Patent Publication Number: US-2023159263-A1

Title: System for providing a single serving of a frozen confection

Description:
REFERENCE TO PENDING PRIOR PATENT APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation application of and claims the benefit of priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/518,045, filed on Jul. 22, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/625,690, filed on Jun. 16, 2017, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/351,001, filed on Jun. 16, 2016, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     This invention relates generally to systems for providing a frozen confection (e.g., ice cream, frozen yogurt, smoothies, etc.), and more particularly to systems for providing a single serving of a frozen confection. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Current domestic ice cream makers are generally designed to produce relatively large batches of ice cream, typically ranging from 1.0 liter to 2.0 liters or more, in a time period of approximately 20-60 minutes. In addition, most current domestic ice cream makers also require that the containers (within which the ice cream will be produced) be “frozen” before making the ice cream, i.e., the container must be placed in a freezer for approximately 4-8 hours before use. Thus, there is a substantial delay between the time that the making of the ice cream commences and the time that the batch of ice cream is completed. Furthermore, even after the batch of ice cream has been completed, it is still necessary to manually remove the ice cream from the ice cream maker, and then it is also necessary to scoop out single servings of the ice cream into a separate container (e.g., a bowl, a cone, etc.) for consumption. 
     Thus there is a need for a new system for providing a single serving of a frozen confection, in a reduced period of time, and which is dispensed directly into the container (e.g., a bowl, a cone, etc.) from which it will be consumed. 
     In addition, it would also be desirable for the same system to be capable of providing a single serving of a cold beverage, and/or a single serving of a hot beverage. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention comprises the provision and use of a novel system for providing a single serving of a frozen confection, in a reduced period of time, and which is dispensed directly into the container (e.g., a bowl, a cone, etc.) from which it will be consumed. 
     In addition, the same system is also capable of providing a single serving of a cold beverage, and/or a single serving of a hot beverage. 
     In one preferred form of the invention, there is provided a pod for providing a single serving of an ingestible substance, the pod comprising: 
     a base having an outer perimeter and an inner opening; 
     an outer hollow tube mounted at the outer perimeter of the base; 
     an inner hollow tube mounted at the inner opening of the base; 
     wherein the base, the outer hollow tube and the inner hollow tube together define a recess; 
     at least one ingredient for forming a single serving of the ingestible substance, the at least one ingredient being disposed within the recess; and 
     a cap having an outer perimeter and an inner opening, the outer perimeter of the cap being slightly smaller than the diameter of the outer hollow tube and the inner opening of the cap being slightly larger than the diameter of the inner hollow tube, such that the cap can be advanced within the recess toward the base. 
     In another preferred form of the invention, there is provided a pod for providing a single serving of a frozen confection, the pod comprising: 
     a container having a recess; 
     at least one scraper paddle movably disposed within the recess; 
     at least one ingredient for forming a single serving of the frozen confection, the at least one ingredient being disposed within the recess of the container; and 
     a cap movable into the recess of the container. 
     In another preferred form of the invention, there is provided a pod for providing a single serving of a frozen confection, the pod comprising: 
     a substantially rigid container having a recess; 
     at least one ingredient for forming a single serving of the frozen confection, the at least one ingredient being disposed within the recess of the container; and 
     a cap movable into the recess of the container. 
     In another preferred form of the invention, there is provided apparatus for providing a single serving of an ingestible substance, the apparatus comprising: 
     a nest for receiving a pod containing at least one ingredient for forming a single serving of the ingestible substance, wherein the nest comprises an annular recess for receiving a pod having an annular configuration; 
     a cooling unit for cooling the pod; 
     a water supply for introducing water into the pod; and 
     an air supply for introducing air into the pod. 
     In another preferred form of the invention, there is provided apparatus for providing a single serving of a ingestible substance, the apparatus comprising: 
     a nest for receiving a pod containing at least one ingredient for forming a single serving of the ingestible substance, wherein the pod comprises at least one internal paddle; 
     a cooling unit for cooling the pod; 
     a water supply for introducing water into the pod; and 
     a rotation unit for rotating the at least one internal paddle of the pod. 
     In another preferred form of the invention, there is provided apparatus for providing a single serving of an ingestible substance, the apparatus comprising: 
     a nest for receiving a pod containing at least one ingredient for forming a single serving of the ingestible substance; 
     a heat transfer unit for transferring heat between the pod and the nest, wherein the heat transfer unit is capable of (i) taking heat out of the pod, and (ii) supplying heat to the pod; and 
     a water supply for introducing water into the pod. 
