SYSTEM, VERTICAL AXIS MECHANISM AND MANUFACTURING METHOD - Patent application

Abstract

The system includes a tray (44), a printing assembly (22), a shaft mechanism (10), a coupling mechanism (88), and a cover (54). The tray (44) is configured to receive a sample (70) containing a first flowable material substrate (FMS) (69) thereon. The printing assembly (22) is configured to print an image made of an edible substance on a second FMS layer (68) formed on the first FMS (69) of the sample. The shaft mechanism (10) is configured to move the tray (44) carrying the sample (70) along a vertical axis to control the distance (41) between the sample and the printing assembly (22). The coupling mechanism (88) is configured to couple the shaft mechanism (10) and the tray (44). The cover (54) has a front surface (77) facing the sample (70) and is configured to prevent spillage of at least one of the first and second FMSs (69, 68) from wetting the spindle mechanism (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system, a vertical axis mechanism, and a manufacturing method. In an embodiment, the present invention generally relates to a system for printing an edible image on a fluidic material substrate, and more particularly to a method and a system for printing an edible image on a fluidic material substrate with vertical movement and spill prevention.

Background Art

[0002] In food processing and decoration systems, various techniques for vertically moving a sample containing a fluidic edible material have been disclosed in patent documents.

[0003] For example, PCT International Publication WO2015 / 011691 (Patent Document 1) describes an extrusion device and a folding cartridge that contain an extrudable food material, preferably soft cream. The extrusion device includes a fixed piston, a movable chamber having one end arranged to receive the fixed piston and the other end having an outlet for the movable chamber. The movable chamber is arranged to accommodate a folding cartridge containing an extrudable food material that is extruded through a nozzle aligned with the outlet of the movable chamber. A mechanism for moving the movable chamber and a frame for assembling the mechanism for moving the fixed piston and the movable chamber. When the movable chamber moves towards the fixed piston, the fixed piston applies pressure to the folding cartridge within the movable chamber, and the extrudable food material is extruded through the nozzle of the folding cartridge.

[0004] U.S. Patent No. 4,861,255 (Patent Document 2) describes a device for converting hard frozen confectionery into soft frozen confectionery by flavoring and extruding single-batch portions. An ultra-fresh product with exceptional flavor and consistency is produced. Fruit additives remain soft and flavorful, not frozen. Cookie additives remain crunchy, not sticky like regular ice cream. Hundreds of flavor combinations become practical. The invention utilizes a piston and cylinder for pressurizing the product for extrusion, and a special rotating wheel on a retractable shaft through the piston that performs mixing, cutting, crushing, and sweeping functions. The aggregate is extruded by this wheel into a central extrusion orifice. A commercial version of this device requires 1 / 10 HP to operate and weighs 62 pounds. A "home use" version of this machine weighs 30 pounds.

[0005] PCT International Publication WO91 / 14241 (Patent Document 3) describes a cup dispenser capable of dispensing cups from a vertical stack of nested cups, and a cup transfer means movable between a cup receiving position below the dispenser and a beverage receiving position below the spout of a dispensing machine. It includes a beverage and a transfer means that moves the cup transfer means between its positions in synchronization with the operation of the dispenser. A single motor constitutes the transfer means and also operates the dispenser. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] PCT International Open WO2015 / 011691 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent No. 4,861,255 [Patent Document 3] PCT International Opening WO91 / 14241 [Overview of the Initiative]

[0007] One embodiment of the present invention described herein provides a system comprising a tray, a printing assembly, an axis mechanism, a coupling mechanism, and a cover. The tray is configured to place a sample containing at least a first fluid material substrate on it. The printing assembly is configured to print an image made from edible material onto a second fluid material substrate layer formed on the first fluid material substrate of the sample. The mechanism is configured to control the distance between the sample and the printing assembly by moving the tray with the sample along a vertical axis. The coupling mechanism is configured to couple the axis mechanism and the tray. The cover is configured to cover the axis mechanism and has a front surface that at least partially faces the sample and is configured to prevent spillage of at least one of the first and second fluid material substrates from wetting the axis mechanism.

[0008] In some embodiments, the cover has one or more additional surfaces not facing the sample, at least one of the additional surfaces having a slit extending along a vertical axis, and the coupling mechanism has a tenon positioned within the slit and configured to slide along the slit to move the coupling mechanism along the vertical axis. In other embodiments, the cover comprises (i) a first panel having a front surface, and (ii) a second panel positioned at a predetermined distance from the first panel so as to form a slit between the first panel and the second panel. In yet another embodiment, the first panel includes at least a portion of the one or more additional surfaces that are bent relative to the front surface.

[0009] In one embodiment, the first and second panels are U-shaped and face each other to form an internal volume including at least the axial mechanism. In another embodiment, a moving assembly is provided which is configured to drive the axial mechanism to move the coupling mechanism. In yet another embodiment, a processor is provided which is configured to control the moving assembly to move the tray between at least (i) a loading position on the tray and a removal position from the tray of the container, and (ii) a printing position adjacent to the printing assembly for printing an image on a second fluid material substrate.

