具体实施方式：
[0025]Reference will now be made to exemplary embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional changes may be made. Moreover, features of the various embodiments may be combined or altered. As such, the following description is presented by way of illustration only and should not limit in any way the various alternatives and modifications that may be made to the illustrated embodiments. In this disclosure, numerous specific details provide a thorough understanding of the subject disclosure. It should be understood that aspects of this disclosure may be practiced with other embodiments, not necessarily including all aspects described herein, etc.
[0026]As used herein, the words “example” and “exemplary” mean an instance, or illustration. The words “example” or “exemplary” do not indicate a key or preferred aspect or embodiment. The word “or” is intended to be inclusive rather an exclusive, unless context suggests otherwise. As an example, the phrase “A employs B or C,” includes any inclusive permutation (e.g., A employs B; A employs C; or A employs both B and C). As another matter, the articles “a” and “an” are generally intended to mean “one or more” unless context suggest otherwise.
[0027]Moreover, terms such as “access point,”“server,” and the like, are utilized interchangeably, and refer to a network component or appliance that serves and receives data-streams or signaling-streams. Data and signaling streams may be packetized or frame-based flows. Furthermore, the terms “user,”“customer,”“consumer,” and the like are employed interchangeably throughout the subject specification, unless context suggests otherwise or warrants a particular distinction among the terms. It is noted that such terms may refer to human entities or automated components supported through artificial intelligence (e.g., a capacity to make inference). Still further, “user,”“customer,”“consumer,” may include a commercial establishment(s), such as a restaurant, restaurant chain, commercial kitchen, grocery store, convenience store, ice-cream shop, café, smoothie restaurant, or the like.
[0028]“Logic” refers to any information and/or data that may be applied to direct the operation of a processor. Logic may be formed from instruction signals stored in a memory (e.g., a non-transitory memory). Software is one example of logic. In another aspect, logic may include hardware, alone or in combination with software. For instance, logic may include digital and/or analog hardware circuits, such as hardware circuits comprising logical gates (e.g., AND, OR, XOR, NAND, NOR, and other logical operations). Furthermore, logic may be programmed and/or include aspects of various devices, and is not limited to a single device.
[0029]It is noted that the various embodiments described herein may include other components and/or functionality. It is further noted that while various embodiments refer to a blender or a blender system, various other systems may be utilized in view of embodiments described herein. For example, embodiments may be utilized in food processor systems, mixing systems, hand-held blending systems, various other food preparation systems, and the like. As such, references to a blender, blender system, and the like, are understood to include food processor systems, and other mixing systems. Such systems generally include a blender base that may include a motor, a blade assembly, and a controller. Further, such systems may include a container, a display, a memory or a processor. A blade assembly, a blending container, and a blender base may removably or irremovably attach. The blending container may be powered in any appropriate manner, such as disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/213,557, entitled Powered Blending Container, which is hereby incorporated by reference. Foodstuff may be added to the blending container. Furthermore, while blending of “ingredients,”“contents” or “foodstuffs” is described by various embodiments, it is noted that non-food stuff may be mixed or blended, such as paints, epoxies, construction material (e.g., mortar, cement, etc.), and the like. Further, the blending systems may include any household blender and/or any type of commercial blending system, including those with covers that may encapsulate or partially encapsulate the blender. Commercial blending systems may include an overall blending system, such as a modular blending system that may include the blender along with other components, such as a cleaner, foodstuff storage device (including a refrigerator), an ice maker and/or dispenser, a foodstuff dispenser (a liquid or powder flavoring dispenser) or any other combination of such.
[0030]As used herein, the phrases “blending process,”“blending program,” and the like are used interchangeably unless context suggest otherwise or warrants a particular distinction among such terms. A blending process may comprise a series or sequence of blender settings and operations to be carried out by the blending device. In an aspect, a blending process may comprise at least one motor speed and at least one time interval for the given motor speed. For example, a blending process may comprise a series of blender motor speeds to operate the blender blade at the given speed, a series of time intervals corresponding to the given motor speeds, and other blender parameters and timing settings. The blending process may further include a ramp up speed that defines the amount of time the motor takes to reach its predetermined motor speed. The blending process may be stored on a memory and recalled by or communicated to the blending device.