     In another preferred form of the invention, there is provided a method for providing a single serving of a frozen confection, the method comprising: 
     providing a pod comprising at least one ingredient for providing a single serving of a frozen confection; 
     cooling the pod; 
     introducing water into the pod; 
     simultaneously stirring the contents of the pod while scraping at least one wall of the pod to prevent a build-up of the frozen confection on the at least one wall of the pod; and 
     ejecting the frozen confection out of the pod. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and other objects and features of the present invention will be more fully disclosed or rendered obvious by the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, which is to be considered together with the accompanying drawings wherein like numbers refer to like parts, and further wherein: 
         FIGS.  1 - 6    are schematic views showing a novel system for providing a single serving of a frozen confection, wherein all of the components of the system are shown in  FIGS.  1 - 3    as being opaque and wherein some of the components of the system are shown in  FIGS.  4 - 6    as being transparent; 
         FIGS.  7 - 12    are schematic views showing further details of the nest assembly of the system shown in  FIGS.  1 - 6   ; 
         FIGS.  13  and  14    are schematic views showing further details of (i) the lid assembly of the system shown in  FIGS.  1 - 6   , (ii) portions of the cold water and air delivery assembly of the system shown in  FIGS.  1 - 6   , and (iii) the control electronics of the system shown in  FIGS.  1 - 6   ; 
         FIGS.  15  and  16    are schematic views showing, among other things, further details of the heat dissipation assembly of the system shown in  FIGS.  1 - 6   ; 
         FIG.  17    is a schematic view showing further details of the control electronics of the system shown in  FIGS.  1 - 6   ; 
         FIGS.  18 - 20    are schematic views showing further details of the pod of the system shown in  FIGS.  1 - 6   ; 
         FIG.  21    is a schematic view showing exemplary operation of the system shown in  FIGS.  1 - 6   ; 
         FIGS.  22  and  23    are schematic views showing alternative approaches for cooling the inner portion of the nest assembly of the system shown in  FIGS.  1 - 6   ; 
         FIGS.  24 - 27    are schematic views showing another pod which may be used with the system shown in  FIGS.  1 - 6   ; 
         FIG.  28    is a schematic view showing another novel system for providing a single serving of a frozen confection; and 
         FIGS.  29 - 31    are schematic views showing another novel system for providing a single serving of a frozen confection. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention comprises the provision and use of a novel system for providing a single serving of a frozen confection, in a reduced period of time, and which is dispensed directly into the container (e.g., a bowl, a cone, etc.) from which it will be consumed. 
     In addition, the same system is also capable of providing a single serving of a cold beverage, and/or a single serving of a hot beverage. 
     The System In General 
     In one preferred form of the invention, and looking first at  FIGS.  1 - 6   , there is provided a novel system  10  for providing a single serving of a frozen confection (e.g., ice cream, frozen yogurt, a smoothie, etc.). System  10  is also capable of providing a single serving of a cold beverage, and/or a single serving of a hot beverage. 
     For clarity of explanation, system  10  will first be described in the context of providing a single serving of a frozen confection; then system  10  will be described in the context of providing a single serving of a cold beverage; and then system  10  will be described in the context of providing a single serving of a hot beverage. 
     System  10  generally comprises a machine  20  and a pod  30 , wherein machine  20  is configured to, among other things, receive a pod  30  containing a supply of ingredients for forming a single serving of the frozen confection, cool pod  30  (and its contents), introduce cold water and air into pod  30 , agitate the contents of pod  30  so as to form the frozen confection, and then eject the frozen confection from pod  30  directly into the container (e.g., a bowl, a cone, etc.) from which it will be consumed. 
     The Machine 
     Machine  20  is configured to, among other things, receive a pod  30  containing a supply of ingredients for forming a single serving of the frozen confection, cool pod  30  (and its contents), introduce cold water and air into pod  30 , agitate the contents of pod  30  so as to form the frozen confection, and then eject the frozen confection from pod  30  directly into the container (e.g., a bowl, a cone, etc.) from which it will be consumed. 
     To this end, machine  20  is a reusable device which generally comprises a housing  40 , a nest assembly  50 , a lid assembly  60 , a water supply  70 , a cold water and air delivery assembly  80 , a heat dissipation assembly  90  and control electronics  100 . 
     Housing  40  is shown in  FIGS.  1 - 6   . Housing  40  generally comprises a base  110 , a cover  120  mounted to base  110 , and a tray  130  mounted to base  110 . Cover  120  serves to enclose interior components of machine  20  and to support other components of machine  20 . Tray  130  serves to receive a container (e.g., a bowl) into which the frozen confection is to be ejected and from which the frozen confection is to be consumed (alternatively, where the frozen confection is to be consumed from a cone, the cone is held above tray  130 ). 
     Nest assembly  50  is shown in further detail in  FIGS.  7 - 12   . Nest assembly  50  serves to receive a pod  30  containing a supply of ingredients for forming a single serving of the frozen confection and, among other things, rapidly cool pod  30  (and its contents) so as to provide a single serving of a frozen confection in a reduced period of time. To this end, and as will hereinafter be discussed, nest assembly  50  and pod  30  are each provided with a unique configuration and a unique construction so as to speed up cooling of pod  30 . 
     More particularly, nest assembly  50  generally comprises a nest  140  having a top surface  150 , a bottom surface  160  and a plurality of outer faces  170 . In one preferred form of the invention, nest  140  has eight outer faces  170 , so that nest  140  has a generally octagonal configuration. Alternatively, nest  140  may have a different number of outer faces  170 . Nest  140  is preferably formed out of a high heat-transfer material such as aluminum. 
     Nest  140  also comprises a bore  180  and a counterbore  190 . A hollow cylinder  200  is disposed in bore  180  and extends upward into counterbore  190 . As a result of this construction, an annular recess  210  (i.e., a toroidal recess  210 ) is formed in top surface  150  of nest  140 . Annular recess  210  is generally characterized by an outer wall  220  (which is defined by the aforementioned counterbore  190 ) and an inner wall  230  (which is defined by the aforementioned hollow cylinder  200 ). Annular recess  210  is sized to receive pod  30  therein as will hereinafter be discussed. 