[0010] In some embodiments, the axial mechanism comprises a rotatable shaft configured to be rotated by a moving assembly and to move a coupling mechanism. In another embodiment, the rotatable shaft includes a screw shaft. In yet another embodiment, the axial mechanism comprises one or more shafts extending along a vertical axis, and the coupling mechanism is configured to slide along one or more shafts to move a tray along the vertical axis.

[0011] One embodiment of the present invention provides a vertical axis mechanism (VAM) having a coupling mechanism and a cover for the axis mechanism. The coupling mechanism is configured to couple (i) the axis mechanism and (ii) a tray on which a sample containing at least a first fluid material substrate is placed, along the vertical axis, to print an image made of edible material onto the sample. The cover for the axis mechanism has a front surface that is at least partially facing the sample and is configured to prevent spills of the first fluid material substrate from wetting the axis mechanism.

[0012] In some embodiments, the sample is formed on a first fluid material substrate. The device includes a container configured to contain at least a second fluid material substrate, and a processor configured to control a moving assembly to move a tray between at least (i) a loading position on the tray and a removal position from the tray of the container, and (ii) a printing position adjacent to a printing assembly for printing an image on the second fluid material substrate.

[0013] One embodiment of the present invention provides a manufacturing method comprising the step of receiving a tray on which a sample containing a fluid material substrate is placed. A printing assembly for printing an image made from an edible material onto the fluid material substrate is received. An axial mechanism for moving the tray with the sample along a vertical axis is received. A coupling mechanism is coupled between the axial mechanism and the tray. The axial mechanism is covered with a cover having a front surface that at least partially faces the sample to block spills of the fluid material substrate from wetting the axial mechanism.

[0014] In some embodiments, the process includes the steps of coupling a moving assembly to an axis mechanism for driving the axis mechanism, and moving the coupling mechanism. In another embodiment, the process includes the steps of connecting the moving assembly to a processor for controlling the moving assembly to move the tray between at least (i) a loading position on the tray and a removal position from the tray of a container, and (ii) a printing position adjacent to a printing assembly for printing an image on a fluid material substrate. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] The present invention will be better understood from a detailed description of embodiments with reference to the following drawings: [Figure 1A] This is a schematic diagram of a system for printing edible images on a fluid material substrate (FMS) according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1B] This is a schematic diagram of a system for printing edible images on a fluid material substrate (FMS) according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2A] This is a schematic diagram of an assembly for vertically moving a sample, including an FMS for printing edible images, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2B] This is a schematic diagram of an assembly for vertically moving a sample, including an FMS for printing edible images, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3]A flowchart schematically showing a method of generating a system configured to print an edible image on an FMS according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] (Overview) The embodiments of the present invention described below provide an improved technique for moving a fluidic material substrate (FMS) along the vertical axis of a system in order to print an image on the upper surface of the uppermost FMS.

[0017] In some embodiments, a system for printing an edible image on the upper surface of the uppermost FMS includes a printing assembly, a tray, a vertical axis mechanism (VAM), a coupling mechanism, and a cover.

[0018] In some embodiments, the tray is configured to carry a container, such as a glass or cup, having first and second FMSs, such as appropriate foam generated on coffee or beer. The following description relates to beer and malt foam, but with the necessary modifications, it is equally applicable to one or more other suitable types of FMSs.

[0019] In some embodiments, the printing assembly includes one or more reservoirs of an edible material, such as malt, and one or more print heads configured to move relative to the foam and print an image made from the edible material on the upper surface of the foam. The vertical axis mechanism (VAM), described in detail below, is configured to control the distance between the foam and the printing assembly by moving a tray carrying a beer glass along the vertical axis of the system.

[0020] In some embodiments, the coupling mechanism is configured to couple between the axis mechanism and the tray and has one or more hozo. The system further includes a processor and a moving assembly configured to be controlled by the processor and drive the axis mechanism to move the coupling mechanism.

[0021] In some embodiments, a vertical axis mechanism (VAM) includes: (i) one or more shafts extending along a vertical axis, where a coupling mechanism is configured to slide along one or more of the shafts to move a tray along the vertical axis; and (ii) a rotating shaft, such as a threaded shaft, that is rotated by a moving assembly and is configured to move a connecting mechanism.

[0022] In some embodiments, a processor is configured to control a moving assembly and a vertical axis mechanism (VAM) to move a tray along a vertical axis between: (i) a loading / unloading position where a beer glass is placed on or removed from the tray; and (ii) a printing position where a printing head moves relative to the beer glass to print an edible image on a foam surface.

[0023] Note that when the beer glass moves along the vertical axis, one or more FMSs (e.g., foam and beer) may spill from the beer glass, potentially wetting the vertical axis mechanism (VAM) or other elements or modules of the system that should be in a dry state. Such wetting can disrupt the daily operation of the system, require excessive maintenance, and even cause the system to malfunction.

[0024] In some embodiments, the system includes a cover configured to at least cover the vertical axis mechanism (VAM). The cover can include one or more panels, such as two U-shaped panels, configured to surround at least the VAM for enclosure and thus protect the VAM from spillage of the aforementioned FMS.

