Mixing container for frozen beverage making machine and frozen beverage making machine

Abstract

A mixing container for a frozen beverage maker and a frozen beverage maker are described. The mixing container includes a curved sidewall defining a generally cylindrical container chamber therein. The container chamber includes a front portion, a rear portion, a right side, a left side, and a top portion. The mixing container also includes at least one internal baffle configured to control slurry flow within the container chamber. The at least one internal baffle may be a corner baffle positioned at the front top of the container chamber on the right side or the left side, a side baffle extending laterally along the container chamber from the front to the rear, and / or a front baffle positioned at the front of the container chamber extending across the top from the right side to the left side. The present disclosure uses one or more internal baffles positioned within the mixing vessel to direct slurry flow for thorough mixing and prevent clogging within the mixing vessel.

Description

[0001] REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 415,817, filed January 18, 2024, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a beverage maker, and more particularly to a frozen beverage maker including a mixing vessel with at least one internal baffle to control slush flow within the mixing vessel during processing. BACKGROUND

[0004] A frozen beverage maker, which can also be referred to as a slushy maker or an ice shaver beverage maker, generally includes a transparent tank or mixing vessel that receives and processes (including cooling) a beverage product, often converting the beverage product from a pure liquid (or a combination of liquid and partial ice) to a frozen or semi-frozen product that is subsequently dispensed, such as shaved ice, a slushy, a milkshake, ice cream, or other frozen or semi-frozen product, for example. The cooled product is typically dispensed via a tap, spigot, or dispenser located near the front and bottom of the vessel. As such, the term "frozen beverage maker" as used herein is not limited to a device that only makes a beverage or a frozen beverage, but rather includes a device that cools a received beverage product to produce a cooled output in any one of a frozen or semi-frozen form. The beverage product is typically composed of water or milk, a mixture of syrups, flavor powders, or other additives that give the beverage product a desired taste and color.

[0005] Some existing frozen beverage makers include a mixing system within the mixing vessel having mixing blades or augers that are rotated by a motor via a drive shaft and drive assembly. Some existing frozen beverage makers include a refrigeration system having a compressor, a condenser for receiving refrigerant from the compressor, and an evaporator (i.e., a chiller) located adjacent to or within the mixing vessel to cool the beverage product during processing.

[0006] Some existing frozen beverage makers include a controller that controls the operation of the frozen beverage maker with respect to making the beverage product, including the temperature of the frozen product during processing. SUMMARY

[0007] The applications in various embodiments address deficiencies associated with controlling slurry flow within a mixing vessel of a frozen beverage maker. The present applications describe illustrative systems, methods, and apparatuses that use one or more interior baffles positioned within a mixing vessel to direct slurry flow for thorough mixing and to prevent clogging within the mixing vessel. The one or more interior baffles controlling the flow of contents within the mixing vessel can also reduce waste (e.g., waste due to slurry sticking to the vessel rather than being dispensed through a nozzle).

[0008] In a first aspect, a mixing vessel for a frozen beverage maker is described, and the mixing vessel has at least one interior baffle. The mixing vessel includes a curved side wall defining a generally cylindrical vessel chamber therein. The vessel chamber includes a front, a back, a right side, a left side, and a top. The mixing vessel also includes a corner baffle configured to control slurry flow within the vessel chamber. The corner baffle is positioned at a front top of the vessel chamber at the right side or the left side.

[0009] The mixing vessel can be configured to house an agitator that rotates within the vessel chamber about a central axis, and the corner baffle can be positioned such that the agitator points at the corner baffle while moving upward within the vessel chamber. In these and other embodiments, the corner baffle is positioned at the left side of the vessel chamber from an angle facing the front of the vessel chamber, and the agitator is configured to rotate in a clockwise direction. In selected embodiments, a distance from the central axis of the agitator to the top of the vessel chamber is less than 16 inches.

[0010] The corner baffle can project into the vessel chamber at a relatively constant distance from the front. In some embodiments, the mixing vessel also includes a side baffle extending laterally along the vessel chamber from the front to the back. The side baffle can include a curved surface that projects inward relative to a cross-section of the vessel chamber when viewed along a central axis of the vessel chamber. In these and other embodiments, the side baffle is positioned at the left side or the right side of the vessel chamber. Both the side baffle and the corner baffle can be positioned at the left side or the right side of the vessel chamber. In some embodiments, the mixing vessel also includes a front baffle positioned at the front of the vessel chamber extending across the top. In these and other embodiments, the front baffle forms an angle relative to the front of the vessel chamber between 100 o and 150 o In various embodiments where a front baffle is present, the mixing vessel also includes a side baffle extending laterally along the vessel chamber from the front to the back, and the corner baffle has a curved surface extending from the side baffle to the front baffle. The generally cylindrical vessel chamber can have an ovular cross-section.

[0011] In another aspect, a mixing container for a frozen beverage maker is described, and the mixing container has at least three interior baffles. The mixing container includes a curved side wall that defines a generally cylindrical container chamber therein. The container chamber includes a front, a back, a right side, a left side, and a top. The mixing container includes a corner baffle positioned at a front top of the container chamber on the right side or the left side. The mixing container also includes a side baffle that extends laterally along the container chamber from the front to the back. The mixing container also includes a front baffle positioned at the front of the container chamber that extends across the top.

[0012] In some embodiments, both the side baffle and the corner baffle are positioned on the left side or the right side of the container chamber. In these and other embodiments, the mixing container is configured to receive an agitator that rotates within the container chamber about a central axis. The corner baffle and the side baffle are positioned such that the agitator points at the corner baffle and the side baffle as the agitator 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 agitator is configured to rotate in a clockwise direction. In selected embodiments, a distance from the central axis of the agitator to the top of the container chamber is less than 16 inches. The corner baffle can project into the container chamber at a relatively constant distance from the front.

