic motor condition signal; and in response to determining that the value of the motor condition satisfies the first motor condition threshold, disconnecting a compressor of a cooling circuit of the beverage making machine for a first period of time.

[0156] Clause 52: The method according to Clause 51, further comprising: using a controller of the beverage making machine and based on one or more than one second periodic motor condition signals in the periodic motor condition signal, determining whether a value of the motor condition satisfies a second motor condition threshold greater than the first motor condition threshold; and in response to determining that the value of the motor condition satisfies the second motor condition threshold, using the controller to disconnect the drive motor.

[0157] Clause 53: The method according to Clause 51 or Clause 52, further comprising: using the controller to turn on the drive motor after a certain period of time after the drive motor is disconnected.

[0158] Clause 54: The method according to any one of Clauses 51 to 53, further comprising: using the controller to repeatedly determine whether a value of the motor condition satisfies the second motor condition threshold; and in response to determining that the value of the motor condition satisfies the second motor condition threshold, cycling the drive motor on and off until the controller determines that the value of the motor condition does not satisfy the second motor condition threshold.

[0159] Clause 55: The method according to any one of Clauses 51 to 54, further comprising: using the controller to alert a user of the beverage making machine in response to determining that a value of the motor condition satisfies the second motor condition threshold.

[0160] Clause 56: The method according to any one of Clauses 51 to 55, wherein the value of the motor condition that satisfies the second motor condition threshold indicates an impending stall of the drive motor.

[0161] Clause 57: The method according to any one of Clauses 51 to 56, wherein the cooling circuit further includes an evaporator, the evaporator is within a drum, an outer surface of the drum is within the mixing container, and a value of the motor condition that meets the first motor condition threshold indicates icing on the outer surface of the drum.

[0162] Clause 58: The method according to any one of Clauses 51 to 57, further comprising: using a controller of the beverage maker to periodically repeat determining whether a value of the motor condition meets a first motor condition threshold.

[0163] Clause 59: The method according to any one of Clauses 51 to 58, wherein the motor condition includes at least one of motor current, motor power, motor torque, and any combination thereof.

[0164] Clause 60: The method according to any one of Clauses 51 to 59, wherein the motor condition includes the motor current of the drive motor, and wherein the first motor condition threshold is associated with a predefined motor current value.

[0165] Clause 61: A beverage maker, comprising: a mixing container arranged to receive a beverage product, wherein the beverage product is mixed within the mixing container; a cooling circuit configured to cool the beverage product within the mixing container; a temperature sensor configured to repeatedly detect a temperature associated with the beverage product and output a temperature signal indicative of the detected temperature; and a controller configured to determine, based on the temperature signal, that a condition associated with a phase change of the beverage product has been met; and in response to determining the condition, alert a user of the beverage maker.

[0166] Clause 62: The beverage maker according to Clause 61, wherein the condition associated with the phase change of the beverage product includes a threshold temperature value associated with the phase change of the beverage product.

[0167] Clause 63: The beverage maker according to Clause 61 or Clause 62, wherein the threshold temperature value includes a minimum threshold temperature value, and wherein the controller is configured to determine that a temperature value of the phase change of the beverage product is less than or equal to the minimum threshold temperature value when it is determined that the condition has been met.

[0168] Clause 64: The beverage maker according to any one of Clauses 61 to 63, wherein the threshold temperature value includes a maximum threshold temperature value, and wherein the controller is configured to determine that a temperature value of the phase change of the beverage product is greater than or equal to the maximum threshold temperature value when it is determined that the condition has been met.

[0169] Clause 65: A beverage making machine according to any one of Clauses 61 to 64, wherein the temperature sensor is configured to repeatedly detect the temperature associated with the beverage product at periodic intervals in the range of about 0.1 second to about 5 seconds, and wherein the temperature signal output from the temperature sensor indicates the temperature detected at the corresponding periodic intervals.

[0170] Clause 66: A beverage making machine according to any one of Clauses 61 to 65, further comprising at least one output device, the at least one output device including at least one of a display, a speaker, and a light indicator, wherein the controller is configured to cause the at least one output device to alert the user of the beverage making machine when alerting the user of the beverage making machine.

[0171] Clause 67: A beverage making machine according to any one of Clauses 61 to 66, wherein the at least one output device includes at least one speaker and at least one light indicator, and wherein the controller is configured to cause at least one speaker to generate an audible alert and cause at least one light indicator to generate a visual alert when alerting the user of the beverage making machine.

[0172] Clause 68: A beverage making machine according to any one of Clauses 61 to 67, wherein the at least one output device includes at least one speaker, and wherein the at least one output device is configured to emit a series of sounds from the at least one speaker when caused by the controller to alert the user of the beverage making machine.

[0173] Clause 69: A beverage making machine according to any one of Clauses 61 to 68, wherein the series of sounds includes a plurality of sounds having at least one of a descending pitch and a descending volume when generated in succession.

[0174] Clause 70: A beverage making machine according to any one of Clauses 61 to 69, wherein the series of sounds includes a plurality of sounds having at least one of an ascending pitch and an ascending volume when generated in succession.

[0175] Clause 71: A beverage making machine according to any one of Clauses 61 to 70, wherein the at least one output device includes a plurality of light indicators, and wherein the at least one output device is configured to sequentially illuminate the plurality of light indicators when caused by the controller to alert the user of the beverage making machine.

[0176] Clause 72: A beverage making machine according to any one of Clauses 61 to 71, wherein the condition associated with the phase change of the beverage product includes a threshold rate of change, and wherein the controller is further configured to determine the rate of change of temperature based on the temperature signal.

[0177] Clause 73: The beverage maker according to any one of Clauses 61 to 72, wherein the threshold rate of change has a value in the range of from about 0.002 degrees Celsius per second to about 0.006 degrees Celsius per second.

[0178] Clause 74: The beverage maker according to any one of Clauses 61 to 73, wherein the controller is configured to determine that the rate of temperature change is less than or equal to the threshold rate of change when it is determined that a condition has been met.

[0179] Clause 75: The beverage maker according to any one of Clauses 61 to 74, wherein the controller is configured to determine that a phase change has occurred in response to determining that the rate of temperature change is less than or equal to the threshold rate of change.

[0180] Clause 76: The beverage maker according to any one of Clauses 61 to 75, further comprising at least one output device, the at least one output device including at least one of a display, a speaker, and a light indicator, wherein the controller is configured to cause the at least one output device to alert a user of the beverage maker that a phase change has occurred when alerting the user of the beverage maker.

[0181] Clause 77: The beverage maker according to any one of Clauses 61 to 76, wherein the controller is configured to determine that the rate of temperature change is greater than or equal to the threshold rate of change when it is determined that a condition has been met.

[0182] Clause 78: The beverage maker according to any one of Clauses 61 to 77, wherein the controller is further configured to determine an elapsed time of mixing of the beverage product, wherein the condition associated with the phase change of the beverage product further includes a threshold duration, and wherein the controller is further configured to determine that the elapsed time is greater than or equal to the threshold duration when it is determined that the threshold condition has been met.

[0183] Clause 79: The beverage maker according to any one of Clauses 61 to 78, wherein the controller is configured to determine an elapsed time of mixing of the beverage product, wherein the condition associated with the phase change of the beverage product includes a threshold duration, and wherein the controller is configured to determine that the elapsed time is greater than or equal to the threshold duration when it is determined that the threshold condition has been met.

[0184] Clause 80: A method of processing a beverage product in a beverage maker, the method comprising: mixing a beverage product within a mixing container of the beverage maker; cooling the beverage product within the mixing container; repeatedly detecting a temperature associated with the beverage product; outputting a temperature signal indicative of the detected temperature; determining that a condition associated with a phase change of the beverage product has been met based on the repeatedly detected temperature; and alerting a user of the beverage maker in response to determining the condition.

[0185] Clause 81: A beverage making machine, comprising: a mixing container configured to receive a beverage product, wherein the beverage product is mixed within the mixing container; a cooling circuit configured to cool the beverage product within the mixing container; and a housing including at least one ventilation panel, the at least one ventilation panel including: at least one array of holes configured to permit an airflow to ventilate the housing; and at least one baffle adjacent an inner surface of the at least one ventilation panel, the at least one baffle configured to at least partially block a group of holes in the at least one array of holes.

[0186] Clause 82: The beverage making machine according to Clause 81, wherein the at least one array of holes includes a two-dimensional array of holes across a surface of the at least one ventilation panel.

[0187] Clause 83: The beverage making machine according to Clause 81 or Clause 82, wherein holes positioned on a perimeter of the two-dimensional array of holes are configured to have a smaller diameter than holes positioned inside the perimeter of the two-dimensional array of holes.

[0188] Clause 84: The beverage making machine according to any one of Clauses 81 to 83, wherein the group of holes at least partially blocked by the at least one baffle is selected from holes positioned inside the perimeter of the two-dimensional array of holes.

[0189] Clause 85: The beverage making machine according to any one of Clauses 81 to 84, wherein a maximum diameter of each hole in the at least one array of holes is less than or equal to 0.25 inches.

[0190] Clause 86: The beverage making machine according to any one of Clauses 81 to 85, wherein each baffle in the at least one baffle includes a plurality of blocking portions and a plurality of connecting portions, and each of the plurality of blocking portions is connected to at least one other blocking portion by at least one of the plurality of connecting portions.

[0191] Clause 87: The beverage making machine according to any one of Clauses 81 to 86, wherein the plurality of blocking portions and the plurality of connecting portions of each baffle in the at least one baffle are configured as linear strips.

[0192] Clause 88: The beverage making machine according to any one of Clauses 81 to 87, wherein each baffle in the at least one baffle is positioned on the inner surface of the at least one ventilation panel in a vertical orientation, and wherein each of the plurality of blocking portions of each baffle in the at least one baffle is positioned opposite a hole in the at least one array of holes.

[0193] Clause 89: The beverage making machine according to any one of Clauses 81 to 88, wherein the diameter of each of the plurality of blocking portions of each baffle in at least one baffle is smaller than the holes in the at least one hole array that are in corresponding positions.

[0194] Clause 90: The beverage making machine according to any one of Clauses 81 to 89, wherein the diameter of each of the plurality of blocking portions of each baffle in at least one baffle is at least 50% of the diameter of the holes in the at least one hole array that are in corresponding positions.

[0195] Clause 91: The beverage making machine according to any one of Clauses 81 to 90, wherein each of the holes in the at least one hole array has a substantially circular cross-section.

[0196] Clause 92: The beverage making machine according to any one of Clauses 81 to 91, wherein at least 50% of the holes in the at least one hole array are at least partially blocked by at least one baffle.

[0197] Clause 93: The beverage making machine according to any one of Clauses 81 to 92, wherein at least 75% of the holes in the at least one hole array are at least partially blocked by at least one baffle.

[0198] Clause 94: The beverage making machine according to any one of Clauses 81 to 93, wherein at least one ventilation panel includes a first ventilation panel and a second ventilation panel, the first ventilation panel includes a first hole array in the at least one hole array and is positioned on a first side of the housing, and the second ventilation panel includes a second hole array in the at least one hole array and is positioned on a second side of the housing opposite to the first side.

[0199] Clause 95: The beverage making machine according to any one of Clauses 81 to 94, wherein at least one baffle includes a first baffle strip group and a second baffle strip group, the first baffle strip group is close to the inner surface of the first ventilation panel and is configured to at least partially block a first group of holes in the first hole array, and the second baffle strip group is close to the inner surface of the second ventilation panel and is configured to at least partially block a second group of holes in the second hole array.

[0200] Clause 96: The beverage making machine according to any one of Clauses 81 to 95, further including a compressor configured to pump refrigerant through a cooling circuit, wherein the compressor is at least partially positioned between the first ventilation panel and the second ventilation panel in the housing.

[0201] Clause 97: The beverage making machine according to any one of Clauses 81 to 96, wherein at least one baffle is formed of at least one of a plastic material and an elastomeric material configured to perform at least one of reflection of acoustic energy and absorption of acoustic energy from inside the housing.

[0202] Clause 98: The beverage making machine according to any one of Clauses 81 to 97, wherein at least one baffle is formed of a water-resistant material configured to reduce liquid penetration through at least one ventilation panel.

[0203] Clause 99: The beverage making machine according to any one of Clauses 81 to 98, wherein the total cross-sectional area of at least one hole array is at least 20% of the total cross-sectional area of at least one ventilation panel.

[0204] Clause 100: The beverage making machine according to any one of Clauses 81 to 99, further comprising a cooling fan positioned in the housing, the cooling fan being configured to draw air flow through a rear panel of the housing and push the air flow out of the housing through at least one hole array in at least one ventilation panel.

[0205] These and other features and characteristics of the present utility model, together with the operating methods and functions of the combined related elements and components of the structure, and the economic significance of the manufacturing industry, will become more apparent by considering the following description and the appended claims in reference to the accompanying drawings, in which all the drawings form a part of this specification, and in which like reference numerals represent corresponding components in each of the drawings. However, it should be clearly understood that the drawings are for illustrative and descriptive purposes only and are not intended as a definition of the limitations of the disclosed subject matter. Description of the Drawings

[0206] The additional advantages and details are explained in more detail below with reference to non-limiting exemplary embodiments shown in the schematic drawings, in which:

[0207] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a frozen beverage making machine according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects;

[0208] Figure 2 is according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects Figure 1 of the various internal components within the housing and mixing container of the beverage making machine;

[0209] Figure 3 is according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects Figure 1 of the front view of the beverage making machine;

[0210] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the control system of the beverage making machine according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects;

[0211] Figure 5 is a close-up view of a user interface of a beverage making machine according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects;

[0212] Figure 6 is a graph of coarse and fine temperature settings for control of a beverage making machine according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects;

[0213] Figure 7 is a close-up view of a user interface of a beverage making machine according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects;

[0214] Figure 8 is a graph of temperature values associated with automatic program target temperatures and manual temperature adjustments according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects;

[0215] Figure 9 is a graph of drive motor current and temperature over time when a beverage product is being processed by a beverage making machine according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects;

[0216] Figure 10 is a flowchart of a method for processing a beverage product in a beverage making machine according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects;

[0217] Figure 11 is a flowchart of a method for processing a beverage product in a beverage making machine according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects;

[0218] Figure 12A is a flowchart of a method for processing a beverage product in a beverage making machine according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects;

[0219] Figure 12B is a flowchart of a method for processing a beverage product in a beverage making machine according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects;

[0220] Figure 13 is a graph of beverage product temperature over time according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, showing how a controller can determine a phase change of a beverage product when the rate of temperature change decreases from a first rate to a second rate;

[0221] Figure 14 is a graph of the linear relationship between temperature at phase change and beverage type temperature according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects;

[0222] Figure 15 is a flowchart of a method for processing a beverage product in a beverage making machine according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects;

[0223] Figure 16is a flowchart of a method for processing a beverage product in a beverage making machine according to some non - limiting embodiments or aspects;

[0224] Figure 17 is a flowchart of a method for processing a beverage product in a beverage making machine according to some non - limiting embodiments or aspects;

[0225] Figure 18 is a flowchart of a method for processing a beverage product in a beverage making machine according to some non - limiting embodiments or aspects;

[0226] Figure 19 is a flowchart of a method for processing a beverage product in a beverage making machine according to some non - limiting embodiments or aspects;

[0227] Figure 20 is a flowchart of a method for processing a beverage product in a beverage making machine according to some non - limiting embodiments or aspects;

[0228] Figure 21 is according to some non - limiting embodiments or aspects Figure 1 schematic diagram of example components of one or more than one device;

[0229] Figure 22 is an external side view of a ventilation panel of a beverage making machine according to some non - limiting embodiments or aspects;

[0230] Figure 23 is an external close - up side view of a ventilation panel of a beverage making machine according to some non - limiting embodiments or aspects;

[0231] Figure 24 is an internal side view of a ventilation panel of a beverage making machine according to some non - limiting embodiments or aspects; and

[0232] Figure 25 is an internal close - up side view of a ventilation panel of a beverage making machine according to some non - limiting embodiments or aspects. Detailed Description

[0233] For the purposes described hereinafter, the terms "end", "upper", "lower", "right", "left", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "lateral", "longitudinal" and their derivatives shall refer to the embodiment as oriented in the drawings. However, it should be understood that the present utility model may assume various alternative variations and sequences of steps, unless explicitly stated to the contrary. It should also be understood that the specific devices and processes shown in the drawings and described in the following specification are merely exemplary and non - limiting embodiments or aspects of the disclosed subject matter. Accordingly, the specific dimensions and other physical characteristics associated with the embodiments or aspects disclosed herein should not be considered limiting.

[0234] This document describes some non - limiting embodiments or aspects in connection with a threshold. As used herein, "meeting the threshold" can mean that a value is greater than the threshold, more than the threshold, higher than the threshold, greater than or equal to the threshold, less than the threshold, fewer than the threshold, lower than the threshold, less than or equal to the threshold, equal to the threshold, etc.

[0235] Aspects, components, elements, structures, actions, steps, functions, and / or instructions, etc. used herein should not be construed as critical or necessary unless explicitly described as such. Additionally, as used herein, the articles "a" and "an" are intended to include one or more than one item and can be interchanged with "one or more than one" and "at least one". Further, as used herein, the term "group" is intended to include one or more than one item (e.g., related items, unrelated items, and / or combinations of related and unrelated items, etc.) and can be interchanged with "one or more than one" or "at least one". In cases where only one item is intended, the term "one" or similar language is used. Additionally, as used herein, terms such as "has", "have", or "having", etc. are intended to be open - ended terms. Further, unless otherwise explicitly stated, the phrase "based on" is intended to mean "at least partially based on". Additionally, an action being "based on" a condition can mean that the action "responds to" the condition. For example, in some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the phrases "based on" and "responsive to" can refer to conditions for automatically triggering an action (e.g., a specific operation of an electronic device such as a computing device, a processor, and / or a controller, etc.).

[0236] For the sake of clearly and briefly showing the implementation, the drawings may not necessarily reflect the appropriate scale and may have certain structures shown in a somewhat schematic form. The present utility model may describe and / or show a structure in one implementation, and in one or more other implementations, describe and / or show the structure in the same way or in a similar way, and / or describe and / or show the structure in a way that combines with or replaces the structure of other implementations.

