Liquid level detection and autonomous calibration for self-serve blending apparatus and methods
US8851740B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 12, 2010 |
| Grant date | Oct 7, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 8, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB01F2101/14
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A self-serve drink blending device includes a blend chamber, at least one product source, a water source, an ice source, a liquid level sensor, a controller and a dispenser. The blend chamber includes a blending blade. The at least one product source is configured to deliver a volume of product to the blend chamber. The water source is configured to deliver a volume of water to the blend chamber. The ice source is configured to deliver a volume of ice to the blend chamber. The liquid level sensor is mounted to the blend chamber and configured to create a liquid level signal when contents in the blend chamber reach a predetermined level. The controller is configured to automatically calibrate the at least one product source, the water source, and the ice source based on the liquid level signal. The dispenser is arranged to dispense contents from the blend chamber.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.