[0013] In another aspect, a frozen beverage maker is described. The frozen beverage maker includes a mixing container, a housing, an agitator, and a dispenser assembly. The mixing container has a front, a back, and a curved side wall that defines a container chamber therein. The housing has an upper housing portion that abuts the back of the mixing container. The agitator is configured to rotate in the mixing container about a central axis. The dispenser assembly is at the front of the mixing container. The mixing container includes at least two interior baffles configured to control flow of slurry within the container chamber.

[0014] In some embodiments, the mixing container includes at least three interior baffles configured to control flow of slurry within the container chamber. In some such embodiments, the at least three interior baffles include: (1) a corner baffle positioned at a front top of the container chamber on the right side or the left side, (2) a side baffle that extends laterally along the container chamber from the front to the back, and (3) a front baffle positioned at the front of the container chamber that extends across the top. In these and other embodiments, the agitator rotates in a clockwise direction when viewed from the front of the frozen beverage maker, and the corner baffle and the side baffle are positioned on the left side of the container chamber.

[0015] A person of ordinary skill will recognize that the systems, methods, and apparatuses described herein can be applied to the making and / or handling of other types of food products, such as but not limited to ice cream, frozen yogurt, other cream, etc. While the present disclosure illustrates examples of beverage makers that handle various frozen and / or semi-frozen beverage products, the systems, apparatuses, and methods described herein are not limited to such beverage products, and are capable of handling and / or making other types of beverage products, such as chilled beverage products and / or frozen beverage products. The term "mixing" as used herein is not limited to combining multiple ingredients together, but also includes mixing a beverage product or liquid with a single or unadded ingredient. For example, a beverage product can include only water that is mixed by the agitator during processing, i.e., portions of the water are agitated and / or intermingled as the agitator rotates. This can advantageously enable the water and / or liquid to have a more uniform temperature throughout the mixing vessel, for example, by intermingling portions of water and / or liquid having different temperatures.

[0016] These and other structural advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description and by reading the associated drawings. The following detailed description, given by way of example, but not intended to limit the aspects of the claimed disclosure, solely by way of explanation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0017] The disclosure will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein and by examining associated drawings. The above-described general description and the following detailed description are given for the purpose of illustration and description, and are not intended to limit the aspects of the claimed disclosure.

[0018] Figure 1 A perspective view of a frozen beverage maker is shown in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 2 A perspective view of a frozen beverage maker is shown in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 1 of various internal components within the housing and mixing vessel of the frozen beverage maker;

[0020] Figure 3 A front view of a frozen beverage maker is shown in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 1

[0021] Figure 4 A block diagram of an example of a control system of a frozen beverage maker is shown in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 1

[0022] A front view of a frozen beverage maker is shown in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 5A

[0023] A front view of a frozen beverage maker is shown in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 5B Figure 5A ​​a cross-sectional view of the frozen beverage maker shown;

[0024] Figure 5C a back isometric view of a mixing container for a frozen beverage maker shown taken along line C-C; Figure 5A a cross-sectional view of the frozen beverage maker shown;

[0025] Figure 6A a back isometric view of a mixing container for a frozen beverage maker shown taken along line C-C;

[0026] Figure 6B a back isometric view of a mixing container for a frozen beverage maker shown taken along line C-C; Figure 6A a back isometric view of a mixing container for a frozen beverage maker shown taken along line C-C;

[0027] Figure 6C a back isometric view of a mixing container for a frozen beverage maker shown taken along line C-C; Figure 6A a back isometric view of a mixing container for a frozen beverage maker shown taken along line C-C. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] In the following description, like components have the same reference numbers regardless of the illustrated implementation. The drawings can not necessarily reflect the proper proportions of the proper proportions of the components. The present disclosure can illustrate and / or describe structures in one implementation, in one or more other implementations in the same manner or in a similar manner and / or in combination with or in place of structures of other implementations.

[0029] In the description and claims, for purposes of explanation and limitation on the present disclosure, the terms "about" and "substantially" indicate the degree of uncertainty inherent in any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation of numerical quantity. The terms "about" and "substantially" also indicate the degree of uncertainty inherent in any quantitative representation of numerical quantity that can vary from the stated base reference without changing the basic function of the subject matter at issue. Open terms such as "comprise," "include," and / or the plural form of each of them include the listed parts and can 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 the terms "top," "bottom," "above," "below," and the like is merely to facilitate clear explanation of the present disclosure and does not limit the structure, positioning, and / or operation of the present disclosure in any way.

[0030] The application of various implementations addresses the deficiencies associated with controlling slurry flow in existing frozen beverage makers. Unfortunately, existing frozen beverage makers must be very tall to provide enough headspace above the slurry so that the slurry does not contact the upper sidewall of the container and the top of the chamber.

[0031] It is therefore necessary for the features within the mixing chamber to effectively control the slurry and prevent it from migrating up the sidewalls and adhering to the top of the chamber. The necessity to control the slurry is particularly important for home-use frozen beverage makers (as compared to commercial models) because home-use frozen beverage makers cannot rely on high chamber heights to control slurry flow.

