PRESS
A press is used to extract juice from food matter contained within a cartridge. The cartridge is compressible by the press and juice can be expelled through a cartridge outlet extendible through the press region.
Disclosed embodiments are related to press machines.
BACKGROUNDDevices for extracting fresh juice from food matter such as fruits and vegetables have been developed over the years for both home and commercial markets. Typical commercial juicers tend to be large, expensive, and are unsuitable for home or small retail environments. Systems more suitable for home and small retail environments have utilized several different methods for extracting juice from the food matter as described below.
In centrifugal-type juicers, food matter is fed through a chute, or other entrance, where a set of mechanical blades rotating at a high speed cut and/or grind the food matter to a pulp. Centripetal force is then applied by rapidly rotating the food matter to separate juice from the pulp through a filter. A second type of home and retail juicer is a masticating juicer which uses an auger to crush the food matter into a pulp. The resulting pulp is further compressed by the auger to extract juice through an associated filter. Another type of juicer is a hydraulic press juicer which typically uses a hydraulic press to compress food matter between one or more surfaces that are in direct contact with the food matter to extract the juice.
SUMMARYIn one embodiment, a press includes a housing constructed and arranged as a tabletop appliance, with the housing having an opening located at an upper region of an upper portion of the housing and a dispensing outlet at a lower region of the upper portion of the housing. A pair of opposing platens disposed within the upper portion of the housing between the opening and the dispensing outlet, with one of the pair of opposing platens being stationary relative to the housing and the other of the opposing platens being movable relative to the housing. The upper portion of the housing and the pair of opposing platens are constructed and arranged to receive a cartridge when the cartridge is inserted into the opening of the housing and between the pair of opposing platens. The dispensing outlet is constructed and arranged to receive a portion of the cartridge so that the portion of the cartridge is extendable through and beyond the dispensing outlet. A drive system is disposed within the housing and coupled to the movable platen. The drive system constructed and arranged to apply a force to the cartridge when the cartridge is inserted into the opening of the housing between the pair of opposing platens to dispense fluid from the cartridge without any portion of the press being in contact with fluid flowing through the portion of the cartridge extendable through and beyond the dispensing outlet. The drive system includes a drive component coupled to the moveable platen, with the drive component configured to move the movable platen toward the stationary platen. An electromechanical system is coupled to the drive component and constructed and arranged to move the drive component. The electromechanical system includes a transmission driven by a motor, with the transmission operatively coupled to the drive component.
In another embodiment, a press includes a housing constructed and arranged as a tabletop appliance, with the housing having an upper portion. The upper portion has an opening located at an upper region of the upper portion and a dispensing outlet at a lower region of the upper portion. The housing further has a base opposite the upper portion and a dispensing area defined in a face of the housing between the base and the upper portion. A pair of opposing platens is disposed within the upper portion of the housing, with one of the pair of opposing platens being stationary relative to the housing and the other of the opposing platens being movable relative to the housing. The upper portion of the housing is constructed and arranged to receive a cartridge through the opening at the upper portion and between the pair of opposing platens. The dispensing outlet is constructed and arranged to receive a portion of the cartridge so that the portion of the cartridge is extendable through and beyond the dispensing outlet and into the dispensing area. A drive system is disposed within the housing and is coupled to the movable platen. The drive system is constructed and arranged to apply a force to the cartridge when the cartridge is inserted into the opening of the housing between the pair of opposing platens to dispense fluid from the cartridge without any portion of the press being in contact with fluid flowing through the portion of the cartridge extendable through and beyond the dispensing outlet. The drive system includes a drive component coupled to the moveable platen, with the drive component configured to move the movable platen toward the stationary platen. The movable platen is movable in a horizontal direction parallel to the base. A motor is operatively coupled to the drive component to drive the drive component.
It should be appreciated that the foregoing concepts, and additional concepts discussed below, may be arranged in any suitable combination, as the present disclosure is not limited in this respect. Further, other advantages and novel features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of various non-limiting embodiments when considered in conjunction with the accompanying figures.
The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the drawings, each identical or nearly identical component that is illustrated in various figures may be represented by a like numeral. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled in every drawing. In the drawings:
The inventors have recognized drawbacks related to the use of typical juicers such as centrifugal juicers, masticating juicers, and typical press juicers. More specifically, these types of juicers are exposed to food matter and extracted liquids during use. Due to the use of complex mechanisms within these juicers, crushed and/or pulped food matter left after juice extraction may become entrapped in the machinery of these juicers, making cleanup difficult. If not completely cleaned, undetected food matter left behind within a juicer may become a food safety hazard. In addition to difficult clean up, the metal blades of centrifugal juicers, and to a lesser extent the auger of masticating juicers, may impart heat to the food matter during processing. Studies have shown that the heat introduced during this type of juicing can kill off desirable nutrients and/organic compounds, making the juice less healthy. Centrifugal juicers also tend to be noisy.
In view of the above, the inventors have recognized numerous benefits associated with a juicer system capable of overcoming one or more of the above noted and/or other disadvantages associated with prior systems. For example, the inventors have found that delivering fresh juice from food matter while minimizing and/or eliminating contact between the juicer and the associated food matter and/or extracted juice may be advantageous. Minimizing or eliminating contact with the extracted juice and food matter may help to reduce, or possibly eliminate, complex and messy cleanup associated with using a juicer in addition to improved sanitary conditions. The inventors have also recognized that in some instances it is desirable to impart minimal heat to the food matter during processing to help retain the health benefits associated with the extracted juice.
In one embodiment, a juicer may be adapted and configured to receive one or more juicer cartridges containing food matter, such as fruits or vegetables, or other types of edible products as will be described below. For example, the juicer might include a region to receive the one or more juicer cartridges. The juicer may then dispense servings of juice by interacting with the one or more juicer cartridges containing food matter. In one embodiment, the juicer may extract juice from the juicer cartridges by compressing the juicer cartridges with a pressing element such as one or more displaceable platens. Alternatively, other ways of applying pressure to a juicer cartridge including, for example, rollers, a sphincter, a twisting mechanism, a roll up mechanism, a vacuum mechanism, a vibration mechanism, a centrifugal arrangement, an auger, or any other appropriate mechanism might be used as the disclosure is not so limited. Depending on the embodiment, juice may be delivered from an outlet of the cartridge without directly contacting the juicer, thus avoiding contamination of the juicer during use. However, juice may also be delivered such that juice does contact a portion of a juicer prior to being dispensed as the disclosure is not so limited. In view of the above, a juicer can provide one or more servings (e.g., a single serving) of freshly squeezed juice with minimal effort and minimal mess.
As noted above, exposing food matter to high temperatures may impact the nutritional value of juice extracted from that food matter. In other cases, the food matter might be at too low a temperature for optimal juice extraction. Consequently, in some embodiments, it may be desirable to include one or more temperature regulation elements capable of controlling a temperature of one or more juicer cartridges located within a corresponding juicer. The one or more temperature regulation elements may either selectively cool and/or heat the food matter contained within a juicer cartridge to a desired temperature and then maintain it at that temperature during juice extraction. This might be accomplished in any number of ways including active heating elements, refrigeration or other cooling elements such a peltier chip, passive heating systems such as baffles exposed to an airflow, or any other appropriate heating or cooling system. Additionally, the one or more temperature regulation elements may be located within any appropriate portion of a juicer. For example, one or more temperature regulation elements might be located in a pressing element of a juicer or they might be located on another surface within a region adapted and configured to contain the one or more juicer cartridges.
In another embodiment, a juicer cartridge for use in a corresponding juicer, may include one or more internal compartments associated with an outlet of the juicer cartridge. In some embodiments, the one or more internal compartments may be separated from one another and/or the outlet by one or more filters, such as one or more porous filtering membranes. The one or more internal compartments of the juicer cartridge may also be loaded with food matter and adapted such that the juicer cartridge can be compressed by a corresponding juicer to expel extracted juice through the outlet. Depending on the embodiment, the outlet and/or the one or more internal compartments may be sealed until activation. For example, the one or more seals may be pressure burstable seals and/or seals that may be pierced or cut by a corresponding mechanism on a juicer.
