TWI897075B - Machine for rapidly cooling food and drinks - Google Patents

Abstract

This disclosure relates to systems and methods for rapidly cooling food and drinks. The systems and methods in this disclosure are used to reduce the temperature of ingredients in a pod containing the ingredients for a food or drink and a mixing paddle. The machine comprises a refrigeration system defining a receptacle sized to receive the pod. The machine comprises a driveshaft extending into the receptacle, the driveshaft configured to (i) provide a mechanical connection to the mixing paddle of the pod disposed in the receptacle, and (ii) provide a first opening of the pod to allow pressurized gas to escape the pod. The machine comprises a motor mechanically connected to the driveshaft, the motor operable to rotate the driveshaft to mix the cooled ingredients and air that enters the first opening of the pod. The machine comprises a dispenser configured to engage the pod disposed in the receptacle to apply a force to create a second opening of the pod to dispense the cooled food or drink from the pod, as air continues to enter the pod through the first opening.

Description

Machines for rapidly cooling food and drinks

The present invention relates to a system and method for rapidly cooling food and beverages.

Beverage brewing systems have been developed that quickly prepare single-serving hot beverages. Some of these brewing systems rely on a single-use pod to which water is added before brewing occurs. The pods can be used to prepare hot coffee, tea, and cocoa.

Home ice cream makers can be used to make larger batches (e.g., 1.5 quarts or more) of ice cream for personal consumption. These appliances typically prepare the mixture using a hand crank method or by using an electric motor, which in turn assists in stirring the ingredients within the appliance. The resulting mixture is typically kept refrigerated using a pre-chilled container inserted into the machine.

This specification describes systems and methods for rapidly cooling food and beverages. Some of these systems and methods can cool food and beverages in a container inserted into a countertop or mounted machine from room temperature to frozen in less than two minutes. For example, the method described in this specification has successfully demonstrated the ability to make soft-serve ice cream from a room temperature bin in approximately 90 seconds. This method has also been used to refrigerate cocktails and other beverages, including for the production of frozen beverages. These systems and methods are based on a consistent cooling cycle with a low startup time and a bin-machine interface that is easy to use and provides extremely efficient heat transfer. Some of the described cassettes are filled with ingredients in a manufacturing line and undergo a sterilization process (e.g., retort, aseptic packaging, ultra-high temperature processing (UHT), ultra-heat processing, ultra-high temperature pasteurization, or high pressure processing (HPP)). HPP is a low-temperature pasteurization technique whereby the product, already sealed in its final packaging, is introduced into a vessel and subjected to a high level of isostatic pressure (300 megapascals (MPa) to 600 MPa (43,500 pounds per square inch (psi) to 87,000 psi transmitted by water). The cassettes can be used to store ingredients, including, for example, dairy products, for extended periods of time (e.g., 9 to 12 months) at room temperature after sterilization.

Cooling is used to refer to the transfer of heat energy that lowers the temperature of (for example) a component contained in a box. In some cases, cooling refers to the transfer of heat energy that lowers the temperature of (for example) a component contained in a box to below freezing.

Certain machines for reducing the temperature of ingredients in a cassette containing ingredients and a mixing paddle include: a housing; an evaporator of a refrigeration system, the evaporator defining a receptacle sized to receive the cassette; a motor disposed in the housing, the motor operable to move the mixing paddle of a cassette in the receptacle; and a drive shaft operable to penetrate a wall of the cassette and engage the mixing paddle and rotate the mixing paddle.

Certain apparatus for reducing the temperature of ingredients in a cassette containing ingredients and a mixing paddle include: a housing; an evaporator of a refrigeration system, the evaporator defining a receptacle sized to receive the cassette; a drive shaft configured to penetrate the cassette and engage the mixing paddle; a motor disposed in the housing, the motor operable to move the drive shaft and the mixing paddle of a cassette in the receptacle; and a dispenser configured to engage the cassette inserted into the evaporator to open the cassette and thereby permit dispensing of refrigerated food or beverage from the cassette.

Certain apparatus for reducing the temperature of ingredients in a cassette containing ingredients and a mixing paddle include: a housing having a second base; an evaporator of a refrigeration system, the evaporator defining a receptacle having an opening oriented toward the second base, the opening sized to receive the cassette, the evaporator being fixed in position relative to the housing; a lid sized to close the opening of the receptacle, the lid being movable between a first position spaced from the evaporator toward the second base of the housing and a second position enclosing the evaporator and closing the opening; and a motor disposed in the housing, the motor being operable to move the mixing paddle of a cassette in the receptacle.

Certain apparatus for reducing the temperature of components in a cassette containing components and a mixing paddle include: a housing; a condenser of a refrigeration system; a plurality of evaporators of the refrigeration system fluidly connected in series with the condenser, each evaporator defining a receptacle sized to receive a cassette and having an open position and a closed position; and a motor disposed in the housing, the motor operable to move the mixing paddle of a cassette in a receptacle of one of the evaporators. In some cases, the plurality of evaporators of the refrigeration system are fluidly connected in series with the condenser.

Certain apparatus for reducing the temperature of ingredients in a cassette containing ingredients and a mixing paddle include: a housing; an evaporator of a refrigeration system, the evaporator defining a receptacle sized to receive the cassette, the evaporator having a clamshell configuration, wherein a first portion of the evaporator is attached to a second portion of the evaporator by a hinge, the evaporator having an open position and a closed position; and a motor disposed in the housing, the motor operable to move the mixing paddle of a cassette in the receptacle when the evaporator is in the closed position.

Embodiments of these machines include one or more of the following features.

In some embodiments, the drive shaft is mechanically coupled to the motor and extends into the receptacle when the evaporator is in a closed position. In some cases, the drive shaft has a barbed end.

In some embodiments, the evaporator is fixed in position relative to the housing. In some cases, the machine also includes a lid having a first position covering the receptacle and a second position exposing the receptacle. In some cases, when the lid is in its first position, the drive shaft extends into the receptacle. In some cases, the machine also includes a handle mechanically coupled to the lid, the handle having a first position corresponding to the open position of the lid and a second position corresponding to the closed position of the lid. In some cases, the handle is mechanically coupled to the drive shaft such that movement of the handle from its first position to its second position forces the drive shaft into the receptacle.

In some embodiments, the machine also includes a dispenser configured to engage with the cassette inserted into the evaporator to open the cassette and allow the dispensing of refrigerated food or drink from the cassette. In some cases, the dispenser includes a rotatable member configured to engage a cap of the cassette. In some cases, the rotatable member is an annular member. In some cases, the rotatable member includes a protrusion extending toward the receptacle to engage the cap of the cassette. In some cases, the machine also includes a cogwheel engaged to the rotatable member. In some cases, the machine also includes a reader operable to identify cassettes inserted into the machine based on labels on the cassettes. In some cases, the labels are UPC barcode labels, RFID labels, or QR code labels. In some cases, the machine also includes a controller that selects specific cooling and mixing algorithms based on the labels. In some cases, the machine also includes a communication module capable of transmitting information about the identified cassettes to a network.