[0032] The disclosed mixing container includes at least one interior baffle (e.g., rib) positioned toward the front of the mixing chamber to optimize the processing and flow of the slurry within the container. The mixing container can include one, two, three, or more interior baffles to control slurry flow. For example, the mixing container can include a first baffle (i.e., "side baffle") extending laterally along the sidewall of the container chamber, a second baffle (i.e., "front baffle") positioned along the front surface of the container chamber, and / or a third baffle (i.e., "corner baffle") positioned at the front top side of the container chamber, if present, the third baffle optionally extending between the side baffle and the corner baffle. In embodiments where the corner baffle, side baffle, and front baffle are all present, the corner baffle can physically join the side baffle and the front baffle. The one or more interior baffles are configured to keep the slurry away from the upper sidewalls and top of the mixing container chamber. Without wishing to be bound by theory, in embodiments where the mixing container includes a side baffle, a front baffle, and a corner baffle connecting the side baffle and the front baffle, all three baffles can work in tandem to direct the contents within the mixing container away from the top of the container. In contrast to commercial frozen beverage makers that have a large headspace in the mixing chamber, the disclosed mixing container can have a much shorter chamber (meaning the distance between the center axis of the blender and the top of the mixing container is shorter) to ensure that the device can be installed under the counter. The reduced chamber height of the home-use frozen beverage maker increases the need for precise control of the slurry to keep it from adhering to the upper sidewalls and top of the container, which can result in poor circulation, uneven dispensing, and product waste. In addition, the presence of one or more baffles in the container chamber can also deflect the slurry from the chamber hood so that the hood is not forced open as in some commercial units.

[0033] Figure 1A perspective view of a frozen beverage maker 100 is shown in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure. The frozen beverage maker 100 includes a housing 102 and a mixing container 104. The housing 102 can 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 can include one or more buttons, dials, switches, touch screens, indicators, LEDs, etc. The user interface 112 can display status information including, for example, the temperature of a beverage product within the mixing container 104, an indicator of a recipe and / or program currently being implemented, a timer associated with the progress of a recipe and / or program in progress and / or currently being implemented. The user interface 112 can provide an indication and / or warning to the user, for example, when a recipe is complete or a user is expected to perform an action associated with processing a beverage product. The user interface 112 can include a selectable menu of beverage categories (e.g., recipes) and / or programs for different categories of beverage products such as, but not limited to, shaved ice, milkshake, margarita, daiquiri, pina colada, smoothie, cocktail, fruit juice shaved ice, juice, dairy, milk shake, slush, semi-frozen beverage, frozen beverage, etc.

[0034] The housing 102 can include a panel (e.g., a removable panel) 114 along a side of the housing 102. The panel 114 can include a plurality of openings that facilitate air flow to help cool components within the housing 102. The housing 102 can include an upper housing portion 122 configured to couple with a rear end of the mixing container 104 when the mixing container 104 is attached to the housing 102. The mixing container 104 can include a transparent wall or a partially transparent wall to enable a viewer to see the beverage product within the mixing container 104 during processing. The mixing container 104 can include a pour-in opening 106 such that the mixing container 104 can receive ingredients for processing a beverage product within the mixing container 104. Figure 1 The pour-in opening 106 is shown in a closed configuration with a lid sealing the opening 106. The lid can be removably removable or movable to open or close the opening 106. The pour-in opening 106 can include a grate to prevent a user from accessing the mixing container 104 when the pour-in opening 106 is open, i.e., the lid is not installed. The mixing container 104 can include a dispenser assembly 108 having a user handle 120, a spout (not shown), and a spout cover and / or lid 116. The dispenser assembly 108 enables a user to open the spout connected to a wall of the mixing container 104 by pulling down on the handle 120 to dispense a post-processed (e.g., post-cooled) beverage product from the mixing container 104. The user can close the spout by pushing the handle 120 back to its upright position (shown in FIG. 1) to stop dispensing the post-processed beverage product. Figure 1 The pour-in opening 106 is shown in a closed configuration with a lid sealing the opening 106. The lid can be removably removable or movable to open or close the opening 106. The pour-in opening 106 can include a grate to prevent a user from accessing the mixing container 104 when the pour-in opening 106 is open, i.e., the lid is not installed. The mixing container 104 can include a dispenser assembly 108 having a user handle 120, a spout (not shown), and a spout cover and / or lid 116. The dispenser assembly 108 enables a user to open the spout connected to a wall of the mixing container 104 by pulling down on the handle 120 to dispense a post-processed (e.g., post-cooled) beverage product from the mixing container 104. The user can close the spout by pushing the handle 120 back to its upright position (shown in FIG. 1) to stop dispensing the post-processed beverage product.

[0035] The frozen beverage maker 100 may include a lever 110 that enables locking coupling of the mixing container 104 with the housing 102 including the upper housing portion 122 . Figure 1 12. The lever 110 is shown in a locked and / or closed position in which the mixing container 104 is engaged and / or coupled to the housing 102 and the upper housing portion 122. In the closed and / or engaged position, the lever 110 ensures a watertight seal to prevent leakage of the beverage product from the mixing container 104. The lever 110 can be placed in the closed, coupled and / or engaged position by sliding the mixing container 104 against the upper housing portion 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 portion 122. The lever 110 can be placed in the closed, coupled and / or engaged position by rotating the lever 110 in a counterclockwise direction (from the top) toward the front of the mixing container 104. Figure 1 By pulling and / or rotating the rod 110 (from a perspective), the mixing container 104 can be disengaged and / or separated from the housing 102 and the upper housing portion 122, causing the rod 110 to release the mixing container 104. Once released and / or separated, the mixing container 104 can be slid forward (away from the upper housing portion 122) to be completely disassembled and / or removed from the housing 102. The mixing container 104 may include radial seals and / or face seals. The face seals provide an improved seal based on the compression provided by the rod 110 pushing the mixing container 104 sideways against the wall of the upper housing portion 122. The mixing container 104 may include a circular and / or cylindrical opening at its rear end that couples the mixing container 104 to the upper housing portion 122. An interlock switch may be implemented on the upper housing portion 122. When the mixing container 104 is coupled to the upper housing portion 122, the interlock switch is activated, preventing activation of the drive motor 208 unless the container 104 is coupled to the upper housing portion 122. This ensures that the user is not exposed to the moving blender 204. The frozen beverage maker 100 may also include a drip tray 118 positioned below the dispenser assembly 108 and configured to collect any beverage product that is not properly dispensed from the mixing container 104 into, for example, a user's cup. The drip tray 118 may be removed from the dispenser assembly 108. Figure 1 The water tray 118 can be removed as shown in its operative position. Figure 3 Shown as a water tray 304 mounted and / or stored on a side panel of the housing 102 .

