Extrusion assembly for micro puree machine

Abstract

An extrusion assembly for a micropuree machine uses a plunger coupled to a driving and driven shaft to push a treated ingredient out of a nozzle coupled to a bowl. The plunger includes a seal around its periphery to ensure maximum contact with the wall of the bowl, allowing maximum extrusion throughput. The extrusion function is integrated into a program on the primary user interface, where a predetermined translation speed / flow rate is set.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a food processing device, and more particularly to a micro-puree machine capable of processing, aerating, and extruding ingredients. Background Art

[0002] Home kitchen appliances designed to make ice cream, gelato, frozen yogurt, smoothies, and the like are known in the art. Typically, a user adds a series of non-frozen ingredients to a mixing bowl that has typically been previously cooled, for example, in a freezer. The ingredients are then stirred by one or more stirrers (sometimes referred to as blenders), while a refrigeration mechanism simultaneously freezes the ingredients. Known drawbacks of these devices include, but are not limited to, the significant time and effort required by the user to complete the ice cream-making process. Machines of this nature are impractical for preparing most non-dessert foods.

[0003] An alternative type of machine known for making frozen foods is referred to herein as a micropuree machine. Typically, a machine of this nature rotates a blade and inserts it into a pre-frozen ingredient or combination of ingredients. Micropuree machines are capable of making not only frozen desserts such as ice cream, gelato, frozen yogurt, and smoothies, but also non-dessert foods such as non-dessert purees and mousses. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In some embodiments, the present disclosure describes an extrusion assembly for a micro-puree machine for pushing processed ingredients out of a nozzle coupled to a processing bowl. The extrusion function can be integrated into a program on the main user interface with a predetermined translation speed / flow rate.

[0005] In some embodiments, the present disclosure also describes a bowl assembly for a micro-puree machine, the bowl assembly comprising a processing bowl. In one embodiment, the position of the bowl can be reversible between the processing step and the extrusion step, without requiring removal and replacement of a cover during operation or exposing the ingredients to the environment. In another embodiment, both the processing cover and the extrusion cover can be used to cover the same open end of the processing bowl, with the other end of the bowl comprising an extrusion nozzle.

[0006] In an embodiment, a micro-puree machine of the present disclosure includes a housing and a bowl that can be assembled to the housing. The bowl includes a sidewall that defines an interior volume. The sidewall extends between a first end of the bowl and a second end opposite the first end. A first cover is removably attached to the first end of the bowl. The first cover is configured to accommodate a blade that processes an ingredient to produce a processed ingredient. A nozzle is in fluid communication with the bowl. A plunger is engageable with a driven shaft of the micro-puree machine. The driven shaft is configured to cause the plunger to move axially within the interior volume of the bowl to force the processed ingredient within the interior volume to be extruded from the nozzle.

[0007] In another embodiment, the first cover is configured to accommodate the plunger. In an embodiment, the micro-puree machine further comprises a second cover removably attached to the first end of the bowl. The plunger can be coupled to the second cover before being axially moved within the internal volume. In an embodiment, the bowl has an end wall, and the nozzle is configured for fluid communication with the bowl through a channel defined by an opening in the end wall. In an embodiment, the driven shaft is capable of further engaging with the blade for processing ingredients in the bowl. In an embodiment, the driven shaft is configured to cause the blade to move axially within the internal volume of the bowl. In an embodiment, the micro-puree machine further comprises another shaft separate from the driven shaft. The other shaft can engage with the blade for processing ingredients in the bowl. In an embodiment, the other shaft is configured to cause the blade to move axially within the internal volume of the bowl. In an embodiment, the bowl is attachable to the micro-puree machine between a first configuration, in which the bowl is configured to process ingredients within the interior volume, and a second configuration, in which the bowl is configured to extrude the processed ingredients from the interior volume. The bowl is reversible along its main axis between the first and second configurations. In an embodiment, the micro-puree machine further includes a second cap removably attached to a second end of the bowl. The plunger can be coupled to the second cap before being axially moved within the interior volume.

[0008] An embodiment of an extrusion assembly for extruding processed ingredients from a micro-puree machine of the present disclosure includes a bowl including a sidewall defining an interior volume. The sidewall extends between a first end of the bowl and a second end opposite the first end. A first cover is removably attachable to the first end of the bowl. The first cover is configured to accommodate a blade that processes the ingredient to produce the processed ingredient. A nozzle is in fluid communication with the bowl. A plunger is engageable with a driven shaft of the micro-puree machine. The driven shaft is configured to cause the plunger to move axially within the interior volume of the bowl to force the processed ingredient within the interior volume to be extruded from the nozzle.

[0009] In another embodiment, the first cover is configured to accommodate a plunger. In an embodiment, the extrusion assembly further includes a second cover removably coupled to the first end of the bowl. The plunger can be coupled to the second cover before being axially moved within the internal volume. In an embodiment, the bowl has an end wall, and the nozzle is configured for fluid communication with the bowl through a channel defined by an opening in the end wall. In an embodiment, the driven shaft is further engageable with a blade for processing ingredients in the bowl. In an embodiment, the driven shaft is configured to cause the blade to move axially within the internal volume of the bowl. In an embodiment, the bowl is engageable with the micro-puree machine between a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein the bowl is configured to process ingredients within the internal volume and the bowl is configured to extrude processed ingredients from the internal volume. The bowl is reversible along its main axis between the first and second configurations. In an embodiment, the extrusion assembly further includes a second cover removably coupled to the second end of the bowl. The plunger can be coupled to the second cover before being axially moved within the internal volume.

[0010] An embodiment of a method for extruding processed ingredients from a micro-puree machine of the present disclosure includes a micro-puree machine having an extrusion assembly. The extrusion assembly has a bowl including a sidewall defining an interior volume. The sidewall extends between a first end of the bowl and a second end opposite the first end. A first cover is removably attachable to the first end of the bowl. The first cover is configured to accommodate a blade that processes the ingredients to produce the processed ingredients. A nozzle is in fluid communication with the bowl. A plunger is engageable with a driven shaft of the micro-puree machine. The driven shaft is configured to move the plunger axially within the interior volume of the bowl. The method further includes: engaging the blade with the driven shaft; and using the blade to process the ingredients within the interior volume of the bowl. The method further includes: disengaging the blade from the driven shaft; and engaging the plunger with the driven shaft. The method further includes: moving the plunger through the interior volume of the bowl to extrude the processed ingredients from the nozzle. In further embodiments, the method includes, after disengaging the blade from the driven shaft and before engaging the plunger with the micro-purée machine, removing the first cover and attaching a second cover containing the plunger to the first end of the bowl.

[0011] Advantages of these and other structures will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and reviewing the associated drawings.The foregoing general description and the following detailed description are intended to be explanatory only and are not restrictive of the aspects of the disclosure as claimed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The present disclosure will be more fully understood by reference to the detailed description in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0013] Figure 1A An isometric view of a micro-puree machine according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0014] Figure 1B Shown is a bowl assembly with the bowl assembly removed from the housing according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1A Micro puree machine.

