Device and method for nucleation of a supercooled beverage

A beverage nucleation device includes a housing, a beverage receiving area defined by the housing for receiving a beverage container containing a supercooled 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, wherein the applicator includes an elastomeric material. An ultrasonic transducer of the beverage nucleation device is configured to generate and apply ultrasonic energy to the beverage container via the applicator so as to cause nucleation of the supercooled beverage.

FIELD

Embodiments described herein generally relate to devices and methods for forming a slush beverage. Specifically, embodiments described herein relate to devices and methods for causing nucleation of a supercooled beverage in a beverage container using ultrasonic energy to form a slush beverage within the beverage container.

BACKGROUND

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

Packaged beverages, however, are typically limited to liquid beverages, and packaged beverages generally do not contain slush beverages. Slush beverages can be desirable where the consumer wishes to enjoy a cool and refreshing beverage with a unique texture. Additionally, a slush beverage may remain cool for a longer period of time than a beverage that has simply been refrigerated. As the slush beverage is partially frozen, the slush beverage is not diluted when the frozen portion of the slush beverage melts. Thus, there is a need in the art for devices and methods for preparing a slush beverage within a beverage container.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

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 supercooled beverage, 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 and an applicator configured to contact a sidewall of the beverage container on the support, wherein the applicator of the beverage nucleation device includes an elastomeric material, and an ultrasonic transducer configured to generate and apply ultrasonic energy to the beverage container via the applicator so as to cause nucleation of the supercooled beverage.

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

In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the beverage nucleation device may further include an indicator configured to visually indicate when nucleation of the supercooled beverage is complete.

In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the beverage nucleation device may further include a beverage container holder configured to retain the beverage container in a static position during application of the ultrasonic energy. In some embodiments, the beverage container holder may include 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 include a drive mechanism configured to move the first arm and the second arm from a resting position into an operational 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.

In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the applicator may have a contact surface with an area of 0.5 in2to 9 in2.

Some embodiments described herein relate to a beverage nucleation device that includes a housing, a beverage container receiving area defined by the housing for receiving a beverage container containing a supercooled beverage, and a support configured to support the beverage container in an upright orientation. The beverage nucleation device may further include an applicator enclosed by the housing and configured to contact a sidewall of the beverage container, wherein the applicator is configured to be selectively moved into contact with the beverage container. The beverage nucleation device may further include an ultrasonic transducer configured to selectively apply the ultrasonic energy to the beverage container via the applicator so as to cause nucleation of the supercooled beverage, a beverage container holder configured to move from a resting position to an operational 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 resting position to the operational position, and a control unit configured to control operation of the drive mechanism and the ultrasonic transducer.

In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the applicator may include an elastomeric material.

In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the drive mechanism may be configured to move the applicator from a resting position to an operational position in which the applicator is in contact with a sidewall of the beverage container.

In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the beverage nucleation device may further include one or more movable gates configured to retain the beverage container on the support.

Some embodiments described herein relate to a method for nucleating a supercooled beverage in a beverage container using a beverage nucleation device, wherein the method includes securing the beverage container containing the supercooled beverage in the beverage nucleation device, contacting the secured beverage container with an applicator of the beverage nucleation device, wherein the applicator comprises an elastomeric material, and applying ultrasonic energy to the beverage container via the applicator so as to cause nucleation of the supercooled beverage within the beverage container.

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.

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

In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, contacting the secured beverage container with an applicator may include placing a contact surface of the applicator in facing engagement with a sidewall of the secured beverage container.

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

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

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

In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, a method for nucleating a supercooled beverage may include applying ultrasonic energy having a frequency of 1 kHz to 100 kHz.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A slush beverage may be formed within a beverage container by cooling the beverage to a temperature at or below the freezing point of the beverage, and subsequently agitating the beverage so that the beverage turns into a partial solid or slush. Upon agitating the beverage, the beverage may nucleate causing formation of crystals within the beverage that propagate throughout the beverage, turning the beverage into a slush beverage.

Consumers may enjoy the ability to select a supercooled beverage and prepare a slush beverage. Consumers may also enjoy the opportunity to view nucleation of the beverage as the beverage transitions from a liquid to a slush beverage. The ability to watch the nucleation process may provide consumers with a unique and entertaining experience, and may encourage consumers to make additional purchases.