[0036] Figure 2 Shown Figure 1FIG. 2 shows a view 200 of the housing 102 and various internal components within the mixing vessel 104 of the frozen beverage maker 100. The frozen beverage maker 100 includes a cylindrical evaporator 202 surrounded by an auger and / or a stirrer 204. The stirrer 204 can include one or more mixing blades and / or protrusions that extend helically around the evaporator and / or freezer 202. The stirrer 204 can be driven in rotation by a central drive shaft (not shown) within the mixing vessel 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 a drive motor 208 via a gear assembly 210. In some embodiments, the drive motor 208 is an AC motor, although another type of motor such as, but not limited to, a DC motor can also be used. The drive motor 208 can include a motor fan 212 configured to provide air cooling to the motor 208. Meanwhile Figure 2 While the embodiment shown illustrates the drive motor 208 not coaxially aligned with the drive shaft for rotating the stirrer 204, in other embodiments, the motor 208 can be coaxially aligned with the drive shaft. During processing of the beverage product, the motor 208 can be continuously operated at one or more speeds to drive continuous rotation of the stirrer 204, thereby providing continuous mixing of the beverage product within the mixing vessel 104. In some embodiments, rotation of the stirrer 204 causes the helically configured blades to push the chilled beverage product to the front of the mixing vessel 104. During processing, portions of the beverage product can freeze on the surface of the evaporator due to being cooled by the evaporator. In some embodiments, the blades of the rotating stirrer 204 scrape off the frozen portions of the beverage product from the evaporator surface in a state of simultaneously mixing the chilled beverage product and pushing the chilled beverage product to the front of the mixing vessel 104.

[0037] 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 vessel 104. The refrigeration circuit can include a compressor 214, the evaporator 202, a condenser 216, a condenser fan 218, a bypass valve, and conduits carrying refrigerant in a closed loop among the refrigeration circuit components to facilitate cooling and / or temperature control of the beverage product in the mixing vessel 104. Operation of the refrigeration circuit can be controlled by a controller such as the controller 402, as described herein with respect to FIG. 4, further described later. Figure 4 The frozen beverage maker 100 can also include a condensate water collection tray 220 configured to collect any liquid condensate water from the evaporator 202 resulting from cooling. Figure 2A tray 220 in an inserted position is shown. The tray 220 can be removably removed from a slot within the housing 102 to enable collection of condensed liquid when inserted into the slot, then effectively removed to empty the tray 220, and then reinserted into the slot for subsequent liquid collection.

[0038] Figure 3 A front view 300 of the frozen beverage maker 100 is shown. Figure 1 The frozen beverage maker 100 can include a user interface 112 on a front surface of the housing 102. In other embodiments, the user interface 112 can be located on a side, top, or back of the housing 102. The frozen beverage maker can include a mounting portion 302 on a side of the housing 102 at which a drip tray 118 (shown as drip tray 304 in Figure 3 some embodiments) that is not used, such as during shipping of the frozen beverage maker 100, can be mounted. The frozen beverage maker 100 can include a power interface configured to receive AC power from a power outlet (not shown). In some embodiments, the frozen beverage maker 100 can include one or more batteries housed within the housing 102 and configured to provide power to various components of the frozen beverage maker 100. The frozen beverage maker 100 can also include a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) 222 within the housing 102. As will be explained with respect to Figure 4 the PCBA 222 can include a control system 400 configured to automatically control certain operations of the frozen beverage maker 100.

[0039] Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a control system 400 of a frozen beverage maker 100 in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The control system 400 can include a microcontroller, a processor, a system on a chip (SoC), a client device, and / or a physical computing device, and can include hardware and / or virtual processors. In some embodiments, the control system 400 and its elements as shown in Figure 4 each relate to physical hardware, while in some embodiments one, more, or all of the elements can be implemented using an emulator or virtual machine. Regardless, the electronic control system 400 can be implemented on physical hardware, such as in the frozen beverage maker 100.

[0040] As Figure 4As shown, the control system 400 can include a user interface 212 and / or 112 having, for example, a keyboard, keypad, one or more buttons, dials, touchpads, or sensor readers (e.g., biometric scanners), and one or more output devices such as displays, audio speakers, LED indicators, and / or light indicators. The control system 400 can also include a communication interface 410, such as a network communication unit that can include wired and / or wireless communication components, that can be communicatively coupled to the controller and / or processor 402. The network communication unit can utilize any of a variety of proprietary or standardized network protocols, such as Ethernet, TCP / IP, to name a few of many protocols, to enable communication between the processor 402 and another device, network, or system. The network communication unit can also include one or more transceivers that utilize Ethernet, power line communication (PLC), Wi-Fi, cellular networks, and / or other communication methods. For example, the control system 400 can send one or more communications associated with the status of the frozen beverage maker 100 to a user's mobile device, such as sending an alert to the mobile device when a recipe is complete and / or a beverage product is ready for dispensing, or indicating that the beverage product in the mixing vessel is low or out of beverage product.

