Device and method for nucleation of supercooled beverages

Abstract

The beverage nucleation device includes a housing, a beverage-receiving area defined by the housing for receiving a beverage container containing a super-chilled beverage, and a support configured to support the beverage container in an upright orientation in the beverage-container-receiving area. The beverage nucleation device may further include an applicator configured to contact a sidewall of the beverage container on the support, the applicator comprising an elastic material. An ultrasonic transducer of the beverage nucleation device is configured to generate ultrasonic energy and apply the ultrasonic energy to the beverage container via the applicator to cause nucleation of the super-chilled beverage.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE Embodiments described herein relate generally to devices and methods for forming a slush beverage. In particular, embodiments described herein relate to devices and methods for forming a slush beverage in a beverage container using ultrasonic energy to induce nucleation of a supercooled beverage within the beverage container. [Background technology]

[0002] Consumers may choose to purchase packaged beverages, such as bottled or canned beverages, rather than fountain or draft beverages, for a variety of reasons. Packaged beverages offer improved portability over fountain or draft beverages, which are often dispensed into cups, since the packaged beverage may be sealed and resealed and may be stored in a bag, lunch box, etc. Additionally, some consumers may prefer the experience of drinking directly from a can or bottle, rather than from a plastic or paper cup.

[0003] However, packaged beverages are typically limited to liquid beverages, and packaged beverages generally do not contain slush beverages. Slush beverages may be desired when consumers wish to enjoy a cool and refreshing beverage with a unique texture. In addition, slush beverages may remain cool for longer than beverages that are simply refrigerated. Because slush beverages are partially frozen, the slush beverages are not diluted when the frozen portion of the slush beverage melts. Thus, there is a need in the art for a device and method for preparing slush beverages in a beverage container. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Some embodiments described herein relate to a beverage nucleation device that may include a housing, a beverage receiving area defined by the housing for receiving a beverage container containing a superchilled beverage, and a support configured to support the beverage container in an upright orientation in the beverage container receiving area. The beverage nucleation device may further include an applicator configured to contact a sidewall of the beverage container on the support, the applicator of the beverage nucleation device comprising an elastic material, and an ultrasonic transducer configured to generate ultrasonic energy and apply ultrasonic energy to the beverage container through the applicator to cause nucleation of the superchilled beverage.

[0005] In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the beverage nucleation device may further comprise an actuator configured to cause the ultrasonic transducer to apply ultrasonic energy to the beverage container when the actuator is actuated.

[0006] In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the beverage nucleation device may further comprise an indicator configured to visually indicate when nucleation of the superchilled beverage is complete.

[0007] In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the beverage nucleation device may further comprise a beverage container holder configured to hold the beverage container in a stationary position during application of ultrasonic energy. In some embodiments, the beverage container holder may comprise a first arm configured to be placed in contact with a first sidewall of the beverage container and a second arm configured to be placed in contact with a second sidewall of the beverage container opposite the first sidewall. In some embodiments, the beverage nucleation device may further comprise a drive mechanism configured to move the first arm and the second arm from a rest position to an operating position in which the first arm and the second arm contact the beverage container. In some embodiments, the applicator may be configured to contact a third sidewall of the beverage container.

[0008] In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the applicator may be 0.5 in. 2 ~9in 2 The contact surface may have an area of

[0009] Some embodiments described herein relate to a beverage nucleation device comprising a housing, a beverage container receiving area defined by the housing for receiving a beverage container containing a super-chilled beverage, and a support configured to support the beverage container in an upright orientation. The beverage nucleation device may further comprise an applicator surrounded by the housing and configured to contact a sidewall of the beverage container, the applicator configured to selectively move into contact with the beverage container. The beverage nucleation device may further comprise an ultrasonic transducer configured to selectively apply ultrasonic energy to the beverage container via the applicator to cause nucleation of the super-chilled beverage, a beverage container holder configured to move from a rest position to an operating position in which the beverage container holder is in contact with the sidewall of the beverage container, a drive mechanism configured to move the beverage container holder from the rest position to the operating position, and a controller configured to control operation of the drive mechanism and the ultrasonic transducer.

[0010] In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the applicator may include an elastic material.

[0011] In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the drive mechanism can be configured to move the applicator from a rest position to an operating position in which the applicator is in contact with a sidewall of the beverage container.

[0012] In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the beverage nucleation device may further comprise one or more movable gates configured to hold the beverage container on the support.

[0013] Some embodiments described herein relate to a method for nucleating a superchilled beverage within a beverage container using a beverage nucleation device, the method including: securing a beverage container containing a superchilled beverage within the beverage nucleation device; contacting the secured beverage container with an applicator of the beverage nucleation device, the applicator comprising an elastic material; and applying ultrasonic energy to the beverage container via the applicator to cause nucleation of the superchilled beverage within the beverage container.

[0014] In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, securing the beverage container may include moving a first arm into contact with a first sidewall of the beverage container and moving a second arm into contact with a second sidewall of the beverage container opposite the first sidewall.

[0015] In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, securing the beverage container may include securing the beverage container in an upright orientation.

[0016] In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, contacting the secured beverage container with the applicator may include positioning a contact surface of the applicator to face and engage a sidewall of the secured beverage container.

[0017] In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the method for nucleating a superchilled beverage may further include generating ultrasonic energy via an ultrasonic transducer of the beverage nucleation device.

[0018] In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the method for nucleating a supercooled beverage may further include applying ultrasonic energy for a predetermined period of time.

[0019] In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the method for nucleating a superchilled beverage may further include indicating completion of nucleation of the superchilled beverage via an indicator of the beverage nucleation device.

[0020] In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, a method for nucleating a supercooled beverage may include applying ultrasonic energy having a frequency between 1 kHz and 100 kHz. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0021] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to further explain the principles of the present disclosure and to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the disclosure.

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a beverage nucleation device according to one embodiment.

