Patent Document

[0001]    This application is a division of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/901,636, filed Oct. 11, 2010, which is currently pending. 
     
    
       [0002]    The present disclosure is directed to an automated mix in-cup apparatus and the related method of operation. The disclosure relates generally to the field of mixing consumable material. More specifically, the disclosure relates to a mixer that is automatically operable to lower a mixing blade into a cup or vessel that contains material to be blended/mixed when the cup is positioned on cup-receiving position of the apparatus. A shield and lid surround the sides and top of the mixing blade. For a mixing operation, the shield and lid are automatically lowered to close and at least partially surround the cup. After mixing, the shield and blade are automatically retracted, and the cup is removed from the apparatus. The shield and blade may be automatically lowered again to enclose the cup-receiving position on the apparatus in order to perform a cleaning operation. The apparatus contains various structural and safety elements that provide a unique construction and method of operating the apparatus. The apparatus is effective, fast, easy to operate, safe, and clean. 
       BACKGROUND  
       [0003]    In a commercial food environment, it is often important to prepare items as quickly as possible. This objective runs counter to the mandate that all food preparation devices remain as sanitary as possible. That is, in the rush to deliver an item to a customer, it is possible that best practices regarding sanitation are not observed. It is also understood that human error increases as a person more quickly repeats a repetitive task. In other words, the person preparing the food or drink may “get sloppy” as the food or drink preparation is accelerated. 
         [0004]    A conventional blender requires that the food/drink components are separately loaded into a blender jar. The jar is closed and placed on a blender base. The machine is activated to blend the contents, which are then placed into another receptacle. The blender and/or blender base is cleaned between consecutive blending operations. 
         [0005]    Other commercial food preparation and drink delivery units include drink and ice dispensers and mixers for frozen drinks or confections. Drink and ice dispensers can be manually operated by a customer, as found in many ‘fast food’ establishments, or they can include the automated filling of various cup sizes. 
         [0006]    Commercial mixers for frozen drinks or confections typically involve a user (i.e., employee) loading a metal cup with the beverage ingredients onto a machine. The cup is positioned so that a mixing blade is located in the cup. The user then activates the machine in order to spin the blade. In this conventional machine, it is possible to remove the cup while the mixing blade is still spinning, which results in the beverage/confection splashing onto the machine and/or user. To achieve a more even mix, a user may also manually move the cup up-and-down during the mix cycle. However, this practice increases the chances that the beverage or confection will splash out of the cup. Basically, the operation becomes less sanitary and less safe as the operator attempts to more quickly complete the task. The mixed material must be transferred to another receptacle. 
         [0007]    Machines for automatically accomplishing the mixing operation have also been envisioned. For the automated units, there is still the question of cleaning the blade and apparatus used in the mixing operation. It is important that a flavor from one mix cycle does not contaminate the next mix cycle, which might be for a different flavor. In addition, the drink or confection must be cleaned from the machine regularly to avoid build up and contamination on the machine. It is thought that the operation of known automated machines is relatively slow and complex. 
         [0008]    There remains a need for an apparatus for mixing consumable material in-cup, and a method of operating the same, that is fast, effective, safe, clean, and easy to operate. An automated mix in-cup apparatus and the method of operating the same as disclosed below addresses at least one of these or other needs. 
       SUMMARY  
       [0009]    The present disclosure is directed to an automated mix in-cup apparatus adapted to mix consumable material. An ‘in-cup mixer’, ‘mix in-cup’ or ‘blend in-cup’ apparatus is understood to be a mixer where the consumable contents are not transferred to another vessel after the mix cycle and prior to consumption. Conventional mixers and blenders use dedicated mixing vessels and then all or part of the mixed material is transferred to a serving vessel (glass, Styrofoam cup, etc.). 
         [0010]    Among other advantages, the automated mix in-cup apparatus disclosed herein is thought to be fast, clean, easy to operate, safe, and effective. The automated mix in-cup apparatus for mixing consumable material includes a frame supporting a stepper motor to move a carriage up and down on the frame. The carriage supports a mixing motor, a shield prop, and a combined splash shield and lid. The frame comprises a vertically aligned stand and a horizontal, cup-supporting leg. An optional cup-receiving holder is positioned on the leg of the frame. 