[0041] The control system 400 can include a processing element, such as the controller and / or processor 402, that includes one or more hardware processors, each of which can have a single or multiple processor cores. In one embodiment, the processor 402 includes at least one shared cache that stores data (e.g., computational instructions) utilized by one or more other components of the processor 402. For example, the shared cache can be local cache data stored in memory for faster access by components of the processing element that make up the processor 402. Examples of processors include, but are not limited to, central processing units (CPUs) and / or microprocessors. The controller and / or processor 402 can utilize computer architectures based on, but not limited to, Intel® 8051, Motorola® 68HCX, Intel® 80X86, etc. The processor 402 can include, but is not limited to, 8-bit, 12-bit, 16-bit, 32-bit, or 64-bit architectures. Although not shown in FIG. 4, the processing element that makes up the processor 402 can also include one or more other types of hardware processing components, such as graphics processing units (GPUs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and / or digital signal processors (DSPs). Figure 4

[0042] Figure 4 ​Also illustrated is a memory 404 operatively and communicatively coupled to the controller 402. The memory 404 can be a non-transitory medium structured to store various types of data. For example, the memory 404 can include one or more storage devices 408 including 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 devices 408 can include one or more disk drives, optical drives, solid state drives (SSDs), tape drives, flash memory, read only memory (ROM), and / or any other type of memory designed to retain data for a period of time after power is removed or operations are shut down. In certain configurations, the non-volatile storage devices 408 can be used to store overflow data if the assigned RAM is not sufficient to hold all of the job data. The non-volatile storage devices 408 can also be used to store programs that are loaded into the RAM when such programs are selected for execution. The data memory and / or storage devices 408 can be configured 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 product making and / or processing instruction programs can include instructions for the controller and / or processor 402 to: start or stop one or more motors and / or compressors 414 (e.g., such as the motor 208 and / or compressor 214); start or stop the compressor 214 to regulate the temperature of the beverage product being processed in the mixing vessel 104; operate one or more motors 414 (e.g., the motor 208 and / or compressor 214) for a particular period of time during a particular beverage product processing sequence; operate the motor 208 at a particular speed for a particular period of time of a recipe; issue one or more prompt instructions to the user interface 412 and / or 112 to be output to the user for a response, action, and / or input from the user.

[0043] 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 subsequently loaded and executed by the processor 402. In one embodiment, the compilation process of the software program can convert program code written in a programming language to another computer language so that the processor 402 is able to execute the program code. For example, the compilation process of the software program can generate an executable program that provides coded instructions (e.g., machine code instructions) for the processor 402 to perform a specific, non-generic, particular computing function.

[0044] After compilation, the encoded instructions can be loaded from storage 408, memory 404 and / or embedded within processor 402 (e.g., via a cache or on-board ROM) as computer-executable instructions or processing steps. Processor 402 can be structured to execute the stored instructions or processing steps in order to perform the instructions or processing steps to transform electronic control system 400 into a non-generic, specific, specifically programmed machine or device. Stored data, such as data stored by data storage and / or storage 408, can be accessed by processor 402 during execution of the computer-executable instructions or processing steps to instruct one or more components within control system 400 and / or other components or devices external to system 400. For example, a recipe can be configured in a lookup table and / or database within data storage 408 and accessed by processor 402 when executing a particular recipe selected by a user via user interface 412 and / or 112.

[0045] User interface 412 and / or 112 can include a display, a position input device such as a mouse, touchpad, touchscreen, etc., a keyboard, a keypad, one or more buttons, one or more dials, a microphone, a speaker, or other forms of user input and output devices. User interface components can be communicably coupled to 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 cathode ray tube (CRT) or light emitting diode (LED) display such as an OLED display.

[0046] The sensors 406 can include one or more sensors that detect and / or monitor conditions of the beverage product within the mixing container 104, conditions associated with components of the frozen beverage maker 100, and / or conditions of the refrigerant in the refrigeration system. The conditions can include, but are not limited to, rotation, rotational speed, and / or movement of a device or component (e.g., a motor), rate of such movement, frequency of such movement, direction of such movement, motor current, motor voltage, motor power, motor torque, temperature, pressure, liquid level within the container 104, position of a device or component (e.g., whether the pour opening 106 is open or closed), and / or presence of a device or component (e.g., whether the cover 116 is installed). Types of sensors can include, for example, electrical metrology chips, Hall sensors, pressure sensors, temperature sensors, optical sensors, current sensors, torque sensors, voltage sensors, cameras, other types of sensors, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. The 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 a lower front region within the mixing container 104, on or around an upper front region within the mixing container 104, on or around an upper rear region within the container 104, within one or more coils of the evaporator 202, and / or within the housing 102.