     Nest  140  also comprises a bore  232  which opens on bottom surface  160  of nest  140  and communicates with the interior of annular recess  210 . An exit nozzle  233  is mounted to bottom surface  160  of nest  140  at bore  232  so that exit port  234  of exit nozzle  233  communicates with the interior of annular recess  210 . A pod sensor  235  is provided in nest  140  to detect when a pod  30  is disposed in annular recess  210  of nest  140 . 
     Nest assembly  50  also comprises a plurality of thermoelectric (TEC) assemblies  240 . TEC assemblies  240  each comprise a thermoelectric cooler (TEC) element  250 , a heat sink  260  and a plurality of heat pipes  270  extending between TEC element  250  and heat sink  260  so as to transfer heat from TEC element  250  to heat sink  260 . If desired, multiple TEC elements  250  can be stacked on each heat sink  260  so as to achieve higher temperature differences than can be had with single-stage TEC elements  250 . As seen in  FIGS.  7 ,  8  and  11   , TEC assemblies  240  are positioned against outer faces  170  of nest  140  so that TEC elements  250  can provide cold or heat to outer faces  170  of nest  140 , depending on the direction of the electric current flow supplied to TEC elements  250 , whereby to provide cold or heat to outer wall  220  of annular recess  210  of nest  140  (and hence to provide cold or heat to a pod  30  disposed in annular recess  210  of nest  140 ). It will be appreciated that when machine  20  is to be used to provide a frozen confection, the direction of the electric current flow supplied to TEC elements  250  causes cold to be applied to outer faces  170  of nest  140 . 
     Heat pipes  270  are preferably of the sort shown in  FIG.  12   , i.e., they provide a high heat-transfer capacity for transferring heat from TEC elements  250  to heat sinks  260 . Heat pipes  270  are preferably also connected to heat dissipation assembly  90  so as to carry the heat collected by heat pipes  270  to heat dissipation assembly  90  for further dissipation to the environment. 
     Nest assembly  50  also comprises a cylindrical TEC  280  for providing cold to inner wall  230  of annular recess  210 , and a cylindrical TEC  290  for supplying heat to inner wall  230  of annular recess  210 . 
     Lid assembly  60  is shown in further detail in  FIGS.  13  and  14   . Lid assembly  60  generally comprises a handle  300  to which is mounted a lid  310 , such that lid  310  moves in conjunction with handle  300 . Handle  300  is pivotally mounted to cover  120  of housing  40  via a pivot pin  320 . As a result of this construction, lid assembly  60  can pivot towards or away from nest assembly  50  (see  FIG.  1   ). A lid sensor  325  ( FIGS.  1  and  2   ) is provided for detecting when lid  310  is in its closed position. 
     Lid assembly  60  comprises a plunger  330  which is movably mounted to lid  310 . More particularly, plunger  330  comprises a circumferential gear  340  and a longitudinal gear  350 , and lid assembly  60  comprises a rotation motor  360  for driving a rotation gear  370  and a vertical motor  380  for driving a vertical gear  390 , with rotation gear  370  of rotation motor  360  engaging circumferential gear  340  of plunger  330 , and with vertical gear  390  of vertical motor  380  engaging longitudinal gear  350  of plunger  330 . As a result of this construction, rotation motor  360  can cause plunger  330  to rotate within lid  310 , and vertical motor  380  can cause plunger  330  to move vertically within lid  310 . 
     Plunger  330  further comprises a plurality of fingers  400  for engaging counterpart fingers on pod  30  (see below), and a pair of hollow fangs  410 ,  420  for penetrating the top of pod  30  and delivering additional ingredients into pod  30  (see below). 
     Looking next at  FIGS.  1 - 6   , water supply  70  generally comprises an ambient-temperature water tank  430  and a cold water tank  440 . In one preferred form of the invention, ambient-temperature water tank  430  may hold approximately 2.0 liters of water, and cold water tank  440  may hold approximately 0.5 liter of water. Ambient-temperature water tank  430  comprises a removable cover  445  to enable ambient-temperature water tank  430  to be filled with water. A line (not shown) is provided for moving water from ambient-temperature water tank  430  to cold water tank  440 . A water sensor  450  ( FIG.  4   ) is provided for monitoring for the presence of water in ambient-temperature water tank  430 , and a water temperature sensor  460  ( FIG.  6   ) is provided for monitoring the temperature of the water in cold water tank  440 . A plurality of TEC assemblies  470 , each preferably similar to the aforementioned TEC assemblies  240 , are provided for chilling the water in cold water tank  440 , i.e., TEC assemblies  470  comprise TEC elements  473 , heat sinks  475  and heat pipes  477 . Heat pipes  477  of TEC assemblies  470  are preferably connected to heat dissipation assembly  90  so as to carry the heat produced by TEC assemblies  470  to heat dissipation assembly  90 . 
     Looking next at  FIGS.  6  and  14   , cold water and air delivery assembly  80  generally comprises a water pump  480  which pumps cold water from cold water tank  440  into hollow fang  410  of plunger  330 , and an air pump  490  which pumps air into hollow fang  420  of plunger  330 . In one preferred form of the invention, hollow fang  410  comprises a spray nozzle for injecting droplets of atomized water into pod  30  (see below), whereby to facilitate the formation of the frozen confection (see below). Such spray nozzles are well known in the art of liquid dispersion. Cold water and air delivery assembly  80  also comprises various fluid lines (not shown) for transferring water from cold water tank  440  to hollow fang  410  of plunger  330  and for introducing air into hollow fang  420  of plunger  330 . 