In some embodiments, the machine also includes a stem mechanically coupled to the motor, the stem extending into the receptacle 14 when the evaporator is in the closed position. In some cases, the stem has a barbed end adjacent to threads defined in an exterior surface of the stem. In some cases, the evaporator is fixed in position relative to the housing. In some cases, the machine also includes a cover having a first position covering the receptacle and a second position exposing the receptacle. In some cases, the machine also includes a drive shaft extending into the receptacle when the cover is in its first position. In some cases, the evaporator is movable relative to the housing between a first position in which the housing covers the receptacle and a second position in which the receptacle is exposed.

In some embodiments, the evaporator has a clamshell configuration, wherein a first portion of the evaporator is attached to a second portion of the evaporator by a hinge. In some cases, a movable hinge attaches the first portion of the evaporator to the second portion of the evaporator. In some cases, a working fluid channel extends through the first portion of the evaporator to the movable hinge to reach the second portion of the evaporator.

In some embodiments, the machine also includes an evaporator having a clamshell configuration, wherein a first portion of the evaporator is attached to a second portion of the evaporator by a hinge. In some cases, the first portion of the evaporator defines a passage for the working fluid extending from an inlet adjacent to the hinge to an outlet opposite the hinge, and the second portion of the evaporator defines a passage for the working fluid extending from an inlet opposite the hinge to an outlet adjacent to the hinge. In some cases, the machine also includes a lid covering the receptacle when the evaporator is in the closed position, and the lid has protrusions extending toward the evaporator, the protrusions engaging the first and second portions of the evaporator and biasing the first and second portions of the evaporator toward each other when the evaporator is in the closed position. In some cases, the first portion of the evaporator includes a plurality of channels for a working fluid extending generally parallel to an axis of the evaporator. In some cases, the first portion of the evaporator includes a cap that provides a fluid connection between ends of adjacent pairs of channels.

Some systems for reducing the temperature of ingredients in a cassette containing ingredients and a mixing paddle include: an evaporator positioned in a door of a refrigerator or freezer and in fluid communication with a condenser of the refrigerator or freezer, the evaporator defining a receptacle sized to receive the cassette and having an open position and a closed position; and a motor operable to move the mixing paddle of a cassette in the receptacle when the evaporator is in the closed position. Embodiments of these systems may include one or more of the features described above with respect to the machine for reducing the temperature of ingredients in a cassette. Embodiments of these systems may include one or more of the following features.

In some embodiments, the evaporator is displaceable relative to the door.

In some embodiments, the motor is housed in the door of the refrigerator.

In some embodiments, the evaporator is rotatable about a hinge attached to the door. In some cases, the system also includes a resilient member that biases a cassette in the receptacle away from a side of the receptacle when the evaporator is in the open position. In some cases, the evaporator has a clamshell configuration, wherein a first portion of the evaporator is attached to a second portion of the evaporator by a hinge.

The systems and methods described herein can provide several advantages. Certain embodiments of these systems and methods can provide single servings of chilled food or beverages. This method can assist consumers with portion control. Certain embodiments of these systems and methods can provide consumers with the ability to select the flavor of their single serving of, for example, soft serve ice cream. Certain embodiments of these systems and methods incorporate shelf-stable bins that do not require pre-chilling, pre-freezing, or other preparation. Certain embodiments of these systems and methods can produce frozen food or beverages from room temperature bins in less than two minutes (in some cases, less than one minute). Certain embodiments of these systems and methods do not require post-processing cleanup once the chilled or frozen food or beverage is produced. Certain embodiments of these systems and methods utilize reusable aluminum cassettes.

For ease of explanation, terms such as "up," "down," "left," and "right" are relative to the orientation of the system components in the figures and do not imply an absolute direction. For example, the movement of a drive shaft may be described as vertically upward or downward relative to the orientation of the illustrated system. However, the translational motion of this drive shaft depends on the orientation of the system and is not necessarily vertical.

The details of one or more embodiments of these systems and methods are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the following description. Other features, objects, and advantages of these systems and methods will become apparent from the description and drawings, as well as from the claims.

