Abstract: A machine (10) for dispensing beverages of substantially uniform consistency containing shaved ice is provided and includes a housing (14), a blending assembly (12, 13), a plurality of receptacles 20 disposed within an upper housing portion (15), and a plurality of valves (39) and a manifold (22) in fluid communication with the plurality of receptacles (20) for delivering a measured volume of a selected drink mix to the blending assembly (12, 13). The machine also includes an ice shaver (21) located in the housing for delivering a precise amount of shaved ice to the blending assembly (12, 13). The ice shaver includes the rotating ice shaving blade (36) that is controlled to rotate through a predetermined number of revolutions, to thereby consistently deliver a predetermined quantity of shaved ice to the blending assembly (12, 13) irrespective of a hardness of the ice (19) being shaved.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing machine assures precise portion control of the respective drink mixes being dispensed, and the precise amount is adjustable within certain limits. The drink mixes are in respective beverage receptacles (or drink tubes) arranged in a side-by-side relationship with respect to each other, and a plurality of selection buttons are disposed directly below the receptacles in substantial vertical alignment therewith. A counter and a interrupt button, respectively, are also provided on the control panel. The level of the drink mixes, as well as the ice in the reservoir, are readily visible at all times. Upon initiation of the blending cycle, the blender motor is started, and after a first time delay, the drink mix is discharged into the blender for a first time period. Upon a second time delay following initiation of the discharge of the mix, the ice shaver motor continues for a second time period; and the blender motor continues after discharge of the mix and delivery of the shaved ice.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing blended beverages, particular frozen drinks, in which an ice dispenser, liquid mix dispenser and blender unit are combined in a single unit. A programmable timing mechanism regulates the period of time the ice dispenser, liquid mix dispenser and the blender unit operate, so that an operator needs to only push momentary push buttons to effect operation of the apparatus. The apparatus will automatically deliver an appropriate amount of ice and liquid to the blender unit and will turn on the blender at the appropriate time and for the appropriate amount of time to prepare a frozen drink of desired size.