         [0011]    In one embodiment, movement of the carriage is accomplished via the stepper motor and a lead screw. The lead screw passes though the carriage, and the carriage is supported on the lead screw via a nut. The stepper motor rotates the lead screw, also known as a translation screw, to translate the radial motion imparted by the stepper motor into a linear movement for the carriage. Rotation of the lead screw either raises or lowers the carriage on the frame. One or more guide rails pass through the carriage to keep the carriage aligned on the frame. 
         [0012]    The mixing motor is attached to the carriage, and a rotatable mixing blade extends downwardly from the mixing motor. The mixing motor moves along with the carriage. The mixing blade is reciprocally moveable along with the mixing motor and carriage. When engaged, the mixing motor is operable to rotate the mixing blade in order to mix the consumable contents of the cup. 
         [0013]    The horizontal portion of the frame may comprise a flat floor to support a cup or a cup-receiving holder. The floor may include liquid nozzles (small diameter apertures) from a manifold to eject a fluid upwardly from the floor. A drain aperture might also be employed in the floor as a liquid outlet. The drain is preferably proximate the cup-receiving position. 
         [0014]    In another embodiment, the horizontal portion of the frame further comprises a liquid well comprising a recessed floor and a sidewall. The well could further include a liquid inlet manifold having at least one nozzle fluidly connecting the manifold and well. The well might further include a drain to serve as at least one liquid outlet for the well. In this embodiment, the optional cup-receiving holder is positioned above the floor of the well. The cup is positioned in the well or on the cup-receiving holder above the floor of the well. The cup-receiving holder may be selectively removed from the apparatus for cleaning. 
         [0015]    The splash shield includes at least one sidewall, a closed lid or top, and a lower opening. The lid and shield might be integral parts or the shield might be secured to the lid via known fasteners. The splash shield and lid surround the mixing blade. The blade is connected to the mixing motor via a shaft that extends through an aperture in the shield&#39;s top end. A seal can be employed about the shaft in the lid aperture to prevent a fluid escaping upwardly from the shield. The seal is in close proximity to the shaft and may contain an internal helix groove. The helical groove on the inside surface of the seal directs any liquid between the shaft and seal downwardly. 
         [0016]    The subject splash shield, mixing blade, and mixing motor are all reciprocally movable along a shared axis via the movement of the carriage on the lead screw. However, the splash shield can be moved independently of the mixing blade and motor via the shield prop, as described below. 
         [0017]    Once engaged, the apparatus automatically moves the mixing blade, mixing motor, and splash shield from a home position to a mixing position. In the mixing position, the mixing blade is located within the dimensions of the cup. The shield rests on the cup, and the lid of the shield closes the cup. During a mix cycle, the blade can move up and down through the consumable material without displacing the shield. 
         [0018]    The mixing motor, mixing blade, and splash shield return to the home position. The user removes the cup, and the apparatus moves the carriage to a cleaning position whereby the shield comes into contact with the frame, such as at the well floor, to selectively encase the cup-receiving position and optional cup-receiving holder on the frame. The blade can be positioned so as to pass through the cup-receiving holder during a cleaning cycle. 
         [0019]    In one embodiment, a pulley system acts as a cord a cord management system for a power cord connected to the mixing motor. The power cord, which might also enclose sensor wires, is fixedly secured to the carriage at a first end and is fixedly secured to the frame at a second end. The carriage moves up and down on the frame. As a cord management system, the pulley system includes one stationary and one moveable, spring-biased pulley to manage slack in the power cord as the carriage moves up and down. As the carriage moves down on the frame, the moveable pulley is lifted by the tension placed on the power cord. As the carriage moves up on the frame, a spring biases the moveable pulley down to take up slack in the power cord. 
         [0020]    In use, the machine starts at a first home or open position. A user places a cup with consumable material on the cup-receiving holder and activates the apparatus. The stepper motor rotates the lead screw in order to lower the carriage. The downward movement of the carriage lowers the mixing motor, mixing blade, and splash shield to a mixing position. As a result, the shield is lowered around the cup until the lid contacts and closes the open top of the cup. Similarly, the mixing blade enters the interior space of the cup. 
         [0021]    In this mixing position, the shield at least partially isolates the cup from the user. The lid also prevents the material in the cup from exiting the cup during a mix cycle. Once the apparatus is in the mixing position, the motor is activated to rotate the mixing blade thereby causing the consumable material to be mixed. The speed of the blade may be variable, and a speed sensor can be included so as to output motor speed feedback to a control board. In addition, the blade may move up and down within the cup during the mix cycle without displacing the splash shield. 