100: Machine

102: Subject

104: Shell

106: Storage Box Machine Interface

108: Evaporator

109: Refrigeration System

110: Seating

112: Cover

114: Hinge

115: Auxiliary sealing

116: Lock

118:Latch recess

120: Lock sensor

122: Processor

124: Motor

125: Belt

126: Drive shaft

127: Track

128: Part 1

130: Part 2

132: Movable hinge/hinge

134: Gap

136: Fluid channel

137: Space

138: Rod

140: Bolts

142: Spring

144: Sales

146: Electric Motor

148: Bore

150: Storage Box

152: Baseboard

153: Dispenser

154:Inlay

157: Snail Wheel

158: Subject

159: Gear

160: Hybrid Paddle/Paddle

161: Ring Component

162: Base

163: Protrusion

164: Orifice

165: Protrusion

166:Cap

167: Head

168: Gear

169: Stem

170: Hybrid Paddle Blades

171: Feet

180: Condenser

182:Suction line heat exchanger

184: Expansion Valve

186: Compressor

188: First bypass line

190: Second bypass line/bypass valve

192: Internal Passage

210: First End

212: Second End

214:Wall

216: First Neck

218: Second Neck

220: Tube

222: First Orifice

224: Second Orifice

226: Slope

228: Central stem

230: Blade

232: Opening

234: Narrow Groove

236: concave part

250: Methods

260: Step

262: Steps

264: Steps

266: Steps

268: Step

270: Step

272: Step

273: Steps

274: Steps

276: Steps

278: Steps

280: Step

282: Steps

284: Steps

286: Steps

288: Steps

290: Step

292: Step

300: Machine

302: Handle

304: Drive shaft

306: Teeth

308: Locked Section

310: flange

312: Center bore

320: Loading System

322:Handle

323: Sales

324: Second shot

326: Support rod

328: Sales

330: Loading System

332:Handle

334: Support rod

336: Third shot

338: Extension

340: Sales

342:Guide Rail

350: Storage Box Machine Interface

352: Evaporator

354: Storage Box

355: Bore

356: Hybrid Paddle/Paddle

358: Stem

360: Blade

361: Shell

362: Ledge

364: wall

366: concave part

368: Entry Port

369: Export port

370: Part 1

372: Part 2

374: Ring Space

400: Wedged System

402: Cover

404: Manifold

406: Inclined part

408: Wedge

410: Flat surface

412: Inclined Surface

420: Machine

422: Loading System

424: Elevator Platform

426: Storage Box

428:Handle

430: Track

432: Sales

434: Second shot

436: Third shot

438: Fourth shot

440: Second shot

442: Third shot

450: Machine

452: Shell

454: Motor

456: Storage Box Machine Interface

460: Machine

462: Motor

464: Belt

466: Drive shaft

468: Compressor

470: Machine

472: Refrigeration Cycle

480:System

482: Refrigerator

484: Condenser coil

485: Compressor

486: Evaporator

488: Door

490: Dispensing mechanism

520: Cover

522: Extendable drive shaft/drive shaft

524: System

525: Thread/External Thread

526: Ring Component

528: Notch

530: Lock

532: Gear

533: Internal components

534: Solenoid

535: Internal thread

536: Rod

540: Drive shaft

542: With barbed hook

544: Complementary recess

546: Hybrid Paddle Blades

550: Machine

552:Handle

554: Small gear

555:Handle

556: First end/hinge

558: Second End

560: pit

562: concave part

564: Lift shaft

566: First Bore

568: Second Bore

570: Base plate

572: First linear bearing

574: Second linear bearing

576: Center hole

578: Axle

580: Centering Head

582: Tooth

584: Center Orifice

590: Machine

592:Handle structure

594:Handle

596: Shell

598: Vertical axis

600: Drive shaft

601: Base

602: Spring

603: Stem

604: Center opening

608: First End

610: Second End

612: Surface

614: Nut

616: Lead Screw

620: Internal thread/thread

622: External thread

624: Opening

626: Protrusion

630: Second Surface

640:Framework

642: Surface

644: First inner edge

646: Second inner edge

700: Machine

703: Assembly

710: Cover

712: Shell

714: Resale of the Hub

716: Lock Lever

717: Hollow Cylinder

718: Rocker/Rocker Arm

720: Drive shaft

721: Actuator

722: Rod

723: Ball screw

724: Spring

726: Motor

728: Belt

730: Orifice

732: Board

734: Bolts

736: Narrow Groove

740: Motor

742: Dispensing Agency

744: Rod

746: First Clutch/Clutch

748: Gear

750: Second clutch/clutch

751: Third Clutch/Clutch

752: Hybrid Drive Belt/Pulley

754: Main drive belt/pulley

756: Dispensing drive belt/pulley

758:Puncture mechanism

762: Small gear

763: First End

764: Tooth

766: Bolts

768: Hinge

780: Assembly

782: Second gear

784: Clamping mechanism

786: Tooth

788: Small gear

790: Distribution Gear

800: Assembly

802: Main gear

804: Evaporator clamp assembly

806: Clamping gear

808: Dispensing Rotating Assembly

810: Distribution Gear

812: Evaporator Clutch

814: Evaporator Rod

816: Evaporator screw drive

818: Screw

820: Threaded hole

824: Clutch Dispensing

826: Allocate rod/rod

828: Dispensing screw drive/evaporator screw drive

830: Small gear

850: System/Extension Organization

852: Sleeve-type drive shaft/drive shaft

853: Shaft Extension/Shaft

854: Gear

856: Internal Screw/Screw

858: Cover plate

860: System/Extension Organization

862: Hinge lock

D _B : Diameter/larger diameter

D _LE : Diameter/Small Diameter

_DUE : Diameter/Small Diameter

FIG1A is a perspective view of a machine for rapidly cooling food and beverages. FIG1B shows the machine without its housing.

Figure 1C is a perspective view of a portion of the machine in Figure 1A.

Figure 2A is a perspective view of the machine of Figure 1A , with the cover of the cassette-machine interface illustrated as transparent to allow a more detailed view of the evaporator. Figure 2B is a top view of the machine without the housing and a portion of the cassette-machine interface without the cover. Figures 2C and 2D are perspective and side views, respectively, of the evaporator.

Figures 3A to 3F illustrate components of a cassette machine interface operable to open and close cassettes in an evaporator to dispense food or beverages being produced.

Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a cooling system.

Figures 5A and 5B are views of a prototype of a condenser.

Figure 6A is a side view of a cassette. Figure 6B is a schematic side view of the cassette and a mixing paddle mounted therein.

Figures 7A and 7B are perspective views of a cassette and an associated drive shaft. Figure 7C is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the cassette, showing the drive shaft 126 engaged with a mixing paddle within the cassette.

Figure 8 shows a first end of a box with its cap spaced apart from its base for easier viewing. Figures 9A-9G illustrate a cap being rotated about the first end of the box to open an aperture extending through the base.

Figure 10 is an enlarged schematic side view of one of the boxes.

FIG11 is a flow chart of a method for operating a machine for producing chilled food or beverages.

Figures 12A to 12D are perspective views of a machine for producing cooled food or beverages.

Figures 13A and 13B are partial cross-sectional views of the machine shown in Figures 12A to 12D.

Figure 14 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a drive shaft.

Figure 15 is a perspective view of a dispenser.

Figures 16A and 16B are schematic side views of a system for moving an evaporator to allow cassettes to be loaded into the evaporator.

Figures 17A, 17B, and 17C are schematic side views of a system for moving an evaporator to allow cassettes to be loaded into the evaporator.

Figures 18A to 18C are schematic perspective, cross-sectional, and top views of a cassette machine interface having an evaporator receiving a cassette.

Figures 19A to 19C are schematic diagrams illustrating a wedging system associated with a cassette machine interface.

Figures 20A to 20D are perspective views of a machine having a loading system 422 incorporating a lift platform.

Figures 21A and 21B are schematic side views of a container loading system.

Figures 22A and 22B are schematic side views of a box loading system.

Figures 23A and 23B are perspective views of a machine for producing cooled food or beverages.

Figures 24A and 24B are perspective views of a machine for producing cooled food or beverages.

Figures 25A and 25B are schematic diagrams of a machine having three evaporators.

Figures 26A and 26B are schematic diagrams illustrating a system for producing a chilled beverage or food product using a refrigeration system with a chiller.

Figures 27A to 27C are schematic diagrams of a cover having a sleeve-type drive shaft.

Figures 28A to 28C are schematic diagrams of a drive shaft with an inverted hook head and a matching recess on a mixing blade.

Figure 29 shows a perspective view of a machine having a handle connected to a pinion.

Figures 30A and 30B show perspective views of the handle of Figure 29 in its closed position and in its open position. Figures 30C and 30D show cross-sectional views of the handle of Figure 29 in its closed position and in its open position.

Figures 31A to 31E show perspective and cross-sectional views of a machine having a handle that rotates on the same axis as a lid of the machine.

Figure 32 shows a perspective view of a machine having a handle structure having a handle and a housing.

Figure 33A is a cross-sectional view of the handle structure of Figure 32 in its open position. Figure 33B is a perspective view of the handle structure of Figure 32 in its open position. Figure 33C is a perspective view of the handle structure of Figure 32 in its closed position.

Figures 34A and 34B show a frame positioned within a cassette machine interface.

Figures 35A to 35H are views of a machine having a horizontally rotating cassette machine interface.

Figures 36A to 36D are schematic diagrams of a machine having a single motor driving multiple components.

Figures 37A and 37B are schematic diagrams of a machine having a single motor driving multiple components.

Figures 38A and 38B are schematic diagrams of a machine having a single motor driving multiple components.

Figures 39 and 40 are schematic diagrams of a machine with a sleeve-type drive shaft.

Like reference symbols indicate like elements throughout the various drawings.