However, nucleation of the beverage may be difficult to view depending on the method of agitation. For example, it may be difficult or impossible for a consumer to view the nucleation of the beverage within the beverage container if the beverage is nucleated by dropping the beverage container onto a surface or by shaking the beverage container. Further, some devices for nucleating a beverage may obscure parts of the beverage container such that the nucleation of the beverage cannot readily be viewed. Additionally, other methods of nucleating a beverage, 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 within a beverage container that allows a consumer to view the nucleation process.

Further, existing devices for nucleating supercooled beverages within a beverage container may require the consumer to carry out a series of steps to nucleate the beverage. For example, a consumer may be required to select a supercooled beverage, uncap and recap the beverage, and/or to shake the beverage. The consumer may then place the beverage in a nucleation device and perform the steps required to operate the nucleation device. As a result, such devices introduce the 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 unlikely to make additional purchases. Therefore, there is a need in the art for systems and methods that allow consumers to readily produce a slush beverage and that minimizes the risk of user error.

Some embodiments described herein relate to a beverage nucleation device that uses ultrasonic energy to cause nucleation of a supercooled beverage within a beverage container. In this way, the beverage nucleation device allows for easy and rapid formation of a slush beverage within a beverage container without having to shake, drop or strike the container, which may cause damage to the container. Further, the use of ultrasonic energy allows the beverage to be nucleated with the beverage container in a static position so that a consumer may more easily view nucleation of the beverage and the transition from liquid to a partial solid or slush.

As used herein, the term “beverage container” may refer to a bottle, can, mug, pouch, or other suitable beverage vessel. The beverage container may be composed of glass, 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 round sidewalls and may have a generally cylindrical shape, or the beverage container may have flat sidewalls so as to have a generally square transverse 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 device described herein is not limited to use with a specific type or size of beverage container and any of various types of bottles or cans may be used.

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

A beverage or other liquid is “supercooled” when the beverage is below a freezing point of the beverage and remains in a liquid state. While the beverage is below its freezing point, the liquid may remain in a liquid state until the liquid is agitated such that nucleation of the beverage occurs.

In some embodiments, a beverage nucleation device100for nucleating a supercooled beverage in a beverage container500includes a beverage container receiving area118for receiving a beverage container500containing a supercooled beverage, as shown for example inFIG.1. Beverage container500containing a supercooled beverage may be retrieved from a cooler or refrigerator configured for storing beverages in a supercooled state (see, e.g.,FIG.11). Beverage container500may be formed from a material that is at least partially transparent or translucent so that the beverage contained therein is visible to the consumer so that the consumer may view nucleation of the beverage. In some embodiments, beverage container500may be completely transparent or translucent. In some embodiments, beverage container500may be entirely non-transparent or opaque. Beverage nucleation device100may be configured as a stand-alone device and can be positioned for use on a countertop, a table, or other support surface. However, in some embodiments, beverage nucleation device100may be integrally formed with a cooler for storing supercooled beverages or may be securable to the cooler.

Housing110of beverage nucleation device100may include an upper end114opposite a lower end112. Housing110is shown inFIG.1as tapering from lower end112toward upper end114so that housing110has a trapezoidal shape when viewed from the front. However, housing110may have various other shapes or configurations and may be shaped as a rectangular prism, a cube, a cylinder, a semi-cylinder, among various other shapes.

Housing110defines a beverage container receiving area118that is at least partially enclosed by housing110. Beverage container receiving area118may receive a beverage container500to be nucleated. Housing110may further include a beverage container support130for supporting beverage container500within beverage container receiving area118. Beverage container support130is configured to support beverage container500in an upright or standing orientation, e.g., with a lower end or bottom of beverage container500positioned on container support130. In this way, beverage container500is visible to a consumer during the beverage nucleation process so that the consumer can view the transition of the liquid beverage to a slush beverage within the beverage container500. In some embodiments, beverage container support130may include a platform and pair of upstanding sidewalls132defining a recess134in which beverage container500may be positioned in order to facilitate proper positioning of beverage container500within beverage nucleation device100.

