Patent Abstract:
The present invention relates to a system and process for a nutraceutical beverage mixing system. Provided is a customizable supplement beverage system and method for personalizing and operating the same to a particular user and optionally for operative tracking. Proposed additionally is an operative system for receiving and individually identifying a concentrate or supplement combinations, for mixing the same prior to a use, and for dispensing the same for use, and for tracking control factors relating to the same.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a divisional of International Application No. PCT/US2013/027982, filed Feb. 27, 2013, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/666,835, entitled “A Beverage Mixing System and Process,” filed on Jun. 30, 2012, and of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/604,410, entitled “A Trainable Nutraceutical Beverage System and Method of Operating the Same,” filed on Feb. 28, 2012, all of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a trainable nutraceutical beverage mixing system and method for operating the same. More particularly, the present invention relates to a customizable supplement beverage system, and method for personalizing the same to a particular user and for tracking of the same. The invention also relates to multi-compartment pods or containers for use with the trainable beverage mixing system. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Industrial applications of trainable computer systems are known in the art, and typically include user-preference memorization. Also known are customized nutritional food and beverage dispensing systems, such as the one in U.S. Pat. No. 7,762,181 (Boland et al.), the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference. 
     As discussed in detail in Boland &#39;181 a highly complex ingredient processor blends, cooks and prepares in an individual dose system requiring continuous update and complex operational steps. Unfortunately, this reference processor blends, cooks and prepares in an individual dose system requiring continuous update and complex operational steps. Unfortunately, this reference fails to identify the trainable operation desired of the present invention, system and method. Also detriment to &#39;181 is a substantially high cost requirement for a dispensing system which prohibits individual-use systems. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for an improved trainable nutraceutical beverage mixing system and method of operating the same. Further, there is also a need to improve process efficiencies in tracking, identifying, dispensing and monitoring individually customizable supplement programs matched with a user&#39;s needs. There is also a need for portable beverage mixing system including multi-component containers for use therewith. 
     ASPECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In response, the present invention provides a trainable nutraceutical beverage system. Provided is a customizable supplement beverage system, and method for personalizing and operating the same to a particular user and for operative tracking. Proposed additionally is an operative system for receiving and individually identifying a concentrate or supplement combinations, for mixing the same prior to a use, and for dispensing the same for use, and for tracking control factors relating to the same. Also proposed is a personalized supplement program that is beverage based for user convenience. 
     Also proposed are various portable mixing systems with safety controls according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention with the system. Preferably, the systems comprise a housing body having a pod or container receiving portion with a slip resistant bottom surface. Alternatively, bottom surface may be a type of key-in surface to lock or otherwise secure the pod or container in place during operation. The preferred pods or containers for use with the invention will be discussed in greater detail below. Optionally, the mixing system may have safety controls to alert the user to a particular speed or frequency of the mixing based upon the type of nutraceutical being used or the size or amount being used. A user access code, fingerprint scan, retina scan or other known type of safety control mechanisms that are difficult to bypass, including software safety control, may be employed with the system, especially for the consumption of quantity-sensitive materials (i.e., Iron, etc.) to prevent accidental overdose. The mixing system further comprises a movable mixing head comprising a back head movably connected to a front mixing head which includes a stirrer or mixer. 
     During operation, after the pod or container is positioned securely on the surface, the mixing head is lowered such that the mixer or stirrer is engaged with an upper component of the pod or container. The user then selects the appropriate control for the desired frequency or speed of the mixing. Optionally, the front mixing head, which is connected to the back head via one or more movable arms such that the mixing arm moves about within the pod or container. Similarly, the mixing head may also optionally partially rotate (e.g., approximately 45%, 60%, 75%, etc.) again to move the mixing arm around within container or pod. Optionally, the mixing or agitation may additionally involve varying the depth of the engagement between the mixing paddle and the beverage, varying the duration of the mixing or agitation, reversing and/or oscillating the direction of the mixing (i.e., clockwise, counterclockwise, clockwise, etc.), and/or oscillating the depth of the engagement between the mixing paddle and the beverage (i.e., up, down, up, down, etc.). 
     Preferably, internal (not shown) to the mixing system is an internal process controller unit (including suitable memory and processing units) optionally linked with an external communication control system. As will be understood by those of skill in the system operational arts, during any use, system may be able to track individual uses, dispensements, particular mixing proportions, total supplement delivery and other operations. Additionally, in an optional embodiment, the communication control system may be able to communicate externally to process control system and data tables and with the delivery supply system, thereby permitting comprehensive benefit, use, and adaptation tracking for a user&#39;s health benefit. Additionally, the system may be able to re-order, and operate commercial transactions on behalf of a user based upon designated user preferences. 
     Also proposed are various embodiments for two compartment mixing pods or containers and some of their components that may be employed with the various mixing systems discussed above. For example, a first embodiment of a pod or container for use with the mixing systems previously described, illustrates a two part pod, a nutritional supplement part and a housing part for containing filtered water, with a mixing paddle having radially projecting blades or fans and a upwardly projecting stem for interfacing with the disclosed mixing systems. Preferably, an upper part of the pod has a sealing cap having a sealing membrane or protective label there on. Optionally, a protective label may contain a  2 D or  3 D barcode thereon for the mixing system to read, store and/or transmit information about the product being used. Also optionally, a lid or cap is secured onto an upper portion of the housing part in a tamper resistant manner such that if the seal is broken the average user would notice. 