[0237] In the specification and claims, for the purpose of describing and defining the present utility model, the terms "about" and "substantially" represent the degree of inherent uncertainty attributable to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation. Additionally, the terms "about" and "substantially" represent the degree to which a quantitative representation may vary from the stated reference without causing a fundamental change in the basic function of the subject matter being discussed. Open - ended terms such as "comprising", "including", and / or their plural forms include the listed parts and may include additional parts not listed, while terms such as "and / or" include one or more than one of the listed parts and combinations of the listed parts.

[0238] In various implementations, the present utility model addresses deficiencies associated with automatic control of beverage product processing by sensing conditions such as temperature and / or motor conditions (e.g., current, power, etc.) and controlling the operation of one or more components of a beverage maker more efficiently in response to such sensed conditions. The present utility model describes a plurality of systems, methods, and devices that enable a beverage maker to automatically control the temperature of a beverage product based on a target temperature value, while also enabling the beverage maker to automatically detect conditions of the beverage product and / or the beverage maker (e.g., a blender drive motor) to mitigate possible adverse conditions (e.g., excessive ice buildup on the blender) that could cause damage to the blender, the blender drive motor, or other components of the beverage maker, where the target temperature value can be predetermined (e.g., stored in a memory on the beverage maker) or determined during the processing of the beverage product. The present utility model includes systems, methods, and devices that address the need for more adaptive and user-specific processing of beverage products to ensure user expectations and more satisfactory product outcomes (such as the desired user-specific texture and temperature of the beverage product being processed, etc.).

[0239] It should be understood that the various non-limiting embodiments and aspects described herein are not limited to making frozen or semi-frozen beverages, but can be applicable to producing cold beverage products that are cooler than the received beverage product but not frozen or semi-frozen. For example, in some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the same or similar mechanisms and / or techniques described herein can be used as part of a cold beverage machine to produce, maintain, and dispense cold beverages.

[0240] Now referring to Figure 1, a perspective view of a beverage maker 100 (e.g., a frozen beverage maker) is shown in accordance with some non-limiting embodiments or aspects. The beverage maker 100 may include a housing 102 (e.g., the main body of the beverage maker 100 that encloses at least some of the components of the beverage maker 100) and a mixing container 104 (e.g., an at least partially enclosed volume for processing a beverage product). The housing 102 may include a user interface 112 for receiving user input to control the beverage maker 100 (e.g., via one or more input devices) and / or for outputting information (e.g., via one or more output devices). The user interface 112 may include one or more buttons, dials, switches, touchscreens, indicators, and light-emitting diodes (LEDs), etc. The user interface 112 may display status information, which may include, for example, the temperature of the beverage product in the mixing container 104, an indicator of the beverage type (e.g., recipe) and / or the program currently being implemented, and / or a timer associated with the progress of the program currently being implemented, etc. The user interface 112 may provide the user with indicators and / or warnings related to, for example, when the program is completed and / or when the user is expected to perform an action associated with processing the beverage product, etc. The user interface 112 may include a selectable menu for beverage types (e.g., recipes) and / or programs for different types of beverage products, where different types of beverage products include, but are not limited to, granitas, milkshakes, frappés, frozen lattes, smoothies, smoothies, margaritas, daiquiris, coladas, slushies, cool drinks, semi-frozen beverages, frozen beverages, alcoholic beverages, and non-alcoholic beverages, etc., or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

[0241] The housing 102 may include at least one ventilation panel 114 (e.g., an at least partially breathable wall) along one side of the housing 102. The ventilation panel 114 may be removable from the housing 102. The ventilation panel 114 may include a plurality of openings (e.g., holes) that facilitate air flow to help cool the components within the housing 102. For example, a cooling fan (e.g., a condenser fan 218 as Figure 2 shown) may draw cooler air into the housing 102 through the rear of the beverage maker 100 (e.g., a rear panel having an exhaust port) and discharge the hotter air from the housing 102 through at least one ventilation panel 114. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the ventilation panels 114 may be arranged on opposite sides of the housing 102. For example, in Figure 1 , a first ventilation panel 114 is shown on a first side of the beverage maker 100, and in Figure 2In [description], the second ventilation panel 114 is shown on the opposite side of the beverage maker 100 (visible through the exposed interior). In combination with Figures 22 to 25 The configuration of the ventilation panel 114 is further described.

[0242] The housing 102 may include an upper housing portion 122 that is configured to couple with the rear end of the mixing container 104 when the mixing container 104 is attached to the housing 102. The mixing container 104 may include a wall or a portion of a wall that is transparent to enable an observer to see the beverage product within the mixing container 104 during processing. The mixing container 104 may include a pour-in opening 106 through which the mixing container 104 may receive a beverage product for processing within the mixing container 104. Figure 1 The pour-in opening 106 is shown in a closed configuration, where a hinged cover covers the pour-in opening 106. The cover may be removably removable and / or movable to open or close the pour-in opening 106. The size of the pour-in opening 106 may be configured (e.g., configured to have a narrow gap into the interior chamber of the mixing container 104) and / or the pour-in opening 106 may include a grate (e.g., an intermittent blocking element disposed above the gap into the interior chamber of the mixing container 104) to prevent a user from inserting a finger into the mixing container 104 when the pour-in opening 106 is open (e.g., when the cover is not installed). The mixing container 104 may include a dispenser assembly 108 having a user handle 120 (e.g., for operating the dispenser assembly 108), a spout (not shown), and a spout guard 116 (e.g., a cover that at least partially surrounds the spout). The dispenser assembly 108 may enable a user to open the spout connected to the wall of the mixing container 104 by pulling down and / or outward on the handle 120, thereby dispensing a processed (e.g., cooled) beverage product from the mixing container 104. The user may close the spout by pushing the handle 120 back and / or releasing it back to an upright position as Figure 1 shown, thereby stopping the dispensing of the processed beverage product.

[0243] The beverage maker 100 may include a rod 110 that enables a locking connection of the mixing container 104 to the housing 102 (e.g., to the upper housing portion 122). As Figure 1As shown, the lever 110 is in the locked and / or closed position, whereby the mixing container 104 is engaged and / or coupled to the housing 102 (e.g., the upper housing portion 122). In the closed and / or locked position, the lever 110 can (e.g., together with other components and features) help ensure a water-tight seal between the mixing container 104 and the housing 102 to prevent leakage of the beverage product from the mixing container 104. The lever 110 can be placed in the closed, coupled, and / or engaged position by sliding the mixing container 104 upward against the upper housing portion 122 and then rotating the lever 110 in a clockwise (e.g., backward) direction until its handle rests on or near the top surface of the upper housing portion 122. The mixing container 104 can be disengaged and / or separated from the housing 102 (e.g., the upper housing portion 122) by pulling the lever 110 toward the front of the mixing container 104 and / or rotating the lever 110 in a counterclockwise (e.g., forward) direction, which can release the mixing container 104 from the housing 102. Once released, the mixing container 104 can be slid in the forward direction (e.g., away from the upper housing portion 122) to be completely disassembled and / or removed from the housing 102. The beverage maker 100 can also include a drip tray 118 that is positioned below the dispenser assembly 108 and is configured to collect any processed beverage product that is not properly dispensed from the mixing container 104 into a receiving container (e.g., a drinking cup). The drip tray 118 can be removably attached to the base of the housing 102.

[0244] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, when the lever 110 moves relative to the upper housing portion 122, the lever 110 can activate a cam 113 that can engage a mating feature on the mixing container 104 to couple or uncouple the mixing container 104 relative to the upper housing portion 122. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, when the lever 110 moves between the coupled position and the uncoupled position, the lever 110 can move less than 90° relative to the upper housing portion 122. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the lever 110 can include two cams 113 positioned on opposite sides of the upper housing portion 122. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the lever 110 can include one, two, three, four, or more than four cams 113. When the lever 110 moves, the cam 113 can rotate relative to the upper housing portion 122 (e.g., as shown, counterclockwise as the lever 110 is raised when the lever 110 is positioned on the right side of the beverage maker 100).

[0245] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the mixing container 104 may include protrusions on opposite outer sides near the rear bottom of the mixing container 104. The protrusions may be shaped and positioned to engage with cams 113 on the rod 110. In particular, the cams 113 may have channels and / or cam paths through which the protrusions slide respectively. When the cams 113 rotate towards the back of the housing 102, the protrusions may slide along the channels and / or cam paths and may be pulled towards the upper housing portion 122 and the rear of the housing 102, thereby pressing the mixing container 104 against the upper housing portion 122 and forming a watertight seal with the housing 102. When the cams 113 rotate towards the front of the beverage maker 100, the protrusions may be pushed away from the upper housing portion 122, thereby separating the mixing container 104 from contact with the upper housing portion 122.

[0246] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, as Figure 1 shown, the cams 113 may be over - center cams, or the cams 113 may have alternative geometries. When the rod 110 is in the coupled position, the cams 113 may hold the mixing container 104 on the housing 102. The cams 113 may be at least partially positioned outside the upper housing portion 122 and / or inside the upper housing portion 122, etc. In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the protrusions of the mixing container 104 may contact the channels and / or cam paths of the cams 113 outside the upper housing portion 122. In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the protrusions of the mixing container 104 may contact the channels and / or cam paths of the cams 113 inside the upper housing portion 122. In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the cams 113 may be inside the upper housing portion 122, and the cams 113 may be separated from and mechanically coupled to the rod 110. For example, when the rod 110 (e.g., outside the upper housing portion 122) moves, the rod 110 may activate the cams 113 (e.g., inside the upper housing portion 122), which may engage the assembly features (e.g., protrusions) on the mixing container 104 (e.g., inside the upper housing portion 122) to couple the mixing container 104 to the upper housing portion 122 (or disengage such assembly features to uncouple the mixing container 104 from the upper housing portion 122).

[0247] Now referring to Figure 2 , there is shown in accordance with some non - limiting embodiments or aspects Figure 1FIG. 200 of the housing 102 of the beverage maker 100 and various internal components within the mixing container 104. The beverage maker 100 may include a cylindrical evaporator 202 (e.g., a heat exchanger for absorbing thermal energy from a beverage product) surrounded by an agitator 204 (e.g., an auger). The evaporator 202 may include a cylindrical drum (e.g., a smooth metal housing configured to serve as a surface for the beverage product to contact and exchange thermal energy with the evaporator 202) and / or be surrounded by the cylindrical drum. The agitator 204 may include one or more mixing vanes and / or protrusions that spiral extend around the evaporator 202. The agitator 204 may be driven to rotate by a central drive shaft within the mixing container 104. The drive shaft may be surrounded by the evaporator 202, and during rotation of the drive shaft within the evaporator 202, the evaporator 202 may be configured in a fixed position. The drive shaft may be coupled to a drive motor 208 via a gear assembly 210. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the drive motor 208 may be an alternating current (AC) motor, but other types of motors such as, but not limited to, a direct current (DC) motor may be used. The drive motor 208 may include a motor fan 212 configured to provide air cooling to the motor 208. Although Figure 2 illustrates an implementation where the drive motor 208 is not coaxially aligned with the drive shaft for rotating the agitator 204, in some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the motor 208 may be coaxially aligned with the drive shaft. During the processing of the beverage product, the motor 208 may be continuously operated at one or more speeds to drive continuous rotation of the agitator 204, thereby providing continuous mixing of the beverage product within the mixing container 104.

[0248] As described above, the beverage maker 100 may include a removably attachable drip tray 118 that may be moved from Figure 1 and Figure 2 the illustrated operating position. For example, the drip tray 118 may be assembled and / or stored on a side panel of the housing 102 (e.g., on the ventilation panel 114 shown in Figure 1 ; also see the drip tray 118 shown as drip tray 118' in Figure 3 ). In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, rotation of the agitator 204 may cause the helically arranged vanes to push the cooled beverage product to the front of the mixing container 104. During processing, portions of the beverage product may freeze on the surface of the evaporator 202 due to being cooled by the evaporator 202. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the vanes of the rotating agitator 204 may scrape off the frozen portions of the beverage product from the surface of the evaporator 202 while simultaneously mixing the cooled beverage product and pushing it towards the front of the mixing container 104.

[0249] The beverage maker 100 can include a cooling circuit (e.g., a refrigeration system) to provide cooling of the beverage product and / or control the temperature of the beverage product within the mixing container 104. The cooling circuit can include a compressor 214, an evaporator 202, a condenser 216, a condenser fan 218, a bypass valve, and conduits that carry refrigerant in a closed loop between the cooling circuit components to facilitate cooling and / or temperature control of the beverage product in the mixing container 104. Operation of the cooling circuit can be controlled by a controller (e.g., see controller 402 as further described for Figure 4 ), which can be located near the user interface 112, the drive motor 208, and / or elsewhere in the housing 102. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the beverage maker 100 can include a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) 222 with one or more printed circuit boards (PCBs) within the housing 102. As will be illustrated for Figure 4 , the PCBA 222 can include a control system 400 configured to automatically control certain operations of the beverage maker 100, and the control system 400 can include a controller 402.

[0250] The beverage maker 100 can also include a condensate collection tray 220 configured to collect any liquid condensate resulting from cooling from the evaporator 202 and catch any accidentally spilled beverage product caused by user error interacting with the pour opening 106. Figure 2 The tray 220 is shown in the inserted position. The tray 220 can be removably inserted from a slot in and / or on the housing 102. The tray 220 can be inserted to enable collection of liquid (e.g., condensate), removed to allow the user to empty the contents of the tray 220, and then reinserted into the slot for subsequent liquid collection. The tray 220 is configured to prevent liquid from running off into, onto, or down the outer surface of the housing 102.

[0251] Now referring to Figure 3 , shown in accordance with some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of Figure 1 and Figure 2Front view 300 of beverage maker 100. Beverage maker 100 may include a user interface 112 on the front surface of housing 102. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, user interface 112 may be located on the side, top, or back of housing 102. Beverage maker 100 may include a power interface (not shown) configured to receive AC power from a power outlet. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, beverage maker 100 may include one or more than one battery housed within housing 102 and configured to provide power to various components of beverage maker 100. Beverage maker 100 may include, on one side of housing 102, a mounting 302 that may accommodate a drip tray 118 (shown as drip tray 118’ in Figure 3 when not in use, such as during storage and / or transportation of beverage maker 100).

[0252] Now referring to Figure 4 , a block diagram of an exemplary control system 400 of beverage maker 100 according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects is shown. Control system 400 may include a microcontroller, a processor, a system-on-chip (SoC), a client device, and / or a physical computing device, and may include one or more than one hardware and / or virtual processors. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, as Figure 4 shown, control system 400 and its elements may each relate to physical hardware, an emulator, and / or a virtual machine.

[0253] Control system 400 may include a user interface 412 (e.g., user interface 112) having, for example, a keyboard, keypad, one or more than one button, dial, touchpad, or sensor readout (e.g., biometric scanner), and one or more than one output devices (such as a display, a speaker for audio, and / or a light indicator (e.g., LED indicator), etc.). Control system 400 may also include one or more than one communication interface 410, such as a network communication unit that may include a wired communication component and / or a wireless communication component communicatively coupled to a controller 402 (e.g., one or more than one hardware processor). The network communication unit may utilize any one of various proprietary or standardized network protocols (e.g., Ethernet, Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP), etc.) to enable communication between controller 402 and other devices, networks, or systems. The network communication unit may also include components that utilize Ethernet, Powerline Communication (PLC), One or more transceivers for cellular and / or other communication methods. For example, the control system 400 may send one or more communications associated with the status of the beverage maker 100 to the user's mobile device. For example, when the program is completed and / or the beverage product is ready to be dispensed, an alert may be sent to the mobile device to indicate that the mixing container is low or lacking in beverage product or to indicate other conditions or states of the beverage maker 100.

[0254] The control system 400 may include a processing element, such as a controller 402, that includes one or more hardware processors, where each hardware processor may have a single or multiple processor cores. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the controller 402 may include at least one shared cache for storing data (e.g., computing instructions) utilized by one or more other components of the controller 402. For example, the shared cache may be local cache data stored in memory for faster access by components that make up the processing element of the controller 402. Examples of processors may include, but are not limited to, a central processing unit (CPU) and / or a microprocessor, etc. The controller 402 may utilize a computer architecture based on, but not limited to the 8051 architecture, 68HCX, and / or 80X86, etc. The controller 402 may include, but is not limited to, 8-bit, 12-bit, 16-bit, 32-bit, or 64-bit architectures. Although Figure 4 not shown, the processing element that makes up the controller 402 may also include one or more other types of hardware processing components, such as a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and / or a digital signal processor (DSP), etc.

[0255] As Figure 4As shown, the memory 404 can be operably and communicatively connected to the controller 402. The memory 404 can be a non-transitory medium configured to store various types of data. For example, the memory 404 can include one or more storage devices 408 having non-volatile storage and / or volatile memory, and / or associated with the one or more storage devices 408. Volatile memory such as random access memory (RAM) can be any suitable non-permanent storage device. The non-volatile storage device 408 can include one or more disk drives, optical drives, solid state drives (SSDs), tape drives, flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), and / or any other type of memory designed to maintain data for a period of time after a power loss or power-off operation. In certain configurations, if the allotted RAM is not large enough to hold all working data, the non-volatile storage device 408 can be used to store overloaded data. The non-volatile storage device 408 can also be used to store programs, which are loaded into RAM when such programs are selected for execution. The data storage and / or storage device 408 can be configured to store multiple beverage product making and / or processing instruction programs associated with multiple beverage product processing sequences. Such beverage product making and / or processing instruction programs can include instructions for the controller 402 to perform operations such as starting or stopping one or more motors and / or compressors 414 (e.g., such as drive motor 208 and / or compressor 214); starting or stopping compressor 214 to regulate the temperature of the beverage product being processed within the mixing container 104; operating one or more motors and / or compressors 414 (e.g., drive motor 208 and / or compressor 214) during certain periods of a particular beverage product processing sequence; operating drive motor 208 at certain speeds during certain time periods of the program; and / or issuing one or more prompt instructions to the user interface 412 (e.g., user interface 112) that are output to the user to obtain a response, action, and / or input from the user; and so on.

[0256] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, one or more beverage data objects (e.g., a grouping of structured data associated with a beverage type, which can include program instructions related to the beverage type) can be stored in the memory 404 in the form of digital objects (or records) representing the type of beverage (e.g., smoothie, cocktail, frappe, juice, milkshake, etc.). Each beverage data object can define and / or reference data such as temperature values and / or other setting values associated with the beverage type, where the beverage data object can also include computational instructions and / or computer programs for defining the functions, actions, and / or processing sequences to be performed on the digital object.