[0015] Figures 1C to 1G Shown are some embodiments according to the present disclosure Figure 1A Embodiments of the extrusion assembly, bowl assembly and / or nozzle assembly of the micro-puree machine;

[0016] Figure 2A shows a portion of another micro-puree machine according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 2B Shown are some embodiments of the present disclosure that can be coupled to Figure 2A a reversible bowl assembly of a micro-purée machine;

[0018] Figure 3A Another reversible bowl assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0019] Figure 3B Shown are some embodiments according to the present disclosure Figure 3A a blade of the reversible bowl assembly;

[0020] Figure 3C According to some embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 3A and Figure 3B a cross-sectional view of the reversible bowl assembly and the first cover;

[0021] Figure 3D shows a detailed view of an embodiment of a plunger coupled to the underside of a second cover according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 4A and Figure 4B Shown are some embodiments according to the present disclosure Figures 3A to 3D Use of the reversible bowl assembly;

[0023] Figure 5 An inflation system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0024] Figures 6A to 6L Another micro-puree machine according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0025] Figure 6M Another micro-puree machine according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0026] 7A to 7DAnother extrusion assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0027] Figures 8A to 8C Another extrusion assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0028] Figures 8D to 8J Shown are some embodiments according to the present disclosure Figures 8A to 8C Use of extrusion components;

[0029] Figure 9A Another extrusion assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0030] Figures 9B to 9H Shown are some embodiments according to the present disclosure Figure 9A Use of extrusion components; and

[0031] 10A to 10F The use of another extrusion assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] In the following description, similar components are given the same reference numerals regardless of the different illustrated embodiments. To clearly and concisely illustrate the embodiments, the drawings may not necessarily reflect proper scale and may show certain structures in somewhat schematic form. The present disclosure may describe and / or illustrate a structure in one embodiment and describe and / or illustrate that structure in one or more other embodiments in the same or similar manner, and / or in combination with or in place of structures from other embodiments.

[0033] In the specification and claims, for the purposes of describing and defining the present invention, the terms "about" and "substantially" represent the inherent degree of uncertainty attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement or other representation. In addition, the terms "about" and "substantially" represent the extent to which a quantitative representation may vary from a stated reference without causing a change in the basic function of the subject matter being discussed. Open-ended terms such as "includes," "comprising," and / or the plural form of each term include the listed parts and may include additional parts that are not listed, while terms such as "and / or" include one or more of the listed parts and combinations of the listed parts. The use of terms such as "top," "bottom," "above," "below," etc., merely contributes to a clear description of the present disclosure and does not limit the structure, positioning, and / or operation of the present disclosure in any way.

[0034] Notably, the mechanisms and techniques described herein can be used to configure machines to process (e.g., micro-pureeing and possibly aerating) and extrude ice cream and other frozen ingredients. That is, both the processing function and the extrusion function can be performed by a single machine. In such a machine, the same axis can be used to drive a blade to process the frozen ingredient in a bowl (i.e., container) and to drive a plunger to extrude the processed ingredient from the bowl. In addition, such a machine can include a user interface that enables a user to control the timing of the performance of each function. In some embodiments of such a machine, a first axis can be used to drive processing and a second axis can be used to drive extrusion, and such embodiments can be considered to have a first subsystem or module for processing and a second subsystem or module for extrusion.

[0035] In some embodiments, a single lid can be provided (e.g., on the open end of the bowl) that houses (or is coupled to) a blade for processing the ingredient and also houses (or is coupled to) a plunger for extruding the processed ingredient. In such an embodiment, a single shaft driven by one or more motors (e.g., one motor for driving rotation of the blade; another motor for driving linear movement of the driven shaft along its axis) can drive both processing using the blade and extrusion using the plunger, as described in more detail elsewhere herein, and the end of the bowl opposite the lid can include an opening for extruding the processed ingredient from the bowl.

[0036] In other embodiments, to enable both functions to be performed, the user can flip the processing bowl from a first arrangement in which the driven shaft engages a blade located at a first end of the processing bowl (e.g., the blade is housed in or coupled to a first cover at a first open end of the processing bowl) to a second arrangement in which the driven shaft engages a plunger located at a second end of the processing bowl (e.g., the plunger is housed in or coupled to a second cover at an open second end of the processing bowl), as described in more detail herein. In such an embodiment, the first cover can also include an opening for extruding ingredients from the bowl using the plunger in the second arrangement during extrusion. Furthermore, in such an embodiment, a single shaft driven by one or more motors can simultaneously drive both processing using the blade and extrusion using the plunger, as described in more detail elsewhere herein.

[0037] In other embodiments, to be able to perform both functions, a user can replace a first cover (e.g., housing or coupled to a blade) for processing from the open end of the processing bowl with a second cover (e.g., housing or coupled to a plunger) for extrusion, as described in more detail elsewhere herein. In such embodiments, a single shaft driven by one or more motors can drive both processing using the blade and extrusion using the plunger, or alternatively, a separate shaft can be used for extrusion, with such separate shaft driving the plunger, as described in more detail elsewhere herein.

[0038] Figure 1A An isometric view of a micro-puree machine 10 is shown, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1B The bowl assembly 350 is shown with the bowl assembly 350 removed from the housing 120 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1A Micro Puree Machine 10. Figures 1C to 1G Embodiments of extrusion assemblies, bowl assemblies, and / or nozzle assemblies are shown according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0039] The micro-puree machine 10 may include a housing 120 that may include a user interface (not shown) for receiving user input to control the micro-puree machine 10 and / or display information. The micro-puree machine 10 may also include a bowl assembly 350 and a nozzle assembly 603. The combination of the bowl assembly 350 and the nozzle assembly 605 may be referred to herein as an extrusion assembly, which may include a cap 400 configured for extrusion. The nozzle assembly 603 may include a nozzle housing 607 and a nozzle 608.

[0040] The bowl assembly 350 may include a bowl 352 configured to hold one or more processed ingredients, ingredients to be processed, or ingredients being processed. A user may couple the bowl assembly 350 to the housing 120 by rotating the bowl assembly 350 relative to the housing 120 (e.g., using a threaded or bayonet connection) or by another coupling mechanism and / or technique. The bowl assembly 350 may be assembled to the housing 120 such that a central axis A of the bowl assembly 350 extends perpendicular to a vertical axis V of the housing 120, as shown. However, the present disclosure contemplates that the bowl assembly 350 can be assembled to the housing 120 such that the central axis A extends at an angle between 0 and 90° relative to the vertical axis, for example, as described in U.S. Patent No. 11,759,057 to SharkNinja Operating, LLC, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference (the '057 patent), or such that the central axis of the bowl assembly 350 extends parallel to the vertical axis V, for example, as described in U.S. Patent No. 11,871,765 to SharkNinja Operating, LLC, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference (the '765 patent). In an embodiment, the bowl 352 of the bowl assembly 350 can be made of a disposable material to enhance the convenience of using the micro-puree machine 10. Furthermore, the bowl 352 can be sold as a stand-alone item and can also be pre-filled with ingredients to be processed during use of the micro-puree machine 10.

