Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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BLENDER CUP WITH LID STORAGE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates generally to household appliance, and more particularly
to
blenders and food processors.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Blenders are household devices often used to blend or mix drinks or liquids.
On the
other hand, food processors are household devices commonly used to chop, cut,
slice, and/or
mix various solid foods such as vegetables, fruits, or meats. Different blade
designs and rotation
speeds are used in a blender or a food processor in order to accomplish the
mixing or cutting
actions desired.
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Conventional household blenders typically have a motor connected to a blade
assembly, and the speed of the rotating blade or motor may be varied based on
selections made
by the user.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,678,288 to Swanke et al. describes a blender
having
seven speed selection push buttons. The push-buttons drive slider elements
that close switches
so as to selectively energize various combinations of fields in a drive motor
having multiple
fields. Field selection provides seven speeds in a high range. Seven speeds in
a low range are
obtained by applying only half cycles of the AC energizing voltage to the
motor when certain
combinations of the switches are actuated. Once a speed selection push button
is depressed, the
motor is energized until an OFF switch is actuated. The device also has a
jogger or pulse mode
pushbutton that energizes the motor at one speed only as long as the
pushbutton is depressed.
Pulsing the motor on/off or at high and then low speeds permits the material
being blended to
fall back to the region of the cutting knives thereby improving the blending
or mixing of the
material.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,951,351 to Ernster et al. describes a blender having a rotary
switch for
selecting a high or low range of speeds and five pushbutton switches for
selecting a speed
within the selected range. The pushbutton switches connect various segments of
the motor field
winding in the energizing circuit. This device also includes a pulse mode
pushbutton that causes
energization of the motor only as long as the pushbutton is depressed. The
motor may be
energized in the pulse mode at any selected speed.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,548,280 to Cockroft describes a blender provided with 10 speed
selection switches. A SCR is connected in series with the motor and has a
control electrode
connected to resistances that are brought into the electrode circuit by
actuation of the speed
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selection switches to control the angle of firing of the SCR and thus the
speed of the motor.
This device also has a mode selection switch for selecting the manual mode or
a cycling or
pulse mode in which the motor is alternately energized and deenergized over a
plurality of
cycles, the number of cycles being set by a potentiometer controlled by a
rotatable knob. In a
preferred embodiment, the on and off intervals are set during manufacture but
two
potentiometers may be provided to enable an operator to vary the on and off
times.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,347,205 to Piland describes a blender with a microcontroller
for
controlling energization of the blender drive motor. The speed of the motor is
determined by a
manual selection of N speed range selection switches, M speed selection
switches, and a pulse
mode switch.
Typically, the blade attachment in conventional blenders consists of two
generally U-
shaped blades, a top blade and a bottom blade, joined together at a central
point with their
respective ends oriented in opposite directions. Because of this blender blade
design,
conventional blenders usually are not able to successfully chop, slice, or cut
solid food because
solid food does not flow into the U-shaped blades without adding liquid.
Although the solids
may make some contact with the blades, typically at least some liquid must be
added to the
blender in order to successfully liquefy or cut the solid food into very small
pieces.
Another drawback with blenders is the number of different operations that must
be
performed to successfully blend a mixture. Typically, to blend or mix items in
a blender, a user
will press a sequence of buttons on the blender. For example, to chop ice, a
user may hit a slow
button, wait a while, hit a faster speed, wait, hit yet a faster speed, etc.
The user may have to
stop the blending process to dislodge ice or to assure the ice is coming into
contact with the
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blades. This process can be very frustrating, and with conventional blenders
may still result in
an unsatisfactory chopping or blending of the items in the blender.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with embodiment of the invention, there is provided a container
assembly for use with a blender blade base, comprising a drinking container
having a first
interface at an open first end and a fourth interface at a closed second end,
a blade base
removably mountable on and off a blender and having a blade unit thereon and a
second
interface thereon, the second interface configured to mate with the first
interface, the blade base
and the drinking container forming a sealed container, and a cover having a
drinking hole and
third and fifth interfaces. The third interface is configured to mate with the
first interface and
the fifth interface is configured to mate with the fourth interface when the
first interface is
mated with the second interface.
In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a
beverage
container assembly for use with a blender comprising a beverage container
having an open top
portion and a closed bottom portion, a first removable cover for selectively
covering the top
portion of the beverage container. The first cover is adapted to be removably
mountable on and
off the blender and includes an adapter portion for mounting the beverage
container on a
blender. A second removable cover selectively covers the open top portion of
the beverage
container. The second cover includes a drinking hole. The first and second
covers are
interchangeable on the beverage container and the second cover is mountable on
the closed
bottom portion.
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In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a
method
of blending comprising providing a blender assembly comprising a blender base
having a
motor, a collar having an agitator, a container, and a cover with a drinking
hole, the cover
configured for mounting'on an open end of the container for drinking from the
container and
configured for mounting on a closed end of the container for storage when not
in use. The
method further includes placing ingredients in the container and closing an
open end of the
container with the collar. The method further includes inverting the container
and collar and
placing the container and collar on the motorized base. The method further
includes blending
the ingredients in the container with the motorized base. The method further
includes removing
the container and collar from the base. The method further includes
positioning the container
and collar in a generally upright position. The method further includes
removing the collar
from the container. The method further includes placing the cover on the open
end of the
container so that the blended ingredients can be consumed by drinking through
the cover.
Other features and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed
description when taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A more complete understanding of the present invention, and the attendant
advantages and features thereof, will be more readily understood by reference
to the following
detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings wherein:
FIG. 1 is a front, left, perspective view of a blender base and container
incorporating
the present invention;
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FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a number of components that
maybe
attached to the blender base of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the blender base and blender
container of
FIG. 1, showing a blade base that connects to the blender base;
FIG. 4 is a back, left perspective view of the blender base of FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a cutaway view taken along the line 5--5 of FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of ajar for the blender container of FIG.
1;
FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a lid and cap assembly for use with
blender
container of FIG. 1;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the blade base and blade unit shown in FIG. 3;
FIG. 9 is a side view of the top blade for the blade unit shown in FIG. 8;
FIG. 10 is a side view of the bottom blade for the blade unit shown in FIG. 8;
FIG. 11 is a top view of the middle blade for the blade unit shown in FIG. 8;
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a blade unit utilizing an extraction
mechanism in
accordance with one aspect of the present invention;
FIG. 13 is a cutaway view of the extraction mechanism of FIG. 12, with the
extraction mechanism shown in a released position;
FIG. 14 is a cutaway view of the extraction mechanism of FIG. 12, with the
extraction mechanism shown in a locked position;
FIG. 15 is a bottom-exploded perspective view of the blender container of FIG.
