Method and system for measuring ingredients in a container of a beverage dispenser

Abstract

A system for measuring an ingredient in a container of a beverage dispenser includes a scale having a base with the container supported on the base. The ingredient has a recipe weight equal to a weight of a total amount of the ingredient that will be dispensed into the container and an in-flight weight that is equal to a weight of the ingredient that has left the dispenser but is not yet supported within the container so that it is detected by the scale. A dispenser controller subtracts the in-flight weight parameter from the recipe weight to calculate a target weight of ingredient within the beverage container, thereby controlling the activation or deactivation of the ingredient dispenser(s).

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 247,429, filed Sep. 30, 2009. U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 247,429, filed Sep. 30, 2009 is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND[0002]1. Field[0003]The present disclosure relates generally to mixing beverages. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for dispensing a predetermined amount of ingredients for a beverage into a container and rinsing the container.[0004]2. Description of Related Art[0005]Multiple steps are involved in creating a beverage or drink, for example, a smoothie drink, from beginning to end, and potential issues can occur at all stages. An employee must manually add an estimated amount to a blender pot or container. After the ice is manually added, the juice and any additional fruit or flavor “flavor ingredient” is added by the operator as well. Since the amount of ice and / or flav...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The patent describes a device for measuring the amount of an ingredient in a beverage dispenser. The device includes a scale that supports the container and a dispenser that dispenses the ingredient. The device monitors the actual weight of the ingredient as it is being dispensed and calculates the target weight based on the recipe weight and the in-flight weight (the weight of the ingredient that has left the dispenser but is not yet supported in the container). The device then controls the activation or deactivation of the ingredient dispenser based on the target weight. The system measures the weight of the ingredient in real-time, allowing for precise control of the dispensing process."

Problems solved by technology

Multiple steps are involved in creating a beverage or drink, for example, a smoothie drink, from beginning to end, and potential issues can occur at all stages.

Since the amount of ice and / or flavor ingredient is not measured, but rather “guesstimated” by each employee, the amount of ice and / or flavor ingredient is not precise and, therefore, makes it difficult to create the same beverage time after time.

Often, to save time, the blender containers are rinsed in a sink, which can compromise sanitation.

While this might seem insignificant, flavor contamination can be a serious threat if customers have food allergies.

Another drawback to the washing process is that it involves a substantial amount of time and labor on the part of the operator.

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