[0023] [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the components of the beverage nucleation device of FIG. 1.

[0024] [Diagram 3] 1 is a perspective view of a beverage container holder and an applicator of a beverage nucleation device in a rest position according to one embodiment; FIG.

[0025] [Figure 4] 4 is a perspective view of the beverage container holder and applicator of FIG. 3 in an operating position, according to one embodiment.

[0026] [Diagram 5] 2 is a top view of a beverage container holder and an applicator of a beverage nucleation device in a rest position according to one embodiment. FIG.

[0027] [Figure 6]6 is a top view of the beverage container holder and applicator of the beverage nucleation device of FIG. 5 in an operating position, according to one embodiment.

[0028] [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of components of a beverage nucleation device according to one embodiment.

[0029] [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a front view of a beverage nucleation device having an indicator including a light, according to one embodiment.

[0030] [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a front view of a beverage nucleation device having an indicator including a display, according to one embodiment.

[0031] [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a front view of a beverage container having a beverage nucleation device, a cooler, and a label according to one embodiment.

[0032] [Figure 11] FIG. 1 illustrates a method of nucleating a supercooled beverage using a beverage nucleation device.

[0033] [Figure 12] FIG. 1 illustrates a method of nucleating a supercooled beverage using a beverage nucleation device according to one embodiment.

[0034] [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary computer system on which embodiments may be implemented. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0035] Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following description is not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as defined by the appended claims.

[0036] A slush beverage can be formed in a beverage container by cooling the beverage to a temperature below the freezing point of the beverage and then agitating the beverage such that the beverage turns into a partial solid or slush. Agitating the beverage can cause the beverage to nucleate, causing the formation of crystals within the beverage that propagate throughout the beverage, i.e., transforming the beverage into a slush beverage.

[0037] A consumer may enjoy the ability to select a super-chilled beverage and prepare a slush beverage. The consumer may also enjoy the opportunity to watch the nucleation of the beverage as it transitions from a liquid to a slush beverage. The ability to watch the nucleation process may provide a unique and interesting experience to the consumer and may encourage the consumer to make additional purchases.

[0038] However, depending on the agitation method, it may be difficult to view the nucleation of the beverage. For example, when a beverage is nucleated by dropping the beverage container onto a surface or by shaking the beverage container, it may be difficult or impossible for a consumer to view the nucleation of the beverage in the beverage container. Furthermore, some devices for nucleating beverages may block a portion of the beverage container such that the nucleation of the beverage cannot be easily viewed. Furthermore, other methods of nucleating beverages, such as striking the beverage, may dent or otherwise damage the beverage container. Thus, there is a need for a device that can nucleate a beverage in a beverage container that allows a consumer to view the nucleation process.

[0039] Furthermore, existing devices for nucleating a super-chilled beverage in a beverage container may require the consumer to perform a series of steps to nucleate the beverage. For example, the consumer may be required to select a super-chilled beverage, uncapping and re-capping the beverage, and / or shaking the beverage. The consumer may then place the beverage in the nucleation device and perform the steps necessary to operate the nucleation device. As a result, such devices pose a risk of user error. If the user is unable to cause nucleation of the beverage to produce a slush beverage, the consumer may have a poor experience and may be less likely to make additional purchases. Thus, there is a need in the art for systems and methods that allow consumers to easily produce slush beverages and minimize the risk of user error.

[0040] Some embodiments described herein relate to a beverage nucleation device that uses ultrasonic energy to cause the nucleation of a supercooled beverage in a beverage container. In this manner, the beverage nucleation device allows for easy and quick formation of a slush beverage in the beverage container without the need to shake, drop, or strike the container, which may damage the container. Furthermore, the use of ultrasonic energy allows the beverage to be nucleated while the beverage container is in a stationary position, so that the consumer can more easily view the nucleation of the beverage and the transition from liquid to partially solid or slush.

[0041] As used herein, the term "beverage container" may refer to a bottle, a can, a mug, a pouch, or other suitable beverage container. The beverage container may be constructed of glass, a plastic, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polypropylene (PP), or a metal, such as aluminum, among other materials. The beverage container may have any suitable shape. For example, the beverage container may have rounded side walls, may have a generally cylindrical shape, or the beverage container may have flat side walls such that it has a generally square cross-sectional area. The beverage container may be a sealed container, such as a capped bottle or an unopened can. It is understood that the beverage nucleation devices described herein are not limited to use with a particular type or size of beverage container, and any of various types of bottles or cans may be used.

[0042] As used herein, the term "beverage" includes any consumable free-flowing liquid or semi-liquid product that may be carbonated or non-carbonated, including, but not limited to, soft drinks, water, carbonated water, dairy drinks, milkshakes, juices, alcoholic drinks, sports drinks, energy drinks, smoothies, coffee drinks, and tea drinks, among others. As used herein, the term "slush beverage" includes any beverage that has been at least partially frozen such that the beverage is part liquid and part solid.

[0043] A beverage or other liquid is "supercooled" when the beverage falls below the beverage's freezing point and remains in a liquid state. Although the beverage is below its freezing point, it is able to remain in a liquid state until the liquid is agitated, causing nucleation of the beverage.

[0044] In some embodiments, the beverage nucleation device 100 for nucleating a super-chilled beverage in a beverage container 500 includes a beverage container receiving area 118 for receiving a beverage container 500 containing a super-chilled beverage, as shown, for example, in FIG. 1 . The beverage container 500 containing a super-chilled beverage may be removed from a cooler or refrigerator configured for storing the beverage in a super-chilled state (see, for example, FIG. 11 ). The beverage container 500 may be formed from a material that is at least partially transparent or translucent such that the beverage contained therein is visible to the consumer so that the consumer can view the nucleation of the beverage. In some embodiments, the beverage container 500 may be completely transparent or translucent. In some embodiments, the beverage container 500 may be completely opaque or not transparent. The beverage nucleation device 100 may be configured as a stand-alone device and may be positioned for use on a countertop, table, or other support surface. However, in some embodiments, the beverage nucleation device 100 may be integrally formed with a cooler for storing a super-chilled beverage or may be securable to the cooler.