1,
with the cap of FIG. 7 shown aligned with the blade base;
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FIG. 16 is a partial cutaway of the bottom of the blender jar of FIG. 1,
showing a
beginning step of inserting the blade base with the cap;
FIG. 17 is a partial cutaway, similar to FIG. 16, showing a further step of
inserting the
blade base with the cap;
FIG. 18 is a partial cutaway, similar to FIGS. 16 and 17, showing full
insertion of the
blade base with the cap;
FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view showing how a single serving beverage
container attaches to a collar and fits onto the blender base of FIG. 1;
FIG. 19A is an exploded perspective view showing how an alternate embodiment
single serving beverage container attaches to a collar and fits onto the
blender base of FIG. 1;
FIG. 19B is a side perspective view showing how a cover mounts to the closed
end of
the beverage container of FIG. 19;
FIG. 19C is a bottom view of the cover of FIGS. 19A-B;
FIG. 19D is a side perspective view of the beverage container of FIGS. 19A-B
showing the cover threaded onto the beverage container;
FIG. 20 is a side perspective view showing attachment of a food processor to
the
blender base of FIG. 1;
FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing components that may be used to implement
the
features of the blender base of FIG. 1;
FIG. 22 is a simplified circuit diagram for a motor that may be used with the
blender
base of FIG. 1;
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FIG. 23 is a simplified circuit diagram for another motor that may be used
with the
blender base of FIG. 1;
FIG. 24 is a simplified circuit diagram for yet another motor that may be used
with
the blender base of FIG. 1;
FIG. 25 shows a routine that may be implemented by the blender base of FIG. 1
to
mix powdered drinks;
FIG. 26 shows a routine that may be implemented by the blender base of FIG. 1
to
make batter;
FIG. 27 shows a routine that may be implemented by the blender base of FIG. 1
to
form a milkshake;
FIG. 28 shows an example of a user interface that may be used on the blender
base of
FIG. 1;
FIG. 29 shows a second example of a user interface that may be used on the
blender
base of FIG. 1;
FIG. 30 shows a third example of a user interface that may be used on the
blender
base of FIG. 1;
FIG. 31 shows a method of operating the blender base of FIG. 1 with the user
interface of FIG. 28 in accordance with one aspect of the present invention;
FIG. 32 shows a method of operating the blender base of FIG. 1 with the user
interface of FIG. 29 or 30 in accordance with another aspect of the present
invention;
FIGS. 33-37 show displays of some functions that may be presented by the user
interface of
FIG. 29; and
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FIG. 38 shows a method of enabling functions for a blender base in accordance
with a
particular container sensed the blender base in accordance with one aspect of
the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In the following description, various aspects of the present invention will be
described. For purposes of explanation, specific configurations and details
are set forth in order
to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will
also be apparent
to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without
the specific details.
Furthermore, well-known features may be omitted or simplified in order not to
obscure the
present invention.
. Referring now to the drawing, in which like reference numerals represent
like parts
throughout the several views, FIG. 1 shows a blender 30 incorporating many
features of the
present invention. Briefly described, in accordance with one aspect of the
invention and as is
best shown in FIG. 2, the blender 30 includes a blender base 32 that may be
utilized with a
number of different components, including a jar 34 having an integral collar
(hereinafter
"collared jar 34"), a threaded jar 36, a single serving beverage container 38,
and a food
processor 40. As subsequently described, the blender base 32 is preprogrammed
with a
plurality of routines designed for particular food or drink items, for
example, by taking a
particular sequence of motor commands (e.g., direction of rotation, speed,
duration or time of
rotation, etc.) which are automatically implemented based on the function
(e.g., end result)
selected by the user. Additionally, sensors may be present on the apparatus of
the present
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invention to detect the presence of and type of container in which the mixing
or processing will
take place. Other novel features of the present invention will become apparent
below.
Turning now to FIG. 3, the blender base 32 includes four feet 42 for placing
the
blender base on a surface such as a table. Rounded, tapered sides 43 lead to
an attachment base
44. An attachment protrusion 46 is mounted on the top of the attachment base
44, and includes
tapered sides having alternating triangular-shaped concave surfaces 48 and
convex surfaces 50
(detail is further shown in FIG. 4). The upper outer shell of the blender base
32 may be
extruded as a single piece of plastic, or alternatively may be cast as several
pieces and
assembled. In addition, the blender base may be formed of other suitable
materials, such as
metal, for example.
The concave surfaces 48 are configured so that their bases are at the top of
the
attachment protrusion, whereas the convex surfaces 50 are configured so that
their bases are at
the bottom. The top 52 of the attachment protrusion 46 is flat, and includes a
rotation lock 54
and a male drive element 56. The rotation lock 54 is preferably a male
protrusion shaped like a
fin. The male drive element 56 is shaped like a gear and includes a number of
teeth 58 (FIG. 4).
In the embodiment shown, there are 16 teeth, but the male drive element 56 may
be designed to
have any number of teeth as appropriate.
The male drive element 56 is preferably formed of metal, and, as is
subsequently
described, a corresponding female drive element for containers that are
attached to the blender
base is also preferably metal. The metal-to-metal contact ensures limited
wear, a close
tolerance fitting, and reduces the likelihood of broken parts. However, one
problem that may
be encountered with a metal-to-metal connection is that, if an electrical
motor is used, a user
may experience shock from voltage flowing through the male drive element 56.
To alleviate
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this problem, as can be seen in FIG. 5, the present invention utilizes an
insulating bushing 60 to
insulate the male drive element 56 from a motor shaft 64. To do so, the male
drive element
includes an outer ring 62 and an inner metal attachment 63. The teeth 58 are
mounted on the
outside of the outer ring 62. The inner metal attachment 63 fits onto the
motor shaft 64. The
insulating bushing 60 is preferably formed of rubber, although any insulating
material may be
used.
The insulating bushing 60 is designed and arranged so that it fits fully
inside the outer
ring 62. In addition, the metal attachment 63 is preferably designed and
configured so that the
metal attachment fits fully within the bushing 60. This structure offers
maximal stability, in
that most shear stresses applied by the motor shaft 64 may be uniformly
transferred to the outer
ring 62 through the bushing 60. Thus, a shear along the length of the bushing
(i.e., top to
bottom in FIG. 5) does not occur. Although variations of this structure may be
used, it is
preferred that the metal attachment 64 be at least partially surrounded by the
outer ring 62, so
that the outer ring and metal attachment's stiff structures may provide
stability for the bushing
60, and so that shear forces in the bushing may be minimized.
A pair of first and second sensor switches 66, 67 (FIG. 4) are included at the
junction
of the top 52 and the convex and concave surfaces 48, 50, the function of
which is subsequently
described. In the embodiment of the blender base 32 shown in the drawings, the
first and
second sensor switches 66, 67 are mounted on opposite side of the apex of one
of the convex
surfaces 50.
A user interface panel 68 is mounted on the front of the rounded, tapered
sides 43.
As described below, various user interfaces may be displayed on the user
interface panel 68.
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The blender base 32 is shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 with the collared jar 34.
However, as
described above, the blender base 32 may be used with any number of different
blending or
processing units that may serve different or overlapping functions. In
general, each blending or
processing unit that is to be used with the blender base 32 includes a
container and a blade
assembly of some kind. The blender base 32 includes a drive mechanism and
attachment
method that allows the blender to be used with the different containers. As
described
subsequently, this container flexibility even allows the blender base 32 to
operate purely as a
food processor, if desired.
The collared jar 34 is one example of a container that may be used with the
blender
base 32. The collared jar 34 is preferably generally cylindrical in shape, and
includes a handle
70 and a pouring spout 72. The cylindrical shape promotes better mixing and
minimizes
accumulation of food or materials that may occur in containers having cross
sectional areas
with edges or corners. However, other shapes for the container may be used.
The collared jar 34 can be made from glass, plastic, metal, or any other
suitable,
nontoxic material which can resist high stress. Additionally, the inside of
collared jar 34 may
be coated with non-stick coating such as TeflonTM and the like to allow for
better mixing or
easier cleaning.
The sides of the collared jar 34 taper outward from a location just below the
bottom
juncture of the handle 70 and the sides, to both the open top of the collared
jar and the open
bottom. The upper, tapered, shape promotes good blending and processing of
items in the
collared jar 34, because it promotes flow of the items downward to the bottom
of the collared
jar.