         [0022]    After the mix cycle is completed, the shield and blade automatically retract to an open or home position so as to allow access to the cup. The cup is then removed. A cleaning cycle is then manually or automatically activated. The carriage is again lowered. In the cleaning position, the shield comes into contact with the frame to create a sealed, enclosed space. For the cleaning cycle, the blade can be positioned at various distances from the floor of the frame/well, including beneath the level of the cup-receiving holder. 
         [0023]    Fluid is injected into the interior of the shield via the inlet manifold so as to contact the shield and blade during the cleaning cycle. The fluid is used to rinse the shield and blade. The blade may rotate during the cleaning cycle to increase fluid distribution or force. The rinse fluid is removed via the drain. In this manner, the automated mixing of the material and subsequent cleaning of the apparatus can be achieved. The cleaning cycle is fast and effective. The blade is isolated from the user during the mixing and cleaning operations. The cleaning operation is thought to remove all food or drink material and to prevent any flavor contamination between mix cycles. 
         [0024]    In at least one embodiment, it is also envisioned that a number of sensors could be employed. The sensors are used to electronically determine the position of the motor, blade, and/or shield and to act as interlock mechanisms to disengage the mixing motor if a user displaces the shield during the mixing or cleaning cycles. In other words, the feedback from the sensors is used to automatically prevent the rotation of the blade unless the splash shield is properly positioned. In one embodiment, the failure to remove a cup from the cup-receiving position prior to initiating the cleaning cycle would also prevent the movement of the mixing blade to the blade&#39;s cleaning position. The blade or blade shaft would contact the cup. In response, the unit would return the shield to the home position. 
         [0025]    Further features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to those of skill in the art from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0026]    The features and objects of the subject mix in-cup apparatus and related method will be better understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings wherein: 
           [0027]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the housing for a combined fluid or ice dispensing and mixing unit wherein the mixing apparatus is envisioned as the apparatus disclosed herein; 
           [0028]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the automated mix in-cup apparatus as disclosed herein wherein a mixing blade and a splash shield are shown in an elevated or home position; 
           [0029]      FIG. 3  is a side cut-away view of the same wherein a well, a cup-receiving holder, and a drain are further illustrated; 
           [0030]      FIG. 3A  is a side view of a seal member as further disclosed herein; 
           [0031]      FIG. 4  is a perspective, semi-transparent view of one embodiment of the subject apparatus wherein a mixing blade and splash shield are shown in an mixing or down position so that the shield is in the well and at least partially encloses the opening of a cup; 
           [0032]      FIG. 5  is a side cut-away view of the same; 
           [0033]      FIG. 5A  further illustrates a cord management pulley system as disclosed herein; 
           [0034]      FIG. 6  is a perspective, semi-transparent view of an embodiment of the subject apparatus wherein the splash shield is in a mixing or down position and the blade is in a mixing position so as to engage the contents of a cup; 
           [0035]      FIG. 7  is a side cut-away view of the same; 
           [0036]      FIG. 8  is a perspective, semi-transparent view of an embodiment of the subject apparatus wherein the splash shield and blade are in a cleaning position; 
           [0037]      FIG. 9  is a side cut-away view of the same; 
           [0038]      FIG. 10  is a top-down view of the well and the cup-receiving holder as disclosed herein in at least one embodiment; 
           [0039]      FIG. 11  is a top-down cut-away view of the a water inlet manifold and the drain as disclosed herein; 
           [0040]      FIG. 12  is an exploded view of the selectively removable cup-receiving holder, a liquid well, and a manifold cover as found in one embodiment disclosed herein; 
           [0041]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the subject apparatus further illustrating a selectively removable cup-receiving holder as found in one embodiment disclosed herein 
           [0042]      FIG. 14  is a close-up, semi-transparent view of the splash shield in the well and a related interlock safety mechanism; and 
           [0043]      FIG. 15  is a three quarter front view of one embodiment of the subject apparatus illustrating sensors located on the apparatus. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0044]    The present disclosure is directed to an automated mix in-cup apparatus and the method of using the same. In general, the automated mix in-cup apparatus is thought to be more effective, safer, faster, cleaner and easier to operate than known devices. The apparatus and method are described and illustrated in terms of various embodiments. Of course, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments disclosed herein but also includes variations and equivalent structures that would be apparent to one of skill in the art, having studied the subject disclosure. 
