Beverage maker with detachably connectable mixing container

Abstract

A frozen beverage maker is described comprising a housing, a mixing container for mixing a beverage product, and a flexible seal. The housing includes an upper housing section and a lever movable relative to the upper housing section between a coupled position and a non-coupled position. The flexible seal is between the upper housing section and the mixing container. The lever couples the mixing container to the upper housing section when in the coupled position and separates the mixing container from the upper housing section when in the uncoupled position. The mixing container is sealed against the upper housing section by the flexible seal when the lever is in the coupled position.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the utility model patent application with the application number 202422045208.7, the application date of August 22, 2024, and the title of "Beverage Making Machine with a Mixing Container Connectable in a Detachable Manner".

[0002] Cross - reference to related applications

[0003] This application is a partial continuation application of U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 415,817, filed on January 18, 2024, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical field

[0004] The present disclosure relates to a beverage making machine, and more particularly to a frozen beverage making machine that includes a mixing container connectable in a detachable manner, the mixing container being configured to be easily installed and removed from the frozen beverage making machine with minimal user effort. Background art

[0005] Frozen beverage making machines, which may also be referred to as semi - frozen beverage making machines or slush beverage making machines, typically include a transparent tank or mixing container in which a beverage product is received and processed. The processing includes cooling, often transforming the beverage product from a pure liquid (or a combination of a liquid and a portion of ice) into a frozen or semi - frozen product, such as a smoothie, a slush drink, a milkshake, ice cream, or other frozen or semi - frozen products, which are then dispensed. The cooled product is typically dispensed through a faucet, tap, or dispenser located near the front and bottom of the container. 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 that cools a received beverage product to produce a cooled output in any of a variety of frozen and semi - frozen forms. The beverage product typically consists of a mixture of water or milk, syrup flavoring powder, or other additives that impart the desired taste and color to the beverage product.

[0006] Some existing frozen beverage making machines include a mixing system within the mixing container, the mixing system having mixing blades or augers that are rotated by a motor via a drive shaft and drive assembly. Some existing frozen beverage making machines include a refrigeration system having a compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator (i.e., a cooler) for receiving refrigerant from the compressor, where the evaporator is located near or within the mixing container to cool the beverage product during processing.

[0007] Some existing frozen beverage making machines include a controller that controls the operations of the frozen beverage making machine related to making the beverage product, including the temperature of the frozen food product during processing. Summary of the utility model

[0008] In various embodiments, the present application addresses deficiencies associated with prior frozen beverage machines that include commercial slush machine containers, such as reducing the force required to install and remove the mixing container from the device. A unique lever is described that provides a useful mechanical advantage and, if desired, allows a user to easily and safely attach the mixing container to the upper housing of the frozen beverage machine with only one hand. The lever is configured to move between a non-attached position and an attached position relative to the upper housing. When the lever is in the attached position, the mixing container is sealed against the upper housing section by a flexible seal. The flexible seal may include a face seal that interfaces a vertically aligned surface of the upper housing section to a vertically aligned side of the mixing container. The flexible seal may include a container seal portion configured to create a watertight seal between the mixing container and the upper housing section, and an evaporator seal portion configured to seal an evaporator within the mixing container. When the lever is moved to the non-attached position, the lever separates the mixing container from the upper housing section. The lever may include cam features that provide significant compression. The present application describes illustrative systems, methods, and devices that permit the mixing container to be easily installed and removed from the frozen beverage machine in a more adaptive and user-friendly manner.

[0009] In some aspects, a beverage machine is provided that includes: a housing; a mixing container configured to be removably attached to the housing and receive a beverage product; a stirrer configured to mix the beverage product within the mixing container; a drive motor configured to drive the stirrer; and a controller configured to: detect an unsafe condition associated with the beverage machine; and in response to the detection of the unsafe condition, perform at least one control action, the at least one control action including at least one of the following actions: alerting a user of the beverage machine, deactivating the drive motor, preventing activation of the drive motor, or any combination thereof.

[0010] In selected embodiments, the unsafe condition associated with the beverage machine includes the pour opening being in an open state such that the agitator becomes accessible for direct user contact during mixing of the beverage product by the agitator. The beverage machine also includes a switch, and the at least one control action includes deactivating the drive motor in response to the switch being actuated. The switch includes an interlock switch located in the housing, the interlock switch being configured to permit operation of the drive motor when the mixing container is coupled to the housing, and the interlock switch being configured to be actuated when the mixing container is decoupled from the housing. The beverage machine also includes a cooling circuit configured to cool the beverage product within the mixing container, wherein the at least one control action further includes deactivating the cooling circuit. The beverage machine also includes a compressor positioned in the housing and configured to pump refrigerant through an evaporator of the cooling circuit, and the at least one control action includes deactivating the evaporator of the cooling circuit by deactivating the compressor. The beverage machine also includes a speaker positioned in the housing, and the at least one control action includes providing an audio output from the speaker.

[0011] In some aspects, a frozen beverage machine is described. The frozen beverage machine includes a housing, a mixing container for mixing a beverage product, and a flexible seal. The housing includes an upper housing section and a lever movable relative to the upper housing section between a coupled position and a non-coupled position. The flexible seal is between the upper housing section and the mixing container. The lever couples the mixing container to the upper housing section when in the coupled position and separates the mixing container from the upper housing section when in the non-coupled position. When the lever is in the coupled position, the mixing container is sealed against the upper housing section by the flexible seal.

[0012] In selected embodiments, the mixing container has a substantially cylindrical shape, its base having an opening formed therein, and when the lever is in the coupled position, the opening is sealed by a flexible seal. In these and other embodiments, the opening is substantially circular. When the lever is in the coupled position, the opening can be positioned facing horizontally. The flexible seal can include a face seal that interfaces a vertical alignment surface of the upper housing section to a vertical alignment side of the mixing container. In selected embodiments, the lever includes a handle that enables a user to move the lever between a coupled position and a non-coupled position. In these and other embodiments, the handle is positioned closer to the upper housing section when in the coupled position than when in the non-coupled position. In some such embodiments, the handle moves less than 90° relative to the upper housing section when moving between the coupled position and the non-coupled position. In selected embodiments, the movement of the handle to move the lever to the coupled position activates a cam in the upper housing section, the cam engaging mating features on the mixing container to secure the mixing container to the upper housing section. In these and other embodiments, the cam also includes a pop-off feature to apply a pop-off force to the mixing container when the lever moves from the coupled position to the non-coupled position. In selected embodiments, the frozen beverage maker further includes a drive motor and an interlock switch positioned within the upper housing section and configured to be activated and permit operation of the drive motor when the mixing container is coupled to the housing. In various embodiments, the lever is rotatably coupled to the upper housing section.

[0013] In some aspects, a method of using a frozen beverage maker device to produce a frozen beverage is described. The frozen beverage maker device includes a housing, a mixing container, and a flexible seal. The housing includes an upper housing section and a lever movable relative to the upper housing section between a coupled position and a non-coupled position. The mixing container is arranged to be coupled to the upper housing section. The flexible seal is positioned between the upper housing section and the mixing container. The lever includes a handle movable to position the lever in the coupled position and / or the non-coupled position. When the lever is in the coupled position, the mixing container is sealed against the upper housing section by the flexible seal. The method includes: coupling the mixing container to the upper housing section by moving the handle relative to the upper housing section to position the lever in the coupled position; operating the frozen beverage maker device to produce a frozen beverage; separating the mixing container from the upper housing section by moving the handle relative to the upper housing section to position the lever in the non-coupled position.

[0014] In some embodiments, attaching the mixing container to the upper housing section involves moving the handle towards the upper housing section. In these and other embodiments, detaching the mixing container from the upper housing section involves moving the handle away from the upper housing section and / or towards the front of the housing. In some embodiments, moving the handle relative to the upper housing section to place the lever in the attached position is achieved with only one hand. In these and other embodiments, moving the handle relative to the upper housing section to place the lever in the non-attached position is achieved with only one hand.

[0015] In yet another aspect, a frozen beverage maker is described that includes a housing, a mixing container for mixing a beverage product, and a flexible seal. The housing includes an upper housing section and a coupling mechanism that is movable relative to the upper housing section between an attached position and a non-attached position. The flexible seal is positioned between the upper housing section and the mixing container. The coupling mechanism attaches the mixing container to the upper housing section when in the attached position and detaches the mixing container from the upper housing section when in the attached position. When the coupling mechanism is in the attached position, the mixing container is sealed against an upper portion of the housing by the flexible seal.

[0016] One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the systems, methods, and devices described herein can be applicable to other types of food products, such as making and / or processing (without limitation) ice cream, frozen yogurt, other creams, and the like. While this disclosure describes examples of beverage makers for processing various frozen and / or semi-frozen beverage products, the systems, devices, and methods described herein are not limited to such beverage products and are capable of processing and / or making other types of beverage products, such as cold beverage products and / or chilled beverage products. As used herein, the terms "mixing," "mixed," or "mix" are not limited to combining multiple ingredients, but also include mixing a beverage product or liquid having a single ingredient or no added ingredients. For example, a beverage product can consist solely of water that is mixed by a stirrer during processing, i.e., the portion of water that is agitated and / or blended as the stirrer rotates. This can advantageously achieve a more uniform temperature of the water and / or liquid throughout the mixing container, for example, by mixing portions of water and / or liquid having different temperatures.

[0017] The advantages of these and other configurations will be apparent upon reading the following detailed description and reviewing the associated drawings. The foregoing general description and the following detailed description are merely explanatory and do not limit the aspects of the claimed disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The present disclosure will be more fully understood in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0019] Figure 1 Perspective view of a frozen beverage maker according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 2 Showing various internal components within the housing and mixing container of a frozen beverage maker according to an embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 1 ;

[0021] Figure 3 Front view of a frozen beverage maker according to some embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 1 ;

[0022] Figure 4 Is a block diagram of an example of a control system of a frozen beverage maker according to some embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 1 ;

[0023] Figure 5A Side view of a frozen beverage maker according to some embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 1 wherein the mixing container is in a coupled position relative to the upper housing section;

[0024] Figure 5B Side view of the frozen beverage maker shown in Figure 5A according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein some features of the housing and the lever are shown in partial cross-section;

[0025] Figure 6 Detailed view of a lever having a cam for coupling a mixing container to the housing of a frozen beverage maker according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 7A Rear view of a mixing container according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 7B Perspective view of the rear portion of a mixing container according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 8 Perspective view of a flexible seal according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 9 Cross-sectional view of a flexible seal according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 10 Flowchart showing a method of using the disclosed frozen beverage maker according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 11A And 11B Showing according to an embodiment of the present disclosureFigure 1 Perspective view of the condensate collection tray of a frozen beverage maker;

[0032] Figure 11C Shows the insertion according to an embodiment of the present disclosure into Figure 1 a frozen beverage maker of Figure 11A and 11B the collection tray;

[0033] Figure 11D Shows according to an embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 1 a frozen beverage maker, where the collection tray is removed;

[0034] Figure 12 Is a flowchart showing the method of removing Figure 1 from a frozen beverage maker Figure 11A and 11B the collection tray according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 13A Isometric view of a frozen beverage maker with a mixing container having at least one internal baffle according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 13B Shows in Figure 13A a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of the frozen beverage maker shown;

[0037] Figure 13C Shows in Figure 13A a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C of the frozen beverage maker shown;

[0038] Figure 14A Rear isometric view of a mixing container for a frozen beverage maker having three internal baffles according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0039] Figure 14B Shows Figure 14A a rear view of the mixing container shown;

[0040] Figure 14C Shows Figure 14A a front isometric view of the mixing container shown;

[0041] Figure 15 Is a close-up view of a user interface according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0042] Figure 16 Is a graph of coarse and fine temperature settings according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0043] Figure 17A close-up view of another user interface according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0044] Figure 18 Is a graph of temperature values associated with an automatic recipe target temperature and manual temperature adjustments;

[0045] Figure 19 Is being processed by Figure 1 A graph of drive motor current and temperature over time when a frozen beverage maker processes a beverage product;

[0046] Figure 20 Is a flowchart of a process for manufacturing a chilled beverage product using a food type for initial or coarse temperature and / or texture control and then using user input to subsequently fine-tune the temperature and / or texture of the beverage product;

[0047] Figure 21 Is a flowchart of a process for automatically detecting when the drive motor current is too high and / or when the beverage product is too thick, and in response, adjusting the temperature of the beverage product to reduce the drive motor current and / or increasing the temperature of the beverage product to reduce the thickness of the beverage product;

[0048] Figure 22A Shows an embodiment of a dual-purpose cooling fan within the housing of a beverage maker;

[0049] Figure 22B Shows another embodiment of a dual-purpose cooling fan within the housing of a beverage maker;

[0050] Figure 22C Shows Figure 22B A perspective view of the dual-purpose cooling fan;

[0051] Figure 23 Is a flowchart of a process for operating the dual-purpose fan;

[0052] Figure 24A Shows a perspective view of a sample pour opening for a frozen beverage maker according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0053] Figure 24B Shows Figure 24A A front view of the pour opening shown in;

[0054] Figure 24C Shows Figure 24A A left perspective view of the pour opening shown in;

[0055] Figure 25 Shows a perspective view of a sample cover for the pour opening according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0056] Figure 26Shows a perspective view of a sample pouring opening according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0057] Figure 27A Shows a perspective view of a sample pouring opening according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0058] Figure 27B Shows Figure 27A An isometric view of a prototype of the pouring opening;

[0059] Figure 27C Shows Figure 27B A side view of the pouring opening prototype in;

[0060] Figure 27D Shows, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, attached to a mixing container Figure 27B A photograph of the pouring opening prototype shown in;

[0061] Figure 28 Shows a sample method using the pouring opening according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0062] Figures 29A to 29D Shows a dispensing assembly for dispensing a beverage product from a frozen beverage machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0063] Figures 30A to 30B Shows a dispensing assembly for dispensing a beverage product from a frozen beverage machine according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0064] Figure 31A And 31B Shows a shield for covering the dispensing assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure Figures 29A to 29D And Figures 30A to 30B Of; DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0065] In the following description, like components have the same reference numerals, regardless of the different illustrated embodiments. For clarity and conciseness in illustrating the embodiments, the drawings may not necessarily reflect proper proportions and may show some structures in a slightly schematic form. The present disclosure may describe and / or illustrate a structure in one embodiment and describe and / or illustrate the structure in the same or a similar manner and / or in combination with or instead of the structure of one or more other embodiments.

[0066] In the specification and claims, for the purpose of describing and defining the present application, the terms "about" and "substantially" represent the inherent degree of uncertainty attributable to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation. In addition, the terms "about" and "substantially" represent the degree to which a quantitative representation may vary from the stated reference without causing a change in the basic function of the subject matter being discussed. For example, open-ended terms such as "comprise / include" and / or the plural form of each term include the listed parts and may include additional parts 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. is only for the purpose of clearly describing the present disclosure and does not limit the structure, orientation, and / or operation of the present disclosure in any way.