[0041] like Figure 1B As shown, the housing 120 may include a coupler 500 disposed within the opening 140 of the housing 120. An inner surface 502 of the coupler 500 may include positioning elements and locking elements for positioning and connecting the bowl assembly 350 to the coupler 500 in two different configurations, as described elsewhere herein. The micro-puree machine 10 may also include a nozzle 608 that may be coupled to the bowl assembly 350 for extruding the processed ingredients from the bowl assembly 350. The nozzle 608 may be arranged so that the ingredients are extruded in a vertically downward direction, so that a user can place an ice cream cone, cup, bowl, or other edible or inedible container under the nozzle to receive the extruded ingredients. The present disclosure also contemplates that a plurality of nozzle shapes may be provided to allow user customization. For example, a plurality of nozzles may be included on a rotatable dial that allows the user to select a desired nozzle shape. In another embodiment, the extrusion function may be integrated into a program on the user interface, wherein a predetermined translation speed / flow rate is provided.

[0042] like Figure 1CAs shown, the first end 352a of the bowl 352 can be configured to couple to a first cover 440 and a second cover 450. The first cover 440 can include a blade 300 for processing ingredients, such as the blade described in the '765 patent. When the cover 440 is coupled to the bowl 352 (e.g., via interthreading of the bowl and cover), the bowl assembly 350 can be considered to be in a processing configuration and can be coupled to the housing via the coupling 500. The cover 440 can have a positioning element and a locking element 442 on its outer sidewall that is configured to couple to the positioning element and locking element on the inner surface 502 of the coupling 500. The second cover 450 can include a plunger 454 for extruding the ingredients. The plunger 454 can also include a flexible seal around its perimeter to ensure contact (e.g., maximum contact) with the sidewall of the bowl 352, thereby allowing for optimal (e.g., maximum) extrusion output. When the cap 450 is coupled to the bowl 352 (e.g., via mutual threads on the bowl and cap), the bowl assembly 350 can be considered to be in an extruded configuration and can be coupled to the housing via the coupler 500. The cap 450 can have locating and locking elements 452 on its outer sidewall that are configured to couple to locating and locking elements on the inner surface 502 of the coupler 500.

[0043] The second end 352b of the bowl 352 may include a central opening 604 or an opening that includes a coupling collar 606 that is not centrally located. The coupling collar 606 may include a thread or other type of coupling feature, such as a slot or cam, for example, for a bayonet. The opening 604 may be closed, for example, by a cap 605 during processing, which may be removed during extrusion. The cap 605 may include an internal thread (not shown) or other coupling feature that allows it to be coupled to the coupling collar 606. The opening 604 may also be in fluid communication with the nozzle 608. For example, the opening 604 may be in fluid communication with the nozzle 608 by, for example, a conduit (e.g., a plastic tube) extending from the opening 604 to the nozzle 608 within the nozzle assembly 603. In an embodiment, such a conduit may include one or more sections connected by a joint (e.g., an elbow joint) to convert the direction (e.g., horizontal direction) of extrusion from the opening 604 into the direction (e.g., vertically downward) of extrusion from the nozzle 608.

[0044] like Figure 1DAs shown, a user can attach a first cover 440 to the bowl 352 and couple the bowl assembly 350 to the micro-puree machine 10 using the coupling features described herein. The cover 440 can be configured (e.g., as described in the '765 patent) such that when the cover 440 is coupled to the housing 120, the blade 300 engages the driven shaft 250 and disengages the cover 440. By using a user interface (e.g., as described in the '057 patent), the user can activate a program that controls the rotation and movement (e.g., horizontal or angled lowering or movement) of the blade 300 into the ingredients in the bowl 352 to process them (e.g., micro-pureeing). It should be understood that in some embodiments, as described in the '765 patent, the blade 300 can be configured to engage the driven shaft 250 and disengage the cover 440. Figure 1D As shown, even when extrusion is not being performed, such as during processing, the nozzle assembly 603 or one or more components thereof (e.g., the nozzle 608) can be coupled to the second end 352b of the bowl 350 (and possibly to the housing). In such an embodiment, the opening 604 can be closed, for example, using a cap 605 or by other means. Figure 1E 604 is a bottom view of the bowl assembly 350 when coupled to the housing, wherein the opening 604 is uncovered. In actual use, the opening 604 can be closed during processing, for example, by a cap 605, or opened and coupled to the nozzle assembly 603 during extrusion.

[0045] After processing the ingredients in the bowl 352, the user can then remove the bowl assembly 350 from the micro-purée machine 10, remove the first cap 440 from the first end 352a, replace the first cap with the cap 450 on the first end 352a, couple the nozzle assembly to the second end 352b of the bowl assembly 350 (if not already attached), couple the bowl assembly 350 to the housing 120, and initiate extrusion via the user interface. During extrusion, the driven shaft drives the plunger 602 from the first end 352a of the bowl 352 to the second end 352b of the bowl, thereby forcing the processed ingredients through the opening 604 and extruding the processed ingredients through the nozzle 608.

[0046] Figure 1F Another embodiment of a nozzle assembly 603' is shown including a nozzle 608' that can be used to extrude a processed ingredient, for example, using the mechanisms and techniques described herein.

[0047] Figure 1G Another bowl assembly 350' is shown including an extrusion assembly 600 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1GAs shown, the bowl assembly 350' can include a nozzle 608' that is integral with the bottom edge of the bowl 352', such as on a side wall of the bowl 352' near the second end 352b' or extending beyond the second end 352b'. In an embodiment, the bowl assembly 350' can be configured to be mounted to the coupler 500 so that the nozzle 608' points vertically downward when the bowl 352' is properly mounted. During extrusion, movement of the plunger (e.g., plunger 454) will force the processed ingredient through the nozzle 608'. The nozzle 608' can be selectively located on the bowl 352' to optimize the amount of processed ingredient that can be extruded, thereby minimizing the amount of yield loss after extrusion. For example, the nozzle 608' can be located near the bottom edge of the bowl 352', such as Figure 1G However, the present disclosure contemplates that nozzle 608' may alternatively be located at a different longitudinal and / or radial position on bowl 352'. Bowl assembly 350' and / or bowl 352' may be the same as or different from bowl assembly 350 and / or bowl 352, respectively.

[0048] Advantageously, the micro-puree machine 10 can include a sensor (not shown) that identifies which cover is installed in the machine 10 to limit certain programs based on the cover function, which can prevent user errors when operating the machine 10. For example, the micro-puree machine can activate the blade 300 only when the sensor detects that the bowl 352 is installed in a first configuration in which the cover 440 is coupled to the bowl 350, and the micro-puree machine can activate the plunger 602 only when the sensor detects that the bowl 352 is installed in a second configuration in which the cover 440 is coupled to the bowl 350. For example, each of the covers 440 and 450 can include different physical and / or electromagnetic features, such as as part of the positioning element 442 and the locking element 452, respectively, to which the coupler 500 or other component of the micro-puree machine 10 can be configured to detect and distinguish between the covers 440 and 450.