[0025] In some embodiments, a first panel of the cover can have a front face that at least partially faces the beer glass and is configured to prevent spillage of at least one FMS from wetting the vertical axis mechanism (VAM). The first cover can have an additional face, for example, that bends at a right angle to the front face to form a U-shape.

[0026] In some embodiments, the second panel of the cover has a U-shape having a predetermined face positioned at a predetermined distance from an additional face of the first panel, thereby defining a slit between each pair of the additional face and the predetermined face that does not face the beer glass.

[0027] In some embodiments, the first and second panels are arranged around a vertical axis mechanism (VAM), and each tenon of the coupling mechanism is positioned within its respective slit and configured to slide along the slit to move the coupling mechanism and tray along the vertical axis.

[0028] The disclosed technology improves the productivity and reliability of systems for distributing any suitable substance onto the surface of any type of fluid moving along an axis, particularly systems for printing edible images on edible FMS.

[0029] (System description) Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of a system 11 configured to print edible images on one or more fluid material substrates (FMS) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] In some embodiments, the system 11 comprises a print assembly 22, a tray 44, and a vertical axis mechanism (VAM) 10. In this example, the VAM 10 is positioned between the print assembly 22 and the tray 44 and is configured to move the tray 44 relative to the print assembly 22 along the Z-axis, which is the vertical axis of the system 11. The VAM 10 and the tray 44 are described in detail in Figures 2A and 2B below. The tray 44 is configured to move along the Z-axis between the base 37 of the system 11 and the print assembly 22.

[0031] In the context of this disclosure, the terms “vertical axis” and “Z axis” are used interchangeably and refer to the axis for moving the tray 44 along the Z axis of the XYZ coordinate system in Figure 1A (and Figures 1B, 2A, and 2B below).

[0032] In some embodiments, the tray 44 is configured to carry and move samples, such as containers having one or more FMSs, along the vertical axis of the system 11. In the examples herein, the container comprises a glass 70 or cup configured to contain one or more FMSs as described herein.

[0033] In the context of this disclosure and the claims, the term FMS refers to any substance that can flow. It is, for example, a beverage such as a cocktail, milkshake, beer, coffee, tea (chia, matcha, etc.), fruit shake, vegetable shake, soda, or yogurt. In addition or alternatively, FMS may also include foam (e.g., foam in a beverage). Examples of foam include: beer foam, egg white foam, milk foam, milk substitute foam, soy foam, aquafaba foam, chickpea foam, nitro foam (meaning a nitrogen-infused beverage, creating a mixture of foam from the beverage and nitrogen foam), cillaia extract, yucca extract, or other suitable types of foam.

[0034] In the example in Figure 1A, the FMS comprises (i) a drinkable liquid such as beer 69 poured into a glass 70, and (ii) a malt-based foam 68 with an upper surface formed on top of the beer 69, which is here referred to as the surface 67. Alternatively, the FMS may comprise (i) liquid coffee instead of beer 69, and (ii) frothed milk instead of the foam 68 placed on top of the coffee, or any other suitable type of FMS as described above.

[0035] In some embodiments, the printed assembly 22 comprises a housing, also referred to herein as a cover 18, which is typically opaque and made of metal, polymer, a combination thereof, or any other suitable material. Alternatively, the cover 18 may be translucent or completely transparent.

[0036] In some embodiments, the printing assembly 22 includes (i) one or more print heads 34 configured to receive one or more types of edible ink (e.g., malt-based or coffee-based solutions) on the X axis 14 and / or Y axis 16 of the XY stage 12, and (iii) the surface 67 of the foam 68, to which the edible ink is applied (e.g., by inkjet printing) to generate an edible image thereon.

[0037] In some embodiments, the printed assembly 22 may include a transparent window 15 that allows the printing process to be viewed.

[0038] In some embodiments, the system 11 includes one or more boards, in this example, a printed circuit board (PCB) 32 having multiple active and passive electronic devices such as a processor 33, and the PCB 32, which may be hidden by a package or between PCBs, may include, but is not limited to, memory devices, input / output (IO) ports and communication devices, chipsets, controllers, and other devices (not shown) such as active and / or passive devices (e.g., one or more resistors, capacitors, and inductors).

[0039] Typically, the processor 33 includes a general-purpose processor programmed with software to perform the functions described herein. The software can be downloaded to the processor in electronic form, for example, over a network, or alternatively or additionally, provided and / or stored in a non-transient tangible medium such as magnetic, optical, or electronic memory.

[0040] In some embodiments, the system 11 includes cables or any suitable wireless communication device (not shown) configured to transmit signals exchanged between the PCB 32 and various elements and modules of the system 11, and between the PCB 32 and external entities of the system 11. For example, the processor 33 is configured to receive an image intended to be printed on the surface 67 from an external source, either via the aforementioned cables or wirelessly. The processor 33 is then configured to transmit, for example, a print signal to the XY stage 12 and one or more print heads 34 indicating an instruction to print the edible image on the surface 67 of the foam 68.

[0041] In some embodiments, the system 11 is coupled to the front and rear sides of the cover 18, respectively, and comprises the front and rear panels described herein. In the context of this disclosure, the term “front side” refers to the side of the system 11 facing the operator of the system 11, for example, a bartender, and the term “rear side” refers to the side of the system 11 facing the client who receives the glass 70 after an edible image has been printed on the surface 67.