In some embodiments, beverage nucleation device100may include one or more gates138. In some embodiments, gates138may be used for maintaining beverage container500on support130and within slot134and to prevent withdrawal of beverage container500from beverage nucleation device100during operation of device100. Gates138may be movable from an open position in which beverage container can be inserted into and removed from beverage nucleation device100, and a closed position in which beverage container500cannot be withdrawn from beverage nucleation device100. When gates138are in the closed position (as shown inFIG.1), gates138may provide an indication to a consumer that a beverage container500positioned on support130of beverage nucleation device100should not be removed. Upon completion of the beverage nucleation process, gates138may move to the open position to signal that beverage container500may be removed, and to allow beverage container500to be removed. Gates138may move between open and closed positions by pivoting or rotating, such as about a hinge, or gates138may extend or retract from support130, such as from upstanding sidewalls132of support130. In some embodiments, as shown for example inFIG.1, beverage nucleation device100includes a pair of gates138arranged on opposing sides of support130. However, in some embodiments, beverage nucleation device100may include only a single gate138, or beverage nucleation device100may include three or more gates. In some embodiments, gates138do not entirely cover beverage container500so as to avoid obscuring nucleation of the beverage within beverage container500. Thus, gates138may be compact and have a small profile. In some embodiments, gates138may be composed of a transparent material so that beverage container500can be viewed through gates138.

In some embodiments, beverage nucleation device100may further include lights139, such as a light strip139, arranged on support130. Light strip139may be configured to indicate when beverage nucleation device100is ready for use. Further, light strip139may be placed so as to partially surround beverage container500placed on support130. When beverage nucleation device100is not in use, light strip139may be illuminated in a first color, such as white. When beverage nucleation device100is in use, light strip139may illuminate in a second color that differs from the first color, such as blue, to indicate that nucleation is in progress. Further, in some embodiments, indicator light139may pulse when nucleation is in progress and may stop pulsing when nucleation is complete, or may return to the first color when nucleation is complete. Thus, the light strip139may help to guide user in operating beverage nucleation device100.

Beverage nucleation device100may further include an actuator102that can be operated by a consumer to begin nucleation of a beverage (i.e., to activate beverage nucleation device100). Actuator102may be a push-button, a lever, a switch, a dial, a crank, or a capacitive sensor, among other types of controls or actuators. Actuator102may be positioned on housing110, such as on a front surface111of housing110so that actuator102is readily accessible to consumers. Thus, a consumer may position a beverage container500containing a supercooled beverage on support130and can operate actuator102to begin the nucleation process, as described in further detail herein. As a result, the process of nucleating the beverage is simple and requires the consumer to perform limited steps (e.g., placing a selected beverage container500in beverage container receiving area118and operating actuator102).

In some embodiments, beverage nucleation device100includes an indicator160configured to indicate a status of a beverage nucleation process, as shown for example inFIG.1. Indicator160may include one or more lights or a display screen, as discussed in further detail herein. Indicator160may simply indicate when nucleation is complete, or indicator160may continuously provide an indication of the status of a nucleation process. Indicator160may be arranged on housing110and may face toward a consumer operating beverage nucleation device100. However, in alternate embodiments, indicator160may be positioned on other portions of housing110.

Beverage nucleation device100may further include a beverage container holder140and an ultrasonic transducer170, as shown inFIG.2. Container holder140and ultrasonic transducer170may be arranged within housing110, and may further be enclosed within housing110by support130. When container holder140is in a resting position, container holder140may be covered by a movable wall or gate so that container holder140is not visible from an exterior of beverage nucleation device100. Movable wall or gate may provide a continuous appearance with support130when used to cover container holder140. When container holder140is extended into an operational position, movable wall or barrier may move or rotate to allow container holder140to move toward and contact beverage container500on support130. Container holder140is configured to secure a beverage container500on support130so that beverage container500does not move during nucleation, and ultrasonic transducer170is configured to apply ultrasonic energy to a beverage container500arranged on support130in order to cause nucleation of the beverage within beverage container500.