     Preferably, the pod or portion pack is made substantially of recyclable materials. Also, the multiple parts of the pod or pack are preferably embodied as an assembly all of which are molded of the same material (e.g., polyethylene, etc.) which can be disposed of and recycled as an assembly. This is advantageous because it simplifies the waste stream through eliminating the identification and separation of unlike materials. 
     During operation, once the pod or container is positioned securely into the mixing system, a mixing head will lower the mixing arm or stirrer down onto the upper portion or protective label of the pod or container. The mixing system will continue to move mixing arm downward until the lower end of the mixing arm connects or otherwise engages with the upper end of a stem of the paddle such that when the mixing arm spins, the paddle will rotate at the same speed and/or frequency. The mixing arm continues to apply downward pressure on the stem until a lower tip of the paddle punctures the sealing membrane which had been maintaining the nutritional supplement or vitamin away from the water. Once the sealing membrane is punctured the nutritional supplement or vitamin spills into the water and the mixing arm continues to apply downward pressure on the stem until the paddle is sufficiently submerged to a distance within the water to adequately and completely mix the water and nutritional supplement as described above with respect to any of the mixing systems disclosed herein. Once sufficiently mixed, the mixing arm rises out from within the container so that the container may be removed from the mixing system. Optionally, the mixing arm and/or stem may comprise a mechanism or may be configured in such a way that they become securely engaged and that when the mixing arm is removed from container, it removes the paddle as well. Optionally, the paddle may remain within the container and be disposed of along with the container once all of the liquid mixture is gone. 
     The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate the same elements. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A further understanding of the present invention can be obtained by reference to a preferred embodiment set forth in the illustrations of the accompanying drawings. Although the illustrated preferred embodiment is merely exemplary of methods, structures and compositions for carrying out the present invention, both the organization and method of the invention, in general, together with further objectives and advantages thereof, may be more easily understood by reference to the drawings and the following description. The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of this invention, which is set forth with particularity in the claims as appended or as subsequently amended, but merely to clarify and exemplify the invention. 
       For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is now made to the following drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a descriptive illustration of one alternative embodiment of the proposed system; 
         FIG. 2  is an illustrative flow chart of one alternative method according to one embodiment of the proposed invention; 
         FIG. 3A  is a front plan view of the portable mixing system with safety controls according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention with the system in the raised or open position; 
         FIG. 3B  is a top plan view of the mixing system shown in  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIG. 3C  is a side view of the mixing system shown in  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIG. 4A  is a front plan view of the portable mixing system shown in  FIG. 3A  with the system in the lowered or closed position; 
         FIG. 4B  is a side view of the mixing system shown in  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIG. 5A  is a front plan view of the portable mixing system with safety controls according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5B  is a top plan view of the mixing system shown in  FIG. 5A ; 
         FIG. 5C  is a side view of the mixing system shown in  FIG. 5A ; 
         FIG. 6A  is a front plan view of the portable mixing system with safety controls according to another alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6B  is a side view of the mixing system shown in  FIG. 6A ; 
         FIG. 7A  is a front plan view of the portable mixing system with safety controls according to another alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7B  is a side view of the mixing system shown in  FIG. 7A ; 
         FIG. 8A  is a front plan view of the portable mixing system with safety controls according to another alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8B  is a side view of the mixing system shown in  FIG. 8A ; 
         FIG. 9A  is a closed front plan view of the preferred embodiment for a two part pod with a mixing paddle therein for use with the mixing system according to the invention; 
         FIG. 9B  is an exposed cross-sectional view of the two part pod shown in  FIG. 9A  further showing the mixing paddle; 
         FIG. 9C  is an exposed cross-sectional view of the two part pod shown in  FIG. 9A  further showing the mixing paddle; 
         FIG. 9D  is a top plan view of the cap or lid for use with the two part pod shown in  FIGS. 9A-C ; 
         FIG. 10  is an exposed cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment for a two part pod for use with the mixing system according to the invention; 
         FIG. 11A  is a descriptive illustration of phase one of a bi-pod filtration process used with the system according to one aspect of the invention; 
         FIG. 11B  is a descriptive illustration of phase two of a bi-pod filtration process used with the system according to one aspect of the invention; 
         FIG. 12  is an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment for a two part spin pod for use with the mixing system in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 13A  is a perspective view of a first embodiment for a stir pod spinning mechanism in the closed position for use in mixing the contents of the spin pod during operation of the mixing system; 
         FIG. 13B  is a perspective view of the stir pod spinning mechanism shown in  FIG. 13A  but shown in the open position; 
         FIG. 14A  is a perspective view of a second embodiment for a stir pod spinning mechanism in the closed position having three blades for use in mixing the contents of the spin pod during operation of the mixing system; 
         FIG. 14B  is a perspective view of the stir pod spinning mechanism shown in  FIG. 14A  but shown in the open position; 
         FIG. 14C  is a perspective view of the stir pod spinning mechanism shown in  FIG. 14A  but shown in the open position and having only two stirring blades; 
         FIG. 15A  is a perspective view of a third embodiment for a stir pod spinning mechanism for use in mixing the contents of the spin pod during operation of the mixing system; 
         FIG. 15B  is a perspective view of the stir pod spinning mechanism shown in  FIG. 15A  further indicating the flow of liquid during spinning in order to mix the contents of the spin pod; 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of one embodiment of how the stir pods may be packaged for proper sealing and safety; 
         FIG. 17A  is a front plan view of yet another alternative embodiment for a two part pod for use with the mixing system in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 17B  is an exposed cross-sectional view of the two part pod shown in  FIG. 17A  further showing the membrane piercing component upon compression of the two part pod; 