[0042] In some embodiments, the rear panel 21 of the system 11 facing the client may include, but is not limited to, a fixed or replaceable sign configured to display appropriate content such as commercial advertisements. In alternative embodiments, the rear panel 21 may include a display configured to display any of the following appropriate content, but is not limited to, a gear rally of digital images selected by the client, images selected by the client, or images received from a mobile device: client videos, commercial videos, an internet browser, broadcast content (such as those received from a selected television channel), a movie selected by the client, or other appropriate content.

[0043] In some embodiments, the front panel may include any suitable type of display 20, such as a flat-panel touchscreen, configured to function as a graphical user interface (GUI) for controlling the system 11. The display 20 may be used by a bartender or any other user of the system 11, such as a service technician for the system 11, but not limited to these. Additionally or alternatively, the system 11 may include a remote control device, such as a smartphone or tablet, having a software interface with a GUI displayed by the processor 33. In such a case, at least one of the display 20 and the rear panel 21 may have additional or alternative uses.

[0044] This method of printing edible images onto an FMS is realized, for example, by the Ripples MARKER® and system produced by Ripples® LTD. (Petah Tikva, Israel), which is described in detail, for example, U.S. Patent Application Publication 109 / 0317519, incorporated herein by reference. Furthermore, U.S. Patent Application Publication 2009 / 0317519 further describes use cases of a GUI for controlling system 11, design of digital images to be applied to surface 67 by system 11, and examples of methods for receiving, displaying, and applying digital images to surface 67.

[0045] In some embodiments, the processor 33 is configured to control a moving assembly (shown in Figures 2A and 2B below) and the VAM 10 to move the tray 44 along the vertical axis of the system 11. In this example, the tray 44 moves between (i) a loading / unloading position where the glass 70 is placed on or removed from the tray 44, and (ii) a printing position where the print head 34 moves relative to the glass 70 and prints an edible image on the surface 67 of the glass 70.

[0046] In the example shown in Figure 1A, the tray 44 is positioned in the printing position, but the tray 44 is lifted toward the printing assembly 22 along the Z-axis so that the surface 67 of the bubble 68 is positioned at a specific distance 41 (e.g., less than about 1 cm) from the printing assembly 22 in order to obtain favorable conditions for printing the ink image on the surface 67.

[0047] In some embodiments, the system 11 may include one or more sensors (not shown) configured to generate signals used by the processor 33 to control the position of the tray 44. In such embodiments, the processor 33 is configured to control the position of the tray 44 along the vertical axis based on the signals received from the sensors.

[0048] In the context of this disclosure, the terms “about” or “approximately” for any number or range indicate appropriate dimensional tolerances that enable some or all of the components to function for the intended purposes described herein.

[0049] In the example of system 11, the glass 70 is carried by a tray 44 and moved by a moving assembly, as detailed in Figures 2A and 2B below. In some cases, as the glass 70 moves along the vertical axis, one or both of the foam 68 and / or beer 69 may spill from the glass 70, wetting the VAM 10. Such wetting may interfere with the normal operation of system 11 and may require excessive maintenance (at least for the VAM 10), and in severe cases, may cause system 11 to malfunction.

[0050] In some embodiments, the system 11 includes a cover 54 configured to cover at least the VAM 10 so as not to get wet from the aforementioned FMS which may have spilled.

[0051] In some embodiments, the cover 54 may comprise one or more panels, in this example, panels 55 and 56, shown through the printed assembly 22, have a U-shape, as shown in more detail in Figures 2A and 2B below. In some embodiments, panels 55 and 56 are configured to surround at least the VAM 10 for encapsulation, thus protecting the VAM from being wetted by spills of the aforementioned FMS.

[0052] In some embodiments, the panel 55 of the cover 54 has a front surface, referred to herein as a surface 77, facing the glass 70, and is configured to block at least one spill of beer 69 and foam 68 from wetting the VAM 10. In this example, the panel 55 has a single surface 77, but in other embodiments, the panel 55 may have any other configuration suitable for preventing at least one spill of foam 68 and beer 69 from wetting the VAM 10. The panel 55 having a single surface 77 may have two or more surfaces that are arranged along an incline and configured to carry one or more spilled FMS to the drain of the system 11.

[0053] In some embodiments, the panel 55 may have additional surfaces, such as a surface 78 that is bent perpendicular to the surface 77. In such embodiments, in addition to surfaces 77, 78, there may be an additional panel that is bent perpendicular to surface 77, positioned on the hidden side of the panel 55, shown through the printed assembly 22, and forming a U-shape of the panel 55, as shown and described in the following Figures 1B, 2A, and 2B.

[0054] In some embodiments, the panel 56 of the cover 54 has a U-shape having a surface 79, the surface 79 being located at a predetermined distance from the surface 78 of the panel 55, thereby defining a slit 66 between each pair of surfaces 78 and 79 that does not face the glass 70 having the aforementioned FMS (e.g., foam 68 and beer 69). In such embodiments, even if spilled, the foam 68 and / or beer 69 cannot wet the VAM 10.