     Heat dissipation assembly  90  is shown in further detail in  FIGS.  15  and  16   . Heat dissipation assembly  90  dissipates heat received from heat pipes  270  of TEC assemblies  240  of nest  140  and dissipates heat received from the heat pipes  477  of TEC assemblies  470  of cold water tank  440 . Heat dissipation assembly  90  generally comprises a plurality of heat sinks  500  which draw heat from heat pipes  510  (which are connected to heat pipes  270  of TEC assemblies  240  of nest  140  and heat pipes  477  of TEC assemblies  470  of cold water tank  440 ), a plurality of condensers  520  for receiving heat from heat sinks  500 , and a plurality of fans  530  for cooling condensers  520 . 
     Control electronics  100  generally comprise a power supply  540  ( FIG.  14   ), a central processing unit (CPU)  550  and a user interface  570  ( FIG.  2   ), e.g., a display screen, operating buttons, etc. As seen in  FIG.  17   , power supply  540  and CPU  550  are connected to the aforementioned water sensor  450 , water temperature sensor  460 , TEC assemblies  470 , cylindrical TEC  280 , cylindrical TEC  290 , lid sensor  325 , pod sensor  235 , TEC assemblies  240 , water pump  480 , air pump  490 , rotation motor  360 , vertical motor  380 , condensers  520 , fans  530  and user interface  570 . CPU  550  is appropriately programmed to operate machine  20  in response to instructions received from user interface  570  as will hereinafter be discussed. 
     It will be appreciated that machine  20  is preferably configured to operate at a maximum load of 1800 watts, which is generally the maximum load that standard outlets in a kitchen can handle. 
     The Pod 
     Pod  30  contains a supply of ingredients for providing a single serving of a frozen confection (e.g., ice cream, frozen yogurt, a smoothie, etc.). In the preferred form of the invention, pod  30  is provided as a single-use, disposable pod, i.e., a new pod  30  is used for each serving of the frozen confection. 
     As noted above, and as will hereinafter be discussed, pod  30  is provided with a unique configuration and a unique construction so as to speed up cooling of pod  30  (and its contents), whereby to speed up the process of producing the frozen confection. 
     More particularly, and looking now at  FIGS.  18 - 20   , pod  30  generally comprises a base  580  having an opening  590  formed therein. An outer hollow tube  600  rises upward from the outer perimeter of base  580 , and an inner hollow tube  610  is disposed in opening  590  of base  580  and rises upward from the inner perimeter of base  580 . As a result of this construction, an annular recess  620  (i.e., a toroidal recess  620 ) is formed between base  580 , outer hollow tube  600  and inner hollow tube  610 , with annular recess  620  being generally characterized by a floor  630  (defined by base  580 ), an outer wall  640  (defined by outer hollow tube  600 ) and an inner wall  650  (defined by inner hollow tube  610 ). Note that the diameter of outer hollow tube  600  of pod  30  is slightly less than the diameter of counterbore  190  of nest  140 , and the diameter of inner hollow tube  610  of pod  30  is slightly greater than the diameter of hollow cylinder  200  of nest assembly  50 , such that pod  30  can be seated in annular recess  210  of nest  140 , with outer hollow tube  600  of pod  30  making a close sliding fit with outer wall  220  of nest  140  and with inner hollow tube  610  of pod  30  making a close sliding fit with inner wall  230  of nest assembly  50 . 
     Preferably base  580  of pod  30  comprises a high heat-transfer material (e.g., aluminum, a molded polymer, etc.), outer hollow tube  600  of pod  30  comprises a high heat-transfer material (e.g., aluminum, a molded polymer, etc.) and inner hollow tube  610  of pod  30  comprises a high heat-transfer material (e.g., aluminum, a molded polymer, etc.). In one preferred form of the invention, base  580 , outer hollow tube  600  and inner hollow tube  610  comprise a plastic/thin metallic film composite (i.e., a body of plastic having an external covering of a thin metallic film). It should be appreciated that the plastic/thin metallic film composite allows for improved thermal transfer and helps preserve the contents of pod  30 , while also providing pod  30  with a unique packaging appearance. Preferably base  580 , outer hollow tube  600  and inner hollow tube  610  are substantially rigid. 
     Thus it will be seen that, due to the unique configurations and unique constructions of nest assembly  50  and pod  30 , when a pod  30  is disposed in the annular recess  210  of nest  140 , cold can be efficiently applied to outer wall  640  of pod  30  by outer wall  220  of nest  140 , cold can be efficiently applied to inner wall  650  of pod  30  by inner wall  230  of nest assembly  50 , and cold can be efficiently applied to base  580  of pod  30  by the floor of annular recess  210  of nest  140 . As a result, machine  20  can rapidly cool pod  30  (and its contents) so as to provide a single serving of a frozen confection in a reduced period of time. 
     Pod  30  also comprises a cap  660 , an outer helical scraper paddle  670 , an inner helical scraper paddle  680 , and a bottom scraper paddle  690 . 