[0257] Software programs can be developed, coded, and compiled in various computing languages for various software platforms and / or operating systems, and then loaded and executed by the controller 402. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the compilation process of a software program can transform program code written in a programming language into other computer languages so that the controller 402 can execute the program code. For example, the compilation process of a software program can generate an executable program that provides encoded instructions (e.g., machine code instructions) for the controller 402 to implement specific, non-general, special computing functions.

[0258] After the compilation process, the encoded instructions can be loaded from the storage device 408, from the memory 404, and / or (e.g., via a cache or on-board ROM) embedded within the controller 402 as computer-executable instructions or processing steps. The controller 402 can be configured to execute the stored instructions or processing steps to perform the instructions or processing steps for transforming the electronic control system 400 into a non-general, special, specially programmed machine or device. The stored data (e.g., data stored by the data storage and / or storage device 408) can be accessed by the controller 402 during the execution of the computer-executable instructions or processing steps to direct one or more components within the control system 400 and / or other components or devices external to the control system 400. For example, a beverage data object associated with a beverage type can be arranged in a lookup table and / or database within the storage device 408 and can be accessed by the controller 402 when processing a particular beverage type selected by a user via the user interface 412 (e.g., user interface 112).

[0259] The user interface 412 (e.g., user interface 112) can include a display, a position input device (e.g., a mouse, a touchpad, or a touchscreen, etc.), a keyboard, a keypad, one or more buttons, one or more dials, a microphone, a speaker, or other forms of user input and output devices. The components of the user interface 412 can be communicatively coupled to the controller 402. When the output device of the user interface 412 is a display or includes a display, the display can be implemented in various ways, including through a liquid crystal display (LCD), a cathode ray tube (CRT) display, and / or a light-emitting diode (LED) display such as an organic LED (OLED) display, etc.

[0260] (One or more) sensors 406 may include one or more sensors for detecting and / or monitoring conditions of a beverage product within the mixing container 104, conditions associated with components of the beverage machine 100, and / or conditions of a refrigerant or coolant within a cooling circuit. The conditions may include, but are not limited to: rotation, rotational speed, and / or movement of a device or component (e.g., drive motor 208, drive shaft driven thereby, agitator 204, etc.); rate of such movement; frequency of such movement; direction of such movement; motor current; motor voltage; motor power; motor torque; temperature; pressure; liquid level within the mixing container 104; position of a device or component (e.g., whether the pour opening 106 is open or closed); and / or presence of a device or component (e.g., whether a shroud 116 is installed). The types of sensors may include, for example, electrical metering chips, Hall sensors, pressure sensors, temperature sensors, optical sensors, current sensors, torque sensors, voltage sensors, cameras, other types of sensors, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. The beverage machine 100 may include one or more temperature sensors positioned at various locations within the mixing container 104 (e.g., on or near a lower front region within the mixing container 104, on or near an upper front region within the mixing container 104, on or near an upper rear region within the container 104, etc.), within one or more coils of the evaporator 202, and / or within the housing 102.

[0261] (One or more) sensors 406 may further include one or more safety and / or interlock switches for preventing or enabling operation of certain components (e.g., drive motor 208, compressor 214, etc.) when certain conditions are met (e.g., when a lid or cover for the opening 106 is attached or closed, when there is a sufficient level of beverage product within the mixing container 104, when the lever 110 is moved to a coupling position, and / or when the mixing container 104 is secured to the housing 102, etc.). It should be understood that the control system 400 may include Figure 4 other electronic components such as a power supply and / or an analog-to-digital converter not explicitly shown.

[0262] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the control system 400 and / or the controller 402 may include: a System - on - Chip (SoC) having multiple hardware components, including but not limited to a microcontroller, a microprocessor, or a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) core and / or a Multi - Processor System - on - Chip (MPSoC) having more than one processor core; a memory block including a selection of Read - Only Memory (ROM), Random Access Memory (RAM), Erasable Programmable Read - Only Memory (EPROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read - Only Memory (EEPROM), Compact Disc Read - Only Memory (CD - ROM), Digital Versatile Disc Read - Only Memory (DVD - ROM), and / or flash memory; a timing source including an oscillator and a phase - locked loop; peripherals including a counter - timer, a real - time timer, and a power - on reset generator; an external interface including Universal Serial Bus (USB), Ethernet, Universal Synchronous / Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter (USART), Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI); an analog interface including an Analog - to - Digital Converter (ADC) and a Digital - to - Analog Converter (DAC); a voltage regulator and a power management circuit; or any combination thereof.

[0263] The SoC may include both the above - mentioned hardware and software for controlling the microcontroller, the microprocessor, and / or the DSP core, the peripherals, and the interfaces. The SoC may be developed from pre - qualified hardware blocks for the hardware elements (e.g., modules or components referred to as Intellectual Property cores or IP blocks) and software drivers for controlling their operation. The hardware elements listed above are not exhaustive. The SoC may include a protocol stack for driving an interface such as the Universal Serial Bus (USB).

[0264] Once the overall architecture of the SoC is defined, the individual hardware elements can be described in an abstract language, the Register Transfer Level (RTL). RTL can be used to define the circuit behavior. The hardware elements can be connected together in the same RTL language to create a complete SoC configuration. RTL is a design abstraction that models synchronous digital circuits from the perspective of the flow of digital signals (e.g., data) between hardware registers and the logical operations performed on these signals. The RTL abstraction can be used in hardware description languages (HDLs) such as and the Very High - Speed Integrated Circuit (VHSIC) Hardware Description Language (VHDL) to create a high - level representation of the circuit from which a low - level representation and the final physical wiring can be derived. is standardized as Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1364 and is a hardware description language (HDL) for modeling electronic systems. In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the various components of the control system 400 may be implemented on a Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA) such as PCBA222.

[0265] Further reference is made to Figures 1 to 4 and, in some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, a user may fill the mixing container 104 via the pour opening 106 with ingredients associated with a beverage product, where one or more ingredients may be added each time or in a pre-mixed form. The user may select the type of beverage product to be processed via the user interface 112. For example, the user may select a beverage type of "Margarita", or a more general beverage type such as "alcoholic beverage" or "cocktail". In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the user may select the beverage product type and / or program before filling the mixing container 104, and the user interface 112 may provide one or more indicators or cues (e.g., visual feedback, audible feedback, etc.) for instructing the user to add ingredients to the mixing container 104. The mixing container 104 may include one or more fill sensors for detecting when a sufficient amount or level of ingredients and / or fluid is within the mixing container 104. One or more fill sensors may provide a signal to the controller 402 for indicating when the mixing container 104 is sufficiently filled or not sufficiently filled. If the fill sensor indicates that the mixing container 104 is not sufficiently filled, the controller 402 may prevent the operation of the beverage maker 100 (e.g., prevent the activation of the drive motor 208 and / or other components). A lid sensor may be associated with the opening 106, whereby the lid sensor may send an open and / or closed signal to the controller 402 for indicating whether the opening 106 is open or closed. If the lid sensor indicates that the opening 106 is open and / or not closed, the controller 402 may prevent the operation of the beverage maker 100. Depending on the sensed conditions, the user interface 112 may provide an indication related to the conditions (e.g., the container 104 is sufficiently filled or not sufficiently filled and / or the opening 106 is not closed, etc.) to enable the user to take appropriate action(s).

[0266] Once the mixing container 104 is filled with ingredients, the user can provide an input (e.g., a button press) to initiate the processing of a beverage product based on the selected beverage type. The processing can include activation of a drive motor 208 that drives rotation of the blender 204 and / or the blades 206 to effect mixing of the ingredients of the beverage product. The processing can also include activation of a cooling circuit that includes activation of a compressor 214 and a condenser fan 218. The compressor 214 can facilitate refrigerant flow through one or more coils of the evaporator 202 and through the condenser 216 to provide cooling and / or temperature control of the beverage product within the mixing container 104. A controller 402 can control the operation of various components such as the drive motor 208 and the compressor 214. To adjust the temperature at a particular setting associated with the beverage type or program, the controller 402 can activate / start and / or deactivate / stop the compressor 214 to initiate and / or stop refrigerant flow through the (one or more) coils of the evaporator 202, thereby initiating or stopping cooling of the beverage product within the mixing container 104.

[0267] By cooling the beverage product to a particular temperature, a smoothie and / or ice particles can be formed within the beverage product. The amount and / or texture of the particles of the beverage product can correspond to the temperature of the beverage product. For example, as the temperature of the beverage product becomes cooler, more particles can be formed, larger particles can be formed, etc., and the beverage product can become more slushy. The user interface 112 can enable the user to fine-tune and / or adjust a preset temperature associated with the beverage type to enable the user to adjust the temperature and / or texture (e.g., thickness) of the beverage product to a more desired temperature and / or texture.

[0268] The controller 402 can process the beverage product during a set time period in one or more phases, and / or can process the beverage product until a target temperature and / or texture is determined. The controller 402 can receive one or more temperature signals from one or more temperature sensors 406 within the mixing container 104 to determine the temperature of the beverage product. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the controller 402 can determine the temperature of the beverage product by determining the average temperature between the temperatures detected by multiple temperature sensors 406. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the controller 402 can determine the temperature of the beverage product based on the detected temperature from one sensor 406 within the mixing container 104 and / or based on the temperature of the refrigerant detected by the refrigerant temperature sensor 406. Once the controller 402 determines that the sequence of phases and / or programs is complete, the controller 402 can provide a visual and / or audio indication via the user interface 112 that the program is complete and the processed beverage product is ready for dispensing. In response, the user can place a cup or other receiving container under the dispenser assembly 108 and pull the handle 120 in an outward / downward direction to open the spout located near the lower front wall of the mixing container 104, thereby dispensing the beverage product into the cup or other receiving container. Once filled, as Figure 2 shown, the user can close the spout by releasing / pushing the handle 120 back to its upright position. In an implementation where the handle 120 is spring-biased to the closed position, the user can release their hold on the handle 120, allowing the spring force to move the handle 120 away from the user, backward and rotationally upward to the upright and closed position.

[0269] Further referring Figures 1 to 4 to, the beverage maker 100 can determine when a phase change of the beverage product occurs during the processing of the beverage maker 100 and take corresponding actions. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, a phase change temperature value indicating the point at which the phase change occurs can be determined, and a target temperature value of the beverage product reached and maintained during processing can be determined from the phase change temperature value. Other determinations and actions can be made based on the determination of the phase change and the phase change temperature value. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, a predetermined target temperature associated with the beverage type (e.g., selected by the user or determined by processing the beverage product) can be accessed, for example, from the memory of the beverage maker and / or via a wireless interface, etc.

[0270] As described herein, during the cooling of a beverage product, a phase change of the beverage product can be expected to occur before the target temperature is reached. When the controller 402 of the beverage maker 100 determines that the target temperature associated with the beverage type (e.g., juice, cocktail, milkshake, soft drink, etc.) has been reached, the controller 402 can determine whether a phase change has been detected during the process. Additionally or alternatively, when the controller 402 determines that a phase change has occurred, the controller 402 can determine whether the target temperature associated with the beverage type has been reached during the process. In either case, if a phase change has not occurred before the predetermined target temperature is reached, this can indicate that an overcooling event has occurred or a user error has occurred. In the latter scenario, the beverage product being processed may have a phase change temperature value lower than the phase change temperature value associated with the beverage type selected by the user (and thus have a target temperature lower than the predetermined target temperature of the beverage type).

[0271] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, in response to a phase change not occurring before the predetermined target temperature is reached, the controller 402 can be configured to keep the cooling circuit on and, in some cases, pulse - drive (e.g., periodically activate and deactivate) the drive motor 208 to trigger nucleation until it is determined that a phase change has occurred. If a phase change is detected before the predetermined target temperature is reached, the cooling circuit can be cycled (e.g., disconnected and reconnected one or more times) to maintain the temperature at or near the target temperature (or at or near the adjusted target temperature if the user has specified any temperature and / or thickness adjustment).

[0272] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, if the phase change is detected not before the predetermined target temperature is reached, but after continuous cooling and / or pulse - driving of the drive motor 208, then as described herein, the cooling circuit can be cycled in a controlled manner and the agitator 204 can be kept on until the predetermined target temperature (plus or minus any user adjustment) is reached. If overcooling is the reason for not detecting a phase change before the predetermined target temperature value is reached, the controlled pulse - driving of the drive motor 208 may cause the phase change to be triggered and the beverage product to have the expected desired thickness. However, if a phase change is not detected before the predetermined target temperature value due to the above - mentioned user error, the target temperature can be recalculated, for example, based on the determined phase change temperature value, and the cooling circuit can be continuously cycled until the recalculated target temperature is achieved.

[0273] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, a minimum beverage product temperature may be predefined (e.g., a minimum temperature threshold below which the beverage maker 100 cannot produce a lower temperature or doing so may damage the beverage maker 100). The controller 402 may be configured to detect when the temperature has reached the minimum threshold and control one or more actions to be taken. For example, the user (e.g., visually, tactilely, and / or auditorily) may be alerted that the beverage maker 100 cannot produce a desired smoothie of the beverage product via one or more output devices of the beverage maker 100 (e.g., a display, a speaker, a vibration motor, a light indicator, etc.). The controller 402 may also be configured to maintain the beverage product as a cold drink at the minimum temperature and alert the user of this when the minimum temperature is detected.

[0274] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, a minimum phase - change temperature value may be predefined. As described herein, the target temperature value of the beverage product being chilled may be below the phase - change temperature value. The controller 402 may be configured to determine when the determined phase - change temperature value is below the minimum phase - change temperature value such that the target temperature will not be achievable by the beverage maker 100 because such a target temperature will be below the minimum temperature threshold. The controller 402 may be configured to control one or more actions to be taken when it is determined that the determined phase - change temperature value is below the minimum phase - change temperature value. For example, the controller 402 may cause one or more output devices of the beverage maker 100 to alert the user visually, tactilely, and / or auditorily, such as indicating that the beverage maker 100 cannot produce a desired smoothie of the beverage product. The controller 402 may also be configured to maintain the beverage product as a cold drink at the minimum temperature and alert the user of this when it is determined that the determined phase - change temperature value is below the minimum phase - change temperature value.

[0275] For the reasons described herein, if the beverage product does not have a sufficiently high concentration of certain ingredients (e.g., sugar, alcohol, etc.), it may be difficult to reliably produce a smoothie from the beverage product or doing so may damage the beverage maker 100. A maximum phase - change temperature value threshold may be defined, and the controller 402 may be configured to determine whether the determined phase - change temperature value exceeds the maximum phase - change temperature value. If the threshold is exceeded, the controller 402 may control the performance of one or more actions (e.g., alert the user and / or perform a corrective action).

[0276] Now refer to Figure 5, a close-up view 500 of a user interface (e.g., user interface 112) is shown in accordance with some non-limiting embodiments or aspects. As shown in FIG. 500, the user interface 112 may include a power button 502, a beverage type indicator panel 504, a manual temperature adjustment and / or temperature offset indicator 506, a manual temperature adjustment interface 508, a beverage type control dial 510, and an ice button 512. A user may use the power button 502 to turn on or off the beverage maker 100. The user may select a beverage type to process a type of beverage product by turning the dial 510 until the selected beverage type is indicated via the panel 504. The user may select, for example, a smoothie, cocktail, frappe, juice, or dairy / milkshake beverage type. The dial 510 may also include a push-button feature that enables the user to start or stop the processing of the beverage type by pressing the dial 510. The manual temperature adjustment interface 508 may include a left arrow button 507 and a right arrow button 509 that enable the user to adjust the temperature within a temperature offset band (e.g., a temperature offset band 602 such as Figure 6 for a dairy / milkshake beverage type). The user may select the ice button 512 to initiate an ice program, whereby the beverage maker 100 and / or the controller 402 maintains the beverage product within the mixing container 104 at a chilled temperature without forming a frozen or semi-frozen beverage product. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, when the user selects the ice button 512, the same chilled temperature may be maintained for any beverage type. For example, the controller 402 may receive a signal indicating the selection of the ice button 512 and lower the temperature to a predefined temperature (e.g., within a certain range) that should not cause any beverage type to freeze and maintain the temperature at or near that predefined temperature. In another embodiment, the controller 402 may receive a signal indicating the selection of the ice button 512 and the selection of a beverage type from the beverage type control dial 510 and lower the temperature to a predefined temperature (e.g., within a certain range) defined for the particular beverage type (e.g., as specified by a beverage data object in the memory) that should not cause that beverage type to freeze and maintain the temperature at or near that predefined temperature.

[0277] Now refer to Figure 6, a graph 600 showing the coarse and fine temperature settings used for controlling the beverage maker 100 according to some non - restrictive embodiments or aspects is presented. The coarse and fine temperature settings can be associated with processing a beverage product, and as described elsewhere herein, such temperature settings can be stored in a memory as temperature values. For example, when a user selects a dairy and / or milkshake beverage type and starts a frozen beverage processing sequence and / or program using the dial 510, the controller 402 can control the processing of the dairy / milkshake program to adjust the temperature of the beverage product to the coarse temperature setting 604 at - 4 degrees Celsius as shown in graph 600. Thus, in the absence of any temperature adjustment specified by the user, the coarse temperature setting 604 can be used as the target temperature value (e.g., the temperature value that the controller 402 will attempt to reach and maintain during the processing of the beverage product). Before, during, or after reaching the coarse temperature setting 604, the user can fine - tune or adjust the coarse target temperature of the beverage type by setting a temperature offset using the manual temperature adjustment interface 508. For example, the user can push the left arrow button 507 to decrease the target temperature in increments of approximately 0.4 degrees Celsius to a new target temperature of approximately - 5.2 degrees Celsius. The thickness and / or amount of the frozen beverage particles can increase as the temperature decreases. Thus, the manual temperature adjustment indicator 506 can be associated with a "thickness" label. It should be understood that different labels such as "temperature offset", "temperature adjustment", and "manual adjustment" can be used.