[0067] In various embodiments, the present application addresses deficiencies associated with existing commercial slush machines. Unfortunately, the architecture of existing commercial slush machines typically requires a significant amount of force to position a container above a large radial seal, making it challenging for a user to install and remove the container from the device. In many existing commercial slush machines, the container is installed by engaging a snap to hold the container, which strains the plastic to properly position the container and requires a significant amount of user effort. Accordingly, there is a need for a more user-friendly architecture for installing and removing the container of a frozen beverage maker, such as a lever that can be used to couple and decouple the container from the housing of the frozen beverage maker with minimal force and / or that requires only one hand to use.

[0068] Figure 1 A perspective view of a frozen beverage maker 100 according to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The frozen beverage maker 100 includes a housing 102 and a mixing container 104. The housing 102 may include a user interface 112 for receiving user input to control the frozen beverage maker 100 and / or output or display information. The user interface 112 may include one or more buttons, dials, switches, touchscreens, indicators, LEDs, and the like. The user interface 112 may display status information, including, for example, the temperature of the beverage product within the mixing container 104, an indicator of the current recipe and / or program being implemented, a timer associated with the progress of the ongoing and / or current recipe and / or program. The user interface 112 may provide the user with indicators and / or warnings regarding, for example, when a recipe is complete or when the user is expected to perform an action associated with processing the beverage product. The user interface 112 may include an optional menu for beverage types (e.g., recipes) and / or programs for different types of beverage products, such as, but not limited to, slushies, smoothies, margaritas, daiquiris, piña coladas, snow cones, cocktails, shaved ice drinks, juices, dairy products, milkshakes, cold drinks, semi-frozen drinks, frozen drinks, and the like.

[0069] The housing 102 may include a panel (e.g., a removable panel) 114 along one side of the housing 102. The panel 114 may include a plurality of openings that facilitate air flow to help cool components within the housing 102. The housing 102 may include an upper housing section 122 that is arranged to couple to 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 thereof 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 opening 106 through which the mixing container 104 may receive ingredients for processing the beverage product within the mixing container 104. Figure 1 The pour opening 106 is shown in a closed configuration with a lid that seals the opening 106. The lid may be removably removable or movable in a detachable manner to open or close the opening 106. The pour opening 106 may include a grille that prevents a user from reaching into the mixing container 104 when the pour opening 106 is open, i.e., when the lid is not installed. The mixing container 104 may include a dispenser assembly 108 having a user handle 120, a spout (not shown), and a spout guard and / or lid 116. The dispenser assembly 108 enables a user to open the spout connected to the wall of the mixing container 104 by pulling down on the handle 120 to dispense a processed (e.g., cooled) beverage product from the mixing container 104. The user may close the spout by pushing the handle 120 back to its upright position ( Figure 1 as shown in) and thereby stop dispensing the processed beverage product.

[0070] The frozen beverage machine 100 may include a coupling mechanism that enables the mixing container 104 to be securely coupled to the housing 102, including the upper housing section 122. In some embodiments, the coupling mechanism is a lever 110 that is rotatably coupled to the upper housing section 122. Figure 1 The lever 110 is shown in a coupled, locked, and / or closed position whereby the mixing container 104 is coupled to (e.g., attached to, latched to, and / or locked to) the housing 102 and the upper housing section 122. In the coupled position, the lever 110 ensures a watertight seal to prevent leakage of the beverage product from the mixing container 104. The lever 110 may be placed in the coupled position by sliding the mixing container 104 against the upper housing section 122 and then rotating the lever 110 in a clockwise direction until its handle rests on or around the top surface of the upper housing section 122. The lever 110 may be moved from Figure 1Pull and / or rotate the lever 110 in a perspective (towards the front of the mixing container 104), which causes the lever 110 to release the mixing container 104 and decouple and / or separate the mixing container 104 from the housing 102 and the upper housing section 122. Once released and / or separated, the mixing container 104 can slide in the forward direction (away from the upper housing section 122) to be completely disassembled and / or removed from the housing 102.

[0071] A flexible seal ( Figure 8 shown in) can be positioned between the mixing container 104 and the upper housing section 122. The flexible seal can include a face seal portion and / or a radial seal portion. If present, the face seal portion can provide an improved seal based on the compression provided by the lever 110 laterally pushing the mixing container 104 against the wall of the upper housing section 122. The mixing container 104 can have a substantially cylindrical shape with an opening formed in its base, and when the lever 110 is in the coupled position, the opening is sealed by the flexible seal. An interlock switch can be implemented at the upper housing section 122, which is activated when the mixing container 104 is coupled to the upper housing section 122, preventing the activation of the drive motor 208 unless the container 104 is coupled to the upper housing section 122. This ensures that the user is not exposed to the moving agitator 204. The frozen beverage maker 100 can also include a drip tray 118, which is positioned below the dispenser assembly 108 and is arranged to collect any beverage product that is not properly dispensed from the mixing container 104 into, for example, a user cup. The drip tray 118 can be removably attached from its operating position as shown in Figure 1 For example, the water tray 118 can be mounted and / or stored on the side panel of the housing 102, as shown as the water tray 304 in Figure 3 shown.

[0072] Figure 2 Shown is Figure 1 a view of various internal components within the housing 102 and the mixing container 104 of the frozen beverage maker 100. The frozen beverage maker 100 includes a cylindrical evaporator 202, which is surrounded by an auger and / or an agitator 204. The agitator 204 can include one or more mixing blades and / or protrusions that extend helically around the evaporator and / or cooler 202. The agitator 204 can be driven to rotate by a central drive shaft (not shown) within the mixing container 104. The drive shaft can be surrounded by the evaporator 202. However, in various embodiments, the evaporator 202 does not rotate. The drive shaft can be coupled to the drive motor 208 via a gear assembly 210. In some embodiments, the drive motor 208 is an AC motor, but another type of motor can be used, such as but not limited to a DC motor. The drive motor 208 can include a motor fan 212, which is arranged to provide air cooling for the motor 208. AlthoughFigure 2 An embodiment is shown where the drive motor 208 is not coaxially aligned with the drive shaft for rotating the agitator 204, but in other embodiments, the motor 208 can be coaxially aligned with the drive shaft. During the processing of the beverage product, the motor 208 can operate continuously at one or more speeds to drive the continuous rotation of the agitator 204, and thereby provide continuous mixing of the beverage product within the mixing container 104. In some embodiments, the rotation of the agitator 204 causes the blades arranged in a spiral pattern 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 due to being cooled by the evaporator. In some embodiments, the blades of the rotating agitator 204 scrape the frozen portions of the beverage product from the surface evaporator while mixing the cooled beverage product and pushing the cooled beverage product towards the front of the mixing container 104.

[0073] The frozen beverage maker 100 can include a refrigeration circuit and / or system to provide cooling of the beverage product and / or control the temperature of the beverage product within the mixing container 104. The refrigeration 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 refrigeration circuit components to facilitate cooling and / or temperature control of the beverage product in the mixing container 104. The operation of the refrigeration circuit can be controlled by a controller, such as controller 402, as further described herein with respect to Figure 4 The frozen beverage maker 100 can also include a condensate collection tray 220 that is arranged to collect any liquid condensate caused by the cooling from the evaporator 202. Figure 2 The tray 220 is shown in the inserted position. The tray 220 can be removably inserted from a slot within the housing 102 to be able to collect the condensate liquid when inserted into the slot and then effectively removed to an empty tray 220, and then re-inserted into the slot for subsequent liquid collection.

[0074] Figure 3 Shown is Figure 1 A front view of the frozen beverage maker 100. The frozen beverage maker 100 can include a user interface 112 on the front surface of the housing 102. In other embodiments, the user interface 112 can be located on the side, top, or back of the housing 102. The frozen beverage maker can include a mounting 302 on one side of the housing 102, where the drip tray 118 can be removed when not in use (when Figure 3shown as a drip tray 304), e.g., mounted at the mounting during transportation of the frozen beverage maker 100. The frozen beverage maker 100 may include a power interface arranged to receive AC power from a power outlet (not shown). In some embodiments, the frozen beverage maker 100 may include one or more batteries housed within the housing 102 and arranged to provide power to various components of the frozen beverage maker 100. The frozen beverage maker 100 may also include a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) 222 within the housing 102. As will be explained with respect to Figure 4 as explained, the PCBA 222 may include a control system 400 arranged to automatically control certain operations of the frozen beverage maker 100.

[0075] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the control system 400 of the frozen beverage maker 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The control system 400 may include a microcontroller, a processor, a system on a chip (SoC), a client device, and / or a physical computing device, and may include hardware and / or virtual processors. In some embodiments, as Figure 4 shown, the control system 400 and its elements each relate to physical hardware, while in some embodiments, one, more, or all elements may be implemented using an emulator or a virtual machine. In any case, the electronic control system 400 may be implemented on physical hardware, e.g., implemented in the frozen beverage maker 100.

[0076] Also as Figure 4 shown, the control system 400 may include a user interface 212 and / or 112 having, for example, a keyboard, a keypad, one or more buttons, a dial, a touchpad, or a sensor reading (e.g., a biometric scanner) and one or more output devices such as a display, a speaker for audio, an LED indicator, and / or a light indicator. The control system 400 may also include a communication interface 410, e.g., a network communication unit that may include a wired communication component and / or a wireless communication component, which may be communicatively coupled to the controller and / or the processor 402. The network communication unit may utilize any of a variety of proprietary or standardized network protocols, such as Ethernet, TCP / IP (just listing a few of many protocols), to enable communication between the processor 402 and another device, network, or system. The network communication unit may also include one or more transceivers utilizing Ethernet, power line communication (PLC), Wi-Fi, cellular, and / or other communication methods. For example, the control system 400 may send one or more communications associated with the status of the frozen beverage maker 100 to the user's mobile device, e.g., send a warning to the mobile device when a recipe is complete and / or a beverage product is ready to be dispensed, or indicate that there is insufficient or no beverage product in the mixing container.

[0077] The control system 400 may include processing elements, such as a controller and / or a processor 402, which includes one or more hardware processors, and each of the hardware processors may have a single or multiple processor cores. In one embodiment, the processor 402 includes at least one shared cache that stores data (e.g., computing instructions) utilized by one or more other components of the processor 402. For example, the shared cache may be local cache data stored in a memory for more rapid access by components that make up the processing element of the processor 402. Examples of processors include, but are not limited to, a central processing unit (CPU) and / or a microprocessor. The controller and / or the processor 402 may utilize a computer architecture based on (but not limited to) the 8051 architecture, 68HCX, 80X86, and similar architectures. The processor 402 may include, but is not limited to, an 8-bit, 12-bit, 16-bit, 32-bit, or 64-bit architecture. Although Figure 4 not shown in the figure, the processing element that makes up the processor 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).

[0078] Figure 4It is also shown that the memory 404 can operate and be communicatively coupled 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, which include non-volatile storage devices and / or volatile memory. 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 memories, read only memories (ROM), and / or any other type of memory designed to maintain data for a certain duration after a power-off or shutdown operation. In some configurations, if the allocated RAM is not sufficient to hold all working data, the non-volatile storage device 408 can be used to store overflow data. The non-volatile storage device 408 can also be used to store programs that are loaded into the RAM when these programs are selected for execution. The data storage area and / or the storage device 408 can be arranged to store a plurality of beverage product making and / or processing instruction programs associated with a plurality of beverage product processing sequences (i.e., recipes). Such beverage making and / or processing instruction programs can include instructions for the controller and / or the processor 402 to perform the following operations: start or stop one or more motors and / or compressors 414 (e.g., motor 208 and / or compressor 214), start or stop the compressor 214 to adjust the temperature of the beverage product being processed in the mixing container 104, operate one or more motors 414 (e.g., motor 208 and / or compressor 214) during certain periods of a particular beverage product processing sequence, operate the motor 208 at certain speeds during certain time periods of the recipe, issue one or more prompt instructions to the user interface 412 and / or 112, and the one or more prompt instructions are output to the user to illicit a response, action, and / or input from the user.

[0079] As is known to those of ordinary skill in the art, 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 processor 402. In one embodiment, the compilation process of a software program can transform the program code written in one programming language into another computer language so that the processor 402 can execute the programming 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 processor 402 to implement a specific non-generic specific computing function.

[0080] After the compilation process, the encoded instructions can be loaded as computer-executable instructions or process steps from the storage device 408, from the memory 404, into the processor 402, and / or embedded within the processor 402 (e.g., via a cache or on-board ROM). The processor 402 can be configured to execute the stored instructions or process steps in order to execute the instructions or process steps to transform the electronic control system 400 into a non-generic, specific, specially-programmed machine or device. The stored data, such as data stored by the data storage area and / or the storage device 408, can be accessed by the processor 402 during the execution of the computer-executable instructions or process steps to indicate one or more components within the control system 400 and / or other components or devices external to the system 400. For example, a recipe can be arranged in a look-up table and / or database within the data storage area 408 and accessed by the processor 402 when executing a specific recipe selected by the user via the user interface 412 and / or 112.

[0081] The user interface 412 and / or 112 can include a display, a position input device (such as a mouse, a touchpad, a touch screen, or the like), 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 user interface components can be communicatively coupled to the processor 402. When the user interface output device is or includes a display, the display can be implemented in various ways, including by a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a cathode ray tube (CRT) or a light-emitting diode (LED) display, such as an OLED display.

[0082] The sensor 406 can include one or more sensors that detect and / or monitor the condition of the beverage product within the mixing container 104, the conditions associated with the components of the frozen beverage maker 100, and / or the condition of the refrigerant within the refrigeration system. The conditions can include (but are not limited to) the rotation, rotational speed, and / or movement of a device or component (e.g., a motor), the rate of such movement, the frequency of such movement, the direction of such movement, motor current, motor voltage, motor power, motor torque, temperature, pressure, the fluid content within the container 104, the position of a device or component (e.g., whether the pour opening 106 is open or closed), and / or the presence of a device or component (e.g., whether the shield 116 is installed). The types of sensors can include, for example, an electrical metering chip, a Hall sensor, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, an optical sensor, a current sensor, a torque sensor, a voltage sensor, a camera, other types of sensors, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. The frozen beverage maker 100 can include one or more temperature sensors positioned at various locations within the mixing container 104, such as on or around the lower front region within the mixing container 104, on or around the upper front region within the mixing container 104, on or around the upper rear region within the container 104, within one or more coils of the evaporator 202, and / or within the housing 102.