[0045] The housing 110 of the beverage nucleation device 100 may include an upper end 114 opposite a lower end 112. The housing 110 is shown in FIG. 1 as tapering from the lower end 112 to the upper end 114 such that when viewed from the front, the housing 110 has a trapezoidal shape. However, the housing 110 may have a variety of other shapes or configurations and may be shaped as a rectangular prism, a cube, a cylinder, a half cylinder, among various other shapes.

[0046] The housing 110 defines a beverage container receiving area 118 that is at least partially surrounded by the housing 110. The beverage container receiving area 118 can receive a beverage container 500 to be nucleated. The housing 110 can further include a beverage container support 130 for supporting the beverage container 500 within the beverage container receiving area 118. The beverage container support 130 is configured to support the beverage container 500 in an upright or standing orientation, for example, with a lower end or lower surface of the beverage container 500 positioned on the container support 130. In this manner, the beverage container 500 is visible to a consumer during the beverage nucleation process such that the consumer can see the transition of the liquid beverage into a slush beverage within the beverage container 500. In some embodiments, the beverage container support 130 can include a platform and a pair of upright side walls 132 that define a recess 134 in which the beverage container 500 can be positioned to facilitate proper positioning of the beverage container 500 within the beverage nucleation device 100.

[0047] In some embodiments, the beverage nucleation device 100 may include one or more gates 138. In some embodiments, the gates 138 may be used to maintain the beverage container 500 on the support 130 and in the slot 134 and prevent the beverage container 500 from dislodging from the beverage nucleation device 100 during operation of the device 100. The gates 138 may be movable from an open position, in which the beverage container may be inserted into and removed from the beverage nucleation device 100, and a closed position, in which the beverage container 500 cannot be pulled out of the beverage nucleation device 100. When the gates 138 are in the closed position (as shown in FIG. 1 ), the gates 138 may provide an indication to the consumer that the beverage container 500 positioned on the support 130 of the beverage nucleation device 100 should not be removed. Once the beverage nucleation process is complete, the gates 138 may be moved to an open position to inform and allow the beverage container 500 to be removed. The gate 138 can be moved between an open position and a closed position, for example, by pivoting or rotating about a hinge, or the gate 138 can extend or retract from the support 130, for example, from the upright side wall 132 of the support 130. In some embodiments, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, the beverage nucleation device 100 includes a pair of gates 138 disposed on either side of the support 130. However, in some embodiments, the beverage nucleation device 100 can include only one gate 138, or the beverage nucleation device 100 can include three or more gates. In some embodiments, the gate 138 does not completely cover the beverage container 500 to avoid blocking the nucleation of the beverage in the beverage container 500. Thus, the gate 138 can be compact and have a small profile. In some embodiments, the gate 138 can be constructed from a transparent material such that the beverage container 500 can be seen through the gate 138.

[0048] In some embodiments, the beverage nucleation device 100 may further comprise a light 139, such as a light strip 139 disposed on the support 130. The light strip 139 may be configured to indicate when the beverage nucleation device 100 is ready for use. Furthermore, the light strip 139 may be disposed to partially surround a beverage container 500 disposed on the support 130. When the beverage nucleation device 100 is not in use, the light strip 139 may illuminate with a first color, such as white. When the beverage nucleation device 100 is in use, the light strip 139 may illuminate with a second color different from the first color, such as blue, to indicate that nucleation is in progress. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the indicator light 139 may emit a pulsed light when nucleation is in progress and may stop emitting pulsed light when nucleation is complete, or may return to the first color when nucleation is complete. Thus, the light strip 139 may help guide a user in operating the beverage nucleation device 100.

[0049] The beverage nucleation device 100 may further include an actuator 102 that may be operated by a consumer to initiate nucleation of a beverage (i.e., to activate the beverage nucleation device 100). The actuator 102 may be a push button, lever, switch, dial, crank, or capacitive sensor, among other types of controls or actuators. The actuator 102 may be located on the housing 110, such as on the front surface 111 of the housing 110, such that the actuator 102 is easily accessible to the consumer. Thus, a consumer may position a beverage container 500 containing a supercooled beverage on the support 130, as described in further detail herein, and operate the actuator 102 to initiate the nucleation process. As a result, the process of nucleating a beverage is simple and requires the consumer to perform limited steps (e.g., placing a selected beverage container 500 in the beverage container receiving area 118 and operating the actuator 102).

[0050] In some embodiments, the beverage nucleation device 100 includes an indicator 160 configured to indicate a status of the beverage nucleation process, as shown, for example, in FIG. 1 . The indicator 160 may include one or more lights or a display screen, as discussed in further detail herein. The indicator 160 may simply indicate when nucleation is complete, or the indicator 160 may continuously provide an indication of the status of the nucleation process. The indicator 160 may be disposed on the housing 110 and may face towards a consumer operating the beverage nucleation device 100. However, in alternative embodiments, the indicator 160 may be located in other portions of the housing 110.

[0051] The beverage nucleation device 100 may further comprise a beverage container holder 140 and an ultrasonic transducer 170, as shown in Fig. 2. The container holder 140 and the ultrasonic transducer 170 may be disposed in the housing 110 and may be further enclosed in the housing 110 by the support 130. When the container holder 140 is in the rest position, the container holder 140 may be covered by a movable wall or gate so that the container holder 140 is not visible from the outside of the beverage nucleation device 100. When the movable wall or gate is used to cover the container holder 140, it may provide a continuous appearance with the support 130. When the container holder 140 is extended to the operating position, the movable wall or barrier may move or rotate to allow the container holder 140 to move on the support 130 towards and contact the beverage container 500. The container holder 140 is configured to secure the beverage container 500 to the support 130 so that the beverage container 500 does not move during nucleation, and the ultrasonic transducer 170 is configured to apply ultrasonic energy to the beverage container 500 positioned on the support 130 to cause nucleation of the beverage within the beverage container 500.