         FIG. 17C  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the membrane piercing component for use with the invention; 
         FIG. 17D  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the two part pod shown in 
         FIGS. 17A-B ; 
         FIG. 18A  is a front plan view of yet another alternative embodiment for a two part pod for use with the mixing system in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 18B  is an exposed cross-sectional view of the two part pod shown in  FIG. 18A  further showing multiple membrane piercing component upon compression of the two part pod; 
         FIG. 18C  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the two part pod shown in  FIGS. 18A-B ; 
         FIG. 19  is a front plan view of still another alternative embodiment for a two part pod or compartment for use with the mixing system in accordance with the invention; and 
     
    
    
     Appendix A provides an illustrative summary of operative concepts of the proposed system and method, but the proposed system and method is not limited to the Appendix. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     As required, a detailed illustrative embodiment of the present invention is disclosed herein. However, techniques, systems, compositions and operating structures in accordance with the present invention may be embodied in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, forms and modes, some of which may be quite different from those in the disclosed embodiment. Consequently, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative, yet in that regard, they are deemed to afford the best embodiment for purposes of disclosure and to provide a basis for the claims herein which define the scope of the present invention. 
     Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the invention. Wherever possible, same or similar reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts or steps. The drawings are in simplified form and are not to precise scale. The word ‘couple’ and similar terms do not necessarily denote direct and immediate connections, but also include connections through intermediate elements or devices. For purposes of convenience and clarity only, directional (up/down, etc.) or motional (forward/back, etc.) terms may be used with respect to the drawings. These and similar directional terms should not be construed to limit the scope in any manner. It will also be understood that other embodiments may be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention, and that the detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and that elements may be differently positioned, or otherwise noted as in the appended claims without requirements of the written description being required thereto. 
     Various operations may be described as multiple discrete operations in turn, in a manner that may be helpful in understanding embodiments of the present invention; however, the order of description should not be construed to imply that these operations are order dependent. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , the proposed system  100  includes an operable process control system and operable data tables  102  that is in communication with a delivery and supply system  101  for management of system  100  as will be discussed. As will be understood from the exemplary illustration an optional data communication loop is provided by illustrated arrows, but this will be understood by those of skill in the art to be operable over any known telecommunication process for receipt, manipulation, and delivery of information, and for tracking physical delivery of later described items. 
     Within system  100  there is provided a user-unit operable for receipt of a concentrate or supplement container  1  and a supply of a dilutant (e.g., water, coffee, tea, milk, carbonated beverages, any hot or cold fluid, or any other suitable fluid)  2 , with operable power input access  3  (at rear of unit) and a control system  4  containing suitable controls for achieving the goals of the proposed system (including but not limited to on/off, volume control, temp, control, mixing proportions, optional weight-stage for dispensing tracking etc.). Both container  1  and dilutant  2  may be in multi-use, continuous, or single-use sizes. 
     Additionally noted s a dispensing station unit  5  for supporting a volume to receive a mixture of dilutant  1  and concentrate  2  under mixing conditions controlled by control system  4 . An individual tracking identification or bar code  6  is provided on each concentrate/supplement container  1  and there is positioned an associated reader  7  for receiving identification/use information from code  6  during an installation and use of container  1 . Internal (not shown) to the location unit is an internal process controller unit  8  (including suitable memory and processing units) linked with an optional external communication control system  9 . As will be understood by those of skill in the system operational arts, during any use, system  100  will be able to track individual uses, dispensments, particular mixing proportions, total supplement delivery and other operations. Additionally, in an optional embodiment, the end unit and communication control system  9  will be able to communicate externally to process control system and data tables  102  and with delivery supply system  101 , thereby permitting comprehensive benefit, use, and adaptation tracking for a user&#39;s health benefit. Additionally, system  100  will be able to optionally re-order, and operate commercial transactions on behalf of a user based upon designated user preferences. 
     Regarding process control system and data tables  102 , it will be understood that these include a comprehensive process control units to receive, track, organize, and select from informational data bases involving comprehensive user identifications, complete medical and query information and user goals, a complete selection with all parameters of dilutants and also all supplements, minerals, pharmaceuticals etc. that may be selected based upon user-parameters. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2  wherein an operative and optional method of the proposed system is illustrated. In a first step  201  an initial determination is provided of user preferences and needs and includes (in each step noted hereafter) links with process and data control unit and system  102  containing operative communication links  102 A. Such determination step may include questionnaires (multiple) following family history, health concerns, health history, desired outcomes (weight loss, muscle gain, medical treatment support (e.g., diabetes, wound healing, cancer treatment support, etc. without limitations thereto). 
     Following initial questionnaire and detail information for each individualized users an initial recommended user-unique supplement determination is made in a step  202  linked with a unique identification step  203  and via process and data control system  102 , a supplement concentrate product is created, packaged, and shipped in a combined step  204  to a user for installation in a device  205 . Device system  100  recognizes the unique identification and conducts local controls and monitoring as discussed elsewhere through continuous use steps  206  for a designated period of time (user determined, medically determined etc.) until a desire to conduct a secondary determination step  207  is reached. 