[0278] For further illustration, the user can push the right arrow button 509 to increase the target temperature, for example, in increments of approximately 0.4 degrees Celsius to a new target temperature of approximately - 2.8 degrees Celsius. The thickness and / or amount of the frozen beverage particles can decrease as the temperature increases. The manual temperature adjustment indicator 506 can include one or more light indicators illuminated in a configuration corresponding to the selected temperature offset. For example, the manual temperature adjustment indicator 506 can have a central light indicator for indicating that a 0 - degree Celsius offset (e.g., no offset) is selected. The manual temperature adjustment indicator 506 can include light indicators corresponding to each offset increment (e.g., the 0 - degree Celsius offset point) selected above or below the coarse setting. Figure 6 Also shown are temperature offsets and / or manual adjustment bands associated with various exemplary types of beverage products such as milkshakes, frappes, cocktails, low - calorie and traditional beverage products, etc. Each temperature band in the temperature bands can include a center beverage type temperature, a coarse beverage type temperature, and / or a target beverage type temperature, as well as user - selectable fine - tune offset temperatures above and below the beverage type target temperature. In some non - restrictive embodiments or aspects, the temperature offset band associated with one beverage type can be different from the temperature offset bands of different beverage types, such that the temperature offset increments are different between different beverage types.

[0279] As described herein, in response to a temperature adjustment being specified by a user, the controller 402 can adjust the target temperature value by an offset corresponding to the specified adjustment. In such an embodiment, the coarse temperature setting can be considered the base target temperature value that, when combined with the offset value, can result in the target temperature value.

[0280] Now referring to Figure 7 , a close-up view 700 of a user interface (e.g., user interface 112) of a beverage maker 100 according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects is shown. As shown in FIG. 700, the user interface 112 can include a power button 708, a beverage type selector / indicator panel 702, a manual temperature adjustment (or offset) indicator 706, and a manual temperature adjustment dial 704. A user can use the power button 708 to turn the beverage maker 100 on or off. The user can select a beverage type to process the type of beverage product by pressing a button associated with the selected beverage type (e.g., smoothie). Selection of a particular beverage type can be indicated by illumination of a light indicator associated with the selected beverage type button. For example, Figure 7 shows that the smoothie drink type has been selected by illumination of the LED indicator next to the smoothie button. The user can select, for example, a smoothie drink, an additive smoothie drink, or a cocktail, a frappe, a frozen juice, or a dairy / milkshake beverage type. The manual temperature adjustment dial 704 can be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise to set the target temperature value within a general range of target temperature values. For example, the manual temperature adjustment indicator 706 can include 10 temperature values or settings corresponding to the target temperature value (see, for example, Figure 8 ).

[0281] The user interface in FIG. 700 can also include a cleaning button 703. The controller 402 can be configured to activate the agitator 204 instead of the rotation of the cooling circuit in response to the cleaning button 703 being pressed by the user. If the agitator 204 and the cooling circuit are active when the cleaning button 703 is pressed, the controller 402 can deactivate the cooling circuit and keep the agitator 204 active. Then, the user can add water to the mixing container 104 through the pour opening 106, and the action of the agitator 204 can agitate the water and can push the water forward to help remove and / or dissolve ingredients from the surfaces of the evaporator 202, the agitator 204, and / or the mixing container 104, etc. Then, the user can dispense the contents of the mixing container 104 and repeat filling with water and dispensing as needed (e.g., including a form of cleaning agent in an earlier cycle to aid in cleaning and only water in a later cycle for rinsing). Deactivating or keeping the cooling circuit off during cleaning can help thaw any frozen ingredients and prevent freezing of the contents during cleaning.

[0282] Now referring toFigure 8 , showing graph 800 of temperature values associated with automatic program target temperature and manual temperature adjustment according to some non - limiting embodiments or aspects. Graph 800 shows temperature settings #1 to #10, where setting #1 corresponds to - 1.3 degrees Celsius and setting #10 corresponds to - 7.2 degrees Celsius. The ten temperature settings in graph 800 can correspond to the ten light indicators of the manual temperature adjustment indicator 706 (see Figure 7 ). In operation, when the user selects a beverage type (e.g., milkshake) by pressing the corresponding button in the beverage type selector / indicator panel 702, the adjacent indicator of the button can be illuminated. As a further example, if the automatic rough temperature value associated with the milkshake (e.g., the base target temperature value) is approximately - 4.0 degrees Celsius corresponding to setting #7 in graph 800, then seven indicators (e.g., light bars) in the manual adjustment indicator 706 can be illuminated. The light bars can dim or flash periodically until the target temperature value is reached and / or the controller 402 detects the target temperature value. When the target temperature value is reached, the user interface 112 can emit an audible sound such as a beep or a sequence of beeps. When the target temperature value is reached, the dimming or flashing illumination can change to a brighter and / or steadier illumination. In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, once the target temperature value is reached, the controller 402 can cycle the compressor 214 on and off to maintain the temperature of the beverage product within a target temperature range above and / or below the target temperature. For example, the range can be greater than or equal to approximately 0.2, 0.3, 0.5, or 1.0 degrees Celsius above and below the target temperature value. As long as the temperature remains within the target temperature range, the controller 402 can not initiate an alarm (e.g., audible output) or a change in the condition of any of the indicators in the indicator 706.

[0283] Further reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 , if the user wants to further reduce the target temperature and / or increase the target thickness of the milkshake to Figure 8 the setting #10, the user can turn the dial 704 until all 10 light indicators are illuminated. If the user wants to increase the target temperature to Figure 8 the setting #3 and / or reduce the target thickness of the milkshake, the user can turn the dial 704 until three indicator bars in the indicator 706 are illuminated as Figure 7 shown. Although Figure 7 shows an interface using the dial 704 to manually adjust the temperature, other types of interfaces can be used, such as but not limited to up / down buttons, touchscreens, and / or slide switches, etc.

[0284] Further reference Figure 8, Graph 800 also shows how each increment of temperature change between each of temperature settings #1 through #10 can be non - linear to account for a desired change in the thickness of a cooled or frozen beverage product. As the temperature decreases, a larger temperature change may be required to cause a change in the amount / material / proportion of frozen beverage particles within the beverage product (e.g., a change in thickness). For example, the temperature increment 802 (between setting #4 and setting #5) is approximately 0.6 degrees Celsius, while the temperature increment 804 (between setting #8 and setting #9) in the lower temperature range is approximately 1.0 degrees Celsius. In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the increment of temperature change between settings can be constant, resulting in a linear temperature range. It should be understood that although a range including 10 temperature settings is shown in Figure 7 and Figure 8 , any number of settings and / or temperature ranges can be implemented.

[0285] Now referring to Figure 9 , Graph 900 shows a graph of the current to drive motor 208 and the temperature of the beverage product over time as the beverage product is being processed by a beverage maker, according to some non - limiting embodiments or aspects. Graph 900 shows the change over time of the current 902 to drive motor 208 and the corresponding beverage product temperature 904 as the beverage product is being processed. Graph 900 shows how the current 902 applied to drive motor 208 increases as the temperature 904 decreases, such that the thickness of the beverage product increases, which results in an increased resistance of the beverage product to the rotation of the agitator 204, and in turn requires an increase in motor power and / or current 902 to drive the agitator 204 against the resistance. When the current 902 (or power, torque, etc.) reaches or meets a threshold or motor condition limit 906 (e.g., approximately 40 watts and / or approximately 0.3 amperes of current), the controller 402 can deactivate the cooling circuit (e.g., stop the flow of coolant and / or refrigerant to the evaporator 202) so that the temperature 904 can increase and the thickness of the beverage product can be reduced, thereby reducing the current 902 to drive motor 208 below the motor condition limit 906.

[0286] For example, base target temperature values for each beverage type and a permitted offset enabled by the user interface 412 can be predefined to generate a target temperature corresponding to a motor current (or power, torque, etc.) that is safely below the motor condition limit 906. The controller 402 can automatically control the temperature of the beverage product in the mixing vessel 104 to achieve a base target temperature setting associated with the beverage type selected by the user, which can be adjusted (e.g., fine-tuned) to a new temperature setting (e.g., target temperature value) such that the magnitude of the motor current 902 can be below the motor condition limit 906 by an offset corresponding to the temperature adjustment selected by the user and / or a temperature offset. The target temperature can be set, for example, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.25, 1.5, or 2.0 degrees Celsius above the base target temperature (e.g., a relatively small offset). However, it is possible that the ingredients placed in the mixing vessel 104 may cause ice buildup during processing such that the beverage product exceeds the motor condition limit 906. For example, if the sugar and / or alcohol content in the beverage product is insufficient, ice may form at a higher (e.g., warmer) temperature than expected, and the agitator 204 may have more difficulty scraping it off the surface of the evaporator 202. By deactivating the cooling circuit if the motor condition limit 906 is exceeded, the controller 402 can prevent an overcurrent condition and possible damage to the drive motor 208, avoid a stall condition, and enable the operation of the beverage machine 100 and the agitator 204 to continue. In other cases, the drive motor 208 may stall and the beverage machine 100 may become blocked, preventing the smoothie from being output from the mixing vessel 104 and requiring the user to defrost and / or unclog the mixing vessel 104 before normal operation can resume. Thus, the stall prevention described herein can enable the beverage machine 100 to produce and output smoothies and other outputs that would otherwise not be possible if a stall condition occurred. Additionally, an excessive current (or power, torque, etc.) condition of the drive motor 208 caused by an object (e.g., excessive ice formation) that prevents the rotation of the agitator 204 can also be prevented.

[0287] In addition to stopping the drive motor 208, the controller 402 can also perform actions such as shutting off the compressor 214 to deactivate the cooling circuit. The graph 900 also shows how the controller 402 can continuously and / or periodically monitor the temperature associated with the beverage product within the mixing vessel 104 via one or more temperature sensors 406, enabling continuous control of the components of the beverage machine 100 (such as the compressor 214 and other components), and thus enabling automatic control of the temperature of the beverage product.

[0288] Now referring to Figure 10, showing a flowchart of a method 1000 for processing a beverage product in a beverage maker according to some non - limiting embodiments or aspects. Figure 10 The steps shown are for illustrative purposes only. It should be understood that in some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, additional, fewer, different steps and / or different step sequences may be used. In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, steps may occur automatically in response to the occurrence and / or completion of previous steps. As shown, method 1000 includes the following steps: making a cooled beverage product using a program for initial or rough temperature and / or texture control, and then using user input to fine - tune the temperature and / or texture of the beverage product.

[0289] As Figure 10 shown, method 1000 may include: at step 1002, receiving a beverage product into a mixing container 104 of a beverage maker 100. For example, a user may pour the beverage product into a pouring opening 106 of the mixing container 104 to at least partially fill the mixing container 104 with the beverage product. When the pouring is complete, the user may close the pouring opening 106.

[0290] As Figure 10 shown, method 1000 may include: at step 1004, mixing the beverage product within the mixing container 104 using a drive motor 208. For example, a user may interact with a user interface 112 and select a power button, a temperature setting, a beverage product type, and / or an ice - chill button to cause a controller 402 to initiate a mixing process. The controller 402 may cause the drive motor 208 to rotate an agitator 204 within the mixing container 104 to mix the beverage product.

[0291] As Figure 10 shown, method 1000 may include: at step 1006, cooling the beverage product within the mixing container 104 using a cooling device (e.g., a cooling circuit). For example, the controller 402 may turn on a compressor 214, causing refrigerant to circulate through the cooling circuit, thereby reducing the temperature in an evaporator 202. When the beverage product is being mixed by the agitator 204, the beverage product may contact the evaporator 202 (e.g., its drum), thereby cooling the beverage product.

[0292] As Figure 10 shown, method 1000 may include: at step 1008, detecting a temperature associated with the beverage product via one or more temperature sensors 406 and outputting a temperature signal. For example, a temperature sensor 406 positioned in the front of the mixing container 104 (e.g., on the front lower end of the drum of the evaporator 202) may periodically detect the temperature associated with the mixed beverage product and may generate a temperature signal based on the respective detected temperatures.

[0293] As Figure 10 shown, method 1000 may include: at step 1010, storing in memory 404 a beverage data object that represents a beverage type and specifies a first temperature setting corresponding to a first target temperature. For example, controller 402 may cause the beverage data object to be stored in memory 404 of beverage maker 100, where the beverage data object represents a beverage type, and where the beverage data object specifies a first temperature setting corresponding to a first target temperature. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, step 1010 may be performed before step 1002. A user may select an operating setting of beverage maker 100 via user interface 112 associated with the beverage data object.

[0294] As Figure 10 shown, method 1000 may include: at step 1012, receiving a temperature signal at controller 402. For example, one or more of the periodic temperature signals generated by (one or more) temperature sensors 406 in step 1008 may be output to controller 402 and received by controller 402. Controller 402 may be configured to interpret the temperature signal as being associated with temperature, and controller 402 may also control beverage maker 100 based on the temperature signal.

[0295] As Figure 10 shown, method 1000 may include: at step 1014, controlling, by controller 402, the temperature associated with a beverage product by controlling a cooling device (e.g., a cooling circuit) based on the received temperature signal, a first temperature value, and a manual temperature adjustment. For example, controller 402 may control the on / off state of compressor 214 to control the cooling circuit. Controller 402 may control the cooling circuit based on the first temperature value associated with the stored beverage data object to achieve and maintain the temperature in the beverage product (e.g., such that the sensed temperature of the beverage product drops to the first temperature value and near the first temperature value). If a user of beverage maker 100 inputs any manual temperature adjustment (e.g., an upward increment or a downward increment of the temperature in user interface 112), then controller 402 may add a positive or negative offset corresponding to the manual temperature adjustment to the first temperature value as the temperature target for the beverage product.

[0296] As Figure 10As shown, method 1000 may include: at step 1016, receiving a user input to adjust a manual temperature adjustment. For example, controller 402 may receive one or more user inputs for the manual temperature adjustment via user interface 112. Then, controller 402 may modify the offset to the target temperature based on the user's input. Step 1016 may be performed before, during, or after the beverage product begins to be mixed and / or cooled in mixing container 104.

[0297] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the user input may indicate a desired thickness corresponding to the manual temperature adjustment. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the manual adjustment may be customized for the beverage type. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the manual adjustment may be common for all beverage types. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the manual adjustment may be more refined and / or for a smaller range specific to the beverage type (e.g., corresponding to Figure 6 ), or may be coarser and / or for a larger range not specific to the beverage type (e.g., spanning multiple or all beverage types), such that the user has more leeway when adjusting the thickness and / or temperature.

[0298] Now refer to Figure 11 , which shows a flowchart of method 1100 for processing a beverage product in a beverage maker according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects. Figure 11 The steps shown are for illustrative purposes only. It should be understood that in some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, additional, fewer, different steps and / or different step orders may be used. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, steps may be performed automatically in response to the performance and / or completion of a previous step. As shown, method 1100 includes the following steps: automatically detecting when the current of drive motor 208 (e.g., via the current of drive motor 208) is too high (e.g., due to the beverage product being too thick and / or ice formation on the surface of evaporator 202), and in response, adjusting the temperature of the beverage product to reduce the current of drive motor 208, thereby reducing the thickness of the beverage product and / or thawing the ice cubes.

[0299] As Figure 11 shown, method 1100 may include: at step 1102, receiving the beverage product into mixing container 104 of beverage maker 100. For example, a user may pour the beverage product into pour opening 106 of mixing container 104 to at least partially fill mixing container 104 with the beverage product. When the pouring is complete, the user may close pour opening 106.

[0300] As Figure 11As shown, method 1100 may include: at step 1104, using drive motor 208 to mix the beverage product within mixing container 104. For example, a user may interact with user interface 112 and select a power button, temperature setting, beverage product type, and / or chill button to cause controller 402 to initiate the mixing process. Controller 402 may cause drive motor 208 to rotate agitator 204 within mixing container 104 to mix the beverage product.

[0301] As Figure 11 shown, method 1100 may include: at step 1106, using a cooling device (e.g., a cooling circuit) to cool the beverage product within mixing container 104. For example, controller 402 may turn on compressor 214, causing refrigerant to circulate through the cooling circuit, thereby reducing the temperature in evaporator 202. When the beverage product is mixed by agitator 204, the beverage product may contact evaporator 202 (e.g., its drum), thereby cooling the beverage product.

[0302] As Figure 11 shown, method 1100 may include: at step 1108, detecting the temperature associated with the beverage product via one or more temperature sensors 406 and outputting a temperature signal. For example, temperature sensor 406 positioned in the front of mixing container 104 (e.g., at the front lower end of the drum of evaporator 202) may periodically detect the temperature associated with the mixed beverage product and may generate a temperature signal based on the respective detected temperatures.

[0303] As Figure 11 shown, method 1100 may include: at step 1110, detecting the motor condition associated with drive motor 208 via one or more motor condition sensors 406 and outputting a motor condition signal. For example, motor condition sensor 406 configured to measure one or more motor conditions of drive motor 208 (e.g., motor current, power, torque, etc.) may periodically detect the motor condition associated with drive motor 208 and may generate a motor condition signal based on the respective detected motor conditions.

[0304] As Figure 11 shown, method 1100 may include: at step 1112, storing a first temperature value corresponding to a first target temperature and storing motor condition limits in memory 404. For example, controller 402 may cause the first temperature value and motor condition limits to be stored in memory 404 of beverage maker 100, where the first temperature value corresponds to the first target temperature and the motor condition limits (e.g., thresholds) correspond to motor conditions such as but not limited to current, power, and / or torque.

[0305] AsFigure 11 As shown, method 1100 may include: at step 1114, receiving a temperature signal and a motor condition signal at controller 402. For example, one or more of the periodic temperature signals generated by (one or more) temperature sensors 406 in step 1108 may be output to controller 402 and received by controller 402. Additionally, one or more of the periodic motor condition signals generated by (one or more) motor condition sensors 406 in step 1110 may be output to controller 402 and received by controller 402.

[0306] As Figure 11 shown, method 1100 may include: at step 1116, controlling, by controller 402, a cooling device (e.g., a cooling circuit) based on the received temperature signal, the received motor condition signal, a first temperature value, and a motor condition limit to control the temperature associated with the beverage product. For example, controller 402 may control the on / off state of compressor 214 to control the cooling circuit. Controller 402 may control the cooling circuit based on the first temperature value to achieve and maintain the temperature in the beverage product (e.g., such that the detected temperature of the beverage product drops to the first temperature value and near the first temperature value). If the motor condition signal meets the motor condition limit (e.g., meets and / or exceeds a threshold motor condition value), then controller 402 may cycle compressor 214, pulse drive drive motor 208, and / or disconnect compressor 214 and / or drive motor 208 for a period of time. Controller 402 may return compressor 214 and / or drive motor 208 to the otherwise expected operation in response to the motor condition signal no longer meeting the motor condition limit.