In some embodiments, a juicer cartridge may be a single pouch with compartments formed therein. In other embodiments, a juicer cartridge may correspond to a liquid permeable pouch at least partially contained within a liquid impermeable pouch. For example, a liquid permeable compartment arranged and adapted to contain a liquid containing food matter may be formed from an appropriate filter material such as a filtration membrane, a nonwoven filtration material, a filtration mesh, or other appropriate material. Depending on the embodiment, the liquid permeable compartment may completely, or partially, surround the food matter. The corresponding liquid impermeable compartment may then be arranged such that it at least partially, or completely, surrounds the liquid permeable compartment. When the juicer cartridge is compressed, both the inner liquid permeable compartment and the outer liquid impermeable compartment are compressed. Correspondingly, the food matter contained therein is also compressed resulting in juice extraction. The extracted juice may flow from the liquid permeable compartment through the filter material and into the liquid impermeable compartment. The liquid may then flow to outside of the juicer cartridge through any appropriate outlet.
In embodiments in which juice is extracted from food matter contained in multiple separate compartments, it may be beneficial to combine the extracted juice into a single stream dispensed through an outlet. In one such embodiment, multiple internal compartments may be associated with a single outlet. These compartments may also be in fluid communication with a combining chamber, which can be formed as a channel, or other appropriate structure, in fluid communication with the outlet. Depending on the embodiment, the multiple internal compartments may either be in direct fluid communication with the combining chamber, or they may be connected to the combining chamber through one or more secondary channels. In view of the above, juice extracted from food matter located within the multiple compartments may flow from the compartments into the combining chamber where these separate flows of liquid may be combined and/or mixed and subsequently dispensed through the outlet as a single stream. Depending on the embodiment, mixing features such as helical vanes, features to induce turbulent flow, or other appropriate structures may be located within the combining chamber to aid in mixing the separate flows of liquid.
In some instances, it may be desirable to prevent liquid dripping from an outlet of a juicer cartridge and/or contamination entering the juicer cartridge prior to juice extraction. Consequently, in some embodiments, an outlet of a juicer cartridge may be sealed prior to activation. The seal may either be a pressure burstable seal, a peel away seal that is manually removed prior to usage, or a seal capable of being pierced or cut either manually or by a mechanism on a corresponding juicer. It should be understood that other types of seals might also be used. In addition to incorporating a seal, the outlet may also incorporate drip proof features to avoid dripping after juice extraction. Appropriate drip proof features may include a valve, a capillary, deformable materials capable of being deformed to a closed position, absorbent materials located within the outlet, a retractable outlet or spout, a zipper like closure, a pressable mechanical seal, sticker labels applied to the outlet, spray or surface treatments (e.g. a hydrophobic coating applied to an inner surface of the outlet), or any appropriate geometry, feature, structure, or component capable of reducing or eliminating dripping after juice extraction. In addition to various features associated with the outlet which may help prevent dripping, in some embodiments after juice extraction, the pressing elements, or other pressing device, may be opened slightly, or otherwise operated, such that the force applied to the pulp is reduced. This reduction in applied force results in the pulp expanding from a first smaller volume to a second larger volume. The volume expansion will apply a suction to juice located within the outlet, and will draw juice located within the outlet back into the juicer cartridge interior.
In some embodiments, it may be desirable for a juicer cartridge to protect the food matter contained therein from being compressed prior to juice extraction. Without wishing to be bound by theory, at least one of the benefits associated with avoiding compression of the food matter prior to juice extraction is preventing the premature purging of juice from the flesh of the produce. Preventing purging of juice prior to extraction may also extend the shelf life of the product since the food matter is not exposed to liquid which may accelerate degradation of the food matter. In view of the above, in some embodiments, a juicer cartridge may be constructed and arranged to collapse within a juicer during juice extraction while providing sufficient structural strength to prevent inadvertent collapse of the juicer cartridge during processing and handling outside of the juicer. While any appropriate cartridge with an appropriate strength may be used, in some embodiments, the juicer cartridge may be constructed and arranged to survive the equivalent of a five foot drop onto the ground. This drop distance, may be equivalent to someone dropping a juicer cartridge from a counter, or a shipping box getting crushed. In addition to the above, a juicer cartridge may be constructed and arranged such that multiple juicer cartridges can be stacked on one another during shipping without crushing the juicer cartridges.
By optimizing juice extraction for each type of food matter contained within a juicer cartridge, it may be possible to avoid under or over extraction of the different types of food matter. Therefore, in some instances, it may be desirable for the different types of food matter contained within a juicer cartridge to be presized according to various physical characteristics. More specifically, in some embodiments, the separate types of food matter may be individually sized such that juice extraction may be completed from each type of food matter at substantially the same time. The sizing of different types of food matter may be selected based on physical characteristics such as water content, density, hardness, fiber content, freshness, and other appropriate characteristics. Without wishing to be bound by theory, smaller food matter sizes will result in increased surface area and thus increased juice extraction for a given pressure. Therefore, food matter that is more difficult to obtain juice from due to characteristics such as decreased water content and increased hardness may have smaller sizes than softer food matter with larger water content.
Depending on the embodiment, food matter contained in separate compartments of a juicer cartridge may be filtered individually. Embodiments incorporating individual filters for each compartment may offer several benefits. For example, the filters associated with each compartment may be selected based on physical characteristics of the food matter contained therein. These characteristics may include such things as: fiber content; cut size of the food matter; removal of seeds and shell fragments; and other appropriate physical characteristics. By selecting filters based on the above noted physical characteristics, a desired flow rate of the extracted juice, a desired amount of pulp or fiber in the extracted juice, desired taste, texture, bitterness, mouth feel, and other possible benefits may be obtained. While embodiments including individual filters are discussed above, embodiments in which the compartments are filtered together through a single filter are also possible.
In one embodiment, a juicer cartridge may include both wet and dry ingredients that are combined during juice extraction by a juicer. In one such embodiment, a dry ingredient may be disposed within a first compartment of the juicer cartridge and a liquid, or liquid containing food matter, may be disposed within a second compartment of the juicer cartridge. The second compartment of the juicer cartridge may be associated with the first compartment such that during juice extraction in a corresponding juicer, liquid may flow from the second compartment to the first compartment where the liquid may be combined with the dry ingredient. The dry ingredient may either be suspended within the liquid, or it may be dissolved within the liquid, as the disclosure is not so limited. After combining the ingredients, the combined mixture may then flow from the first compartment through an outlet of the juicer cartridge. In addition to combining the dry ingredient and liquid, in some embodiments, one or more mixing features may be located in either the first compartment or a channel associated with the first compartment to aid in combining the dry ingredient and liquid. Appropriate mixing features may include helical vanes, features to induce turbulent flow, or other appropriate structures. The first and second compartments may either be separate, or one may be contained within the other as the current disclosure is not so limited. For example, the second compartment might correspond to a burstable pouch or tablet containing a gel, powder, dissolvable substance, or other desired material located within the first compartment. In such an embodiment, the second compartment may burst to permit mixing of the liquid with the dry ingredient. Alternatively, a crushable material or tablet may be located within a compartment such that it is crushed and mixed with the juice during extraction. Other possible arrangements for combining a dry ingredient with a liquid within the juicer cartridge are also contemplated. For example, while a compartment containing a burstable pouch has been described, in some embodiments a reservoir containing the burstable pouch, tablet, and/or dissolvable material is located along a flow path of the juicer cartridge, such as, for example, within the outlet or spout of a juicer cartridge. Possible ingredients that may be delivered in the ways described above include, but are not limited to, flavorings, additives, and dietary supplements such as protein supplements, vitamins, extracts, minerals, dried fruits, dried vegetables, nuts, herbs, freeze dried oils, spices, alcohol, and any other desired consumable substance.
In some instances, a user may desire to compost food matter contained within a juicer cartridge and recycle the juicer cartridge itself. In such an embodiment, a juicer cartridge may be adapted and arranged to be opened after juice extraction. Depending on the embodiment, peel-able films, scored opening areas, removable sticker labels, or any other appropriate arrangement capable of removing the food matter within a juicer cartridge after juice extraction may be used to give access to the inner contents of a cartridge. Consequently, juiced food matter contained within the juicer cartridge may be removed for composting and the remaining portions of the juicer cartridge may be recycled or otherwise disposed of.
In some embodiments, it may be desirable for a juicer cartridge to incorporate features to extend its shelf life and reduce nutrient loss of food matter contained therein. One possible way to increase shelf life may include filling a juicer cartridge with an inert gas that is substantially nonreactive with the food matter following loading and/or vacuum packing. Suitable inert gasses include nitrogen, carbon dioxide, argon, and/or any other gas capable of reducing oxidation, moisture loss, nutrient loss, or degradation of the food matter as compared to normal air. In other embodiments, a juicer cartridge may include features to allow respiration of food matter and other ingredients contained therein to help prevent degradation of the food matter during storage. This might be accomplished in any number of ways including, but not limited to, use of breathable materials such as appropriately treated polymer or cellulose based films and meshes. Appropriate treatments include, but are not limited to perforations, coatings, impregnation with materials, as well as vents and/or holes formed in the juicer cartridge.