[0052] In some embodiments, the beverage nucleation device 100 comprises an ultrasonic transducer 170 configured to generate ultrasonic energy (also referred to herein as "ultrasonic"). In some embodiments, the ultrasonic transducer 170 may be a piezoelectric ultrasonic transducer. The ultrasonic transducer 170 may be similar to ultrasonic transducers 170 suitable for use in ultrasonic cleaning baths, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. The ultrasonic waves may be used to agitate the beverage in the beverage container 500 to trigger nucleation of the supercooled beverage. The ultrasonic waves may be applied to the beverage container 500 while the beverage container 500 is maintained in a stationary position. By keeping the beverage container 500 stationary, the consumer can more easily see the beverage in the beverage container 500 undergoing nucleation. Furthermore, nucleation of the beverage may occur without the need to physically impact the beverage container, i.e., shake, drop, or strike the beverage container, which may damage the beverage container and reduce the visibility of the beverage undergoing nucleation.

[0053] In some embodiments, the ultrasonic transducer 170 may be configured to apply ultrasonic waves at frequencies between 1 kHz and 100 kHz, between 10 kHz and 80 kHz, or between 20 kHz and 60 kHz to the beverage container 500. When the frequency drops below 1 kHz or increases above 100 kHz, the ultrasonic energy may cause little or no vibration of the beverage molecules. As a result of the lack of vibration of the beverage molecules, nucleation of the beverage may not occur.

[0054] In some embodiments, the ultrasonic transducer 170 can apply ultrasonic energy at a power of 10W-100W, 20W-80W, or 40W-60W. The ultrasonic transducer 170 has sufficient power to allow the ultrasonic energy to pass through the applicator 172 and the beverage container 500 to reach the beverage in the beverage container 500. If the power of the ultrasonic transducer 170 drops below 10W, the ultrasonic transducer 170 may not have enough power to allow the ultrasonic energy to pass through the applicator and the walls of the beverage container. Powers above 100W may be less effective, despite increasing energy usage, since nucleation may occur at powers of 10W-100W.

[0055] The ultrasonic transducer 170 may include an applicator 172 for contacting the beverage container 500, as shown in, for example, FIG. 3 and FIG. 4. Ultrasonic energy may be generated by the ultrasonic transducer 170 and applied to the beverage container 500 via the applicator 172. In some embodiments, the applicator 172 may include a pad or cushion made of a flexible material, such as an elastomer. For example, the applicator 172 may include a rubber, such as ethylene propylene rubber (EPDM), silicone rubber, fluoroelastomer, polyether block amide (PEBA), or nitrile rubber, among others. The inventors of the present application have found that the use of a flexible material, such as an elastic material, allows for more efficient transmission of ultrasonic energy to the beverage container and promotes nucleation of the beverage within the beverage container compared to a harder or more rigid material. Air is a poor transmitter of ultrasonic waves, and therefore any misalignment or gap between the applicator 172 and the beverage container 500 can result in significant power loss, impeding the transmission of ultrasonic energy to the beverage within the beverage container 500 and resulting in a loss of power. In some embodiments, the applicator 172 may comprise a material with a Shore A hardness of about 5. Additionally, in some embodiments, the applicator 172 may comprise a material with a 100% modulus of 14-16 psi.

[0056] The applicator 172 is configured to be placed in contact with a sidewall of the beverage container 500 containing the supercooled beverage to be nucleated. The applicator 172 may be appropriately sized and shaped. The applicator 172 may be positioned to contact a middle portion of the beverage container 500 between the lower end and the upper end of the beverage container 500. The ultrasonic energy may be applied to the beverage container 500 laterally of the beverage container 500. In this manner, application of ultrasonic energy to the beverage in the beverage container 500 causes nucleation to occur first in the central or middle portion of the beverage container 500. Nucleation of the beverage may progress from the middle portion of the beverage container 500 toward the upper end of the beverage container 500 and toward the lower end of the beverage container 500. It is believed that application of ultrasonic energy to the sidewall of the beverage container 500 allows nucleation of the beverage to occur more rapidly than application of ultrasonic energy to the upper or lower end of the beverage container 500. However, in some embodiments, the applicator 172 may be configured to contact an upper or lower portion of a sidewall of the beverage container 500, such that ultrasonic energy is applied to the beverage container laterally at the upper or lower portion of the beverage container 500. In some embodiments, the applicator 172 may be configured to contact the top or bottom surface of the beverage container 500.

[0057] The applicator 172 includes a contact surface 174 configured to be placed in contact with a sidewall of a beverage container 500, as shown, for example, in Figures 5 and 6. In some embodiments, the contact surface 174 is flat or planar to be placed in face-to-face engagement with a flat wall of the beverage container 500 (e.g., Figure 6). However, in some embodiments, the contact surface 174 may be curved, or may have a concave curvature to match the curvature of a beverage container having a curved sidewall. The contact surface 174 may be placed in face-to-face engagement with a sidewall of the beverage container 500.

[0058] In some embodiments, the contact surface 174 of the applicator 172 is 0.5 in 2 ~9in 2 , 1in 2~8in 2 , or 1.5in 2 ~7in 2 In some embodiments, the contact surface 174 may have an area of ​​about 3 in 2 Increasing the contact surface area between the applicator 172 and the beverage container 500 may result in a more efficient transfer of ultrasonic energy to the beverage. As a result, as the contact surface area increases, nucleation of the beverage may occur more quickly and the amount of energy required to nucleate the beverage may be reduced. This may be particularly important for beverage containers with thick side walls, such as glass beverage containers.