In some embodiments, beverage nucleation device100includes an ultrasonic transducer170configured to generate ultrasonic energy (also referred to herein as “ultrasound”). In some embodiments, ultrasonic transducer170may be a piezoelectric ultrasonic transducer. Ultrasonic transducer170may be similar to ultrasonic transducers170suitable for use in ultrasonic cleaning baths, as will be understood by one skilled in the art. Ultrasound can be used to agitate a beverage within beverage container500so as to cause nucleation of a supercooled beverage. Ultrasound can be applied to beverage container500while beverage container500is maintained in a static position. By keeping beverage container500stationary, the consumer may be able to more easily view the beverage within beverage container500undergoing nucleation. Further, nucleation of the beverage can occur without having to physically impact the beverage container, i.e., without having to shake, drop, or strike the beverage container, which may damage the beverage container and reduce the visibility of the beverage undergoing nucleation.

In some embodiments, ultrasonic transducer170may be configured to apply ultrasound having a frequency 1 kHz to 100 kHz, 10 kHz to 80 kHz, or 20 kHz to 60 kHz to beverage container500. As the frequency falls below 1 kHz or increases above 100 kHz, the ultrasonic energy may cause little to no vibration of molecules of the beverage. As a result of lack of vibration of the beverage molecules, nucleation of the beverage may not occur.

In some embodiments, ultrasonic transducer170may apply ultrasonic energy with a power of 10 W to 100 W, 20 W to 80 W, or 40 W to 60 W. Ultrasonic transducer170has sufficient power to allow ultrasonic energy to pass through applicator172and beverage container500so as to reach beverage within beverage container500. When power of ultrasonic transducer170drops below 10 W, ultrasonic transducer170may not have sufficient power for ultrasonic energy to pass through applicator and walls of beverage container. As nucleation may occur at power is 10 W to 100 W, power greater than 100 W may not yield despite increasing energy use.

Ultrasonic transducer170may include an applicator172for contacting beverage container500, as shown for example inFIGS.3-4. Ultrasonic energy may be generated by ultrasonic transducer170and applied to beverage container500via applicator172. In some embodiments, applicator172may include a pad or cushion made of a flexible material, such as an elastomer. For example, applicator172may include rubber, such as ethylene propylene rubber (EPDM), silicone rubber, fluoroelastomers, polyether block amides (PEBA), or nitrile rubber, among others. The inventors of the present application found that the use of a flexible material, such as elastomeric materials, allows for more efficient transfer of ultrasound energy to beverage containers and promotes nucleation of the beverage within a beverage container compared to stiffer or more rigid materials. Air is a poor transmitter of ultrasound and thus any misalignment or gaps between applicator172and beverage container500may result in significant loss of power, inhibiting transfer of ultrasound energy to beverage within beverage container500, and resulting in loss of power. In some embodiments, applicator172may include a material having a Shore A hardness of about 5. Further, in some embodiments, applicator172may include a material having a 100% modulus of 14 to 16 psi.

Applicator172is configured to be placed in contact with a sidewall of beverage container500containing a supercooled beverage to be nucleated. Applicator172may be sized and shaped accordingly. Applicator172may be positioned so as to contact a mid portion of a beverage container500between a lower end and an upper end of beverage container500. Ultrasound energy may be applied to beverage container500in a transverse direction of beverage container500. In this way, application of ultrasound to a beverage within beverage container500causes nucleation to first occur in a central or middle portion of beverage container500. Nucleation of beverage may proceed from the middle of beverage container500toward the upper end and toward the lower end of beverage container500. Application of ultrasound energy to a sidewall of beverage container500is believed to allow nucleation of the beverage to occur more rapidly than application of ultrasound to an upper end or lower end of beverage container500. However, in some embodiments, applicator172may be configured to contact an upper portion or a lower portion of a sidewall of beverage container500such that ultrasonic energy is applied to beverage container in a transverse direction at the upper portion or lower portion of beverage container500. In some embodiments, applicator172may be configured to contact a top surface or a bottom surface of beverage container500.

Applicator172includes a contact surface174configured to be placed in contact with a sidewall of beverage container500, as shown for example inFIGS.5and6. In some embodiments, contact surface174is flat or planar (see, e.g.,FIG.6) so as to be placed in facing engagement with a flat wall of a beverage container500. However, in some embodiments, contact surface174may be curved and may have a concave curvature so as to match the curvature of a beverage container having a curved sidewall. Contact surface174may be placed in facing engagement with a sidewall of beverage container500.