         [0045]    Turning now to the drawings,  FIG. 1  illustrates a combined commercial fluid/ice dispensing and mixing unit  2 . Unit  2  comprises an outer housing to cover both the dispensing and mixing machinery. Unit  2  may also include a cabinet  6  accommodating a plurality of fluid containers  8  fluidly connected to a dispenser. An ice or frozen slurry dispenser and/or hopper may also be included in the unit. 
         [0046]    The overall operation of unit  2  comprises a user selecting the cup  4 , which may be selected from a single size or a plurality of differently sized cups, and placing cup  4  on unit  2  proximate to a dispensing mechanism (not illustrated or described further herein). The dispensing mechanism is actuated to at least partially fill cup  4  from fluid containers  8  and/or a frozen fluid dispenser. The fluid containers  8  could contain various flavors of consumable drink mix. The cup would also at least partially be filled with ice or other frozen consumable material from unit  2 . 
         [0047]    One or more automated mix in-cup apparatuses  10  are located next to the dispensing apparatus for mixing/blending drinks such as smoothies, milkshakes, ice coffee drinks, or the like. After the step of dispensing a fluid into the cup, the user positions cup  4  containing the selected flavor and frozen material at a cup-receiving position on mix in-cup apparatus  10 . Mix in-cup apparatus  10  is then engaged to commence an automated mixing operation of the cup contents, as explained further below. The user does not contact the apparatus  10  other than to select mix cycles or otherwise actuate the switches or buttons necessary to begin the operation of the unit. 
         [0048]    With respect to  FIGS. 2-14 , there is illustrated one or more embodiments of the mix in-cup apparatus and the method of operation of the same as described herein. The apparatus moves between three operational positions, as detailed further below with specific reference to the figures and labeled elements. 
         [0049]    In general, the first position is the open or “home” position where a mixing blade, a mixing motor, and a splash shield are elevated above a cup-receiving position so as to allow a user access to the cup-receiving position. In the mixing position, the splash shield is lowered until it engages and closes cup  4 . The shield is held on the cup by gravity. While the shield always surrounds the sides and top of the mixing blade, the shield also surrounds the sides of cup  4  and closes the top of cup  4  in the mixing position. The mixing blade is positioned inside cup  4  when the apparatus is in the mixing position. During a mix cycle, the blade may move up and down within the cup independent of the movement of the splash shield. 
         [0050]    In a cleaning position, the cup is first removed from the cup-receiving position, and the shield is again lowered until it contacts a floor. The floor and shield act to create a sealed interior space. In the cleaning position, the blade is moved into a position that may be below the cup-receiving position. A user cannot access the mixing blade in the cleaning or mixing positions without manually displacing the shield. 
         [0051]    Turning to  FIGS. 2 and 3  in further detail and with specific reference to the labeled elements, there is illustrated a mix in-cup apparatus  10  in accordance with at least one embodiment of this disclosure. The automated mix in-cup apparatus  10  for mixing consumable material includes a frame  12  supporting a stepper motor  13 . Frame  12  in this embodiment is generally an L-shaped, substantially vertical structure with sufficient width to support mechanical components as described below. Frame  12  could in turn be mounted to the structure of the combined unit  2  and be largely enclosed behind a housing. It is also envisioned that mix in-cup apparatus  10  might instead serve as a standalone device for mixing consumable material in cup  4 . 
         [0052]      FIGS. 2 and 3  illustrate the home position of apparatus  10 . As illustrated, the horizontal portion of the L-shaped frame  12  supports cup  4  at a cup-receiving position. The stand portion of frame  12  supports a vertically aligned lead screw  15  connected to stepper motor  13 . Stepper motor  13  is positioned at the top of frame  12 . The distal end of lead screw  15  is mounted in a bearing (not illustrated). 
         [0053]    One or more guide rails  16  are vertically aligned on frame  12  and are parallel to lead screw  15 . Lead screw  15  and guide rails  16  pass through a carriage  17 . A nut (not illustrated) under carriage  17  on lead screw  15  retains carriage  17  in place on lead screw  15 . As stepper motor  13  rotates lead screw  15 , the nut moves up and down on the screw. As a result, carriage  17  moves up and down relative to frame  12 . Guide rails  16  further support carriage  17  and maintain the alignment of carriage  17  as it moves. Overall, activating stepper motor  13  rotates lead screw  15 , and lead screw  15  translates the rotational movement into the linear up-and-down movement of carriage  17 . 
