Bottles and beverage mixing machines for use in beverage mixing machines

Abstract

A beverage mixing machine includes: a base; a tower extending upward from the base, the tower including a main body portion and a cantilever portion; a dispensing outlet located in the cantilever portion; one or more sensors located near the dispensing outlet, the one or more sensors being configured to detect the presence of a magnet; and a controller mounted in one of the base and the tower, the controller being operatively connected to the sensors, the controller being configured to prevent operation of the machine unless at least one of the one or more sensors detects the presence of a magnet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to a system and method for dispensing and mixing food and beverage products, and more specifically, to a system and method for dispensing and mixing plant-based food and beverage products. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, the consumption of plant-based or non-dairy milk alternatives has increased significantly. Milk allergies, lactose intolerance, calorie concerns, and a preference for veganism have influenced consumer choices regarding milk alternatives. Furthermore, concerns about high levels of saturated fat, hormones, and antibiotic use in dairy cows may lead to a preference for non-dairy alternatives. Plant-based beverages can be derived from sources such as soy, various nuts, or grains. Many retail plant-based products (such as almond milk and cashew milk) contain numerous synthetic ingredients to achieve the sterility levels required for commercial distribution and retail sales. Moreover, retail products can contain up to 20 ingredients, such as gums, thickeners, vitamins, and preservatives, added to this perishable liquid product to achieve an appealing taste, texture, color, etc., and to maintain a commercially acceptable shelf life.

[0003] Commercial processing for producing commercial plant-based milk (such as nut milk) typically occurs at high temperatures (e.g., 135°C / 275°F). This processing leads to a degradation of the milk's taste, color, and aroma. Furthermore, one factor that increases the cost of commercially distributed nut milk is that it is water-based and must be refrigerated.

[0004] Producing preservative-free, pure (“clean”) plant-based beverages is also a challenge. These beverages often contain only a few ingredients (e.g., nuts / nut paste and water) and may be too perishable to be sold through the distribution chain. Furthermore, while individual plant-based ingredients may not be perishable and can be stored at room temperature, they can become extremely perishable once commercially processed with various liquids (e.g., water). Even dairy products with added preservatives may not last more than a week in a consumer's refrigerator due to shipping time during distribution and the time the product spends on retail shelves before purchase.

[0005] Plant-based milk (such as almond milk) can be made using different methods. For example, plant-based milk can be produced by mixing plant-based powder (i.e., ground nuts) with other desired ingredients such as water, spices, other flavorings, sweeteners, etc. Plant-based milk can also be produced by mixing a predetermined amount of plant-based paste with other desired ingredients. Each technology for producing plant-based milk presents unique challenges, partly due to the physical differences between plant-based powder and plant-based paste. For example, unlike plant-based powder, which typically has a dry, granular consistency, plant-based paste usually has a more fluid or paste-like consistency due to the natural oils released from the plant-based material during grinding. Over time, these natural oils can "separate" from the more solid components of the plant-based paste, resulting in a separation layer of different component materials in the packaged plant-based paste.

[0006] U.S. Patent No. 11,547,975 to Suh et al. describes a system for making and dispensing plant-based milk, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The system is configured to dispense a plant-based paste into a container, and then mix the paste with water. Other documents that may describe aspects of the system include U.S. Patent Nos. 11,419,518 and 11,541,364, and U.S. Patent Publications Nos. 2023 / 0276992, 2021 / 0387842, 2021 / 0284417, 2020 / 0254409, and 2018 / 0035841, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Improvements to such a system may be desired. Utility Model Content

[0007] As a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention relate to a bottle for a beverage mixing machine. The bottle includes: a base plate; at least one side wall extending upward from the base plate; and a neck extending upward from the side wall. The neck includes at least one magnet at least partially embedded therein.

[0008] The bottle defined in the first aspect is characterized in that at least one sidewall is four sidewalls, and wherein the sidewalls are arranged such that the bottle has a square bottom profile.

[0009] The bottle defined in the first aspect is characterized in that at least one sidewall is four sidewalls, and wherein the sidewalls are arranged such that the bottle has a rectangular bottom profile.

[0010] The bottle defined in the first aspect is characterized in that at least one magnet is two magnets, and wherein the two magnets are positioned radially opposite each other.

[0011] The bottle defined in the first aspect is characterized in that at least one magnet is four magnets, and wherein the four magnets are positioned to surround the neck at 90-degree intervals.