[0059] In some embodiments, the applicator 172 may be positioned to contact the rear wall 504 of the beverage container 500 on the support 130, as shown in Figures 3-6. In this way, the consumer can view the beverage container 500 during nucleation, and the applicator 172 does not obstruct the consumer's view of the beverage container 500, specifically the front sidewall 501 of the beverage container 500, from the front of the beverage nucleation device 100.

[0060] In some embodiments, the beverage nucleation device 100 may be configured to apply ultrasonic energy via the ultrasonic transducer 170 to the beverage container 500 for a predetermined time, e.g., 1-10 seconds. The amount of time that ultrasonic energy is applied to induce beverage nucleation may depend on several factors, including, among others, the power of the ultrasonic transducer, the frequency of the ultrasonic energy, the material of the applicator, the type of beverage container, and the type of beverage, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. While ultrasonic energy may be applied for a predetermined time to induce beverage nucleation, it should be understood that beverage nucleation may continue to occur after ultrasonic energy is no longer applied. In some embodiments, the predetermined time is determined based on the type of beverage being nucleated. In such embodiments, the beverage nucleation device 100 may include a sensor 133 configured to detect the type of beverage being nucleated, for example, by detecting a label, bar code, or other identifier on the beverage container and selecting the predetermined time based on the type of beverage container as determined by the sensor.

[0061] In some embodiments, the applicator 172 may be configured to move between a rest position and an operating position. In the rest position, as shown in FIG. 6, the applicator 172 is spaced from a beverage container 500 disposed on the support 130. In the operating position, the applicator 172 is moved toward the beverage container 500 such that a contact surface 174 of the applicator 172 is disposed in facing engagement with a side wall, such as a rear wall 504, of the beverage container 500. The applicator 172 may be configured to move a predetermined distance from the rest state to the operating state, or the applicator 172 may be configured to move a sufficient distance relative to the applicator 172 to contact the beverage container 500. In such an embodiment, the applicator 172 may include a sensor 136, such as a pressure sensor or a proximity sensor, configured to determine when the applicator 172 contacts the beverage container 500.

[0062] In some embodiments, the beverage nucleation device 100 may further comprise a beverage container holder 140 configured to maintain the beverage container 500 in a stationary position during operation of the beverage nucleation device 100. In some embodiments, the container holder 140 may be shaped to closely fit the beverage container, such as by a friction fit. In some embodiments, the container holder 140 is in a fixed position, and a consumer can insert a beverage container into the container holder 140 such that the container is securely held by the container holder 140. However, in some embodiments, the container holder 140 may be movable and selectively contact the beverage container 500 during operation of the beverage nucleation device 100. In some embodiments, the container holder 140 may be a clamp that is movable, for example, from an open position for receiving the beverage container and a closed position for securing the beverage container. The container holder 140 may be manually operated such that a consumer can move the container holder 140 from the open position to the closed position. Alternatively, the container holder 140 may be automated such that when a beverage container is positioned within the beverage container receiving area, the beverage nucleation device 100 automatically moves the container holder 140 to a closed position, securing the beverage container 500 in a stationary position for nucleation.

[0063] In some embodiments, the beverage nucleation device 100 comprises a beverage container holder 140 having one or more arms 142, 144, as shown for example in Figures 3-6. The beverage container 500 may be positioned in a space 148 between the first arm 142 and the second arm 144 on the beverage container support 130. In some embodiments, the container holder 140 may include a first arm 142 and a second arm 144, as shown in Figures 3-6. The first arm 142 is disposed opposite the second arm 142 such that the first and second arms 142, 144 face each other and are separated by a space 148 in which the beverage container may be positioned. The first and second arms 142, 144 are linearly movable along a common axis X (see Figure 5). The first and second arms 142, 144 are configured to move toward one another to secure the beverage container 500 therebetween, and are further configured to move away from one another to release the beverage container 500. The first and second arms 142, 144 may be configured to move a predetermined distance to contact the beverage container 500 positioned within the space 148 between the first and second arms 142, 144. Alternatively, the arms 142, 144 may be configured to continue moving toward the beverage container 500 until each arm 142, 144 contacts the beverage container 500. In such an embodiment, the arms 142, 144 may include a sensor, such as a pressure sensor or a proximity sensor, configured to determine when the arms 142, 144 contact the beverage container 500. In this manner, the container holder 140 may secure beverage containers 500 of different sizes, such as bottles of different diameters. For example, a small or narrow bottle may require the arms 142, 144 of the container holder 140 to move a further distance in order for the arms 142, 144 to contact the beverage container 500 than a wider or larger bottle.

[0064] When the beverage nucleation device 100 is not in use, the beverage container holder 140 is placed in a rest position with the first and second arms 142, 144 separated from each other by a first distance, as shown in Fig. 5. When the beverage nucleation device 100 is in use, for example when a beverage container 500 is placed on the support 130 and the actuator 102 is actuated, the beverage container holder 140 moves to an operating position. In the operating position, the first and second arms 142, 144 are in contact with the opposing side walls 502, 503 of the beverage container 500 and are spaced apart by a second distance, which is smaller than the first distance, as shown in Fig. 6.

[0065] In some embodiments, the applicator 172 and the beverage container holder 140 can move simultaneously or nearly simultaneously from a rest position to an operating position. In some embodiments, the beverage container holder 140 can be moved from a rest position to an operating position, after which the applicator 172 is moved from the rest position to the operating position. In this manner, the beverage nucleation device 100 can ensure that the beverage container 500 is secured before bringing the applicator 172 into contact with the beverage container 500.