In certain embodiments, it may be desirable to provide an appliance associated with a food matter containing cartridge with “smart” functionality. This may be used to provide benefits including, but not limited to, safety features, track usage, and enhance operator experience. For example, an appliance, such as a juicer, might include a reader, such as a camera or RFID reader, capable of reading information from a juicer cartridge through the use of printed or digital indicator technologies such as radio frequency identification devices (RFID), barcodes, quick response codes, magnetic strips, magnetic inks, carbon black inks, invisible inks, a color bar or other similar graphic, and other readable medium. The information provided by the juicer cartridge might include information such as expiration of contents, cold chain information, ingredients, allergy information, nutrition information, ingredient information, consumption and calorie contents, authorization information, counterfeiting information, and security information and other pertinent information. If desired, a juicer may also upload all, or some, information acquired from the juicer cartridge to a computer or server. For example, a person may wish to track their nutrition intake for medical, dietary, or personal reasons. Consequently, a person might upload the types of juices as well as their nutritional and caloric intake to a cloud-based system that they might access from anywhere. Alternatively, they might upload it to another party, or to a service accessible to another party, such as an insurance company, a doctor, a personal trainer, or any other appropriate party. For example, the uploaded information might be used to automatically place an order for replacement juicer cartridges based on a preset par of juicer cartridges for a person or device (refrigerator or vending machine) and the uploaded cartridge usage information. The uploaded information may also be used for sharing of beverage consumption, health information through social media, and diet coaching to name a few.
In addition to the above, in some embodiments, a juicer is also capable of downloading information from a remotely located server, cloud service, or computing device. For example, after reading identifying information on a juicer cartridge (e.g. a bar code), the juicer can download information related to that cartridge such as safety information, ingredient information, recall data, or any other desired information.
In some embodiments, a juicer may simply read information provided by the juicer cartridge. In other embodiments, a juicer might actively measure juicer cartridge storage conditions and expiration using appropriate methods. Possible storage conditions that might be determined by a juicer include, but are not limited to, temperature, humidity, pressure, oxygen content, carbon dioxide content and/or radiation exposure. For example, gases located within a cartridge may be sampled by a juicer and analyzed to determine if a food safety condition exists. Alternatively, more passive technologies such as temperature sensitive indicator such as a temperature sensitive paint, ink, or enzymatic cold chain indicators might be used to determine if the cartridge has been stored above a threshold temperature. In some embodiments, the temperature sensitive indicator is tuned such that it indicates that the cartridge has been stored above a threshold temperature after 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, 4 hours, or any other appropriate time period. However, embodiments in which a lower cost temperature sensitive indicator that changes immediately upon exposure to a threshold temperature is used are also contemplated. In the above embodiments, a juicer may include a sensor capable of detecting if a temperature sensitive indicator has been activated by sensing a color or graphic change. Based on safety and expiration information obtained from the juicer cartridge, a juicer may either prevent or permit juice extraction. The juicer may also include a user override that permits juice extraction to proceed as might be desired for a juicer cartridge that was previously frozen and is being used past an expiration date indicated on the juicer cartridge.
It should be understood that the above noted methods and modes of operation of a juicer are also generally applicable to any appropriate appliance. For example, these methods and modes of operation might be applied to a beverage dispensing appliance, a food preparation appliance, and/or a food storage appliance. In one embodiment, the appliance is a juicer. In other embodiments, the appliance may be a refrigerator, vending machine, microwave, and other appropriate appliance. For example, an appliance may include an appropriate reader capable of reading an indicator on a cartridge containing one or more types of food matter such as fruit, vegetables, greens, meat, dairy, oils, grains, prepared dishes, or any other type of food matter. As noted previously, the indicator may either be a digital or visual indicator as the disclosure is not so limited. Depending on the particular embodiment, the reader may correspond to at least one of a camera integrated with the appliance and a digital reader such as a RFID reader integrated with the appliance. Alternatively, a separate device such as a smart phone, or other appropriate device, may be used to scan the indicator and either upload the scanned information to a remotely located server that then connects to the appliance, or the separate device may communicate directly with the appliance over a wired connection or a wireless connection, such as a Bluetooth connection.
After reading the indicator, the appliance then retrieves information related to that cartridge using the indicator. Depending on the particular application, the appliance then either controls an operation of the appliance based on the retrieved information and/or the appliance captures user behavior using the retrieved information. The information retrieved by the appliance may be retrieved in any number of ways. For example, in one embodiment, the indicator directs the appliance to connect to a remotely located server, or computing device, in order to retrieve the desired information. In such an embodiment, the appliance may both upload and/or download information from the remotely located server or computing device. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the appliance includes a database that is updated regularly (e.g. daily, weekly, monthly, or any other appropriate time frame) from a remotely located server or computing device. Consequently, when the indicator is read by the appliance, the desired information is then retrieved from the database. While in some embodiments the database is regularly updated, embodiments in which the database is not updated our also contemplated.
Depending on the particular application, the appliance may perform one or several operations in response to the retrieved information. In one embodiment, the retrieved information is used to control an operation of the appliance. In another embodiment, the retrieved information is used to capture user behavior. Additionally, an appliance may do both of the above. For example, if the retrieved information relates to food safety such as expiration dates, recalls, ingredients versus known user allergens, authorization information, counterfeiting information, and security information the appliance may either lock out operation of the appliance or it may notify a user of the detected condition depending on the particular type of appliance. Alternatively, the appliance might display nutritional information to a user or it may upload that information to a remotely located server or social networking site, e-mail the information to a predetermined individual, or other applications as noted previously. In instances where the appliance is tracking user behavior, the retrieved information may be used to track the type of cartridge a user is using as well as the consumption of the cartridges that an individual, or appliance, has used. This information may be used for several purposes. For example, depending on the types of cartridges that a user has used, different types of cartridges that the user may like can be recommended to the user for purchase. Additionally, by tracking the consumption of cartridges, automatic re-ordering and stocking of these cartridges can be facilitated when the tracked number of cartridges falls below a preset par value defined by the user. Of course other applications are also possible.
For the sake of clarity, the juicer cartridges and juicer systems described herein generically refer to the use of food matter from which juice may be extracted. However, it should be understood that the food matter used in both the juicer cartridges and juicer systems may correspond to any appropriate food matter. For example, food matter may include such nonlimiting items as: fruit; vegetables; meat; fish; plant matter; flavorings; dietary supplements such as vitamins, protein powders, ginseng; and/or any other ingestible product that might be desirably included in a beverage.
Turning now to the figures, several specific nonlimiting embodiments are described in more detail. For the sake of clarity, certain features are described with regards to a particular embodiment. However, it should be understood that the various features and embodiments depicted in the figures and described herein may be combined in any appropriate fashion as the disclosure is not so limited.
Referring again to the figures, a juicer 100 may include an exterior housing 110 containing electronics and mechanical components. The juicer 100 may also include one or more platens for applying pressure to a juicer cartridge. For example, as depicted in the figures, a pair of opposing platens 120 may be used to apply a force to one or more juicer cartridges 200 filled with food matter 205. Depending on the embodiment, each of the platens 120 may be attached to an arm 130. Arms 130 may be further connected to a system capable of imparting force to the opposing arms 130 and platens 120 thereby generating the desired compressive force between platens 120. This force may be provided using any appropriate mechanism including, but not limited to, a pneumatic system, a hydraulic system, an electromechanical system such as a servo motor or a stepper motor, or any other appropriate system capable of delivering a desired pressure and/or force to a juicer cartridge. Additionally, in one embodiment, the juicer 100 may be an electrically powered tabletop appliance. However, it should be understood that the juicer may be powered using any appropriate power source including a power line, battery, generator, a pneumatic pressure source, a hydraulic power source, or any other appropriate power source as the disclosure is not so limited.