[0031]Moreover, blending of foodstuff or ingredients may result in a blended product. Such blended products may include drinks, frozen drinks, smoothies, shakes, soups, purees, sorbets, butter (nut), dips or the like. It is noted that various other blended products may result from blending ingredients. Accordingly, terms such as “blended product” or “drink” may be used interchangeably unless context suggests otherwise or warrants a particular distinction among such terms. Further, such terms are not intended to limit possible blended products and should be viewed as examples of possible blended products.
[0032]The terms “identification tag,” identification chip,” and the like may be used interchangeably, unless context suggests otherwise or warrants a particular distinction among such terms. An identification tag may refer to a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip, transponder, or tag, a near-field communications (NFC) chip or tag, and the like. Such identification tags may comprise printable RFID tags, NFC tags, tags including microchips, or the like. Identification tags can contain stored information, such as in a memory. In another aspect, an identification tag may be powered by electromagnetic induction from magnetic fields produced near a reader. For instance, an identification tag may include an NFC chip that uses electromagnetic induction between two loop antennas located within the container's near field, effectively forming an air-core transformer. The antennas may comprise various materials, such as copper. While an air-core transformer is described, various other antenna formations may be utilized.
[0033]As described herein, the identification tag may be a passive transponder that collects energy from interrogating radio waves and/or may include a local power source such as a battery. As such, an identification tag and a reader may be configured as a passive reader active tag system, active reader passive tag system, an active reader active tag system, or the like.
[0034]In another aspect, an identification tag may power various components or devices. For example, an NFC chip may power a digital display and/or interface of a container. In embodiments, the identification tag may be configured to operate and/or communicate with a reader when within a threshold distance. For instance, an identification tag may communicate with a reader when the identification tag is less than or equal to j units from the reader, where j is a number and a unit is a unit of distance. In an example, the identification tag may operate when it is less than or about six centimeters from the reader, when it is less than or about one meter from the reader, etc. It is noted that “near,”“proximity,”“near field,” within a “cover area,” and the like may generally refer to a distance such that the identification tag may communicate with a reader. The distance may depend on the specific devices used, a user setting, regulatory guidelines, or other subjective or objective parameters.
[0035]Aspects of systems, apparatuses or processes described herein generally relate to blending or mixing systems comprising a blending container. In an embodiment, an identification tag may be attached to the blending container. The identification tag may include an RFID tag, NFC tag, or the like. In another aspect, the identification tag may include and/or may be coupled to an antenna (e.g., an air coil antenna) or the like. The antenna may be utilized to transmit and/or receive signals. The identification tag may be embedded in a component of the blending container, in an attachment cuff or member, or the like. For instance, an attachment member may include a clasp comprising a material, such as plastic, metal, rubber, and the like. The identification tag may be at least partially embedded within the material attachment member. The attachment member can be attached to a blending container and the blending container may be attached to a blender base. In another aspect, the blending container/attachment member assembly may be placed on or near a receiving device for identification.
[0036]The receiving device may include a scale, a blender base, or another device configured for receiving a signal from the identification tag. In embodiments, the receiving device may include an identification component that includes an identification tag reader or interrogator. The identification component may communicate with the identification tag to transmit data to and/or receive data from the identification tag. The receiver device may utilize the received information to identify the blending container. The identification of the blending container may include determining a characteristic(s) of the blending container, such as a make and model, an expected weight of the container, an interlocking mechanism of the container, a proximity of the container, and the like.
[0037]In an example, a user may attach an attachment member to a retainer nut or simply a nut of a blending container. The attachment member may be configured to attach to a blending container by a user pressing the attachment member into place. The attachment member and blending container may generate a tactical or audible signifier (e.g., a snap) that indicates proper attachment or coupling. The user may place the container on or near a receiving device and an identification component (e.g., a reader) may communicate with an identification tag of the attachment member. The receiving device may include a measurement component that measures or determines a weight of the container. While embodiments may refer to movement of one component (e.g., a user moving a container), it is noted that other components may move or may be movable. For instance, a user may move a receiving device near a container. As such, reference to movement of a component may refer to a change in relative positions between components.