     Cap  660  has an outer edge  700  which is sized slightly smaller than the diameter of outer wall  640  of pod  30 , and cap  660  has an inner hole  710  which has a diameter slightly larger than inner hollow tube  610  of pod  30 , such that cap  660  can move longitudinally into, and then along, annular recess  620  of pod  30  (see below). Cap  660  is preferably substantially rigid. 
     Cap  660  also comprises fingers  720  for engaging counterpart fingers  400  of plunger  330 , whereby rotational and longitudinal motion can be imparted to cap  660  of pod  30  by plunger  330 , as will hereinafter be discussed. Cap  660  also comprises two weakened portions  730 ,  740  for penetration by hollow fangs  410 ,  420 , respectively, of plunger  330 , as will hereinafter be discussed in further detail. 
     Outer helical scraper paddle  670  extends between cap  660  and bottom scraper paddle  690 , and comprises an outer edge  750  which makes a close sliding fit with outer wall  640  of annular recess  620 . Inner helical scraper paddle  680  extends between cap  660  and bottom scraper paddle  690 , and comprises an inner edge  760  which makes a close sliding fit with inner hollow tube  610  of pod  30 . Bottom scraper paddle  690  comprises an outer ring  770  which contacts base  580  and makes a close sliding fit with outer wall  640  of annular recess  620 , an inner ring  780  which contacts base  580  and makes a close sliding fit with inner hollow tube  610  of pod  30 , and a pair of struts  790  which contact base  580  and extend between outer ring  770  and inner ring  780 . As a result of this construction, fingers  720  may be used to turn cap  660  rotationally, such that outer helical scraper paddle  670  rotates, scrapping the interior surface of outer wall  640  of pod  30 , inner helical scraper paddle  680  rotates, scraping the exterior surface of inner hollow tube  610 , and struts  770  rotate, scraping floor  630  of base  580 . It will be appreciated that the provision of outer helical scraper paddle  670 , inner helical scraper paddle  680  and bottom scraper paddle  690  is highly advantageous, since outer helical scraper paddle  670 , inner helical scraper paddle  680  and bottom scraper paddle  690  can simultaneously (i) agitate the contents of pod  30  so as to ensure uniform and rapid formation of the frozen confection, and (ii) prevent the build-up of frozen confection on base  580 , outer hollow tube  600  and inner hollow tube  610 , which could inhibit cooling of the contents of pod  30 . Outer helical scraper paddle  670  and inner helical scraper paddle  680  are configured and constructed so that they may be longitudinally compressed by applying a longitudinal force to cap  660 , whereby to move cap  660  into, and along, annular recess  620  of pod  30 , so as to bring cap  660  substantially into engagement with base  580  (see below). In one preferred form of the invention, outer helical scraper paddle  670  and inner helical scraper paddle  680  are made out of spring steel, with outer helical scrapper paddle  670  and inner helical scraper paddle  680  compressing to substantially flat configurations when a longitudinal force drives cap  660  against base  580  (or, more precisely, substantially against base  580 , since the flattened outer helical scraper paddle  670  and the flattened inner helical scraper paddle  680  will be disposed between, and slightly separate, cap  660  from base  580 ). Bottom scraper paddle  690  may also be formed out of spring steel. In another preferred form of the invention, outer helical scraper paddle  670  and/or inner helical scraper paddle  680  (and/or bottom scraper paddle  690 ) may be made out of a plastic. If desired, outer helical scraper paddle  670  and/or inner helical scraper paddle  680  (and/or bottom scraper paddle  690 ) may comprise a shape memory material (e.g., Nitinol). 
     A bore  800  passes through base  580  and communicates with the interior of annular recess  620 . A weakened portion  810  normally closes off bore  800  but may be ruptured upon the application of an appropriate force so as to pass material (e.g., frozen confection) therethrough. An exit nozzle  820  is mounted to base  580  adjacent to bore  800  so that exit port  830  of exit nozzle  820  communicates with the interior of annular recess  620  when weakened portion  810  has been ruptured. 
     Pod  30  generally has a surface area-to-volume ratio which is greater than 2:1, and which is preferably approximately 8:1. It will be appreciated that increasing the surface area of pod  30  increases the speed of forming the frozen confection in pod  30 , since it allows heat to be drawn out of pod  30  (and its contents) more quickly. It will also be appreciated that forming pod  30  with a toroidal configuration (i.e., with both interior and exterior access surfaces) provides increased surface area and enables more rapid cooling of pod  30  and its contents, inasmuch as cold may be simultaneously applied to both the outer surfaces of pod  30  and the inner surfaces of pod  30 . 
     By way of example but not limitation, in one preferred form of the invention, pod  30  has an outer diameter of 2.25 inches and a height of 3.75 inches (i.e., outer hollow tube  600  has an outer diameter of 2.25 inches and a height of 3.75 inches), whereby to provide a surface area of 26.49 square inches and a volume of 14.90 cubic inches; and pod  30  has an inner diameter of 1.4 inches and a height of 3.75 inches (i.e., inner hollow tube  610  has an inner diameter of 1.4 inches and a height of 3.75 inches), whereby to provide a surface area of 16.49 square inches and a volume of 5.77 cubic inches; thereby yielding a total pod surface area of 42.98 square inches (i.e., 26.49 square inches+16.49 square inches=42.98 square inches) and a total pod volume of 9.13 cubic inches (i.e., 14.90 cubic inches— 5.77 cubic inches=9.13 cubic inches), and a surface area-to-volume ratio of 8.47:1. 