[0012] The bottle defined in the first aspect is characterized by further comprising a cap fitted onto the neck.

[0013] The bottle defined in the first aspect is characterized by further comprising a rotatable stirrer rotatably mounted to a base plate.

[0014] The bottle defined in the first aspect is characterized by further including an annular indicator surrounding the neck of the bottle, the annular indicator including markings configured to indicate parameters relating to the contents of the bottle.

[0015] As a second aspect, embodiments of the present invention relate to a beverage mixing machine, comprising: a base; a tower extending upward from the base, the tower including a main body portion and an overhang portion; a dispensing outlet located in the overhang portion; one or more sensors located near the dispensing outlet, the one or more sensors being configured to detect the presence of a magnet; and a controller mounted in one of the base and the tower, the controller being operatively connected to the sensors, the controller being configured to prevent operation of the machine unless at least one of the one or more sensors detects the presence of a magnet.

[0016] The machine defined in the second aspect is characterized by further comprising a rotatable clutch hub mounted in a base below the dispensing outlet, and a motor operatively connected to the clutch hub and a controller, wherein the controller is configured to prevent activation of the motor unless one or more sensors detect the presence of a magnet.

[0017] The machine defined in the second aspect is characterized by further comprising: a bag chamber fluidly connected to a dispensing outlet, the bag chamber being at least partially defined by a first pressure plate and a second pressure plate; and a piston mounted in a tower, connected to the first pressure plate and operatively connected to a controller, the piston being configured to press the first pressure plate against the second pressure plate to compress the bag contained therein, thereby dispensing the contents of the bag from the dispensing outlet; wherein the controller is configured to prevent activation of the piston unless one or more sensors detect the presence of a magnet.

[0018] The machine defined in the second aspect is characterized in that at least one sensor is a sensor.

[0019] The machine defined in the second aspect is characterized in that at least one sensor is two sensors, and wherein the two sensors are positioned to be spaced 90 degrees apart around the dispensing outlet.

[0020] The machine defined in the second aspect is characterized in that the controller is configured such that two sensors detect a magnet indicating that a bottle of a first size is present on the base and positioned below the dispensing outlet, and is configured such that two sensors detect two magnets indicating that a bottle of a second size is present on the base and positioned below the dispensing outlet, the second size being different from the first size.

[0021] The machine defined in the second aspect is characterized in that the third and fourth sensors are associated with the bag chamber and operatively connected to the controller, and wherein the third and fourth sensors are positioned such that the smaller first bag is detected by the third sensor alone, while the larger second bag is detected by both the third and fourth sensors.

[0022] As a third aspect, embodiments of the present invention relate to a beverage mixing machine, comprising: a base; a tower extending upward from the base, the tower including a main body portion and an overhanging portion; a bag chamber having a dispensing outlet located in the overhanging portion, the bag chamber being at least partially defined by a first pressure plate and a second pressure plate; a piston mounted in the tower, the piston engaging the first pressure plate, the piston being configured to move the first pressure plate toward the second pressure plate to squeeze the contents of a bag placed in the bag chamber through the dispensing outlet; a first sensor and a second sensor positioned adjacent to the bag chamber at a first height and a second height, respectively, the first sensor and the second sensor being configured to detect the presence of a bag in the bag chamber; and a controller mounted in one of the base and the tower, the controller being operatively connected to the first sensor, the second sensor, and the piston, the controller being configured to prevent activation of the piston if the first sensor and the second sensor detect a bag of incorrect size. The beverage mixing machine defined in the third aspect is characterized in that the controller is configured such that if both the first sensor and the second sensor detect a bag, the controller understands that a large bag is present in the bag chamber, and if the first sensor detects a bag but the second sensor does not detect a bag, the controller understands that a small bag is present in the bag chamber.

[0023] The beverage mixing machine defined in the third aspect is characterized in that the second pressure plate includes flanges on each side edge, wherein a notch is present on each flange, wherein the first sensor is operated by illuminating light through the notch, and wherein the second sensor is operated by illuminating light over the flange.

[0024] The beverage mixing machine defined in the third aspect is characterized by further comprising: one or more sensors located near the dispensing outlet, the one or more sensors being configured to detect the presence of a magnet.

[0025] The beverage mixing machine defined in the third aspect is characterized in that at least one sensor is two sensors, and wherein the two sensors are positioned at a 90-degree interval around the dispensing outlet.