     In step  207  a link with the unique identification is made via path  210  to process control  102  and the historic data is stored in data tables therewith. Additional steps in a rebalancing step  208  are conducted that would include modifying the initial supplement determination step  202  and crafting a replacement or secondary supplement via a path  209  shown also linked with process control  102 . In this matter, during a rebalancing step a new individually identifiable supplement is packaged, shipped, delivered, linked with the system and dispensed therefrom. 
     It will be recognized that this process of initial determination and later rebalancing may be repeated without limit so as to provide a continual trainable process unique to each user&#39;s needs. 
     Further, it will be understood that the entire contents of the incorporated-by-reference U.S. Pat. No. 7,762,181 is available to access for enabling content upon question by one of skill in the art. Additionally, it will be understood that this application will incorporate the currently known highest skill in the communication, data management, shipping, user-identification and product-identification technologies in the art. Thus, for a non-limiting example where data is *sent” or ‘recorded’ this will be understood to incorporate all known ways (wired, wireless, encrypted, open, random-access memory, bubble-memory, cloud-based etc.). For example, the current process control system and data tables could be cloud-based, or located on a proprietary enterprise type system with server modules. Finally, it will be understood that the full health, medical, vitamin, pharmaceutical, and nutrition data available and is used to guide supplement or concentrate and dilutant determination. 
     It will be understood that the phrase dilutant supply or dilutant may be any fluid material that is not the nutraceutical concentration, thereby allowing a dilution of the concentration during a use dispensment. The dilutant may be any suitable fluid for human consumption, and by way of non-limiting example the dilutant may be water or another combination of components (e.g., coffee, tea, milk, pharmaceutical combinations etc., without limitation). 
     It will be understood that the phrase nutraceutical, indicates a portmanteau of the words “nutrition” and “pharmaceutical”, and as used herein is a food or food product that reportedly provides health and medical benefits, including the prevention and treatment of disease, and that this food or food product may be of any kind, but is preferably in the form of a fluid concentrate intended for combination with water prior to ingestion by an end user. Nothing herein will limit the interpretation to requiring a pharmaceutical product. It will also be understood that nutraceutical may additionally include those compounds, vitamins, flavorings, minerals, drugs, or pharmaceutical compositions (without limit to any) that are believed to have a physiological benefit or provide protection against chronic disease. With recent developments in cellular-level nutraceutical agents the proposed use will be understood as non-limiting and is to be broadly interpreted to include any complementary and alternative therapies now known or later developed. 
     Turning next to  FIGS. 3A-C  and  4 A- 4 B, shown are the portable mixing system with safety controls according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention with the system in the raised or open position ( FIGS. 3A-C ) and in the lowered or closed position ( FIGS. 4A-B ). Preferably, the system comprises a housing body  318  having a pod or container receiving portion  312  with a slip resistant bottom surface  310 . Alternatively, bottom surface  310  may be a type of key-in surface to lock or otherwise secure the pod or container  316  in place during operation. The preferred pods or containers  316  for use with the invention will be discussed in greater detail below. Optionally, the mixing system  300  may have safety controls  314  to alert the user to a particular speed or frequency of the mixing based upon the type of nutraceutical being used or the size or amount being used. Mixing system  300  further comprises movable mixing head  320  comprising back head  302  movably connected to front mixing head  304  which includes stirrer or mixer  306 . 
     During operation, after pod or container  316  is positioned securely on surface  310 , mixing head  320  is lowered (see  FIGS. 4A-B ) such that mixer or stirrer  306  is inserted into the contents of the pod or container  316 . The user then selects the appropriate control  314  for the desired frequency or speed of the mixing. Optionally, front mixing head, which is connected to back head  302  via movable arms  308  such that mixing arm  306  moves about within pod or container  316 . Similarly, the mixing head  320  may also optionally partially rotate (e.g., approximately 45% or 60%) again to move mixing arm  306  around within container or pod  316 . 
     Preferably, internal (not shown) to the mixing system  300  is an internal process controller unit (including suitable memory and processing units) optionally linked with an external communication control system. As will be understood by those of skill in the system operational arts, during any use, system  300  may be able to track individual uses, dispensements, particular mixing proportions, total supplement delivery and other operations. Additionally, in an optional embodiment, the communication control system may be able to communicate externally to process control system and data tables and with delivery supply system, thereby permitting comprehensive benefit, use, and adaptation tracking for a user&#39;s health benefit. Additionally, system  300  may be able to re-order, and operate commercial transactions on behalf of a user based upon designated user preferences. 
     Referring next to  FIGS. 5A-C , shown is the portable mixing system with safety controls according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, the system comprises a housing body  418  having a pod or container receiving portion  412  with a slip resistant bottom surface  410 . Alternatively, bottom surface  410  may be a type of key-in surface to lock or otherwise secure the pod or container in place during operation. The preferred pods or containers for use with the invention will be discussed in greater detail below. Optionally, the mixing system  400  may have power control switch  422  and safety controls  414  (e.g., one for mom, one for dad, and one for child) to identify for or alert the user to a particular speed or frequency of the mixing based upon the type of nutraceutical or other health product being used or the size or amount being used. Optionally, a user access code, fingerprint scan, retina scan or other known type of safety control mechanisms that are difficult to bypass, including software safety control, may be employed with the system, especially for the consumption of quantity-sensitive materials (i.e., Iron, etc.) to prevent accidental overdose. Mixing system  400  further comprises movable mixing head  420  movably connected within housing  418  and is connected on its bottom surface to stirrer or mixing arm  406 . 