[0038]In another aspect, the receiving device may identify the blending container based on information received from the identification tag. The receiving device may determine characteristics of the blending container and/or may recall or receive characteristics from a memory, which may be internal and/or external to the receiving device. For instance, the receiving device may identify a make of a blender base and a blending container. If the blending container is compatible with the blender base—or blender system in general), then the receiving device, which may be the blender base or a portion of the blender base, may instruct the blender base to execute a blending process in response to receiving a user command or other triggering event. If the blending container is not compatible with the blender device or does not have an identification tag, then the receiving device may instruct the blender device to disable or prevent certain operations, such as activation of a motor and/or blade assembly.
[0039]For instance, the blender system may determine whether the blending container is operatively attached, such as by determining a proximity of the blending container and the blender base. Thus, a blending system may prevent spillage of contents, improper functioning of the blades, activation of the motor when components of the blender base are not operatively assembled, or the like. As described here, as well as elsewhere in this disclosure, a blender container, a blender lid, and/or a blender base may each comprise NFC components, which may send and/or receive data when within a coverage area of a transmitter/receiver. In at least one embodiment, the blender system may determine whether the entire system is operatively attached, such as by determining a proximity or proximities of the blending container, blender lid, and the blender base. In another aspect, the blending system may prevent use of improper or undesirable blending container and blender base combinations.
[0040]FIG. 1 is an attachment member 100 comprising an identification tag 110 that may be utilized by a blending system, in accordance with various described embodiments. It is noted that attachment member 100 may comprise various other shapes and/or configurations. As such, attachment member 100 is provided as an exemplary embodiment. For instance, embodiments of an attachment member may comprise various aspects described with reference to attachment member 100 but may include different configurations. For instance, while attachment member 100 is generally cylindrical and/or circular, attachment member 100 may represent a hexagonal prism shape. In an aspect, attachment member 100 may include or comprise one or more materials, such as food grade plastics, metals, rubbers, and the like. For example, the attachment member 100 may be made of polyesters, copolyester (e.g., TRITAN), or the like. In another aspect, attachment member 100 may be monolithically formed or it may be formed by attaching or adhering various components together.
[0041]Attachment member 100 may primarily include a latch body 120 (which may be configured for securing to a blending container). The body 120 may comprise at least one alignment post 130 (which may assist in aligning attachment member 100), at least one identification tag support 110 (which may receive an identification tag), and a track portion or member 112 which may receive an antenna member. It is noted that attachment member 100 may include different and/or additional components and configurations.
[0042]In an embodiment, body 120 may include one or more latch portions 102 that may extend from track member 112 in a generally cylindrical shape about an axis X 150. It is noted that the latch portions 102 may extend normally from the track member 112 or may extend at an angle. For instance, the latch portions 102 may represent a cross-section of a generally conical shape. Likewise, track member 112 may be generally circular, generally elliptical, or of a various other shape. Such designs may depend, at least in part, on the blending container to which the attachment member 100 operatively attaches. The diameters and/or measurements (e.g., length, height, etc.) of perimeters of the track member 112 and latch body 120 may depend, at least in part, on a blending container to which the attachment member 100 may attach and/or a design or programming of an identification tag. For example, a perimeter of latch portions 102 may represent a cross-section of an m sided prism or the like, where m is a number. It is noted that various irregular shapes may also be utilized. Moreover, latch portions 102 may comprise a strap, an adjustable clasp, elastic material, or the like. As such, latch portions 102 may comprise different shapes and/or dimensions.