[0307] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, when a motor condition signal meets a motor knockdown threshold (e.g., motor current, power, or torque is too high and / or high enough to damage drive motor 208, which may be caused by excessive ice buildup within mixing container 104), controller 402 can stop and / or deactivate drive motor 208 to stop the rotation of agitator 204. Excessive ice buildup may be caused, for example, by filling the mixing container with a liquid that consists only of water or is mainly composed of water (e.g., without a high enough percentage of other ingredients such as sugar / alcohol, etc.), thereby creating ice on the surface of evaporator 202 that is more difficult for agitator 204 to scrape off from the surface of evaporator 202. Shutting off drive motor 208 can also prevent damage to agitator 204 caused by excessive hard ice buildup. In addition to deactivating drive motor 208, controller 402 can perform other actions. Additionally or alternatively, controller 402 can cause an alert to be issued to the user via user interface 112 to add more ingredients (e.g., including sugar or alcohol) to the beverage product and / or disconnect beverage maker 100, etc. Different motor shutdown thresholds for drive motor 208 can be set higher than the motor knockdown threshold limit. In this way, controller 402 can attempt to increase the temperature in mixing container 104 when the motor knockdown threshold limit is reached, but only shut off and / or stop drive motor 208 when the motor shutdown threshold is reached to prevent damage to drive motor 208. Controller 402 can take action based on determining whether the motor knockdown threshold limit or the motor shutdown limit has been reached or exceeded within a certain time period (e.g., 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 5 seconds, or more than 5 seconds). By observing the motor current (or power, torque, etc.) over a certain time period, false positives and / or readings of the current (or power, torque, etc.) can be eliminated.

[0308] Now referring to Figure 12A , a method 1200 for processing a beverage product in a beverage maker is shown according to some non - limiting embodiments or aspects. Figure 12A The steps shown are for illustrative purposes only. It should be understood that in some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, additional, fewer, different steps, and / or different orders of steps may be used. In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, steps may occur automatically in response to the performance and / or completion of a previous step. As shown, method 1200 may include the following steps: automatically controlling a beverage maker in response to detecting when a drive motor current (or power, torque, etc.) exceeds a limit, such as, for example, due to excessive ice buildup on evaporator 202, which may interfere with the operation of agitator 204 and / or agitator drive motor 208 or damage agitator 204 and / or agitator drive motor 208. This situation may occur when the beverage product has an insufficient amount of ingredients (such as a low percentage (e.g., 4% - 6% or about 2% or even lower) of sugar, alcohol, or other contents, etc.).

[0309] As Figure 12A shown, method 1200 may include: at step 1202, adding ingredients of a beverage product to mixing container 104 and starting a program or sequence of processes associated with, for example, a beverage data object stored in memory 404. For example, the program may include running a cooling circuit and / or compressor 214, running drive motor 208 to rotate agitator 204, and monitoring the current (or power, torque, etc.) of drive motor 208.

[0310] As Figure 12A shown, method 1200 may include: at step 1204, comparing the detected motor current (or power, torque, etc.) to a limit. For example, controller 402 may compare and determine whether the detected current (or power, torque, etc.) is greater than or equal to a current limit (or power limit, torque limit, etc.), such as a 40 watt power limit (see, for example Figure 9 ). If the detected current (or power, torque, etc.) is less than the limit, method 1200 may proceed to step 1220. In step 1220, controller 402 may cycle the cooling circuit (e.g., turn compressor 214 off and on) at a temperature set by the program and / or beverage data object for the beverage product being processed (e.g., a predefined temperature value defined by the beverage data object).

[0311] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, for a beverage product being processed by a beverage machine, a predefined temperature value for the beverage type selected or determined for that beverage product may be predefined because the predefined temperature value is determined (e.g., calculated) and set as the target temperature value for that beverage type before the beverage machine begins processing the beverage product (e.g., before the beverage machine begins executing the program for that beverage type). For example, the beverage machine may be configured with predefined temperature values before sale, or may download predefined temperature values (e.g., via a wireless interface) to the beverage machine before processing a beverage product.

[0312] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the predefined temperature value for a beverage type may be based on a predefined phase - change temperature value associated with the beverage type. A phase change of a beverage product may be considered to have occurred when at least a portion of the volume of the beverage product has begun to nucleate from a liquid state to a solid state (e.g., has begun to freeze). The phase - change temperature value of a beverage product or beverage type (which may be referred to herein as the freezing point of the beverage product or beverage type, respectively) may be the temperature determined to cause the phase change of the beverage product or beverage type, respectively.

[0313] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, during the cooling of a beverage product by a beverage maker, at the time point of phase change, the beverage product may not yet be in a state that would be considered a smoothie (e.g., a particulate - frozen or semi - frozen beverage such as a slurry) or at least not in the desired smoothie state. That is, at the phase change, the beverage product can be mainly a liquid with some small ice cubes dispersed therein. As the beverage product continues to cool, a greater percentage of the volume of the beverage product can nucleate (e.g., freeze), such that the amount and size of the ice cubes increase. When the ice cubes combine into larger masses of ice, the beverage product as a whole becomes a smoothie. In this smoothie state, there can be a range of smoothie viscosities or thicknesses, because the smoothie continues to be cooled and thus becomes more slushy (e.g., thicker), until eventually, without limitation and with continued cooling, the beverage product may become a frozen solid. The target temperature value for the beverage product or beverage type can be the temperature value that is determined, respectively, for the beverage product or beverage type to produce a desired, ideal, and / or average smoothie viscosity. Thus, the target temperature value for the beverage product or beverage type can be a temperature value lower than the phase - change temperature value of the beverage product or beverage type. In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the target temperature value for the beverage type selected by the user can be predefined (e.g., before processing the beverage product) based on empirical data (e.g., based on experiments / tests with the user and / or based on applying a formula to a predefined phase - change temperature value of the beverage type (e.g., a temperature offset, a linear equation, or a more complex formula), etc.).

[0314] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, as described herein, the phase - change temperature value and the target temperature value of a beverage product (e.g., the beverage type of the beverage product) can be determined in advance before the beverage maker processes the beverage product, or the phase - change temperature value and the target temperature value of the beverage product can be determined by the beverage maker during the processing of the beverage product. The beverage maker can take actions based on the predefined and / or in - process - determined phase - change temperature value and / or target temperature value.

[0315] As Figure 12A shown, method 1200 can include: at step 1206, disconnecting the cooling circuit. For example, if the detected current (or power, torque, etc.) is greater than or equal to a limit, the controller 402 can disconnect the cooling circuit for a certain period of time (e.g., by disconnecting the compressor 214). This period of time can be greater than or equal to 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 15 seconds, 20 seconds, 30 seconds, or longer than 30 seconds.

[0316] As Figure 12AAs shown, method 1200 may include: at step 1208, determining whether the motor current (or power, torque, etc.) is greater than or equal to a limit. For example, after a period of time when the cooling circuit is disconnected, then, the controller 402 may compare and determine whether the motor current (or power, torque, etc.) is greater than or equal to the limit (e.g., as shown by Figure 9 , a 40-watt power limit). If the detected current (or power, torque, etc.) is less than the limit, the controller 402 may proceed to step 1218. Figure 9 As shown, method 1200 may include: at step 1218, restarting the compressor. For example, the controller 402 may restart the cooling circuit (e.g., the compressor 214), and then proceed to step 1220.

[0317] As Figure 12A shown, method 1200 may include: at step 1220, cycling the compressor off and on at a target temperature value. For example, the controller 402 may cycle the cooling circuit (e.g., the compressor 214) at the target temperature value. The exemplary threshold or current (or power, torque, etc.) limit (e.g., 40W) may be dynamically set based on at least two different inputs as follows: (i) the motor no-load power (e.g., set during a calibration process in production) and (ii) the input voltage due to power supply variations, such variations may affect the motor power as such.

[0318] As Figure 12A shown, method 1200 may include: at step 1220, cycling the compressor off and on at a target temperature value. For example, the controller 402 may cycle the cooling circuit (e.g., the compressor 214) at the target temperature value. The exemplary threshold or current (or power, torque, etc.) limit (e.g., 40W) may be dynamically set based on at least two different inputs as follows: (i) the motor no-load power (e.g., set during a calibration process in production) and (ii) the input voltage due to power supply variations, such variations may affect the motor power as such.

[0319] In addition to solving icing that may be caused by an undesired amount of certain ingredients (e.g., relative to the volume of the beverage product), the methods and techniques described with respect to Figure 11 and Figures 12A to 12B and their variations may be implemented to address user errors in determining the target temperature value of the beverage product being processed. Such user errors may occur when selecting a beverage type that is different from or not similar enough to the beverage product being processed, and / or may occur by selecting a temperature adjustment that results in a target temperature value that is too low for the beverage product. With respect to beverage type selection, for example, if the user selects a beverage type with a relatively high sugar or alcohol concentration, but the actual beverage product being processed has less (e.g., significantly less) sugar and / or alcohol concentration than the selected beverage type, the predefined temperature value will be too low, such that the predefined temperature value is lower (e.g., much lower) than the reasonable target temperature value of the beverage product. As a result, without limitation, the beverage maker may continue to significantly cool the beverage product beyond the reasonable target temperature, possibly to the extent that the resulting smoothie is too thick and the drive motor 208 overworks and the blender 204 stalls.

[0320] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, cycling the compressor 214 (e.g., turning the compressor 214 off and on) can avoid the above - mentioned complexity problems. In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the controller 402 can be configured to determine user errors and take actions accordingly. For example, during the processing of a beverage product, after the drive motor threshold is met multiple times, the controller 402 can change the target temperature value to a higher value (e.g., in some cases, to the predetermined target temperature of another beverage type). In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, due to the configuration of the cooling circuit, the time that the compressor 214 is off can be about 3 minutes. In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, different off - time periods can be used. For example, about 30 seconds or less may be optimal. If the detected current (or power, torque, etc.) remains greater than or equal to the limit after this time period, the controller 402 can proceed to step 1210.

[0321] As Figure 12A shown, method 1200 may include: at step 1210, turning off the drive motor. For example, the controller 402 can turn off the drive motor 208 of the agitator 204. Then, the controller 402 can proceed to step 1212.

[0322] As Figure 12A shown, method 1200 may include: at step 1212, pulse - driving the drive motor 208 periodically. For example, the controller 402 can pulse - drive the drive motor 208 of the agitator 204 periodically. Pulse - driving can include running the drive motor 208 for a portion of a certain time period. For example, during a 20 - second time period, the drive motor 208 can run or be pulse - driven for 5 seconds (e.g., the drive motor 208 is on for 5 seconds and off for 15 seconds). This time period and the pulse - driving period can vary. For example, the pulse - driving can first be 10 seconds in a 30 - second time period, and / or then the pulse - driving can be 8 seconds in a 16 - second time period, etc. In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the drive motor 208 of the agitator 204 can be turned off during the same time period (e.g., 3 minutes) that the compressor 214 is off. Then, both the drive motor 208 and the compressor 214 can be turned back on, which can provide fewer on and off pulse - drivings / cycles.

[0323] As Figure 12AAs shown, method 1200 may include: at step 1214, determining whether the detected current (or power, torque, etc.) is greater than or equal to a limit. For example, during the pulse drive process of step 1212, controller 402 may continuously compare and determine whether the detected current (or power, torque, etc.) is greater than or equal to the limit. If the detected current (or power, torque, etc.) is greater than the limit, controller 402 may proceed to step 1212. If controller 402 detects that the current (or power, torque, etc.) is less than the limit, controller 402 may proceed to step 1216.

[0324] As Figure 12A shown, method 1200 may include: at step 1216, continuously running drive motor 208. For example, controller 402 may continuously start and run drive motor 208, proceed to step 1218, and then proceed to step 1220. In step 1218, compressor 214 is restarted, and in step 1220, controller 402 cycles the cooling circuit (e.g., compressor 214) off and on at a target temperature. Then, according to step 1204, controller 402 may continuously monitor the current (or power, torque, etc.) of drive motor 208.

[0325] Now refer to Figure 12B , which shows method 1249 for processing beverage products in a beverage maker according to some non - restrictive embodiments or aspects. Figure 12B The steps shown are for illustrative purposes only. It should be understood that in some non - restrictive embodiments or aspects, additional, fewer, different steps and / or different step sequences may be used. In some non - restrictive embodiments or aspects, steps may occur automatically in response to the occurrence and / or completion of previous steps. As shown, method 1249 may include the following steps: automatically controlling a beverage maker in response to detecting when the drive motor current (or power, torque, etc.) exceeds one or more limits. It should be understood that references to motor current in the following description may also refer to motor power and / or torque, etc., and motor current is used for ease of reference.

[0326] As Figure 12B shown, method 1249 may include: at step 1250, initiating the processing and monitoring of the temperature of the beverage product and the motor current of the drive motor. For example, controller 402 may initiate the processing of the beverage product by activating drive motor 208, and controller 402 may also monitor the temperature of the beverage product and the motor current of drive motor 208.

[0327] As Figure 12BAs shown, method 1249 may include: at step 1252, comparing the motor current with a first threshold. For example, controller 402 may compare the motor current with a first threshold (e.g., a first motor current limit). If the motor current meets (e.g., is greater than or equal to) the first threshold, controller 402 may proceed to step 1260. If the motor current does not meet the first threshold, controller 402 may proceed to step 1254.

[0328] As Figure 12B shown, method 1249 may include: at step 1254, determining whether the cooling circuit is on. For example, controller 402 may determine whether the cooling circuit (e.g., compressor 214) is on. If the cooling circuit is not on, controller 402 may proceed to step 1258. If the cooling circuit is on, controller 402 may proceed to step 1256.

[0329] As Figure 12B shown, method 1249 may include: at step 1258, activating the cooling circuit. For example, controller 402 may activate the cooling circuit (e.g., compressor 214).

[0330] As Figure 12B shown, method 1249 may include: at step 1256, waiting for a predetermined period of time. For example, controller 402 may wait for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 15 seconds, 20 seconds, 25 seconds, 30 seconds, or more than 30 seconds) before returning to step 1250 and / or step 1252.

[0331] As Figure 12B shown, method 1249 may include: at step 1260, determining whether the cooling circuit is on. For example, controller 402 may determine whether the cooling circuit (e.g., compressor 214) is on. If the cooling circuit is on, controller 402 may proceed to step 1262. If the cooling circuit is not on, controller 402 may proceed to step 1264.

[0332] As Figure 12B shown, method 1249 may include: at step 1262, deactivating the cooling circuit. For example, controller 402 may deactivate the cooling circuit (e.g., compressor 214). Thereafter, controller 402 may proceed to step 1264.

[0333] As Figure 12BAs shown, method 1249 may include: at step 1264, determining whether the motor current meets a second threshold. For example, the controller 402 may compare the motor current with the second threshold (e.g., the second motor current limit) and determine whether the second threshold is met (e.g., complied with or exceeded). If the second threshold is not met, the controller 402 may proceed to step 1270. If the second motor threshold is met, the controller 402 may proceed to step 1266.

[0334] As Figure 12B shown, method 1249 may include: at step 1266, determining whether the drive motor is on. For example, the controller 402 may determine whether the drive motor 208 is on. If the drive motor 208 is on, the controller 402 may proceed to step 1268. If the drive motor 208 is not on, the controller 402 may proceed to step 1269.

[0335] As Figure 12B shown, method 1249 may include: at step 1268, deactivating the drive motor. For example, the controller 402 may deactivate the drive motor 208. Thereafter, the controller 402 may proceed to step 1269.

[0336] As Figure 12B shown, method 1249 may include: at step 1269, waiting for a predetermined period of time. For example, the controller 402 may wait for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 15 seconds, 20 seconds, 25 seconds, 30 seconds, or more than 30 seconds) before returning to step 1264.

[0337] As Figure 12B shown, method 1249 may include: at step 1270, determining whether the drive motor is on. For example, the controller 402 may determine whether the drive motor 208 is on. If the drive motor 208 is on, the controller 402 may proceed to step 1272. If the drive motor 208 is not on, the controller 402 may proceed to step 1274.

[0338] As Figure 12B shown, method 1249 may include: at step 1274, activating the drive motor. For example, the controller 402 may activate the drive motor 208. Thereafter, the controller 402 may proceed to step 1272.

[0339] As Figure 12B shown, method 1249 may include: at step 1272, waiting for a predetermined period of time. For example, the controller 402 may wait for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 15 seconds, 20 seconds, 25 seconds, 30 seconds, or more than 30 seconds) before returning to step 1252.

[0340] Now referring to Figure 13 , a graph 1300 is shown of the temperature 1310 of a beverage product over time 1311, according to some non - limiting embodiments or aspects. The graph 1300 shows an example of how a controller (e.g., controller 402) can determine a phase change of a beverage product when the rate of temperature change decreases from a first rate to a second rate. During the time when the compressor 214 (and thus the cooling circuit) is on, the cooling circuit can continuously extract energy from the ingredients of the beverage product in the mixing container 104. When the temperature of the beverage product is above the phase - change temperature value, the thermal gradient associated with the beverage product may be steep because all of the energy removed will be entirely for thermal change. When the liquid of the beverage product begins to freeze, the thermal gradient becomes shallow because the phase change is an isothermal event. Thus, even when the cooling circuit is extracting energy from the beverage product at the same rate, the thermal gradient significantly decreases. In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, it can be determined that a phase change (e.g., at point 1312) occurs when the thermal gradient changes from steep (e.g., a higher rate of change) to shallow (a lower rate of change).

[0341] For illustrative purposes, Figure 13 a temperature gradient of a cola soft drink as a beverage product is shown during temperature reduction within the mixing container 104 of the beverage maker 100. The temperature of the beverage product initially decreases at a first rate of temperature change along a first portion 1302 of the temperature gradient, but then changes to a second rate of temperature change along a second portion 1304 of the temperature gradient. The controller 402 can determine that the point at which there is a change in the rate of temperature change from a higher rate of change (e.g., a steeper slope) to a lower rate of change (e.g., a shallower slope) is approximately the phase - change temperature value at point 1312. The determined phase - change temperature value 1306 corresponds to the temperature at the determined and / or identified freezing point. In this case, the phase - change temperature value of the cola soft drink is approximately - 1.5 °C, while the calculated target temperature is approximately - 2.0 °C.