     During operation, after a pod or container is positioned securely on surface  410 , mixing head  420  is lowered such that mixing arm or stirrer  406  is inserted into the contents of the pod or container. The user then selects the appropriate control  414  for the desired frequency or speed of the mixing. As will be discussed further below, the mixing arm  406  may optionally have fans or blades which extend radially from mixing arm  406  to aid in the mixing process. Optionally, the mixing head  420  may also move up and down as well as partially rotate within housing  418  (e.g., approximately 45% or 60%) again to move mixing arm  406  around within the container or pod. 
     As discussed above, internal (not shown) to the mixing system  400  is preferably an internal process controller unit (including suitable memory and processing units) optionally linked with an external communication control system. In addition, a barcode reader or scanner  404  may be included to read and transmit information from the product being used to the internal process controller unit. As will be understood by those of skill in the system operational arts, during any use, system  400  may be able to track individual uses, dispensements, particular mixing proportions, total supplement delivery and other operations. Additionally, in an optional embodiment, the communication control system may be able to communicate externally to process control system and data tables and with the delivery supply system, thereby permitting comprehensive benefit, use, and adaptation tracking for a user&#39;s health benefit. Additionally, system  400  may be able to re-order, and operate commercial transactions on behalf of a user based upon designated user preferences. 
     Turning next to  FIGS. 6A-B , shown is the portable mixing system  500  with safety controls according to yet another alternate embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, the system comprises a housing body  518  having a pod or container receiving portion  512  with a slip resistant bottom surface  510 . Alternatively, bottom surface  510  may be a type of key-in surface to lock or otherwise secure the pod or container in place during operation. The preferred pods or containers for use with the invention will be discussed in greater detail below. Optionally, the mixing system  500  may have a power control switch and safety controls  514  (e.g., one for mom, one for dad, and one for child) to identify for or alert the user to a particular speed or frequency of the mixing based upon the type of nutraceutical or other health product being used or the size or amount being used. Alternatively, an LED or other touch based electronic screen  504  may be employed to provide all the control menus and options for the user of the system. Mixing system  500  further comprises mixing head  520  connected to housing  518  directly above container receiving portion  512  and is connected to stirrer or mixing arm  506 . 
     During operation, after a pod or container is positioned securely on surface  510 , mixing head  520  lowers mixing arm or stirrer  506  into the contents of the pod or container. The user then selects the appropriate control  514  (or using other control pad  504 ) for the desired frequency or speed of the mixing. As will be discussed further below, the mixing arm  506  may optionally have fans or blades which extend radially from mixing arm  506  to aid in the mixing process. Optionally, the mixing head  520  may also move up and down as well as partially rotate within housing  518  (e.g., approximately 45% or 60%) again to move mixing arm  506  around within the container or pod. 
     As discussed above with the other embodiments, internal (not shown) to the mixing system  500  is preferably an internal process controller unit (including suitable memory and processing units) optionally linked with an external communication control system. In addition, a barcode reader or scanner  508  may be included to read and transmit information from the product being used to the internal process controller unit. As will be understood by those of skill in the system operational arts, during any use, system  500  may be able to track individual uses, dispensements, particular mixing proportions, total supplement delivery and other operations. Additionally, in an optional embodiment, the communication control system may be able to communicate externally to process control system and data tables and with delivery supply system, thereby permitting comprehensive benefit, use, and adaptation tracking for a user&#39;s health benefit. Additionally, system  500  may be able to re-order, and operate commercial transactions on behalf of a user based upon designated user preferences. 
     Turning next to  FIGS. 7A-B , shown is the portable mixing system  600  with safety controls according to still yet another alternate embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, the system comprises a housing body  618  having a pod or container receiving portion  612  with a slip resistant bottom surface  610 . Alternatively, bottom surface  610  may be a type of key-in surface to lock or otherwise secure the pod or container in place during operation. The preferred pods or containers for use with the invention will be discussed in greater detail below. Optionally, the mixing system  600  may have a power control switch  622  and safety controls  614  (e.g., one for mom, one for dad, and one for child) to identify for or alert the user to a particular speed or frequency of the mixing based upon the type of nutraceutical or other health product being used or the size or amount being used. Alternatively, an LED or other touch based electronic screen  604  may be employed to provide all the control menus and options for the user of the system. Mixing system  600  further comprises mixing head  620 , in this embodiment a ball-shaped head, connected to housing  618  directly above container receiving portion  612  and is connected to stirrer or mixing arm  606 . 
     Again, during operation, after a pod or container is positioned securely on surface  610 , mixing head  620  lowers mixing arm or stirrer  606  into the contents of the pod or container. The user then selects the appropriate control  614  (or using other control pad  604 ) for the desired frequency or speed of the mixing. Mixing system  600  may optionally employ a locking mechanism or child safety lock to prevent a child from accidentally selecting an adult size or speed. As will be discussed further below, the mixing arm  606  may optionally have fans or blades which extend radially from mixing arm  606  to aid in the mixing process. Optionally, the mixing head  620  may also move up and down as well as partially rotate within housing  618  (e.g., approximately 45% or 60%) again to move mixing arm  606  around within the container or pod. 