[0026] The beverage mixing machine defined in the third aspect is characterized in that the controller is configured such that two sensors detect a magnet indicating that a bottle of a first size is present on the base and positioned below the dispensing outlet, and is configured such that two sensors detect two magnets indicating that a bottle of a second size is present on the base and positioned below the dispensing outlet, the second size being different from the first size. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a plant-based beverage mixing machine and bottle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 There is no bottle. Figure 1 A perspective view of the machine.

[0029] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A partial bottom perspective view of the machine, showing the motor, belt, and drive chain used for mixing.

[0030] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A partial top perspective view of the base of the machine, showing the clutch hub.

[0031] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A partial side section view of the machine's drive train and clutch hub.

[0032] Figure 6 It connects to the bottle's stirrer. Figure 5 A side section view of the drive train and clutch hub.

[0033] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 Top perspective view of the bottle.

[0034] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A perspective view of the upper part of the bottle and the top of the neck, where the neck is shown to be transparent, making the magnet embedded therein visible.

[0035] Figure 9 Is Figure 1 In place in the machine Figure 7 and Figure 8 A front perspective view of the bottle, in which part of the overhang has been removed, making the sensor installed therein visible.

[0036] Figure 10 yes Figure 1 The side cross-sectional view of the cantilevered portion of the machine shown illustrates the door in the closed position and the pressure plates pressed together.

[0037] Figure 11 yes Figure 1 The rear side perspective cross-section of the machine shows the piston of the pressure plate after engagement.

[0038] Figure 12 yes Figure 1 The rear side perspective cross-section of the machine shows the location of the controller.

[0039] Figure 13 Is with Figure 1 A perspective view of a bag used with the machine.

[0040] Figure 14 yes Figure 1 A side view of the machine with the door in the open position.

[0041] Figure 15 yes Figure 1 A partial sectional side view of the machine, with the door in the open position.

[0042] Figure 16 yes Figure 1 A partial sectional side view of the machine, showing the door in the open position and a bag inserted into the bag chamber.

[0043] Figure 17 This is a perspective view of a plant-based beverage mixing machine according to an additional embodiment of the invention, showing a large bottle in place in the machine, and separately showing a smaller bottle that can also be used in the machine.

[0044] Figure 18 yes Figure 17 A perspective view of the smaller bottle.

[0045] Figure 19 yes Figure 17 A perspective view of the larger bottle.

[0046] Figure 20 yes Figure 18 A partial top perspective view of the neck of a smaller bottle, where the neck is shown to be transparent, making the magnet embedded therein visible.

[0047] Figure 21 yes Figure 19 A partial top perspective view of the neck of a larger bottle, where the neck is shown to be transparent, making the embedded magnet visible.

[0048] Figure 22 yes Figure 17A partial bottom perspective view of the skirt section of the machine's overhanging part.

[0049] Figure 23 yes Figure 22 A partial front perspective view of the skirt shows the sensor embedded within it.

[0050] Figure 24 yes Figure 17 A perspective view of the front pressure plate of the machine shown.

[0051] Figure 25 yes Figure 17 A partial top perspective view of the machine, with the door in the open position.

[0052] Figure 26 yes Figure 17 The machine shown is a partial top perspective view with the door in the open position and a bag inserted into the bag chamber.

[0053] Figure 27 yes Figure 17 A side view of the machine's pressure plate shows the location of the optical sensors used to detect the presence and size of the bag.

[0054] Figure 28 yes Figure 17 The top perspective view of the pressure plate of the machine shows the optical sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0055] The invention will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are illustrated. However, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will become thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0056] In the accompanying drawings, certain layers, components, or features may be exaggerated for clarity, and dashed lines indicate optional features or operations unless otherwise stated. However, the invention can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will become thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0057] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or segments, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or segments should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or segment from another region, layer, or segment. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the invention, the first element, component, region, layer, or segment discussed below may be referred to as a second element, assembly, region, layer, or segment. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the order of operations (or steps) is not limited to the order shown in the claims or drawings.

[0058] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. It will be further understood that terms defined, for example, in common dictionaries, should be interpreted as having the same meaning as they have in the context of this specification and in the relevant field, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless specifically defined herein. For the sake of brevity and / or clarity, well-known functions or structures may not be described in detail.