[0049] The housing 120 can house one or more motors and drive systems (e.g., including a transmission) that drive a driven shaft (e.g., driven shaft 250) for engaging the blade 300 and / or the plunger 454 when the bowl assembly 350 (coupled to the lid 440 or 450, respectively) is coupled to the housing for processing or extrusion, respectively, as described, for example, in the '765 patent or U.S. Patent No. 11,882,965 (the '965 patent) to SharkNinja Operating, LLC, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. For example, the one or more motors can include a first motor for driving rotation of the driven shaft 250 via the transmission, which can be used to drive rotation of the blade 300 during processing and, if desired (but not required), rotate the plunger 454 during extrusion. The second motor can be configured to move the position of the driven shaft 250 along its axis via a transmission (e.g., back and forth or up and down), which can be used to drive the back-and-forth motion of the blade 300 in and out of the bowl 350 during processing, and to move the plunger 454 in and out of the bowl 350 during extrusion. In an embodiment, the micro-puree machine 10 can include a gearbox (e.g., a high-ratio gearbox) and reinforced internal components (not shown) to allow the extrusion assembly as described herein to withstand large forces and extrude a thick finished product from the nozzle 608.

[0050] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a reversible bowl assembly can be used that does not require removal of the cap between processing and extrusion. For example, the reversible bowl assembly can include a first cap coupled at one end, the first cap including a blade for processing and an opening for extrusion, and a second cap located at the other end, the second cap including a plunger for extrusion. Examples of these embodiments will now be described.

[0051] Figure 2A An embodiment of a portion of a micro-purée machine including a coupler 500 ′ for coupling to a bowl assembly (eg, a reversible bowl assembly) is shown, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2B An embodiment of a reversible bowl assembly 352" is shown that can be coupled to a coupler 500'. The bowl 352" can include any of a variety of exterior surfaces. For example, an embodiment of the bowl can have a ribbed or corrugated surface (e.g., like bowl 352 or 352') or a smooth surface (e.g., bowl 352"). Similarly, bowls 352 and 352" can have any variety of surfaces, including smooth surfaces.

[0052] like Figure 2AAs shown, the driven shaft 250 of the micro-purée machine 10 can extend from the housing 120 into the interior of the coupler 500', and optionally all the way through the interior of the coupler 500'. The inner surface 502' of the coupler 500' may include one or more slots 504 that are sized and shaped to receive at least one protrusion 354 on the outer surface of the first open end 352a" of the bowl 352". In an embodiment, both the first end 352a" and the second end 352b" of the bowl 352" may be open, that is, both the first end 352a" and the second end 352b" may not have a top or bottom wall and / or a cover. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and one or both ends 352a", 352b" of the bowl 352" may be closed with a wall or a cover. In an embodiment, the at least one protrusion 354" on the bowl 352" can be four protrusions 354 spaced 90 degrees apart around the outer surface of the first end 352a" of the bowl 352". However, the present disclosure contemplates more or less than four protrusions 354. In the first configuration of the reversible bowl assembly 350", the user can rotate the bowl 352" relative to the coupler 500' such that the protrusions 354 rotate into the slots 504, coupling (e.g., locking) the bowl 352" and the coupler 500 together.

[0053] The slot 504 can also be sized and shaped to receive at least one protrusion 356 on the outer surface of the second open end 352b" of the bowl 352". In an embodiment, the at least one protrusion 356 can be four protrusions 356 spaced 90 degrees apart around the outer surface of the second end 352b" of the bowl 352". However, the present disclosure contemplates more or less than four protrusions 356. In the second configuration of the reversible bowl assembly 350", the user can rotate the bowl 352" relative to the coupler 500' such that the protrusions 356 rotate into the slot 504, coupling (e.g., locking) the bowl 352" and the coupler 500 together. The first end 352a" of the bowl 352" can also include threads 366 for coupling to a first cap, and the second end 352b" of the bowl 352" can include threads 368 for coupling to a second cap, as further described elsewhere herein.

[0054] Figure 3A An embodiment of a reversible bowl assembly 350" is shown assembled according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 3AAs shown, the bowl 352" can have a rectangular shape and include a cylindrical sidewall 358 that defines an interior volume 360 ​​of the bowl 352". The sidewall 358 can extend between a first open end 352a" and a second open end 352b" opposite the first open end 352a" of the bowl 352". Embodiments of the sidewall 358 can have various configurations. For example, the cross-section of the sidewall can be circular or polygonal. In addition, the diameter of the sidewall can vary between the first open end 352a" and the second open end 352b" (for example, it can be tapered). The first open end 352a" and the second open end 352b" can be in communication with the interior volume 360 ​​of the bowl 352". The assembly 350" can also include a first cover 400' that is removably attached to the first open end 352a" of the bowl 352". The first cover 400' can define an opening 401 ( Figure 3C ), the opening is configured to couple to the blade 300 for mixing ingredients within the bowl 352". When the bowl 352" is mounted to the coupler 500' in the first configuration, the blade 300 can engage with the driven shaft 250' to rotate the blade 300 and insert it into the ingredients. Figure 3B An embodiment of the blade 300 is shown coupled to the underside of the first cover 400'. Some non-limiting examples of the blade 300 are shown in the '765 patent.

[0055] Figure 3C FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a reversible bowl assembly 350 ″ and a first cover 400 ′ according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, while the blade 300 and the second cover 450 ′ are not shown in cross-sectional view. Figure 3C As shown, the blade 300 may include a central support hub 305 including a central opening 306 for engaging the driven shaft 250. In an embodiment, a second cover 450' may be removably coupled to the second open end 352b" of the bowl 352". The second cover 450' may include or be coupled to a plunger 602 for pushing the ingredient in the bowl 352" toward the opening 604 in the first cover 400'. The plunger 602 may constitute, alone or in combination with other components (e.g., the second cover 450', the bowl 352", or the nozzle 608), an extrusion assembly 600 for extruding the processed ingredient from the bowl 352". The opening 604' in the first cover 400' may further be in fluid communication with a nozzle (e.g., nozzle 608). For example, the opening 604' may be in fluid communication with the nozzle via a conduit (e.g., a plastic tube) extending from the opening 604' to the nozzle. In an embodiment, such a conduit may include one or more sections connected by joints (e.g., elbow joints) to convert the direction of extrusion from the opening 604 (e.g., horizontally) to the direction of extrusion from the nozzle (e.g., vertically downward).

[0056] When the bowl assembly 350" is in the second configuration and the bowl 352" is mounted to the coupler 500', the plunger 602 can be coupled to the driven shaft 250' of the micro-purée machine. The surface of the plunger 602 facing the interior volume 360 ​​can include one or more (e.g., a plurality) of notches 606. The notches 606 can prevent the frozen ingredients from rotationally moving within the bowl 352" during processing by the blade 300. The plunger 602 can also include a flexible seal 610 around its periphery to ensure contact (e.g., maximum contact) with the sidewall 358 of the bowl 352", thereby allowing for optimal (e.g., maximum) extrusion output.