     As discussed above with the other embodiments, internal (not shown) to the mixing system  600  is preferably an internal process controller unit (including suitable memory and processing units) optionally linked with an external communication control system. In addition, a barcode reader or scanner  508  may be included to read and transmit information from the product being used to the internal process controller unit. As will be understood by those of skill in the system operational arts, during any use, system  600  may be able to track individual uses, dispensements, particular mixing proportions, total supplement delivery and other operations. Additionally, in an optional embodiment, the communication control system may be able to communicate externally to process control system and data tables and with delivery supply system, thereby permitting comprehensive benefit, use, and adaptation tracking for a user&#39;s health benefit. Additionally, system  600  may be able to re-order, and operate commercial transactions on behalf of a user based upon designated user preferences. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 8A-B , shown is the portable mixing system  700  with safety controls according to still another alternate embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, the system comprises a housing body  718  having a pod or container receiving portion  712  with a slip resistant bottom surface  710 . Alternatively, bottom surface  710  may be a type of key-in surface to lock or otherwise secure the pod or container in place during operation. The preferred pods or containers for use with the invention will be discussed in greater detail below. Optionally, the mixing system  700  may have a power control switches  722  and safety controls  714  (e.g., one for mom, one for dad, and one for child) to identify for or alert the user to a particular speed or frequency of the mixing based upon the type of nutraceutical or other health product being used or the size or amount being used. Alternatively, an LED or other touch based electronic screen  704  may be employed to provide all the control menus and options for the user of the system. Mixing system  700  further comprises a mixing head (not seen) within the upper portion of housing  718  connected to directly above container receiving portion  712  and which is connected to or integral with stirrer or mixing arm  706  (also not seen). 
     During operation, after a pod or container is positioned securely on surface  710 , mixing head lowers mixing arm or stirrer  706  into the contents of the pod or container. The user then selects the appropriate control  714  (or using other control pad  704 ) for the desired frequency or speed of the mixing. Mixing system  700  may optionally employ a locking mechanism or child safety lock to prevent a child from accidentally selecting an adult size or speed. As will be discussed further below, the mixing arm  706  may optionally have fans or blades which extend radially from mixing arm  706  to aid in the mixing process. Optionally, the mixing head may also move up and down as well as partially rotate within housing  718  (e.g., approximately 45%, 60%, 75%, etc.) again to move mixing arm  706  around within the container or pod. 
     As discussed above with the other embodiments, internal (not shown) to the mixing system  700  is preferably an internal process controller unit (including suitable memory and processing units) optionally linked with an external communication control system. In addition, a barcode reader or scanner  708  may be included to read and transmit information from the product being used to the internal process controller unit. As will be understood by those of skill in the system operational arts, during any use, system  700  may be able to track individual uses, dispensements, particular mixing proportions, total supplement delivery and other operations. Additionally, in an optional embodiment, the communication control system may be able to communicate externally to process control system and data tables and with delivery supply system, thereby permitting comprehensive benefit, use, and adaptation tracking for a user&#39;s health benefit. Additionally, system  700  may be able to re-order, and operate commercial transactions on behalf of a user based upon designated user preferences. 
     Turning our attention now to  FIGS. 9 through 19 , shown are various embodiment for pods or containers and some of their components that may be employed with the various mixing systems discussed above with respect to  FIGS. 3 through 8 . Referring first to  FIGS. 9A-9D , show is a first embodiment of a pod or container  800  for use with the mixing systems previously described, illustrating a two part pod  800  ( 802 ,  804 ), a nutritional supplement part  810  and a housing part  804  for containing filtered water  814 , with a mixing paddle  806  having radially projecting blades or fans and a upwardly projecting stem  808  for interfacing with the disclosed mixing systems. The nutritional supplement or vitamin supplement contained within nutritional supplement part  810  for any of the embodiments disclosed herein may be in the form of powder, liquid, dissolvable capsules or tablets, microcapsules, or other known form. 
     Preferably, upper part  810  of pod  800  has a sealing cap  802  having a sealing membrane or protective label  816  there on. Optionally, protective label  816  contains a  2 D or  3 D barcode thereon as seen in  FIG. 9D  for the mixing system to read, store and/or transmit information about the product being used. Also optionally, lid or cap  802  is secured onto an upper portion of housing part  804  in a tamper resistant manner such that if the seal is broken the average user would notice. Any of the known tamper resistant mechanisms for bottles or containers may be employed. 