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The bottom end of the collared jar 34 is opened so that it fits over the
attachment
protrusion 46 of the blender base 32. In this manner, the bottom end of the
collared jar 34
serves as a collar that fits over the attachment protrusion 46 of the blender
base 32. As can be
seen in FIG. 6, the lower inside of the collared jar 34 includes a scalloped
surface. The
scalloped surface includes a series of concave triangular sections 74
connected at their bases,
with the bases extending along the bottom edge of the collared jar 34. Flat
surfaces 76 extend
between the areas defined between the concave triangular sections 74. The
concave triangular
sections 74 and the flat surfaces 76 are arranged and configured so that when
the collared jar 34
is fitted onto the attachment protrusion 46 of the blender base 32, the
concave triangular
sections 74 fit over and against the convex surfaces 50 of the rectangular
protrusion, and the flat
surfaces 76 fit against the concave surfaces 48 of the attachment protrusion.
In this manner, the
collared jar 34 does not rotate when placed on the attachment protrusion 46 of
the blender base
32.
Markings 78 (FIG. 6 only) indicating various ingredient levels for recipes may
be
placed onto the collared jar 34 to assist the user. For example, there may be
markings 78 on the
collared jar 34 to illustrate the proper amounts of ice and liquid to use for
making a particular
drink (e.g., a frozen margarita). Such markings 78 can be a permanent, such as
by etching or
embossing the markings on the collared jar 78. Alternatively, the markings 78
may be
removable (e.g., removable stickers) that are included with the collared jar
34, or that are
supplied separately to a user (e.g., with a recipe mix or the like).
A series of switch activators 80 (FIG. 6) are included on the inside surface
of the
collared jar 34. The switch activators 80 are male protrusions that are
located just to one side of
the junction of the concave triangular sections 74 and the flat surfaces 76
and are aligned and
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configured so that one of the switch activators abuts and engages the second
sensor switch 67
so the second sensor switch 67 is depressed when the collared jar is pressed
into position
against the attachment protrusion 46 of the blender base 32. By providing
switch activators 80
at each of these junctures, one of-the switch activators is arranged to engage
and depress the
second sensor switch 67 upon placing the collared jar 34 onto the attachment
protrusion 46 of
the blender base 32, regardless of how the collared jar is rotated relative to
the blender base.
The function of depressing the second sensor switch 67 is described further
below.
A lid 82 (FIG. 3) is provided that fits over the upper opening of the collared
jar 34.
As.can best be seen in FIG. 7, the lid 82 includes flanges 84, made of rubber,
TPE, or another
suitable material, at a bottom edge for snuggly fitting into the upper opening
of the collared jar
34. A central hole 86 extends through the center of the lid 82 and includes
tapered outer edges
88. The central hole 86 provides a receptacle through which ingredients, such
as ice or liquids,
may be added to the collared jar 34.
A removable cap 90 fits into the central hole 86. The removable cap 90
includes
finger grips 92, 94 at top, outer edges, for gripping the cap and removing it
from the central
hole 86. A cylindrical extension 96 extends out of the bottom of the cap 90.
The cylindrical
extension 96 fits snugly into, and closes the central hole 86 in the lid 82
when the cap 90 is
placed in the lid. The cylindrical extension 96 includes a series of notches
98 evenly spaced
along its bottom edge, the function of which is described below.
An abutment surface 100 (FIG. 6) is provided above the scalloped inner surface
of the
collared jar 34, and is arranged to abut against ,a top surface 102 (FIG. 8)
of a blade base 110.
When inserted onto the collared jar 34, the blade base 110 forms a sealed
bottom for the
collared jar, and the two elements form an opened-top container. Although
described as being
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removably attachable (i.e., by threads) to the collared jar, the blade base 90
may be permanently
or removably attached to the bottom of the collared jar 34 or another
container. However,
providing a removable blade base 110 permits easier cleaning of the blender
30.
The blade base 110 includes a novel blade unit 112 that enables the blender 30
to
have improved food-processing capabilities. The blade unit 112 may include any
number of
blades, but preferably includes at least one generally U-shaped blade assembly
such as is used
in contemporary blenders. In addition, the blade unit 112 includes a second
blade assembly that
extends substantially radially relative to the rotational axis of the blade
unit.
The blade unit 112, as shown in an exemplary embodiment in FIG. 8, includes a
top
or first blade assembly 114, a middle or second blade assembly 116, and a
third or bottom blade
assembly 118. The blade assemblies 114, 116, 118 maybe made of any durable
material such
as metal, steel, carbon, etc. which can be sharpened and withstand high stress
and heat.
The top blade assembly 114 and the bottom blade assembly 118 are preferably
similar
to conventional blender blade designs (i.e., one or more generally U-shaped
blades). In
particular, as shown in FIG. 9, the top blade assembly 114 includes a central,
substantially flat
base 120 that extends generally radially with respect to the rotational axis
of the blade unit 112.
A first blade 122 extends at a first angle upward from the base 120, and a
second blade 124
extends at a second angle from the base. Providing the two blades 122, 124 at
different angles
from the base provides enhanced blending and processing. Preferably, the
blades 122, 124 are
formed integrally with the base 120.
The bottom blade assembly 118 (FIG. 10) also includes a base 130 that extends
generally radially with respect to the rotational axis of the blade unit 112.
First and second
curved blades 132, 134 are preferably formed integral with the base 130, and
extend downward
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and outward from the ends of the base 130. The curved shape of the blades
enhances blending
and processing, and permits the edges of the blades to extend to adjacent the
bottom of the
container formed by the collared jar 34 and the blade unit 112. In this
manner, blended and
processed items are dislodged and forced upward from the bottom of the
container.
The middle blade assembly 116 has, for example, a food processor blade design
(i.e.,
one or more blades that extend generally radially from the rotational axis of
the blade unit 112).
In an exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the middle blade assembly 116
includes a
central base 136 and first and second blades 138, 140. The blades 138, 140 are
coplanar with
the base 136 and are curved, but may be straight in alternate embodiments. The
central base
136 and the first and second blades 138, 140 are preferably integrally formed,
but may be
formed as separate elements. In addition, the two blades 138, 140 may be
provide on alternate
bases, and may be spaced axially from one another so that they are not located
in the same
plane.
As subsequently described, the blender base 32 is preferably designed so that
the
blade unit 112 may be rotated in forward and backward directions, and/or may
be oscillated. If
a reverse function is provided, the blades 122, 124, 132, 134, 138, 140 maybe
sharpened on
leading edges, and blunt on opposite edges, or may be sharpened on both (i.e.,
opposite) edges.
In addition, if desired, one or more of the blades may be provided with
different sharpened
surface, such as a serrated edge, to enhance or change the cutting of the
blades. For example,
for the embodiment of the middle blade assembly 116 shown in FIG. 11, the
blades 138, 140
include sharpened leading edges 142, 144, and blunt trailing edges 146, 148.
As defined herein,
the leading edges are the edges that are forward (i.e., hit the blended items
first) when the blade
unit is traveling in the forward direction. The trailing edges are the
rearmost (i.e., hit the
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blended items last) parts of the blades when the blades travel in the forward
direction.
Providing a blunt edge on the trailing end has been found to enhance mixing
when the blade
unit is rotated in a reverse direction, whereas sharpening both edges has been
found to increase
the cutting action of the blades and blending when rotated in the reverse
direction or oscillated.