In some embodiments, contact surface174of applicator172may have an area of 0.5 in2to 9 in2, 1 in2to 8 in2, or 1.5 in2to 7 in2. In some embodiments, the contact surface174may have an area of about 3 in2. Increasing the area of contact of applicator172and beverage container500may result in more efficient transfer of ultrasonic energy to the beverage. As a result, nucleation of a beverage may occur more rapidly as a contact area increases, and the amount of energy required to nucleate the beverage may be reduced. This may be particularly important for beverage containers having thick sidewalls, such as glass beverage containers.

In some embodiments, applicator172may be arranged so as to contact a rear wall504of beverage container500on support130, as shown inFIGS.3-6. In this way, beverage container500can be viewed by a consumer during nucleation and applicator172does not obscure the consumer's view of beverage container500, and specifically a front sidewall501of beverage container500, from a front of beverage nucleation device100.

In some embodiments, beverage nucleation device100may be configured to apply ultrasonic energy to beverage container500via ultrasonic transducer170for a predetermined period of time, for example, 1 to 10 seconds. The amount of time ultrasonic energy is applied to cause nucleation of a beverage may depend upon several factors including 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, among other factors as will be appreciated by one skilled in the art. While ultrasonic energy may be applied for a predetermined period of time to induce nucleation of the beverage, it is understood that nucleation of the beverage may continue to occur after ultrasonic energy is no longer applied. In some embodiments, the predetermined period of time is determined based on the type of beverage to be nucleated. In such embodiments, beverage nucleation device100may include a sensor133configured to detect the type of beverage to be nucleated, such as by detecting a label, barcode, or other identifier of a beverage container, and selecting the predetermined period of time based on the type of beverage container as determined by the sensor.

In some embodiments, applicator172may be configured to move between a resting position and an operational position. In the resting position, as shown inFIG.5, applicator172is spaced from a beverage container500arranged on support130. In the operational position, applicator172is moved toward beverage container500so that a contact surface174of applicator172is placed in facing engagement with a sidewall, such as a rear wall504, of beverage container500. Applicator172may be configured to move a predetermined distance from the resting to the operational state, or the applicator172may be configured to move a sufficient distance for applicator172to contact beverage container500. In such embodiments, applicator172may include a sensor136, such as a pressure sensor or proximity sensor, configured to determine when applicator172contacts beverage container500.

In some embodiments, beverage nucleation device100may additionally include a beverage container holder140configured to maintain beverage container500in a static position during operation of beverage nucleation device100. In some embodiments, container holder140may be shaped so as to fit closely to a beverage container, such as by a friction fit. In some embodiments, container holder140is in a fixed position and a consumer may insert beverage container into container holder140so that container is tightly held by container holder140. However, in some embodiments, container holder140may be movable and is selectively brought into contact with a beverage container500during operation of beverage nucleation device100. In some embodiments, container holder140may be, for example, a clamp that is movable from an open position for receiving a beverage container, and a closed position for securing the beverage container. Container holder140may be manually operated so that a consumer can move container holder140from an open to a closed position. Alternatively, container holder140may be automated so that once a beverage container is positioned in beverage container receiving area, beverage nucleation device100automatically moves container holder140to a closed position so that beverage container500is secured in a static position for nucleation.

In some embodiments, beverage nucleation device100includes a beverage container holder140having one or more arms142,144, as shown for example inFIGS.3-6. Beverage container500may be positioned in a space148between first and second arms142,144on beverage container support130. In some embodiments, container holder140may include a first arm142and a second arm142, as shown inFIGS.3-6. First arm142is arranged opposite second arm142such that first and second arms142,144face one another and are separated by a space148in which beverage container may be positioned. First and second arms142,144are linearly movable along a common axis X (seeFIG.5). First and second arms142,144are configured to move towards one another for securing a beverage container500therebetween, and are further configured to move away from one another for releasing beverage container500. First and second arms142,144may be configured to move a predetermined distance for contacting a beverage container500positioned in space148between first and second arms142,144. Alternatively, arms142,144may be configured to continue to move toward beverage container500until each arm142,144contacts beverage container500. In such embodiments, arms142,144may include a sensor, such as a pressure sensor or proximity sensor configured to determine when arms142,144contact beverage container500. In this way, container holder140may secure beverage containers500of different sizes, such as bottles of different diameters. For example, a small or skinny bottle may require the arms142,144of container holder140to move a further distance than a wider or larger bottle in order for arms142,144to contact the beverage container500.