[0047] The sensors 406 can also include one or more safety switches and / or interlock switches that prevent or enable certain components, such as motors, to operate when certain conditions are met (e.g., when a hood or cover for the opening 106 is attached or closed and / or when there is a sufficient level of beverage product in the container 104 to enable the motors 208 and / or 414 to activate). Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the electronic control system 400 can include other components, such as power supplies and / or analog-to-digital converters, not explicitly shown in FIG. 4. Figure 4

[0048] ​In some embodiments, the control system 400 and / or the processor 402 comprises a SoC having a plurality of hardware components including, but not limited to: a microcontroller; a microprocessor or digital signal processor (DSP) core and / or a multi-processor SoC (MPSoC) having more than one processor core; a memory block including a series of read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), electronically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), and flash memory; a timing source including an oscillator and phase-locked loop; peripherals including a count timer, a real-time timer, and a general-purpose reset generator; external interfaces including industry standards such as universal serial bus (USB), Firewire, Ethernet, universal synchronous / asynchronous receiver / transmitter (USART), serial peripheral interface (SPI); analog interfaces including an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and a digital-to-analog converter (DAC); a voltage regulator, and power management circuitry.

[0049] A SoC includes both the above-mentioned hardware and software that controls the microcontroller, microprocessor, and / or DSP core, peripherals, and interfaces. Most SoCs are developed from predetermined hardware blocks for hardware elements (e.g., modules or components referred to as representative IP cores or IP blocks) along with software drivers that control their operation. The above-listed hardware elements are not exhaustive. A SoC can include a protocol stack that drives industry-standard interfaces like universal serial bus (USB).

[0050] Once the overall architecture of a SoC has been defined, individual hardware elements can be specified in an abstract language called RTL, which stands for register transfer level. RTL is used to define circuit behavior. Hardware elements are connected together in the same RTL language to create a complete SoC design. In digital circuit design, RTL is a design abstraction that models synchronous digital circuits in terms of the flow of digital signals (data) between hardware registers and the logical operations performed upon these signals. The RTL abstraction is used in hardware description languages (HDLs) like Verilog and VHDL to create a high-level representation of a circuit from which lower-level representations and ultimately actual wiring can be derived. Design at the RTL level is a typical practice in modern digital design. Verilog is a standard of the 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 for the verification of analog and mixed-signal circuits and genetic design circuits. In some embodiments, the various components of the control system 400 are implemented on a PCB, such as the PCB 222.

[0051] In operation of certain embodiments, a user fills the mixing container 104 with ingredients associated with a beverage product via the pour opening 106. The user selects a beverage product type to be processed via the user interface 112, e.g., the user selects a recipe for a "Margarita." In some embodiments, the user selects the product type and / or recipe prior to filling the mixing container 104, and the user interface 112 provides one or more indicators or queues (visible and / or audible) instructing the user to add ingredients to the mixing container 104. The mixing container 104 can include one or more fill sensors that detect when the ingredients and / or fluid within the mixing container 104 are of a sufficient amount or level. The one or more fill sensors can provide signals 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 operation of the frozen beverage maker 100 (e.g., prevent activation of the motor 208 and / or other components). A lid sensor can be associated with the opening 106, whereby the lid sensor sends open and / or closed signals to the processor 402 indicating that 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 operation of the frozen beverage maker 100. Depending on the sensed conditions, the user interface 112 can provide an indication of the conditions, e.g., that the container 104 is sufficiently filled or not sufficiently filled and / or that the opening 106 is not closed, to enable the user to take appropriate action.

[0052] Once the mixing container 104 is filled with ingredients, the user can provide an input, e.g., press a button, to begin processing of the beverage product based on the selected recipe. The processing can include activation of the motor 208 to drive rotation of the agitator 204 and / or the blades 206 to effect mixing of the ingredients of the beverage product. The processing can also include activation of the refrigeration system, including activation of the compressor 214 and the condenser fan 218. The compressor 214 facilitates flow of refrigerant through the 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 operation of various components, such as the motor 208 and the compressor 214. To regulate a particular set temperature associated with the recipe, the processor 402 can activate / start and / or deactivate / stop the compressor 214 to start and / or stop flow of refrigerant through the coils of the evaporator 202 to start or stop cooling of the beverage product within the mixing container 104.

[0053] By cooling the beverage product to a particular temperature, slush and / or ice particles can be formed within the beverage product. Generally, the amount of particles and / or mouthfeel 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 slushy the beverage product. The user interface 112 can enable the user to fine tune and / or adjust the preset temperature associated with the recipe to enable the user to adjust the temperature and / or mouthfeel of the beverage product to a more desirable temperature and / or mouthfeel.

[0054] The processor 402 can perform the processing of the beverage product for a set period of time in one or more stages and / or until a desired temperature and / or mouthfeel 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 an average temperature in the temperatures detected by the plurality of temperature sensors 408. The processor 402 can determine the temperature of the beverage product based on the temperature detected 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 determines that the stage and / or sequence of the recipe is complete, 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 toward the user to open the nozzle located in the lower front wall of the mixing container 104, causing the beverage product to be dispensed into the cup or container. Once filled, the user can close the nozzle by rotating the handle 120 upwardly away from the user back to its upright position as shown. Figure 2

[0055] Figures 5A to 5C A sample frozen beverage maker 100 is shown, in accordance with some embodiments, with a mixing container 104 and a dispenser assembly 108 coupled to the housing 102, specifically, the upper housing portion 122. The mixing container 104 has a curved side wall defining a generally cylindrical chamber within it. In selected embodiments, the mixing container 104 is shaped as an oval or substantially oval (i.e., a cylinder with an oblong cross-section) or as an elliptical cylinder (i.e., a cylinder with an elliptical cross-section) or substantially elliptical cylinder. When coupled to the housing 102, the front of the mixing container 104 contacts the dispenser assembly 108 and the back of the mixing container 104 abuts the upper housing portion 122. Within the mixing container 104, the front of the chamber can have a generally oblong shape or a generally circular shape. The back of the mixing container 104 chamber can include an opening configured to form a seal with the upper housing portion 122. The opening of the back of the mixing container 104 can have a generally circular shape or a generally oblong shape. The mixing container 104 is dimensioned to contain a refrigerant 406 around a central axis (as shown by the dashed line) and a beverage product 404 within the refrigerant 406.​Figure 5C Agitator 204 rotates about the central axis "A" in FIG. Figure 5B Possible rotation directions ("R") are shown for the agitator 204. The mixing vessel 104 can be shaped such that the distance from the central axis (A) of the agitator 204 to the top of the vessel 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.