The middle blade assembly 116 is sandwiched between the top blade assembly 114
and the bottom blade assembly 118, and the three blade assemblies are mounted
on an upwardly
extending rotational shaft 150. As subsequently described, when the blade unit
112 and
collared jar 34 are placed on the blender base 32, the shaft 150 is rotated by
the blender base 32,
which in turn rotates the combined blade unit 112,
It has been discovered that including a food processor design blade (e.g., the
middle
blade assembly 116) in combination with one or two conventional blender design
blades (e.g.,
the top blade assembly 114 and the bottom blade assembly 118) enables the
blender 30 to have
superior chopping, cutting, and slicing capabilities. Specifically, the food
processor design
blade often comes into contact with items that are missed by conventional
blender design
blades. In addition, for those items that are contacted, the food processor
design blade hits them
more directly, most likely because the blade is not at an angle with respect
to the axis of
rotation of the blade unit 112. The blade assemblies maybe spaced differently
than they are
spaced in the shown embodiment, but it has been found that locating the blade
assemblies
adjacent to one another in the sandwiched configuration provides these
enhanced cutting
features, and provides the least amount of interference for placing into the
container items that
are to be blended.
The blade unit 112 may be permanently or removably attached to the blade base
110,
and in one embodiment is riveted to the shaft 150 with a washer 152 (FIG. 8).
For example, the
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end of the shaft may be deformed using an orbital riveting process to lock the
blade unit in
place, and the washer may be used to help hold the blade unit in place. In an
alternate
embodiment shown in FIGS. 12-14, the blade unit 112 may include an optional
extraction
mechanism 160 that allows a user to disengage blade unit 112 from blade base
110. By
removing the blade unit 112, the container formed by the blade base 110 and
the collared jar 34
may serve as a pitcher, and the blade unit 112 may be easier to clean.
In an exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the extraction mechanism 160
comprises a conical-shaped cap 162 that snaps over a rotation shaft 164 for
the blade unit 112.
The conical-shaped cap 162 may be made of rubber, plastic, or any other
suitable nontoxic
material. The conical-shaped cap 162 includes a hollow interior (FIG. 13)
having a lower,
tapered surface 166 that extends downward to a narrowed, flat portion 168 at
its lower surface.
A spring 170 is mounted inside the upper end of the conical-shaped cap 162,
and is arranged to
push downward on a washer 172. A ball bearing 174 (or alternatively, a
plurality of ball
bearings) is captured inside the conical-shaped cap 162 and below the washer
172.
To attach the extraction mechanism 160, the cap 162 is pressed onto the shaft
164.
As the cap 162 is pressed downward, the ball bearing 174 or bearings are
wedged between the
tapered surface 166 and the shaft 164 (FIG. 12). The spring 170 maintains the
ball bearing 174
in this position, and the friction caused by the pressure of the spring 170
pressing the ball
bearing against the shaft keeps the cap 162 in place. If upward pressure is
placed on the cap
162, for example by the blade unit 112 or by a user trying to pull up on the
cap, the ball bearing
174 is further driven into the shaft 164 by the relationship of the tapered
surface 166 and the
shaft.
18
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To remove the cap 162, a user may press inward on the sides of the cap (FIG.
14),
which drives the washer 172 up the tapered surface 166 against the force of
the spring. This
movement releases the tension placed on the ball bearing 174, allowing it to
roll freely into the
space defined by the tapered surface 166, the washer 172, and the shaft 164.
With the pressure
and friction of the ball bearing 174 removed from the shaft 164, the user may
then easily
remove the cap 162 from the shaft.
Other extraction mechanisms may be used. For example, a pair of lock nuts may
be
used. However, an advantage of the described extraction mechanism 160 is that
it does not
require tools for a user to remove the blade unit 112.
As can be seen in FIG. 15, the bottom side of the blade base 110 includes a
female
connector 180 that is designed to fit on the male drive element 56. The female
connector 180 is
preferably formed of metal, so the male drive element 56 and the female
connector may utilize
a metal-to-metal connection as described above. The female connector 180 is
rotatably
mounted in the blade base 110 and is fixed to rotate with the shaft 150 (FIG.
8). The bottom
side of the blade base 110 also includes radially-extending ribs 182.
The outer circumference of the blade base 110 includes a series of evenly
spaced cam
surfaces 184 (best shown in FIG. 8). The cam surfaces 184 include an
indentation 186.
To mount the blade base 110, the blade base is grasped by a user (e.g., by the
ribs
182), and is inserted into the bottom of the collared jar 34 until the cam
surfaces 184 extend
between and beyond the switch actuators 80 on the collared jar and into
contact with the
abutting surface 100 (FIG. 17). A gasket 188 (FIG. 15), made of rubber or
other material, may
be utilized to provide a snug fit of the blade base with the abutting surface
100. The blade base
110 is then rotated until the cam surfaces 184 engage the switch actuators 80.
As rotation
19
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continues, the cam surfaces 184 slide along the top of the switch actuators
80, gradually
pressing the blade base 110 against the gasket 188, until the switch actuators
80 are located in
the indentations 186. The blade base 110 is now in place, and the indentations
prevent
accidental disconnection of the blade base from the collared jar. The blade
base 110 maybe
removed by pushing the blade base in (effectively compressing the gasket 188)
to remove the
switch actuators 80 from the indentations 186, and the blade base is rotated
and removed to
move the switch actuators to a position where they are free of the cam
surfaces 184. The blade
base 110 may then be pulled out of the bottom of the collared jar 34.
As shown in an exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 15-18, the cap 90 is designed so
that
it may be used to disengage and remove the blade base 110 from the collared
jar 34. As
described earlier, the cap 90 includes notches 98. These notches 98 align with
the ribs 182 on
the blade base 110 to form a fitted connection for easier disengagement (e.g.,
by turning) of the
blade base 110 from the collared jar 34.
To remove the blade base 110 using the cap 90, the cap is removed from the lid
82
(e.g., by grasping the cap with the finger grips 92, 94). The notches 98 are
aligned with and
inserted on the ribs 182, and the user presses the cap forward into the bottom
of the collared jar
34 (FIG. 16) until the cam surfaces 184 extend between and beyond the switch
actuators 80 on
the collared jar and into contact with the abutting surface 100 (FIG. 17). The
user then rotates
the cap 90 and blade base 110 to lock the blade base into position, as
described earlier. The cap
may be similarly used to remove the blade base 110 from the collared jar 34.
When placed on the blender base 32, one of the ribs 182 on the blade base 110
engages the rotation lock 54. In this manner, the driving action of the male
drive element 56
CA 02751217 2011-08-31
does not rotate the blade base 110 off of the collared jar 34 when the motor
rotates the blade
unit in a reverse direction.
As an alternative to the blade base 110 and the collared jar 34, an agitator
collar 190
(FIG. 2) may be used with the blender base 32. The agitator collar 190
includes essentially the
same features as the bottom portion of the collared jar 34 and the blade base
110. That is, the
agitator collar 190 includes a blade unit 112A, a female drive member, the
scalloped inner
surfaces that are found on the lower inside of the collared jar 34, and switch
activators.
However, in a preferred embodiment, the features of the blade base 110 are
formed integrally
with the agitator collar 190, as opposed to the connection that is used to
attach the blade base
110 to the collared jar 34. In addition, the agitator collar 190 includes
internal threads 192
(FIG. 19) at the upper, inside portion of the agitator collar.