[0083] The sensor 406 can also include one or more safety and / or interlock switches that prevent or enable the operation of certain components, such as a motor, when certain conditions are met (e.g., enabling the activation of the motors 208 and / or 414 when a lid or cover for the opening 106 is attached or closed and / or when there is a sufficient content of beverage product within the container 104). Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the electronic control system 400 can include other components well known in the art, such as Figure 4 a power supply and / or an analog / digital converter not explicitly shown in

[0084] In some embodiments, the controller 400 and / or the processor 402 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 SoC (MPSoC) having more than one processor core; memory blocks, including a series of Read-Only Memory (ROM), Random Access Memory (RAM), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), and flash memory; timing sources, including oscillators and phase-locked loops; peripherals, including counter-timers, real-time timers, and power-on reset generators; external interfaces, including industry standards such as Universal Serial Bus (USB), FireWire, Ethernet, Universal Synchronous / Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter (USART), Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI), etc.; analog interfaces, including Analog-to-Digital Converters (ADC) and Digital-to-Analog Converters (DAC); and voltage regulators and power management circuits.

[0085] The SoC includes the hardware described above, as well as software that controls the microcontroller, microprocessor, and / or DSP core, peripherals, and interfaces. Most SoCs are developed from pre-certified hardware blocks of hardware components (e.g., referred to as modules or components, which represent IP cores or IP blocks) and software drivers that control their operation. The above list of hardware components is not exhaustive. The SoC may include protocol stacks that drive industry standard interfaces, such as the Universal Serial Bus (USB).

[0086] Once the overall architecture of the SoC has been defined, the individual hardware components can be described in an abstract language called RTL, which represents the Register Transfer Level. RTL is used to define the behavior of the circuit. The hardware components are connected together in the same RTL language, resulting in a complete SoC design. In digital circuit design, RTL is a design abstraction that models synchronous digital circuits based on the flow of digital signals (data) between hardware registers and the logical operations performed on those signals. RTL abstractions are used in hardware description languages (HDLs) such as Verilog and VHDL to create a high-level representation of a circuit from which lower-level representations and ultimately the actual wiring can be derived. Design at the RTL level is a typical practice in modern digital design. Verilog is standardized as Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1364 and is an HDL used to model electronic systems. Verilog is most commonly used for the design and verification of digital circuits at the RTL abstraction level. Verilog can also be used to verify analog circuits and mixed-signal circuits, as well as for designing genetic circuits. In some embodiments, the various components of the control system 400 are implemented on a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) such as the PCB 222.

[0087] In operation in some embodiments, a user fills the mixing container 104 with ingredients associated with a beverage product via the pour opening 106. The user selects the type of beverage product to be processed via the user interface 112. For example, the user selects a recipe for a "Margarita". In some embodiments, the user selects the product type and / or recipe before filling the mixing container 104, and the user interface 112 provides one or more indicators or queues (visible and / or audible) indicating to the user to add ingredients to the mixing container 104. The mixing container 104 can include one or more fill sensors that detect when there is a sufficient amount or content of ingredients and / or fluid within the mixing container 104. The one or more fill sensors can provide a signal to the processor 402 indicating when the container 104 is sufficiently filled or not filled. If the fill sensor 406 indicates that the container 104 is not sufficiently filled, the processor 402 can prevent the operation of the frozen beverage maker 100 (e.g., prevent the activation of the motor 208 and / or other components). A lid sensor can be associated with the opening 106, whereby the lid sensor sends an open and / or closed signal to the processor 402 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 processor 402 can prevent the operation of the frozen beverage maker 100. Depending on the sensed condition, the user interface 112 can provide an indication of the condition, such as the container 104 being sufficiently filled or not sufficiently filled and / or the opening 106 not being closed, to enable the user to take appropriate action.

[0088] Once the mixing container 104 is filled with ingredients, the user can provide an input, such as a button press, to start processing the beverage product based on the selected recipe. Processing can include activating the motor 208 to drive the rotation of the agitator 204 and / or the blade 206 to effect mixing of the ingredients of the beverage product. Processing can also include activating the refrigeration system, including activating the compressor 214 and the condenser fan 218. The compressor 214 facilitates the flow of refrigerant 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. The processor 402 can control the operation of various components such as the motor 208 and the compressor 214. To adjust the temperature at a particular setting associated with the recipe, the processor 402 can activate / start and / or deactivate / stop the compressor 214 to start and / or stop the flow of refrigerant through the coils of the evaporator 202 and thereby start or stop the cooling of the beverage product within the mixing container 104.

[0089] By cooling the beverage product to a specific temperature, slush and / or ice particles can be formed within the beverage product. Generally, the amount of particles and / or texture of the beverage product corresponds to the temperature of the beverage product, i.e., the lower the temperature, the greater the amount of particles (and / or the larger the particle size) and / or the more viscous the beverage product. The user interface 112 can enable the user to fine-tune and / or adjust a preset temperature associated with the recipe to enable the user to adjust the temperature and / or texture of the beverage product to a more desired temperature and / or texture.

[0090] The processor 402 can perform processing of the beverage product in one or more stages and / or for a set period of time until a desired temperature and / or texture is determined. The processor 402 can receive one or more temperature signals from one or more temperature sensors 408 within the mixing container 104 to determine the temperature of the beverage product. The processor 402 can determine the temperature of the beverage product by determining the average temperature of the temperatures detected by the plurality of temperature sensors 408. The processor 402 can determine the temperature of the beverage product based on the detected temperature from one sensor 408 within the mixing container 104 and / or based on the temperature of the refrigerant detected by the refrigerant temperature sensor 408. Once the processor 402 completes the phase and / or sequence of the recipe, the processor 402 can provide a visual and / or audio indication via the user interface 116 that the recipe is complete and ready for dispensing. In response, the user can place a cup or container under the dispenser assembly 108 and pull the handle 120 downwardly and rotatably towards the user to open a spout located at the lower front wall of the mixing container 104, thereby dispensing the beverage product into the cup or container. Once filled, the user can close the spout by pushing the handle 120 upwardly and rotatably away from the user back to Figure 2 the upright position shown therein. In an embodiment where the handle 120 is spring-biased to the closed position, the user can release their hold on the handle 120 and thereby allow the spring force to move the handle 120 upwardly and rotatably away from the user back to the upright and closed position.

[0091] As previously described, the frozen beverage maker 100 includes an upper housing section 122 that is arranged to couple to the rear end of the mixing container 104 when the mixing container 104 is attached to the housing 102. The frozen beverage maker 100 also includes a lever 110 that enables the mixing container 104 to be coupled (e.g., locked, attached to, and / or affixed to) to the housing 102 (i.e., the upper housing section 122). The lever 110 also enables the mixing container 104 to be unlocked and separated from the housing 102 (i.e., the upper housing section 122). In Figure 5A and 5B the features of the lever 110 are shown. Figure 5AA side view of a frozen beverage maker 100 is shown, where the mixing container 104 is in a coupled position relative to the upper housing section 122. Figure 5B is shown Figure 5A A side view of the frozen beverage maker 100 shown in, where some features of the housing 102 and the lever 110 are shown in partial cross-section.

[0092] As Figure 5A and 5B shown, the lever 110 includes a handle 111 that can be grasped by a user and moved relative to the upper housing section 122. The handle 111 can be moved to Figure 5A and 5B the positions shown in to couple the mixing container 104 in place on the frozen beverage maker 100, and can be moved away from the upper housing section 122 and / or towards the front of the housing 102 to decouple the mixing container 104 from the frozen beverage maker 100. When the handle 111 is moved relative to the upper housing section 122, it activates a cam 113 that engages mating features on the mixing container 104 to couple or decouple the mixing container 104 relative to the upper housing section 122. In some embodiments, when moving between the coupled and uncoupled positions, the handle 111 moves less than 90° relative to the upper housing section 122.

[0093] Figure 6 A detailed view of the handle 111 is shown, where two cams 113a, 113b are positioned on opposite sides. If desired, the handle 111 can include one, two, three, four or more cams 113. When the handle 111 is moved, the cams 113, 113b rotate relative to the upper housing section 122. Figure 7A A rear view of the mixing container 104 is shown. The mixing container 104 includes protrusions 115a, 115b on opposite outer sides near the rear bottom of the mixing container 104. The protrusions 115a, 115b are shaped and positioned to engage the cams 113a, 113b on the handle 111. Specifically, the cams 113a and 113b have channels and / or cam paths 109a and 109b through which the protrusions 115a and 115 respectively slide. When the cams 113a and 113b rotate towards the rear of the housing 102, the protrusions 115a and 115b slide along the cam paths 109a and 109b and are pulled towards the upper housing section 122 and the rear of the housing 102, such that the mixing container 104 is pressed against the upper housing section 122 and forms a watertight seal with the housing 102. When the cams 113a, 113b rotate towards the front of the frozen beverage maker 100, the protrusions 115a, 115b are pushed away from the upper housing section 122, thereby disengaging the mixing container 104 from the upper housing section 122.

[0094] The cam 113 can be an eccentric cam, such as Figure 5B and Figure 6 shown, or the cam 113 can have an alternative geometry. In the disclosed frozen beverage maker 100, when the lever 110 is in the coupled position, the cam 113 holds the mixing container 104 on the housing 102. As previously discussed, the mixing container 104 can have an overall cylindrical or approximately cylindrical shape and can include an opening 117 at its rear end where it is coupled to the upper housing section 122 ( Figure 7B as shown in). As Figure 7B shown, the opening can be in the rear panel 119 of the mixing container 104. When the mixing container 104 is in the coupled position on the upper housing section 122, the opening 117 can be positioned to face horizontally.

[0095] To move the lever 110 to the coupled position, move the handle 111 toward the upper housing section 122. When the mixing container 104 is in the coupled position on the upper housing section 122, the lever 110 cooperates with the flexible seal 121 to seal the opening 117. Figure 8 A flexible seal 121 configured according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The flexible seal 121 can be formed from any elastic material, such as natural or synthetic rubber, silicone, neoprene, chloroprene, polyisoprene, polybutadiene, or combinations thereof. The flexible seal 121 can be independent of the housing 102. If desired, the flexible seal 121 can be attached to the upper housing section 122. The flexible seal 121 can be a single piece that includes a face seal portion 123 and / or a radial seal portion 125, such as Figure 8 shown. However, in other embodiments, the face seal portion 123 and the radial seal portion 125 can be implemented with different flexible seals 121.

[0096] The face seal portion 123 has an annular shape that has a major dimension that is vertically aligned to form a vertically aligned seal between the horizontal plane of the upper housing section 122 and the horizontal edge of the mixing container 104. When in the coupled position, the face seal portion 125 interfaces the vertically aligned surface of the upper housing section 122 to the vertically aligned side of the mixing container 104. The radial seal portion 125 includes a plurality of flexible annular ribs, such as Figure 8 shown. The radial seal portion 125 forms a radial seal relative to the horizontal axis of the container 104, thereby sealing against the inner (i.e., cylindrical) surface of the container 104. The flexible seal 121 can include at least one of the radial seal portion 125 and the face seal portion 123.

[0097] Previously known frozen beverage machines do not include both a face seal and a radial seal for the mixing container. If present, the face seal portion 123 of the flexible seal 121 can provide an improved seal based on the compression provided by the handle 111 laterally pushing the mixing container 104 against the wall of the upper housing section 122. The cam 113 also allows for easy achievement and maintenance of a high force on the face seal portion 123. Since the face seal portion 123 serves as the primary seal in some embodiments, the size of the radial seal portion 125 can be reduced, thereby reducing the placement resistance of the mixing container and improving ease of use.

[0098] In some embodiments, the flexible seal 121 can serve as a seal for the container 104 and / or the evaporator 202. For example, Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of a sample flexible seal 121 with a container seal portion 127 and an evaporator seal portion 129 is shown. The container seal portion 127 of the flexible seal 121 creates a watertight seal between the mixing container 104 and the upper housing section 122. The evaporator seal portion 129 of the flexible seal 121 seals the evaporator 202 within the mixing container 104.

[0099] To move the lever 110 from the coupled position to the uncoupled position, the handle 111 is moved away from the upper housing section 122 and / or towards the front of the housing 102, which causes the mixing container 104 to slide in the forward direction (away from the upper housing section 122) to be fully disassembled and / or removed from the housing 102. If desired, the cam 113 can include an ejection feature to apply an ejection force to the mixing container 104 to eject it past the radial seal portion 125.

[0100] In other aspects, a method of using a frozen beverage machine 100 as disclosed herein is described. Figure 10 A method 800 of producing a frozen beverage using a frozen beverage machine apparatus is shown. The frozen beverage machine apparatus includes: a housing having an upper housing section; a lever configured to move relative to the upper housing section between a coupled position and an uncoupled position; and a mixing container arranged to be coupled to the upper housing section. The lever includes a handle that is movable to place the lever in the coupled position and / or the uncoupled position. As Figure 10As shown, method 800 includes coupling a mixing container to an upper housing section by moving a handle relative to the upper housing section to place a lever in a coupled position (block 802). When in the coupled position, at least one of a face seal and a radial seal is formed between the mixing container and the upper housing section. Method 800 also includes operating a frozen beverage making machine device to produce a frozen beverage (block 804). Method 800 further includes decoupling the mixing container from the upper housing section by moving the handle relative to the upper housing section to place the lever in a non-coupled position (block 806).

[0101] In some embodiments, coupling the mixing container to the upper housing section involves moving the handle toward the upper housing section. In these and other embodiments, decoupling the mixing container from the upper housing section involves moving the handle away from the upper housing section and / or toward the front of the housing. Moving the handle relative to the upper housing section to place the lever in the coupled position can be accomplished by a user with only one hand. In these and other embodiments, a user can move the handle relative to the upper housing section to place the lever in the non-coupled position with only one hand. In selected embodiments, moving the handle relative to the upper housing section to position the lever from the coupled position to the non-coupled position requires moving the handle less than 90° relative to the upper housing section.

[0102] Figure 11A and 11B A perspective view of a collection tray 220 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The collection tray 220 generally may include a collection portion 502 and a handle 504 that may be used to insert the tray 220 into the housing 102 and remove the tray 220 from the housing. The collection portion 502 may include three walls 502a, b, c that extend generally upwardly from a surface 506 facing the evaporator. The walls 502a, b, c and the surface 506 may together with the handle 504 define a chamber 508 for collecting liquid that includes condensate, spillage, and water poured into the housing 102 to clean the interior of the housing 102 that falls from the evaporator 202. The shape of the collection portion 502 that includes the surface 506 facing the evaporator may correspond to the outer shape of the evaporator 202. For example, the shape of the surface 506 facing the evaporator may be semi-cylindrical to correspond to the cylindrical shape of the evaporator 202, as Figure 11A shown. However, other suitable shapes of the collection portion 502 are contemplated by the present disclosure, such as rectangular. The chamber 508 may have a liquid volume capacity of approximately 16 ounces. However, liquid volume capacities greater than or less than 16 ounces are contemplated by the present disclosure. As Figure 11BAs shown, the underside of the handle 504 may define one or more ribs 514 for increasing structural integrity between the user-facing surface 510 of the handle 504 and the body of the tray 220. The tray 220 may be made of dishwasher-safe material for ease of cleaning.