[0059] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that, when used in this specification, the terms “comprising” and / or “including” specify the presence of the stated features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or collections thereof. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0060] As used herein, phrases such as “between X and Y” and “between about X and Y” should be interpreted as including both X and Y. As used herein, phrases such as “between about X and Y” mean “between about X and about Y”. As used herein, phrases such as “from about X to Y” mean “from about X to about Y”.

[0061] Now, referring to the attached diagram, Figure 1 and Figure 2 The image shows a plant-based milk dispensing machine, generally indicated by 10. Machine 10 includes a base 12 and a tower 14 extending vertically upward from the rear portion of the base 12. The base 12 includes a receiving recess 16 on which bottles 18 rest during operation. A toothed clutch hub 20 is rotatably mounted within the receiving recess 16. Figure 3 and Figure 4The clutch hub 20 is connected to the motor 22 (located in the tower 14, see belt 24) via belt 24. Figure 3 ) operable connection, the belt engages with the drive chain 26 positioned below the recess 16 ( Figure 4 and Figure 5 ). Transmission chain 26 ( Figure 3 It is connected to the clutch hub 20 via a common shaft.

[0062] Refer back Figure 1 and Figure 2 The tower 14 includes a main body 28 and a cantilevered portion 30 extending over the recess 16. A door 32 is pivotally attached to the lower front end of the cantilevered portion 30. Figure 1 and Figures 14-16 As shown, door 32 can be in the open position ( Figures 14-16 ) and closing position ( Figure 1 Pivoting between two pressure plates 36 and 38, the user can access the bag chamber 34 in the open position, and the bag chamber 34 is closed in the closed position. The bag chamber 34 is partially defined by two pressure plates 36 and 38. Figure 10 , Figure 11 , Figure 15 and Figure 16 Pressure plate 36 is attached to door 32, and as the door pivots, pressure plate 38 is attached within the overhang portion 30. Piston 40 ( Figure 10 and Figure 11 The piston 40 is mounted within the main body 28 of the tower 14 and positioned to engage the pressure plate 38 via a bracket 41 attached to the forward end of the piston 40. The outlet 43 is located at the lower end of the bag chamber 34. Figure 10 ) place.

[0063] Control Panel 42 ( Figure 2 Located on door 32, it includes one or more activation buttons 45. Control panel 42 is connected to a controller that controls the operation of machine 10 (in this embodiment, the controller is in the form of a PCB 44, see...). Figure 12 The controller 44 is operably connected to the piston 40 and the motor 22.

[0064] Now for reference Figures 6-8 The image shows a bottle 18. Bottle 18 has a base plate 50, four side walls 52, and a neck 54 located at its upper end. The side walls 52 generally define squares with wide, rounded corners. The base plate 50 of bottle 18 includes a recess 56 sized to receive the aforementioned clutch hub 20. A toothed clutch basket 58 exists in the recess 56 to mate with the clutch hub 20. An agitator 60 with blades 62 is located above the recess 56 and is connected to the clutch basket 58 via a shaft 64 extending through a bearing 66 in the recess 56. A cap 68 is fitted onto the neck 54 to seal the top of bottle 18.

[0065] Now for reference Figure 13 The image shows a bag 70. The bag 70 is generally rectangular and includes a nozzle 72 at one end. Edges 74 surround both sides and one end of the bag 70. The bag 70 is filled with a paste representing a concentrate of a beverage to be produced by the machine. Exemplary beverages include oat milk, soy milk, and nut-based dairy products, such as almond milk. Details regarding the formulation are discussed in detail in, for example, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2019 / 0344233 of Savino, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0066] In order to operate machine 10, the user pivots door 32 to Figure 14 and Figure 15 Open the bag to the desired position, then insert the bag 70 into the bag chamber 34. Figure 16 In the clutch, between pressure plates 36 and 38, the nozzle 72 is opened and facing downward toward the outlet 43. The user fills bottle 18 with a prescribed amount of water and then places bottle 18 in the position of recess 16 such that clutch basket 58 surrounds clutch hub 20. Recess 16 generally matches the cross-section of bottle 18 (i.e., recess 16 is generally a square with wide rounded corners) so that bottle 18 is seated within recess 16. The user then pivots door 32 to the closed position (e.g., Figure 1 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 The bag 70 is clamped between pressure plates 36 and 38. The user then activates the machine 10 by pressing one of the activation buttons 45 on the control panel 42. This action signals the controller 44 to extend the piston 40, which in turn forces the pressure plate 38 forward, thereby squeezing the bag 70 against the pressure plate 36. This squeezing action forces the paste from the bag 70 through the nozzle 72 and outlet 43 and into the bottle 18, where the paste comes into contact with water. The controller 44 also signals the motor 22 to operate, which causes the clutch hub 20 to rotate. The rotation of the clutch hub causes the agitator 60 to rotate inside the bottle 18, thereby mixing the paste in the bag 70 with the water in the bottle 18. Agitation continues until the contents are completely mixed. The bottle 18 is removed and, in most cases, capped and sealed with the lid 68. The door 32 is moved to the open position, and the (mostly) empty bag 70 is removed.