[0056] Figures 6A to 6C An example of a mixing vessel 104 is shown with at least one internal baffle configured to control the flow of slurry within the mixing vessel 104. Figure 5A 、 Figure 5B and Figures 6A to 6B As shown, the mixing vessel 104 includes a side baffle 105 extending laterally along the sidewall 150 of the vessel chamber. In some embodiments, the side baffle 105 extends from (or approximately at) the front of the vessel chamber to (or approximately at) the back of the vessel chamber. In some embodiments, the side baffle 105 extends along the chamber sidewall in a direction parallel to the central axis (A) of the agitator 204. In some embodiments, the side baffle 105 (when viewed from the front) is positioned on the left side of the chamber sidewall (e.g., in embodiments where the agitator rotates in a clockwise direction). Figure 6A and Figure 6C The clockwise direction (R) of agitator rotation is illustrated when viewed from the front. In some embodiments, side guard 105 can be positioned slightly above the central axis (A) of agitator 204 .

[0057] like Figure 6A and Figure 6B As shown, the side dam 105 can include a curved surface 151 that conforms to the path of the agitator 204. For example, when viewed along the agitator's central axis (A), the side dam 105 can project inward relative to the oblong (e.g., elliptical) cross-section of the chamber sidewall 150, wherein, starting from the bottom end of the side dam 105 (where the curved surface 151 of the side dam 105 is vertical or substantially vertical), the curved surface 151 can gradually slope inward until reaching an inflection point 153. After reaching the inflection point 153, the curved surface 151 can slope more steeply vertically until reaching the top end of the side dam 105, after which the curved surface 151 of the side dam 105 returns to a curvature conforming to the oblong cross-section of the chamber sidewall 150. The radial direction of the curved surface 151 of the side dam 150 from its bottom to the inflection point 153 is generally aligned with the radial movement of the agitator 204, and thus with the radial movement of the contents of the container chamber 104. The cross-sectional geometry of the side guard 105 described above directs the contents of the container away from the top of the container chamber (i.e., more than would be the case if the side guard 105 were not present, such as in FIG. Figure 5BIf the side guard 105 were not present, the contents of the container chamber would likely flow unimpeded along the side wall 150 to the top interior surface of the container chamber, which would prevent the contents from mixing and / or allow them to escape from the mixing container 104. Thus, the side guard 105 reduces the amount of frozen material that might otherwise form on the top interior surface of the mixing container 104 due to the upward rotation of its contents.

[0058] like Figure 5B 、 Figure 5C and Figures 6A to 6C As shown, the mixing container 104 may include a front baffle 107. If present, the front baffle 107 may be positioned at the front top of the container chamber 103 (e.g., Figure 5B ). 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. The rotation of the agitator 204 pushes the container contents toward the front of the container chamber, where, if left unchecked, the contents may accumulate near the top front and even produce frozen matter that is detrimental to the mixing process. Figure 5C When viewed in cross-section, the front baffle 107 can be angled relative to the front of the container chamber (e.g., 100° to 150°, 100° to 125°, or 105° to 120°), which redirects container contents that have been forced into the top front of the mixing container 104 toward the rear of the container chamber. In some embodiments, the front baffle 107 can 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 portion of the front baffle 107 near the front of the container chamber to a higher angle (e.g., 75° to 90°) at a portion of the front baffle near the top of the container chamber.

[0059] The front baffle 107 is configured to urge 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 might otherwise form on the top front interior surface of the mixing container 104 due to the action of the agitator 204.

[0060] like Figure 5C and Figures 6A to 6CAs shown, the mixing container 104 may include corner baffles 109. The corner baffles 109 may be positioned on the front top side of the container chamber. The corner baffles 109 join 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 109 are all present, the corner baffles 109 physically join the side baffles 105 to the front baffle 107. Figures 6A to 6B As shown, the side dams 105 and the front dam 107 are orthogonal to each other, and the pulp may not be properly directed if these dams terminate in a hard corner without the corner dams 109. Connecting the side dams 105 and the front dam 107 with the corner dams 109 allows the pulp to easily flow out of the corner between the side dams 105 and the front dam 107.

[0061] The corner guard 109 has a curved surface 155 extending from the side guard 105 to the front guard 107. Figure 6A As shown, the curved surface 155 can be convex. Along its length, the corner baffle 109 extends into the container chamber at a relatively constant distance. In other words, the depth of the corner baffle 109 can be relatively constant along its length. The side of the container chamber where the corner baffle 109 is positioned (e.g., left or right) can be selected based on the direction in which the agitator 204 rotates within the mixing container 104. Specifically, the corner baffle 109 can be positioned so that the agitator 204 points toward the corner baffle 109 when the agitator 204 is moving upward within the container chamber. For example, in a selected embodiment, when the agitator is configured to rotate clockwise, the corner baffle 109 is positioned at the left top front portion of the container chamber. As the paddle is moved upward by the agitator 204, this positioning can advantageously force the paddle downward toward the agitator 204 when it contacts the corner baffle 109, thereby reducing the accumulation of paddle on the sidewalls and top of the mixing container 104.