[0103] Figure 11C Shown is a collection tray 220 inserted into a housing 102 of a frozen beverage maker 100 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure. For ease of illustration, the housing 102 is shown with the mixing container 104 and the attached dispenser assembly 108 removed. When fully inserted, the user-facing surface 510 of the handle 504 may rest flush with the user interface 112 of the housing 102. In the inserted position, the tray 220 may be vertically spaced above the bottom side 103 of the housing 102. Once liquid has collected in the chamber 508, the user may remove the tray 220 for disposal of the collected liquid and cleaning of the tray 220.

[0104] Figure 11D Shown is the housing 102 with the collection tray 220 removed in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As Figure 11D shown, the housing 102 may include a top surface 520 for supporting the collection tray 220 when the tray 220 is inserted into the housing 102. The shape of the top surface 520 may be semi-cylindrical to correspond to the semi-cylindrical shape of the evaporator-facing surface 506. The housing 102 may also include one or more tracks 522 that define one or more slots 512 between the tracks 522 and the top surface 520. The tracks 522 may assist the user in guiding the tray 220 into the slots 512 when installing the tray 220 onto the housing 102.

[0105] In some embodiments, to remove the collection tray 220 (e.g., for emptying and / or cleaning the tray 220), the user must first remove the mixing container 104 and the attached dispenser 108 ( Figure 1 ). The user may then remove the collection tray 220 by pulling the collection tray 220 toward the user. This movement may cause the collection tray 220 to slide along the slots 512 until it is completely disengaged from the housing 102. Conversely, to insert the collection tray 220 into the housing 102, the user may insert the collection portion 502 into the slots 512 below the evaporator 202 ( Figure 2 ) such that the evaporator-facing surface 506 faces the evaporator 202 to insert the tray 220 into the housing 102. In some embodiments, after the collection tray 220 has been inserted into the housing 102, the mixing container 104 with the attached dispenser 108 may be inserted onto the housing 102 and fastened and sealed against the housing 102. Figure 12FIG. is a flow chart showing a method of removing the collection tray 220 from the housing 102 as described above. Figure 12 Including removing the mixing container 104 and the attached dispenser 108 (block 1202) from the housing 102, pulling the tray 220 towards the user to slide the tray through the slot 512 (block 1204), and completely disengaging the tray 220 from the slot 512 in the housing 102 (block 1206).

[0106] Figures 13A to 13C FIG. shows a sample frozen beverage maker 100 having a mixing container 104 coupled to a housing 102 (specifically, an upper housing section 122) and a dispenser assembly 108 according to some embodiments. The mixing container 104 has a curved sidewall that defines a substantially cylindrical chamber therein. In selected embodiments, the mixing container 104 is shaped as an oval or approximately oval (i.e., a cylinder with an oval cross-section), or is shaped as an elliptical cylinder (i.e., a cylinder with an elliptical cross-section), or approximately an elliptical cylinder. When coupled to the housing 102, the front portion of the mixing container 104 contacts the dispenser assembly 108, and the rear portion of the mixing container 104 abuts the upper housing section 122. Inside the mixing container 104, the front of the chamber may have a substantially oval shape or a substantially circular shape. The rear portion of the chamber of the mixing container 104 may include an opening configured to form a seal with the upper housing section 122. The opening at the rear of the mixing container 104 may have a substantially circular shape or a substantially oval shape. The mixing container 104 is sized to accommodate a stirrer 204 that rotates about a central axis (shown as central axis “A” in Figure 13C ). Figure 13B FIG. shows a possible direction of rotation (“R”) of the stirrer 204. The mixing container 104 may be shaped such that the distance from the central axis (A) of the stirrer 204 to the top of the container chamber is less than 6 inches, less than 8 inches, less than 10 inches, less than 12 inches, less than 14 inches, or less than 16 inches.

[0107] Figures 14A to 14C FIG. shows an example of the mixing container 104 in which at least one internal baffle is configured to control the flow of slush inside the mixing container 104. As Figure 13A 、 13BAs shown in FIGS. 14A to 14B, the mixing vessel 104 includes side baffles 105 that extend laterally along the sidewall 150 of the vessel chamber. In some embodiments, the side baffles 105 extend from the front (or near thereto) of the vessel chamber to the rear (or near thereto) of the vessel chamber. In some embodiments, the side baffles 105 extend along the chamber sidewall in a direction parallel to the central axis (A) of the agitator 204. In some embodiments, the side baffles 105 are positioned on the left side of the chamber sidewall (when viewed from the front) (e.g., in embodiments where the agitator rotates clockwise). Figure 14A and 14C FIG. shows the clockwise direction of rotation (R) of the agitator when viewed from the front. In some embodiments, the side baffles 105 may be slightly positioned above the central axis (A) of the agitator 204.

[0108] The side baffle 105 may include a curved surface 151 that is consistent with the path of the agitator 204, as Figure 14A and 14B shown in. For example, when viewed along the central axis (A) of the agitator, the side baffle 105 may project inwardly relative to the oval (e.g., elliptical) cross-section of the chamber sidewall 150, where, starting from the bottom end of the side baffle 105 that is vertical or substantially vertical from the curved surface 151 of the side baffle 105, the curved surface 151 may gradually incline inwardly until it reaches an inflection point 153. After reaching the inflection point 153, the curved surface 151 may incline more steeply vertically until it reaches the top end of the side baffle 105, and thereafter, the curved surface 151 of the side baffle 105 returns to a curvature that is consistent with the oval cross-section of the chamber sidewall 150. The radial direction of the curved surface 151 of the side baffle 105 from its bottom to the inflection point 153 is generally aligned with the radial movement of the agitator 204 and thus with the contents of the vessel chamber 104. The above-described cross-sectional geometry of the side baffle 105 guides the contents of the vessel away from the top of the vessel chamber (i.e., at a lower radial trajectory than when the side baffle 105 is absent), such as Figure 13B shown in the right side of the vessel chamber in. If the side baffle 105 is absent, the contents of the vessel chamber may flow unobstructed upward along the sidewall 150 to the inner surface at the top of the vessel chamber, which would exclude these contents from mixing and / or allow them to escape from the mixing vessel 104. Thus, the side baffle 105 reduces the amount of frozen material that might otherwise form on the inner surface at the top of the mixing vessel 104 due to the upward rotation of its contents.

[0109] As Figure 13B 、 13C shown in FIGS. 14A to 14C, the mixing vessel 104 may include a front baffle 107. If present, the front baffle 107 may be positioned at the front top portion of the vessel chamber 103 (atFigure 13B (shown in). In some embodiments, the front baffle 107 extends along the front of the container chamber between the right and left side walls of the container chamber. Rotation of the agitator 204 pushes the container contents toward the front of the container chamber, where, if unchecked, the contents may accumulate near the front of the top and may even create a frozen mass that is detrimental to the mixing process. From Figure 13C Viewed in cross-section, the front baffle 107 may form an angle (e.g., 100° to 150°, 100° to 125°, or 105° to 120°) relative to the front of the container chamber, which redirects the container contents that have been forced into the front of the top of the mixing container 104 toward the rear of the container chamber. In some embodiments, the front baffle 107 may include a curved surface that extends upward from the front of the container chamber toward the top of the container chamber. In some such embodiments, the angle formed by the front baffle 107 relative to the front of the container chamber varies from a lower angle (e.g., 5° to 20°) at a section of the front baffle 107 near the front of the container chamber to a higher angle (e.g., 75° to 90°) at a section of the front baffle near the top of the container chamber.

[0110] The front baffle 107 is configured to push the contents away from the top surface of the container chamber to avoid accumulation and spillage on the top of the mixing container 104. Thus, the front baffle 107 reduces the amount of frozen material that may otherwise form on the front inner surface of the top of the mixing container 104 due to the action of the agitator 204.

[0111] As Figure 13C and 14A shown in FIGS. 13 to 14C, the mixing container 104 may include corner baffles 190. The corner baffles 190 may be positioned at the front top side of the container chamber. The corner baffles 190 engage or connect the side baffles 105 and the front baffle 107. Thus, if the side baffles 105, the front baffle 107, and the corner baffles 190 are each present, the corner baffles 190 physically engage the side baffles 105 to the front baffle 107. As Figures 14A to 14B shown in, the side baffles 105 and the front baffle 107 are orthogonal to each other, and if these baffles terminate in a hard corner without the corner baffles 190, the slush may not be properly directed. Connecting the side baffles 105 and the front baffle 107 to the corner baffles 190 allows the slush to flow easily out of the corner between the side baffles 105 and the front baffle 107.

[0112] The corner baffle 190 has a curved surface 155 that extends from the side baffle 105 to the front baffle 107. The curved surface 155 may be convex, as Figure 14AAs shown. Along its length, the corner baffle 190 extends into the container chamber at a relatively constant distance. In other words, the depth of the corner baffle 190 can be relatively constant along the length of the corner baffle 190. The side (e.g., left or right) of the container chamber in which the corner baffle 190 is located can be selected based on the direction in which the agitator 204 rotates within the mixing container 104. In particular, the corner baffle 190 can be positioned such that the agitator 204 is directed toward the corner baffle 190 as it moves upward within the container chamber. For example, in a selected embodiment, when the agitator is arranged to rotate in a clockwise direction, the corner baffle 190 is positioned at the upper left front of the container chamber. As the slush moves upward with the agitator 204, this positioning can advantageously urge the slush downward toward the agitator 204 when the agitator contacts the corner baffle 190, thereby reducing slush accumulation on the sidewalls and top of the mixing container 104.

[0113] It should be understood that in some embodiments, the disclosed mixing container 104 includes one, two, three, or more internal baffles positioned within the container chamber. In other words, the mixing container 104 can include side baffles 105, front baffles 107, and / or corner baffles 190. The side baffles 105, front baffles 107, and / or corner baffles 190 can reduce slush accumulation on the sidewalls and top of the container chamber, which is important for commercial frozen beverage machines as well as home frozen beverage machines having a significantly smaller top space than commercial units.

[0114] Figure 15 is a close-up view of a user interface, such as user interface 112. According to Figure 15 the view, the user interface 112 can include a power button 1502, a beverage type indicator panel 1504, a manual temperature adjustment and / or temperature offset indicator 1506, a manual temperature adjustment interface 1508, a beverage type control dial 1510, and a cooling button 1512. The user can use the power button 1502 to turn the frozen beverage machine 100 on or off. The user can select a beverage type to process a class of beverage products by turning the dial 1510 until the selected beverage type is indicated via the panel 1504. The user can select, for example, a slush, cocktail, shaved ice beverage, juice, or dairy / milkshake beverage type. The dial 1510 can also include button features that enable the user to start or stop the processing of the beverage type by pressing the dial 1510. The manual temperature adjustment interface 1508 can include a left button and a right button that enable the user to adjust the temperature within a temperature offset band, such as for a milkshake recipe Figure 16The temperature offset band 1602. A user may select the cooling button 1512 to initiate a cooling program and / or recipe, whereby the beverage machine 100 and / or the controller 402 maintains the beverage product within the mixing container 104 at a cold temperature without forming a frozen or semi-frozen beverage product. In some embodiments, the same cold temperature is maintained for any beverage type. For example, the controller 402 may receive a signal indicating selection of the cooling button 1512 and reduce the temperature to a predefined temperature (e.g., within a range) and maintain the temperature at or near the predefined temperature, which should not cause any beverage type to freeze. In another embodiment, the controller 402 may receive a signal indicating selection of the cooling button 1512 and selection of a beverage type from the beverage type control dial 1510, and reduce the temperature to a predefined temperature (e.g., within a range) defined for the specific beverage type (e.g., as specified by a beverage type object in memory) and maintain the temperature at or near the predefined temperature, which should not cause the beverage type to freeze.

[0115] Figure 16 is a graph of the coarse and fine temperature settings associated with processing a beverage product, where such temperature settings may be stored as temperature values in memory, as described elsewhere herein. For example, when a user selects a dairy and / or milkshake recipe using the dial 1510 and begins a frozen beverage processing sequence and / or recipe, the controller 402 will control the process of the dairy / milkshake recipe to adjust the temperature of the beverage product to Figure 16 the coarse temperature setting 1604 of -4 degrees Celsius in the graph of. Before, during, or after reaching the coarse temperature setting 1604, the user may fine-tune or adjust the coarse target temperature of the beverage type by setting a temperature offset using the manual temperature adjustment interface 1508. The user may press the left arrow button to decrease the recipe target temperature in increments of approximately 0.4 degrees Celsius to approximately -5.2 degrees Celsius. As the temperature decreases, the thickness and / or amount of the frozen beverage particles increases. Accordingly, the manual temperature adjustment indicator 1506 may include a "thickness" label. However, different labels may be used, such as "temperature offset" or "temperature adjustment" and the like.

[0116] The user may press the right arrow button to increase the recipe target temperature in increments of approximately 0.4 degrees Celsius to approximately -2.8 degrees Celsius. As the temperature increases, the thickness and / or amount of the frozen beverage particles decreases. The manual temperature adjustment indicator 1506 may include one or more light indicators illuminated in a configuration corresponding to the selected temperature offset. For example, the manual temperature adjustment indicator 1506 may have a center light indicator that indicates a 0-degree Celsius offset (i.e., no offset) is selected. The offset indicator 1506 may include light indicators corresponding to each offset increment selected above or below the coarse setting (e.g., the 0-degree Celsius offset point).Figure 16 Also shown are temperature offsets and / or manual adjustment bands associated with various types of beverage products, such as milkshakes, Frappuccinos, cocktails, light and traditional beverage products. Each temperature band can include a center, approximate, and / or target beverage type temperature, as well as user-selectable fine-tuning offset temperatures above and below the beverage type target temperature. In some embodiments, the temperature offset band associated with one formulation is different from the temperature offset band of a different formulation, resulting in different temperature offset increments between different formulations.

[0117] Figure 17 is a close-up view of another user interface according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. According to Figure 17 this view, the user interface 112 can include a power button 1708, a beverage type selector / indicator panel 1702, a manual temperature adjustment and / or temperature offset indicator 1706, and a manual temperature adjustment dial 1704. The user can use the power button 1708 to turn the beverage maker 100 on or off. The user can select a beverage type to process a class of beverage products by pressing a button associated with the selected beverage type, such as a SLUSHI. The selection of a particular beverage type can be indicated by the illumination of a light indicator associated with the selected beverage type button. For example, Figure 17 is shown that the SLUSHI beverage type has been selected by the illumination of a white LED indicator near the SLUSHI button. The user can select, for example, a SLUSHI beverage, a spiked SLUSHI, or a cocktail, a shaved ice beverage, a frozen juice, or a dairy / milkshake beverage type. The manual temperature adjustment dial 1704 can be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise to set the temperature value and / or target temperature setting within a general range of beverage product temperature values. For example, the manual temperature adjustment indicator 1706 can include ten temperature values or settings corresponding to the target temperature shown in, for example, Figure 18 The ten temperature settings of the graph in

[0118] Figure 18 is a graph of temperature values associated with the automatic formulation temperature target temperature and manual temperature adjustment. Figure 18 The graph in Figure 18 shows temperature values 1 to 10, where setting #1 is at -1.3 degrees Celsius and setting #10 is at -7.2 degrees Celsius. Figure 18For setting #7 in the graph, seven indicators (i.e., light bars) will be lit in the manual adjustment indicator 1706. The light bars can be dimmed or flashed periodically until the target temperature is reached and / or detected by the controller 402. The interface 112 can emit an audible sound, such as a beep or a sequence of beeps, when the target temperature is reached. When the target temperature is reached, the dimmed or flashing light can change to a brighter and / or steady light. In some embodiments, once the target temperature is reached, the controller 402 will cycle the compressor 214 on and off to maintain the temperature of the beverage product within a target temperature range that is above and / or below the target temperature. For example, the range can be greater than or equal to about 0.2, 0.3, 0.5, or 1.0 degrees Celsius above and below the target temperature of the beverage product. As long as the temperature remains within the target temperature range, the controller 402 will not initiate a warning (e.g., audible output) or a change in the state of any of the indicators of the indicator 1706.