This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Nos. 16/459,176 filed on July 1, 2019, 16/459,388 filed on July 1, 2019, and 16/459,322 filed on July 1, 2019. This application claims the benefit of the following provisional patent applications: U.S. Patent Nos. 62/758,110 filed on November 9, 2018, and 16/459,388 filed on July 1, 2019. U.S. Application No. 62/801,587 filed on April 9, 2019, U.S. Application No. 62/831,657 filed on April 9, 2019, U.S. Application No. 62/831,600 filed on April 9, 2019, U.S. Application No. 62/831,646 filed on April 9, 2019, and U.S. Application No. 62/831,666 filed on April 9, 2019, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

This specification describes systems and methods for rapidly cooling food and beverages. Some of these systems and methods use a countertop or mounted machine to cool food and beverages in a container from room temperature to frozen in less than two minutes. For example, the methods described in this specification have successfully demonstrated the ability to prepare soft-serve ice cream, frozen coffee, frozen smoothies, and frozen cocktails from a room-temperature container in approximately 90 seconds. This method can also be used to refrigerate cocktails, make frozen smoothies, frozen protein and other functional beverage shakes (e.g., collagen-based shakes, energy shakes, plant-based shakes, non-dairy shakes, and CBD shakes), refrigerate coffee drinks with and without nitrogen, make hard ice cream, make milkshakes, make frozen yogurt, and refrigerate probiotic drinks. These systems and methods are based on a consistent cold cycle with a low startup time and a bin-machine interface that is easy to use and provides extremely efficient heat transfer. Some of the described boxes can be sterilized (e.g., using a retort) and used to store ingredients containing, for example, dairy products at room temperature for up to 18 months.

FIG1A is a perspective view of a machine 100 for cooling food or beverages. FIG1B shows the machine without its housing. The machine 100 reduces the temperature of ingredients in a cassette containing the ingredients. Most cassettes include a mixing paddle for mixing the ingredients before dispensing the cooled or frozen product. The machine 100 includes a main body 102 having a housing 104 and a cassette machine interface 106, the main body including a compressor, a condenser, a fan, an evaporator, capillary tubes, a control system, a cover system, and a dispensing system. The cassette machine interface 106 includes an evaporator 108 of a refrigeration system 109, the other components of which are arranged inside the housing 104. As shown in FIG. 1B , the evaporator 108 defines a receptacle 110 sized to receive a cassette.

A cover 112 is attached to the housing 104 via a hinge 114. The cover 112 can be rotated between a closed position ( FIG. 1A ) covering the receptacle 110 and an open position ( FIG. 1B ) exposing the receptacle 110. In its closed position, the cover 112 covers the receptacle 110 and is locked in place. In the machine 100, a latch 116 on the cover 112 engages a latch recess 118 on the cassette machine interface 106. A latch sensor 120 is disposed in the latch recess 118 to determine whether the latch 116 is engaged with the latch recess 118. A processor 122 is electronically connected to the latch sensor 120 and recognizes that the lid 112 is closed when the latch sensor 120 determines that the latch 116 is engaged with the latch recess 118. Not all machines include a latch sensor.

As the lid 112 moves from its closed position to its open position, an auxiliary cover 115 rotates upward. A slot in the auxiliary cover 115 receives a handle of the lid 112 during this movement. Some auxiliary covers slide into the housing as the lid moves to the open position.

In the machine 100, the evaporator 108 is fixed in position relative to the main body 102 of the machine 100 and access to the receptacle 110 is provided by movement of the cover 112. In some machines, the evaporator 108 is displaceable relative to the main body 102 and movement of the evaporator 108 provides access to the receptacle 110.

A motor 124 housed in housing 104 is mechanically connected to a drive shaft 126 extending from lid 112. When lid 112 is in its closed position, drive shaft 126 extends into receptacle 110 and, if a cassette is present, engages the cassette to move the paddle or paddles within the cassette. Processor 122 electronically communicates with motor 124 and controls its operation. In some machines, shafts associated with the cassette's paddles extend outward from the cassette, and lid 112 includes a rotating receptacle (instead of drive shaft 126) that is mechanically connected to motor 124.

Figure 1C is a perspective view of cover 112, shown alone so that belt 125 extending from motor 124 to drive shaft 126 is visible. Referring again to Figure 1B , motor 124 is mounted on a plate that runs along track 127. The plate can be moved approximately 0.25 inches to adjust the tension on belt 125. During assembly, the plate slides along the track. A spring positioned between the plate and cover 112 biases cover 112 away from the plate to maintain tension in the belt.

FIG2A is a perspective view of the machine 100, with the cover of the cassette-machine interface 106 illustrated as transparent to allow a more detailed view of the evaporator 108. FIG2B is a top view of the machine 100 without the housing 104 and a portion of the cassette-machine interface 106 without the cover 112. FIG2C and FIG2D are perspective and side views, respectively, of the evaporator 108. The evaporator 108 is described in more detail in U.S. Patent Application No. 16/459,388 (Attorney Docket No. 47354-0006001), filed concurrently with the present application and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The evaporator 108 has a clamshell configuration, with a first portion 128 (also referred to as the first element) attached to a second portion 130 (also referred to as the second element) by a movable hinge 132 on one side and separated by a gap 134 on the other side. Refrigerant flows from other components of the refrigeration system to the evaporator 108 through fluid passages 136 (best seen in FIG. 2B ). The refrigerant flows through the evaporator 108 in internal passages through the first portion 128, the movable hinge 132, and the second portion 130.

The space 137 (best seen in FIG. 2B ) between the outer wall of the evaporator 108 and the inner wall of the housing of the cassette machine interface 106 is filled with an insulating material to reduce heat exchange between the environment and the evaporator 108. In the machine 100 , the space 137 is filled with an aerogel (not shown). Some machines use other insulating materials, such as an annular belt (such as an air barrier), insulating foam made of various polymers, or fiberglass wool.

The evaporator 108 has an open position (also referred to as a first position) and a closed position (also referred to as a second position). In the open position, the gap 134 is open to provide an air gap between the first portion 128 and the second portion 130. In the machine 100, in the closed position, the first portion 128 and the second portion 130 are pressed together. In some machines, in the closed position, the first and second portions are pressed toward each other and the gap is reduced, but is still defined by a space between the first and second portions.

The inner diameter ID of the evaporator 108 is slightly larger in the open position than in the closed position. When the evaporator 108 is in its open position, a cassette can be inserted into and removed from the evaporator. After inserting a cassette, the evaporator 108 is moved from its open position to its closed position so that the evaporator 108 is pulled tight around the outer diameter of the cassette. For example, the machine 100 is configured to use a container having an outer diameter of 2.085 inches. The evaporator 108 has an inner diameter of 2.115 inches in the open position and an inner diameter of 2.085 inches in the closed position. Some machines have evaporators sized and configured to cool other containers. The container can be formed from commercially available can sizes, for example, having a diameter ranging from 2.080 inches to 2.090 inches. "Slim" cans have diameters ranging from 2.250 inches to 2.400 inches and capacities of 180 milliliters (ml) to 300 ml, "round" cans have diameters ranging from 2.250 inches to 2.400 inches and capacities of 180 ml to 400 ml, and "standard" sized cans have diameters ranging from 2.500 inches to 2.600 inches and capacities of 200 ml to 500 ml. The machine 100 is configured to use a cartridge with an outer diameter of 2.085 inches. The evaporator 108 has an inner diameter of 2.115 inches in its open position and an inner diameter of 2.085 inches in its closed position. Some machines have evaporators sized and configured to cool other cartridges.