[0066] In some embodiments, the beverage nucleation device 100 comprises a controller 150 for controlling the operation of the beverage nucleation device 100 and its components. The controller 150 may communicate with the actuator 102 such that when the actuator 102 is operated by a consumer, the controller 150 causes the beverage nucleation device 100 to perform a beverage nucleation process. The controller 150 may further communicate with a drive mechanism 155, which may cause the movement of the beverage container holder 140 from a rest position to an operating position. The drive mechanism 155 may include, among others, an electric motor or a linear actuator. The drive mechanism 155 may also cause the movement of the applicator 172 from a rest position to an operating position. Furthermore, the drive mechanism 155 may cause the movement of the gate 138 from a rest position to an operating position. In some embodiments, the beverage container holder 140, the applicator 172, and / or the gate 138 may each have a separate drive mechanism operated by the controller 150.

[0067] The control unit 150 can cause the ultrasonic transducer 170 to generate ultrasonic energy, and after a predetermined time (for example, 1 to 10 seconds), stop the generation and application of the ultrasonic energy.

[0068] The controller 150 may also control the operation of the light strip 139 and the indicator 160. As described above, the light strip 139 is configured to indicate when the beverage nucleation device 100 is ready for use. Additionally, the indicator 160 is configured to indicate the status or progress of the beverage nucleation process, as shown, for example, in FIG. 8. In one embodiment, the indicator 160 includes one or more lights 162. The lights 162 may include light emitting diodes (LEDs), incandescent lamps, compact fluorescent lamps, or halogen lamps, among other types of lights. The lights 162 may be turned off (not illuminated) and may illuminate when the nucleation process is complete to indicate that the beverage is ready to be consumed.

[0069] In some embodiments, the indicator 160 may include a color transition where the light 162 is initially illuminated with a first color and the light 162 transitions to a second color during the nucleation process. Thus, the light 162 may be illuminated with a first color at the beginning of the beverage nucleation process and the light 162 may gradually change or transition to a second color different from the first color during the nucleation process. For example, the light 162 may be illuminated with a white color and may gradually transition from white to blue, such that when all the lights 162 are illuminated with a blue color, the nucleation process is complete. In a further example, all the lights 162 may be illuminated with a white color 162A and some of the lights may change to blue 162B during the nucleation process with an increasing number of lights changing to blue as the process progresses until all the lights are blue. The color transition from white to blue is exemplary and any color transition may be used (e.g., yellow to green, red to purple, etc.). The rate at which the color transition progresses may be based on a predetermined time of nucleation.

[0070] In some embodiments, the indicator 160 may include a display 161, for example as shown in Figure 9. The display 161 may include a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display, or an organic LED (OLED) display, among other types of displays 161. The display 161 may operate similarly to the light 162, and thus display a color transition in which the display or a portion thereof is illuminated with a first color and transitions to a second color during the beverage nucleation process.

[0071] In some embodiments, the display 161 may show multiple first icons 164 that transition to second icons 166 during the beverage nucleation process, referred to as icon transitions. For example, the first icons 164 may include a circle or a dot, as shown in FIG. 9. As the beverage nucleation process progresses, the first icons 164 may transition from a circle or a dot to a second icon 166 that is different from the first icon, such as a snowflake. Thus, at the beginning of the beverage nucleation, only the first icon 164 is shown, but during nucleation both the first icon 164 and the second icon 166 are shown (or a transition icon 165 having characteristics of both the first and second icons 164, 166 may be shown), and as nucleation progresses, the number of second icons 166 shown increases. Finally, at the completion of nucleation, all icons are shown as the second icons 166.

[0072] In some embodiments, indicator 160 may show or provide both color and icon transitions to indicate the progress of the nucleation process. For example, the icon may be shown as a white circle at the start of the nucleation process and the icon may transition to a blue snowflake at the end of the nucleation process.

[0073] In some embodiments, indicator 160 may alternatively or additionally include a timer that indicates a countdown of the time remaining in the nucleation process. For example, nucleation may take 10 seconds and the timer may display "10 seconds" and may count down (e.g., 9 seconds, 8 seconds, 7 seconds, etc.) until nucleation is complete.

[0074] In some embodiments, a beverage container 500 for use with the beverage nucleation device 100 may include a label 510 as shown in FIG. 10. The label 510 may indicate when the beverage container 500 (and the beverage contained therein) is at a suitable temperature for nucleation, such as a temperature below the beverage's freezing point. The label 510 may be, for example, a thermochromic label configured to change color when the beverage within the container is below the beverage's freezing point. In this manner, a consumer can easily determine when a particular beverage is ready for nucleation by viewing the color of the thermochromic label.

[0075] In such an embodiment, the beverage nucleation device 100 may include a label reader 190 configured to detect or read the label 510 to determine whether the beverage container 500 is at a suitable temperature for nucleation. The label reader 190 may be, for example, an optical sensor such as a camera configured to detect the color of the label 510. If the label reader 190 determines that the beverage container 500 is at a suitable temperature for nucleation based on the color of the label 510, the beverage nucleation device 100 may automatically initiate nucleation of the beverage in the beverage container 500 or may allow the consumer to initiate nucleation by operating the actuator 102. However, if the label reader 190 determines that the beverage container 500 is not at a suitable temperature for nucleation, the beverage nucleation device 100 may not initiate the nucleation process even if the actuator 102 is operated. The beverage nucleation device 100 may further display an error message or an audible warning indicating to the consumer that the selected beverage container 500 is not ready to be nucleated.

[0076] An exemplary method (1100) of nucleating a beverage using a beverage nucleation device is shown, for example, in FIG. 11. A beverage container containing a supercooled beverage may be secured within the beverage nucleation device (1110). Once secured within the beverage nucleation device, the beverage container may be contacted by an applicator of the beverage nucleation device (1120). Ultrasonic energy may then be applied to the beverage container via the applicator to cause nucleation of the supercooled beverage (1130).