The threaded jar 36 (FIG. 2) includes male threads 194 that mate with the
internal
threads 192 on the agitator collar 190. Otherwise, the threaded jar 36 is
configured similarly to
the top portion of the collared jar 34. The lid 82 and the cap 90 maybe
utilized with the
threaded jar 36, or another top maybe provided. An advantage of the threaded
jar 36 is that it
maybe produced out of a different material than the collared jar 34, providing
a user additional
versatility. For example, the threaded jar 36 maybe formed of glass, wherein
the collared jar
could be formed of plastic. Another advantage is that the agitator collar 190
may be used with
other containers, as described below.
To use the threaded jar 36, the agitator collar 190 is threaded onto the male
threads
194, and the combined agitator collar and threaded jar are mounted on the
blender base 32. A
gasket 195 may be used to assure a snug fit.
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The single serving beverage container 38 (FIG. 2) may also be used with the
agitator
collar 190. To this end, the single serving beverage container 38 includes
male threads 196 at
an upper end for mating with the internal threads 192 on the agitator collar
190.
The single serving beverage container 38 (shown also in FIG. 19) is slightly
tapered
along its length, and preferably is sized to fit into a user's hand as well as
a typical beverage
holder in automobiles. A removable cap 198 (FIG. 2) is provided that may be
screwed onto the
male threads 196. The removable cap 198 may include a drinking hole, and/or
may include a
closure tab to avoid spillage.
To use the single serving beverage container 38, the cap 198 is removed (if
present),
and beverage ingredients are placed in the single serving beverage container
38. The agitator
collar 190 is then screwed onto the male threads 196. A gasket 199 may be used
to assure a
snug fit. The single serving beverage container 38 and the agitator collar 190
are then inverted
(FIG. 19) and installed on the blender base 32. The beverage ingredients may
then be mixed
and/or blended by the blender base 32. The agitator collar 190 and the single
serving beverage
container 38 are then removed, inverted, and the agitator collar is screwed
off of the single
serving beverage container. The cap 198 may then be screwed onto the single
serving beverage
container 38, and the single serving beverage container is ready for use.
In another embodiment, an alternate single serving beverage container 438
(FIGS.
19A-19D) may also be used with the agitator collar 190. To this end, the
single serving
beverage container 438 includes male threads 496 at an upper end for mating
with the internal
threads 192 on the agitator collar 190.
The single serving beverage container 438 is tapered inward along its length,
and
preferably is sized to fit into a user's hand as well as a typical beverage
holder in automobiles.
22
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The beverage container 438 may include an indented portion 438a to aid in
gripping the
beverage container 438. Alternately, the beverage container 438 may include a
plurality of
circumferential partial helical ribs 435 (FIG. 19D) formed on the exterior of
the sidewall of the
beverage container 438 for aiding in gripping the container 438. The ribs 435
are spaced such
that a user's finger may be inserted there between. A threaded removable cap
498 is provided
that maybe screwed onto the male threads 496. The removable cap 498 may
include a drinking
hole 499, and/or may include a closure tab 497 hingedly connected to the cap
498 to avoid
spillage. In use, the closure tab 497 is moved from a closed position to an
open position to
expose the drinking hole 499. The cap 498 may include a looped portion 498a
for attaching the
assembled container 438 and cap 498 to another article or object such as a
belt, backpack,
bicycle, etc. for easy transport.
To use the single serving beverage container 438, the cap 498 is removed (if
present),
and beverage ingredients are placed in the single serving beverage container
438. The agitator
collar 190 is then screwed onto the male threads 196. A gasket 199 may be used
to assure a
snug fit. The single serving beverage container 438 and the agitator collar
190 are then inverted
(FIG. 19A) and installed on the blender base 32. The beverage ingredients may
then be mixed
and/or blended by the blender base.32.
The cap 498 of the single serving beverage container 438 may be stored on the
closed end 439 of the beverage container 438 during blending or non-use of the
blender base
32/container 438 arrangement with a securing means. For example, the cap 498
may be stored
on the closed end 439 of the beverage container 438 with a semi-interference
type fit. The cap
498 may include a lip 498b (FIG. 19c) that fits over a complementary annular
ridge 439a (FIG.
19B) formed on the closed end 439 of the beverage container 438. The lip 498b
is then seated
23
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against an annular edge 439d of the closed end 439 of the beverage container
438. One or more
projections 439c maybe formed on the annular ridge 439a that engage
complementary notches
498c formed in the lip 498b of the cap 498. The projections 439c aid in
securing the cap 498 to
the beverage container 438 as well as aligning the cap 498 therewith.
The agitator collar 190 and the single serving beverage container 438 are then
removed, inverted, and the agitator collar 190 is screwed off of the single
serving beverage
container 438. The cap 498 may then be screwed onto the single serving
beverage container
438 (FIG. 19D), and the single serving beverage container 438 is ready for
use.
The food processor 40 (FIGS. 2 and 20) may also be used with the blender base
32. To this end, the food processor 40 includes a drive collar 200 that is
configured much like
the agitator collar 190 in that it includes a female drive member, the
scalloped inner surfaces
that are found on the lower inside of the collared jar 34, and switch
activators. However, the
drive collar 200 does not include the blade unit 112. Instead, a drive shaft
201 (FIG. 2) extends
out of the center of the drive collar 200 and is connected for rotation with
the female drive
member. In addition, unlike the agitator collar 190, the switch activators on
the drive collar 200
are arranged and configured to engage the first sensor switch 66 (whereas the
switch actuators
80 on the agitator collar 190 and the collared jar 34 are arranged and
configured to engage the
second sensor switch 67). The function of this difference is subsequently
described.
The remainder of the food processor 40 is of conventional design. The food
processor 40 includes a food mixing tub 202 having a chopped food exit chute
204, a mixing
and chopping blade 206, and a lid 210. The lid includes an entry port 212. A
pressing tool 214
may be included to press food items through the entry port and into contact
with the blade 206.
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In use, the drive collar 200 is mounted on the blender base 32, and the food
tub
202 is placed over the drive shaft 201. The blade 206 is placed on the drive
shaft and is
connected in a suitable manner. The lid 210 is then placed over the food tub
202. Food may
then be inserted and pushed through the entry port 212. If desired, additional
blades may be
utilized that provide sweeping features so that the processed food may exit
the food exit chute
204.
FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing a number of components that may be used for
operation of the blender base 32 in accordance with one aspect of the present
invention. As
described in further detail below, a user interface 222 is provided that
allows a user to operate
the blender 30 manually and/or select from various preprogrammed functions
available. The
user interface 222 is connected to a microcontroller 224 which includes, for
example, a central
processing unit (cpu) 226, a read only memory 228 and a nonvolatile memory
230, such as
electronically erasable programmable memory ("E2 PROM"). However, although
described
with these specific components, the microcontroller 224 may include any
software or hardware
components that enable it to perform the functions described herein. The
microcontroller 224 is
connected to or interfaced with a power source 232, a motor 234, and a display
236.
The motor 234 is connected to the shaft 201 and its operation rotates the
blade
unit 112. The motor 234 may be unidirectional (capable of actuating or
rotating the blade unit 3
in one direction only), or bi-directional (capable of actuating or rotating
the blade unit 112 in
either direction). The motor 234 may additionally be capable of oscillating
the blade unit 112.