     Pod  30  contains a fresh supply of ingredients for forming the frozen confection (e.g., ice cream, frozen yogurt, smoothie, etc.). More particularly, pod  30  may contain a frozen confection mix (dry or liquid) containing, for example, sugar and powder crystals, preferably many of which are less than 50 μm in size, and preferably containing at least 0.1% stabilizers by volume. A dry frozen confection mix preferably has at least 50% of its constituents (e.g., the sugar and powder crystals) having a size of 50 μm or less. 
     Where pod  30  is to produce a single serving of ice cream, in a preferred form of the invention, pod  30  may hold approximately 4-6 ounces of ingredients, and the ingredients may comprise approximately 8% fat (e.g., cream, butter, anhydrous milk fat, vegetable fat, etc.), approximately 1% milk solids-non-fat (MSNF) (e.g., skim milk power (SMP), whole milk powder (WMP), evaporated milk, condensed milk, etc.), approximately 13% sucrose, approximately 0.5% emulsifier and approximately 0.5% stabilizer. 
     By way of further example but not limitation, if pod  30  contains 1.25 ounces of dry yogurt mix, 5 ounces of frozen yogurt will be formed in pod  30  after running machine  20 . 
     Use Of The System 
     Looking now at  FIG.  21   , machine  20  is prepared for use by introducing water into ambient-temperature water tank  430  and turning on machine  20 . Water sensor  450  confirms that there is water in ambient-temperature water tank  430 . Machine  20  then pumps water from ambient-temperature water tank  430  into cold water tank  440  and chills the water in cold water tank  440  using TEC assemblies  470 . Water temperature sensor  460  monitors the temperature of the water in cold water tank  440 . Preferably the water in cold water tank  440  is cooled to between approximately 1-3 degrees C. Machine  20  then sits in this standby condition, re-cooling the water in cold water tank  440  as needed, until a single serving of a frozen confection (e.g., ice cream. frozen yogurt, smoothie, etc.) is to be prepared. 
     When a single serving of a frozen confection is to be prepared, lid assembly  60  of machine  20  is opened and a fresh pod  30  is positioned in annular recess  210  of nest  140 . This is done so that exit nozzle  820  of pod  30  seats in exit nozzle  233  of nest  140 . Then lid assembly  60  is closed so that fingers  400  of plunger  330  engage fingers  720  of pod  30 , and so that hollow fangs  410 ,  420  of plunger  330  penetrate the two weakened portions  730 ,  740  of pod  30 . In addition, a container (i.e., the container from which the frozen confection will be consumed) is placed on tray  130  of machine  20 , with the container being centered below exit nozzle  233  of nest assembly  50  (alternatively, where the frozen confection is to be consumed from a cone, the cone is held above tray  130 ). 
     When pod sensor  235  senses the presence of a pod  30  in annular recess  210  of nest  140 , machine  20  cools nest assembly  50  via TEC assemblies  240  and cylindrical TEC  280 , which in turn cools the pod  30  (and its contents) which is located in annular recess  210  of nest  140 . Note that TEC assemblies  240  cool the outer faces  170  of nest  140  so as to cool outer wall  220  of annular recess  210 , whereby to cool hollow outer tube  600  of pod  30 , and cylindrical TEC  280  cools hollow cylinder  200  so as to cool inner wall  230  of annular recess  210 , whereby to cool hollow inner tube  610  of pod  30 . Note that the high surface area-to-volume ratio of pod  30 , provided by its toroidal configuration, allows for faster cooling of the pod  30  (and its contents). By way of example but not limitation, the contents of pod  30  can be cooled to a temperature of approximately −30 degrees C. so as to form ice cream within 2 minutes (the contents of pod  30  will turn to ice cream at a temperature of −18 degrees C., a lower temperature will produce ice cream even faster). Note also that the heat removed from pod  30  via TEC assemblies  240  and cylindrical TEC  280  is transferred to heat dissipation assembly  90  for dissipation to the environment. 
     When pod  30  has been appropriately cooled, water pump  480  pumps an appropriate amount of cold water (e.g., at least 1.25 ounces of cold water) from cold water tank  440  into hollow fang  410  in plunger  330 , and then through weakened portion  730  in cap  660 , so that the cold water is sprayed into the interior of pod  30  and mixes with the contents of pod  30 . In a preferred form of the invention, 4 ounces of water at 2 degrees C. is sprayed into pod  30 . At the same time, rotation motor  360  rotates plunger  330 , whereby to rotate cap  660  of pod  30 , which causes outer helical scraper paddle  670 , inner helical scraper paddle  680  and bottom scraper paddle  690  to rotate within annular recess  620  of pod  30 . 
     Note that only cap  660 , outer helical scraper paddle  670 , inner helical scraper paddle  680  and bottom scraper paddle  690  rotate, and the remainder of pod  30  remains stationary, inasmuch as exit nozzle  820  of pod  30  is disposed in exit nozzle  233  of nest assembly  50 . 