[0055] In some embodiments, for example, surfaces 78 and 79 aligned with each other in the YZ plane of the XYZ coordinate system in Figure 1A (and Figures 1B, 2A, and 2B below) can be considered as a single surface in the YZ plane having a slit 66 extending along the Z axis of system 11.

[0056] Note that additional parts and assemblies of cover 54, VAM 10, and system 11 related to this disclosure are described in detail in Figures 2A and 2B below.

[0057] In other embodiments, in addition to or instead of one or more printheads 34, the system 11 may include any other suitable apparatus for applying an edible image to the surface 67 of the foam 68. These are described, for example, in PCT International Publications WO2007 / 013061 and WO2005 / 069729, which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0058] In other embodiments, the vertical axis mechanism (VAM) 10 may be located at any other suitable position in the system 11 and may have any other suitable configuration for moving the print assembly 22 and the tray 44 relative to each other.

[0059] This particular configuration of System 11 is shown as an example to illustrate the specific problems addressed by embodiments of the present invention and to demonstrate the applicability of these embodiments in enhancing the performance of such systems. However, embodiments of the present invention are by no means limited to this particular type of exemplary system, and the principles described herein may similarly be applied to other types of systems for printing edible materials onto one or more suitable types of FMS.

[0060] Furthermore, the description of System 11 has been simplified for the sake of clarity of concept, and the configuration of System 11 may include additional components that are not typically essential to the description of the disclosed invention, and therefore, those additional components have been intentionally omitted from the description of the modules, assemblies, and parts of System 11.

[0061] Figure 1B is a schematic diagram of a system 11 at a loading / unloading position according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] In some embodiments, as in the example in Figure 1B, the tray 44 is in a loading / unloading position such that its top surface 47 and the base surface 43 of the base 37 of the system 11 are substantially flush with each other. In this position, the surface 67 is positioned at a different distance 41 from the printed assembly 22, which is suitable for, for example, in the loading / unloading position, the top surface of the glass 70 is positioned at a distance (e.g., about 10 cm) sufficient to (i) safely load the glass 70 onto the tray 44 and (ii) unload the glass 70 from the tray. In this position, the system 11 is configured to prevent collision between the glass and any part of the printed assembly 22 during loading / unloading of the glass 70.

[0063] (This prevents spills of the fluid material substrate from wetting the vertical axis mechanism.) Figure 2A is a schematic diagram of an assembly for a vertically moving glass 70 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the example of Figure 2A, the tray 44 is positioned in the printing position as shown in Figure 1A above, or, when the tray 44 is moved, it is positioned between the loading / unloading position and the printing position as described in detail in Figures 1A and 1B above.

[0064] In some embodiments, the VAM10 comprises one or more shafts, in this example: (i) two rear shafts 92 configured to support the coupling mechanism (CM) 88 while moving along the Z axis, and (ii) a rotatable shaft, in this example a screw shaft 94, configured to rotate (as described later) in order to move the CM 88. The shafts 92, 94 are threaded through holes 98 in the CM, and the CM 88 is configured to slide along the rear shafts 92 and move along the Z axis together with the screw shaft 94, as shown in Figure 2A and described in detail below.

[0065] In some embodiments, the system 11 comprises a mobile assembly (MA) 90, the mobile assembly (MA) 90 having a motor 96, the motor 96 being any suitable type of electric motor (e.g., a brushless motor) controlled by a processor 33 or any other suitable type of motion controller that receives instructions from the processor 33, for example, having an internal encoder (not shown).

[0066] In other embodiments, the motor 96 may be a servo motor or stepping motor equipped with a rotary actuator (or linear actuator) that enables precise control of the angular position (or linear position), speed, and acceleration of movement along the vertical axis.

[0067] In some embodiments, the moving assembly (MA) 90 comprises gears 91A, 91B, and 91C. In this configuration, gear 91A is configured to rotate in conjunction with a screw shaft 94, gear 91B is configured to rotate in conjunction with a motor 96, and gear 91C is incorporated between gears 91A and 91B to transmit rotational motion between them. The motor 96 rotates gear 91A to move the coupling mechanism (CM) 88 along the vertical axis. This causes gear 91C to rotate, then gear 91A to rotate, and finally the screw shaft 94 to rotate. Note that the screw shaft 94 is configured to convert rotational motion into linear motion in order to move the CM 88 along the vertical axis of the system 11.

[0068] In other embodiments, the moving assembly (MA) 90 may comprise any other suitable type of gearbox, including but not limited to pulleys and belts. In an alternative embodiment, the MA 90 may comprise a motor directly connected to a shaft, in which case the motor 90 may be directly coupled to the screw shaft 94.

[0069] In some embodiments, when each of the panels 55 and 56 has a U-shape and the panels 55 and 56 face each other at a predetermined distance between surfaces 78 and 79, they substantially surround the vertical axis mechanism (VAM) 10 and the moving assembly (MA) 90, as shown above in Figure 1A and also in Figure 1B, defining the respective slits 66.