         [0054]    In one embodiment, as explained further below, a pulley system acts as a cord management system for a power cord  19  connected to carriage  17 . Power cord  19 , which might also enclose sensor wires, is fixedly secured to carriage  17  at a first end and is fixedly secured to frame  12  at a second end. To account for the movement of carriage  17 , the pulley system includes one stationary pulley  18  and one moveable, spring-biased pulley  21 . 
         [0055]    Moveable pulley  21  is at least partially placed within a pulley housing that slides within a vertical track defined by frame  12 . Moveable pulley  21  includes an axle mounted to the sliding housing. A spring  23  is secured to the housing a proximate end. Distal end of spring  23  is attached to a point on frame  12  beneath the pulley housing so as to maintain a tension force on the pulley housing. As carriage  17  moves down on lead screw  15 , moveable pulley  21  is lifted by the tension placed on power cord  19 . That is, the downward force on carriage  17  overcomes the tension force of spring  23 . As carriage  17  is lifted on lead screw  15  so as to move up relative to frame  12 , spring  23  biases moveable the pulley housing downwards so that pulley  21  move down within the frame&#39;s track. In this manner, any slack in cord  19  is controlled by the pulley system. 
         [0056]    Carriage  17  supports a mixing motor  14 , a shield prop  70 , and a splash shield  50 . Any suitable type of electric motor may be employed as mixing motor  14 , as would be known or used in the mixing art. A mixing motor housing  54  surrounds and supports mixing motor  14  and housing  54 , in turn, is secured to carriage  17 . In this manner, carriage  17  supports motor  14 . Mixing motor  14  is axially aligned above cup  4  when cup  4  is in the cup-receiving position. The horizontal portion of the frame defines a floor to support cup  4  or an optional cup-receiving holder  40  may be positioned on frame  12  at the cup-receiving position. In an embodiment where frame  12  defines a fluid-receiving well, holder  40  is at least partially placed in the well. With the holder, a cup never contacts a drain or floor of the apparatus, which is thought to be more sanitary. 
         [0057]    A rotatable mixing blade  20  extends vertically downwardly from mixing motor  14  via a shaft  22 . Blade  20  is used for mixing a consumable material in cup  4 . Motor  14  is operable to rotate mixing blade  20  and shaft  22 . Blade  20  moves relative to frame  12  when mixing motor  14  is raised or lowered via carriage  17 . Shaft  22  extends from mixing motor  14  at a fixed length. As such, blade  20  is reciprocally moveable along a shared axis with mixing motor  14 . 
         [0058]    In one embodiment, frame  12  further comprises a liquid well  30  sharing a vertical axis with cup  4 , mixing motor  14 , shaft  22 , and splash shield  50 . Well  30  is a recess in the horizontal portion of the L-shaped frame  12  including a floor  32  and a sidewall  34 . In this embodiment, floor  32  is considered to be a part of frame  12 . Well  30  may be a plastic molded part inserted into frame  12 . 
         [0059]    A liquid inlet manifold  36  is integral to or connected to frame  12 , and manifold  36  includes at least one nozzle fluidly connecting the manifold to the exterior of frame  12  (see also  FIGS. 10 and 11 ). In the illustrated embodiments where an optional recessed well  30  is employed, manifold  36  is integral to or connected to well  30 . A cleaning liquid, which might be water or a combination of water and a known cleaning agent, is selectively ejected from manifold  36 . A drain  38  acts as at least one liquid outlet. In the embodiment containing the well, drain  38  is integral to or connected to well  30 . In either embodiment, a drainpipe would connect to the drain so that the cleaning fluid is removed from apparatus  10 . 
         [0060]    The optional cup-receiving holder  40  is positioned to support a cup above frame  12 , such as above floor  32  of well  30 . Holder  40  may be selectively removable from the apparatus for cleaning, as further described below (see also  FIG. 14 ). 
         [0061]    Splash shield  50  may consist of an opaque, semi-transparent or transparent material. In the cup-receiving position, such as when cup  4  is placed on holder  40 , cup  4  is axially aligned beneath shield  50 . 
         [0062]    Shield  50  comprises a shield lid  52  and a cylindrical sidewall  56  depending from lid  52 . Shield  50  defines an open bottom end  60  into which cup  4  and/or cup-receiving holder  40  can be placed. Shield  50  is suspended from motor housing  54  by a shield prop  70 . Prop  70  includes two guide rods  72  and upper stop plate  74 . In a home position, stop plate  74  rests atop mixing motor  14  or mixing motor housing  54  with guide rods  72  securely fixed to shield lid  52 . 