A simplified circuit diagram for one embodiment of a motor 2341 that may be
used with the blender base 32 is shown in FIG. 22. The motor 2341 has a single
wound field,
and thus typically has only two leads. To reverse the motor 2341i additional
leads are provided
CA 02751217 2011-08-31
from the motor that separate the winding of the motor from the rotor of the
motor. Once
separated, reversing the wires on the rotor-reverses the motor. The circuit
shown in FIG. 22
utilizes a double pole double throw (DPDT) relay 240 to accomplish this
function, and a triac
242 is used to for speed control.
An alternative circuit for another single wound motor 2342 is shown in FIG.
23.
Instead of the DPDT relay 240 and the triac 242, the single wound motor 2342
in FIG. 23
utilizes four triacs 242, 244, 246, and 248 to accomplish direction and speed
control.
Although the single wound motors 2341, 2342, and related circuits work well
for
their intended purpose, a problem with using the single wound motors is
complexity and cost of
the switches.
To overcome this problem, a double wound motor 2343 (FIG. 24) may be used for
the blender base 32. Dual wound motors differ in that they have two separate
windings on the
field, one powered for the forward direction, and the other powered for
reverse. The additional
winding is of nominal cost, and only two triacs 250, 252 have to be used in
the design, one for
forward, and one for reverse. The control is greatly simplified.
The motor 234 may also include a sensor 254 (FIG. 23). The sensor 254 is
configured to provide the microcontroller 224 with information regarding the
strain placed on
the motor during operation. The sensor may, for example, utilize a hall effect
sensor and a
magnet to make a simple tachometer to measure the speed, and then compare the
actual speed
to known values to determine.if the motor is operating in a legitimate portion
of the torque-
speed curve such that the motor can cool itself. The sensor 254 sends a signal
to the
microcontroller 224 if the motor is not operating in this portion. The
microprocessor 224 may
use this information to alter a routine being operated by the motor, as is
subsequently described.
26
CA 02751217 2011-08-31
As can be seen in FIG. 21, the first and second sensor switches 66, 67 are
connected or interfaced to the microcontroller 224. The sensor switches 66, 67
are configured to
detect the presence of a container on the blender base 32, and to determine
which type of
container is placed on the blender base. To this end, the microcontroller 224
can determine the
presence of a container and/or the type of container by the combination of
switches 66, 67 that
have been actuated (e.g., by the switch actuators 80).
For example, the sensor switches 66, 67 may normally be in an opened position.
In such an embodiment, the microcontroller 224 may be programmed such that, if
none of the
switches are closed, then the blender base 32 will not operate. If, however,
one or both of the
sensor switches 66, 67 is closed (e.g., by the switch actuators 80), the
specific switch or
switches that are closed indicate to the microcontroller exactly what
container or type of
container is on the blender base 32. As an example, when the collared jar 34
is placed on the
blender base 32, the sensor actuators 80 depress the second sensor switch 67.
Similarly, sensor
actuators on the actuator collar 190 depress the second sensor switch 67 when
the actuator
collar is placed on the blender base. In contrast, when the food processor 40
is placed on the
blender base 32, the first sensor switch 66 is depressed. Yet another
container might engage
and depress both the sensor switches 66, 67. As subsequently described, the
microcontroller
224 may use the container information to provide particular functions for the
blender base 32,
or even to provide relative information on the display 236.
The sensor switches 66, 67 maybe any kind of mechanical or electrical switch,
which sends a signal or command, or closes/opens a circuit when actuated.
Various sensor
technologies (e.g., infrared, electrical, mechanical) may be used. Likewise,
the switch actuators
(e.g., the switch actuator 80) may be any configuration or technology that is
necessary to trigger
27
CA 02751217 2011-08-31
the sensor switches. In addition, more than two sensors may be used so that
additional
containers may be sensed. A single sensor may even be used that provides
multiple functions
(e.g., the blender base 32 does not operate if the sensor is not depressed, a
first container presses
the sensor one amount and sends a first signal to the microprocessor, and a
second container
presses the sensor a second amount and sends a second signal to the processor.
As previously discussed, for the embodiment of the collared jar 34 shown in
the
drawing, a plurality of switch actuators 80 are provided so that the collared
jar may be attached
to the blender base 32 from any direction and still trigger the proper sensor
switch 67. As an
alternative, a plurality of sensor switches, and only one actuator may be
used, or a sensor switch
and the corresponding actuator may be centrally located. In any event, it is
preferred that,
regardless the type of switch, the switch may be actuated if the respective
container is placed on
the blender base 32 in a variety of orientations.
Read only memory 228 is preprogrammed with various motor commands (e.g.,
direction of rotation, speed, duration, reversing of rotation, oscillation,
etc.) designed to achieve
a particular result. The preprogrammed motor commands are grouped together
according to a
function of the blender (e.g., the end result or purpose for which the blender
will be used). For
example, a first memory section 260 may contain a program with all the motor
commands
necessary to make salsa, and a second memory section 262 may contain a program
with all the
motor commands necessary to mix a drink, etc. These preprogrammed motor
comments or
routines may be written using any conventional programming language such as c
plus, java, and
the like.
The following is an example of a routine that works particularly well for
salsa:
SALSA
28
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High Speed, Forward Pulse: 1 second
High Speed, Reverse Pulse: I second
Repeat 29 times
The above sequence has been found to produce salsa having ingredients
thoroughly chopped, but none chopped so much as to make the salsa too fine. By
alternating
the forward and reverse pulses, the likelihood of food items being brought
into contact with the
blades increases. By having only short bursts of the chopping, the salsa is
not made too fine.
Although the above process has been found to work well, variations, such as
increasing the
number of bursts, or the length of the bursts, may be made for particular
tastes (e.g., chunky
salsa, different ingredients, etc). The first memory section 260 maintains
instructions for the
blender base 32 so that it may implement the above routine.
Examples of other routines are shown in FIGS. 25-27. These figures show
example preprogrammed routines 264, 266, and 268 for making powdered drinks,
batter, and
milkshakes, respectively. Although the shown processes have been found to work
well for their
intended purposes, it can be understood that the processes shown are examples
and variations of
blender routines may produce similar results. The routines 264, 266, and 268
are written as
executable instructions for the blender base 32, and are stored in discrete
data sections of the
read only memory 228. As subsequently described, the preprogrammed routines
may be
accessed and implemented upon selection on the user interface 222 of the
related desired
function for the blender base 32.
FIGS. 28, 29, and 30 illustrate exemplary embodiments for user interfaces
2221,
2222, 2223 which may be used with the blender base 32. One type, shown in
FIGS. 29 and 30,
29
CA 02751217 2011-08-31
includes a liquid crystal display ("LCD") 270. A second type, shown in FIG. 28
may use one or
more light emitting diodes ("LED") 272. Features that are common to the three
user interfaces
2221, 2222, 2223 will be explained first, followed by a description of the
differences between the
user interfaces.
A power switch 274 is included on the LCD and LED variants of the user
interface 222 to turn on or off the power. A start/stop switch 276 is also
included to begin or
stop operation of the blender.
A pulse switch 278 is provided that, when depressed, causes a temporary power
surge to motor 234. In this manner, the pulse switch 234 serves as a temporary
"start" button
that will cause the motor to run, without hitting start/stop switch 276, as
long as the pulse
switch remains depressed. The pulse switch 278 also can be depressed after
running a
preprogrammed routine to run a continuation segment of the preprogrammed
routine. To this
end, the E2 PROM 230 includes programming which stores information about the
last operation
run, and if that operation is a preprogrammed routine, the E2 PROM may select
an appropriate
speed or operation to perform when pulse switch 278 is depressed. For example,
for a given
preprogrammed routine (e.g., salsa), a continuation operation maybe stored in
read only
memory 228 (e.g., forward pulse, 1 second, followed by reverse pulse, one
second). The
continuation function runs upon activation of the pulse switch 278.
