Automated mix in-cup apparatus and the method of operating the same

摘要

The present disclosure describes an automated blend 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. A shield is automatically lowered to at least partially isolate the cup. The apparatus further comprises a well with an inlet manifold and a drain and a fixed but removable cup-receiving holder. The shield can include a magnetic portion that is detected by a first sensor on the apparatus. A safety interlock prevents the actuation of the mixing blade in the event that the magnetic portion is not proximate to the first sensor. Overall, the apparatus is effective, fast, easy to operate, safe, and clean.

主权项

1. An automated mix in-cup apparatus for mixing consumable material,
the apparatus comprising: a frame supporting a reciprocating carriage, the carriage supporting a mixing motor and a splash shield above a cup-receiving position, the splash shield comprising at least one sidewall and a closed lid and an open bottom end, the frame further comprising a well beneath the cup-receiving position, the well comprising a floor, a sidewall, an inlet manifold comprising at least one nozzle, and a drain; a cup-receiving holder positioned at the cup-receiving position, the cup-receiving holder selectively removable from the frame; a rotatable mixing blade extending from the mixing motor for mixing a consumable material, the motor operable to rotate the mixing blade; and the shield further comprising a magnetic portion and the apparatus further comprising a first sensor operable to detect the magnetic portion of the shield and a safety interlock to prevent the actuation of the mixing blade when the magnetic portion is not proximate to the sensor.