The compressive force applied to a juicer cartridge 200 may be transmitted to the food matter 205 contained therein to extract liquid (e.g. juice) from the food matter 205. The extracted juice 201 may then flow from within the juicer cartridge 200 through the juicer cartridge outlet 220 and the juicer outlet 170 to an exterior of the juicer. In some embodiments, a juicer 100 may have a dispensary area 160 where juice may be dispensed from. For example, as depicted in the figures, a dispensing area 160 may be embodied by a region defined in the face of housing 110, and may further include a shelf and/or drip tray for receiving and supporting a server container 165. In some embodiments, and as depicted in the figures, the outlet 170 of the juicer may be formed within the dispensing area 160 of the housing 110. Therefore, the extracted juice 201 flowing out of the outlet 170 may be dispensed into a serving container 165 with minimal cleanup. Depending on the particular embodiment, juice 201 being dispensed through the juicer outlet 170 may, or may not, come into direct contact with the outlet 170 of the juicer. For example, in some embodiments the juicer cartridge outlet 220 may extend beyond the corresponding region, pressing elements, and other portions of the juicer to facilitate the extracted juice not coming into contact with any portion of the juicer during use.
It should be understood that the one or more platens 120 may be constructed and arranged in any number of ways. For example, in one embodiment, the one or more platens 120 are sized to correspond to an approximate size of a juicer cartridge 200 when compressed by the platens during juice extraction. Additionally, the one or more platens 120 may be formed from any appropriate material including, but not limited to, stainless steel, ceramic, plastic or any other material. The surfaces of the platens may also be coated with non-stick materials and/or materials with antimicrobial properties such as silver plating, silver nanoparticle, and silver coated surfaces, though other surface coatings might also be used. The face of each platen 120 may also optionally be formed with grooves 122 on opposing faces of the platens and/or other shapes that can be used to facilitate the generation of pressure on cartridge 200 and/or improve handling of cartridge 200. For example, grooves 122 on the two platens may be nested together (i.e. the peaks and valleys of each platen may be positioned within each other). However, embodiments in which the platens do not nest together are also contemplated. Additionally, the grooves may provide an increased pressing surface area. More specifically a surface area along the grooves is greater than a projected area of the pressing surfaces. The grooves may either be sharp peaks, rounded peaks sinusoidal, square, or have any other appropriate shape. Alternatively, in another embodiment, at least one of the platens may have a concave curvature. The other platen may either be flat, have a concave curvature, a convex curvature, and/or a complementary shape in such an embodiment. Without wishing to be bound by theory, such an arrangement may provide an increased compression to the outer perimeter of the food matter located between the platens which further enhances juice extraction by helping to contain the food matter within the center of the platen and guide juice extraction.
Depending on the embodiment, a juicer may apply between about 6,700 N to 35,600 N (1500 pounds of force to about 8000 pounds) of force to a juicer cartridge during the approximately final 3 mm to 13 mm (0.1 inches to 0.5 inches) of movement of the pressing platens, or other appropriate pressing elements used to extract juice from the juicer cartridge. In some embodiments, the applied force during this final movement of the pressing platens, or pressing elements, is about 17,800 N to about 26,700 N (4000 pounds to about 6000 pounds). In addition to applying the above noted forces during the final amount of travel, the platens, or other appropriate pressing element, may have a total travel of about 38 mm (1.5 inches) and may have a gap between about 4 mm to about 9 mm (0.15 inches to about 0.35 inches) between the platens, or other pressing elements, after being displaced to extract juice from the fruit matter located within the juicer cartridge. It should be understood that while particular dimensions and forces are noted above with regards to a specific embodiment of a juicer, any appropriate combination of forces, distances of force application, total platen travel, and gaps might be used as the disclosure is not so limited. The force ranges and displacements noted above are directed to an appliance sized for consumer applications. Appropriate forces and displacements for use in larger appliances for use in office, corporate, restaurant, and or food service settings are described in more detail below.
In addition to the possible ranges of applied force, a juicer may apply at least 60 psi to a surface of a juicer cartridge during juice extraction. Further, in some embodiments, a juicer may apply between about 80 psi to about 100 psi to a surface of a juicer cartridge during the final distances of platen displacement as noted above. However, it should be understood that other pressures might be applied by a juicer as the disclosure is not so limited.
While the one or more platens 120 have been depicted as being actuated in a horizontal direction to apply a compressive force to a juicer cartridge 200, the disclosure is not so limited. Instead, it should be understood that a compressive force may be applied to the juicer cartridge 200 in any appropriate direction. For example, the compressive force might be applied in a vertical direction. Additionally, pressure may be applied to the juicer cartridge in any appropriate manner including a single platen, rolling mechanisms, application of pressure to only a portion of the juicer cartridge, and other appropriate methods of applying pressure to a juicer cartridge to extract liquid from the food matter contained therein. For example, in one embodiment, a single platen might be used to compress a juicer cartridge 200 against an opposing surface. This opposing surface may be fitted with a hole for receiving the outlet 220 of cartridge 200, or the outlet might be received in another adjacent surface similar to the embodiment depicted in
In some embodiments, one or more juicer cartridges are horizontally or vertically stacked within a juicer. The juicer cartridges may also include food matter that is not equally distributed across the surface of the juicer cartridge. In either case, a juicer may apply pressure to unequally distributed food matter across a pressing surface such as a platen as noted above. To help mitigate this effect, in some embodiments, one or more juicer cartridges may include features to help orient the one or more juicer cartridges within the juicer. For example, the juicer cartridges and the corresponding region may have mating shapes and/or features to orient the juicer cartridges. For example, a centering flange located on an outermost perimeter of a juicer cartridge may be constructed and arranged to interface with a pressing platen or cavity that the juicer cartridge is disposed in. Additionally, in some embodiments, a juicer cartridge includes one or more features used to align two or more juicer cartridges that are stacked on each other. For example, the two or more juicer cartridges may be constructed and arranged such that they are mechanically interlocked when stacked together by any appropriate feature or combination of features. However, embodiments in which the juicer cartridges do not include features to align them when stacked, are also contemplated. The above noted features help to align the juicer cartridges within a juicer as well as helping to evenly position food matter relative to a pressing surface of the juicer.
When desired, the platen, or other appropriate surface, may be maintained at a desired temperature through the use of an appropriately configured and arranged temperature regulation element 196. In embodiments where cooling of the juicer assembly, and juicer cartridge contained therein, is desired, the temperature regulation element 196 may correspond to a refrigeration element which might be embodied by any number of appropriate devices including, but not limited to, thermoelectric materials such as peltier chips, a refrigeration assembly, and other conventional refrigeration techniques However, in embodiments in which a juicer cartridge 200 is stored at a temperature that is not optimal for processing by juicer 100 (e.g., frozen or in a cold refrigerator), the temperature regulation element 196 may correspond to a warming assembly capable of gently warming the juicer cartridge until a desired temperature is reached. Depending on the particular embodiment, the warming assembly might include heating elements and thermal sensors to raise a temperature of a juicer cartridge to a desired temperature while ensuring it does not exceed a preselected threshold temperature which could cause a loss of valuable compounds. In yet another embodiment, the temperature regulation element 196 may correspond to a passive cooling system. In such an embodiment, the temperature regulation element might utilize cooling techniques such as channeling air flow across a surface to draw away heat and introduce cooler air. In view of the above, it should be understood that the temperature regulation element, or elements, may correspond to any appropriate device or configuration capable of heating or cooling the juicer cartridge. For example, other possible embodiments for a temperature regulation element, include, but are not limited to, removable platens constructed and arranged to be placed in a freezer and/or heated on a stove, chemical activated heat and cold reactions, liquid cooled and/or heated platens using channels within the platens, induction heating, radio frequency friction heating, and ultrasonic frequency friction heating.
While a single temperature regulation element 196 integrated into a single platen 120 has been depicted in the figures, it should be understood that the disclosure is not so limited. Instead, multiple temperature relation elements might be used corresponding to either refrigeration elements, heater elements, passive cooling systems, and/or a combination of the above. Additionally, these temperature regulation elements might be incorporated into any appropriate surface contacting a juicer cartridge 200 during juice extraction. For example, a temperature regulation 196 element might be incorporated onto a surface, or an interior, of a platen 120. Alternatively, a temperature regulation element might be disposed on, or incorporated into, another surface in contact with a juicer cartridge. In some embodiments, a temperature regulation element might also be provided as a discrete component separate from the juicer cartridge region.
A juicer 100 may also be fitted with various electronic components and/or a control panel 180 for interacting with the operator of the device. Juicer 100 may include a controller 190 for controlling the control panel 180 and directing operation of the various components of the device (e.g., platens 120, arms 130, etc.) in response to operator input through the control panel 180. For example, an operator may insert a cartridge 200 into juicer 100 and activate the machine using the control panel 180. However, other means of operating the juicer including, for example, an on/off switch, are also possible. The above noted controller 190 may take the form of a system-on-a-chip (SoC) integrated circuit, a microcontroller, or any other configuration that may be known in the art. Depending on the embodiment, control panel 180 may include means for inputting operator selections and/or preferences as well as for communicating information to the operator. In exemplary embodiments, control panel 180 may take the form of an LCD touchscreen that provides the user with options and information including beverage types, user profiles, nutrition information, and the like. Juicer 100 can also be configured to interact with an operator's smart phone, tablet, or laptop by Bluetooth, WiFi, or other communications medium.