[0057] about Figure 2A 、 Figure 2B 、 Figures 3A to 3D 、 Figure 4B and Figure 4B The micro-purée machine of the described embodiments may include one or more motors and drive systems (e.g., including a transmission) that drive a driven shaft (e.g., driven shaft 250') for engaging the blade assembly 300 and / or plunger 602 when the bowl assembly 350" (coupled to the lid 400' or 450', respectively) is coupled to the housing for processing or extrusion, for example, as described in the '765 patent or the '965 patent; and may include a gearbox (e.g., a high ratio gearbox) and reinforced internal components (not shown) to allow the extrusion assembly 600 to withstand large forces and extrude a thick finished product from the nozzle.

[0058] Figure 3D Detailed view of an embodiment of the plunger 602 coupled to the underside of the second cap 450' is shown. In an embodiment, the bowl assembly 350" can be configured such that only the first cap 400' can be coupled to the first open end 352a" of the bowl 352", and only the second cap 450' can be coupled to the second open end 352b" of the bowl 352". For example, the configuration of the threads 366 can be different from the configuration of the threads 368 ( Figure 3B ) to prevent the user from attaching the wrong lid to the wrong side of the bowl 352". The bowl 352" may also include clear indicators (colors, icons, etc.) that will signal to the user which lid is on which side of the bowl 352".

[0059] Figure 4A and Figure 4B 1 shows the use of a reversible bowl assembly 350" according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 4AAs shown, the user can first install the bowl assembly 350" in a first configuration to the micro-purée machine 10 so that the first end 352a" of the bowl 352" is fixed to the coupler 500'. The user can then select a program at the user interface to rotate the blade 300 and insert it into the ingredients in the bowl 352" based on the desired finished product (e.g., soft serve ice cream, light ice cream, sorbet, gelato, etc.). For example, the blade 300 can be lowered into the ingredients and then raised from the ingredients at one or more predetermined rates while rotating at one or more predetermined rates. Figure 4B As shown, the user can then remove the bowl assembly 350" from the coupler 500', reverse the orientation of the bowl assembly 350" (i.e., flip the bowl assembly 350"), and reinstall the second end 352b" of the bowl assembly 352" to the coupler 500' in the second configuration. The user can then select a desired program at the user interface to lower the plunger 602 to extrude the ingredient through the opening 604' in the first cover 400'. For example, the plunger 602 can be lowered into the ingredient to extrude the ingredient through the opening 604', and then raised from the opening 604' after the extrusion is complete.

[0060] Figure 5 An aeration system 700 for use with the micro-puree machine 10 is shown according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 5 As shown, the aeration system 700 may include an opening 506 in the coupling 500. When the bowl 352 is in the first configuration, the interior volume 360 ​​can be substantially sealed from ambient air. The opening 506 may include a filter 508 for filtering dust particles and debris to prevent them from entering the interior volume 360. A first end 702a of a tube 702 may be operably attached to the opening 506 via a flexible stopper 510 (e.g., a silicone stopper) such that the tube 702 is in fluid communication with the interior volume 360. A second end 702b of the tube 702 may be operably coupled to a pump 704 or other mechanism for forcing a fluid (e.g., pushing air) into fluid communication with the tube 702. The pump 704 is operable to vary the pressure of the interior volume 360 ​​of the bowl 352 by selectively pumping a gas (e.g., air) into or out of the interior volume 360 ​​during processing. Adding air or gas to the ingredients during processing can allow the user to vary the density and texture of the final product. For example, processing the ingredients under high pressure (e.g., 8 psi) will result in a lighter, fluffier finished product. In an embodiment, the aeration system 700 can be integrated into the processing program on the user interface 142 and have a predetermined processing time and inflation percentage. The present disclosure also contemplates that the user interface 142 will have a separate inflation input to allow further user control.

[0061] While embodiments of the present disclosure include performing processing and extrusion using the same driven shaft, in some embodiments, processing and extrusion are performed on different shafts, as will now be described.

[0062] Figures 6A to 6L Another micro-purée machine 800 is shown according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 6A and Figure 6B An embodiment of a micro-puree machine 800 is shown in a first configuration for processing (eg, micro-pureeing), which may be referred to herein as a processing configuration. Figure 6C and 6D An embodiment of a micro-purée machine 800 is shown in a first configuration for extrusion, which may be referred to herein as an extruding or extrusion configuration. Figures 6E to 6L The embodiment of the micro-puree machine 800 is shown in both the processing configuration and the extrusion configuration for illustrative purposes only, as in some embodiments, the micro-puree is not configured to perform processing and extrusion simultaneously.

[0063] The micro-puree machine 800 may include a base 805 and a housing 820. The housing 820 may include a user interface 810 for receiving user input to control the micro-puree machine 800 and / or display information. In some embodiments, the micro-puree machine includes a processing submodule 821 including one or more components configured to process ingredients in a bowl 852 (e.g., bowl 352 or variations thereof) and an extrusion submodule 823 including one or more components configured to extrude the processed ingredients from the bowl 852. In the processing configuration, the bowl 852 may be coupled to the interior of an outer bowl 807 mounted on a processing platform 809 mounted to the base 805. The bowl 852 may be coupled to a cover 811 (e.g., cover 442 or variations thereof) that houses a blade assembly 813 (e.g., blade 300 or variations thereof). Bowl 852 can include a nozzle control assembly 851 (e.g., a dial) that enables a user to control the opening or closing of nozzle 860, nozzle 860, and a hinged stopper or plug 856 that can be used by the user to selectively cover nozzle 860 or control assembly 851. In some embodiments, nozzle control assembly 851, nozzle 860, and stopper 856 can be removably attached to bowl 852. Using handle 825, a user can rotate and lift processing bowl assembly 817 to a processing position in which blade assembly 813 engages driven shaft 854, lid 811 is attached to the micro-puree machine, and blade 300 is released from lid 811 so that driven shaft 854 can drive shaft 854, for example, as described in the '765 patent. By engaging the user interface (or a remote interface via a wireless connection to a wireless interface within housing 820), the user can initiate processing of ingredients in bowl 852. In the processing configuration, the extrusion submodule 823 may remain idle and the cap or plug 819 may be coupled to the coupler 827 , covering the interface 829 with the driven shaft 858 .

[0064] After processing the ingredients, the processing bowl assembly 817 can be separated from the micro-puree machine 810 (e.g., from the processing submodule 821) and disassembled from the platform 809. The lid 811 can be removed from the outer bowl 807, and the bowl 852 can be removed from the outer bowl 807. The lid 853 can then be installed to the bowl 852, and the bowl 852 can then be coupled to the micro-processing machine 810 (e.g., to the extrusion submodule 823 in an extrusion configuration).