[0077] An exemplary method (1200) of nucleating a beverage using a beverage nucleation device as described herein is shown in FIG. 12. In operation, a consumer may remove a beverage container containing a super-cooled beverage from, for example, a cooler or refrigerator for storing beverages below their freezing point. The consumer may place the beverage container in the beverage nucleation device, for example, on a support of the beverage nucleation device in a beverage container receiving area of ​​the beverage nucleation device (1210). The consumer may operate an actuator (1220) to initiate the nucleation process. For example, the actuator may be a push button, and the consumer may press the push button. Upon operating the actuator, the beverage container may be secured to the support by a beverage container holder (1230). The beverage container holder may include a pair of arms that move from a rest position to an operating position in which the pair of arms contact both side walls of the beverage container to hold the beverage container in a stationary position. The applicator of the ultrasonic transducer is moved from a rest position to an operating position where the applicator is in contact with a sidewall of the beverage container, such as the rear sidewall, and ultrasonic waves are applied to the beverage container via the applicator to cause nucleation of the beverage (1240). The applicator may be moved into contact with the beverage container simultaneously with the container holder moving to the operating position. Once the applicator is in contact with the beverage container, ultrasonic waves may be generated by the ultrasonic transducer and applied for a predetermined time (e.g., 1-10 seconds). After the predetermined time has elapsed, the beverage nucleation device may stop generating and applying ultrasonic energy via the ultrasonic transducer (1250). The applicator may be removed from contact with the beverage container, and similarly the beverage container holder may be moved from the operating position to a rest position such that the beverage container is no longer held or supported by the beverage container holder (1260). The applicator and container holder may be moved simultaneously or sequentially. The beverage container containing the slush beverage may then be removed from the beverage nucleation device by the consumer.

[0078] 13 illustrates an exemplary computer system 1300 in which embodiments or portions thereof may be implemented as computer readable code. The controller 150 discussed herein may be a computer system having all or some of the components of the computer system 1300 for performing the processes discussed herein.

[0079] Where programmable logic is used, such logic may be executed on a commercially available processing platform or a special purpose device. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments of the disclosed subject matter may be practiced with a variety of computer system configurations, including multi-core multiprocessor systems, minicomputers, and mainframe computers, computers linked or clustered with distributed functionality, and pervasive or small computers that may be embedded in virtually any device.

[0080] For example, at least one processor device and memory may be used to implement the embodiments described above. The processor device may be a single processor, multiple processors, or a combination thereof. The processor device may have one or more processor "cores."

[0081] Various embodiments may be implemented with respect to this exemplary computer system 1300. After reading this description, it will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art how one or more of the present inventions can be implemented using other computer systems and / or computer architectures. Although operations may be described as sequential processes, some of the operations may in fact be performed in parallel, simultaneously, and / or in a distributed environment, and may be performed by program code stored locally or remotely for access by a single or multi-processor machine. Additionally, in some embodiments, the order of operations may be rearranged without departing from the spirit of the disclosed subject matter.

[0082] The processor device 1304 may be a special purpose or general purpose processor device. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the processor device 1304 may also be a single processor in a multi-core / multi-processor system operating alone or in a cluster of computing devices operating in a cluster or server farm. The processor device 1304 is connected to a communications infrastructure 1306, such as a bus, message queue, network, or multi-core message passing scheme.

[0083] The computer system 1300 also includes a main memory 1308, e.g., random access memory (RAM), and may also include a secondary memory 1310, which may include, for example, a hard disk drive 1312 or a removable storage drive 1314, which may include a floppy disk drive, a magnetic tape drive, an optical disk drive, a flash memory, or the like. The removable storage drive 1314 reads from and / or writes to a removable storage unit 1318 in a well-known manner. The removable storage unit 1318 may include a floppy disk, a magnetic tape, an optical disk, a universal serial bus (USB) drive, or the like, which is read from and written to by the removable storage drive 1314. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the removable storage unit 1318 may include a computer usable storage medium having stored thereon computer software and / or data.

[0084] Computer system 1300 (optionally) includes a display interface 1302 (which can include input and output devices such as a keyboard, mouse, etc.) that transfers graphics, text, and other data to be displayed on a display 1340 from a communications infrastructure 1306 (or from a frame buffer, not shown).

[0085] In alternative implementations, the secondary memory 1310 may include other similar means for allowing computer programs or other instructions to be loaded into the computer system 1300. Such means may include, for example, a removable storage unit 1322 and an interface 1320. Examples of such means may include program cartridges and cartridge interfaces (such as those found in video game devices), removable memory chips (such as EPROMs or PROMs) and associated sockets, and other removable storage units 1322 and interfaces 1320 that can transfer software and data from the removable storage unit 1322 to the computer system 1300.

[0086] Computer system 1300 may also include a communications interface 1324. Communications interface 1324 allows software and data to be transferred between computer system 1300 and external devices. Communications interface 1324 may include a modem, a network interface (such as an Ethernet card), a communications port, a PCMCIA slot and card, or the like. The software and data transferred through communications interface 1324 may be in the form of signals, which may be electronic, electromagnetic, optical, or other signals capable of being received by communications interface 1324. These signals may be provided to communications interface 1324 via communications path 1326. Communications path 1326 carries signals and may be implemented using wire or cable, fiber optics, a phone line, a cellular phone link, an RF link, or other communications channel.

[0087] As used herein, the terms "computer program medium" and "computer usable medium" are used generally to refer to media such as removable storage unit 1318, removable storage unit 1322, and a hard disk installed in hard disk drive 1312. Computer program medium and computer usable medium may also refer to memory, such as main memory 1308 and secondary memory 1310, which may be memory semiconductors (e.g., DRAM, etc.).

[0088] Computer programs (also referred to as computer control logic) are stored in the main memory 1308 and / or the secondary memory 1310. Computer programs may also be received via the communications interface 1324. Such computer programs, when executed, enable the computer system 1300 to perform the embodiments discussed herein. In particular, the computer programs, when executed, enable the processor device 1304 to perform the processes of the embodiments discussed herein. Such computer programs thus represent controllers of the computer system 1300. If the embodiments are implemented using software, the software may be stored in a computer program product and loaded into the computer system 1300 using the removable storage drive 1314, the interface 1320, and the hard disk drive 1312, or the communications interface 1324.