[0342] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, other methods for determining and / or calculating when a phase change has occurred are that the controller 402 continuously monitors the temperature via a sliding window over a certain time period, where the window of the time period advances incrementally in time as each temperature signal is detected. For example, the controller 402 may receive a temperature signal every 0.5 seconds for indicating the temperature of the beverage product being processed. The controller 402 may compare the first temperature signal with the last temperature signal over a certain time period (e.g., a 30 - second period). The controller 402 may compare the temperature at time t = 30.0 seconds with the temperature at time t = 0.0 seconds to determine the temperature change. Then, the controller 402 may continuously compare the temperature at time t = 0.5 seconds with the temperature at time t = 30.5 seconds to determine the temperature change, and so on. The controller 402 may determine the temperature change over the time period (e.g., 30 seconds) by subtracting the first detected temperature from the last detected temperature to determine and / or calculate the rate of temperature change over that time period. In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the controller 402 may compare the determined rate of temperature change with a constant rate value stored in the memory corresponding to the rate of temperature change associated with one or more beverage product types after the phase change from liquid to slush. For example, certain beverage product types may have a constant rate of temperature change (e.g., a rate of temperature change of about 0.18 degrees Celsius) in the slush phase.

[0343] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the controller 402 may continuously and / or repeatedly determine the rate of temperature change of the beverage product being processed until the controller 402 determines and / or calculates a rate that is approximately equal to the expected or constant rate of temperature change associated with the beverage product type that has changed from the liquid phase to the slush phase. Once the controller 402 detects the expected rate of temperature change, the controller 402 may refer to the first temperature detection increment of the time period to determine and / or calculate when the phase change and / or transition has occurred. As Figure 13 shown, the slope and / or rate of change of the second part 1304 of the temperature gradient may correspond, for example, to a constant rate of about 0.18 degrees Celsius associated with the beverage product type of the beverage product being processed. Thus, the controller 402 may determine the phase change temperature value by determining when the phase change temperature value at point 1312 is reached. The relationship between the expected phase change temperature value and the target temperature value is further described below.

[0344] Now refer to Figure 14, showing a graph 1400 that depicts a linear relationship between a phase change temperature value and a target temperature value according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects. For a given beverage type, it may be difficult to set the temperature to obtain a desired smoothie thickness. For a given smoothie thickness, different ingredients for different beverage types may require significantly different temperatures. Although the effect of a small change in temperature for a given beverage type as low as 0.1 °C or 0.2 °C may be perceivable by the user, a wide range of temperatures may be required. Thus, it may be difficult to know where to start and how to dial in the temperature setting for a particular beverage type. Accordingly, the controller 402 may be configured to more efficiently and timely determine a target temperature at which an optimal and / or desired smoothie thickness can be achieved. The temperature for achieving a generally desired smoothie thickness may be linearly related to the phase change temperature value of the ingredients of a particular beverage type. By programming this correlation into a memory (e.g., memory 404), the controller 402 can automatically determine and / or calculate the target temperature based on the phase change temperature value of the identified particular beverage type. Figure 14 shows a linear relationship between a phase change temperature value 1402 and a calculated target temperature or nominal smoothie thickness value 1404. As Figure 14 shown, a phase change temperature value of -1.5 °C is associated with a target temperature value of approximately -2.0 °C. The graph 1400 shows the linear relationships of various phase change temperature values and target temperature values for multiple beverage types. This linear relationship between the phase change temperature and the target temperature may be similar across all ingredient types (such as but not limited to dairy, soda, and / or alcohol, etc.).

[0345] Now referring to Figure 15 , a flowchart of a method 1500 for processing a beverage product in a beverage maker is shown according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects. Figure 15 The steps shown are for illustrative purposes only. It should be understood that in some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, additional, fewer, different steps and / or different orders of steps may be used. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, steps may be automatically performed in response to the occurrence and / or completion of a previous step. As shown, the method 1500 may include the following steps: automatically controlling a beverage maker (e.g., beverage maker 100) in response to detecting a condition related to the temperature of a beverage product (such as when a phase change occurs, etc.).

[0346] As Figure 15As shown, method 1500 may include: at step 1502, adding ingredients of a beverage product to mixing container 104 and starting a program that may be based on a beverage data object stored in memory 404. For example, the started program may include: running a cooling circuit and / or compressor 214, running drive motor 208 to rotate agitator 204, and continuously monitoring the temperature of the beverage product using at least one sensor 406.

[0347] As Figure 15 As shown, method 1500 may include: at step 1504, determining whether a phase transition of the beverage product has occurred above a target temperature. For example, controller 402 may determine whether a phase transition has occurred in the beverage product at a temperature at which the phase transition is above the target temperature. If a phase transition has occurred above the target temperature, controller 402 may proceed to step 1508. If no phase transition has occurred, controller 402 may proceed to step 1506 after a certain period of time.

[0348] For example, if the beverage product is a cola soft drink, the expected phase change temperature value may be about -1.5 °C, while the preset target temperature value may be about -2.0 °C. If the cola soft drink product is diluted with additional water, resulting in a significant reduction in its sugar concentration, the actual phase change of the cola soft drink product may occur at about -1.0 °C, where -1.0 °C is higher than the expected phase change temperature of -1.5 °C and the target temperature of -2.0 °C. Water has a phase change temperature of 0 °C, so the addition of water will increase the phase change temperature of the beverage product. As in step 1508, controller 402 may detect this early phase transition and / or phase transition above the target temperature value and take action. Additionally or alternatively, controller 402 may perform a part of method 1200 as shown in FIG. 12. Controller 402 may perform method 1500 and a part of method 1200 separately, simultaneously, or as a whole depending on the environment. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the only action taken by controller 402 based on the determined phase change temperature relative to a threshold and / or target temperature may be to continue processing (e.g., when the detected temperature of the beverage product is within an allowable temperature range, such as between a maximum temperature limit and a minimum temperature limit associated with the beverage product that may be stored in memory) or to output an error via user interface 112 when outside the range.

[0349] As Figure 15As shown, method 1500 may include: at step 1508, alerting the user. For example, controller 402 may output, in response to a phase transition occurring above a target temperature, an alert (e.g., via user interface 112) to the user indicating that an insufficient amount of sugar, alcohol, and / or other ingredients has been added to the beverage product associated with the beverage type or that an incorrect beverage type has been selected for the ingredients of the beverage product being processed.

[0350] As Figure 15 As shown, method 1500 may include: at step 1506, determining whether a phase transition has occurred at or near the target temperature. For example, controller 402 may determine whether a phase transition has occurred at or near the target temperature. If a phase transition has occurred at or near the target temperature, controller 402 may proceed to step 1516. If a phase transition has not occurred at or near the target temperature, controller 402 may proceed to step 1510.

[0351] As Figure 15 As shown, method 1500 may include: at step 1516, cycling the compressor off and on. For example, controller 402 may cycle a cooling circuit (e.g., compressor 214) off and on to maintain the beverage product temperature at or near the target temperature. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, controller 402 may apply a positive or negative 10% offset and / or error adjustment equal to the target temperature value when identifying and / or determining the phase change temperature value of the beverage product.

[0352] As Figure 15 As shown, method 1500 may include: at step 1510, detecting supercooling. For example, if no phase transition is identified at or near the target temperature and the beverage product temperature continues to decrease at approximately the same rate of change, controller 402 may determine that the beverage product is in a supercooled state (e.g., the beverage product remains in its liquid phase and no phase transition has occurred, while the beverage product temperature is below its expected phase change temperature). Once controller 402 determines that supercooling is occurring, controller 402 may optionally proceed to step 1512.

[0353] As Figure 15 As shown, method 1500 may include: at step 1512, pulse driving a stirrer drive motor to cause nucleation. For example, controller 402 may pulse drive the drive motor 208 of stirrer 204 such that when stirring stops, ice can more easily begin to nucleate, thereby triggering a phase transition of the beverage product.

[0354] As Figure 15As shown, method 1500 may include: at step 1514, determining whether a phase transition occurs above a shutdown temperature. For example, if the beverage product temperature continues to decrease but the controller 402 identifies a phase transition above the shutdown temperature, method 1500 may proceed to step 1516, in which the controller 402 cycles the compressor 214 on and off to maintain the beverage product temperature at approximately the target temperature. If the controller 402 determines that no phase transition has occurred above the shutdown temperature, the controller 402 may proceed to step 1518.

[0355] As Figure 15 shown, method 1500 may include: at step 1518, shutting off the compressor, shutting off the agitator drive motor, and alerting the user. For example, the controller 402 may shut off the compressor 214 and the drive motor 208 and alert the user of the shutdown via the user interface 112. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the maximum shutdown temperature and the minimum shutdown temperature may be configured or predefined in association with the type of beverage product. The maximum shutdown temperature and the minimum shutdown temperature may be stored in the memory in association with a particular type of beverage product and / or a specific beverage product. When the maximum shutdown temperature threshold or the minimum shutdown temperature threshold is reached or exceeded, the controller 402 may shut off the compressor 214 and / or the drive motor 208.

[0356] Now refer to Figure 16 , a flowchart of a method 1600 for processing a beverage product in a beverage maker is shown according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects. Figure 16 The steps shown are for illustrative purposes only. It should be understood that in some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, additional, fewer, different steps and / or different orders of steps may be used. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, steps may be performed automatically in response to the performance and / or completion of a previous step. As shown, method 1600 may include the following steps: automatically controlling the beverage maker in response to detecting a condition related to the temperature of the beverage product (such as when a phase change occurs, etc.).

[0357] As Figure 16 shown, method 1600 may include: at step 1602, adding ingredients to the mixing container 104, starting processing based on the programmed beverage data object, activating the compressor 214, activating the drive motor 208, and monitoring the beverage product temperature. As described above in connection with Figure 13 the controller 402 may use a sliding window temperature monitoring technique. The controller 402 may monitor the beverage product temperature and continuously determine the rate of change of the beverage product temperature to determine whether a phase change has occurred.

[0358] AsFigure 16 As shown, method 1600 may include: at step 1604, determining whether a phase change has occurred based on the rate of temperature change. For example, controller 402 may determine whether a phase change has occurred in the beverage product based on the rate of temperature change. If a phase change has occurred, controller 402 may proceed to step 1606. If a phase change has not occurred, controller 402 may proceed to step 1608.

[0359] As Figure 16 shown, method 1600 may include: at step 1606, continuing the normal operation of the beverage maker. For example, in response to determining that a phase change has occurred, controller 402 may determine that subcooling has not occurred, and controller 402 may continue with the normal operation of beverage maker 100.

[0360] As Figure 16 shown, method 1600 may include: at step 1608, determining whether the beverage product temperature is at or below a target temperature. For example, controller 402 may determine whether the beverage product temperature is at or below a target temperature. If the current beverage product temperature is not at or below the target temperature, controller 402 may proceed to step 1612. If controller 402 determines that the current beverage product temperature is at or below the target temperature, controller 402 may proceed to step 1610.

[0361] As Figure 16 shown, method 1600 may include: at step 1612, continuing the normal operation of the beverage maker. For example, in response to determining that the beverage product temperature is not at or below the target temperature, controller 402 may determine that subcooling has not occurred, and controller 402 may continue with the normal operation of beverage maker 100.

[0362] As Figure 16 shown, method 1600 may include: at step 1610, identifying subcooling and performing a mitigation action. For example, controller 402 may determine that subcooling is occurring. Controller 402 may keep compressor 214 on and pulse drive drive motor 208 to pulse drive the rotation of agitator 204 to promote ice nucleation.

[0363] As Figure 16As shown, method 1600 may include: at step 1614, determining a phase change temperature and determining whether a beverage product temperature value is greater than a low sugar threshold temperature. For example, after monitoring the beverage product temperature over a period of time, controller 402 may determine and / or calculate the phase change temperature, and controller 402 may determine whether the beverage product temperature value is greater than the low sugar threshold temperature. If the beverage product temperature value is greater than the low sugar threshold temperature, controller 402 may proceed to step 1618. If the beverage product temperature is not greater than the low sugar threshold temperature, controller 402 may proceed to step 1616.

[0364] As Figure 16 As shown, method 1600 may include: at step 1618, stopping the drive motor and the compressor and generating an alert. For example, controller 402 may stop compressor 214 and drive motor 208, and may also issue an alert via user interface 112 for indicating a low sugar condition and / or an error.

[0365] As Figure 16 As shown, method 1600 may include: at step 1616, determining whether the beverage product temperature value is less than a high alcohol threshold. For example, controller 402 may compare the beverage product temperature value with the high alcohol threshold temperature and determine whether the beverage product temperature value is less than the high alcohol threshold temperature. If the beverage product temperature value is less than the high alcohol threshold temperature, controller 402 may proceed to step 1622. If the beverage product temperature value is not less than the high alcohol threshold temperature, controller 402 may proceed to step 1620.

[0366] As Figure 16 As shown, method 1600 may include: at step 1620, continuing the normal operation of the beverage maker. For example, in response to determining that the beverage product temperature is not less than the high alcohol threshold temperature, controller 402 may determine that the beverage product is being processed as expected, and controller 402 may continue the normal operation of beverage maker 100.

[0367] As Figure 16 As shown, method 1600 may include: at step 1622, stopping the drive motor and the compressor and generating an alert to the user. For example, controller 402 may stop compressor 214 and drive motor 208, and may also issue an alert via user interface 112 for indicating a high alcohol condition and / or an error. Alternatively, controller 402 may issue a high alcohol alert but keep compressor 214 and drive motor 208 running. In this case, beverage maker 100 may not provide a beverage product with thick smoothie, but the beverage product will still be chilled.

[0368] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the controller 402 can determine a temperature to achieve a generally desired smoothie thickness based on a correlation with the phase - change temperature values of the ingredients of a particular type of beverage product. By being programmed with this correlation, the controller 402 can automatically determine a target temperature based on the calculated phase - change temperature values as described above (see, for example Figure 14 ). In some cases, a user can configure and / or program a custom beverage product type based on custom ingredients, where the controller 402 can determine the phase - change temperature value of the custom beverage type and, thereby, can automatically determine the target temperature at which the custom beverage product type has a desired and / or typical smoothie thickness. In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the controller 402 can have a "training mode" for new and custom beverage types without a known target temperature value. In the training mode, the controller 402 can determine the phase - change temperature value and the target temperature value therefrom. The controller 402 can show settings for new beverage product types and / or custom beverage product types via the user interface 112.

[0369] Now referring to Figure 17 , a flowchart of a method 1700 for processing a beverage product in a beverage maker is shown according to some non - limiting embodiments or aspects. Figure 17 The steps shown are for illustrative purposes only. It should be understood that in some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, additional, fewer, different steps and / or different step orders may be used. In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, steps can occur automatically in response to the occurrence and / or completion of a previous step. As shown, method 1700 can include the steps of automatically determining the phase - change temperature value of the beverage product being processed and controlling the beverage maker based on such determination.

[0370] As Figure 17 shown, method 1700 can include: at step 1250, initiating the processing and monitoring of the temperature of the beverage product and the motor current (or power, torque, etc.) of the drive motor. For example, the controller 402 can initiate the processing of the beverage product by activating the drive motor 208, and the controller 402 can also monitor the temperature of the beverage product and the motor current (or power, torque, etc.) of the drive motor 208.

[0371] As Figure 17 shown, method 1700 can include: at step 1704, receiving the next temperature signal. For example, the controller 402 can receive the next temperature signal among the plurality of temperature signals communicated by the temperature sensor 406.

[0372] As Figure 17As shown, method 1700 may include: at step 1706, comparing the next temperature signal with a first temperature threshold. For example, controller 402 may compare the next temperature signal received at step 1704 with the first temperature threshold (e.g., comparing the respective associated temperature values). If the next temperature signal is less than the first temperature threshold, controller 402 may proceed to step 1708. If the next temperature signal is not less than the first temperature threshold, controller 402 may proceed to step 1710.

[0373] As Figure 17 shown, method 1700 may include: at step 1708, alerting the user of beverage maker 100 and / or taking other actions. For example, controller 402 may cause an alert to be generated for the user and / or take one or more remedial actions including shutting off drive motor 208 and / or shutting off compressor 214 in response to the next temperature signal being less than the first temperature threshold.

[0374] As Figure 17 shown, method 1700 may include: at step 1710, determining the rate of change of the next temperature signal. For example, controller 402 may determine the temperature rate of change of the next temperature signal by comparing the next temperature signal with a previous temperature signal and dividing by the time elapsed between the temperature signals.

[0375] As Figure 17 shown, method 1700 may include: at step 1712, comparing the determined rate of change with a threshold rate of change. For example, controller 402 may compare the temperature rate of change determined at step 1710 with the threshold rate of change. If the determined rate of change is greater than the threshold rate of change, controller 402 may return to step 1704 and receive the next temperature signal. If the determined rate of change is not greater than the threshold rate of change, controller 402 may proceed to step 1714.

[0376] As Figure 17 shown, method 1700 may include: at step 1714, determining a phase change temperature value. For example, if the rate of change is less than the threshold rate of change, controller 402 may detect that a phase change is occurring in the beverage product. Then, controller 402 may determine the temperature of the beverage product at the time of the phase change.

[0377] As Figure 17As shown, method 1700 may include: at step 1716, comparing the determined phase change temperature value with a second temperature threshold. For example, controller 402 may compare the phase change temperature value determined at step 1714 with the second temperature threshold. If the phase change temperature value is less than the second temperature threshold, controller 402 may proceed to step 1718. If the phase change temperature value is greater than or equal to the second temperature threshold, controller 402 may proceed to step 1720.

[0378] As Figure 17 shown, method 1700 may include: at step 1718, alerting the user of beverage maker 100 and / or taking other actions. For example, controller 402 may, in response to the phase change temperature value being less than the second temperature threshold, generate an alert to the user and / or take one or more remedial actions including shutting off drive motor 208 and / or shutting off compressor 214.

[0379] As Figure 17 shown, method 1700 may include: at step 1720, determining a target temperature value based on the phase change temperature value. For example, controller 402 may determine a target temperature value based on the phase change temperature value. The determined target temperature value may be close to the phase change temperature value (e.g., offset from the phase change temperature value by a lower temperature).

[0380] As Figure 17 shown, method 1700 may include: at step 1722, controlling the process based on the determined target temperature value. For example, controller 402 may control the process of beverage maker 100 based on the target temperature value determined at step 1720. By further example, controller 402 may cycle compressor 214 to maintain the beverage product at or near the target temperature value.