[0070] In some embodiments, the coupling mechanism (CM) 88 has a clamp 72 configured to couple the CM 88 with the screw shaft 94. The clamp 72 and CM 88 are coupled to the tray 44, and it should be noted that as the screw shaft 94 rotates, both the CM 88 and the tray 44 move along the vertical axis, and the holes 98 slide along the rear shaft 92, controlling the smooth, straight movement along the vertical axis. In some embodiments, vibrations that may occur as the glass 70 moves along the vertical axis can cause the foam 68 and / or beer 69 to spill from the glass 70 and / or blur the image printed on the surface 67 of the foam 68. In some embodiments, the sliding of the holes 98 along the shafts 92 and 94 allows the aforementioned smooth movement of the CM 88 and the tray 44 along the vertical axis without the undesirable vibrations described above.

[0071] In some embodiments, the coupling mechanism (CM) 88 has one or more tenons 87 formed as necks within a block of the CM 88. As shown in Figure 2A, each tenon 87 of the CM 88 is positioned within a respective slit 66 defined between surfaces 78 and 79 or panels 55 and 56.

[0072] In some embodiments, the tenons 87 function as bridges connecting a first section of the coupling mechanism (CM) 88 surrounded by panels 55 and 56 to a second section of the CM 88 coupled to the tray 44. In such embodiments, each tenon 87 is configured to slide along its respective slit 66 to move the CM 88 and the tray 44 along their vertical axes.

[0073] In some embodiments, the tray 44 comprises a frame 89 coupled to a coupling mechanism (CM) 88. In this example, the frame 89 and CM 88 are made from a single (e.g., molded) part, but in other embodiments, the CM 88 and frame 89 may be coupled to each other using any suitable technique and configuration.

[0074] In some embodiments, the tray 44 includes a pad 45 made of any suitable material such as rubber. The pad 45 is permeable to the passage of fluid material substrates (FMS) (e.g., beer 69 and foam 68) and other types of fluids, and the surface 47 of the pad 45 has a texture rough enough to prevent glasses 70 from sliding across the XY plane of the tray 44. The pad 45 has a circular portion 80 that indicates the intended position of the glasses 70 on the pad 45 (e.g., to a bartender). The circular portion 80 is shown in detail in Figure 2B below. It should be noted that the pad 45 is inserted into the frame 89 when the glasses 70 are placed on the tray 44 and can be removed from the frame 89, for example, for the purpose of cleaning the frame 89 and / or the pad 45.

[0075] Here, refer to inset 93, which shows the aforementioned single component including the frame 89 and coupling mechanism (CM) 88 of tray 44. Note that the pad 45, panels 55, 56 and shafts 92, 94 have been removed for better understanding of the following description.

[0076] In some embodiments, the frame 89 has an opening 83 configured to allow the FMS and other fluids to pass through, which spill onto the tray 44 and flow into, for example, a sewer system pipeline. Inset 93 also more clearly shows the holes 98 sliding along the respective shafts 92 and 94, and the tenons 87 sliding along the respective slits 66.

[0077] Now, let's return to the overall view in Figure 2A. In some embodiments, the base 37 has an opening 39, which is typically aligned with an opening 83 in the CM 88 and can also be aligned with the rounded portion 80 of the pad 45. The openings 83 and 39 are aligned to allow the FMS and other fluids to pass through the aforementioned sewer pipeline.

[0078] Figure 2B is a schematic diagram of a vertical axis mechanism (VAM) 10 and tray 44, as well as panels 55 and 56 and coupling mechanism (CM) 88, used to move a glass 70 vertically, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] In the example of Figure 2B, the tray 44 is positioned in the loading / unloading location as shown in Figure 1B above. Furthermore, the glass 70 is not placed on the pad 45 of the tray 44 to illustrate one exemplary embodiment of the pad 45.

[0080] As illustrated in Figure 1B above, the top surface 47 of the tray 44 and the base surface 43 of the base 37 are substantially flush with each other. In some embodiments, by making surfaces 43 and 47 flat on the XY plane, a user of the system 11 (e.g., a bartender) can move the glass 70 across the XY plane without causing undesirable collisions between the class 70 and any part of the system 11, such as the frame 89 of the tray 44.

[0081] In some embodiments, in the configurations shown and described in Figures 2A and 2B, spills of one or more fluid materials (FMS) and / or other fluids are blocked by panels 55 and 56 (and mostly by the surface 77 of panel 55, for example, as described in Figures 1A and 1B above) and cannot be wetted. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the frame 89 may have a suitable slope so that any spilled FMS (and / or other fluids) can flow and be washed away. Note that even in the loading / unloading position, panels 55 and 56 almost completely enclose the vertical axis mechanism (VAM) 10 (except for the slit 66) to prevent wetting by the FMS. Furthermore, since the slit 66 is narrow, for example, having a width (along the Y axis) between about 7 mm and 10 mm, and does not face the glass 70, even if a large amount of FMS spills, it cannot wet the VAM 10.

[0082] The vertical axis mechanism (VAM) 10, the moving assembly (MA) 90, the coupling mechanism (CM) 88, the tray 44, and these specific configurations of panels 55 and 56 of system 11 are shown as examples to illustrate the specific problems addressed by embodiments of the present invention and to demonstrate the application of these embodiments in improving the performance of such systems. However, embodiments of the present invention are by no means limited to these specific types of exemplary modules, assemblies, and parts described herein, and the principles described herein may similarly apply to other types of modules, and / or assemblies and / or parts of other systems configured to apply images (using printing or other suitable techniques) to one or more surfaces of any one or more fluid material substrates.