[0062] 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, a front baffle 107, and / or corner baffles 109. The side baffles 105, the front baffle 107, and / or the corner baffles 109 can reduce the accumulation of slurry on the side walls and top of the container chamber, which is important for commercial frozen beverage makers as well as for home frozen beverage makers that have significantly less headroom than commercial units.

[0063] It should be understood that the various embodiments described herein are not limited to the production of frozen or semi-frozen beverages, but can be applied to the production of cold beverage products and / or cooled beverage products that are colder than received beverage products, but are not frozen or semi-frozen beverage products. For example, in some embodiments, the same or similar mechanisms and / or techniques can be used as part of a cold beverage machine and / or a cooled beverage production machine to produce, maintain, and dispense cold beverages.

[0064] As discussed with respect to Figure 4 the actions associated with the construction or control of frozen beverage production machines such as the frozen beverage production machine 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 systems and processes of the frozen beverage production machine 100 can be constructed or controlled by special purpose logic circuitry, such as an FPGA and / or an ASIC or embedded microprocessor targeted to the instrument hardware.

[0065] Non-transitory machine-readable storage media suitable for embodying computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile storage area, including by way of example semiconductor memory devices, such as EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), and flash memory devices; magnetic disks such as internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks; CD-ROM (Compact Disc - Read Only Memory) and DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc - Read Only Memory).

[0066] The elements of the different embodiments described can be combined to form further embodiments not specifically described. Elements can be omitted from the systems described above without adversely affecting their operation or the operation of the systems. Furthermore, various separate elements can be combined into one or more individual elements to perform the functions described in this specification.

Claims

1. A mixing container for a frozen beverage making machine, characterized in that The mixing container comprises: a curved sidewall defining a container chamber therein, wherein the container chamber includes a front, a rear, a right side, a left side, and a top; a corner baffle positioned at the front and the top of the vessel chamber on the right side or the left side, wherein the corner baffle is configured to direct slurry flow within the vessel chamber; and A front baffle is positioned at the front of the container chamber, extending across the top from the left side to the right side.

2. The mixing container according to claim 1, characterized in that The mixing vessel is configured to house an agitator that rotates about an axis within the vessel chamber, and the corner baffles are positioned such that the agitator directs the mixing vessel contents upwardly within the vessel chamber toward the corner baffles.

3. The mixing container according to claim 2, characterized in that The corner baffle is positioned on the left side of the container chamber from a perspective facing the front of the container chamber, and the agitator is configured to rotate in a clockwise direction.

4. The mixing container according to claim 1, characterized in that The corner baffles extend from the front into the container chamber at a relatively constant distance.

5. The mixing container according to claim 1, characterized in that The mixing container further includes side baffles extending along the sides of the container chamber from the front to the rear.

6. The mixing container according to claim 5, characterized in that The side dam is positioned on the left or right side of the container chamber.

7. The mixing container according to claim 6, characterized in that Both the side dam and the corner dam are positioned on the left or right side of the container chamber.

8. The mixing container according to claim 5, characterized in that The side dam includes a curved surface that protrudes into the interior of the container chamber.

9. The mixing container according to claim 1, characterized in that The mixing container further includes side baffles extending along the sides of the container chamber from the front to the rear, wherein the corner baffles have curved surfaces extending from the side baffles toward the front baffle.

10. The mixing container according to claim 1, characterized in that The container chamber has an at least partially oval cross-section.

11. A mixing container for a frozen beverage making machine, characterized in that The mixing container comprises: a curved sidewall defining a container chamber therein, wherein the container chamber includes a front, a rear, a right side, a left side, and a top; and a corner baffle positioned at the front and the top of the container chamber on the right side or the left side; a side dam extending from the front to the rear along the sides of the container chamber; and A front baffle is positioned at the front of the container chamber, extending across the top from the left side to the right side.

12. The mixing container according to claim 11, characterized in that Both the side dam and the corner dam are positioned on the left or right side of the container chamber.

13. The mixing container according to claim 12, characterized in that The mixing container is configured to house an agitator that rotates about an axis within the container chamber, and the corner and side baffles are positioned such that the agitator points upwardly toward the corner and side baffles within the container chamber.

14. The mixing container according to claim 13, characterized in that The corner baffle and the side baffle are positioned on a left side of the container chamber, and the agitator is configured to rotate in a clockwise direction.

15. The mixing container according to claim 11, characterized in that The corner baffles extend from the front into the container chamber at a relatively constant distance.

16. A frozen beverage making machine, characterized in that: The frozen beverage making machine comprises: a mixing container comprising a curved sidewall defining a container chamber having a front, a rear, a left side, a right side, and a top; a housing having an upper housing portion that abuts a rear portion of the mixing container; an agitator configured to rotate about an axis within the mixing vessel; and a dispenser assembly at the front of the mixing container, The mixing container includes at least two internal baffles configured to guide the flow of slurry in the container chamber, and the at least two internal baffles include a front baffle positioned at the front of the container chamber and extending from the left side to the right side across the top.

17. The frozen beverage making machine according to claim 16, wherein The mixing vessel includes at least three internal baffles configured to direct the flow of slurry within the vessel chamber.

18. The frozen beverage making machine according to claim 17, wherein The at least three internal baffles include: a corner baffle positioned at the front and top of the container chamber on the right side or the left side; side guards extending from the front to the rear along the sides of the container chamber; and The front baffle.

19. The frozen beverage making machine according to claim 18, wherein When viewed from the front of the frozen beverage maker, the agitator rotates in a clockwise direction, and the corner guard and the side guard are positioned on the left side of the container chamber.

Images