[0119] If the user wants to further lower the target temperature and / or increase the target thickness of the milkshake to Figure 18 setting #10, the user can turn the dial 1704 until all 10 light indicators are lit. If the user wants to increase the target temperature to Figure 18 setting #3 and / or decrease the target thickness of the milkshake, the user can turn the dial 1704 until three indicator bars of the indicator 1706 are lit, as shown in Figure 17 Although Figure 17 shows an interface for manually adjusting the temperature using the dial 1704, other types of interfaces can be used, such as but not limited to up / down buttons, touchscreens, or slider switches.

[0120] Figure 18 It also shows how each increment of the temperature change between each of temperature settings #1 to #10 can be non-linear to account for sufficient changes in the thickness of the cooled or frozen beverage product. When the temperature is lowered, a greater temperature change is required to cause a change in the amount or thickness of the frozen beverage particles or the proportion of the material within the beverage product. For example, the temperature increment 1802 (between settings #4 and #5) is about 0.6 degrees Celsius, while the temperature increment 1804 (between settings #8 and #9) in the lower temperature range is about -1.0 degrees Celsius. In other embodiments, the increment of the temperature change between settings can be constant, resulting in a linear temperature range. Although Figure 17 and Figure 18 show a range that includes 10 temperature values or settings, any number of settings and / or temperature ranges can be implemented.

[0121] Figure 19 is in Figure 1Graph showing the current of drive motor 208 and the temperature of the beverage product over time when the frozen beverage maker 100 processes the beverage product. Figure 19 The graph shows the changes in the drive motor current 1902 and the corresponding beverage product temperature 1904 over time while the beverage product is being manufactured. Figure 19 The graph shows how the current 1902 applied to the drive motor 208 increases as the temperature 1904 decreases, resulting in an increase in the thickness of the beverage product, which causes an increase in the resistance of the beverage product to the rotation of the agitator 204, which in turn requires increased motor power and / or current 1902 to drive the agitator 204 against the resistance. When the current 1902 or power or torque reaches or exceeds a threshold or motor condition limit 1906, such as approximately 40 watts and / or approximately 0.3 amperes of current, the controller 402 can deactivate the cooling circuit, i.e., stop the flow of coolant and / or refrigerant to the evaporator 202, to allow the temperature 1904 to increase and thereby reduce the thickness of the beverage product to reduce the current 1902 of the drive motor 208 below the motor condition limit 1906. The controller 402 can automatically adjust the temperature setting associated with a particular beverage type, which may have been fine-tuned by manual temperature adjustment and / or user selection of a temperature offset, to a new temperature setting corresponding to a second target temperature, where the magnitude of the motor current 1902 is below the motor condition limit 1906. The second target temperature can be set, for example, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.25, 1.5, or 2.0 degrees Celsius higher than the initial and / or first target temperature (a relatively small offset). In this way, the controller 402 prevents overcurrent conditions and possible damage to the drive motor 208. This also prevents excessive accumulation of ice in the mixing container 104, i.e., prevents the drive motor 208 from stopping, so that the operation of the beverage maker 100 and the agitator 204 can continue. Otherwise, the drive motor 208 will stop and the beverage maker 100 will be jammed, blocking the output of the slush from the mixing container 104 and requiring the user to defrost and / or unblock the mixing container 104 before normal operation can be resumed. Therefore, this stall prevention enables the beverage maker 100 to provide a certain slush output. In addition, it can also prevent excessive current or power conditions of the drive motor 208 caused by an object blocking the rotation of the agitator 204. The controller 402 can perform actions such as shutting down the compressor 214 in addition to stopping the drive motor 208. Figure 19 The graph also shows how the controller 402 can continuously and / or periodically monitor the temperature associated with the beverage product in the mixing container 104 via the temperature sensor 406 to achieve continuous control of components such as the compressor 214 and other components of the frozen beverage maker 100 to achieve automatic control of the temperature of the beverage product.

[0122] Figure 20It is a flowchart of process 2000 for manufacturing a chilled beverage product by using a formulation for initial or coarse temperature and / or texture control and then using user input to fine-tune the temperature and / or texture of the beverage product. In certain embodiments, process 2000 includes: receiving a beverage product in mixing container 104 (step 2002); mixing the beverage product within mixing container 104 using a mixer and / or agitator 204 driven by drive motor 208 (step 2004); cooling the beverage product within mixing container 104 using a cooling circuit such as a refrigeration circuit including evaporator 202 (step 2006); detecting the temperature associated with the beverage product via temperature sensor 406 and outputting a temperature signal (step 2008); storing in memory 408 a beverage object representing the beverage type, the beverage object specifying a first temperature value and / or setting corresponding to a first target temperature (step 2010); receiving the temperature signal at controller 402 (step 2012); controlling, by controller 402, the temperature associated with the beverage product by controlling the cooling circuit based on the received temperature signal, the first temperature value, and / or a manual temperature adjustment, such as by activating or deactivating compressor 214 to initiate or stop refrigerant flow through evaporator 202 (step 2014); and receiving user input to adjust the manual temperature adjustment (step 2016). The user input may indicate a desired thickness corresponding to the manual temperature adjustment. In some embodiments, the manual adjustment may be customized according to the beverage type. In certain embodiments, the manual adjustment is common for all beverage types. In some embodiments, the manual adjustment is more refined and / or for a smaller range specific to the beverage type (e.g., corresponding to Figure 16 ), and in other embodiments is coarser and / or for a larger range not specific to the beverage type, i.e., spanning multiple (e.g., all) beverage types, such that the user has greater freedom in adjusting the thickness and / or temperature.

[0123] Figure 21It is a flowchart of process 2100 for automatically detecting when the drive motor current is too high and / or when the beverage product is too thick, and in response, adjusting the temperature of the beverage product to reduce the drive motor current and / or increasing the temperature of the beverage product to reduce the thickness of the beverage product. In certain embodiments, process 2100 includes: receiving a beverage product in mixing container 104 (step 2102); mixing the beverage product within mixing container 104 using a mixer and / or agitator 204 driven by drive motor 208 (step 2104); cooling the beverage product within mixing container 104 using a cooling circuit such as evaporator 202 (step 2106); measuring the temperature associated with the beverage product via temperature sensor 406 and outputting a temperature signal (step 2108); measuring the motor condition associated with drive motor 208 via motor condition sensor 406 and outputting a motor condition signal (step 2110); storing a first temperature value corresponding to a first target temperature and storing a motor condition limit in memory 408 (step 2112); receiving the temperature signal and the motor condition signal at controller 402 (step 2114); and controlling the temperature associated with the beverage product by controlling the cooling circuit, for example by activating or deactivating compressor 214 to initiate or stop the flow of refrigerant through evaporator 202, based at least on the received temperature signal, the received motor condition signal, the first temperature setting, and the motor condition limit (step 2116).

[0124] In some embodiments, when the motor condition signal exceeds a motor knock threshold, which may be caused by excessive ice accumulation within the mixing vessel 104 resulting in a motor current or power that is too high and / or high enough to damage the drive motor 208, the controller 402 may stop and / or deactivate the drive motor 208 to stop the rotation of the agitator 204. For example, excessive ice accumulation may be caused by filling the mixing vessel with only water or a liquid consisting primarily of water. Shutting off the drive motor 208 may also prevent damage to the agitator 204 caused by excessive accumulation of hard ice. The controller 402 may perform other actions in addition to or instead of deactivating the drive motor 208, such as issuing a warning to the user via the user interface 112 to add more ingredients, such as sugar or alcohol, to the beverage product, or issuing a warning to the user to shut down the beverage maker 100. Different motor shutdown thresholds for the motor 208 may be set higher than the motor knock threshold limit. In this way, the controller 104 may attempt to increase the temperature in the mixing vessel 104 when the motor knock threshold limit is reached, but only shut off and / or stop the drive motor 208 when the motor shutdown threshold is reached to prevent damage to the drive motor 208. The controller 104 may take action based on determining whether the motor knock threshold limit or the motor shutdown limit has been reached or exceeded for a period of time, such as 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 5 seconds or more. By observing the motor current and / or power for a period of time, false positives and / or readings of the current and / or power may be eliminated.

[0125] Figure 22A A dual-purpose cooling fan 2202 within the housing of a beverage maker 2200 is shown, the beverage maker including a refrigeration system having a condenser 2208 and a compressor 2210. The beverage maker 2200 also includes a drive motor 2204 configured to drive the rotation of an agitator 2212 during the processing of a beverage product. The dual-purpose cooling fan 2202 draws an air flow through the condenser 2208 and directs the air flow via an air passage 2206 toward the drive motor 2204. As the air flow passes through the condenser 2208, the air flow passes over and adjacent to the condenser coils to cool the refrigerant passing through the condenser 2208 within a closed-loop refrigeration system. The air flow also passes along the surface and / or surfaces of the drive motor 2204 to effect cooling of the drive motor 2204. Although Figure 22A a configuration is shown in which the drive motor 2204 and the condenser 2208 are positioned at approximately right angles relative to the dual-purpose cooling fan 2202, other configurations, arrangements, or orientations may be implemented such that the dual-purpose cooling fan 2202 provides a cooling air flow to the condenser 2208 and the drive motor 2204.

[0126] In some embodiments, a beverage making machine, such as beverage making machine 2200, includes a mixing container configured to receive a beverage product, such as mixing container 104. Beverage making machine 2200 includes a mixing assembly driven by a drive motor 2212, such as agitator 2212 or another type of mixing assembly, which is configured to mix the beverage product within mixing container 104. A refrigeration system is configured to cool the beverage product within mixing container 104, the refrigeration system including a condenser, such as condenser 2208. A cooling fan 2202, i.e., a dual-purpose cooling fan, is configured to simultaneously cool drive motor 2204 and condenser 2208. Cooling fan 2202 can provide an air flow through condenser 2208 to cool the refrigerant flowing through condenser 2208. Cooling fan 2202 can provide an air flow along the surface of drive motor 2204 to cool drive motor 2204. Cooling fan 2202, drive motor 2204, and condenser 2208 can be positioned such that the air generated by cooling fan 2202 continuously passes through condenser 2208 and along the surface of drive motor 2204.

[0127] A first portion of the air generated by cooling fan 2202 can cool condenser 2208, and a second portion of the air generated by cooling fan 2202 can cool drive motor 2204. Condenser 2208 can include a plurality of coils configured to carry coolant and / or refrigerant within a closed loop of a refrigeration circuit. When cooling fan 2202 provides an air flow through condenser 2208 to cool the refrigerant flowing through condenser 2208, the air flow can travel adjacent to and / or around the plurality of coils. A cooling channel 2206 can extend between cooling fan 2202 and drive motor 2204, wherein cooling channel 2206 provides a cooling air flow between cooling fan 2202 and drive motor 2204. Cooling channel 2206 can be formed at least in part by ducts and / or tubing. The tubing can include plastic, metal, composite materials, and the like. A cooling channel can extend between cooling fan 2202 and condenser 2208, wherein the cooling channel provides a cooling air flow between cooling fan 2202 and condenser 2208. The cooling channel can be formed at least in part by ducts. Cooling fans 2202 and 2222 can include centrifugal fans, crossflow fans, tangential fans, volute fans, backward-curved fans, forward-curved fans, blower fans, squirrel cage fans, and / or axial fans.

[0128] In some embodiments, a cooling fan, such as cooling fan 2202, is configured to cool a drive motor, such as drive motor 2204, and a condenser, such as condenser 2208, within the housing of a beverage manufacturing machine. Cooling fan 2202 can include an air inlet configured to receive an air flow, an impeller configured to generate an air flow; and an air outlet configured to output an air flow through condenser 2208 and along the surface of drive motor 2204.

[0129] Figure 22B Another embodiment of a dual-purpose cooling fan 2222 within the housing of a beverage manufacturing machine 2220 is shown, the beverage manufacturing machine including a drive motor 2224, a stirrer 2226, a compressor 2230, and a condenser 2228. Drive motor 2224 is coupled to the stirrer and drives the rotation of the stirrer, and also drives the rotation of cooling fan 2222 via a gear 2236. Cooling fan 2222 includes an air outlet 2238 that directs an air flow from cooling fan 2222 through an air passage 2232, which can include a conduit 2234 that directs the air flow through condenser 2228 to cool the refrigerant flowing through condenser 2238.

[0130] Figure 22C A perspective view of a dual-purpose cooling fan 2222 within the housing 2242 of a beverage manufacturing machine 2220 is shown. Cooling fan 2222 can be a centrifugal fan and / or another type of fan as described herein. Cooling fan 2222 can include an impeller 2244 that draws an air flow into cooling fan 2222 via an inlet 2236 and then discharges the air downward at an angle of approximately ninety degrees relative to inlet 2236 via an outlet 2238. The air flow leaving outlet 2238 flows downward over drive motor 2224, including along the surface of drive motor 2224 and through an air passage 2232, which can include a conduit 2234 that directs the air flow through condenser 2228 (adjacent to and / or around the coils of condenser 2228) to effect cooling of the refrigerant passing through the coils.

[0131] Figure 23 is for operating separately Figure 22A and 22BFlowchart of process 2300 for dual-purpose cooling fan 2202 or 2222. Process 2300 facilitates the simultaneous cooling of condenser 2208 (or condenser 2228) and drive motor 2204 (or drive motor 2224) within the housing of the beverage maker by using cooling fan 2202 or 2222 through the following operations respectively: activating drive motor 2204 (or drive motor 2224), which is arranged to drive the rotation of agitator 2212 (or agitator 2226) within the mixing container of the beverage maker (step 2302); activating compressor 2208 (or compressor 2230) of the refrigeration circuit of the beverage maker (step 2304); and activating cooling fan 2202 (or cooling fan 2222) to simultaneously generate an air flow through condenser 2208 (or condenser 2228) and along the surface of drive motor 2204 (or drive motor 2224) (step 2306).