     During operation, once pod or container  800  is positioned securely into the mixing system, a mixing head lowers will lower the mixing arm or stirrer down onto the upper portion or protective label  816  of pod or container  800 . The mixing system will continue to move mixing arm downward until the lower end of the mixing arm connects or otherwise engages with the upper end of stem  808  of paddle  806  such that when mixing arm spins, paddle  806  will rotate at the same speed and/or frequency. Mixing arm continues to apply downward pressure on stem  808  until a lower tip  807  of paddle  806  punctures sealing membrane  812  which had been maintaining nutritional supplement or vitamin  810  away from water  814 . Once sealing membrane  812  is punctured nutritional supplement or vitamin  810  spills into water  814  and mixing arm continue to apply downward pressure on stem  808  until paddle  806  is sufficiently submerged to a distance within water  814  to adequately and completely mix the water and nutritional supplement as described above with respect to any of the mixing systems disclosed herein. Once sufficiently mixed, the mixing arm rises out from within container  800  so that container  800  may be removed from the mixing system. Optionally, mixing arm (see any of  FIGS. 3 through 8 ) and/or stem  808  may comprise a mechanism or may be configured in such a way that they become securely engaged and that when the mixing arm is removed from container  800 , it removes paddle  806  as well. Optionally, paddle may remain with container and be disposed of along with container once all the liquid mixture is gone. 
     Turning next to  FIG. 10 , shown is an exposed cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment for a two part pod or container  820  for use with the mixing systems in accordance with the invention. In this embodiment, two part pod or container  820  comprises outer container  828  housing liquid (e.g., 3 or 4 ounces of water) and inner container or baggie  826  housing the nutritional supplement blend or vitamins  836 . Inner container  826  is preferably heat-sealed on its upper end to the upper end of outer container  828 . Outer container  828  may preferably be a blow molded polyurethane (PE) bottle or any other suitable container material for foods. An injection molded PE cap  832  is preferably affixed on the outer side of upper end of outer container  828  and includes an injection molded lance  830  through it top surface such that lance  830  has a lowere bladed end within baggie  826  and an upper end extending outwardly through cap  832 . Adjacent the outer top side of cap  832  is preferably positioned a compression spring  822  which is surrounded by a film  824  heat sealed to cap and covering spring  822 . Compression spring  822  is configured such that it maintains lance  830  in position until a downward force is applied during use. 
     As previously discussed, during operation, once pod or container  820  is positioned securely into the mixing system, a mixing head will lower the mixing arm or stirrer down onto the upper portion directly above spring  22  pod or container  820 . The mixing system will continue to move its mixing arm downward until the lower end of the mixing arm connects or otherwise engages with the upper end of lance  830 . The mixing arm continues to apply downward pressure on upper end of lance  830  until a lower tip of lance  830  punctures the lower end of baggie  826 . Once broken, nutritional supplement or vitamin  836  spills into water  834  and mixing arm continue to apply downward pressure on lance  830  until sufficiently submerged to a distance within water  834  to adequately and completely mix the water and nutritional supplement as described above with respect to any of the mixing systems disclosed herein. Once sufficiently mixed, the mixing arm rises out from within container  820  so that container  820  may be removed from the mixing system. Optionally, mixing arm (see any of  FIGS. 3 through 8 ) and/or lance  830  may comprise a mechanism or may be configured in such a way that they become securely engaged and that when the mixing arm is removed from container  820 , it removes lance  830  as well. Optionally, lance  830  may remain with container and be disposed of along with container once all the liquid mixture is gone. 
     Referring next to  FIGS. 11A-B , shown are descriptive illustration of phase one and phase two of a bi-pod filtration process used with the system according to one aspect of the invention. 
     Looking now at  FIG. 12 , shown is an exploded perspective view of another alternative embodiment for a two part spin pod for use with the mixing system in accordance with the invention. As shown, two part pod  840  comprises housing or container  848  for hold liquid, and stir pod  845  comprising upper shaft  842  (preferably of a hex shape or some other shape such that secure interface may be made with the lower end of a mixing arm), side portions  844  and mixing paddle  846 . During operation, once pod or container  840  is positioned securely into the mixing system, a mixing head will lower the mixing arm or stirrer down onto the upper portion directly above and engages upper shaft  842  without applying too much pressure. The mixing system will then begin rotation of the mixing arm thereby rotating stir pod  845 . 
     Depicted in  FIGS. 13 through 15  are alternative embodiments for the stir pod used in conjunction with the spin pod  840  shown in  FIG. 12 . For example,  FIGS. 13A-B  shows stir pod  850  in its closed ( FIG. 13A ) and its open ( FIG. 13B ) positions. During use, the centrifugal force from rotation of stir pod  850  from engaging the mixing arm of one of the above described mixing systems generates sufficient centrifugal force to open blades  852  thereby spilling the nutritional supplement blend therefrom and into the liquid in the container below. Blades  852  are then used to mix the water and nutritional supplement. Similarly,  FIGS. 14A-C  shows stir pods  854 ,  860  (stir pod  860  only having two blades) in closed ( FIG. 14A ) and open ( FIG. 14B-C ) positions. During use, pressure applied to tabs  856  during rotation of stir pods  854 ,  860  open blades  858 ,  862  thereby spilling the nutritional supplement blend therefrom and into the liquid in the container below. Blades  858 ,  862  are then used to mix the water and nutritional supplement. Looking at  FIGS. 15A-B  shown is another alternate embodiment for a stir pod for use with the invention. That is, stir pod  864  comprises veins or inwardly opening blades  866  such that with rotation thereof water flows into the stir pod  864  and out through an opening  868  on a bottom end of stir pod  864 . During use, the centrifugal force from rotation of stir pod  884  from engaging the mixing arm of one of the above described mixing systems generates sufficient force to open blades  866  inwardly or allow water to break through a seal of some kind to mix with the nutritional supplement within stir pod  864  and flow out through its bottom thereby spilling the combined water-nutritional supplement blend from the stir pod  864 . Briefly,  FIG. 16  shows a perspective view of one embodiment of how any of the spinning pods may be packaged for proper sealing and safe handling. 