The closed position of the evaporator 108 improves heat transfer between the cassette 150 and the evaporator 108 by increasing the contact area between the cassette 150 and the evaporator 108 and reducing or eliminating an air gap between the walls of the cassette 150 and the evaporator 108. In some cassettes, the pressure applied to the cassette by the evaporator 108 is counteracted by mixing blades, pressurized gas, or both within the cassette to maintain the cassette's outer shell shape.

In the evaporator 108, the relative position of the first portion 128 and the second portion 130, and the size of the gap 134 therebetween, are controlled by two rods 138, which are connected by a bolt 140, and two springs 142. Each of the rods 138 has a threaded center hole through which the bolt 140 extends, and two end holes that engage a pin 144. Each of the two springs 142 is positioned around a pin 144 extending between the rods 138. Some machines use other systems to control the size of the gap 134, for example, a circumferential cable system having a cable extending around the outer diameter of the evaporator 108, where the cable is tightened to close the evaporator 108 and released to open the evaporator 108. In other evaporators, there are multiple bolts and end holes, one or more springs, and one or more dowel pins.

One rod 138 is mounted on the first portion 128 of the evaporator 108, and another rod 138 is mounted on the second portion 130 of the evaporator 108. In some evaporators, the rods 138 are integral with the main body of the evaporator 108 rather than mounted thereto. A spring 142 presses the rods 138 away from each other. The spring force biases the first and second portions 128, 130 of the evaporator 108 away from each other through the gap 134. Rotating the bolt 140 in one direction increases the force pushing the rods 138 toward each other, while rotating the bolt in the opposite direction decreases this force. When the force applied by the bolt 140 is greater than the spring force, the rod 138 forces the first and second portions 128, 130 of the evaporator to snap together.

The machine 100 includes an electric motor 146 (shown in FIG. 2B ) operable to rotate the bolt 140 to control the size of the gap 134 . Some machines use other mechanisms to rotate the bolt 140 . For example, some machines (for example) use a mechanical linkage between the cover 112 and the bolt 140 to rotate the bolt 140 when opening and closing the cover 112 . Some machines include a handle that can be attached to the bolt to manually tighten or loosen the bolt. Some machines have a wedging system that forces the lever into a closed position when the machine cover is closed. This method can be used in place of the electric motor 146 or can provide a backup method in the event of motor failure.

The electric motor 146 communicates with and is controlled by the processor 122 of the machine 100. Some electric drives include a torque sensor that transmits torque measurements to the processor 122. For example, when a cassette sensor indicates that a cassette is seated in the receptacle 110 or when the latch sensor 120 indicates that the lid 112 is engaged with the cassette machine interface 106, the processor 122 signals the motor to rotate the bolt 140 in a first direction to press the rod 138 together. It is desirable to close the clamshell vaporizer and hold the cassette in a tightly secured position before the lid is closed and the shaft penetrates the cassette and engages the mixing paddle. This positioning can be important for shaft-mixing paddle engagement. For example, after the food or beverage being produced has been cooled/frozen and dispensed from the machine 100, the processor 122 signals the electric actuator to rotate the bolt 140 in the second direction, thereby opening the evaporator gap 134 and allowing the cassette 150 to be easily removed from the evaporator 108.

The base of the evaporator 108 has three bores 148 (see FIG. 2C ) that are used to mount the evaporator 108 to the floor of the cassette machine interface 106. All three bores 148 extend through the base of the second portion 130 of the evaporator 108. The first portion 128 of the evaporator 108 is not directly attached to the floor of the cassette machine interface 106. This configuration achieves the opening and closing movement described above. Other configurations that achieve the opening and closing movement of the evaporator 108 may also be used. Some machines have more or fewer than three bores 148. Some evaporators are mounted to components other than the floor of the cassette machine interface, for example, a dispensing mechanism.

Many factors influence the performance of a refrigeration system. Important factors include the mass velocity of the refrigerant flowing through the system, the surface area wetted by the refrigerant, the refrigeration process, the area of the heat transfer surface of the cassette/evaporator, the mass of the evaporator, and the thermal conductivity of the heat transfer surface material. Extensive modeling and empirical studies in the development of the prototype system described in this specification have determined that the appropriate selection of the mass velocity of the refrigerant flowing through the system and the refrigerant-wetted surface area are the most important parameters to balance to provide a system capable of freezing desserts up to 10 to 12 ounces in less than 2 minutes.

The evaporator described in this manual has the following characteristics:

The following paragraphs explain the importance of these parameters in more detail.

Mass velocity describes the multiphase nature of the refrigerant flowing through an evaporator. This two-phase process utilizes the high amount of heat absorbed and consumed when a refrigerant fluid (e.g., R-290 propane) changes state from liquid to gas and vice versa. The heat transfer rate depends in part on exposing the interior surfaces of the evaporator to a new liquid refrigerant, causing the liquid ice cream mix to evaporate and cool. To achieve this, the refrigerant fluid velocity must be high enough to transport or flow down the center of the flow paths within the evaporator wall and push the liquid refrigerant through these channels within the wall. An approximate measure of fluid velocity in a refrigeration system is mass velocity, which is the mass flow rate of refrigerant per unit cross-sectional area of flow passage in the system, expressed in pounds per hour-square foot (lb/hr ^ft² ). Velocity measured in feet per second (ft/s) (a more common way to measure "velocity") is difficult to apply to a two-phase system because the velocity (ft/s) changes continuously as the fluid changes phase from liquid to gas. If liquid refrigerant is continuously swept across the evaporator wall, it can be evaporated and new liquid can be pushed onto the cooling channel walls by a vapor "core" flowing down the middle of the channel. At low velocities, the flow separates based on gravity and the liquid remains on the bottom of the cooling channel in the evaporator and the vapor rises to the top side of the cooling channel channel. For example, if the area exposed to the liquid is reduced by half, this can reduce the heat transfer by almost half.

According to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), a mass velocity of 150,000 lb/hr ft^2 maximizes the efficiency of most evaporator flow paths. Mass velocity is one of the parameters that must be balanced to optimize a refrigerant system. The parameters that affect the efficiency of the evaporator are mass flow rate, convective heat transfer coefficient, and pressure drop. The nominal operating pressure of the evaporator is determined by the required temperature of the evaporator and the properties of the refrigerant used in the system. The mass flow rate of the refrigerant through the evaporator must be high enough to allow it to absorb a certain amount of heat energy from the dessert and thus freeze the dessert within a given amount of time. The mass flow rate is primarily determined by the size of the compressor. It is desirable to use the smallest possible compressor to reduce cost, weight, and size. The convective heat transfer coefficient is affected by mass velocity and the wetted surface area of the evaporator. The convective heat transfer coefficient increases with increasing mass velocity. However, the pressure drop also increases with mass velocity. This, in turn, increases the power required to operate the compressor and reduces the mass flow rate that the compressor can deliver. It is desirable to design an evaporator that meets performance targets while using the smallest, least expensive compressor possible. An evaporator with a mass velocity of 75,000 lb/hr ft² to 125,000 lb/hr ft² has been determined to be effective in providing a system capable of freezing up to 12 ounces of dessert in less than 2 minutes. The latest prototype has a mass velocity of approximately 100,000 lb/hr ft^2 and offers a good balance of high mass velocity, manageable pressure drop in the system, and a reasonably sized compressor.