[0132] As previously mentioned, the frozen beverage maker 100 can include a pour opening 106 through which the mixing container 104 can receive ingredients to be mixed to produce a beverage product. Figures 24A to 24C An illustrative pour opening 106 for the frozen beverage maker 100 is shown. The frozen beverage maker 100 includes a mixing container 104 having a substantially cylindrical chamber and a housing 102 having an upper housing section 122. Figure 24A A perspective side view of the pour opening 106 is shown. Figure 24B is shown Figure 24A front view of the pour opening 106, and Figure 24C shows from the left side of the mixing container 104 (when viewed from the front view) Figure 24A perspective view of the pour opening 106. The pour opening 106 can facilitate the addition of fluids, liquids, slushes, or other ingredients to the mixing container 104 when the agitator 204 is operating, and minimize spillage and prevent finger insertion during use.

[0133] In some embodiments, the pour opening 106 can include a cover 160 to seal the pour opening 106, as Figure 24A and 24C shown in. Figure 25 A detailed perspective view of the sample cover 160 for the pour opening 106 is shown. If present, the cover 160 can be hingedly attached to the upper section of the mixing container 104. The cover 160 can move between an open position where the user can access the pour opening 106 and a closed position where the user cannot access the pour opening 106. Although not shown in the drawings, the pour opening 106 can also include a grille to restrict the entry of objects into the orifice 162. If present, the grille can reduce the risk of solids greater than a certain size and / or having one or more certain shapes entering the mixing container 104, which entry may cause damage.

[0134] Figure 26 A perspective view of the sample pour opening 106 is shown. The pour opening 106 includes a surface 164 that is radially inclined with respect to the central axis of the agitator 204 (shown as axis “A” in Figure 24A ). When the container is filled, the inclination 164 reduces possible splashing. The inclination 164 also prevents the slush contained in the mixing container 104 from being pushed out of the pour opening 106. The surface 164 has an aperture 162. Although Figure 26 only one aperture 162 is shown, additional apertures may also be present. The aperture 162 is in fluid communication with the interior chamber of the mixing container 104. In some embodiments, the aperture 162 extends transversely along the surface 164 in a direction parallel to the central axis “A” of the agitator 204. The aperture 162 can be shaped as a slot, as Figure 26 shown, or can have a different shape. If shaped as a slot, the aperture 162 can be longer or wider than Figures 24A to 24C shown, and / or can have a length-to-width ratio different from that shown. Additionally, as a slot or another oval shape, the major axis of the aperture 162 can be aligned parallel to or perpendicular to the axis of the mixing container 104, or can be aligned at any other angle with respect to the axis of the mixing container 104. For example, the aperture 162 in the form of a slot can be small enough (at least in width) to not allow a human finger to pass through, at least not the entire length of a human finger, thereby preventing a user from inserting one or more fingers into the mixing container 104.

[0135] The pour opening 106 can optionally include one or more lips 166a, 166b that extend upward from the perimeter of the surface 164 to form a well that feeds into the aperture 162, as Figure 26 shown. When liquid is poured into the mixing container 104, the one or more lips 166a, 166b can reduce overflow spillage. If desired, the pour opening 106 can also include a grille (not shown) that covers at least a portion of the aperture 162. For safety reasons, the user should not contact the agitator 204 while the agitator is rotating. The geometry of the pour opening 106 (including the aperture 162 as described above) can inhibit or prevent the user from reaching into the mixing container 104 even when the cover 160 is in the open position and / or the agitator 204 is rotating.

[0136] The pour opening 106 can be located on top of the mixing container 104, near its rear end, as Figures 24A to 24CAs shown, it is opposite to the dispenser assembly. Positioning the pour opening 106 near the rear of the mixing container 104 avoids interfering with the slush cycle in the front of the frozen beverage maker 100, and such interference may cause waste and non-uniform texture. With the pour opening 106 positioned at the rear of the mixing container 104, the front two-thirds of the container has a continuous and smooth internal shape to provide a good slush flow and minimize slush migration out from the top. By positioning the pour opening 106 near the rear of the container 104, the opening 106 is located at a position where there is less likelihood of freezing and / or slush material accumulation, enabling less obstructed pouring during processing and reducing the possible accumulation of ice and / or slush material at the opening 106.

[0137] The surface 164 of the pour opening 106 is inclined to direct the incoming ingredients into the mixing container 104 in the incoming direction, which is the same as the direction in which the agitator 204 rotates. This prevents the rotating frozen mixture from leaving the container 104 through the pour opening 106. In some embodiments, when viewed from the front of the frozen beverage maker 100 and when the agitator 204 rotates in a clockwise direction, the opening 106 is positioned on the right side of the container 104. The orifice 162 can be positioned to extend laterally along the surface 164 in a direction parallel to the central axis (A) of the agitator 204. In other embodiments, when viewed from the front of the frozen beverage maker 100 and when the agitator 204 rotates in a counterclockwise direction, the opening 106 is positioned on the left side of the container 104.

[0138] Figures 27A to 27D A sample pour opening 106 is shown, where the surface 164 of the pour opening is shaped to slope downward toward the rear of the mixing container. In some such embodiments, one or more orifices 162 can be positioned at the bottom portion of the surface 164. Shaping the surface 164 to include a backward slope can increase the volume capacity of the pour opening 106 and reduce spillage. In embodiments where the surface 164 of the pour opening 106 is inclined relative to the central axis (A) of the agitator 204, the surface 164 can be shaped such that the section of the surface 164 closest to the front of the mixing container is positioned farther from the central axis (A) of the agitator 204 than the section of the surface 164 closest to the rear of the mixing container.

[0139] Figure 28 A sample method 2800 of using the pour opening 106 for a frozen beverage maker is shown. As Figure 28As shown, method 2800 includes optionally opening the lid of the frozen beverage maker to provide access to the pour opening (block 2802). Method 2800 also includes introducing one or more liquid ingredients into the mixing container of the frozen beverage maker via the pour opening (block 2804). The one or more liquid ingredients can be added to the mixing container while the container is actively mixing (e.g., while the agitator is rotating). Method 2800 further includes dispensing a beverage product from the frozen beverage maker (block 2806). If desired, the beverage product can be dispensed while the agitator is rotating.

[0140] Figures 29A to 29D Shown is a dispensing assembly 2900 for dispensing a beverage product from a frozen beverage maker 100 according to a first illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure. As Figure 29A shown, the dispensing assembly 2900 can include a dispenser housing 2904 for housing the component parts of the dispensing assembly 2900. The housing 2904 can have a first portion 2904a adjacent to and attached to the outer surface of the frozen beverage maker 100 proximate the spout 2902 and a second portion 2904b spaced from the spout 2902 and extending outwardly from the outer surface. In some embodiments, the housing 2904 can have an inverted L-shape. However, other suitable shapes of the housing 2904 are contemplated by the present disclosure. The handle 120 of the frozen beverage maker 100 can have an upper portion 120a in the form of a user-actuatable lever 2906 and a lower portion 120b attached to the second portion 2904b of the housing 2904.

[0141] As Figure 29B and 29CAs shown, the lever 2906 is rotatable relative to the second portion 2904b of the housing 2904 about a first pivot member 2908. In some embodiments, the first pivot member 2908 may be a rod or pin 2910 that extends through the second portion 2904b of the housing 2904 and the lower portion 120b of the handle 120. However, other suitable types of pivot members 2908 are contemplated by the present disclosure. The link member 2912 may be operatively coupled to the lower portion 120b of the handle 120. In some embodiments, the link member 2912 may be inserted into the lower portion 120b of the handle 120. The link member 2912 is rotatable relative to the lever 2906 about a second pivot member 2914. In some embodiments, the second pivot member 2914 may be a rod or pin 2916 that extends through the link member 2912 and through the lower portion 120b of the handle 120. However, other suitable types of pivot members 2916 are contemplated by the present disclosure. The bracket member 2918 may be operatively coupled to the link member 2912 and may be attached to the first portion 2904a of the housing 2904. In some embodiments, the link member 2912 may be inserted into a portion of the bracket member 2918. The bracket member 2918 is rotatable relative to the link member 2912 about a third pivot member 2920. In some embodiments, the third pivot member 2920 may be a rod or pin 2922 that extends through the bracket member 2918 and the link member 2912. However, other suitable types of pivot members 2920 are contemplated by the present disclosure. The bracket member 2918 is also rotatable relative to the first portion 2904a of the housing 2904 about a fourth pivot member 2924. In some embodiments, the fourth pivot member 2924 may be a rod or pin 2926 that extends through the first portion 2904a of the housing 2904 and the bracket member 2918. However, other suitable types of pivot members 2924 are contemplated by the present disclosure. A seal 2928 may be attached to the bracket member 2918. The seal 2928 may be configured to seal the spout 2902 to prevent inadvertent dispensing of the beverage product. In some embodiments, the seal 2928 may be a lip seal that covers the spout 2902. However, other suitable types of seals 2928 are contemplated by the present disclosure. For example, in some embodiments, the seal 2928 may be or may include a plug made of one or more relatively dense materials having a relatively high hardness value and extending into the spout 2902 to seal the spout 2902. The spout 2902 may include a safety grille 2930 or other mechanism to prevent a user from inadvertently inserting his or her finger into the spout 2902( Figure 29D ).

[0142] To dispense a beverage product, in some embodiments, actuation of the lever 2906 by a user can cause the linkage member 2912 to move upward relative to the housing 2904. Since the carriage member 2918 is attached to both the linkage member 2912 and the housing 2904, a portion of the carriage member 2918 can move upward with the linkage member 2912 while the remainder of the carriage member 2918 is forced to pivot about the fourth pivot member 2924. This, in turn, can cause the seal 2928 to move to an open position. When the seal 2928 moves to the open position, the seal 2928 can expose the nozzle 2902 to dispense the beverage product. Advantageously, in the open position, the seal 2928 can be angled relative to the nozzle 2902 by about 45 to 60 degrees to direct the beverage product downwardly toward a beverage cup. Releasing the lever 2906 by the user can allow the assembly to return to its unactuated position, thereby allowing the seal 2928 to close the nozzle 2902 again.

[0143] Figure 30A and 30B FIG. shows a dispensing assembly 3000 for dispensing a beverage product from a frozen beverage maker 100 according to a second illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure. The dispensing assembly 3000 can be substantially similar to the dispensing assembly 2900. For example, as Figure 30A shown, the dispensing assembly 3000 can include a dispenser housing 3004 for receiving the component parts of the dispensing assembly 3000. The housing 3004 can have a first portion 3004a adjacent to an outer surface of the frozen beverage maker 100 attached to the nozzle 3002 and a second portion 3004b spaced from the nozzle 3002 and extending outwardly from the outer surface. The handle 120 can have an upper portion 120a in the form of a user-actuable lever 3006 and a lower portion 120b attached to the second portion 3004b of the housing 3004. The lever 3006 can rotate about a first pivot member 3008 relative to the second portion 3004b of the housing 3004. The linkage member 3012 can be operatively coupled to the lower portion 120b of the handle 120. The linkage member 3012 can rotate about a second pivot member 3014 relative to the lever 3006.

[0144] As Figure 30BAs shown, the bracket member 3018 can be operatively coupled to the link member 3012 and can be attached to the first portion 3004a of the housing 3004. In some embodiments, the bracket member 3018 can have an inverted L-shape as shown. However, other suitable shapes of the bracket member 3018 are contemplated by the present disclosure. The bracket member 3018 can rotate relative to the link member 3012 about a third pivot member 3020. The bracket member 3018 can also rotate relative to the first portion 3004a of the housing 3004 about a fourth pivot member 3024. A seal 3028 can be attached to the bracket member 3018. The seal 3028 can be configured to seal the nozzle 3002 in a closed position. In some embodiments, the seal 3028 can be a lip seal that covers the nozzle 3002. However, in some embodiments, the seal 3028 can be or can include a plug made of one or more relatively dense materials having a relatively high hardness value and extending into the nozzle 3002 to seal the nozzle 3002.

[0145] To dispense a beverage product, in some embodiments, actuation of the lever 3006 by a user can cause the link member 3012 to move upward relative to the housing 3004. Since the bracket member 3018 is attached to both the link member 3012 and the housing 3004, a portion of the bracket member 3018 can move upward with the link member 3012 while the remainder of the bracket member 3018 is forced to pivot about the fourth pivot member 3024. This can in turn cause the seal 3028 to move to an open position. When the seal 3028 moves to the open position, the seal 3028 can expose the nozzle 3002 to dispense the beverage product. Advantageously, in the open position, the seal 3028 can be at an angle of about 45 to 60 degrees relative to the nozzle 3002 to direct the beverage product downwardly toward a beverage cup. Releasing the lever 3006 by the user can allow the assembly to return to its unactuated position, thereby allowing the seal 3028 to close the nozzle 3002 again.

[0146] Advantageously, unlike other dispenser mechanisms, the dispensing assemblies 2900, 3000 of the present disclosure do not rely on leverage against the outer surface of the frozen beverage machine 100 to open the seals 2928, 3028. This can reduce wear on the component parts of the dispensing assemblies 2900, 3000 and the outer surface of the frozen beverage machine 100. Additionally, since the seals 2928, 3028 move horizontally and vertically relative to the nozzles 2902, 3002 to unseal the nozzles 2902, 3002, the open positions of the seals 2928, 3028 can provide less obstruction to the flow of the beverage product from the nozzles 2902, 3002.

[0147] Figure 31A and 31BMore particularly shown is a nozzle cover or shroud 116 for covering a portion of dispensing assemblies 2900, 3000 in accordance with illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure. As Figure 31A shown, the shroud 116 can include a first panel section 3102a and a second panel section 3102 that extend generally parallel to each other. A front section 3104 can extend between the panel sections 3102a, 3102b. In some embodiments, the panel sections 3102a, 3102b can be generally flat, while the front section 3104 can be curved, as shown. In some embodiments, the front section 3104 can include an arcuate upper edge 3106 that is configured such that actuation of the handle 120 is unimpeded. However, other suitable shapes for the upper edge 3106 are contemplated by the present disclosure, such as Figure 1 the straight shape shown in Figure 31B shown, the panel sections 3102a, 3102b can be configured to form a removable snap fit with the dispenser housings 2904, 3004. The length of the shroud 116 can be selected to cover the component portions of the dispensing assemblies 2900, 3000 other than the handle 120 to improve the aesthetic appearance of the frozen beverage maker 100. The shroud 116 can also assist in directing the beverage product downwardly toward the beverage cup. The shroud 116 can be made of a dishwasher-safe material for ease of cleaning.

[0148] In some embodiments, at least the front section 3104 of the shroud 116 can be moved vertically relative to the dispensing assemblies 2900, 3000. For example, in some embodiments, the front section 3104 can be moved relative to the first panel section 3102a and the second panel section 3102b. In some embodiments, the front section 3104 can be hingedly connected to the first panel section 3102a and the second panel section 3102b, or can slide vertically relative to the first panel section 3102a and the second panel section 3102b. This movement can be useful when dispensing non-frozen water-based beverages to prevent the beverage from being dispensed from the nozzles 2902, 3002 in too lateral a trajectory. Such a lateral trajectory can cause at least a portion of the beverage to not be dispensed into the receiving container located below the nozzles 2902, 3002.