         [0063]    As carriage  17  moves to a mixing position, shield lid  52  engages the open top of cup  4  so as to close the lid. Shield sidewall  56  at least partially surrounds cup  4  at the cup-receiving position. In the mixing position, the downward movement of shield  50  is limited by the height of cup  4 , and shield  50  rests atop cup  4 . However, carriage  17  may continue to move downward along lead screw  15  after shield  50  engages cup  4 . The continued downward motion of carriage  17  causes motor housing  54  to move along shield god rods  72 . The upper stop plate separates from mixing motor  14  and motor housing  54 . Carriage  17  can continue downwards until motor housing  53  engages the top of lid  52 . 
         [0064]    Moving carriage  17  upwards will not displace shield  50  until mixing motor  14  and/or motor housing  54  engage upper stop plate  74 . Once engaged, the continued upward movement of carriage  17  lifts stop plate  74 . Guide rods  72 , which are fixed at a first end to plate  74  and at a second end to shield  50 , then lift shield  50 . For aesthetic purposes, an outer housing  53  can selectively nest over motor housing  54 . Outer housing  53  is supported atop lid  52 . As motor housing  54  moves away from shield  50 , outer housing  53  encases guide rods  72  and shaft  22  between motor housing  54  and lid  52 . As the motor housing  54  is brought into closer proximity to lid  52 , outer housing  53  nests over motor housing  54 . 
         [0065]    Splash shield  50  surrounds blade  20  on all sides and covers the top of blade  20 . Shaft  22  extends through an aperture  62  in the shield&#39;s top end. A seal  63  is employed to prevent the escape of a fluid up and through lid  52 . One embodiment of seal  63  is illustrated in  FIG. 3A . Seal  63  is in the lid aperture  62  through which shaft  22  passes. Seal  63  reduces or prevents fluid from passing around shaft  22  upwardly through the shield&#39;s top end. Shaft  22  can move independently of shield  50  so seal  63  allows for the linear movement of shaft  22  into and out of shield  50 . The inside face of seal  63  in contact or close proximity with shaft  22  includes a helical groove  64 . Groove  64  permits and encourages the downward flow of fluid were any fluid to enter seal  63 . 
         [0066]      FIGS. 2 and 3  illustrate motor  14  and shield in the home position whereby a user can access cup  4  and the cup-receiving position. In this home position, mixing motor  14  cannot be activated, as further described below. 
         [0067]    Turning then to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , there is illustrated the embodiment of  FIGS. 1 and 2  but where carriage  17  has been moved downwards to the mixing position. In the mixing position, as briefly referenced above, shield  50  comes to rest on a cup  4 . In the absence of a cup, shield  50  would rest on frame  12 . In this illustrated embodiment, shield  50  does not contact frame  12  or floor  32  of well  30  due to the height of the cup. In the mixing position, cup  4  is closed by lid  52  and is at least partially surrounded by shield  50 . 
         [0068]    In one embodiment, the connection of shield sidewall  56  to closed top end  58  forms a frustoconical shape or portion  59 . That is, the connection between sidewall  56  and lid  52  is sloped as if to form a cone. However, the cone tip is truncated. 
         [0069]    Conical portion  59  creates an effective seal on cup  4  despite the use of cups that might be of different diameters. Conical portion  59  also serves to center cup  4  on the cup-receiving position or holder. Where the conical portion engages a cup disproportionally on one side, the slope of lid  52  translates the downward motion of shield  50  into a lateral motion to better position cup  4  within shield  50 . 
         [0070]      FIG. 5A  further illustrates the pulley-based cord management system. A portion of frame  12 , which helps to define a vertical track, is removed to better illustrate the cord management system. Moveable pulley  21  is secured via an axle to the moveable pulley housing. The pulley housing slides within the vertical track defined by frame  12 . 
         [0071]    The downward movement of carriage  17  places tension on cord  19 . This tension exceeds the spring bias provided by spring  23 . As a result, pulley  21  moves up within frame  12 . As carriage  17  is lifted on lead screw  15  so as to move up relative to frame  12 , spring  23  biases pulley  21 , via the pulley housing, downwards. In this manner, any slack in cord  19  is controlled by the pulley system. 