[0065] In the extrusion configuration, the bowl 852 can be coupled to a lid 853 (e.g., lid 452 or a variant thereof) comprising a plunger. The combination of the bowl 852 and lid 853 may be referred to herein as a bowl extrusion assembly 850. In an embodiment, the bowl extrusion assembly 850 may be configured to be mounted to the micro-puree machine 800 so that when the bowl extrusion assembly 850 is properly mounted, the nozzle 860 is vertically facing downward. The bowl extrusion assembly 850 may be assembled to the housing 820 (e.g., the extrusion submodule 823) so that the central axis A of the bowl extrusion assembly 850 extends perpendicular to the vertical axis V of the housing 820, as shown. The bowl extrusion assembly 850 may include an outlet 860 for extruding processed ingredients from the bowl extrusion assembly 850. The micro-puree machine 800 may also include a lever 830 for manually activating the plunger 802 to extrude the processed ingredients in the bowl extrusion assembly 850 through the outlet 860.

[0066] Although the lever 830 is shown on the right side of the machine 800 (from Figure 6B 830 can be located on the left side of the machine 800 or in another location, and other components of the machine can be rearranged to accommodate a different location of the lever 830. The housing 820 can include electrical, electromagnetic, mechanical, and / or electromechanical components to convert the pull-down or push-up of the lever 830 into movement of a plunger (e.g., plunger 802) within the bowl 852.

[0067] Embodiments of the housing 820 of the micro-puree machine 800 can house a drive system comprising a driven shaft 854 for engaging the blade 300, a separate driven shaft 858 for engaging the plunger 802, one or more gear systems, and one or more position motors and / or drive motors for rotationally and / or axially moving the driven shaft 854 and another shaft 858 to process ingredients in the bowl assembly 850. For example, the drive motor can drive the rotation of the driven shaft 854 and the blade (e.g., blade 300) coupled thereto, and the position motor can drive the vertical (e.g., up and down) movement of the driven shaft 254 and the blade. Another motor can drive the second shaft 858 and the plunger (e.g., plunger 454 or 602) attached thereto. In an embodiment, the blade 813 can be programmably controlled by the computing system at the user interface 810 to operate at different rotational speeds and move up and down in different patterns and speeds for different time periods to make different food items. In an embodiment, the plunger in the lid 853 can be programmably controlled by the computing system at the user interface 810 to operate at different rotational speeds and move up and down for different time periods in different patterns and speeds to make different food items. Some non-limiting examples of transmission systems and computing systems are described in the '765 patent and in U.S. Patent No. 11,882,965 (the '965 patent) to SharkNinja Operating, LLC, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

[0068] Figure 6M An isometric view of a micro-puree machine 5010 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The micro-puree machine 5010 can be used to process ingredients on one axis and extrude the processed ingredients on another axis. Figure 6M As shown, the micro-puree machine 5010 may include a base 5100, a housing 5120, and an extrusion module 5130. The housing 5120 may include a user interface (not shown) for receiving user input to control the micro-puree machine 5010 and / or display information. The micro-puree machine 5010 may also include a bowl 5352. The bowl 5352 may be assembled to the housing 5120 such that a central axis A of the bowl 5352 extends parallel to a vertical axis V of the housing 5120, as shown. However, the present disclosure contemplates that the bowl 5352 may be assembled to the housing 5120 such that the central axis A extends at an angle between 0 and 90 degrees relative to the vertical axis V, or such that the central axis A extends perpendicular to the vertical axis V.

[0069] The extrusion module 5130 can be configured to be coupled to a bowl assembly as described herein, for example, a bowl having a lid in which a plunger is housed. The extrusion module 5130 can also include a motor and a transmission to drive a driven shaft to move the plunger and bowl during extrusion, for example, as described elsewhere herein. The micro-puree machine 5010 can also include a lever 5730 for activating the plunger to extrude the processed ingredients from the bowl 5352 through an integrated nozzle (not shown) in the bowl 5352. The housing 5120 can include electrical, electromagnetic, and / or mechanical components to convert the pull-down or push-up of the lever into movement of the plunger within the bowl.

[0070] The nozzle can be integral with the bottom surface of the bowl 5352 so that when the bowl 5352 is properly installed, the nozzle points vertically downward. Figure 6J In some embodiments, the plunger can be configured to extrude the processed ingredients from the bowl 5352 using a shaft (not shown) separate from the driven shaft (e.g., 250) that rotates the blade (e.g., 300). In other embodiments, a separate shaft can be manually driven by the user by turning the lever 5730.

[0071] 7A to 7D Another extrusion assembly 1600 is shown in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein the plunger 1602 and the blade 1300 may be mounted to the same cap 1400. Figure 7A As shown, the plunger 1602 can constitute an extrusion assembly 1600 for extruding the processed ingredient from the bowl 1352, alone or in combination with other components (e.g., the cover 1400, the bowl 1352, and the nozzle). In some embodiments, the bowl 1352 can be the bowl 352. The cover 1400 can define a central opening 1401 that is configured to allow the driven shaft 250 to pass through. The blade 1300 can include a central support hub 1305 for engaging the driven shaft 250 to rotate and translate the blade 1300. Figure 7B As shown, the plunger 1602 can be coupled to the underside of the cover 1400. For example, the plunger 1602 can be magnetically coupled to the metal ring 1402 on the underside of the cover 1400. However, the present disclosure contemplates other coupling mechanisms for the plunger 1602 and the cover 1400. Both the plunger 1602 and the metal ring 1402 can define an opening 1404 that can be aligned with the opening 1401 in the cover 1400. The plunger 1602 can also include at least one retaining element 1604, as further described elsewhere herein. Figure 7C As shown, once the plunger 1602 has been installed on the cover 1400, the user can couple the blade 1300 to the underside of the plunger 1602 so that the central support hub 1305 extends through the opening 1404 and the blade 1300 is not blocked by the retaining element 1604 ( Figure 7D). In use, to process ingredients within the bowl 1352, the driven shaft 250 can be operated to lower the blade 1300 past the retainer element 1604 and away from the plunger 1602 before the blade 1300 begins to rotate to process the ingredients within the bowl 1352. After processing, the blade 1300 can return to its initial position against the plunger 1602. Then, to extrude ingredients from the bowl 1352, the driven shaft 250 can be operated to slightly rotate the blade 1300 so that the blade 1300 is retained against the plunger 1602 by the retaining element 1604. The driven shaft 250 can then apply sufficient force to overcome the magnetic coupling between the cap 1400 and the plunger 1602, causing both the blade 1300 and the plunger 1602 to descend through the bowl 1352, thereby extruding the processed ingredients through the nozzle 608.

[0072] Figures 8A to 8C Another extrusion assembly 2600 is shown in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein the plunger 2602 and the blade 2300 may be mounted to the same cap 2400. Figure 8A As shown, the plunger 2602 can constitute an extrusion assembly 2600 for extruding the processed ingredients from the bowl 2352, either alone or in combination with other components (e.g., the cap 2400, the bowl 2352, and the nozzle). In some embodiments, the bowl 2352 can be a bowl 352 ( Figure 1E In other embodiments, bowl 2352 may be bowl 352, 352', or 852.