In order to control juice extraction and/or provide desired information, a juicer 100 may include one or more sensors 195 to monitor various control parameters. For example, a juicer might include temperature sensors, force sensors, pressure sensors, timers, displacement sensors, position sensors (e.g. a sensor for monitoring if the lid 145 is open or closed), or any other appropriate sensor. These sensors may be in electrical communication with the controller which may monitor the sensors. The controller may convey certain information about the device to the operator through the control panel 180. For instance, in one embodiment, a control panel 180 may display a temperature of a surface of one or more platens 120. Alternatively, and/or in addition to the above, a control panel 180 might display any diagnostic information or statistics relevant to the operation of the device such as, for example, a warning that servicing is due.
In some embodiments, it may be desirable to connect a juicer 100 to a standalone computer, a remotely server or computing device, and/or a network such as the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network, and the like. For example, a juicer 100 may connect to a remotely located server, computing device, or network 198 using any appropriate connection 197 which is in electrical communication with the controller 190. Appropriate connections may include, but are not limited to, WiFi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, RJ-45 modular connections, connections provided through house line voltage connections, and/or any other appropriate type of connection as the disclosure is not so limited. Through this external connection, an operator may be permitted to share information about juicing activity through social media and social networking sites such as Twitter, Facebook, MyFitnessPal, and the like. In such an embodiment, an operator may be provided with an option to post data concerning the contents of a juicer cartridge 200 to a desired social media and/or social networking site. The post may be pre-generated by the controller 190. Alternatively, a post may be manually generated or include options to input additional comments and information from the operator.
Depending on the embodiment, a juicer 100 may be preprogrammed to only receive approved cartridges. In such an embodiment, a controller 190 of the juicer 100 may examine a juicer cartridge inserted into cartridge compartment 140 for a particular indicator of authenticity such as a serial code, bar code, hologram, or any other means for indicating that the juicer cartridge is approved for use with the juicer.
In certain embodiments, various user profiles may be stored within a controller 190. In order to control the one or more profiles, prior to operating a juicer a user may log in using an identifier or PIN. Activity performed while a particular user is logged in may then be recorded to that user's profile. Additionally, reports may be generated and either stored and/or output for the user. A user profile may also contain information about the user, including specific dietary requirements, allergens, preferences, and settings.
In some instances, it may be desirable to display information related to a temperature of a juicer cartridge and/or to control operation of the juicer based on temperature information. Therefore, in one embodiment, one or more sensors 195, such as thermal sensors, may be used to monitor a temperature of the one or more juicer surfaces contracting a juicer cartridge 200. For example, a sensor 195 may be associated with a platen 120 or another surface compressing, or in contact with, a juicer cartridge 200. A temperature sensor 195 may either be disposed on top of a surface such that it is in direct contact with a juicer cartridge, or it may be embedded within a surface. It should be understood that other locations are also possible. The one or more sensors 195 may transmit temperature information to a controller 190. In turn, the controller 190 may display information received from the one or more thermal sensors on a control panel 180. Additionally, the controller may control one or more components of juicer 100 in response to the information from the one or more thermal sensors. For example, the controller may direct platens 120 to operate at a slower rate to reduce friction and heat. Alternatively, a temperature of a surface contacting a juicer cartridge (e.g., platens 120) may be maintained within a specific temperature range such that degradation of organic compounds in food matter may be reduced by minimizing exposure to too high or too low a temperature, which can result in a less healthful juice product. In one embodiment, a juicer cartridge may be maintained between 32° F. and 43° F. In some embodiments, the juicer cartridge may be maintained at or near 32.5° F. However, it should be understood that other temperatures are also contemplated.
Referring now to
In some embodiments, outlet 220 may include a seal 225. The seal 225 may be in a closed configuration at the time of manufacturing and delivery. Subsequently, the seal may be opened by an operator or by a corresponding juicer during operation. For example, in one embodiment, a seal 225 may be embodied by a foil seal, a removable plug, a perforated section of outer shell 210, or any other suitable means of providing an operator removable seal. In such an embodiment, the seal may be manually removed by a user prior to juice extraction. This seal removal may either be performed prior to placing a juicer cartridge in a juicer, or after placing the juicer cartridge in the juicer as the current disclosure is not so limited. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the seal 225 may be opened by an appropriate opening mechanism such as: a needle adapted to pierce the seal; a cutting element adapted to cut through the seal or an associated portion of the outlet; or any other appropriate mechanism capable of either opening or removing the seal to permit juice to flow through the outlet 220. In yet another embodiment, an outlet 220 may include a pressure burstable seal such that the seal automatically opens for applied pressures greater than a preselected threshold pressure. Such a seal may be provided in any appropriate manner including, for example, a membrane designed to burst above the threshold pressure, a weakened seal in a location corresponding to the outlet, a thinned seal in a location corresponding to the outlet, and other appropriate designs. In some embodiments, the seal may alternatively burst in response to deformation of the juicer cartridge instead of in response to pressure.
In one embodiment, an outer shell 210 of a juicer cartridge 200 may include one or more compartments 217, each for holding food matter 205. The one or more compartments 217 may also be in fluid communication with an outlet 220 of the juicer cartridge. As depicted in
In some embodiments, unprocessed food matter may be cleaned and the resulting food matter 205 may be pre-loaded into the compartments 217 and/organized by type. By way of example, watermelon may be housed in one compartment, while mint is housed in a second compartment, and carrot housed in a third compartment. Depending on the type of juice being made, different types of food matter 205 may be commingled within each compartment. For example, watermelon and blueberry might be housed in one compartment, while ground ginger and cayenne pepper might be housed in a second compartment. In addition to the above, following loading of food matter 205, a juicer cartridge 200 may be vacuum packed prior to sealing or closing by removing air using an appropriate vacuum system. Additionally, a juicer cartridge 200 may injected with an appropriate inert gas following loading and/or vacuum packing. Suitable inert gasses include nitrogen, carbon dioxide, or argon, or any other gas that reduces oxidation, moisture loss, nutrient loss, or product degradation as compared to normal air.
Compartments 217 may be sized according to the food matter placed therein. Therefore, it should be understood that the compartments may have any appropriate size. However, in one embodiment related to consumer appliances, the compartments 217 may range from about 0.25 inches to 2 inches (6mm to 50 mm) in height depending on the contents of each compartment. However embodiments related to appliances sized for office, corporate, restaurant, and/or food-service applications may have compartments with larger dimensions including, for example, compartments with heights between 2 inches and 5 inches (50 mm to 127 mm), though lesser or greater heights may also be used. Additionally, a compartment may either correspond to an entire juicer cartridge or any appropriate fraction thereof. While a sequential arrangement of the compartments 217 has been depicted in the figures, it should be understood that the compartments 217 and the filters 219 may be arranged in any appropriate manner.
Appropriate filters for use with a juicer cartridge include, but are not limited to, a filtration membrane, a nonwoven filtration material, woven mesh, fabric filters, plates with appropriately sized holes or openings, combinations of the above, and other appropriate types of filters. Additionally, these filters may be made from any appropriate material including, for example, metals such as aluminum, polylactic acid, polypropylene fibers, and blended polyester-polyethylene. In one exemplary embodiment, a filter 219 may be a food-grade porous membrane comprising a plurality of pores of a desired size. Other possible embodiments for the one or more filters include aluminum or plastic meshes, cheesecloth, and paper filters. In view of the above, it should be understood that the one or more filters may correspond to any porous material including pores of a suitable size capable of filtering the juice extracted from a juicer cartridge.