Another important factor affecting an evaporator's performance is the refrigerant-wetted surface area. This surface area is the area of all cooling channels within the evaporator where at least some liquid refrigerant is present throughout the channels. Increasing the wetted surface area can improve an evaporator's heat transfer characteristics. However, increasing the wetted surface area also increases the evaporator's mass, which increases thermal inertia and degrades the evaporator's heat transfer characteristics.

The amount of heat that can be transferred from the liquid in a cassette is proportional to the surface area of the cassette/evaporator heat transfer surface. A larger surface area is desirable, but increasing the surface area may require increasing the mass of the evaporator, which will degrade the evaporator's heat transfer characteristics. It has been determined that an evaporator having a cassette/evaporator heat transfer surface area of between 20 and 40 square inches, combined with other features, effectively helps provide a system capable of freezing up to 12 ounces of dessert in less than 2 minutes.

Thermal conductivity is an inherent property of a material that relates to its ability to conduct heat. Heat transfer due to conduction involves the transfer of energy within a material without any overall motion of the material. An evaporator with walls made of a highly conductive material (e.g., aluminum) reduces the temperature difference across the evaporator wall. Reducing this temperature difference reduces the work required by the refrigeration system to cool the evaporator to the correct temperature.

In order for the desired heat transfer to occur, the evaporator must be cooled. The greater the mass of the evaporator, the longer this cooling will take. Reducing the mass of the evaporator will reduce the amount of material that must be cooled during a freeze cycle. An evaporator with a large mass will increase the time required to freeze desserts up to 12 ounces.

The effects of thermal conductivity and mass can be balanced by choosing the right material. There are materials with higher thermal conductivity than aluminum, such as copper. However, the density of copper is greater than that of aluminum. For this reason, some evaporators are constructed using high-thermal conductivity copper only on the evaporator's heat exchange surfaces and aluminum everywhere else.

Figures 3A through 3F illustrate components of the cassette machine interface 106 operable to open a cassette in the evaporator 108 to dispense food or beverages being produced by the machine 100. This is one example of one method of opening a cassette, but some machines and associated cassettes use other methods.

Figure 3A is a schematic, partially cutaway view of the cassette machine interface 106, with a cassette 150 positioned within the evaporator 108. Figure 3B is a schematic, plan view, viewed from above, showing the relationship between the end of the cassette 150 and the base plate 152 of the cassette machine interface 106. The base plate 152 of the cassette machine interface 106 is formed by a dispenser 153. Figures 3C and 3D are perspective views of the dispenser 153. Figures 3E and 3F are perspective views of an insert 154 positioned within the dispenser 153. The insert 154 includes an electric motor 146 operable to drive a cogwheel 157 of the base plate 152 of the cassette machine interface 106. Gear 157 engages with a gear 159 having an annular configuration. An annular member 161, mounted on gear 159, extends from gear 159 into an interior area of cassette machine interface 106. Annular member 161 has protrusions 163 configured to engage a cassette inserted into cassette machine interface 106 to open the cassette. Protrusions 163 of annular member 161 are four pin-shaped protrusions. Some annular gears have more or fewer protrusions, and the protrusions may have other shapes, such as teeth.

The cassette 150 includes a body 158 containing a mixing paddle 160 (see FIG. 3A ). The cassette 150 also has a base 162 defining an opening 164 extending across the base 162 and a cap 166 (see FIG. 3B ). The base 162 is attached to/secured to the body 158 of the cassette 150. The base 162 includes a protrusion 165. The cap 166, mounted above the base 162, is rotatable about the circumference/axis of the cassette 150. In use, when the product is ready to be dispensed from the cassette 150, the dispenser 153 of the machine engages the cap 166 and rotates it about the first end of the cassette 150. The cap 166 is rotated to a position to engage and then the tab 165 is separated from the rest of the base 162. The cassette 150 and its components are described in more detail with respect to Figures 6A to 10.

The opening 164 in the base 162 is opened by rotating the cap 166. The cassette machine interface 106 includes an electric motor 146 having threads that engage the outer circumference of a gear 168. Operation of the electric motor 146 causes the gear 168 to rotate. The gear 168 is attached to an annular member 161, and the rotation of the gear 168 causes the annular member 161 to rotate. The gear 168 and the annular member 161 are both annular and together define a central bore through which food or beverages can be dispensed from the cassette 150 through the opening 164 without contacting the gear 168 or the annular member 161. When the cassette 150 is placed in the evaporator 108, the annular member 161 engages the cap 166 and the rotation of the annular member 161 causes the cap 166 to rotate.

FIG4 is a schematic diagram of a refrigeration system 109 including an evaporator 108. The refrigeration system also includes a condenser 180, a suction line heat exchanger 182, an expansion valve 184, and a compressor 186. High-pressure liquid refrigerant flows from the condenser 180 through the suction line heat exchanger 182 and the expansion valve 184 to the evaporator 108. When the liquid refrigerant leaves the expansion valve 184, the expansion valve 184 restricts the flow of liquid refrigerant and reduces the pressure of the liquid refrigerant. The low-pressure liquid then moves to evaporator 108, where heat absorbed from a cassette 150 and its contents in evaporator 108 changes the refrigerant from a liquid to a gas. The vapor-phase refrigerant flows from evaporator 108 through suction line heat exchanger 182 to compressor 186. In suction line heat exchanger 182, the cold vapor leaving evaporator 108 pre-cools the liquid leaving condenser 180. The refrigerant enters compressor 186 as a low-pressure gas and leaves compressor 186 as a high-pressure gas. The gas then flows to condenser 180, where heat exchange cools the refrigerant and condenses it into a liquid.

Refrigeration system 109 includes a first bypass line 188 and a second bypass line 190. First bypass line 188 directly connects the discharge port of compressor 186 to the inlet of compressor 186. Bypass valves are disposed on both the first bypass line and the second bypass line, which open and close the passage to allow refrigerant to bypass the flow. Diverting refrigerant directly from the compressor discharge port to the inlet provides evaporator defrost and temperature control without injecting hot gas into the evaporator. First bypass line 188 also provides a means for rapid pressure equalization across compressor 186, which allows for rapid restart (e.g., rapid succession of freezer boxes). The second bypass line 190 enables warm air to be applied to the evaporator 108 to defrost the evaporator 108. For example, the bypass valve may be a solenoid valve or a throttling valve.

Figures 5A and 5B are views of a prototype of a condenser 180. The condenser has internal channels 192. Internal channels 192 increase the surface area for interaction with the refrigerant, thereby rapidly cooling the refrigerant. These images show microchannel tubes, which are used because they have small channels that maintain refrigerant velocity, thin walls for good heat transfer, and low mass to prevent the condenser from becoming a heat sink.