[0067] Further details regarding the general operation of machine 10 are discussed, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 11,547,975 to Suh et al., the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0068] A more detailed analysis of machine 10 and bottle 70, Figure 8The neck 54 of the bottle 18 is shown to include four magnets 80. The magnets 80 are distributed approximately circumferentially equidistantly from each other around the neck 54 (i.e., they are about 90 degrees apart) and are at least partially (and in some cases completely) embedded in the neck 54. Figure 9 The block 82 is positioned to extend downward from the cantilever portion 34 of the tower and forward from the main body 32. A sensor 84 (e.g., a Hall sensor) is located within the block 82 and is operatively connected to the controller 44. When the bottle 18 is positioned within the recess 16 of the base 12, the sensor 84 is positioned adjacent to or behind the neck 54 of the bottle 18. Magnets 80 are positioned in the neck 54 such that when the bottle 18 is placed in the recess 16, one of the four magnets 80 is directly in front of the sensor 84.

[0069] The aforementioned configuration can serve as an "interlock" for machine 10, preventing its operation if bottle 10 is not in the proper position. More specifically, if bottle 18 is present in recess 16 and thus positioned to receive paste from bag 70, sensor 84 can detect one of the magnets 80 in neck 54 of bottle 18 and signal the presence of bottle 18 to controller 44. However, if sensor 84 does not detect the presence of magnet 80, controller 44 interprets this as bottle 18 not being present, and therefore attempts to activate machine 10 by pressing activation button 45 will not initiate operation of machine 10. Thus, sensor 84's failure to detect a magnet prevents controller from operating machine 10.

[0070] It is worth noting that the presence of the four magnets 80 allows the user to orient the bottle 18 in any of the four directions (each direction is spaced 90 degrees apart), which allows the bottle 18 to fit correctly into the recess 16 while still allowing the machine 10 to detect its presence.

[0071] Reference Figures 17-28 Another plant-based milk dispenser, generally designated 110, is shown in the illustration. Machine 110 is typically deployed in commercial establishments (e.g., coffee shops, restaurants, etc.). Machine 110 is similar to machine 10 in many respects, as it has a base 112 and a tower 114, wherein the tower 114 has a main body portion 128 and a cantilever portion 130. Machine 110 dispenses the paste from two pressure plates 136, 138 (…). Figure 22The paste is squeezed from bags 170 and 270 into bottles placed on base 112, and the paste in the bottles is mixed with water using a stirrer to make plant-based beverages (e.g., milk). However, machine 110 is configured to dispense paste from two different sized bags 170 and 270, and is further configured to mix the beverage in either of two different sized bottles 118 and 218. Furthermore, the machine itself is configured to deliver water to the bottles, rather than providing water in the bottles before the user dispenses the paste from the bags. These differences, among others, will be discussed below.

[0072] Now for reference Figure 24 The image shows a water nozzle 250. (Example) Figure 24 As shown, water nozzle 250 is positioned to dispense water into bottles 118, 218 when they are positioned on base 112 for dispensing. Water nozzle 250 is typically supplied from a continuous water source (e.g., nozzle 250 may be connected to a nearby water line), but may also be supplied from a refillable reservoir (not shown here) attached to machine 110. A pump or other delivery device (not shown) delivers water from the water source to water nozzle 250, and a flow meter (not shown) is associated with water nozzle 250 to monitor the amount of water dispensed into bottles 118, 218. The pump and flow meter are operatively connected to a controller (not shown, but similar to controller 44 described above).