     As an alternative embodiment to the portable electronic mixing systems disclosed above, shown in  FIGS. 17A-C ,  18 A-C and  19  describe various embodiments for a portable and disposable two part pod mixing system in accordance with the invention. 
     Referring first to  FIGS. 17A-D , shown is a first embodiment of a pod or container  900 . As illustrated, mixing container  900  preferably comprises a blow molded (P.P. or PET) housing  904 , which is heat sealed on its lower end  906  with a PP or foil membrane to a blow molded PP lower compressible container  910 . Preferably, housing  904  contains liquid (i.e., approximately 3 ounces of water) while lower collapsible container  910  contains the desired nutritional supplement. On its upper end, housing  904  is removably closed with a cap, such as the cap for an ordinary water bottle or soda bottle. Also optionally, lid or cap  902  is secured onto an upper portion of housing part  904  in a tamper resistant manner such that if the seal is broken the average user would notice. Any of the known tamper resistant mechanisms for bottles or containers may be employed. Of course, a larger lid configuration of container having a large lid such as container  901  may be used. 
     Also, within lower collapsible container  910  is positioned, preferably affixed to the bottom surface thereof, a foil or membrane piercing divider  914 . Upon shaking or vigorous up and down motion of the container  900 , piercing divider  914  punctures ( 912 ) foil or membrane  908  thereby allowing the nutritional supplement in lower container  910  to mix with the water in housing  904  upon continued shaking. Accordingly, while it is preferred that piercing divider  914  be configured as shown, i.e., in the shape of a pyramid, any shape divider which has a sharp enough apex would suffice. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 18A-B , shown is a second embodiment of a two compartment mixing pod or container  9200 . As illustrated, mixing container  920  here preferably comprises a blow molded (P.P. or PET) housing  904 , which is heat sealed on its lower end with a PP or foil membrane to a blow molded PP lower compressible container  930 . Preferably, housing  924  contains liquid (i.e., approximately 3 ounces of water) while lower collapsible container  930  contains the desired nutritional supplement. On its upper end, housing  924  is removably closed with a tamper resistant heat sealed pull off lid  922 , such as the pull off lid for a container of yogurt. 
     Also, within lower collapsible container  930  is positioned, preferably affixed to the bottom surface thereof, a foil or membrane piercing divider  934 . Upon shaking or vigorous up and down motion of the container  920 , piercing divider  934  punctures the foil or membrane thereby allowing the nutritional supplement in lower container  930  to mix with the water in housing  924  upon continued shaking. Accordingly, while it is preferred that piercing divider  914  be configured as shown, i.e., in the shape of a pyramid, any shape divider which has a sharp enough apex would suffice. Moreover, while two piercing dividers are shown, other numbers of dividers may be used with the invention. 
     As seen in  FIG. 18C , yet another alternate embodiment of the two part mixing pod is shown. Here, pod  920  comprises on its lower end an expandable lower region  926  which on its lower end is heat sealed to lower collapsible compartment  928 . In this embodiment, upon shaking or vigorous up and down motion of the container  920 , a piercing divider, much like divider  934  seen in  FIG. 18B  punctures the foil or membrane thereby allowing the nutritional supplement in lower container  928  to mix with the water in housing  924  upon continued shaking. Preferably, upon puncture of the membrane, lower compartment  928  compresses or collapses while at the same time or close to the same time expanding region  926  of pod  920  expands to allow for extra space with housing  924  upon entry of the nutritional supplement. 
     Similar to the embodiment just described with respect to  FIG. 18C , yet another alternate embodiment of the two part mixing pod is shown in  FIG. 19 , which is similar to the two compartment pods shown in  FIGS. 17A-B  but with the added expandable region  946 . Here, pod  940  comprises on its lower end an expandable lower region  946  which on its lower end is heat sealed  938  to lower collapsible compartment  948 . In this embodiment, upon shaking or vigorous up and down motion of the container  940 , a piercing divider, much like divider  934  seen in  FIG. 18B , punctures the foil or membrane thereby allowing the nutritional supplement in lower container  948  to mix with the water in housing  944  upon continued shaking. Preferably, upon puncture of the membrane, lower compartment  948  compresses or collapses while at the same time or close to the same time expanding region  946  of pod  940  expands to allow for extra space within housing  944  for entry of the nutritional supplement. Alternatively, pod  940  may be held by a machine at  950 . The machine would compress lower compartment  948 , then shaking pod  940  such that expanding region  946  expands. 
     In the claims, means or step-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described or suggested herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Thus, for example, although a nail, a screw, and a bolt may not be structural equivalents in that a nail relies on friction between a wooden part and a cylindrical surface, a screw&#39;s helical surface positively engages the wooden part, and a bolt&#39;s head and nut compress opposite sides of a wooden part, in the environment of fastening wooden parts, a nail, a screw, and a bolt may be readily understood by those skilled in the art as equivalent structures. 
     Having described at least one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various modifications and variations can be made in the presently disclosed system without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure cover modifications and variations of this disclosure provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. The scope of the invention, therefore, shall be defined solely by the following claims. It should be appreciated that the present invention is capable of being embodied in other forms without departing from its essential characteristics.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1