Figures 6A and 6B show an example of a cassette 150 for use with the machine 100 described with respect to Figures 1A through 3F. Figure 6A is a side view of the cassette 150. Figure 6B is a schematic side view of the cassette 150 and a mixing paddle 160 disposed within the body 158 of the cassette 150.

The container 150 is sized to fit within the receptacle 110 of the machine 100. The container can be sized to provide a single serving of the food or beverage being produced. Typically, containers have a capacity between 6 and 18 fluid ounces. The container 150 has a capacity of approximately 8.5 fluid ounces.

The main body 158 of the container 150 serves as a container for the mixing paddle 160. The main body 158 extends from a first end 210 at the base to a second end 212 and has a circular cross-section. The first end 210 has a diameter D _UE that is slightly larger than the diameter D _LE of the second end 212. This configuration facilitates stacking multiple containers 150 on top of each other, with the first end 210 of one container receiving the second end 212 of another container.

A wall 214 connects the first end 210 to the second end 212. The wall 214 has a first neck 216, a second neck 218, and a barrel 220 between the first and second necks 216, 218. The barrel 220 has a circular cross-section with a diameter _DB . Diameter _DB is larger than both the diameter D _UE of the first end 210 and the diameter D _LE of the second end 212. The first neck 216 connects the barrel 220 to the first end 210 and tilts as the first neck 216 extends from the smaller diameter D _UE of the barrel 220 to the larger diameter _DB . The second neck 218 connects the barrel 220 to the second end 212 and slopes as the second neck 218 extends from a larger diameter _DB of the barrel 220 to a smaller diameter D _LE of the second end 212. Because the second end 212 has a smaller diameter than the first end 210, the second neck 218 slopes more steeply than the first neck 216.

This configuration of the box 150 provides for increased material usage; that is, the ability to use more base material (e.g., aluminum) per box. This configuration further contributes to the box's columnar strength.

The box 150 is designed for good heat transfer from the evaporator to the box's contents. The main body 158 of the box 150 is made of aluminum and has a thickness between 5 and 50 microns. Some boxes have main bodies made of other materials, such as tin, stainless steel, and various polymers such as polyethylene terephthalate (PTE).

The box 150 can be made from a combination of different materials to aid in the manufacturability and performance of the box. In one embodiment, the box walls and second end 212 can be made from aluminum 3104 and the base can be made from aluminum 5182.

In some boxes, the interior components of the box are coated with a lacquer that protects the box from corrosion when it comes into contact with the contents. This lacquer also reduces the potential for metallic "off notes" in the food and beverage contents. For example, a box made of aluminum may be coated internally with one or a combination of the following coatings: Sherwin Williams/Valspar V70Q11, V70Q05, 32SO2AD, 40Q60AJ; PPG Innovel 2012-823, 2012-820C; and/or Akzo Nobel Aqualure G1 50. Other coatings from the same or other coating manufacturers may also be used.

Some hybrid blades are made from similar aluminum alloys and coated with similar paints/coatings. For example, Whitford/PPG coating 8870 can be used as one of the coatings on hybrid blades. Hybrid blade paints may have additional non-stick and hardening benefits specific to hybrid blades.

Other bin machine interfaces that may be used with this and similar machines are described in more detail in U.S. Patent Application No. 16/459,322 (Attorney Docket No. 47354-0010001), filed concurrently with this application and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

7A-7C illustrate the engagement between the drive shaft 126 of the machine 100 and the mixing impeller 160 of a cassette 150 inserted into the machine 100. FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B are perspective views of the cassette 150 and the drive shaft 126. In use, the cassette 150 is inserted into the receptacle 110 of the evaporator 108 with the first end 210 of the cassette 150 facing downward. This orientation exposes the second end 212 of the cassette 150 to the drive shaft 126, as shown in FIG. 7A. Closing the lid 112 (see FIG. 1A ) presses the drive shaft 126 against the second end 212 of the cassette 150 with sufficient force to cause the drive shaft 126 to penetrate the second end 212 of the cassette 150. FIG. 7B shows the resulting hole (also referred to as the first opening) exposing the mixing paddle 160, wherein the drive shaft 126 is deflected for easier visualization. FIG. 7C is a cross-section of a portion of the cassette 150, with the drive shaft 126 engaged with the mixing paddle 160 after the lid is closed. Typically, there is no tight seal between the drive shaft 126 and the cassette 150, allowing air to flow in as the frozen confection is expelled/dispensed from the other end of the cassette 150. In an alternative embodiment, there is a tight seal so that the box 150 retains pressure to enhance the contact between the box 150 and the evaporator 108.

Some mixing paddles include a funnel or receptacle configuration that receives the pierced end of the second end of the cassette when the second end is pierced by the drive shaft.

FIG8 shows the first end 210 of the cassette 150, with the cap 166 separated from the base 162 for easier viewing. FIG9A through FIG9D illustrate the cap 166 being rotated about the first end 210 of the cassette 150 to cut and remove the protrusion 165 of the base 162 and expose the aperture 164 (also referred to as the second opening) extending through the base 162.

The base 162 is manufactured separately from the main body 158 of the cassette 150 and then attached (e.g., by pressing or bonding) to the main body 158 of the cassette 150 so as to cover an open end of the main body 158. For example, the protrusion 165 of the base can be formed by stamping, deep drawing, or forging an aluminum plate used to form the base 162. For example, the protrusion 165 is attached to the remaining portion of the base 162 by a weakened score line 173. The score can be a vertical score into the base of the aluminum plate or a horizontal score into the wall of the protrusion 165. For example, the material can be scored from an initial thickness of 0.008 to 0.010 inches to a post-scoring thickness of 0.001 to 0.008 inches. In an alternative embodiment, there is no post-punching score, but rather the wall is intentionally thinned for easier rupture. In another version, there is no variable wall thickness, but rather the combined force of the cap 166 engaging the machine dispensing mechanism is sufficient to cut a wall thickness of 0.008 to 0.010 inches on the protrusion 165. With the score, the protrusion 165 can be lifted and cut from the base 162 with a force of 5 to 75 pounds (for example, between 15 and 40 pounds).

Cap 166 has a first orifice 222 and a second orifice 224. The first orifice generally matches the shape of orifice 164. When tab 165 is removed, orifice 164 is exposed and extends through base 162. Second orifice 224 has a shape corresponding to two overlapping circles. One of the overlapping circles has a shape corresponding to that of tab 165, and the other is slightly smaller. A ramp 226 extends between the outer edges of the two overlapping circles. There is an additional 0.020" of material thickness at the top of the ramp transition. This additional height helps lift and break the tip of the tab during rotation of the cap, opening the orifice, as described in more detail with reference to Figures 9A through 9G.