[0381] Now refer Figure 18 to, which shows a flowchart of a method 1800 for processing a beverage product in a beverage maker according to some non - limiting embodiments or aspects. Figure 18 The steps shown are for illustrative purposes only. It should be understood that in some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, additional, fewer, different steps and / or different step orders may be used. In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, steps may occur automatically in response to the occurrence and / or completion of previous steps. As shown, method 1800 may include the following steps: automatically determining when supercooling or some user error has occurred and taking action accordingly.

[0382] As Figure 18As shown, method 1800 may include: at step 1250, initiating the processing and monitoring of the temperature of the beverage product and the motor current (or power, torque, etc.) of the drive motor. For example, controller 402 may initiate the processing of the beverage product by activating drive motor 208, and controller 402 may also monitor the temperature of the beverage product and the motor current (or power, torque, etc.) of drive motor 208.

[0383] As Figure 18 shown, method 1800 may include: at step 1704, receiving the next temperature signal. For example, controller 402 may receive the next temperature signal among the plurality of temperature signals communicated by temperature sensor 406.

[0384] As Figure 18 shown, method 1800 may include: at step 1706, comparing the next temperature signal with a first temperature threshold. For example, controller 402 may compare the next temperature signal received at step 1704 with the first temperature threshold (e.g., comparing the respective associated temperature values). If the next temperature signal is less than the first temperature threshold, then controller 402 may proceed to step 1708. If the next temperature signal is not less than the first temperature threshold, then controller 402 may proceed to step 1710.

[0385] As Figure 18 shown, method 1800 may include: at step 1708, alerting the user of the beverage maker 100 and / or taking other actions. For example, controller 402 may, in response to the next temperature signal being less than the first temperature threshold, generate an alert to the user and / or take one or more remedial actions including shutting off drive motor 208 and / or shutting off compressor 214, etc.

[0386] As Figure 18 shown, method 1800 may include: at step 1710, determining the rate of change of the next temperature signal. For example, controller 402 may determine the rate of temperature change of the next temperature signal by comparing the next temperature signal with a previous temperature signal and dividing by the time elapsed between the temperature signals.

[0387] As Figure 18 shown, method 1800 may include: at step 1712, comparing the determined rate of change with a threshold rate of change. For example, controller 402 may compare the rate of temperature change determined at step 1710 with the threshold rate of change. If the determined rate of change is greater than the threshold rate of change, then controller 402 may proceed to step 1814. If the determined rate of change is not greater than the threshold rate of change, then controller 402 may proceed to step 1812.

[0388] As Figure 18As shown, method 1800 may include: at step 1812, alerting the user of the beverage maker 100 and / or taking other actions. For example, the controller 402 may, in response to the next temperature signal being less than the first temperature threshold, generate an alert to the user and / or take one or more remedial actions including cutting off the drive motor 208 and / or cutting off the compressor 214, etc.

[0389] As Figure 18 shown, method 1800 may include: at step 1814, determining whether a predetermined target temperature has been reached in the beverage product. For example, the controller may determine the current temperature of the beverage product based on the temperature signal received from the temperature sensor 406 and compare the current temperature with the predetermined target temperature. By further example, if the current temperature is equal to the predetermined target temperature or within an acceptable range relative to the predetermined target temperature, the controller 402 may determine that the predetermined target temperature has been reached. If the predetermined target temperature has been reached, the controller 402 may proceed to step 1816. If the predetermined target temperature has not been reached, the controller 402 may return to step 1704 and receive the next temperature signal from the temperature sensor 406.

[0390] As Figure 18 shown, method 1800 may include: at step 1816, controlling the process based on the predetermined target temperature value. For example, the controller 402 may control the process of the beverage maker 100 based on the predetermined target temperature value. By further example, the controller 402 may cycle the compressor 214 to maintain the beverage product at or near the predetermined target temperature value.

[0391] Now refer Figure 19 to, which shows a flowchart of a method 1900 for processing a beverage product in a beverage maker according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects. Figure 19 The steps shown are for illustrative purposes only. It should be understood that in some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, additional, fewer, different steps and / or different orders of steps may be used. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the steps may be performed automatically in response to the performance and / or completion of previous steps. As shown, method 1900 may include the following steps: automatically determining when the phase change temperature value is too high and taking actions accordingly.

[0392] As Figure 19 shown, method 1900 may include: at step 1250, initiating the processing and monitoring of the temperature of the beverage product and the motor current (or power, torque, etc.) of the drive motor. For example, the controller 402 may initiate the processing of the beverage product by activating the drive motor 208, and the controller 402 may also monitor the temperature of the beverage product and the motor current (or power, torque, etc.) of the drive motor 208.

[0393] As Figure 19 shown, method 1900 may include: at step 1704, receiving a next temperature signal. For example, controller 402 may receive the next temperature signal among a plurality of temperature signals communicated by temperature sensor 406.

[0394] As Figure 19 shown, method 1900 may include: at step 1706, comparing the next temperature signal with a first temperature threshold. For example, controller 402 may compare the next temperature signal received at step 1704 with the first temperature threshold (e.g., comparing the respective associated temperature values). If the next temperature signal is less than the first temperature threshold, controller 402 may proceed to step 1708. If the next temperature signal is not less than the first temperature threshold, controller 402 may proceed to step 1710.

[0395] As Figure 19 shown, method 1900 may include: at step 1708, alerting the user of beverage maker 100 and / or taking other actions. For example, controller 402 may, in response to the next temperature signal being less than the first temperature threshold, generate an alert to the user and / or take one or more remedial actions including shutting off drive motor 208 and / or shutting off compressor 214.

[0396] As Figure 19 shown, method 1900 may include: at step 1710, determining a rate of change of the next temperature signal. For example, controller 402 may determine the rate of temperature change of the next temperature signal by comparing the next temperature signal with a previous temperature signal and dividing by the time elapsed between the temperature signals.

[0397] As Figure 19 shown, method 1900 may include: at step 1712, comparing the determined rate of change with a threshold rate of change. For example, controller 402 may compare the rate of temperature change determined at step 1710 with the threshold rate of change. If the determined rate of change is not greater than the threshold rate of change, controller 402 may proceed to step 1812. If the determined rate of change is greater than the threshold rate of change, controller 402 may proceed to step 1714.

[0398] As Figure 19 shown, method 1900 may include: at step 1812, alerting the user of beverage maker 100 and / or taking other actions. For example, controller 402 may, in response to the next temperature signal being less than the first temperature threshold, generate an alert to the user and / or take one or more remedial actions including shutting off drive motor 208 and / or shutting off compressor 214.

[0399] As Figure 19 shown, method 1900 may include: at step 1714, determining a phase change temperature value. For example, if the rate of change is less than a threshold rate of change, controller 402 may detect that a phase change is occurring in the beverage product. Then, controller 402 may determine the temperature of the beverage product at the time of the phase change.

[0400] As Figure 19 shown, method 1900 may include: at step 1916, comparing the determined phase change temperature value with a second temperature threshold. For example, controller 402 may compare the phase change temperature value determined at step 1714 with the second temperature threshold. If the phase change temperature value is greater than or equal to the second temperature threshold, controller 402 may return to step 1704 and receive the next temperature signal. If the phase change temperature value is less than the second temperature threshold, controller 402 may proceed to step 1918.

[0401] As Figure 19 shown, method 1900 may include: at step 1918, alerting the user of the beverage maker 100 and / or taking other actions. For example, controller 402 may, in response to the next temperature signal being less than the first temperature threshold, generate an alert to the user and / or take one or more remedial actions including shutting off drive motor 208 and / or shutting off compressor 214.

[0402] Now referring Figure 20 , a flowchart of a method 2000 for processing a beverage product in a beverage maker is shown in accordance with some non - limiting embodiments or aspects. Figure 20 The steps shown are for illustrative purposes only. It should be understood that in some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, additional, fewer, different steps and / or different orders of steps may be used. In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, steps may occur automatically in response to the occurrence and / or completion of previous steps. As Figure 20 shown, one or more steps of method 2000 may be performed by one or more components of beverage maker 100 including control system 400 and / or controller 402. Additionally or alternatively, one or more steps of method 2000 may be performed by one or more different components of beverage maker 100 other than control system 400 and / or controller 402.

[0403] As Figure 20As shown, method 2000 may include: at step 2002, mixing the beverage product within the mixing container. For example, after pouring the beverage product into the mixing container 104 of the beverage maker 100, the agitator 204 driven by the drive motor 208 may mix the beverage product within the mixing container 104.

[0404] As Figure 20 shown, method 2000 may include: at step 2004, cooling the beverage product within the mixing container. For example, a cooling circuit (e.g., including a compressor 214, an evaporator 202, a condenser 216, a condenser fan 218, a bypass valve, and conduits) may cool the beverage product within the mixing container 104.

[0405] As Figure 20 shown, method 2000 may include: at step 2006, repeatedly detecting the temperature associated with the beverage product. For example, a sensor 406 (e.g., controlled by a controller 402) may repeatedly detect the temperature associated with the beverage product within the mixing container 104.

[0406] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the sensor 406 may be configured to repeatedly detect the temperature associated with the beverage product at periodic intervals within a range of from about 0.1 second to about 5 seconds when repeatedly detecting the temperature associated with the beverage product. The length of each detection interval may be the same as or different from the previous detection interval. The temperature signal output from the sensor 406 may indicate the temperature detected at the corresponding periodic interval. For example, at t = 0 seconds, the sensor 406 may detect the temperature of the beverage product as 2.37 °C and output a first temperature signal indicating 2.37 °C to the controller 402, at t = 5 seconds, the sensor 406 may detect the temperature of the beverage product as 2.40 °C and output a second temperature signal indicating 2.40 °C to the controller 402, and at t = 10 seconds, the sensor 406 may detect the temperature of the beverage product as 2.43 °C and output a third temperature signal indicating 2.43 °C to the controller 402.

[0407] As Figure 20 shown, method 2000 may include: at step 2008, outputting a temperature signal indicating the detected temperature. For example, a sensor 406 (e.g., controlled by a controller 402) may output a temperature signal indicating the temperature detected in step 2006. The controller 402 may receive the temperature signal output by the sensor 406.

[0408] As Figure 20As shown, method 2000 may include: at step 2010, determining that a threshold condition associated with a phase change of a beverage product has been met. For example, controller 402 may determine that a threshold condition associated with a phase change of a beverage product (e.g., a change from a liquid phase to a solid phase) has been met based on the temperature signal output in step 2008.

[0409] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the threshold condition associated with a phase change of a beverage product may include a threshold temperature value associated with the phase change of the beverage product. For example, the threshold temperature value may be in the range of about -1°C to about -9°C, and the threshold temperature value may also depend on the type of beverage selected by the user in the user interface of beverage maker 100. By further example, a low sugar / alcohol beverage product may have a threshold temperature value in the range of about -1°C to about -2.3°C (e.g., a threshold temperature value of -2°C). For further illustration, a high sugar / alcohol beverage product may have a threshold temperature value in the range of about -5.8°C to about -8.8°C (e.g., a threshold temperature value of -7°C).

[0410] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the threshold condition associated with a phase change of a beverage product may include a threshold rate of change. For example, controller 402 may be configured to determine a rate of change of temperature based on the temperature signal received from sensor 406. By further example, controller 402 may determine a first temperature at a first time step, determine a second temperature at a second time step that is a period of time after the first time step, determine the difference between the first temperature and the second temperature, and divide the difference by the period of time.

[0411] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the threshold rate of change associated with the phase change of the beverage product can have a value in the range of from about 0.002 degrees Celsius per second to about 0.006 degrees Celsius per second. The controller 402 can be configured to determine that the rate of temperature change is less than or equal to the threshold rate of change when it is determined that the threshold condition has been met. For example, the controller 402 can determine the value of the rate of temperature change of the beverage product (e.g., absolute value) of 0.003 degrees Celsius per second, which can be less than or equal to the predetermined threshold of the rate of change of 0.004 degrees Celsius per second (e.g., absolute value), and based on this comparison, the controller 402 can determine that the threshold condition has been met. In response to determining that the rate of temperature change is less than or equal to the threshold rate of change, the controller 402 can determine that a phase change has occurred. Additionally or alternatively, the controller 402 can be configured to determine that the rate of temperature change is greater than or equal to the threshold rate of change when it is determined that the threshold condition has been met. For example, the controller 402 can determine the value of the rate of temperature change of the beverage product (e.g., absolute value) of 0.010 degrees Celsius per second, which can be less than or equal to the predetermined threshold of the rate of change of 0.006 degrees Celsius per second (e.g., absolute value), and based on this comparison, the controller 402 can determine that the threshold condition has been met. As described below, this determination can also be combined with a comparison of the elapsed time.

[0412] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the controller 402 can also be configured to determine the elapsed time of mixing of the beverage product. The threshold condition associated with the phase change of the beverage product can also include a threshold duration. The controller 402 can also be configured to determine that the elapsed time is greater than or equal to the threshold duration when it is determined that the threshold condition has been met. For example, the controller 402 can determine that the threshold duration of more than 30 minutes has elapsed for 35 minutes, and the rate of temperature change can be 0.010 degrees Celsius per second, which is less than or equal to the predetermined threshold. Based on this comparison, the controller 402 can determine the threshold condition to be met and can generate an alert to the user (e.g., indicating that the sugar / alcohol content of the beverage product is too high, which may cause an extended delay in achieving the phase change).

[0413] As Figure 20 shown, the method 2000 can include: at step 2012, alerting the user of the beverage maker. For example, the controller 402 can alert the user of the beverage maker 100 in response to determining that the threshold condition has been met.

[0414] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the threshold temperature value may include a minimum threshold temperature value. Determining that the threshold condition has been met (at step 2010) may include determining that the temperature value of the phase change of the beverage product is less than or equal to the minimum threshold temperature value. For example, the minimum threshold temperature value may be - 9°C, and the controller 402 may determine that the temperature value of the phase change is less than (e.g., colder than) or equal to - 9°C. The alert (at step 2012) may indicate to the user that the beverage product must be modified (e.g., adding additional liquid with a low sugar / alcohol content or no sugar / alcohol content to the mixing container 104 to reduce the total sugar / alcohol content of the beverage product) before proper slushification can occur.

[0415] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the threshold temperature value may include a maximum threshold temperature value. Determining that the threshold condition has been met (at step 2010) may include determining that the temperature value of the phase change of the beverage product is greater than or equal to the maximum threshold temperature value. For example, the minimum threshold temperature value may be - 1°C, and the controller 402 may determine that the temperature value of the phase change is greater than (e.g., warmer than) or equal to - 1°C. The alert (at step 2012) may indicate to the user that the beverage product must be modified (e.g., adding additional liquid with a relatively high sugar / alcohol content to the mixing container 104 to increase the total sugar / alcohol content of the beverage product) before proper slushification can occur.

[0416] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the beverage maker 100 may include at least one output device such as a display, a speaker, and / or a light indicator. The controller 402 may be configured to cause the at least one output device to alert the user of the beverage maker when alerting the user in step 2012. For example, the at least one output device may include one or more displays of the beverage maker 100, and the controller 402 may be configured to cause one or more displays to generate a visual alert (e.g., image output, video output, and / or illuminated icon / symbol, etc.). By further example, the at least one output device may include one or more speakers of the beverage maker 100, and the controller 402 may be configured to cause one or more speakers to generate an audible alert (e.g., beeping, a series of sounds, and / or one or more audio waves, etc.). For further illustration, the at least one output device may include one or more light indicators of the beverage maker 100, and the controller 402 may be configured to cause one or more light indicators to generate a visual alert (e.g., constantly illuminated and / or intermittently illuminated, etc.). The controller 402 may cause one or more of the at least one output device to activate to alert the user (such as in step 2010, etc.) in response to determining that a phase change has occurred.

[0417] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, at least one output device may include at least one speaker, and the controller 402 may be configured to cause the at least one speaker to emit a series of sounds (e.g., audible notes) when an alert is generated. For example, the series of sounds may include multiple sounds having at least one of a rising pitch and a rising volume when generated in succession (e.g., multiple audible notes including an increase in pitch or volume, such as but not limited to a rising trill, etc.). By another example, the series of sounds may include multiple sounds having at least one of a falling pitch and a falling volume when generated in succession (e.g., multiple audible notes including a decrease in pitch or volume, such as but not limited to a falling trill, etc.).

[0418] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, at least one output device may include a plurality of light indicators (e.g., LEDs). For example, the plurality of light indicators may be configured to illuminate sequentially when the controller 402 causes an alert to the user of the beverage maker. By a further example, the beverage maker 100 may include a user interface 112 having ten LEDs arranged in a row. When alerting the user, the ten LEDs may illuminate sequentially (e.g., forward, upward, downward, or backward along the row of LEDs). For further illustration, the sequential activation of the light indicators may be paired with the multiple sounds generated by at least one speaker (e.g., upward sequential illumination paired with at least a partially rising series of notes and / or downward sequential illumination paired with at least a partially falling series of notes, etc.).

[0419] Now referring Figure 21 to, a diagram showing example components of a device 2100 according to a non - limiting embodiment. As an example, the device 2100 may correspond to the control system 400 and / or the controller 402. In some non - limiting embodiments, such a system or device may include at least one device 2100 and / or at least one component of the device 2100. The number and arrangement of the illustrated components are provided as an example. In some non - limiting embodiments, the device 2100 may include more components, fewer components, different components, or components in a different arrangement compared to the illustrated components. Additionally or alternatively, a set of components of the device 2100 (e.g., one or more than one component of the device 2100) may perform one or more than one function described as being performed by another set of components of the device 2100.

[0420] As Figure 21As shown, the apparatus 2100 may include a bus 2102, a processor 2104, a memory 2106, a storage component 2108, an input component 2110, an output component 2112, and a communication interface 2114. The bus 2102 may include components for facilitating communication among the components of the apparatus 2100. In some non-limiting embodiments, the processor 2104 may be implemented in hardware, firmware, or a combination of hardware and software. For example, the processor 2104 may include a processor (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an accelerated processing unit (APU), etc.), a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), and / or any processing component that can be programmed to perform functions (e.g., a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc.). The memory 2106 may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), and / or other types of dynamic or static storage devices for storing information and / or instructions for use by the processor 2104 (e.g., flash memory, magnetic memory, optical memory, etc.).