The one or more filters may have an appropriate filtration size selected according to the food matter held in one or more compartments such that liquid can pass through the filters 219 while trapping pulp, seeds, pith, peel, and any other undesirable matter. By way of example, ginger may typically generate large, fibrous pulp matter that can be trapped by larger pores while still permitting the juice extracted from the ginger to pass through the membrane. In contrast, strawberries may process to a pulp matter having small fibers and seeds, which requires a mesh filter with smaller pores to trap the seeds. While in some embodiments, a filtration size may be selected to remove substantially all of the solid material such as pulp from a juice, in some embodiments, a filtration size of a filter might be selected to permit a certain portion of the solid materials to pass through. In instances where a juicer cartridge includes multiple types of food matter in separate compartments requiring different levels of filtration, a juicer cartridge 200 may include one or more filters 219a and 219b with different filtration sizes as depicted in
In some embodiments, it may be desirable to process food matter contained within a juicer cartridge in a manner to help provide uniform juice extraction from all the food matter contained therein. This may help to avoid either over or under extraction of some portions of food matter contained within the juicer cartridge. Therefore, in some embodiments, the individual pieces of food matter 205 may be presized corresponding to hardness, moisture content, and ability to exude juice during extraction. By way of example, in exemplary embodiments, watermelon, a relatively soft fruit high in water content might be divided into relatively larger pieces than pear which is a comparably harder fruit with a lower moisture content. Without wishing to be bound by theory, controlling the size of various types of food matter based on the above noted physical properties may help to ensure full juice extraction from the food matter 205 while substantially avoiding over extraction, under extraction, and excess energy utilization by a juicer.
In some instances, it may be desirable to provide information related to a juicer cartridge to a corresponding juicer. Therefore, in some embodiments, a juicer cartridge 200 can be marked with an indicator 240 that contains data related to the contents of the juicer cartridge and/or conditions that the juicer cartridge has been exposed to, see
In one embodiment, an indicator 240 may be a machine-readable indicator such as a bar code or QR code imprinted on an exterior of a juicer cartridge 200. Alternatively, other appropriate indicators 240 such as a radio frequency identification (“RFID”) tag, magnetic tags, serial numbers or any other type of data carrier that can convey information about the contents of a cartridge 200 to a juicer 100 might be used. In another embodiment, indicator 240 may include an identifier, such as an IP address, URL, or serial number that may be used by a juicer 100 to remotely obtain additional information about the contents of the cartridge. For example, a juicer might communicate with a remote server or database to either obtain, or report, information related to the juicer. In such an embodiment, a juicer 100 can be provided with “smart” functionality that can enable it to send and receive data over the network to enhance the quality of the juicer product and the operator's experience. For example, in exemplary embodiments, indicator 240 can be encoded with an expiration date. The controller of a juicer may read the expiration date indicator 240 and determine whether or not it is safe to process the ingredients of cartridge 200. Alternatively, indicator 240 may be encoded with allergen information. A controller of a corresponding juicer may then read the allergen information and compare it with pre-set information concerning the allergic reactions of the current operator, and determine whether or not it is safe to process the ingredients of the juicer cartridge 200.
In another exemplary embodiment, an indicator 240 may be an indicator used to provide information directly to a user. For example, a juicer cartridge may include a tamper indicator that activates when the interior of a juicer cartridge 200 has been breached. For example, a sticker or seal on a juicer cartridge 200 may change color or show visible signs of opening. Additionally, in another instance, a juicer cartridge 200 may include an indicator 240 such as a thermal indicator to indicate whether the contents of the juicer cartridge 200 have gone above or below a predetermined temperature threshold. By way of example, if the controller of the juicer cartridge 200 determines that the contents will suffer nutrient loss if they exceed 50 degrees Fahrenheit, a thermal indicator may activate once that threshold has been exceeded. Conversely, if the contents should be maintained above freezing, or any other appropriate temperature, a thermal indicator may activate upon the contents reaching 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Appropriate thermal indicators include but are not limited to, irreversible temperature-indicating labels and inks or any other appropriate temperature indicating mechanisms
Referring to
In another embodiment, a reusable juicer cartridge may be compressible instead of rigid, see
In the above embodiments describing a reusable juicer cartridge, the outer shell 510 and/or pod 500 may be dishwasher safe to help facilitate easy cleaning. Additionally, the materials used to form the reasonable juicer cartridge may be BPA-free.
Depending on the embodiment, the liquid permeable compartments may either be constructed from a material that is liquid permeable or they may include appropriate features through which a liquid may flow. For example, as illustrated in
Depending on the embodiment, and as depicted in the figure, each compartment 310 may include a seal 335 and/or a filter such as 330 and 350. While these filters and seals are depicted as being located at an outlet from each compartment, they might be located at any point between the individual compartments 310 and the outlet 315. For example, a filter and/or seal might be located within a secondary channel 345 or the combining chamber 340 as the disclosure is not limited in this fashion. Additionally, as illustrated in the figure by filters 330 and 350, the filters associated with separate compartments 310 may have different filtration sizes to provide appropriate filtration for different types of food matter. These seals may be constructed to burst above a predetermined pressure threshold, rupture due to deformation during juice extraction, or may otherwise be constructed to open during juice extraction. Consequently, the plurality of compartments 310 may not be in fluid communication with the outlet 315 prior to juice extraction, and may be in fluid communication with the outlet 315 once juice extraction has begun. While the outlet and individual compartments have both been depicted as including separate filters and seals, embodiments in which only the individual compartments include seals and filters, only the secondary channels and/or combining chamber include filters and seals, and/or only the outlet includes a filter and seal are also contemplated.
In some embodiments, it is desirable for a juicer cartridge to be constructed and arranged such that juice, or other liquid, extracted from the cartridge does not contact the juicer. This may beneficially eliminate the need to clean the juicer after each operation. In such an embodiment, the juicer cartridge includes a compartment including a self-contained volume of liquid. Depending on the embodiment, the volume of liquid may be entrapped within food matter located in the compartment such that the liquid is extracted from the food matter when compressed in a pressing chamber of an associated juicer. The juicer cartridge also includes an outlet in fluid communication with the compartment. The outlet is constructed and arranged such that it extends out from the juicer so that at least a portion of the outlet is not compressed by the juicer during a juice extraction operation. For example, and as described in more detail below, the outlet may be constructed and arranged such that it extends out of a pressing chamber of the associated juicer to direct liquid to a desired container without contacting the juicer.
In some embodiments, it may also be desirable for a juicer cartridge to produce enough juice, or other liquid, for either a shot, full-sized beverage, or multiple full sized beverages. For example, in some embodiments, the volume of juice produced is between about 1 ounce and 20 ounces (0.03 liters and 0.6 liters), 1 ounce and 16 ounces (.03 liters and 0.5 liters), 6 ounces to 12 ounces (0.2 liters and 0.35 liters), 20 ounces to 80 ounces (0.6 liters and 2.4 liters), 80 ounces to 140 ounces (2.4 liters and 4.0 liters), or any other appropriate volume as the disclosure is not so limited. Depending on the application, a juicer cartridge includes at least a first compartment containing between about 1 ounce and 20 ounces (0.03 kg to 0.6 kg), 20 ounces to 80 ounces (0.6 kg to 2.3 kg), 80 ounces to 160 ounces (2.3 kg to 4.5 kg), or any other appropriate mass of food matter. When the compartment, and food matter contained therein is compressed by an associated juicer, the food matter produces a ratio of juice volume in liters (L) to food matter mass in kilograms (kg) that is between about 0.4 L/kg to 0.85 L/kg, 0.5 L/kg to 0.75 L/kg, or any other appropriate ratio. Similar ratios for fluid ounces of juice produced to mass ounces of food matter are obtained. As described in more detail below, this juice yield may be in response to a final compression force applied to the juicer cartridge and food matter contained therein that is between about 6700 N to 35,600 N (1500 pounds to 8000 pounds) for a consumer appliance, about 7750 N to 44,500 N (1750 pounds to 10,000 pounds) for an office or corporate appliance, and about 8900 N to 53,400 N (2000 pounds to 12,000 pounds) for a restaurant or food service appliance. While a single compartment is described above, it should be understood that similar to the previously described embodiments, the juicer cartridge may also include a second compartment where the first compartment is at least partially disposed within the second apartment. Additionally, in some embodiments, and as described in more detail below, the first and second compartments may be disposed within a third compartment. In such an embodiment, the third compartment is preferably liquid impermeable and at least one of the first compartment and the second compartment is liquid permeable.