When beverage nucleation device100is not in use, beverage container holder140is arranged in a resting position, with first and second arms142,144separated from one another by a first distance, as shown inFIG.5. When beverage nucleation device100is in use, e.g., when a beverage container500is placed on support130and actuator102is actuated, beverage container holder140moves into the operational position. In the operational position, first and second arms142,144are in contact with opposing sidewalls502,503of beverage container500and are separated by a second distance that is smaller than the first distance, as shown inFIG.6.

In some embodiments, applicator172and beverage container holder140may move from the resting to the operational position simultaneously or nearly simultaneously. In some embodiments, beverage container holder140may move from resting position to operational position and then subsequently applicator172is moved from resting position to operational position. In this way, beverage nucleation device100may ensure that beverage container500is secured prior to moving applicator172into contact with beverage container500.

In some embodiments, beverage nucleation device100includes a control unit150for controlling operation of beverage nucleation device100and its components. Control unit150may be in communication with actuator102such that when actuator102is operated by a consumer, control unit150causes beverage nucleation device100to carry out a beverage nucleation process. Control unit150may further be in communication with a drive mechanism155, and drive mechanism155may cause movement of beverage container holder140from the resting position to the operational position. Drive mechanism155may include an electrical motor or a linear actuator, among others. Drive mechanism155may also cause movement of applicator172from the resting position to the operational position. Further, drive mechanism155may cause movement of gates138from resting position to operational position. In some embodiments, beverage container holder140, applicator172, and/or gates138may each have a separate drive mechanism operated by control unit150.

Control unit150may cause ultrasonic transducer170to generate ultrasonic energy, and to stop generating and applying ultrasonic energy after a predetermined period of time (e.g., 1 to 10 seconds).

Control unit150may also control operation of light strip139and indicator160. As discussed above, light strip139is configured to indicate when beverage nucleation device100is ready for use. Further, indicator160is configured to indicate the status or progress of a beverage nucleation process, as shown for example inFIG.8. In one embodiment, indicator160includes one or more lights162. Lights162may include light emitting diodes (LEDs), incandescent lamps, compact fluorescent lamps, or halogen lamps, among other types of lights. Lights162may be turned off (not illuminated), and may illuminate once the nucleation process is complete in order to indicate that the beverage is ready to be consumed.

In some embodiments, indicator160may include a color transition in which lights162are originally illuminated in a first color and lights162transition to a second color during the nucleation process. Thus, lights162may be illuminated in a first color at the outset of the beverage nucleation process and lights162may gradually change or transition to a second color that differs from the first color during the nucleation process. For example, lights162may be illuminated in a white color and may gradually transition from white to blue, such that when all lights162are illuminated in the blue color, the nucleation process is complete. In a further example, all lights162may be illuminated in a white color162A, and some lights may turn blue162B during nucleation process, with an increasing number of lights turning blue as the process progresses, until all lights are blue. A color transition from white to blue is illustrative, and any color transition may be used (e.g., yellow to green, red to purple, etc.). The rate of progress of the color transition may be based on the predetermined time for nucleation.

In some embodiments, indicator160may include a display161, as shown for example inFIG.9. Display161may be, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display, or an organic LED (OLED) display, among other types of displays161. Display161may operate in the same manner as lights162and thus may display a color transition in which the display or portions thereof illuminate in a first color and transition to a second color during the beverage nucleation process.

In some embodiments, display161may show a plurality of first icons164that transition to second icons166during the beverage nucleation process, referred to as an icon transition. For example, first icons164may include circles or dots as shown inFIG.9. As beverage nucleation process progresses, first icons164may transition from circles or dots to a second icon166that differs from the first icon, such as a snowflake. Thus, at the outset of beverage nucleation only first icons164are shown, during nucleation both first icons164and second icons166are shown (or a transitional icon165having features of both first and second icons164,166may be shown), with an increasing number of second icons166being shown as nucleation progresses. Finally, at completion of nucleation, all icons are shown as second icons166.