Alternatively, the last speed
and motor direction utilized by the preprogrammed routine may be stored in E2
PROM 230, and
that operation may be temporarily continued when a user pushes the pulse
switch 278 after a
program has ended. In any event, the continuation function continues to
operate until the pulse
switch 278 is released.
CA 02751217 2011-08-31
A pause/resume switch 279 may be used to stop the operation (e.g., a
preprogrammed routine) of the blender when pressed a first time. The
pause/resume switch 279
resumes operation of the blender from where it left off when pressed a second
time.
The user interfaces 2221, 2222, 2223 also include manual speed switches 280
(high) and 282 (low) so that the user can manually control the speed and
operating time of the
blade unit 110 to perform other functions not preprogrammed into the blender.
If desired, a
motor speed indicator may be provided for the user interfaces 2222 and 2223 so
that the user can
monitor the relative speed of the motor (e.g., the relative speed of the
rotation of blade unit 110)
on the LCD 270 as the manual speed switches 280 or 282 are pressed. Such
relative speed may
be indicated by text, bars, symbols, or the like. With the LED-based user
interface 2221, the
relative speed of the motor may be indicated by the position of the lighted
LEDS 272 relative to
speed markers 284 (e.g., high, low; drink, food; etc.), or alternatively by
the relative blinking
speed of a lighted LED.
A plurality of preprogrammed function switches 286 are included on the LED-
based user interface 2221 s of FIG. 28. The function switches 286 represent
various programs
for functions or end results that have been preprogrammed into the read only
memory 228, as
described above. For example, pressing or touching a function switch 290
labeled "salsa" will
cause microcontroller 224 to access memory section 260 of read only memory 228
for the
program containing preprogrammed motor commands used to make salsa, and the
preprogrammed commands (e.g., the commands described above) are executed by
microcontroller 224 to control the speed, pause time, and/or direction of the
motor 234. To
alert the user which function or program is running, a LED 292 can light up on
the particular
function switch 286 that was pressed.
31
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The LED-based variants user interface 2221 shown in FIG. 28 may include a
progress indicator 294 that indicates the relative completion of the program
by color, lighted
LED, or other suitable indication means.
As described above, the user interfaces 2222 and 2223 utilize the display 236,
such
as a liquid crystal display (LCD) 270 or another type of display. In such an
embodiment, the E2
PROM 230 stores user-selectable parameters for the initial operation of the
blender base 32.
When the blender base 32 having an LCD 270 is turned on, the LCD 270 is
initialized and set
up in accordance with the stored programming from the E2 PROM 230.
Additionally, E2
PROM 230 may include programming that allows the text in the LCD 270 to be
displayed in
multiple languages (e.g., English, Spanish) or units (e.g., metric, English).
The E2 PROM 230 may further include subsequent storage of information in order
to organize the LCD menu, for example based on the most commonly selected
functions or
programs (e.g., the creation of a "favorites list"). Alternatively, the E2
PROM 230 may
maintain a most recently used list so as to present recently-used functions or
programs.
In an exemplary embodiment of a LCD-based user interface shown in FIG. 29, a
plurality of function switches 300 are used to choose the various functions or
programs for the
blender. Here, the function switches 300 are lined up to correspond to a
preprogrammed
function/program displayed on the LCD 2701. To select the program displayed on
the LCD
2701 screen, the user only need to press the corresponding function switch
300.
In another exemplary embodiment of a LCD-based user interface 2223 as shown
in FIG. 30, navigation switches 302 are used to choose the various functions
or programs for
the blender. The navigation switches 302 are directional buttons (e.g., back,
forward, up, down,
or arrow symbols) that allow the user to navigate the LCD 2702 screen until a
particular
32
CA 02751217 2011-08-31
function/program is selected using the select switch 304. A progress
indicator, and/or a manual
speed indicator, may appear on the LCD 2702 screen.
The various switches described with reference to the user interfaces 2221i
2222,
2223 may be any kind of push button, membrane, or touch sensitive buttons or
switch known in
the art which sends a signal or command, or closes/opens a circuit when
pressed or touched by
the user. In addition, if desired, the display 236 may be a touch-sensitive
screen, whereby a
user may input operation functions by touching the screen. Additional control
methods may
also be used, such as voice-recognition programs, remote controls, or other
features.
The microcontroller 224 maybe programmed to implement only certain functions
based on which container is detected by sensors 66, 67. For example, the
microcontroller 224
may be preprogrammed to implement the motor commands for making powdered
drinks only if
a regular blender or single serving container (e.g., via the agitator collar
190) is placed on the
blender base 32. Thus, if the sensors 66, 67 detect a food processor container
on the blender
base 32, then the microcontroller 224 will not allow the powdered drinks
program/function to
be selected and implemented. In such a circumstance, if the user wants to make
powdered
drinks with a food processor container, the user may do so manually using the
manual speed
switches 280 and 282.
The sensors 66, 67 and the microcontroller 224 may also be used to determine
what items are displayed on the display 236. For example, if a mixing
container (e.g., the
collared jar 34 or a combination of the agitator collar 190 and an attached
container) is sensed
by the sensors 66, 67, then the microprocessor instructs display of
preprogrammed routines for
mixing containers.
33
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FIG. 31 shows a process for operating the blender base 32 with the LED-based
user interface 222, in accordance with one aspect of the present invention.
Beginning at step
310, the user first turns on the power by pressing the power switch 2741.
After a container and
blade unit (e.g., the collared jar 34 and the blade unit 112) have been
properly secured to
blender base 32, and food or drink is loaded into the collared jar, the user
then selects a
function/program for the blender base at step 312 by pressing any of the
various function
switches 286. If there is a particular function switch that is not available
(e.g., no
preprogrammed motor controls for that function), the user can manually control
the motor with
manual speed switches 280 and 282. Additionally, a preset function switch 286
may not work
if the sensors 66, 67 detect an incompatible type of container for that
function. Manual speed
switches 280 and 282 could be used in that situation as well. An LED 292 on
the selected
function switch 286 lights up to indicate to the user the current selection.
Once a function is successfully chosen, the start/stop switch 2761 is pressed
at
step 314 to begin the programmed operation. The microcontroller 224 runs the
motor 234
based on the preprogrammed motor commands stored in read only memory 228 for
that
selected function or program. As described above, preprogrammed motor commands
may
include instructions on, for example, how fast the motor will run, the
direction of blade rotation,
the reversal of the blade rotation direction, the duration of rotation in a
given direction, the
oscillation of the blade unit, etc. A soft start program 330 (FIG. 21) in the
microcontroller 224
may be provided to control or slow the acceleration of the motor 234 to a
desired speed for
better processing or mixing than prior conventional blenders where the motor
accelerates to the
maximum speed as fast as possible.
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As motor 234 runs during operation step 316, the progress of the program is
displayed on the progress indicator 294 while the microcontroller 224
continues to execute the
preprogrammed motor commands. If desired, the sensor 254 may be used to
determine if the
speed of the motor 234 has exceeded a threshold amount relative to the motor's
torque-speed
curve (step 318). If so, the microcontroller 224 may instruct the motor 234
accordingly. For
example, the microcontroller 224 may instruct the motor to shut down. However,
in accordance
with one aspect of the present invention, for some preprogrammed routines,
such as those that
involve crushing and cutting of ice, the microcontroller 224 may instruct the
motor to
momentarily reverse direction, thereby possibly dislodging the cause of the
strain on the motor
(step 320). The process may then proceed back to operation (step 316). If
desired, the
microprocessor may try only a set amount of times (e.g., twice) to reverse and
dislodge the
motor 234.