[0421] Continuing to refer to Figure 21 , the storage component 2108 may store information and / or software related to the operation and use of the apparatus 2100. For example, the storage component 2108 may include a hard disk (e.g., a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a solid state disk, etc.) and / or other types of computer-readable media. The input component 2110 may include components for facilitating the apparatus 2100 to receive information, such as via user input (e.g., a touch screen display, a keyboard, a keypad, a mouse, a button, a switch, a microphone, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, the input component 2110 may include sensors for sensing information (e.g., a global positioning system (GPS) component, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, an actuator, etc.). The output component 2112 may include components for providing output information from the apparatus 2100 (e.g., a display, a speaker, one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs), etc.). The communication interface 2114 may include components, such as a transceiver (e.g., a transceiver, a separate receiver and transmitter, etc.), for enabling the apparatus 2100 to communicate with other devices, such as via a wired connection, a wireless connection, or a combination of a wired connection and a wireless connection. The communication interface 2114 may facilitate the apparatus 2100 to receive information from other devices and / or provide information to other devices. For example, the communication interface 2114 may include an Ethernet interface, an optical interface, a coaxial interface, an infrared interface, a radio frequency (RF) interface, a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an interface, and / or a cellular network interface, etc.

[0422] Device 2100 may perform one or more processes described herein. Device 2100 may perform these processes based on software instructions stored in a computer-readable medium (such as memory 2106 and / or storage component 2108, etc.) executed by a processor 2104. The computer-readable medium may include any non-transitory memory device. The memory device includes a memory space located inside a single physical storage device or a memory space distributed across multiple physical storage devices. Software instructions may be read into memory 2106 and / or storage component 2108 from other computer-readable media or from other devices via a communication interface 2114. The software instructions stored in memory 2106 and / or storage component 2108, when executed, may cause processor 2104 to perform one or more processes described herein. Additionally or alternatively, hardwired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions to perform one or more processes described herein. Thus, the embodiments described herein are not limited to any particular combination of hardware circuitry and software. As used herein, the term “configured to” may refer to an arrangement of software, (one or more) devices, and / or hardware for performing and / or enabling one or more functions (such as actions, processes, and / or steps of a process, etc.). For example, “a processor, which is configured to” may refer to a processor for executing software instructions (such as program code) that cause the processor to perform one or more functions.

[0423] Now referring to Figure 22 , an external side view of a ventilation panel 114 of a beverage maker 100 is shown in accordance with some non-limiting embodiments or aspects. Figure 22 The figure of Figure 1 is a right side view of the beverage maker 100 shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, one or both sides of the beverage maker 100 can be configured with ventilation panels 114. The ventilation panels 114 can include an array 2202 of holes 2204, 2206 configured to permit an airflow to ventilate the housing 102 of the beverage maker 100. The ventilation panels 114 can be included in and / or disposed on the sidewalls of the housing 102. The array 2202 of holes 2204, 2206 can be configured as a one-dimensional array (e.g., a series of holes that are straight and / or curved) and / or a two-dimensional array (e.g., holes having a symmetric and / or asymmetric pattern across the surface area of the ventilation panel 114). The holes can include pass-throughs in the ventilation panel 114 that can permit air to flow from one side of the ventilation panel 114 to the other side. The holes can have a planar cross-section that is regular in shape (e.g., circular, square, triangular, regular polygon, etc.), irregular in shape (e.g., rectangular, oval, irregular polygon, etc.), or a combination thereof. The array of holes can include holes of the same or different shapes. As Figure 22 shown, for illustrative purposes only, a two-dimensional array 2202 of circular holes 2204, 2206 is depicted. In an arrangement of the housing 102 having two ventilation panels 114, each ventilation panel 114 can have a corresponding array 2202 of holes 2204, 2206 and a corresponding set of baffles 2210. Additionally, in an arrangement of the housing 102 having two ventilation panels 114, each panel 114 can have holes 2204, 2206 of the same or different patterns in the array 2202, and one panel 114 can have a lesser number of holes 2204, 2206 to accommodate the placement of a mounting member 302 for holding the drip tray 118.

[0424] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the ventilation panel 114 can further include at least one baffle 2210 proximate to the inner surface of the ventilation panel 114 (e.g., positioned on the ventilation panel 114, positioned adjacent to the ventilation panel 114, positioned within a short distance of the ventilation panel 114). In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the ventilation panel 114 can include a plurality of baffles 2210. The baffles 2210 are configured to at least partially block a group of holes in the array 2202 of holes 2204, 2206. The baffles 2210 can at least partially prevent air and / or liquid from passing through the group of holes in the array 2202 (e.g., by partially blocking and / or altering the cross-sectional area of the corresponding holes). In this way, sound waves generated within the housing 102 (e.g., by the drive motor 208, the compressor 214, the fan 218, etc.) can be attenuated and / or scattered before leaving the housing 102 and reaching the user's perception, thereby reducing the overall noise level of the beverage maker 100 during operation. Additionally, accidental liquid contact on the housing 102 (e.g., from a spilled beverage product, a flushing liquid, etc.) can be prevented from penetrating (or deeply penetrating) the housing 102. AsFigure 22 As shown, for illustrative purposes only, the holes 2204, 2206 in the array 2202 are at least partially blocked by a plurality of baffles 2210.

[0425] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the array 2202 may include holes of different sizes. For example, the array 2202 may include a gradient of hole sizes across the array 2202 (e.g., holes from a smaller diameter to a larger diameter, holes from a larger diameter to a smaller diameter, etc.). Such a gradient effect can be achieved by positioning the smaller holes 2204 (e.g., holes having a relatively smaller diameter in a planar cross - section) at the perimeter of the two - dimensional array 2202 and positioning the larger holes 2206 (e.g., holes having a relatively larger diameter in a planar cross - section) within the perimeter of the smaller holes 2204. The gradient arrangement of the holes 2204, 2206 can provide both an improved appearance and a reduction in the total number of holes in the array 2202 that require baffles 2210. In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the group of larger holes 2206 in the array 2202 may be at least partially blocked by the baffles 2210, while the group of smaller holes 2204 may be without the baffles 2210. See Figure 23 a closer view of the holes 2206 of the ventilation panel 114.

[0426] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the maximum diameter of each of the holes 2204, 2206 can be selected to prevent intrusion and / or penetration of objects (e.g., by a user's finger, appliance, etc.) through the ventilation panel 114, which could harm the user and / or damage the beverage maker 100. In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the maximum diameter of each of the holes 2204, 2206 in the array 2202 can be less than or equal to 0.3 inches (e.g., 0.3 inches, 0.25 inches, 0.2 inches, etc.). Additionally, the smaller holes 2204 can be configured to have a maximum diameter that is 50% or less than 50% of the maximum diameter of the larger holes 2206 (e.g., 0.15 inches, 0.125 inches, 0.1 inches, etc.). Such diameters are configured to prevent and / or reduce the accident rate of adult or child users inserting fingers and / or kitchen appliances into the housing 102 and touching the active internal components (e.g., the compressor 214) of the beverage maker 100. In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the baffles 2210 can also prevent intrusion and / or penetration of objects through the ventilation panel 114 (e.g., even if the object or the user's finger is smaller than the diameter of one of the holes 2204, 2206, the baffles 2210 can prevent such an object or finger from being inserted), thereby preventing harm to the user and / or damage to the beverage maker 100.

[0427] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, most of the holes 2204, 2206 in the array 2202 can be at least partially blocked by at least one baffle 2210. For example, at least 50% of the number of holes 2204, 2206 in the array 2202 can be associated with the baffle 2210 and be partially blocked by the baffle 2210, thereby preventing air / liquid flow through at least an equal number of holes 2204, 2206. By another example, at least 75% of the number of holes 2204, 2206 can be associated with the baffle 2210 and be partially blocked by the baffle 2210, thereby preventing air / liquid flow through most of the holes 2204, 2206. In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, most of the cross - sectional area of the ventilation panel 114 can be dedicated to the holes 2204, 2206. For example, the total cross - sectional area of the array 2202 of holes 2204, 2206 (e.g., calculated by summing the individual cross - sectional areas of each of the holes 2204, 2206) can be at least 10% of the total cross - sectional area of the ventilation panel 114, where the cross - section is taken along the surface plane of the ventilation panel 114. By a further example, the total cross - sectional area of the array 2202 can be at least 20% of the total cross - sectional area of the ventilation panel 114. The foregoing exemplary configurations can provide enhanced airflow into and / or out of the housing 102 while preventing unintentional penetration through the ventilation panel 114.

[0428] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, the material for the baffle 2210 can be selected to maximize the sound - dampening and liquid - resistant effects of the baffle 2210. For example, the baffle 2210 can be formed of at least one of a plastic material (e.g., polypropylene, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene, polyethylene, etc.) and an elastomeric material (e.g., silicone rubber, thermoplastic elastomer, ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber, and / or nitrile rubber, etc.) configured to reflect and / or absorb sound energy from inside the housing 102. By a further example, the baffle 2210 can be formed of a water - and / or oil - resistant material (e.g., stainless steel, polypropylene, silicone, nylon, polycarbonate, and / or polyvinyl chloride, etc.) to reduce liquid penetration through the ventilation panel 114 and prevent such liquids from becoming embedded and / or impregnated in the ventilation panel 114.

[0429] Now referring to Figure 23 , an external close - up side view of the ventilation panel 114 of the beverage maker 100 is shown according to some non - limiting embodiments or aspects. As Figure 23As shown, the baffle 2210 may include at least one blocking portion 2212 (e.g., an element having a wider surface area than other elements of the baffle 2210, such as a small flat plate or a face, etc.) configured to at least partially block the hole 2206. A gap 2216 between the inner edge of the hole 2206 and the outer edge of the blocking portion 2212 may permit air flow through the ventilation panel 114. Each blocking portion 2212 may be connected to another blocking portion 2212 to form a larger superstructure of the baffle 2210. For example, each blocking portion 2212 of the baffle 2210 may be connected to another blocking portion 2212 by at least one connecting portion 2214 (e.g., an element having a narrower surface area than other elements of the baffle 2210, such as an armature or a strut, etc.). In this way, a plurality of blocking portions 2212 may be connected in a network of blocking portions 2212. Groups of blocking portions 2212 may be connected in series to form strips, in parallel to form trees and / or meshes, or any combination thereof. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, each baffle 2210 may be configured as a linear strip of blocking portions 2212 connected by a series of connecting portions 2214 such that a plurality of linear baffle 2210 strips may be used to at least partially block a two-dimensional array 2202 of holes 2204, 2206.

[0430] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the diameter (D O ) of each blocking portion 2212 may be less than the diameter (D H ) of the hole 2206 that is positionally corresponding (e.g., at least partially aligned). In this way, air may be permitted to flow around the blocking portion 2212, through the gap 2216, and through a portion of the hole 2206 while also enabling the baffle 2210 to be positioned against the surface of the ventilation panel 114. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the diameter (D O ) of each blocking portion 2212 may be selected to provide sufficient permeation prevention relative to the diameter (D H ) of the hole 2206. For example, the diameter D O may be at least 30% of the diameter D H of the hole that is positionally corresponding in at least one hole array. By another example, the diameter D O may be at least 50% of the diameter D H of the positionally corresponding hole 2206. As shown, each corresponding pair of the hole 2206 and the blocking portion 2212 has a substantially circular cross-section and is aligned at the same center point, where the diameter D O is half of the diameter D H . However, it should be understood that the blocking portion 2212 and the hole 2206 may have different cross-sectional geometries, relative diameters, and center points both across configurations and within the same configuration.

[0431] Now refer to Figure 24 , which shows an internal side view of the ventilation panel 114 of the beverage maker 100 according to some non - limiting embodiments or aspects. Figure 24 Depicted is the opposite side of the ventilation panel 114 as Figure 22 shown. As Figure 24 shown, the ventilation panel 114 includes an array 2202 of holes 2204, 2206, and a subset of the array 2202 is at least partially blocked by baffles 2210. Each baffle 2210 is arranged as a linear strip on the inner surface of the ventilation panel 114. The baffles 2210 can be co - molded with the ventilation panel 114, attached to the ventilation panel 114, and / or fastened to the ventilation panel 114, etc. Although the baffles 2210 are depicted as blocking each larger hole 2206, it should be understood that the baffles 2210 can block less than the entire group of larger holes 2206, and / or can also block the smaller holes 2204. See Figure 25 for a Figure 24 close - up view of the baffles 2210 and the holes 2204, 2206 shown.

[0432] Now refer to Figure 25 , which shows an internal close - up side view of the ventilation panel 114 of the beverage maker 100 according to some non - limiting embodiments or aspects. As Figure 25 shown, multiple strips of baffles 2210 are arranged in a vertical orientation on the inner surface of the ventilation panel 114, which can facilitate the channeling of liquid down the baffles 2210 by gravity and liquid adhesion (e.g., in the manner of a rain chain) rather than further into the housing 102. However, it should be understood that many orientation arrangements are possible, including vertical orientation, horizontal orientation, diagonal orientation, or any combination thereof.

[0433] In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, each of the blocking portions 2212 of the respective baffles 2210 may be in position corresponding to (e.g., at least partially aligned with) the holes 2206 among the plurality of holes 2204, 2206 of the array 2202 of the ventilation panel 114. In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, each distal end (e.g., opposite ends) of the baffle 2210 may be fixed (e.g., co - molded, attached, fastened, etc.) to the inner surface of the ventilation panel 114. Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the plurality of connecting portions 2214 of the baffle 2210 may be fixed to the inner surface of the ventilation panel. In some non - limiting embodiments or aspects, each connecting portion 2214 of the baffle 2210 may be fixed to the inner surface of the ventilation panel. The foregoing fixing configurations may prevent the removal of the baffle 2210 and prevent vibrations in the baffle 2210 caused by physical movement and / or acoustic waves generated by internal components (e.g., agitator 204, drive motor 208, compressor 214, fan 218, etc.) within the housing 102 or associated with the housing 102.

[0434] Although the embodiments have been described in detail for purposes of illustration, it should be understood that such details are for that purpose only and that the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments or aspects, but rather is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it should be understood that the present invention contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any embodiment or aspect may be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment or aspect.

[0435] Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0436] This application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 63 / 669,144, filed on July 9, 2024, and this application is a partial continuation of U.S. Patent Application 18 / 423,894, filed on January 26, 2024, which is a partial continuation of U.S. Patent Application 18 / 415,817, filed on January 18, 2024. The disclosures of these applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

Claims

1. A beverage making machine, characterized in that, include: a mixing container configured to receive a beverage product, wherein the beverage product is mixed within the mixing container; a cooling circuit configured to cool a beverage product within the mixing container; A housing comprising at least one ventilation panel, the at least one ventilation panel comprising: at least one array of apertures configured to permit airflow to ventilate the housing; as well as At least one baffle is proximate to an inner surface of the at least one vent panel, the at least one baffle being configured to at least partially block a group of holes in the at least one array of holes.

2. The beverage making machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one array of holes comprises a two-dimensional array of holes across a surface of the at least one ventilation panel.

3. The beverage making machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, The holes positioned on the perimeter of the two-dimensional hole array are configured with a smaller diameter than the holes positioned inside the perimeter of the two-dimensional hole array.

4. The beverage making machine according to claim 3, characterized in that, The set of holes at least partially blocked by the at least one baffle are selected from holes positioned inside a perimeter of the two-dimensional array of holes.

5. The beverage making machine according to claim 3, characterized in that, The maximum diameter of each hole in the at least one hole array is less than or equal to 0.25 inches.

6. The beverage making machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the at least one baffle includes a plurality of blocking portions and a plurality of connecting portions, and each of the plurality of blocking portions is connected to at least one other blocking portion through at least one connecting portion of the plurality of connecting portions.

7. The beverage making machine according to claim 6, wherein, The plurality of blocking portions and the plurality of connecting portions of each of the at least one baffle are configured as linear strips.

8. The beverage making machine according to claim 7, characterized in that, Each of the at least one baffle is positioned on the inner surface of the at least one ventilation panel in a vertical orientation, and wherein each of the plurality of blocking portions of each of the at least one baffle corresponds in position to a hole in the at least one hole array.

9. The beverage making machine according to claim 8, characterized in that, Each of the plurality of obstructions of each of the at least one baffle has a diameter that is smaller than a positionally corresponding hole in the at least one hole array.

10. The beverage making machine according to claim 9, characterized in that, The diameter of each of the plurality of obstructions of each of the at least one baffle is at least 50% of the diameter of a positionally corresponding hole in the at least one array of holes.

11. The beverage making machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each hole in the at least one hole array has a substantially circular cross-section.

12. The beverage making machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least 50% of the holes in the at least one array of holes are at least partially blocked by the at least one baffle.

13. The beverage making machine according to claim 12, characterized in that, At least 75% of the holes in the at least one array of holes are at least partially blocked by the at least one baffle.

14. The beverage making machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one ventilation panel includes a first ventilation panel and a second ventilation panel, wherein the first ventilation panel includes a first hole array among the at least one hole array and is positioned on a first side of the shell, and the second ventilation panel includes a second hole array among the at least one hole array and is positioned on a second side of the shell opposite to the first side.

15. The beverage making machine according to claim 14, characterized in that, The at least one baffle includes a first baffle strip group and a second baffle strip group, wherein the first baffle strip group is close to the inner surface of the first ventilation panel and is configured to at least partially block the first hole group in the first hole array, and the second baffle strip group is close to the inner surface of the second ventilation panel and is configured to at least partially block the second hole group in the second hole array.

16. The beverage making machine according to claim 14, characterized in that, It further includes a compressor configured to pump refrigerant through the cooling circuit, wherein the compressor is at least partially positioned between the first ventilation panel and the second ventilation panel in the housing.

17. The beverage making machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one baffle is formed of at least one of a plastic material and an elastomeric material configured to perform at least one of reflection of acoustic energy and absorption of acoustic energy from inside the housing.

18. The beverage making machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one baffle is formed of a water-resistant material configured to reduce liquid penetration through the at least one ventilation panel.

19. The beverage making machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The total cross-sectional area of the at least one hole array is at least 20% of the total cross-sectional area of the at least one ventilation panel.

20. The beverage making machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, It further includes a cooling fan positioned in the housing, the cooling fan being configured to suck air flow through the rear panel of the housing and push the air flow out of the housing through at least one hole array in the at least one ventilation panel.

Images