One particular embodiment of a juicer cartridge 400 is depicted in
In some embodiments, it is desirable to evenly distribute food matter between the pressing elements of an associated juicer when the juicer cartridge 400 is positioned therein. In such an embodiment, the compartment corresponding to the shell 402 and sealing layer 404, or other appropriate construction, has a cross-sectional area that is substantially equal to an area of a pressing surface of the pressing elements when it is positioned within the pressing chamber of a juicer. Correspondingly, the pouch 410 corresponding to one or more compartments containing the food matter 412 initially has a cross-sectional area that is substantially less than an area of the corresponding pressing surfaces of the pressing elements. For example, the cross-sectional area of the pouch 410 may be less than about 90%, 80%, 75%, or any other appropriate percentage of the pressing area of the corresponding pressing elements. During compression of the juicer cartridge 400 within a pressing chamber of the juicer, the one or more compartments corresponding to the pouch 410 are deformed such that a cross-sectional area of the pouch is substantially equal to the area of the corresponding pressing surfaces. Depending on the particular embodiment, an initial first height of the juicer cartridge within the juicer pressing chamber is less than or equal to about 38 mm (1.5 inches), 95 mm (3.75 inches), 127 mm (5 inches), or any other appropriate height and the juicer cartridge is constructed and arranged to be compressed from that initial first height to a second height that is less than the first between about 4 mm and 9 mm (0.15 inches and 0.35 inches), 6 mm and 15 mm (0.25 inches and 0.6 inches), 8 mm and 25 mm (0.3 inches to 1 inch), or any other appropriate height.
In some instances, it is desirable to protect the food matter contained within a juicer cartridge from forces being applied to it prior to juice extraction. This includes forces that might be present due to either storage or shipping of the juicer cartridges where they might be subjected to shocks and/or loading from being stacked on top of each other, handled, and/or possibly dropped. While rigid shells, such as the shell 402, might be constructed and arranged to provide sufficient structural rigidity to protect the food matter, in some embodiments, the juicer cartridge 400 also includes an open space 414 corresponding to a gas volume located within a sealed compartment such as that provided by the shell 402 and sealing layer 404. As depicted in
As noted above, the juicer cartridge 400 also includes an outlet 406. Referring to
In some embodiments, and as noted previously, it is desirable for the outlet 406 to provide a no drip functionality. For example, in the embodiment depicted in
It should be understood that the embodiments of the pouch 410 may be combined with a third compartment that is either liquid permeable or liquid impermeable, where the pouch 410 is at least partially disposed within the compartment, see
While the individual pouches 410 depicted in
In addition to the various components described above, the juicer 450 depicted in
In some embodiments, it is desirable to control both the magnitude and timing of force application during a juice extraction process. One specific embodiment of a juicer 450 that is constructed to apply a desired force profile is depicted in
While any appropriate drive such as a hydraulic or pneumatic system might be used to power the juicer 450, in this embodiment, an electromechanical drive is used. The electromechanical drive is constructed and arranged such that it fits within a footprint of the juicer that is substantially equal to an area of the first and second pressing elements. However, embodiments in which the drive is either smaller, or larger, then an area of the first and second pressing elements are also contemplated. The electromechanical drive includes one or more cams 466 including a slot forming a camming surface 468 with a desired camming profile. The camming profile is shaped to provide a desired force profile versus pressing element displacement. The one or more cams 466 are driven by a motor 470 connected to the cam 466 by an associated transmission which may include various components such as a worm gear 472, one or more intermediate reducing gears 474, and a final spur gear 476 attached to the one or more cams 466. While a particular transmission is depicted in the figures, any appropriate transmission including various combinations of cams, wedges, linkages, gear trains, hydraulic components, pneumatic components, or any other appropriate form of transmission might be used. In the depicted embodiment, two cams are attached to the spur gear 476 and separately attached to the two sidewalls 458. When the spur gear 476 is rotated by the associated motor 470 and transmission, the camming surfaces 468 of the cams 466 rotate to displace associated cam pins 480 which are located within the slots forming the camming surfaces 468. The cam pins are also attached to the sidewalls 458, and pass through a bushing 478 and vertically oriented elongated slots 486 located in the support walls 464. Thus, as the spur gear 476 and associated cams 466 are rotated, the cam pins 480 are displaced either up or down depending on the direction of rotation of the motor. Correspondingly, the associated second pressing element 456 is either displaced towards or away from the first pressing element 454, see
Regardless of the specific type of drive used, a juicer drive system may be constructed and arranged to provide a desired force profile during juice extraction. For example, in one embodiment, a drive is constructed and arranged to displace a second pressing element towards a first pressing element similar to the embodiment noted above. Additionally, the drive is constructed and arranged to apply between about: 6700 N to 35,600 N (1500 pounds to 8000 pounds) or 17,800 N to 26,700 N (4000 pounds to 6000 pounds) for a consumer appliance; 7750 N to about 44,500 N (1750 pounds to 10,000 pounds) for an office or corporate appliance; and 8900 N to about 53,400 N (2000 pounds to 12,000 pounds) for a restaurant or food service appliance to an associated juicer cartridge during a final portion of the second pressing element displacement. The final portion over which the above noted forces are applied is between about the final: 3 mm and 13 mm (0.1 inches to 0.5 inches) for a consumer appliance; 5 mm and 20 mm (0.2 inches and 0.8 inches) for an office or corporate appliance; 9 mm and 30 mm (0.35 inches to 1.2 inches) for a restaurant or food service appliance, or any other appropriate final amount of travel of the second pressing element. Without wishing to be bound by theory, applying the larger forces during the final portions of operation may help to limit the duration over which stresses are applied to the juicer. Additionally, this force profile may enhance juice extraction by applying the larger forces after the food matter has been fully distributed within a pressing chamber of the juicer and after the food matter is more fully confined within that space. In addition to controlling the force profile, the second pressing element may have a total displacement that is less than or equal to about: 38 mm (1.5 inches) for a consumer appliance; 95 mm (3.75 inches) for an office or corporate appliance; 127 mm (5 inches) for a restaurant or food service appliance, or any other appropriate distance as the disclosure is not so limited. Additionally, a gap between about: 4 mm and 9 mm (0.15 inches to 0.35 inches) for a consumer appliance; 6 mm and 15 mm (0.25 inches and 0.6 inches) for an office or corporate appliance; 8 mm and 25 mm (0.3 inches to 1 inch) for a restaurant or food service appliance, or any other appropriate range of distances may be left between the first and second pressing elements after the second pressing element has been fully displaced during juice extraction. While an embodiment in which one of the pressing elements is held stationary is described above, embodiments in which both pressing elements of the juicer are displaced are also contemplated. In such an embodiment, the distances noted above may apply to the combined travel of the pressing elements. Additionally, while particular forces and distances are noted above with regards to particular applications, it should be understood that any appropriate combination of forces and distances, including forces and distances that are both greater and less than those noted above, might be used as the disclosure is not so limited.
In addition to the above,
While juicers including juicing mechanisms with first and second pressing elements that are moved towards one another have been discussed above, the current disclosure is not limited in this fashion. Instead, any appropriate arrangement or configuration of elements used to apply a force to a juicer cartridge in order to extract juice from a juicer cartridge might be used. For example, in another embodiment, and as depicted in
While a consumer might fill a juicer cartridge with a food matter for use in a juicer system, in some instances it may be desirable to provide pre-packaged juicer cartridges. Therefore, the consumer merely needs to purchase the pre-packaged juicer cartridges of their choosing to get a desired juice. This may increase the convenience associated with producing juice with a juicer in a home or small commercial environment. Consequently, in some embodiments, a separate packing system may be located in a remotely located food processing facility. This packing system may produce prefilled juicer cartridges and/or individual pouches filled with food matter for use by a consumer. Alternatively, a packing system might be designed on a smaller scale to enable a consumer to produce their own juicer cartridges at home as the disclosure is not so limited.
Turning now to the operation, in one embodiment, grinder 805 may comprise a blade 810 within a hopper 815. Hopper 815 may be configured to receive unprocessed food matter (e.g., whole or peeled fruits or vegetables) for further processing. The blade may be connected to a motor, not depicted , and control assembly 820. The control assembly 820 may control the blade 810 to chop the food matter in hopper 815 into processed food matter 825 comprising smaller chunks or pieces that are suitable for juicing. In some embodiments, the blade 810 may be formed from a material that is resistant to frictional heating, such as ceramic, to help reduce heating of the food matter during processing. Additionally, in some embodiments, control assembly 820 may control the blade 810 to rotate at a speed such that the friction of the blade against the food matter does not impart excessive heat to the food matter which could destroy valuable compounds in the food matter. Depending on the desired output, the grinder 805 may output processed food matter 825 in the form of cubes, slices, pulp, or slurry, as disclosed herein. The processed food matter 890 may subsequently be transferred to an associated packing assembly 830 via a conveyor, tube, or other conveyance, for packing.