[0073] Now for reference Figure 18 and Figure 20 Bottle 118 shown is similar to bottle 18 discussed above. Bottle 218 ( Figure 19 and Figure 21 Similar to bottles 18 and 118, bottle 218 has a base plate (not shown), four side walls 252, and a neck 254 at its upper end. Unlike bottles 18 and 118, the four side walls 252 generally define a rectangle (instead of a square) with wide rounded corners. The base plate of bottle 218 includes a recess sized to receive the aforementioned clutch hub. A clutch basket exists in the recess to mate with the clutch hub. A stirrer (not shown), similar to that of bottles 18 and 118, is present inside bottle 218. A cap 268 is fitted onto the neck 254 to seal the top of bottle 218.

[0074] In addition, such as Figure 21As shown, the annular indicator 269 surrounds the neck 254 and is rotatable relative to the neck. The indicator 269 typically includes markings indicating parameters regarding the contents of the bottle 218. For example, the markings may indicate when the bottle was filled, ensuring a specified level of freshness, or may indicate the type of milk contained in the bottle. In some embodiments, the indicator 269 may interact with a ridge or stop (not shown) in the neck 254, such that the indicator 269 is held in a desired position. (In some embodiments, the bottle 118 will also include a similar indicator 169 on its neck 154, see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 20 ).

[0075] Furthermore, bottle 218 has only two (instead of four) magnets 280 embedded in neck 254. Magnets 280 span neck 254 ( Figure 21 They are radially opposite to each other (i.e., separated by 180 degrees).

[0076] Now for reference Figure 24 As can be seen, the overhanging portion 130 of machine 110 includes a lower housing 186 with a semi-circular skirt 188. Two sensors 184a and 184b (see...) Figure 23 Sensors 184a and 184b are embedded within skirt 188 and spaced 90 degrees apart from each other. Sensor 184a is located at the rear of skirt 188, and sensor 184b is located near a forward end of skirt 188. Each sensor 184a, 184b is operatively connected to controller 144.

[0077] Due to the different constructions of bottles 118 and 218 and the deployment of two sensors 184a and 184b, machine 110 has the ability to identify which type of bottle is being dispensed. This ability to distinguish between bottles 118 and 218 is important because machine 118 itself dispenses water into bottles 118 and 218 (rather than water provided by the user), thus the appropriate amount of water must be dispensed based on the bottle's size. When the larger bottle 218 (which has two radially opposing magnets 280 in its neck 254) is positioned for dispensing, only sensor 184b detects the magnets 180, as no magnet is adjacent to sensor 184a. Thus, machine 110 identifies bottle 218 as the larger bottle and dispenses water accordingly. Regardless of the orientation of bottle 218, the bottle is correctly identified (the bottle can be positioned for dispensing in either of two orientations 180 degrees apart).

[0078] Conversely, if the small bottle 118 is positioned for dispensing, the corresponding one of the magnets 180 is positioned adjacent to each of the sensors 184a, 184b, resulting in both sensors 184a, 184b sensing the magnet 180. The machine 110 thus recognizes the bottle 118 as the small bottle and dispenses water accordingly. The machine 110 can correctly determine the bottle size for a bottle positioned on the base 112 in any of the four orientations (90 degrees apart); with four magnets 180 present at 90-degree intervals in the neck 154, two of the magnets 180 will be adjacent to the two sensors 184a, 184b, regardless of which of the four orientations the bottle 118 might be in.

[0079] Furthermore, sensors 184a, 184b and magnets 180 / 280 can act as an "interlock" to prevent unwanted operation / assignment. Similar to what has been discussed above, machine 110 can be configured such that at least one sensor (sensor 184b) must detect magnets 180, 280 before controller 144 allows machine 110 to operate.

[0080] It should also be noted that when bottles 118 and 218 are in place, the presence of skirt 188 can prevent the user's fingers from being stuck or pinched by door 132.

[0081] Machine 110 can also be used with bags of different sizes. Large bags 270 (see...) Figure 23 This can be used with the large bottle 218. The large bag is similar to... Figure 13 The bag is 70, but it's slightly longer, wider, and thicker.