In some embodiments, indicator160may show or provide both a color transition and an icon transition to illustrate the progress of the nucleation process. For example, icons may be shown as white circles at the beginning of the nucleation process and the icons may transition to blue snowflakes at the end of the nucleation process.

In some embodiments, indicator160may alternatively or additionally include a timer that shows a countdown of the time remaining in the nucleation process. For example, nucleation may take 10 seconds and timer may display “10 seconds” and count down (e.g., 9 seconds, 8 seconds, 7 seconds, etc.) until nucleation is complete.

In some embodiments, beverage container500for use with beverage nucleation device100may include a label510as shown inFIG.10. Label510may indicate when beverage container500(and beverage contained therein) is at a suitable temperature for nucleation, such as a temperature at or below a freezing point of the beverage. Label510may be, for example, a thermochromic label that is configured to change color when a beverage within the container is at or below the freezing point of the beverage. In this way, a consumer may easily determine that a particular beverage is ready for nucleation by viewing the color of the thermochromic label.

In such embodiments, beverage nucleation device100may include a label reader190configured to detect or read label510to determine if beverage container500is at a temperature suitable for nucleation. Label reader190may be, for example, an optical sensor, such as a camera or the like, configured to detect a color of label510. If label reader190determines that beverage container500is at a temperature suitable for nucleation based on a color of label510, beverage nucleation device100may automatically begin nucleation of beverage within beverage container500, or may allow a consumer to begin nucleation by operating actuator102. However, if label reader190determines that beverage container500is not at a temperature suitable for nucleation, beverage nucleation device100may not start the nucleation process even if actuator102is operated. Beverage nucleation device100may further display an error message or audible alert to indicate to the consumer that the selected beverage container500is not ready to be nucleated.

An exemplary method of nucleating a beverage using a beverage nucleation device1100is shown for example inFIG.11. A beverage container containing a supercooled beverage may be secured in a beverage nucleation device1110. Once secured in the beverage nucleation device, the beverage container may be contacted by the applicator of the beverage nucleation device1120. Ultrasonic energy can then be applied to the beverage container via the applicator to cause nucleation of the supercooled beverage1130.

An exemplary method of using a beverage nucleation device as described herein to nucleate a beverage1200is shown inFIG.12. In operation, a consumer may retrieve a beverage container containing a supercooled beverage, such as from a cooler or refrigerator for storing beverages at or below their freezing points. Consumer may place the beverage container in the beverage nucleation device1210, such as on support of the beverage nucleation device within a beverage container receiving area of beverage nucleation device. Consumer may operate the actuator1220in order to begin the nucleation process. For example, actuator may be a push-button, and consumer may press the push-button. Upon operating actuator, beverage container may be secured on support by a beverage container holder1230. Beverage container holder may include a pair of arms that move from a resting position to an operational position in which the pair of arms contacts opposing sidewalls of the beverage container so as to hold beverage container in a static position. Applicator of ultrasound transducer is moved from a resting position into an operational position in which applicator is in contact with a sidewall of a beverage container, such as a rear sidewall, and ultrasound is applied to beverage container via the applicator to cause nucleation of the beverage1240. Applicator may be moved into contact with beverage container at a same time as container holder is moved into the operational position. With applicator in contact with beverage container, ultrasound may be generated by an ultrasonic transducer and applied for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 1 to 10 seconds). After the predetermined period of time elapses, the beverage nucleation device may cease generation and application of ultrasonic energy via ultrasonic transducer1250. Applicator may be removed from contact with beverage container, and similarly beverage container holder may move from operational position to resting position so that beverage container is no longer held or supported by beverage container holder1260. Applicator and container holder may be moved at the same time or in succession. Beverage container containing a slush beverage may then be removed from beverage nucleation device by the consumer.

FIG.13illustrates an exemplary computer system1300in which embodiments, or portions thereof, may be implemented as computer-readable code. A control unit150as discussed herein may be a computer system having all or some of the components of computer system1300for implementing processes discussed herein.

If programmable logic is used, such logic may execute on a commercially available processing platform or a special purpose device. One of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate that embodiments of the disclosed subject matter can be practiced with various computer system configurations, including multi-core multiprocessor systems, minicomputers, and mainframe computers, computer linked or clustered with distributed functions, as well as pervasive or miniature computers that may be embedded into virtually any device.