     This rotational action agitates the contents of pod  30  so as to ensure uniform and rapid mixing of the contents of pod  30 . In addition, this rotational action causes outer helical scraper paddle  670 , inner helical scraper paddle  680  and bottom scraper paddle  690  to continuously scrape the walls of pod  30  so as to prevent the build-up of frozen confection on the walls of pod  30  (which could inhibit cooling of the contents of pod  30 ). Then air pump  490  pumps air into hollow fang  420  in plunger  330 , and then through weakened portion  740  in cap  660 , so that the air enters the interior of pod  30  and mixes with the contents of pod  30 . Preferably enough air is pumped into pod  30  to provide an approximately 30%-50% overrun (i.e., air bubbles) in pod  30 , whereby to give the ice cream the desired “loft”. As this occurs, outer helical scraper paddle  670 , inner helical scraper paddle  680  and bottom scraper paddle  690  continue to agitate the contents of pod  30  so as to ensure uniform and rapid mixing of the contents of pod  30  and so as to continuously scrape the walls of pod  30 , whereby to prevent a build-up of frozen confection on the walls of pod  30  (which could inhibit cooling of the contents of pod  30 ). 
     In order to create a “smooth” frozen confection, the majority of ice crystals formed in the frozen confection should be smaller than approximately 50 μm. If many of the ice crystals are larger than 50 μm, or if there are extremely large ice crystals (i.e., over 100 μm) present, the frozen confection will be “coarse”. System  10  is designed to produce a “smooth” frozen confection by providing a majority of ice crystals smaller than approximately 50 μm. 
     More particularly, to develop ice crystals with the proper dispersion (number, size and shape), it is necessary to control the freezing process: rates of nucleation vs. growth of crystals. System  10  does this by simultaneously scraping the inner and outer surfaces of annular recess  620  of pod  30 . In addition, in order to generate numerous small ice crystals, the freezing conditions within pod  30  must promote nuclei formation and minimize ice crystal growth. Promoting ice nucleation requires very low temperatures, e.g., ideally as low as −30 degrees C., in order to promote rapid nucleation. System  10  freezes the contents of pod  30  very quickly (e.g., under 2 minutes), thereby preventing ice crystals from having the time to “ripen” (i.e., grow). Furthermore, once ice nuclei have formed, conditions that minimize their growth are needed to keep the ice crystals as small as possible. To obtain the smallest possible ice crystals, it is necessary to have the shortest residence time possible in order to minimize “ripening” (i.e., growth) of the ice crystals. System  10  achieves this by using multiple internal scraper paddles to remove ice crystals from the walls of the pod, which helps create high-throughput rates which keeps the ice crystals small (e.g., under 50 μm). 
     When the frozen confection in pod  30  is ready to be dispensed into the container which has been placed on tray  130  of machine  20  (i.e., the container from which the frozen confection will be consumed), or into a cone held above tray  130 , vertical motor  380  moves plunger  330  vertically, causing plunger  330  to force cap  660  of pod  30  downward, toward base  580  of pod  30 , with outer helical scraper paddle  670  and inner helical scraper paddle  680  longitudinally compressing with the advance of cap  660 . This action reduces the volume of annular recess  620 . Vertical motor  380  continues to move plunger  330  vertically, reducing the volume of annular recess  620 , until the force of the frozen confection in pod  30  ruptures weakened portion  810  of pod  30  and the frozen confection is forced out exit port  830  of pod  30 , whereupon the frozen confection passes through exit port  234  of nest  140  and into the container set on tray  130  (i.e., the container from which the frozen confection will be consumed) or into the cone held above tray  130 . This action continues until cap  660  has been forced against base  580 , effectively ejecting all of the frozen confection out of pod  30  and into the container from which the ice cream will be consumed. 
     Thereafter, the used pod  30  may be removed from machine  20  and, when another single serving of a frozen confection is to be prepared, it may be replaced by a fresh pod  30  and the foregoing process repeated. 
     Alternative Approaches For Cooling The Inner Portion Of The Nest Assembly 
     If desired, and looking now at  FIG.  22   , cylindrical TEC  280  may be replaced by a helical coil  840  which is itself cooled by a TEC element  850 . 
     Alternatively, if desired, and looking now at  FIG.  23   , a TEC assembly  240  may be mounted to bottom surface  160  of nest  140  so that TEC assembly  240  can cool hollow cylinder  200  of nest  140  (as well as the bottom surface of nest  140 ). 
     Using The System To Provide A Cold Beverage 
     System  10  can also be used to provide a single serving of a cold beverage. By way of example but not limitation, pod  30  may contain a supply of ingredients for forming cold tea (also sometimes referred to as “iced tea”), cold coffee (also sometimes referred to as “iced coffee”), cold soda, cold beer, etc. In this circumstance, pod  30  may contain a dry or liquid cold tea mix, a dry or liquid cold coffee mix, a dry or liquid soda mix or a dry or liquid beer mix, etc. 
     Where system  10  is to be used to provide a single serving of a cold beverage, a pod  30 , containing a supply of the ingredients used to form the cold beverage, is inserted into nest assembly  50 . Nest assembly  50  is then used to cool pod  30 , and cold water is pumped from cold water tank  440  into pod  30 , where it is combined with the ingredients contained within pod  30 , and mixed by outer helical scraper paddle  670 , inner helical scraper paddle  680  and bottom scraper paddle  690 . When mixing is completed, vertical motor  380  is activated to eject the cold beverage into a waiting container. 