[0082] When door 132 is in the open position ( Figure 22 and Figure 23 The operation of machine 110 requires loading one of the bags 70 into bag chamber 134. Pressure plates 136 and 138 are slightly longer than those in machine 10 to accommodate a larger bag 270. Now refer to... Figures 24-26 As can be seen, the pressure plate 136 includes a flange 237 on each side, and each flange 237 has a notch 239. A light emitter / sensor pair 241 is mounted above the upper end of the flange 237 adjacent to each side of the pressure plate 136, and another light emitter / sensor pair 243 is mounted adjacent to the notch 239 (see...). Figure 27 and Figure 28 When no bag is present in the bag chamber 134 with the door, both sensors 241 and 243 detect light emitted by their respective transmitters 241 and 243, which sends a signal to the controller 144 that no bag is present. When the small bag 70 is inserted into the bag chamber 134 and the door 132 is moved to the closed position (e.g., ...), Figure 17When the small bag 70 blocks the light emitted by transmitter 243, the sensor 243 cannot detect the light. However, the bag is not large enough to block the light emitted by transmitter 241, so sensor 241 detects the light. When light is detected by sensor 241 but not by sensor 243, the controller knows that the small bag 70 is present in bag chamber 234. When the large bag 270 is inserted into bag chamber 234 and door 132 is moved to the closed position, the large bag 270 is large enough to interfere with the light emitted by both transmitters 241 and 243, so sensors 241 and 243 do not detect the light, thus indicating to the controller that the large bag 270 is present in bag chamber 234. Therefore, the operation of sensors 241 and 243 ensures that the correct size bag matches the correct size bottle.

[0083] Therefore, in order to operate machine 110, the user opens door 132 ( Figure 22 Insert bags 70, 270 ( Figure 23 ), and close door 132 (e.g., Figure 17 The user also positions bottles 118 and 218 on base 116, causing agitators 160 and 260 to engage clutch hub 120. The user then activates machine 110 via activation button on door 132. Controller receives signals from sensors 184a and 184b to determine the presence of small bottle 118 or large bottle 218. Controller also receives signals from sensors 241 and 243 to determine the presence of large bag 270 or small bag 70 in bag chamber 134. If the controller determines that the bag size matches the bottle size, the controller is free to activate (a) a piston to compress the bag in bag chamber 134, (b) a motor to rotate the agitator in the bottle, and (c) a pump or other delivery device to supply water to the bottle through water nozzle 250. These steps can be performed simultaneously or in a desired order. Once the contents of the bag and the mixture of these contents with water are complete, the controller deactivates machine 110, and the user can remove the bottle and attach the cap.

[0084] Those skilled in the art will understand that one or both of machines 10 and 110 may take other forms. For example, any of bottles 18, 118, and 218 may take different forms (e.g., they may have different footprints and / or different stirring mechanisms). The bases of machines 10 and 110 may take different forms to accommodate different bottles. Machine 10 may have a continuous water source, like machine 110, or machine 110 may not have a continuous water source. Other variations may also be adopted, including those discussed in the various documents incorporated herein by reference.

[0085] Furthermore, the use of the magnet within the neck of the bottle, which serves as the interlocking mechanism, can be varied. For example, the sensor detecting the magnet can take the form of a different type than a Hall sensor. As another example, the magnet can be placed elsewhere within the bottle (e.g., near the bottom), and the sensor can be positioned accordingly to detect the magnet. The controller can be configured to allow the user to bypass the interlock. Other variations are also possible.

[0086] Furthermore, machine 110 may include different bag size detection schemes. As an example, a proximity switch (instead of a light emitter-detector pair) or a mechanical switch may be used; both switches can follow the same logic scheme to detect large / small / no bags within the bag chamber. Other variations may also be used.

[0087] In conjunction with the foregoing description and accompanying drawings, numerous different embodiments have been disclosed herein. It should be understood that a literal description and illustration of every combination and sub-combination of these embodiments would be excessively repetitive and obscure. Therefore, this specification, including the accompanying drawings, should be construed as a complete written description of the various exemplary combinations and sub-combinations constituting the embodiments, as well as the ways and processes of making and using them, and should support the claims for any such combination or sub-combination. Many variations and modifications can be made to the embodiments without substantially departing from the principles described herein. All such variations and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A bottle for use in a beverage mixing machine, characterized in that, include: Base plate; At least one sidewall extending upward from the base plate; and The neck extends upwards from the side wall; The neck includes at least one magnet that is at least partially embedded therein.

2. The bottle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one sidewall is four sidewalls, and the sidewalls are arranged such that the bottle has a square bottom profile.

3. The bottle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one sidewall is four sidewalls, and the sidewalls are arranged such that the bottle has a rectangular bottom profile.

4. The bottle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one magnet is two magnets, and the two magnets are positioned radially opposite each other.

5. The bottle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one magnet is four magnets, and the four magnets are positioned to surround the neck at 90-degree intervals.