[0073] Users can 7A to 7D The extrusion assembly 2600 is assembled in a similar manner to the extrusion assembly 1600. For example, the plunger 2602 can be magnetically or otherwise coupled to the underside of the cover 2400. Once the plunger 2602 has been installed on the cover 2400, the user can couple the blade 2300 to the underside of the plunger 2602 so that the blade 2300 is received within the circumferential wall 2606 of the plunger 2602. Figure 8B As shown, the central support hub 2305 of the blade 2300 may include an upper groove 2308 and a lower groove 2310. Figure 8C As shown, the cover 2400 can include a first set of engagement features, such as primary clips 2408, which are biased (e.g., spring-biased) toward the central support hub 2305. When a user installs the blade 2300 to the cover 2400, the primary clips 2408 can engage the upper grooves 2308 of the central support hub 2305. In this configuration, the second set of engagement features (such as the secondary clips 2610) on the plunger 2602 are disengaged from the lower grooves 2310, so that the blade 2300 can be driven axially and rotationally by the driven shaft 250 independently of the plunger 2602.

[0074] Figures 8D to 8I 26 shows the configuration and movement of the auxiliary clip 2610 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 8D As shown, the upper surface of the plunger 2602 may include a set of movable levers 2612 disposed within a housing 2622 that is configured to allow the central support hub 2305 to pass through. Figure 8E As shown, the lever 2612 can be operably coupled to the auxiliary clip 2610 such that when the auxiliary clip 2610 is engaged with the lower groove 2310, the lever 2612 is positioned separately. Figure 8F As shown, the auxiliary clamp 2610 can move through the opposing bridge members 2614 on the upper surface of the plunger 2602, as shown in FIG. Figure 8G . The inner surface of the bridging member 2614 can define opposing slots 2616. The bridging member 2614 can further define a passage 2618 for the blocking member 2620 to pass through. When the blade 2300 processes ingredients within the bowl 2352, the blocking member 2020 can block the slots 2616, thereby preventing the auxiliary clip 2610 from moving through the bridging member 2614 and engaging the lower groove 2310, thereby preventing the plunger 2602 from engaging the driven shaft 2250. Figure 8H As shown, to engage the plunger 2602 to the central support hub 2305 during the extrusion phase, the blade 2300 can be moved slightly upward so that the platform 2302 on the blade 2300 moves the blocking member 2020 upward through the passage 2618, thereby unblocking the slot 2616. Figure 8I and Figure 8J As shown, once the blocking member 2620 no longer blocks the slot 2616, the auxiliary clamp 2610 can be moved through the bridging member 2614 to engage the lower recess 2310. In this configuration, both the blade 2300 and the plunger 2602 are operably engaged with the driven shaft 250 so that both the blade 2300 and the plunger 2602 can be lowered through the bowl 2352 to extrude the processed ingredient from the bowl 2352.

[0075] Figure 9A Another extrusion assembly 3600 is shown in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein the plunger 3602 and the blade 3300 may be mounted to the same cover. Figure 9AAs shown, the plunger 3602 can constitute an extrusion assembly 3600 for extruding the processed ingredients from the bowl, alone or in combination with other components (e.g., a cap, a bowl, and a nozzle, not shown). In some embodiments, the bowl can be bowl 352, 352', or 852. The extrusion assembly 3600 can include an electromagnet (such as a solenoid 3604) that can operate in conjunction with a piston configured to move the inner shaft 3252. The inner shaft 3252 can extend through the outer shaft 3254 so that the inner shaft 3252 and the outer shaft 3254 can translate independently of each other. The outer shaft 3254 can define opposing holes 3256 for ball bearings 3258 to pass through. The outer surface of the inner shaft 3252 can define opposing cavities 3260 for accommodating the ball bearings 3258. The inner surface of the plunger 3602 can also define opposing recesses 3262 for receiving the ball bearings 3258. The blade 3300 can be attached to the outer shaft 3254, for example, by a bayonet coupling. However, the present disclosure contemplates other suitable methods for coupling the blade 3300 to the outer shaft 3254.

[0076] Figures 9B to 9H The use of the extrusion assembly 3600 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is schematically illustrated. Figure 9B As shown, the user can first install the plunger 3260 to the cover (not shown), for example, via a magnetic coupling. In this configuration, the plunger 3206 can be unattached to the outer shaft 3254, and the ball bearing 3258 can reside in the upper portion of the cavity 3260 of the inner shaft 3252. The user can then attach the blade 3300 to the outer shaft 3254. Figure 9C As shown, to begin the processing step, the outer shaft 3254 together with the ball bearings 3258 can be translated relative to the inner shaft 3252 to lower the blade 3300 into the bowl and then rotate with the inner shaft 3252 to process the ingredients in the bowl. When the ball bearings 3258 travel along the inner surface of the cavity 3260 to the end of the lower portion of the cavity 3260, they can move away from the central axis A to protrude from the hole 3256 in the outer shaft 3254. Figure 9D As shown, once the processing step is completed, the part can be returned to Figure 9B As shown in the original position. Figure 9E As shown, to begin the extrusion step, the solenoid 3604 can be retracted, thereby moving the inner shaft 3252 upward relative to the outer shaft 3254. When the ball bearings 3258 reach the end of the lower portion of the cavity 3260, they can again move away from the central axis A to protrude from the holes 3256 in the outer shaft 3254 and thereby engage the recesses 3262 in the plunger 3602. In this configuration, the plunger 3602 can be locked to the outer shaft 3254. Figure 9FAs shown, both the inner shaft 3252 and the outer shaft 3254 can be lowered again, with both the plunger 3602 and the blade 3300 attached to extrude the processed ingredient from the nozzle. Figure 9G As shown, once the extrusion step is complete, the part can be returned to Figure 9E The pre-extrusion position is shown with the plunger 3602 still attached to the outer shaft 3254. Finally, as Figure 9H As shown, the solenoid 3604 can be extended, thereby moving the inner shaft 3252 downward relative to the outer shaft 3254. When the ball bearings 3258 reach the upper portion of the cavity 3260, they can move toward the central axis A to disengage from the recess 3262 in the plunger 3602. In this configuration, the plunger 3602 can be disconnected from the outer shaft 3254.