[0089] An embodiment of the present invention may also be directed to a computer program product including software stored on any computer usable medium. Such software, when executed in one or more data processing devices, causes the data processing devices to operate as described herein. An embodiment of the present invention may employ a computer usable or readable medium. Examples of computer usable media include, but are not limited to, primary storage devices (e.g., any type of random access memory), secondary storage devices (e.g., hard drives, floppy disks, CD ROMs, ZIP disks, tapes, magnetic and optical storage devices, MEMS, nanotechnology storage devices, etc.).

[0090] It is understood that the "Description of the Invention" section, and not the "Summary" and "Abstract" sections, are intended to be used to interpret the claims. The Summary and Abstract sections may set forth one or more, but not all, exemplary embodiments of the invention as contemplated by the inventor(s), but are not intended to limit the scope of the invention and the appended claims in any way.

[0091] The present invention has been described above with the aid of functional building blocks illustrating the implementation of certain functions and their relationships. The boundaries of these functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined herein for the convenience of description. Alternative boundaries can be defined so long as the specified functions and their relationships are appropriately performed.

[0092] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments makes the general nature of the present invention fully apparent, and others may, by applying the knowledge of those skilled in the art, easily modify and / or adapt such specific embodiments to various applications without undue trial and error and without departing from the general concept of the present invention. Such adaptations and modifications are therefore intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology used herein is for the purpose of explanation and not of limitation, and therefore, the phraseology or terminology used herein should be interpreted by those skilled in the art in light of the teaching and guidance of the present specification.

Claims

1. 1. A beverage nucleation device comprising: Housing and a beverage container receiving area defined by said housing for receiving a beverage container containing a sub-cooled beverage; a support configured to support the beverage container in an upright orientation; an applicator configured to contact a sidewall of the beverage container on the support, the applicator comprising an elastic material; and an ultrasonic transducer configured to generate ultrasonic energy and apply the ultrasonic energy to the beverage container via the applicator to cause nucleation of the supercooled beverage; a beverage container holder configured to hold the beverage container in a stationary position during application of the ultrasonic energy; The device, wherein the beverage container holder comprises a first arm configured to be positioned in contact with a first side wall of the beverage container and a second arm configured to be positioned in contact with a second side wall of the beverage container opposite the first side wall.

2. 10. The device of claim 1, further comprising an actuator configured to cause the ultrasonic transducer to apply the ultrasonic energy to the beverage container when the actuator is actuated.

3. 10. The device of claim 1, further comprising an indicator configured to visually indicate when nucleation of the supercooled beverage is complete.

4. The device of claim 1, further comprising a drive mechanism configured to move the first arm and the second arm from a rest position to an operating position in which the first arm and the second arm contact the beverage container.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the applicator is configured to contact a third side wall of the beverage container.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the applicator includes a contact surface having an area of ​​0.5 in 2 to 9 in 2 .

7. A beverage nucleation device comprising: Housing and a beverage container receiving area defined by said housing for receiving a beverage container containing a sub-cooled beverage; a support configured to support the beverage container in an upright orientation; an applicator enclosed by the housing and configured to contact a sidewall of the beverage container; an ultrasonic transducer configured to selectively apply ultrasonic energy to the beverage container via the applicator to induce nucleation of the supercooled beverage; a beverage container holder configured to move from a rest position to an operating position in which the beverage container holder is in contact with a sidewall of the beverage container; a drive mechanism configured to move the beverage container holder from the rest position to the operative position; a controller configured to control operation of the drive mechanism and the ultrasonic transducer.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein the applicator comprises an elastic material.

9. The device of claim 7, wherein the drive mechanism is further configured to move the applicator from the rest position to the operating position in which the applicator is in contact with a side wall of the beverage container.

10. The device described in claim 7, further comprising one or more movable gates configured to hold the beverage container on a support surface.

11. A method for nucleating a supercooled beverage in a beverage container using a beverage nucleation device, comprising: securing the beverage container containing the supercooled beverage within the beverage nucleation device; contacting the secured beverage container with an applicator of the beverage nucleation device, the applicator comprising an elastic material; and applying ultrasonic energy to the beverage container via the applicator to induce nucleation of the supercooled beverage within the beverage container; The method, wherein securing the beverage container includes moving a first arm of a beverage container holder into contact with a first side wall of the beverage container, and moving a second arm of the beverage container holder into contact with a second side wall of the beverage container opposite the first side wall.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein fixing the beverage container includes fixing the beverage container in an upright orientation.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein contacting the fixed beverage container with the applicator includes positioning a contact surface of the applicator in face-to-face engagement with a side wall of the fixed beverage container.

14. The method of claim 11, further comprising generating the ultrasonic energy via an ultrasonic transducer of the beverage nucleation device.

15. The method of claim 11, further comprising applying the ultrasonic energy for a predetermined period of time.

16. The method of claim 11, further comprising indicating completion of nucleation of the supercooled beverage via an indicator of the beverage nucleation device.

17. The method of claim 11, comprising applying ultrasonic energy having a frequency between 1 kHz and 100 kHz.

18. A method for nucleating a supercooled beverage in a beverage container using a beverage nucleation device, comprising: Fixing the beverage container containing the supercooled beverage within the beverage nucleation device; contacting the secured beverage container with an applicator of the beverage nucleation device, the applicator comprising an elastic material; and applying ultrasonic energy to the beverage container via the applicator to induce nucleation of the supercooled beverage within the beverage container; The method, wherein contacting the secured beverage container with the applicator includes positioning a contact surface of the applicator into face-to-face engagement with a sidewall of the secured beverage container.

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