         [0072]    With respect to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , it is evident that blade  20  and motor  14  may continue to move down relative to frame  12  even after shield  50  comes into contact, and is stopped by, cup  4 . Prop  70  is fixed to shield  50  by guide rods  72 . Motor  14  slidably moves along guide rods  72 . As carriage  17  continues to move mixing motor  14  closer to shield  50 , upper stop plate  74  moves away from mixing motor  14 . In this manner, mixing motor  14  can be reciprocally moved up and down without displacing shield  50  during the mix cycle. The ability to move blade  20  up and down during a mix cycle increases the quality and consistency of the blended product. 
         [0073]    Following the mix cycle, which can comprise a pre-programmed sequence of blade movements and variable blade speed changes, stepper motor  13  is actuated to rotate lead screw  15  to lift carriage  17 . The motor engages the stop plate  74 . As a result, shield  50  and blade  20  are withdrawn from cup  4 . Cup  4  is then removed. 
         [0074]    Turning now to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , apparatus  10  or a user then engages a cleaning cycle. Carriage  17  is positioned, via the stepper motor and lead screw, in a cleaning position. In the cleaning position, shield  50  brought into contact with frame  12  (such as well  30 ) to create an enclosed space about the cup-receiving position. Cup-receiving holder  40  would be encased by shield  50  and well floor  32 , for example. 
         [0075]    As further illustrated in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , with cup  4  removed, motor  14  can be lowered past the lowest mix position. As a result, blade  20  and/or shaft  22  extend below the cup-receiving position. For example, blade  20  can pass through the cup-receiving holder  40 . During the cleaning operation or cycle, it would again be possible to reciprocally move blade  20  up and down without displacing shield  50 . 
         [0076]    In the cleaning operation, and with reference to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , fluid enters a manifold  36  via pipe  35 . The fluid is transmitted to the space enclosed by shield  50  via manifold  36  and fluid nozzles  37 . The fluid will strike blade  20 , which can be rotated during the cleaning cycle to further disperse the fluid. The cleaning operation rinses the interior of shield  50  (including shield lid  52 ), cup-receiving holder  40 , blade  20 , and shaft  22 . Cleaning fluid exits the frame via the drain  38 , which is tied to an outlet pipe. The cleaning operation is automatic and requires little to no user involvement. As such, the automated mix in-cup apparatus is self-cleaning, which permits a user to fill another cup during the cleaning operation. 
         [0077]      FIG. 12  illustrates the underside of well  30  with manifold  36  in an exploded view. A bottom plate  39  of manifold  36  is removed to reveal one embodiment of the interior of manifold  36 . Holder  40  is illustrated as being removed from well  30 . 
         [0078]    Turning to  FIG. 12 , cup-receiving holder  40  includes an open ring  42  upon which cup  4  rests. Ring  42  provides an aperture through which blade  20  passes when carriage  17  is in the cleaning position. 
         [0079]    As briefly noted above, holder  40  may be selectively removable from frame  12 . Holder  40  could include one or more hollow posts  44  that engage vertical posts  46  on frame  12 . For instance, vertical posts  46  might be integral to well floor  32 . Vertical posts  46  nest within hollow posts  44  of the holder in order to frictionally retain holder  40  in place. A user could lift holder  40  off frame  12  to independently clean holder  40 , if necessary. Removing holder  40  provides the means to further clean the holder and/or the drain and frame that are located beneath holder  40 . 
         [0080]    Overall, apparatus  10  is easy to operate, safe, and fast in that shield  50  and mixing blade  20  automatically move into and out of the mix position. A user is provided one-handed operation in that they merely need to place the cup before the mix cycle and remove the cup after the mix cycle. There is no need to manually manipulate the cup, the shield, or any other components of the apparatus besides cup  4 . Nevertheless, a user may mistakenly attempt to access or manipulate the splash shield or to otherwise access the cup during a mix cycle. 
         [0081]    Turning now to  FIG. 14 , there is illustrated a close-up view of shield  50  in the mixing position. In the illustrated embodiment, a magnetic strip  80  is integrated into or otherwise secured to sidewall  56  of shield  50 . Corresponding shield sensors  82  on frame  12  (e.g., in well  30 ) are operable to detect magnetic strip  80 . In the mix and cleaning positions, mixing motor  14  will not rotate blade  20  unless shield sensors  82  detect magnetic strip  80 . A control unit will disengage mixing motor  14  once strip  80  is displaced. As such, a user cannot lift shield  50  to access cup  4  without disengaging mixer motor  14 . 