[0149] It should be understood that the various embodiments described herein are not limited to making frozen or semi-frozen beverages, but can be applied to producing cold and / or chilled beverage products that are colder than the received beverage product, but are not frozen or semi-frozen. For example, in some embodiments, the same or similar mechanisms and / or techniques can be used as part of a cold drink machine and / or chilled beverage maker to produce, maintain, and dispense cold drinks.

[0150] As relative to Figure 4It is discussed that the actions associated with configuring or controlling a frozen beverage maker, such as frozen beverage maker 100, and the processes described herein can be performed by one or more programmable processors executing one or more computer programs to control or perform all or some of the operations described herein. All or part of the frozen beverage maker 100 system and process can be configured or controlled by dedicated logic circuitry, such as FPGAs and / or ASICs or embedded microprocessors localized to the instrument hardware.

[0151] Non-transitory machine-readable storage media suitable for embodying computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile storage areas, including, for example, semiconductor storage area devices such as EPROM (erasable programmable read-only memory), EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), and flash storage area devices; magnetic disks such as internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM (compact disc read-only memory) and DVD-ROM (digital versatile disc read-only memory).

[0152] Elements of the different described embodiments can be combined to form other embodiments not specifically set forth heretofore. Elements can be omitted from the previously described systems without adverse effect on their operation or on the operation of the overall system generally. Additionally, various individual elements can be combined into one or more individual elements to perform the functions described in this specification.

[0153] The present disclosure describes a removable collection tray that can be positioned within the unit below the container / evaporator. The tray can be configured to collect condensate dripping from the container or overflows caused by filling the container. The tray can also be used to collect water from cleaning between uses. The tray of the present disclosure can be sized to collect up to 16 ounces of liquid. The tray can also be made of dishwasher-safe materials for ease of cleaning.

[0154] This application describes illustrative systems, methods, and devices that provide a removable condensate tray below a container to reduce cleaning issues and increase ease of use.

[0155] In some embodiments, a removable collection tray for a frozen beverage maker includes a collection chamber for receiving liquid and a handle. The collection chamber is configured to be removably inserted into a slot in the housing of the frozen beverage maker adjacent to the evaporator. In some embodiments, the collection chamber is vertically spaced from the bottom side of the housing when inserted into the slot. In some embodiments, the collection chamber includes a surface facing the evaporator. The surface facing the evaporator has a shape corresponding to the outer surface of the evaporator. In some embodiments, the shape is semi-cylindrical. In some embodiments, the handle, the surface facing the evaporator, and three other side walls define the collection chamber. In some embodiments, the collection chamber has a liquid volume capacity of 16 ounces. In some embodiments, the removable collection tray is made of dishwasher-safe material. In some embodiments, when the collection chamber is fully inserted into the slot, the user-facing surface of the handle is flush with the user interface of the housing. In some embodiments, the underside of the handle has one or more ribs for increasing the structural integrity between the handle and the collection chamber. In some embodiments, the slot is defined between at least one track and the top surface of the housing.

[0156] In some embodiments, a method of removing a collection tray from a frozen beverage maker includes removing a mixing container from the housing of the frozen beverage maker and, after removing the mixing container from the housing, removing the collection tray from the housing. In some embodiments, removing the mixing container from the housing includes removing the mixing container and an attached dispenser from the housing. In some embodiments, removing the collection tray from the housing includes pulling the handle toward the user. In some embodiments, pulling the handle toward the user includes sliding the collection tray along the slot in the housing toward the user. In some embodiments, the method further includes completely disengaging the collection tray from the slot in the housing.

[0157] In various embodiments, the present application addresses deficiencies associated with controlling the flow of slush in a mixing container of a frozen beverage maker. The present application describes illustrative systems, methods, and devices for using one or more internal baffles positioned within the mixing container to direct the flow of slush for thorough mixing and to prevent blockages within the mixing container. The one or more internal baffles controlling the flow of the contents within the mixing container can also reduce waste (e.g., waste caused by slush adhering to the container rather than being dispensed through the nozzle).

[0158] In a first aspect, a mixing container for a frozen beverage maker is described, and the mixing container has at least one internal baffle. The mixing container includes a curved sidewall that defines a substantially cylindrical container chamber therein. The container chamber includes a front portion, a rear portion, a right side, a left side, and a top. The mixing container further includes a corner baffle configured to control the slush flow within the container chamber. The corner baffle is located at the front top of the container chamber, on the right or left side.

[0159] The mixing container can be configured to receive a stirrer that rotates about a central axis within the container chamber, and the corner baffle can be positioned such that the stirrer is directed toward the corner baffle as it moves upward within the container chamber. In these and other embodiments, the corner baffle is positioned on the left side of the container chamber, and the stirrer is arranged to rotate in a clockwise direction. In a selected embodiment, the distance from the central axis of the stirrer to the top of the container chamber is less than 16 inches.

[0160] The corner baffle can extend into the container chamber from the front portion at a relatively constant distance. In some embodiments, the mixing container further includes side baffles that extend laterally along the container chamber from the front portion to the rear portion. The side baffles can include a curved surface that projects inwardly relative to the cross-section of the container chamber when viewed along the central axis of the container chamber. In these and other embodiments, the side baffles are positioned on the left or right side of the container chamber. Both the side baffles and the corner baffle can be positioned on the left or right side of the container chamber. In some embodiments, the mixing container further includes a front baffle that is positioned at the front portion of the container chamber and extends across the top. In these and other embodiments, the front baffle forms an angle between 100° and 150° with respect to the front portion of the container chamber. In various embodiments where there is a front baffle, the mixing container further includes side baffles that extend laterally along the container chamber from the front portion to the rear portion, and the corner baffle has a curved surface that extends from the side baffle to the front baffle. The substantially cylindrical container chamber can have an elliptical cross-section.

[0161] In another aspect, a mixing container for a frozen beverage maker is described, and the mixing container has at least three internal baffles. The mixing container includes a curved sidewall that defines a substantially cylindrical container chamber therein. The container chamber includes a front portion, a rear portion, a right side, a left side, and a top. The mixing container includes a corner baffle located at the front top of the container chamber, on the right or left side. The mixing container further includes side baffles that extend laterally along the container chamber from the front portion to the rear portion. The mixing container further includes a front baffle that is positioned at the front portion of the container chamber and extends across the top.

[0162] In some embodiments, both the side baffle and the corner baffle are positioned on the left or right side of the container chamber. In these and other embodiments, the mixing container is configured to receive a stirrer that rotates about a central axis within the container chamber. The corner baffle and the side baffle are positioned such that the stirrer is directed toward the corner baffle and the side baffle as it moves upward within the container chamber. In these and other embodiments, the corner baffle and the side baffle are positioned on the left side of the container chamber, and the stirrer is arranged to rotate in a clockwise direction. In selected embodiments, the distance from the central axis of the stirrer to the top of the container chamber is less than 16 inches. The corner baffle may extend into the container chamber from the front at a relatively constant distance.

[0163] In yet another aspect, a frozen beverage maker is described. The frozen beverage maker includes a mixing container, a housing, a stirrer, and a disperser assembly. The mixing container has a front, a rear, and curved sidewalls that define a container chamber therein. The housing has an upper housing section that docks with the rear of the mixing container. The stirrer is arranged to rotate about a central axis within the mixing container. The disperser assembly is at the front of the mixing container. The mixing container includes at least two internal baffles configured to control the flow of slush within the container chamber.

[0164] In some embodiments, the mixing container includes at least three internal baffles configured to control the flow of slush within the container chamber. In some such embodiments, the at least three internal baffles include: (1) a corner baffle positioned on the right or left side at the front top of the container chamber; (2) a side baffle that extends laterally from the front to the rear along the container chamber; and (3) a front baffle positioned at the front of the container chamber and extending across the top. In these and other embodiments, when viewed from the front of the frozen beverage maker, the stirrer rotates in a clockwise direction, and the corner baffle and the side baffle are positioned on the left side of the container chamber.

[0165] In various embodiments, the present application addresses deficiencies associated with controlling the temperature of a beverage product using a recipe in a more adaptive and user-specific manner.

[0166] This application describes an illustrative system, method, and apparatus that enable a beverage manufacturing machine to automatically control the temperature of a beverage product based on a preset recipe target temperature stored in a memory, while further allowing a user to adjust the preset temperature via a user input so that a frozen beverage manufacturing machine can more flexibly achieve a desired temperature and / or texture customized for different user preferences. This application also describes an illustrative system, method, and apparatus that enable a beverage manufacturing machine to automatically control the temperature of a beverage product based on a preset recipe target temperature stored in a memory, while further monitoring conditions such as current or power of a drive and / or agitator motor, and increasing the temperature of the beverage product if the current or power is too high to reduce the thickness of the beverage product, and thereby reducing the current and / or power used by the drive and / or agitator motor to prevent damage to the drive motor.

[0167] In one aspect, a beverage manufacturing machine includes: a mixing container arranged to receive a beverage product; and an agitator driven by a drive motor and arranged to mix the beverage product within the mixing container. The beverage manufacturing machine further includes: a cooling circuit and / or device arranged to cool the beverage product within the mixing container; a temperature sensor arranged to measure a temperature associated with the beverage product and output a temperature signal; and a memory arranged to store a beverage object representing a beverage type, the beverage object specifying a first temperature value corresponding to a first target temperature. A controller in communication with the memory is arranged to: i) receive the temperature signal, and ii) control the temperature associated with the beverage product by controlling the cooling circuit based on the received temperature signal, the first temperature value, and / or a manual temperature adjustment and / or a temperature offset. The frozen beverage manufacturing machine further includes a user interface arranged to receive a user input to adjust the manual temperature adjustment.

[0168] The temperature associated with the beverage product can include the temperature of the beverage product, the temperature of a cooling element for cooling the beverage product, and / or the temperature of a refrigerant for cooling the beverage product. The controller can adjust the first target temperature by adding a manual temperature adjustment to the first target temperature. The manual temperature adjustment can include a positive or negative temperature value. The manual temperature adjustment can include a temperature range at, above, and below the first target temperature. The manual temperature adjustment can be adjusted in increments greater than or equal to 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 1, and / or 2 degrees Celsius.

[0169] In some embodiments, the memory includes a plurality of recipes, each of the recipes including a temperature value corresponding to a target temperature. The cooling circuit and / or device may include a refrigeration circuit that includes an evaporator. The evaporator may be part of a closed-loop refrigeration circuit and / or system that includes a condenser and a compressor. The controller may be configured to control the temperature associated with the beverage product by activating the compressor to circulate refrigerant through the evaporator to cool the beverage product and deactivating the compressor to stop the flow of refrigerant through the evaporator to stop cooling of the beverage product. The controller may control the temperature associated with the beverage product by comparing the received temperature signal with a first temperature value adjusted based on a manual temperature adjustment and, in response, activating or deactivating the cooling circuit to match the received temperature signal to the first temperature value adjusted by the manual temperature adjustment, and thereby adjusting the temperature associated with the beverage product to an approximate target temperature adjusted by the manual temperature adjustment. In some embodiments, the cooling circuit includes a thermoelectric cooling (TEC) system that implements, for example, the Peltier effect.

[0170] In another aspect, a method for manufacturing a beverage product includes: receiving the beverage product in a mixing container; mixing the beverage product within the mixing container using a stirrer driven by a drive motor; cooling the beverage product within the mixing container using a cooling circuit; measuring the temperature associated with the beverage product via a temperature sensor and outputting a temperature signal; storing in a memory a beverage object representing a beverage type, the beverage object specifying a first temperature value corresponding to a first target temperature; receiving the temperature signal at a controller; controlling, by the controller, the temperature associated with the beverage product by controlling the cooling circuit based on the received temperature signal, the first temperature value, and a manual temperature adjustment; and receiving a user input to adjust the manual temperature adjustment.

[0171] In another aspect, a beverage manufacturing machine includes a mixing container arranged to receive a beverage product and a stirrer driven by a drive motor and arranged to mix the beverage product within the mixing container. The beverage manufacturing machine further includes: a cooling circuit arranged to cool the beverage product within the mixing container; a temperature sensor arranged to measure the temperature associated with the beverage product and output a temperature signal; a motor condition sensor arranged to measure the motor condition associated with the drive motor and output a motor condition signal; and a memory arranged to store a first temperature value corresponding to a first target temperature and store a motor condition limit. A controller in communication with the memory is arranged to: i) receive the temperature signal, ii) receive the motor condition signal, and iii) control the temperature associated with the beverage product by controlling the cooling circuit based at least on the received temperature signal, the received motor condition signal, the first temperature value, and the motor condition limit.

[0172] In some embodiments, when the magnitude (e.g., current or power level) of the received motor condition signal is equal to or greater than the motor condition limit, the controller deactivates the cooling circuit. The controller may determine a second temperature value corresponding to a second target temperature, where the magnitude of the received motor condition signal is below the motor condition limit. The controller may control the temperature associated with the beverage product by controlling the cooling circuit based on the second temperature value. In some embodiments, the controller deactivates the cooling circuit until the temperature associated with the beverage product is approximately equal to the second target temperature.

[0173] Motor condition may include current, power, torque, rotational speed, rotational acceleration, noise, and / or heat output. The motor condition sensor may include a motor current sensor, a motor voltage sensor, a motor torque sensor, a motor rotation sensor, a sound sensor, and / or a temperature sensor. A user interface may be arranged to receive user input to adjust a manual temperature adjustment. The controller may control the temperature associated with the beverage product by controlling the cooling circuit based on the received temperature signal, the received motor condition signal, the first temperature value, the motor condition limit, and / or the manual temperature adjustment. The controller may adjust the first target temperature by adding the manual temperature adjustment to the first target temperature.

[0174] In yet another aspect, a method for manufacturing a beverage product includes: receiving the beverage product in a mixing container; mixing the beverage product within the mixing container using a stirrer driven by a drive motor; cooling the beverage product within the mixing container using a cooling circuit; measuring a temperature associated with the beverage product via a temperature sensor and outputting a temperature signal; measuring a motor condition associated with the drive motor via a motor condition sensor and outputting a motor condition signal; storing a first temperature value corresponding to a first target temperature and a motor condition limit in a memory; receiving the temperature signal and the motor condition signal at a controller; and controlling the temperature associated with the beverage product by controlling the cooling circuit based on the received temperature signal, the received motor condition signal, the first temperature value, and / or the motor condition limit.

[0175] In various embodiments, the present application addresses deficiencies associated with the cooling assembly of a beverage making machine.

[0176] The present application describes illustrative systems, methods, and devices whereby a dual-purpose cooling fan simultaneously provides a cooling air flow to both a drive motor for driving the rotation of a stirrer and a condenser for a refrigerant of a refrigeration circuit and / or system for cooling a beverage making machine.