[0083] (Creation of a system for printing edible images onto a fluid material substrate) Figure 3 is a schematic flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing at least a part of system 11 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0084] The method begins with a tray receiving step 200, which receives a tray for moving glasses 70 containing one or more fluid materials (FMS), such as at least one of beer foam 69.

[0085] In the print assembly receiving step 202, the print assembly 22 is received, which has an image created from edible material printed on the top FMS, for example, on the foam surface 67, as described in Figure 1A.

[0086] In the axis mechanism positioning step 204, the vertical axis mechanism (VAM) 10 is received and positioned within the system 11, for example, between the print assembly 22 and the tray 44, as shown in Figures 1A, 1B and 2A, 2B. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1A, 1B and 2A, 2B, the VAM 10 is positioned to move the tray 44 and the glass 70 along the vertical axis and to control the distance 41 between the print assembly 22 and the surface 67 of the foam 68.

[0087] In some embodiments, the mobile assembly (MA) 90 may be coupled to the vertical axis mechanism (VAM) 10 using, for example, the gears 91A, 91B, and 91C described in Figures 2A and 2B above. In other embodiments, the tray 44 may be moved manually along the vertical axis by an operator of the system 11 (e.g., the bartender described above), and therefore, assembly of the MA 90 in the system 11 may not be required.

[0088] In coupling step 206, a coupling mechanism (CM) 88 having one or more tenons 87 is coupled between the vertical axis mechanism (VAM) 10 and the tray 44, as described in Figures 2A and 2B above. In some embodiments, the coupling step includes passing shafts 92 and 94 through holes 98, passing screw shaft 94 through clamp 72, and securing clamp 72 to CM 88.

[0089] In cover assembly step 208, panels 55 and 56 of cover 54 are assembled to the system 11 at a predetermined distance from each other so as to define one or more slits 66. In response to the assembly, panels 55 and 56 surround at least the vertical axis mechanism (VAM) 10 with slits 66 defined between the respective surfaces 78 and 79 of panels 55 and 56. Note that during the assembly of panel 55, surface 77 faces the tray 44 and acts as a buffer between (i) the pad 45 of the tray 44 and (ii) the VAM 10, preventing foam 68 and / or beer 69 spills from wetting the VAM 10 and other parts surrounded by panels 55 and 56, as described in Figures 2A and 2B above.

[0090] In the tenon placement step 210, which completes the manufacturing process, one or more tenons 87 of the joint mechanism (CM) 88 are positioned in one or more respective slits 66, so that each tenon 87 can slide along its respective slit 66 when the CM 88 is moved along the vertical axis of the system 11, as shown in Figures 1A and 2A above. Note that steps 208 and 210 may be performed simultaneously so that the panels 55 and 56 are assembled so that the tenons 87 are positioned within their respective slits 66.

[0091] While the embodiments described herein primarily address systems for printing edible images onto fluid material substrates, the methods and systems described herein can also be used for other applications, such as food printing systems of all kinds.

[0092] Accordingly, it will be understood that the embodiments described above are illustrative and not limited to those specifically shown and described above. Rather, the scope of the invention includes both combinations and subcombinations of the various features described above, as well as variations and modifications thereof not disclosed in the prior art that can be recalled by those skilled in the art by reading the above description herein. Documents incorporated by reference in this patent application are considered integral parts of the application. In the event of any discrepancy between definitions made expressly or implicitly herein and definitions of terms defined in these incorporated documents, the definitions herein shall prevail.

Claims

1. A system comprising: A tray configured to place thereon a sample containing at least a first fluidic material substrate; A printing assembly configured to print an image made of an edible material on a second fluidic material substrate layer formed on the first fluidic material substrate of the sample; A shaft mechanism configured to control the distance between the sample and the printing assembly by moving the tray on which the sample is placed along a vertical axis; A coupling mechanism configured to couple between the shaft mechanism and the tray; and A cover configured to cover the shaft mechanism, having a front face facing at least partially the sample, and configured to prevent at least one spill of the first and second fluidic material substrates from wetting the shaft mechanism; having, The cover has one or more additional faces not facing the sample, at least one of the additional faces having a slit extending along the vertical axis, the coupling mechanism is disposed within the slit and has a hozo configured to slide along the slit to move the coupling mechanism along the vertical axis, the tray has a top face for supporting the sample, and the hozo is disposed at a position higher than the top face of the tray along the vertical axis, The cover has: a first panel having the front face; and a second panel; the second panel is disposed at a predetermined distance from the first panel so as to form the slit therebetween with the first panel, The first and second panels have a U-shape and face each other so as to form an internal volume including at least the shaft mechanism, The first panel has at least a part of the one or more additional faces, which is a face bent with respect to the front face, The first panel is bent at a right angle to the front face and has one face that is located on the hidden side of the first panel and forms a U-shape of the first panel, and the second panel has one face that is located at the predetermined distance from the bent one face of the first panel, thereby defining the slit between the bent one face of the first panel and the one face of the second panel. A system characterized by this.