[0043]Latch portions 102 may be separated by or may comprise a cut-out(s) 132. Cut-out 132 may include a region of latch body 120 where material is substantially removed or absent. While embodiments may refer to a cut-out or cut-outs, it is noted that such cut-outs may or may not be formed through cutting of latch body 120. For instance, body 120 may be molded such that cut-out 120 never comprise a material. In another instance, body 120 may be initially formed such that there are no gaps in a perimeter of latch portions 102. Then the cut-out 120 may be formed by removing material of latch portions 102. In another aspect, the cut-out 120 may allow for flexibility or stress relief when the attachment member is attached or is being attached to the blending system.
[0044]An alignment post(s) 130 may include a protrusion from a portion of track member 112 and/or body 120. The alignment post 130 may be configured to align attachment member 100 when in an attached configuration with a blending container. For instance, alignment post 130 may be proximal to a portion of a retainer nut and/or may couple to a portion of a retainer nut, such as a groove. In an aspect, proper alignment may allow a blender container to be operatively connected to a blending device.
[0045]While alignment post 130 is depicted as extending normally from the track member 112, it is noted that the alignment post 130 may extend at an angle, may extend from latch body 120, may be adjustable (e.g., bendable, etc.), or the like. For example, alignment post 130 may extend perpendicularly from an inner wall of latch portions 102 (e.g., towards axis X). Moreover, while an alignment post is described, it is noted that various other means of alignment may be utilized. For instance, an alignment member in general may be utilized. An alignment member may include a groove, ridge, cleat, threaded member, magnets, or the like.
[0046]Identification tag support(s) 110 may include a protrusion that extends from track member 112. The identification tag support 110 may be configured for receiving an identification tag. As noted herein, the identification tag may include an RFID tag, an NFC tag, or the like. In an embodiment, an identification tag may be placed on the identification tag support 110 and an antenna of the identification tag may be placed in track member 112. Track member 112 may include a track or groove that may assist in supporting or retaining the antenna. Once the antenna and identification member are positioned on or in the track member 112 and identification tag support 110, the identification tag support 110 and track member 112 may be sealed. Sealing may include depositing a material, such as epoxy, rubber, metal, plastic, and the like over and/or within the track member 112 and/or identification tag support 110. It is noted that supporting an antenna may include enclosing, housing, or otherwise allowing an antenna to be positioned.
[0047]In at least one embodiment, the identification tag support 110 may not support or receive an identification tag. For example, an identification tag may be disposed within or on a latch portions 102. According to another example, the identification tag support(s) 110 may include one or more antennas and/or identification tags, and a receiving device may be operatively configured to communicate with the one or more antennas and/or identification tags. Furthermore, the position, number, size, and orientation of the identification tags may depend at least in part on the position of an antenna of a receiving device. For instance, a receiving device may comprise a transmitter/receiver that is disposed parallel to axis X 150, perpendicular to axis X 150, or the like—when a blender device is operatively assembled. As such, the position, number, size, and orientation of the identification tags may be suitably configured based on the receiving device.
[0048]In embodiments, sealing the identification tag and antenna member may include providing a protective barrier to isolate the identification tag and antenna from an external atmosphere or environment. For instance, exposure of the identification tag and/or antenna may allow for damage from the water, foodstuff, or other contaminants that may corrode or otherwise harm the identification tag and antenna. In at least one embodiment, the identification tag and antenna may be isolated and/or protected such that the attachment member 100 is washable, dishwasher safer, or the like. As noted herein, identification tag and antenna may be removably attached to attachment member 100. For example, the identification tag and the antenna may be embedded within a separate component (not shown). The separate component may then be attached to the attachment member 100. Thus, the identification tag and antenna may be removed such that attachment member 100 may be washed or cleaned. Further, having a removable identification tag and antenna may allow for replacement or repair of attachment member 100, the identification tag, and/or the antenna.
[0049]In at least one embodiment, the attachment member 100 may include a semi-rigid material, a flexible material, or the like. As an example, latch body 120 may include a plastic that may be deformed (e.g., bent, flexed, etc.) such that an inner wall 124 of latch body 120 may press against and/or contact a retainer nut of a blending container. The deformation may result in latch portions 102 supplying a restorative force against the retainer nut. In at least one embodiment, one or more flanges or cleats 122 may protrude from a portion of the latch portions 102. The cleat 122 may be disposed along a distal end of latch portions 102. The cleat 122 may clip to or latch to a retainer nut. It is noted that attachment member 100 may include different numbers of cleats and/or different configurations of such cleats.