         [0082]    Additional sensors provide feedback to the control unit, as further illustrated in  FIG. 15 . A home sensor  84  is used to determine if carriage  17  is properly returned to the home position after each mix and cleaning cycle. Home sensor  84  is operable to detect a magnet  86  located on carriage  17 . Stepper motor  13  runs until home sensor  84  detects magnet  86  or until there is a time-out condition. For example, if carriage  17  is obstructed, stepper motor  13  will run for a predetermined period of time that is longer than it takes for carriage  17  to return to the home position. If the magnet  86  is not detected within that time period, stepper motor  13  is deactivated and apparatus  10  would be reset. 
         [0083]    Once home sensor  84  detects magnet  86 , stepper motor  13  reverses lead screw  15  until magnet  86  is no longer detected. Carriage  17  is then raised a second time until magnet  86  is detected by home sensor  84 . This provides an optional calibration mechanism so that the position of carriage  17  is calibrated prior to a mix or cleaning cycle. 
         [0084]    A cup sensor  88  also works in conjunction with magnet  86  and the control unit. The failure to detect magnet  86  at cup sensor  88  indicates to the control unit that shield  50  is not in the cleaning position. As referenced above, in the cleaning position, shield  50  contacts frame  12  (e.g., well floor  32 ). Shield  50  creates an enclosed interior space to capture the cleaning fluid during the cleaning cycle. With the cup in place, shield  50  does not reach the frame or well floor. As a result, shield  50  will not properly rest against frame  12  or well floor  32 . The shield will not create an enclosed interior space so that the cleaning fluid will not be fully contained during the cleaning cycle. Cup sensor  88  prevents the initiation of the cleaning cycle where a user leaves the cup in place. 
         [0085]    In addition, carriage  17  moves blade  20  to a cleaning position that is below the blade&#39;s “mixing position” and below the cup-receiving portion of holder  40 . If a user forgets to remove cup  4 , blade  20  will move downwardly until it contacts the floor of the cup. The floor will resist the further movement of blade  20  on shaft  22 . The extra load on the stepper motor causes it to stall. As a result, carriage  17  will not be in the proper position for cup sensor  88  to detect magnet  86  on carriage  17 . 
         [0086]    The method of using the subject apparatus provides for one-handed operation that is fast, safe, clean, easy to use, and effective. In use, a user places a cup with consumable material at the cup-receiving position, such as on the cup-receiving holder, and activates the apparatus via a switch, button, touchpad, or the like. The apparatus automatically lowers the carriage to the mixing position. In the mixing position, the shield lid closes the top of the cup, and the mixing blade is positioned within the cup and consumable material. 
         [0087]    The mixing motor is automatically activated to rotate the mixing blade thereby causing the consumable material to be mixed. The speed of the blade may be variable, and the blade may move up and down within the cup during the mix cycle without displacing the splash shield. 
         [0088]    After the mix cycle is completed, the carriage is returned to the home position whereby the splash shield and mixing blade are lifted from the cup. The user can access and remove the cup from the cup-receiving position. 
         [0089]    A cleaning cycle is then manually or automatically activated. The splash shield, which still surrounds the blade, is again lowered into contact with the frame. The splash shield and frame (such as well floor  32 ) create an enclosed entire space. The cup-receiving position and/or cup-receiving holder are encased by the splash shield and frame. The blade can be positioned at various distances from the frame including beneath the level of the cup-receiving holder. Mixing blade could be moved during the cleaning cycle without displacing the splash shield. 
         [0090]    The cleaning cycle is initiated, and fluid is injected into the interior of the shield via an inlet manifold. The fluid contacts and cleans the shield (including the lid), blade, cup-receiving position, and optional cup-receiving holder. The mixing motor can be engaged to rotate the mixing blade during the cleaning cycle to increase fluid distribution or force. The rinse fluid is removed via the drain. In this manner, the automated mixing of the material and subsequent cleaning of the apparatus can be achieved. A user may select the flavors to be dispensed for the next order while the mix in-cup apparatus mixes a previous order and executes a self-clean operation. The mixing blade is isolated from the user during the mixing and cleaning operations. An attempt to displace the splash shield during the mixing or cleaning cycles deactivates the mixing motor. 
         [0091]    While the disclosure has been described with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that numerous variations, modifications and additional embodiments are possible, and all such variations, modifications, and embodiments are to be regarded as being within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Technology Category: 1