At step 322, the pause/resume switch 2791 may be pressed by the user to
temporarily stop the blender operation. The program remains in effect, but the
implementation
of the preprogrammed motor commands is suspended and the status stored so that
when the
pause/resume switch 26 is pressed again at block 35, the microcontroller 15 at
operation block
36 will simply resume the program from where it left off. Thus, for example,
if the program
contained a preprogrammed motor command to rotate the motor at 60 rps for ten
seconds, and
the pause/resume switch 26 is pressed at step 322 five seconds into the
program, then when the
pause/resume switch 26 is pressed again at block 35, the motor will resume
rotation at 60 rps
for another five seconds before ending the program.
If the operation has not been paused, then the program simply continues until
all
of the preprogrammed motor commands for that function or program are fulfilled
at step 324.
CA 02751217 2011-08-31
A termination tone may sound to alert the user of the program completion. If
the user is not
satisfied with the result and would like to continue the same program for an
arbitrary time
period, the user may depress the pulse switch 2781 after the program
ends.
The user can then turn off the blender at step 326, or begin the process again
at
step 314 by loading new materials into the collared jar 34 and then selecting
a
function/program.
FIG. 32 illustrates a logic flowchart for the operation of the blender base 32
with
an LCD-based user interface 2222 or 2223, in accordance with one aspect of the
present
invention. The power is first turned on at step 332 by pressing power switch
274. A menu of
options (FIG. 33) is then displayed on the LCD 270 at step 334. A standard
menu may appear
each time the power is turned on, or the menu may vary depending on which
container is placed
on the base 2 as detected by sensors 66, 67. For example, if sensors 66, 67
identify a blender
container (e.g., the collared jar 34) on the blender base 32, then the LCD
menu 270 may display
blender functions (e.g., a choice between drinks or food, as shown in FIG. 33)
instead of food
processor functions (e.g., fruits, vegetables, etc.). The menu may also
include an option for
choosing which language or measurement unit to display. Additionally, the menu
may be set
up depending on the functions or programs most frequently selected by the
user. As described
earlier, E2 PROM 230 may be programmed to remember the most popular selections
and to
display them at the start of each operation for the user to choose.
At step 336, the user navigates through the LCD menu using the navigation
switches 302 and makes selections using the select switch 304, or the user
simply makes a
selection using the function switch 300. If a particular function is not
available on the menu,
the user may manually control the motor with manual speed switches 280 and
282. A function
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may not be displayed if the preprogrammed motor controls for that function are
not available,
or if that function is not available for the type of container detected by
sensor 66, 67.
In any event, in the examples shown in FIG. 33, "Drinks" are chosen by the
user,
which navigates the user to a screen (FIG. 34) where the user is shown a
number of types of
drinks that may be mixed by the blender. After choosing "frozen drinks," the
user is navigated
to a screen (FIG. 35) showing particular drinks. The user selects "Margarita."
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the read only memory
includes recipes and/or instructions for blending or processing certain items
of food or drinks.
The recipe is presented to the user in step 338. An example of a recipe for a
margarita is shown
in FIG. 36. The user may then select "done" to go forward with the
preprogrammed routine for
the margarita.
Once a function is chosen, the start/stop switch 276 is then pressed at step
340 to
begin the operation. The microcontroller 224 then runs the motor 234 based on
the
preprogrammed motor commands stored in read only memory 228 for that selected
function/program.
As the motor 234 runs at operation step 342, the progress of the program is
displayed on the LCD 270 (FIG. 37) while the microcontroller 224 continues to
monitor and
implement the preprogrammed motor commands. As described earlier, the
microcontroller 224
may also be programmed with an enhanced speed control for the motor as well as
a sensor
control.
At step 344, the pause/resume switch 279 may be pressed to temporarily stop
the
program (e.g., suspending the current implementation of preprogrammed motor
commands).
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The status of these commands are stored by E2 PROM 230 so that when the
pause/resume
switch 279 is pressed again at step 340, the microcontroller 224 at operation
step 342 will
simply run the program from where it left off.
If the operation has not been paused, then the program simply continues until
all
of the preprogrammed motor commands for that function are fulfilled at step
346. A
termination tone may sound to alert the user of the program completion. If the
user is not
satisfied with the result and would like to continue the same program for an
arbitrary time
period, the user may depress the pulse switch 278 after the program ends.
At the end of the program, the LCD 270 returns to step 334 to display the menu
again and the user may proceed with another operation. Alternatively, the user
may turn off the
blender base 32 at step 348.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, as a routine is
running, a
user may activate one of the manual speed buttons 280, 282. Preferably, doing
so causes the
motor speed for each operation during the routine to increment. The amount
each step
increments may be determined based upon how long the manual speed buttons are
depressed.
Alternatively, the motor speed may be changed for only the particular segment
of the routine
that is currently operating. Preferably, the changes are not recorded to the
read only memory
228 so that the routine operates in the original modes (e.g., speeds) when the
routine is
subsequently selected. Alternatively, a programming or similar button may be
provided to
permanently save the changes.
Preferably, in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the
blender
base 32 includes an audible tone indicator 349 (FIG. 21) that is associated
with the
microcontroller 224. The audible tone indicator may be a buzzer, a bell, a
whistle, a recording
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of a human voice or the like, that gives an audible tone when the programmed
routines are
complete, when the user needs to add ingredients to a recipe, or anytime that
the user presses a
button for simple feedback.
FIG. 38 shows a process for setting possible operations of the blender base 32
in
accordance with the particular container (e.g., blender container or food
processor container)
located on the blender base. Beginning at step 350, the sensors 66, 67
determine the presence
of a container on the blender base 32. If the container is a blender container
(e.g., the collared
jar 34 or the threaded jar 36), then step 352 branches to step 354, where the
microcontroller
enables blender routines for the blender base 32. As described earlier, this
may, for example,
involve displaying the routines on the LCD user interface 2222 or 2223, or
making blender
function buttons available and active on the LED user interface 2221. In
addition, some other
processes, such as food processor routines, may be disabled or not available
(step 356).
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the manual speed range
for the blender base may be determined by the type of container present on the
blender base 32.
For example, the manual speed range may be higher for a blender container, and
lower for a
food processor container, so that the respective blades of these two
containers may operate at
their standard speeds. Thus, in accordance with this aspect of the present
invention, the manual
speed of blender base is set to blender at step 358.
If the container is not a blender container, step 352 branches to step 360,
where a
determination is made if the container is a food processor container. If so,
step 360 branches to
step 362, where food processor routines are enabled. Likewise, some routines,
e.g., blender
routines, maybe disabled (step 364). The manual speed of the blender base 32
is set to the food
processor range in step 366.
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If the container is neither a blender container or a food processor container,
then
step 360 branches to step 368, where the microcontroller handles accordingly.
For example, a
separate type of container may be utilized with the blender base 32, and
routines and/or a
particular speed range may be available for that type of container.
It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present
invention is not
limited to what has been particularly shown and described herein above. In
addition, unless
mention was made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all of the
accompanying
drawings are not to scale. A variety of modifications and variations are
possible in light of the
above teachings without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention,
which is limited
only by the following claims.