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the coupling mechanism has a clamp configured to couple between the coupling mechanism and the screw shaft of the shaft mechanism.

3. The system according to claim 1, characterized by comprising a moving assembly configured to drive the shaft mechanism to move the coupling mechanism.

4. The system according to claim 3, characterized by comprising a processor configured to control the moving assembly to move the tray at least between (i) a loading position on the tray and an unloading position from the tray of the sample, and (ii) a printing position adjacent to the printing assembly for printing an image on the second fluidic substrate.

5. The system according to claim 3, characterized in that the shaft mechanism comprises a rotatable shaft configured to be rotated by the moving assembly to move the coupling mechanism.

6. The system according to claim 5, characterized in that the rotatable shaft includes a screw shaft.

7. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the shaft mechanism comprises one or more shafts extending along the vertical axis, and the coupling mechanism is configured to slide along the one or more shafts to move the tray along the vertical axis.

8. A vertical axis mechanism (VAM), (i) a shaft mechanism and (ii) a tray for placing a sample containing at least a first fluidic material substrate thereon, coupled along a vertical axis therebetween, with a coupling mechanism configured to print an image made of an edible material on the sample; a cover of the shaft mechanism, having a front face that at least partially faces the sample, and configured to prevent spillage of the first fluidic material substrate from wetting the shaft mechanism; having the cover has one or more additional faces that do not face the sample, at least one of the additional faces having a slit extending along the vertical axis, the coupling mechanism being disposed within the slit and having a hozo configured to slide along the slit to move the coupling mechanism along the vertical axis, the tray having a top face for supporting the sample, and the hozo being disposed at a position higher than the top face of the tray along the vertical axis, the cover has: a first panel having the front face; and a second panel; the second panel being disposed at a predetermined distance from the first panel so as to form the slit therebetween, the first and second panels have a U-shape and face each other so as to form an internal volume that at least encompasses the shaft mechanism, the first panel has at least a part of the one or more additional faces, which is a face bent with respect to the front face, the first panel is bent at a right angle with respect to the front face and has one face located on the hidden side of the first panel to form the U-shape of the first panel, and the second panel has one face located at the predetermined distance from the bent one face of the first panel, thereby defining the slit between the bent one face of the first panel and the one face of the second panel, characterized by a vertical axis mechanism (VAM).

9. The vertical axis mechanism (VAM) according to claim 8, wherein the coupling mechanism has a clamp configured to couple between the coupling mechanism and the screw shaft of the shaft mechanism.

10. The vertical axis mechanism (VAM) according to claim 8, further comprising a moving assembly configured to drive the shaft mechanism to move the coupling mechanism.

11. The sample includes a container configured to contain at least a second flowable material substrate formed on the first flowable material substrate, and a processor configured to control the moving assembly to move the tray at least between (i) a loading position on the tray and a removal position from the tray of the container, and (ii) a printing position adjacent to a printing assembly for printing an image on the second flowable material substrate. The vertical axis mechanism (VAM) according to claim 10.

12. A manufacturing method comprising: receiving a tray for placing a sample containing a flowable material substrate thereon; receiving a printing assembly for printing an image made of an edible material on the flowable material substrate; receiving a shaft mechanism for moving the tray with the sample thereon along a vertical axis; coupling a coupling mechanism between the shaft mechanism and the tray; and covering the shaft mechanism using a cover having a front face at least partially facing the sample to block spillage of the flowable material substrate from wetting the shaft mechanism; having The cover has one or more additional faces not facing the sample, and at least one of the additional faces has a slit extending along the vertical axis. The step of coupling the coupling mechanism comprises: coupling a hozo configured to be disposed within the slit and slide along the slit to move the coupling mechanism along the vertical axis; wherein the tray has a top surface for supporting the sample, and the step of coupling the coupling mechanism further comprises: disposing the hozo at a position higher than the top surface of the tray along the vertical axis. The step of covering the shaft mechanism comprises: providing a first panel having the front face and providing a second panel, wherein the first and second panels have a U-shape, at least a part of the one or more additional faces of the first panel is bent with respect to the front face, and a first face of the first panel is bent at a right angle with respect to the front face; disposing the second panel at a predetermined distance from the first panel, thereby forming the slit between the first and second panels; orienting the U-shaped first and second panels towards each other, thereby forming an internal volume that includes at least the shaft mechanism; disposing the first face of the first panel on a hidden side of the first panel to form the U-shape of the first panel; and disposing a second face of the second panel at the predetermined distance from the first face of the first panel, thereby defining the slit between the first face of the first panel and the second face of the second panel; comprising A manufacturing method characterized by the above.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized by comprising: coupling a moving assembly for driving the shaft mechanism to the shaft mechanism, and moving the coupling mechanism.

14. Controlling the moving assembly to move the tray at least between (i) a loading position on the tray and an unloading position from the tray of the sample, and (ii) a printing position adjacent to the printing assembly for printing an image on the fluidic material substrate, and connecting the moving assembly to a processor for moving the tray between the positions, the method according to claim 13, characterized in that it comprises this step.

Images