Upon receiving the processed food matter 825, a food matter injection system 840 may insert the processed food mater 825 into a pouch of the type described herein. This insertion may be accomplished in any number of ways including, but not limited to, the use of a piston-like assembly as depicted in the figure that receives processed food matter and directs it into the juicer cartridge. Therefore, it should be understood that any mechanism capable of transferring processed food matter into the cartridge may be utilized as the disclosure is not so limited. The now filled cartridge may subsequently be transferred to vacuum section 845 where air in the cartridge is removed using any applicable method. An inert gas may then be pumped into the cartridge in the gas injection section 850 before sealing and ejecting the final juicer cartridge from the packing assembly 830. The cartridges may either be sealed with in the packing assembly 830, or they may be sealed in a subsequent step outside of the packing assembly 830.
It should be understood that the above-noted packaging processes may accomplished manually, automatically, or by a combination of both. Then since is where the process is automated, the process may be accomplished with minimal need for manual intervention helping to reduce the overall cost of the juicer system. Additionally, while certain arrangement of the components and processes are described above, embodiments in which any or all of the components are provided in a single system or as multiple discrete components are possible.
EXAMPLESWhile the present teachings have been described in conjunction with various embodiments and examples, it is not intended that the present teachings be limited to such embodiments or examples. On the contrary, the present teachings encompass various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art. For example, the various embodiments described herein may rearranged, separated, and/or combined in any appropriate manner. Accordingly, the foregoing description and drawings are by way of example only.
Claims
1. A juice press comprising:
- a housing constructed and arranged as a tabletop appliance, the housing having an opening located at an upper region of an upper portion of the housing and a dispensing outlet at a lower region of the upper portion of the housing;
- a pair of opposing platens disposed within the upper portion of the housing between the opening and the dispensing outlet, with at least one of the pair of opposing platens being movable relative to the housing, the upper portion of the housing and the pair of opposing platens constructed and arranged to receive a cartridge, which contains cut food matter produce, when the cartridge is inserted into the opening of the housing and between the pair of opposing platens, wherein the dispensing outlet is constructed and arranged to receive a portion of the cartridge so that the portion of the cartridge is extendable through and beyond the dispensing outlet external to the juice press; and
- a drive system disposed within the housing and coupled to the movable platen, the drive system constructed and arranged to apply a force to the cartridge when the cartridge is inserted into the opening of the housing between the pair of opposing platens to press the cut food matter produce contained in the cartridge to cause resulting juice to flow from the cartridge without any portion of the juice press being in contact with the juice flowing through the portion of the cartridge extendable through and beyond the dispensing outlet, the drive system including:
- a drive component coupled to the moveable platen, the drive component configured to move the movable platen toward the other platen of the pair of opposing platens;
- a temperature sensor positioned to sense a temperature of the cartridge when the cartridge is inserted into the housing between the pair of opposing platens;
- wherein the temperature sensor is integrated with at least one of the housing and at least one of the opposing platens; and
- an electromechanical system coupled to the drive component and constructed and arranged to move the drive component, the electromechanical system including a transmission driven by a motor, with the transmission operatively coupled to the drive component, the electromechanical system being programmed to receive an output of the temperature sensor and control operation of the drive component according to an output of the temperature sensor.
2. The juice press according to claim 1, wherein the drive system is constructed and arranged to apply at least 6,700N to the cartridge when the cartridge is inserted into the opening of the housing between the pair of opposing platens.
3. The juice press according to claim 1, wherein the drive system is constructed and arranged to apply 7,700N to 44,500N to the cartridge when the cartridge is inserted into the opening of the housing between the pair of opposing platens.
4. The juice press according to claim 1, wherein the drive system is constructed and arranged to apply 8,900N to 53,400N to the cartridge when the cartridge is inserted into the opening of the housing between the pair of opposing platens.
5. The juice press according to claim 1, wherein the drive system is constructed and arranged to apply at least 17,800N to the cartridge during a final movement of the movable platen.
6. The juice press according to claim 1, wherein a total displacement of the movable platen is about 38 mm.
7. The juice press according to claim 6, wherein a gap between 4 mm and 9 mm is present between the pair of opposing platens after the movable platen has been fully displaced by the drive system.
8. The juice press according to claim 1, wherein the housing includes a base, wherein the movable platen is movable in a horizontal direction parallel to the base.
9. The juice press according to claim 1, further comprising an on/off switch configured to activate the electromechanical system.
10. The juice press according to claim 1, further comprising a dispensing area defined in a face of the housing, wherein when cartridge is inserted into the opening of the housing between the pair of opposing platens, the portion of the cartridge extendable through and beyond the dispensing outlet is extendable into the dispensing area.
11. The juice press according to claim 10, wherein the dispensing area is defined in a face of the housing and below the dispensing outlet.
12. The juice press according to claim 11, wherein the dispensing area further comprises a shelf for receiving and supporting a serving container.
13. The juice press according to claim 1, further comprising a dispensing area defined in a face of the housing and below the dispensing outlet.
14. The juice press according to claim 13, wherein the dispensing area further comprises a shelf for receiving and supporting a serving container.
15-16. (canceled)
17. The juice press according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of at least one of the platens includes a concave pressing surface.
18. A juice press comprising:
- a housing constructed and arranged as a tabletop appliance, the housing having an upper portion, the upper portion having an opening located at an upper region of the upper portion and a dispensing outlet at a lower region of the upper portion, the housing further having a base opposite the upper portion and a dispensing area defined in a face of the housing between the base and the upper portion;
- a pair of opposing platens disposed within the upper portion of the housing, with at least one of the pair of opposing platens being movable relative to the housing, the upper portion of the housing is constructed and arranged to receive a cartridge, which contains cut food matter produce, through the opening at the upper portion and between the pair of opposing platens, and the dispensing outlet is constructed and arranged to receive a portion of the cartridge so that the portion of the cartridge is extendable through and beyond the dispensing outlet and into the dispensing area external to the juice press; and
- a drive system disposed within the housing and coupled to the movable platen, the drive system constructed and arranged to apply a force to the cartridge when the cartridge is inserted into the opening of the housing between the pair of opposing platens to press the cut food matter produce contained in the cartridge to cause resulting juice to flow from the cartridge without any portion of the juice press being in contact with the juice flowing through the portion of the cartridge extendable through and beyond the dispensing outlet, the drive system including:
- a drive component coupled to the moveable platen, the drive component configured to move the movable platen toward the other platen of the pair of opposing platens, wherein the movable platen is movable in a horizontal direction parallel to the base; and
- a motor operatively coupled to the drive component to drive the drive component
- a temperature sensor embedded in the pair of opposing platens; and
- a temperature regulation component embedded in the pair of opposing platens; and
- a controller coupled to the temperature sensor and temperature regulation component and programmed to, when the output of the temperature sensor indicates the cartridge is below a desired temperature, cause the temperature regulation component to heat the cartridge.
19. The juice press according to claim 18, wherein the drive system is constructed and arranged to apply at least 6,700N to the cartridge when the cartridge is inserted into the opening of the housing between the pair of opposing platens.
20. The juice press according to claim 18, wherein the drive system is constructed and arranged to apply 7,700N to 44,500N to the cartridge when the cartridge is inserted into the opening of the housing between the pair of opposing platens.
21. The juice press according to claim 18, wherein the drive system is constructed and arranged to apply 8,900N to 53,400N to the cartridge when the cartridge is inserted into the opening of the housing between the pair of opposing platens.
22. The juice press according to claim 18, wherein the drive system is constructed and arranged to apply at least 17,800N to the cartridge during a final movement of the movable platen.
23. The juice press according to claim 18, wherein a total displacement of the movable platen is about 38 mm.
24. The juice press according to claim 23, wherein a gap between 4 mm and 9 mm is present between the pair of opposing platens after the movable platen has been fully displaced by the drive system.
25. The juice press according to claim 18, wherein the drive system includes a transmission driven by the motor, with the transmission operatively coupled to the drive component.
26. The juice press according to claim 18, further comprising an on/off switch configured to activate the motor.
27. The juice press according to claim 18, wherein the dispensing area further comprises a shelf for receiving and supporting a serving container.
28. The juice press according to claim 18, further comprising a temperature regulation element adapted to control a temperature of the cartridge when the cartridge is inserted into the housing between the pair of opposing platens.
29. The juice press according to claim 28, wherein the temperature regulation element is integrated with at least one of the housing and at least one of the opposing platens.
30. The juice press according to claim 18, wherein at least a portion of at least one of the platens includes a concave pressing surface.
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 13, 2017
Publication Date: Oct 4, 2018
Applicant: Juicero, Inc. (San Francisco, CA)
Inventors: DOUGLAS EVANS (Brooklyn, NY), Paul Katz (San Marino, CA)
Application Number: 15/486,376