For instance, at least one processor device and a memory may be used to implement the above described embodiments. A processor device may be a single processor, a plurality of processors, or combinations thereof. Processor devices may have one or more processor “cores.”

Various embodiments may be implemented in terms of this example computer system1300. After reading this description, it will become apparent to a person skilled in the relevant art how to implement one or more of the invention(s) using other computer systems and/or computer architectures. Although operations may be described as a sequential process, some of the operations may in fact be performed in parallel, concurrently, and/or in a distributed environment, and with program code stored locally or remotely for access by single or multi-processor machines. In addition, in some embodiments the order of operations may be rearranged without departing from the spirit of the disclosed subject matter.

Processor device1304may be a special purpose or a general purpose processor device. As will be appreciated by persons skilled in the relevant art, processor device1304may also be a single processor in a multi-core/multiprocessor system, such system operating alone, or in a cluster of computing devices operating in a cluster or server farm. Processor device1304is connected to a communication infrastructure1306, for example, a bus, message queue, network, or multi-core message-passing scheme.

Computer system1300also includes a main memory1308, for example, random access memory (RAM), and may also include a secondary memory1310. Secondary memory1310may include, for example, a hard disk drive1312, or removable storage drive1314. Removable storage drive1314may include a floppy disk drive, a magnetic tape drive, an optical disk drive, a flash memory, or the like. The removable storage drive1314reads from and/or writes to a removable storage unit1318in a well-known manner. Removable storage unit1318may include a floppy disk, magnetic tape, optical disk, a universal serial bus (USB) drive, etc. which is read by and written to by removable storage drive1314. As will be appreciated by persons skilled in the relevant art, removable storage unit1318includes a computer usable storage medium having stored therein computer software and/or data.

Computer system1300(optionally) includes a display interface1302(which can include input and output devices such as keyboards, mice, etc.) that forwards graphics, text, and other data from communication infrastructure1306(or from a frame buffer not shown) for display on display1340.

In alternative implementations, secondary memory1310may include other similar means for allowing computer programs or other instructions to be loaded into computer system1300. Such means may include, for example, a removable storage unit1322and an interface1320. Examples of such means may include a program cartridge and cartridge interface (such as that found in video game devices), a removable memory chip (such as an EPROM, or PROM) and associated socket, and other removable storage units1322and interfaces1320which allow software and data to be transferred from the removable storage unit1322to computer system1300.

Computer system1300may also include a communication interface1324. Communication interface1324allows software and data to be transferred between computer system1300and external devices. Communication interface1324may include a modem, a network interface (such as an Ethernet card), a communication port, a PCMCIA slot and card, or the like. Software and data transferred via communication interface1324may be in the form of signals, which may be electronic, electromagnetic, optical, or other signals capable of being received by communication interface1324. These signals may be provided to communication interface1324via a communication path1326. Communication path1326carries signals and may be implemented using wire or cable, fiber optics, a phone line, a cellular phone link, an RF link or other communication channels.

In this document, the terms “computer program medium” and “computer usable medium” are used to generally refer to media such as removable storage unit1318, removable storage unit1322, and a hard disk installed in hard disk drive1312. Computer program medium and computer usable medium may also refer to memories, such as main memory1308and secondary memory1310, which may be memory semiconductors (e.g. DRAMs, etc.).

Computer programs (also called computer control logic) are stored in main memory1308and/or secondary memory1310. Computer programs may also be received via communication interface1324. Such computer programs, when executed, enable computer system1300to implement the embodiments as discussed herein. In particular, the computer programs, when executed, enable processor device1304to implement the processes of the embodiments discussed here. Accordingly, such computer programs represent controllers of the computer system1300. Where the embodiments are implemented using software, the software may be stored in a computer program product and loaded into computer system1300using removable storage drive1314, interface1320, and hard disk drive1312, or communication interface1324.

Embodiments of the invention(s) also may be directed to computer program products comprising software stored on any computer useable medium. Such software, when executed in one or more data processing device, causes a data processing device(s) to operate as described herein. Embodiments of the invention(s) may employ any computer useable or readable medium. Examples of computer useable mediums 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 storage devices, and optical storage devices, MEMS, nanotechnological storage device, etc.).