[0050]It is further noted that the inner wall 124 may be configured to contact other portions of a blending container. For example, some containers may not comprise a retainer nut. In such instances, attachment member 100 may attach to other portions of a blending container. In other examples, attachment member 100 may be configured to attach to another portion of a blending container regardless of whether the blending container comprises a retainer nut. For instance, the attachment member 100 may attach to a handle of a blending container, an apron of a blending container, a lip or top of a blending container, a body or wall of a blending container, or the like. For example, attachment member 100 may attach to a perimeter of a single serving blending container.
[0051]While examples described herein may refer to a latched, cleated, or other connections, it is noted that attachment member 100 may be attached to a blending container, lid, or other portion of a blender system via various devices or methods. For instance, attachment member 100 may magnetically, adhesively, closely (e.g., friction fit), or otherwise attach to a container. It is further noted that attachment may include various clips, threaded connections, fasteners, or the like.
[0052]As described herein, the attachment member 100 may be removably or irremovably attached to a blending container, retainer nut, lid, or other portion of a blending device. In an example, the attachment member 100 may be over molded, irremovably adhered to, formed with, or otherwise attached to the blending device. It is further noted that the shape, size, and design of the attachment member 100 may be altered as desired without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure. For instance, the attachment member 100 may comprise a flexible material that may include or receive an adhesive on a first side, and may be adhered to a portion of the blending device. In another example, the attachment member 100 may be formed within a blender container, be positioned between a retainer nut and a blender container, or the like.
[0053]Turning to FIG. 2, illustrated is a bottom perspective view of a blending container 200 that may be utilized with an attachment member, in accordance with various embodiments disclosed herein. Blending container 200 is depicted in an inverted configuration such that retainer nut 240 is visible. Retainer nut 240 may be removably and/or irremovably attached to blending container 200. In an aspect, retainer nut 240 may be separated from a blender cavity 250. The blender cavity 250 may be configured for receiving and/or containing foodstuff to be blended. Thus, retainer nut 240 is generally not in contact with contents within blender cavity 250. In an aspect, retainer nut 240 may be at least partially surrounded by an apron 202. The apron 202 may prevent and/or reduce an amount of spilled contents that reaches the retainer nut 240.
[0054]In an embodiment, retainer nut 240 may comprise walls 242 and 244 that may extend from a base 246. Walls 242 and 244 may be separated such that any liquid or other substance may flow out of and away from retainer nut 240. In another aspect, walls 242 and 244 may be configured to interact or interlock with a blender base or other receiving device. The interlocking may prevent or reduce movement of the container 200 during a blending process. It is noted that various designs of container 200 and retainer nut 240 may be utilized. For example, a retainer nut may comprise a different number of walls or the like. Furthermore, walls 242 and 244 may comprise different shapes or dimensions. As depicted, retainer nut 240 may comprise a generally circular formation that represents a cross-section of a generally cylindrical shape. However, it is noted that retainer nut 240 may comprise various other shapes, such as, but not limited to, a shape that represents a cross-section of a generally conical shape, a general prism shape, an irregular shape, or the like.
[0055]According to at least one embodiment, an attachment member (e.g., attachment member 100) may be attached to the retainer nut 240. In examples, however, attachment member 100 may be attached to other portions of blending container 200. When attached to the retainer nut 240, inner wall 124 may contact at least a portion of a surface of the retainer nut 240, such as an outer perimeter 248. In another aspect, cleat 122 may latch to a bottom 252 of retainer nut 240, a ledge, a lip, or other portion of retainer nut 240. For instance, a user may position the attachment member 100 over the retainer nut 240. The user may then press or push the attachment member 100. As the user presses the attachment member 100, the latch portions 102 may be deformed (e.g., bent). The user may continue to press the attachment member 100 until cleat 122 latches to bottom 252 of retainer nut 240. In an aspect, at or about the time of positioning the attachment member 100 in place, the attachment member 100 and/or the retainer nut 240 may produce a tactile response and/or audible response. For instance, the attachment member 100 may snap or click into place. In at least one embodiment, the latch portions 102 may return to about the initial position before deformation.