[0077] 10A to 10F Schematically illustrates the use of another extrusion assembly 4600 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 10A As shown, the plunger 4602 can constitute an extrusion assembly 4600 for extruding the processed ingredients from the bowl alone or in combination with other components (e.g., the cap 4400, the bowl, and the nozzle). In some embodiments, the bowl can be the bowl 352, 352', or 852. Figure 10A As shown, the extrusion assembly 4600 can also include an outer shaft 4254 extending through the plunger 4602. The inner surface of the outer shaft 4254 can be configured to accommodate a ball bearing 4258. A movable collar 4644 can be disposed around the outer shaft 4254 and can be biased upward, for example, by a first spring 4646. To begin the processing steps, the user can first install the plunger 4602 to the cover 4400. The user can then attach the blade 4300 to the cover 4400 such that a pair of main clips 4408 act under the force of the second spring 4410 to engage the groove 4310 on the central support hub 4305. As shown in FIG. Figure 10B As shown, the user can then attach the cover 4400 to the bowl (not shown) and couple the bowl to the micro-puree machine 10 such that the driven shaft 4250 extends through the outer shaft 4254 to engage the central support hub 4305. The micro-puree machine 10 can be configured such that coupling the bowl to the micro-puree machine 10, 800 disengages the primary clamp 4408 from the central support hub 4305 to allow the blade 4300 to move away from the cover 4400. Figure 10CAs shown, to begin a processing step, an electromagnet (such as solenoid 4604) can press downward on collar 4644 to move collar 4644 against the force of spring 4646, causing ball bearing 4258 to extend through an opening in outer shaft 4254 to engage recess 4262 on the inner surface of collar 4644. In this configuration, plunger 4602 can be locked to outer shaft 4254 so that blade 4300 can move independently of plunger 4602. Figure 10D As shown, the driven shaft 4250 and blade 4300 can be lowered into the bowl and rotated to process the ingredients in the bowl. Figure 10E As shown, after processing, the driven shaft 4250 and the blade 4300 can then be returned to their original positions. To begin the extrusion step, the solenoid 4604 can no longer press down on the collar 4644, thereby allowing the collar 4644 to move upward to release the ball bearing 4258 from engagement with the collar 4644 so that the plunger 4602 is no longer locked to the outer shaft 4254. Finally, as shown in FIG. Figure 10F As shown, the driven shaft 4250 can lower both the plunger 4602 and the blade 4300 into the bowl to extrude the processed ingredient from the bowl.

[0078] The present disclosure contemplates that in some embodiments (not shown), the bowl 352 can be coupled vertically in an inverted orientation (i.e., downward) on a top or upward-facing surface of the housing 120, whereby the blade 300 moves upward and then downward to emulsify, process, and / or mix ingredients in the bowl 352. The upward-facing surface can point vertically upward or be angled in an upward direction.

[0079] In some embodiments, the micro-puree machine 10 can be configured to automatically detect the size of the bowl 352 and, in response to the detection, extend the blade 300 to a depth and / or travel distance into the bowl 352 based on the detected size of the bowl 352. Such bowl size detection will advantageously enable the micro-puree machine 10 to process ingredients in containers of different sizes, such as single-serving containers or larger containers.

[0080] Although the present disclosure specifically shows and describes preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application as defined in the appended claims. The scope of the present application is intended to encompass such variations. Therefore, the foregoing description of the embodiments of the present application is not intended to limit the full scope conveyed by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A micro-fruit puree machine, comprising: case; a bowl assembleable to the housing, the bowl including a sidewall defining an interior volume, the sidewall extending between a first end of the bowl and a second end opposite the first end; a first cover removably coupleable to the first end of the bowl, the first cover configured to house a blade that processes an ingredient to produce a processed ingredient; a nozzle, the nozzle being in fluid communication with the bowl; as well as A plunger is engageable with a driven shaft of the micro-purée machine, the driven shaft being configured to move the plunger axially within the interior volume of the bowl to force the processed ingredient within the interior volume out of the nozzle.

2. The micro-purée machine of claim 1, wherein the first cover is configured to accommodate the plunger.

3. The micro-purée machine of claim 1 , further comprising a second cover removably coupleable to the first end of the bowl, wherein the plunger is coupleable to the second cover prior to axially moving within the interior volume.

4. The micro-purée machine of claim 1 , wherein the bowl has an end wall, and wherein the nozzle is configured for fluid communication with the bowl through a passage defined by an opening in the end wall.

5. The micro-purée machine of claim 1 , wherein said driven shaft is further engageable with said blade for processing said ingredients in said bowl.

6. The micro-purée machine of claim 5, wherein the driven shaft is configured to move the blade axially within the interior volume of the bowl.

7. The micro-purée machine of claim 1 , further comprising another shaft separate from said driven shaft, said another shaft being engageable with said blade for processing said ingredients in said bowl.

8. The micro-purée machine of claim 7, wherein said another shaft is configured to move said blade axially within said interior volume of said bowl.

9. The micro-puree machine of claim 1, wherein: the bowl being engageable to the micro-purée machine between a first configuration in which the bowl is configured to process ingredients within the interior volume and a second configuration in which the bowl is configured to extrude the processed ingredients from the interior volume; and The bowl is reversible along its major axis between the first configuration and the second configuration.

10. The micro-purée machine of claim 9, further comprising a second cover removably coupleable to the second end of the bowl, wherein the plunger is coupleable to the second cover prior to axially moving within the interior volume.

11. An extrusion assembly for extruding processed ingredients from a micro-puree machine, the extrusion assembly comprising: a bowl including a sidewall defining an interior volume, the sidewall extending between a first end of the bowl and a second end opposite the first end; a first cover removably coupleable to the first end of the bowl, the first cover configured to house a blade that processes an ingredient to produce a processed ingredient; a nozzle, the nozzle being in fluid communication with the bowl; as well as A plunger is engageable with a driven shaft of the micro-purée machine, the driven shaft being configured to move the plunger axially within the interior volume of the bowl to force the processed ingredient within the interior volume out of the nozzle.

12. The extrusion assembly of claim 11, wherein the first cap is configured to accommodate the plunger.

13. The extrusion assembly of claim 11 further comprising a second cap removably coupleable to the first end of the bowl, wherein the plunger is coupleable to the second cap prior to axially moving within the interior volume.

14. The extrusion assembly of claim 11, wherein the bowl has an end wall, and wherein the nozzle is configured for fluid communication with the bowl through a passage defined by an opening in the end wall.

15. The extrusion assembly of claim 11, wherein the driven shaft is further engageable with the blade for processing the ingredient in the bowl.

16. The extrusion assembly of claim 15, wherein the driven shaft is configured to move the blade axially within the interior volume of the bowl.

17. The extrusion assembly of claim 11, wherein: the bowl being engageable to the micro-purée machine between a first configuration in which the bowl is configured to process ingredients within the interior volume and a second configuration in which the bowl is configured to extrude the processed ingredients from the interior volume; and The bowl is reversible along its major axis between the first configuration and the second configuration.

18. The extrusion assembly of claim 17, further comprising a second cap removably coupleable to the second end of the bowl, wherein the plunger is coupleable to the second cap prior to axially moving within the interior volume.

19. A method of extruding a processed ingredient from a micro-puree machine, the micro-puree machine comprising: an extrusion assembly having a bowl including a sidewall defining an interior volume, the sidewall extending between a first end of the bowl and a second end opposite the first end; a first cover removably coupleable to the first end of the bowl, the first cover being configured to house a blade that processes an ingredient to produce a processed ingredient; a nozzle in fluid communication with the bowl; and a plunger engageable with a driven shaft of the micro-purée machine, the driven shaft being configured to move the plunger axially within the interior volume of the bowl, the method comprising: engaging a blade with the driven shaft; processing ingredients within the interior volume of the bowl using the blade; disengaging the blade from the driven shaft; engaging the plunger with the driven shaft; and The plunger is moved through the interior volume of the bowl to extrude the processed ingredient from the nozzle.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: After disengaging the blade from the driven shaft and before engaging the plunger with the micro-purée machine, the first cover is removed and a second cover housing the plunger is attached to the first end of the bowl.

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