     It will be appreciated that where a cold beverage is to be produced, air may or may not be pumped into pod  30  (e.g., air may not be pumped into pod  30  when cold tea or cold coffee is being produced, and air may be pumped into pod  30  when cold soda or cold beer is being produced). 
     It will also be appreciated that where a cold beverage is to be produced, outer helical scraper paddle  670 , inner helical scraper paddle  680  and bottom scraper paddle  690  may be omitted from pod  30  if desired. 
     Using The System To Provide A Hot Beverage 
     System  10  can also be used to provide a single serving of a hot beverage. By way of example but not limitation, pod  30  may contain a supply of ingredients for forming a hot beverage, e.g., hot chocolate, hot coffee, etc. In this situation, pod  30  may contain a dry mix formed from ingredients which, when mixed with hot water, provide the desired beverage, e.g., a hot chocolate powder, an instant coffee mix, etc. 
     Where system  10  is to be used to provide a single serving of a hot beverage, a pod  30 , containing a supply of the ingredients used to form the hot beverage, is inserted into nest assembly  50 . Nest assembly  50  is then used to heat pod  30 , and ambient-temperature water is pumped from ambient-temperature water tank  430  into pod  30 , where it is combined with the ingredients contained within pod  30 , and mixed by outer helical scraper paddle  670 , inner helical scraper paddle  680  and bottom scraper paddle  690 . Note that TEC assemblies  240  may be used to supply heat to the outer surfaces of nest  140  by simply reversing the direction of the electric current flow supplied to TEC elements  250 , and cylindrical TEC  290  may be used to supply heat to the inner column of nest  140 , whereby to heat the contents of pod  30 . In addition, if desired, the ambient-temperature water in ambient-temperature water tank  430  may be heated before injection into pod  30 , e.g., via resistance heaters positioned in the line between ambient-temperature water tank  430  and hollow fang  410  of plunger  330 . It will be appreciated that where a hot beverage is to be produced, air is generally not pumped into pod  30 . 
     In many cases, it may be desirable to “brew” a hot beverage by passing water through a supply of granulated ingredients, e.g., such as in the case of coffee or tea. To that end, and looking now at  FIGS.  24 - 27   , pod  30  can be provided with a filter  860  which contains a supply of the granulated ingredients (e.g., ground coffee beans, tea leaves, etc.) which is to be brewed. In one preferred form of the invention, and as shown in  FIGS.  24 - 27   , filter  860  is disposed adjacent to cap  660 , e.g., filter  860  is secured to cap  660 , and outer helical scraper paddle  670 , inner helical scraper paddle  680  and bottom scraper paddle  690  are omitted from pod  30 . Note also that when plunger  330  collapses cap  660  towards base  580 , filter  860  will preferably also collapse, whereby to allow compression of the granulated ingredients contained within filter  860 , so as to press the fluid out of filter  860 , e.g., in the manner of a so-called “French Press” coffee maker. It should also be appreciated that filter  860  is constructed so that it will maintain its structural integrity during collapse so that the granulated contents of filter  860  do not pass out of pod  30 . 
     Alternative Configuration 
     If desired, and looking now at  FIG.  28   , machine  20  can be mounted to a cabinet  870 , where cabinet  870  sits on legs  880 . In this construction, cabinet  870  can include additional cooling apparatus for removing heat from heat dissipation assembly  90  (e.g., additional heat pipes, condensers and fans, or a conventional refrigeration unit, etc.). Cabinet  870  may also be configured so as to house fresh pods  30  and/or containers for receiving the frozen confections (e.g., bowls and cones), cold beverages (e.g., cups) and hot beverages (e.g., cups). 
     Chilling The Pod With A Refrigeration Coil 
     In another form of the invention, and looking now at  FIGS.  29 - 31   , nest assembly  50  may be replaced by an alternative nest assembly  50 A comprising a nest  140 A in the form of a torus characterized by an outer wall  220 A and an inner wall  230 A, wherein the torus is formed out of a high heat-transfer material (e.g., aluminum), and further wherein TEC assemblies  240  are replaced by a refrigeration coil  240 A which is connected to heat dissipation assembly  90 A, wherein heat dissipation assembly  90 A comprises a compressor for driving refrigeration coil  240 A. It will be appreciated that, as a result of this construction, nest assembly  50 A (and hence a pod  30  disposed in nest assembly  50 A) can be cooled via a conventional refrigeration system. This construction can be advantageous since it can quickly cool a pod  30  to −40 degrees C., which is beyond the thermal performance of TEC elements  250 . 
     Alternative Nest And Pod Constructions 
     In the foregoing disclosure, nest assembly  50  and nest assembly  50 A comprise an internal cooling element (e.g., hollow cylinder  200  containing TEC  280 ) as well as external cooling elements (e.g., TEC assemblies  240 ), and pod  30  comprises an inner opening (i.e., the lumen of inner hollow tube  610 ) for receiving the internal cooling element of nest assemblies  50  and  50 A. However, if desired, the internal cooling element may be omitted from nest assemblies  50  and  50 A, in which case the inner opening of pod  30  may also be omitted. 
     Modifications Of The Preferred Embodiments 
     It should be understood that many additional changes in the details, materials, steps and arrangements of parts, which have been herein described and illustrated in order to explain the nature of the present invention, may be made by those skilled in the art while still remaining within the principles and scope of the invention.