6. The bottle according to claim 1, characterized in that, It further includes a cap fitted onto the neck.

7. The bottle according to claim 1, characterized in that, It further includes a rotatable agitator that is rotatably mounted to the base plate.

8. The bottle according to claim 1, characterized in that, It further includes a ring indicator surrounding the neck of the bottle, the ring indicator including markings configured to indicate parameters relating to the contents of the bottle.

9. A beverage mixing machine, characterized in that, include: Base; A tower extending upward from the base, the tower comprising a main body and a cantilevered portion; The distribution outlet is located in the overhang portion; One or more sensors located near the distribution outlet, the one or more sensors being configured to detect the presence of a magnet; as well as A controller installed in one of the base and the tower, the controller being operatively connected to the sensor, the controller being configured to prevent operation of the machine unless at least one of the one or more sensors detects the presence of a magnet.

10. The machine according to claim 9, characterized in that, It further includes a rotatable clutch hub mounted in the base below the distribution outlet, and a motor operatively connected to the clutch hub and the controller, wherein the controller is configured to prevent the motor from being activated unless the one or more sensors detect the presence of a magnet.

11. The machine according to claim 9, characterized in that, Further includes: A bag chamber fluidly connected to the dispensing outlet, the bag chamber being at least partially defined by a first pressure plate and a second pressure plate; and A piston, mounted in the tower, connected to the first pressure plate and operatively connected to the controller, is configured to press the first pressure plate against the second pressure plate to compress the bag contained therein, thereby dispensing the contents of the bag from the dispensing outlet; The controller is configured to prevent activation of the piston unless one or more sensors detect the presence of a magnet.

12. The machine according to claim 9, characterized in that, The at least one sensor is a sensor.

13. The machine according to claim 11, characterized in that, The at least one sensor is two sensors, and the two sensors are positioned at a 90-degree interval around the dispensing outlet.

14. The machine according to claim 13, characterized in that, The controller is configured such that the two sensors detect a magnet indicating the presence of a first-sized bottle on the base and positioned below the dispensing outlet, and is configured such that the two sensors detect two magnets indicating the presence of a second-sized bottle on the base and positioned below the dispensing outlet, the second size being different from the first size.

15. The machine according to claim 14, characterized in that, The third and fourth sensors are associated with the bag chamber and operatively connected to the controller, wherein the third and fourth sensors are positioned such that the smaller first bag is detected by the third sensor alone, while the larger second bag is detected by both the third and fourth sensors.

16. A beverage mixing machine, characterized in that, include: Base; A tower extending upward from the base, the tower comprising a main body and a cantilevered portion; A bag chamber having a dispensing outlet located in the overhang portion, the bag chamber being at least partially defined by a first pressure plate and a second pressure plate; A piston installed in the tower engages the first pressure plate and is configured to move the first pressure plate toward the second pressure plate to squeeze the contents of a bag placed in the bag chamber through the dispensing outlet; A first sensor and a second sensor are positioned adjacent to the bag chamber at a first height and a second height, respectively, and the first sensor and the second sensor are configured to detect the presence of a bag in the bag chamber; A controller, which is installed in one of the base and the tower, is operatively connected to the first and second sensors and the piston, and is configured to prevent activation of the piston if the first and second sensors detect an incorrectly sized bag.

17. The beverage mixing machine according to claim 16, characterized in that, The controller is configured such that if both the first sensor and the second sensor detect a bag, the controller understands that a large bag is present in the bag chamber; and if the first sensor detects a bag but the second sensor does not detect a bag, the controller understands that a small bag is present in the bag chamber.

18. The beverage mixing machine according to claim 17, characterized in that, The second pressure plate includes flanges on each side edge, wherein a notch is present on each flange, wherein the first sensor operates by illuminating light through the notch, and wherein the second sensor operates by illuminating light over the flange.

19. The beverage mixing machine according to claim 16, characterized in that, Further includes: One or more sensors located near the distribution outlet, the one or more sensors being configured to detect the presence of a magnet.

20. The beverage mixing machine according to claim 19, characterized in that, The at least one sensor is two sensors, and the two sensors are positioned at a 90-degree interval around the dispensing outlet.

21. The beverage mixing machine according to claim 20, characterized in that, The controller is configured such that the two sensors detect a magnet indicating the presence of a first-sized bottle on the base and positioned below the dispensing outlet, and is configured such that the two sensors detect two magnets indicating the presence of a second-sized bottle on the base and positioned below the dispensing outlet, the second size being different from the first size.

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