[0177] In one aspect, a beverage making machine includes: a mixing container configured to receive a beverage product; and a stirrer driven by a drive motor and configured to mix the beverage product within the mixing container. A refrigeration circuit is configured to cool the beverage product within the mixing container, the refrigeration circuit including a condenser. A cooling fan is configured to simultaneously cool the drive motor and the condenser. In some embodiments, the cooling fan is driven directly or via a gear assembly by the drive motor and is thus activated when the drive motor is activated.

[0178] The cooling fan can provide an air flow through the condenser to cool the refrigerant flowing through the condenser. The cooling fan can provide an air flow along the surface of the drive motor to cool the drive motor. The cooling fan, drive motor, and condenser can be positioned such that the air flow generated by the cooling fan continuously passes through the condenser and along the surface of the drive motor. A first portion of the air flow generated by the cooling fan can cool the condenser, and a second portion of the air flow generated by the cooling fan can cool the drive motor. In another embodiment, the air flow generated by the cooling fan passes through the condenser and along the surface of the drive motor in parallel, such that a first portion of the air flow passes through the condenser while a second portion of the air flow passes along the surface of the drive motor. The condenser can include one or more coils wound in a serpentine arrangement. Each of the one or more coils can include a plurality of heat transfer fins. When the cooling fan provides an air flow through the condenser to cool the refrigerant flowing through the condenser, the air flow can travel adjacent to and / or around the plurality of coils.

[0179] A cooling passage can extend between the cooling fan and the drive motor, wherein the cooling passage provides a cooling air flow between the cooling fan and the drive motor. The cooling passage can be formed at least in part by a duct. The cooling passage can extend between the cooling fan and the condenser, wherein the cooling passage provides a cooling air flow between the cooling fan and the condenser. The cooling passage can be formed at least in part by a duct. The cooling can include a centrifugal fan, crossflow fan, tangential fan, volute fan, backward-curved fan, forward-curved fan, blower fan, squirrel cage fan, and / or axial flow fan.

[0180] In another aspect, the cooling fan is configured to cool a drive motor and a condenser within a housing of a beverage manufacturing machine, wherein the drive motor is configured to drive the rotation of a stirrer within a mixing container of the beverage manufacturing machine, and the condenser is configured to cool the refrigerant circulating within a refrigeration system of the beverage manufacturing machine. The cooling fan includes: an air inlet configured to receive an air flow from the surrounding environment; an impeller configured to generate an air flow; and an air outlet configured to output an air flow that passes through the condenser and along the surface of the drive motor. The cooling fan can include an air passage arranged to direct the air flow through the condenser and along the surface of the drive motor. The air passage can be formed at least in part by an air duct. The cooling fan can include a centrifugal fan, crossflow fan, tangential fan, volute fan, backward-curved fan, forward-curved fan, blower fan, squirrel cage fan, and / or axial flow fan.

[0181] In another aspect, a method for simultaneously cooling a condenser and a drive motor within a housing of a beverage maker using a cooling fan includes: activating the drive motor, which is arranged to drive the rotation of a stirrer within a mixing container of the beverage maker; activating a compressor of a refrigeration system of the beverage maker; and activating the cooling fan to simultaneously generate an air flow through the condenser and along a surface of the drive motor. In some embodiments, the cooling fan is coupled to and / or driven to rotate by the drive motor. The method may include receiving user input to activate the drive motor, the compressor, and the cooling fan. The user input may initiate a recipe and / or computer program controlled by a controller, which automatically activates the drive motor, the compressor, and the cooling fan.

[0182] One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the systems, methods, and devices described herein are applicable to other types of food products, such as making and / or processing (without limitation) ice cream, frozen yogurt, other creams, and the like. While the present disclosure describes examples of beverage makers that process various frozen and / or semi-frozen beverage products, the systems, devices, and methods described herein are not limited to such beverage products and are capable of processing and / or making other types of beverage products, such as cold beverage products and / or chilled beverage products. As used herein, the terms "mixing," "mixed," or "mix" are not limited to combining multiple ingredients together, but also include mixing a beverage product or liquid having a single ingredient or no added ingredients. For example, a beverage product may consist only of water that is mixed by a stirrer during processing, i.e., the portion of water that is agitated and / or blended as the stirrer rotates. This can advantageously achieve a more uniform temperature of the water and / or liquid throughout the mixing container, for example, by mixing portions of water and / or liquid having different temperatures.

[0183] In various embodiments, the present application addresses deficiencies associated with the fluid inlet of a frozen beverage maker. Prior frozen beverage makers were typically sized for commercial applications. Commercial frozen beverage makers have a significant headspace above the slush in the container. In a commercial frozen beverage maker, liquid ingredients can be roughly poured into the open top of the container without concern for loss of liquid due to splashing generated by impact or ingredient expansion.

[0184] This application describes illustrative systems, methods, and devices for solving the disadvantages of how to add liquid to a container of a frozen beverage maker. In particular, a pour opening for a frozen beverage maker is described that allows liquid ingredients to be added to the container in a controlled manner, thereby minimizing or preventing slush overflow. The disclosed pour opening can be used with commercial frozen beverage makers or residential frozen beverage makers having a smaller container capacity and less available top space than commercial units. The pour opening advantageously avoids external splashing and overflow of the liquid ingredient when added to the container and prevents finger insertion (to protect the user from moving parts within the container). The pour opening also prevents the slush contained within the container from being pushed out of the container.

[0185] In some aspects, a pour opening for a frozen beverage maker is described. The frozen beverage maker has a stirrer configured to rotate about a central axis within a mixing container. The pour opening includes a surface that is radially inclined relative to the central axis of the stirrer. The pour opening also includes an orifice positioned on the surface that is in fluid communication with the interior of the mixing container. The surface can be inclined to direct the fluid entering the mixing container in the direction of rotation of the stirrer. In some embodiments, the orifice extends transversely along the surface in a direction parallel to the central axis of the stirrer. The orifice can be shaped as a slot. In some embodiments, the surface inclination directs the ingredient into the mixing container in the entry direction, and the entry direction is the same as the direction of rotation of the stirrer. In some such embodiments, when viewed from the front of the frozen beverage maker, the direction of rotation of the stirrer is clockwise. In these and other embodiments, when viewed from the front of the frozen beverage maker, the orifice is positioned on the right side of the mixing container. If desired, a grille can cover at least a portion of the orifice. In these and other embodiments, there can also be a cover that is movable between an open position in which the user has access to the pour opening and a closed position in which the user does not have access to the pour opening. In selected embodiments, the pour opening can also include a lip that extends upward from the perimeter of the surface to form a well into which the ingredient is fed. When viewed from the front of the frozen beverage maker, the pour opening can be located near the rear of the mixing container. In these and other embodiments, the rotation of the stirrer moves the contents of the mixing container from the rear of the mixing container to the front of the mixing container.

[0186] In another aspect, a container for a frozen beverage maker is described. The container includes a chamber and a pour opening. The chamber is a substantially cylindrical chamber sized to accommodate a stirrer configured to rotate about a central axis within the container. The pour opening is located on a top section of the container. The pour opening includes a surface and an orifice. The surface is radially inclined relative to the central axis of the stirrer. The orifice is positioned on the surface and is in fluid communication with the chamber. In some embodiments, the pour opening is located at the rear of the container. In these and other embodiments, the surface of the pour opening is radially inclined to direct an incoming ingredient into the container in an incoming direction, and the incoming direction is the same as the direction of rotation of the stirrer. In selected embodiments, when viewed from the front of the container, the direction of rotation of the stirrer is clockwise, and the orifice is positioned on the right side of the container. In some embodiments, the container further includes a cover located above the pour opening, and the cover is movable between an open position in which the user can access the pour opening and a closed position in which the user cannot access the pour opening.

[0187] In a further aspect, a frozen beverage maker is described. The frozen beverage maker includes: a mixing container having a substantially cylindrical chamber; a stirrer configured to rotate about a central axis within the mixing container; and a pour opening located on top of the mixing container. The pour opening has a surface that is radially inclined relative to the central axis of the stirrer and an orifice positioned on the surface that is in fluid communication with the chamber. In some embodiments, the central axis of the stirrer extends in a horizontal direction. In these and other embodiments, the orifice extends laterally along the surface in a direction parallel to the central axis of the stirrer. The surface is radially inclined to direct an incoming ingredient into the mixing container in an incoming direction, and the incoming direction is the same as the direction of rotation of the stirrer. In selected embodiments, when viewed from the front of the frozen beverage maker, the direction of rotation of the stirrer is clockwise, and when viewed from the front of the frozen beverage maker, the orifice is positioned on the right side of the mixing container.

[0188] The present disclosure describes a low-maintenance dispensing system for a frozen beverage maker that uses a lip seal instead of a plunger seal. The dispensing mechanism includes a number of pivot linkages that operate to swing the seal upward when the user actuates a dispensing lever. In the open position, the seal is angled approximately 45 to 60 degrees relative to the spout, which helps direct the dispensed beverage product downward. The spout opening also includes a safety grille to prevent the user from inadvertently inserting his or her finger into the spout.

[0189] This application describes illustrative systems, methods, and devices for providing a dispensing assembly for dispensing a beverage product through a spout of a frozen beverage maker.

[0190] In some exemplary embodiments, a dispensing assembly for a frozen beverage maker of the present disclosure includes a housing having a first portion attached to an outer surface of the frozen beverage maker adjacent to a spout, and a second portion spaced from the spout and extending outwardly from the outer surface. A lever is attached to the second portion of the housing. The lever is rotatable relative to the second portion of the housing about a first pivot member. A seal is operatively coupled to the lever. The seal is configured to seal the spout in a closed position. Rotation of the lever moves the seal to an open position to permit dispensing of a beverage product through the spout.

[0191] In some embodiments, a linkage member is operatively coupled to the lever. The linkage member is rotatable relative to the lever about a second pivot member. A bracket member is operatively coupled to the linkage member and attached to the first portion of the housing. The bracket member is rotatable relative to the linkage member about a third pivot member and rotatable relative to the first portion of the housing about a fourth pivot member. The seal is attached to the bracket member.

[0192] In some embodiments, the second pivot member is a pin extending through the lever and through the linkage member. In some embodiments, the third pivot member is a pin extending through the bracket member and through the linkage member. In some embodiments, the fourth pivot member is a pin extending through the first portion of the housing and through the bracket member. In some embodiments, when the seal is in the open position, the seal is at an angle of about 45 to 60 degrees relative to the spout. In some embodiments, the spout includes a grille configured to prevent a user from inserting a finger into the spout. In some embodiments, the first pivot member includes a pin extending through the second portion of the housing and through the lever. In some embodiments, the seal is a lip seal. In some embodiments, the bracket member is L-shaped. In some embodiments, the housing is L-shaped.

[0193] In some embodiments, a method of dispensing a beverage product through a spout of a frozen beverage maker of the present disclosure includes rotating a lever about a first pivot member relative to a second portion of a housing of a dispensing assembly. The housing further includes a first portion attached to an outer surface of the frozen beverage maker adjacent to the spout and a second portion spaced from the spout and extending outwardly from the outer surface. Rotating the lever moves a seal operatively coupled to the lever to an open position to permit dispensing of a beverage product through the spout. The seal is configured to seal the spout in a closed position.

[0194] In some embodiments, the dispensing assembly further includes a linkage member operatively coupled to the lever such that rotation of the lever rotates the linkage member relative to the lever about a second pivot member. In some embodiments, the dispensing assembly further includes a bracket member operatively coupled to the linkage member and attached to a first portion of the housing such that rotation of the lever rotates the bracket member relative to the linkage member about a third pivot member and relative to the first portion of the housing about a fourth pivot member. In some embodiments, a seal is attached to the bracket member.

[0195] The present disclosure describes a shroud for a dispensing assembly configured to be attached to a frozen beverage maker. The shroud is configured to direct a beverage product downwardly toward a beverage cup without interfering with movement of a dispenser lever. The shroud also hides components of the dispensing assembly for a more pleasing aesthetic appearance and is removable for ease of cleaning.

[0196] This application describes illustrative systems, methods, and devices for providing a shroud configured to be attached to a dispensing assembly for directing a beverage product downwardly toward a beverage cup.

[0197] In some embodiments, a shroud for a dispenser assembly of a frozen beverage maker of the present disclosure includes a first panel section and a second panel section extending generally parallel to the first panel section. A front section extends between the first panel section and the second panel section. The first panel section and the second panel section are configured to form a removable snap-fit with a dispenser housing of the dispenser assembly.

[0198] In some embodiments, the front section is curved. In some embodiments, a vertical position of at least the front section of the shroud is adjustable relative to the dispenser assembly. In some embodiments, the front section defines an upper edge. The shape of the upper edge is configured to permit actuation of a handle of the dispenser assembly. In some embodiments, the shape of the upper edge is arcuate. In some embodiments, the shape of the upper edge is linear. In some embodiments, the length of the shroud is selected to cover a component portion of the dispenser assembly. In some embodiments, the length and shape of the shroud are selected to direct a beverage product dispensed from a spout of the frozen beverage maker downwardly. In some embodiments, the shroud is made of dishwasher-safe material. In some embodiments, the front section is movable relative to the first panel section and the second panel section. In some embodiments, the front section is pivotally connected to the first panel section and the second panel section. In some embodiments, the front section is vertically slidable relative to the first panel section and the second panel section. In some embodiments, the first panel section is flat. In some embodiments, the second panel section is flat.

Claims

1. A beverage making machine, characterized in that: include: case; a mixing container configured to be removably coupled to the housing and to receive a beverage product; an agitator configured to mix the beverage product within the mixing container; a drive motor configured to drive the agitator; as well as A controller, the controller being configured to: detecting an unsafe condition associated with the beverage making machine; and In response to detecting the unsafe condition, at least one control action is performed, the at least one control action comprising at least one of alerting a user of the beverage maker, deactivating the drive motor, preventing activation of the drive motor, or any combination thereof.

2. The beverage making machine according to claim 1, characterized in that The unsafe condition associated with the beverage maker includes a pour opening being in an open state such that the blender becomes accessible for direct contact by a user during mixing of the beverage product by the blender.

3. The beverage making machine according to claim 1, characterized in that Also included is a switch, the at least one control action comprising deactivating the drive motor in response to the switch being triggered.

4. The beverage making machine according to claim 3, characterized in that The switch includes an interlock switch located in the housing, the interlock switch being configured to permit actuation of the drive motor when the mixing container is coupled to the housing, and the interlock switch being configured to be triggered when the mixing container is decoupled from the housing.

5. The beverage making machine according to claim 1, characterized in that Also includes: A cooling circuit is configured to cool the beverage product within the mixing container, wherein the at least one control action further comprises deactivating the cooling circuit.

6. The beverage making machine according to claim 5, characterized in that Also included is a compressor positioned in the housing and configured to pump refrigerant through an evaporator of the cooling circuit, the at least one control action comprising deactivating the evaporator of the cooling circuit by deactivating the compressor.

7. The beverage making machine according to claim 1, characterized in that Also included is a speaker positioned in the housing, the at least one control action comprising providing an audio output from the speaker.

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