[0056]As described herein, attachment member 100 and retainer nut 240 may comprise various designs. In embodiments, a specific attachment member may be designed to attach to a specific retainer nut of a blending container or other portion of a blending container. For example, an attachment member may be designed for attachment to a particular make and model of a blending container. In at least one embodiment, an attachment member may be designed to attach to various different blending container models and/or configurations of retainer nuts or other portion of a blending container, such as apron 202, a handle, or other portion of a container.
[0057]FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of an attachment member 300 comprising a flattened track member, in accordance with various described embodiments. As depicted, attachment member 300 may primarily include a flattened track member 312, an identification tag 310, an antenna 314, a first latch portion 324, and a second latch portion 326. As described herein, the various components may be unitarily formed and/or removably attached, formed of different materials, and the like. For instance, the flattened track member 312, first latch portion 324, and second latch portion 326 may be formed of a common material that is molded or printed (e.g., via a three-dimensional printer).
[0058]In embodiments, identification tag 310 may include a chip (e.g., memory and/or controller) coupled with antenna 314. Antenna 314 may comprise a metal material formed in one or more loops. The loop antenna may comprise a portion of an air-core coil or transistor system with a receiver in near field communication applications. In an aspect, the identification tag 310 and antenna 314 may be at least partially embedded within track member 312, coated by a protective layer, or otherwise isolated from an external environment. In at least one embodiment, identification tag 310 and antenna 314 may be comprised within a separate component that may be attached to attachment member 300.
[0059]Attachment member 300 may be attached to retainer nut 240 as depicted in FIG. 4. More particularly, FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an assembly 400 comprising attachment member 300 and retainer nut 240 in accordance with various embodiments disclosed herein. In an aspect, first latch portion 324, and second latch portion 326 may clip onto a portion of retainer nut 240, such as via a cleat, magnet, friction-fit, or the like. Thus, attachment member 300 may be removably attached to retainer nut 240. Removability may be beneficial for washing, storage, repair/replacement, use on other containers, and the like. In an example, attachment member 300 may be submerged in a liquid, subject to heat, and the like. For instance, attachment member 300 may be dishwasher safe such that antenna 314 and identification tag 310 are protected from potentially harsh environments.
[0060]FIG. 5 is a partial cross-section of a blending system in accordance with various embodiments disclosed herein. A blending container 550 can comprise or be coupled with a retainer nut 540. An attachment member 510 may be attached to the retainer nut 540. It is noted that the attachment member 510 may at least partially surround a perimeter of the retainer nut 540. In various aspects, the attachment member 510 may comprise an identification tag as described herein.
[0061]While attachment member 510 is depicted as fitting around retainer nut 540, it is noted that other configurations are within the scope and spirit of this disclosure. In at least one embodiment, the attachment member 510 may be configured to be inserted within a retainer nut 540. In another embodiment, attachment member 510 may be configured to attach to apron 552, perimeter 554, handle 556, a lid (not shown), or other components of blending container 550. Moreover, attachment member 510 may be configured to attach to containers of various shapes and sizes. As described herein, a receiving component may identify proximity of the portion of a blender device that may be attached or attachable with attachment member 510. Such may allow the blender device to determine whether the system is operatively interlocked. Furthermore, if the blender base and blending container are not compatible or otherwise determined to be not operatively interlocked, the blender base may disable blending processes (e.g., disable operation of a motor and/or blade assembly.
[0062]In an example, a company may produce a number of different containers or blending devices. The different models may have specific geometries that may allow or prevent the attachment member 510 from operatively attaching to certain containers. Thus, a receiving device may be able to properly identify the container with a reduced possibility that a user has attached the attachment member 510 to an improper or unexpected container. For instance, the company may produce specific attachment members for one or more of their models.
[006