9A and 9B , cap 166 is initially attached to base 162 with protrusion 165 aligned with and extending through the larger of the overlapping circles of second opening 224. When the machine's processor 122 activates electric motor 146 to rotate gear 168 and annular member 161, the rotation of cap 166 causes ramp 226 to slide under a lip of protrusion 165, as shown in FIG9C and 9D . Continued rotation of the cap 166 applies a lifting force that separates the protrusion 165 from the remaining portion of the base 162 (see Figures 9E-9G), and then aligns the first opening 222 of the cap 166 with the opening 164 in the base 162 created by the removal of the protrusion 165.

Some cassettes include a structure for retaining the protrusion 165 after separating the protrusion 165 from the base 162. In cassette 150, the protrusion 165 has a head 167, a stem 169, and a foot 171 (best seen in FIG. 9G ). The stem 169 extends between the head 167 and the foot 171 and has a smaller cross-section than the head 167 and the foot 171. When the cap 166 is rotated to separate the protrusion 165 from the remaining portion of the base 162, the cap 166 presses laterally against the stem 169, with the head 167 and the foot 171 holding the protrusion 165 along the edges of the overlapping circles of the second opening 224. This configuration retains the protrusion 165 when it is separated from the base 162. This configuration reduces the likelihood of the protrusion 165 falling into the waiting receptacle when the protrusion 165 is removed from the base.

Some cassettes include other methods for separating the protrusion 165 from the remainder of the base 162. For example, in some cassettes, the base has a rotatable cutting mechanism riveted to the base. The rotatable cutting mechanism has a shape similar to that described with respect to cap 166, but this time it is riveted to and within the perimeter of the base 162, rather than mounted above and around the base 162. When the refrigeration cycle is complete, the machine's handler 122 activates one of the machine's arms to rotate the riveted cutting mechanism around a rivet. During this rotation, the cutting mechanism engages, cuts, and removes the protrusion 165, leaving the opening 164 of the base 162 in place.

In another example, some cassettes have a cap with a sliding knife that moves across the base to remove the protrusions. The sliding knife is activated by the machine and, when triggered by the controller, slides across the base to separate, remove, and collect the protrusions 165. Cap 166 has a shear feature that, when activated by the machine, slides directly across and over base 162. Cap 166 engages, cuts, and removes the protrusions 165. In another embodiment, the shear feature may be centrally located in the machine rather than in cap 166 of cassette 150. In another embodiment, the shear feature may be mounted as a component within base 162 rather than as a disposable, mounted component like cap 166.

Some cassettes have a dispensing mechanism that includes a pop-up top that can be engaged and released by a machine. When the refrigeration cycle is complete, an arm of the machine engages and lifts a tab of the cassette, thereby depressing and piercing the base and forming an orifice in the base. The refrigerated or frozen product is dispensed through the orifice. During dispensing, the pierced surface of the base remains hinged to the base and retained within the cassette. Mixing is performed away from or over the pierced surface, or, in another embodiment, allows the mixing paddle to continue rotating unimpeded. In some pop-up tops, the arm of the machine separates the pierced surface from the base.

Figure 10 is an enlarged schematic side view of cassette 150. The mixing paddle 160 includes a central stem 228 and two blades 230 extending from the central stem 228. The blades 230 are spiral blades shaped to agitate the contents of the cassette 150 and remove components adhered to the inner surface of the main body 158 of the cassette 150. Some mixing paddles have a single blade, and some have two or more mixing paddles.

As the mixing paddle 160 rotates, fluid (e.g., liquid ingredients, air, or frozen confectionery) flows through openings 232 in the blades 230. These openings reduce the force required to rotate the mixing paddle 160. This reduction can be significant as the viscosity of the ingredients increases (e.g., when ice cream is being formed). The openings 232 also aid in mixing and aerating the ingredients within the container.

The transverse edges of the blades 230 define slots 234. As the mixing paddle 160 rotates, the slots 234 are offset so that a majority of the interior surface of the body 158 is cleared of components adhering to the interior surface of the body by one of the blades 230. Although the mixing paddle 160 is wider than the first end 210 of the body 158 of the cassette 150, the slots 234 are alternating slots that facilitate insertion of the mixing paddle 160 into the body 158 of the cassette 150 by rotating the mixing paddle 160 during insertion so that the slots 234 align with the first end 210. In another embodiment, the outer diameter of the mixing paddle is smaller than the diameter of the opening of the cassette 150, thereby allowing direct insertion into one of the cassettes 150 (without rotation). In another embodiment, one blade on the mixing paddle has an outer diameter wider than the diameter of the second blade, thereby allowing direct insertion (without rotation) into the cassette 150. In this mixing paddle configuration, one blade is intended to remove (e.g., scrape) ingredients from the sidewalls while the second, shorter diameter blade is intended to perform more of an agitating action.

Some mixing paddles have one or more blades hinged to a central stem. During insertion, the blades can be hinged into a compressed configuration and released into an expanded configuration once inserted. Some hinged blades are fixedly open when rotated in a first direction and foldable when rotated in a second direction opposite the first direction. Once inside the cassette, some hinged blades lock in a fixed outward position regardless of rotation direction. Some hinged blades are manually retracted, extended, and locked.

The mixing paddle 160 rotates clockwise and removes the accumulation of frozen confectionery from the cassette wall 214. Gravity forces the confectionery removed from the cassette wall to fall toward the first end 210. In a counterclockwise direction, the mixing paddle 160 rotates toward the second end 212, lifting and agitating the ingredients. When the paddle changes direction and rotates clockwise, the ingredients are pushed toward the first end 210. When the protrusion 165 of the base 162 is removed (as shown and explained with respect to Figure 9D), the clockwise rotation of the mixing paddle dispenses the processed food or beverage from the cassette 150 through the orifice 164. Some paddles mix and dispense the contents of the cassette by rotating in a first direction. Certain paddles mix by moving in a first direction and in a second direction and dispense by moving in the second direction when the cassette is opened.

The central stem 228 defines a recess 236 sized to receive the drive shaft 126 of the machine 100. The recess and drive shaft 126 have a square cross-section, allowing the drive shaft 126 and mixing paddle 160 to be rotationally constrained. When the motor rotates the drive shaft 126, the drive shaft rotates the mixing paddle 160. In some embodiments, the cross-section of the drive shaft is a different shape that compatibly shapes the cross-section of the recess. In some cases, the drive shaft is threadably connected to the recess. In some cassettes, the recess contains a mating structure that grips the drive shaft to rotationally couple it to the paddle.

FIG11 is a flow chart of a method 250 implemented on processor 122 for operating machine 100. Method 250 is described with reference to refrigeration system 109 and machine 100. Method 250 may also be used with other refrigeration systems and machines. Method 250 is described for producing soft serve ice cream, but may also be used to make other chilled or frozen beverages and foods.

The first step in method 250 is to turn on machine 100 (step 260) and the compressor 186 and fan associated with condenser 180 (step 262). Refrigeration system 109 then idles at a regulated temperature (step 264). In method 250, the evaporator 108 temperature is controlled to maintain approximately 0.75°C, but can fluctuate by ±0.25°C. Some machines operate at other idle temperatures, for example, from 0.75°C to room temperature (22.0°C). If the evaporator temperature is below 0.5°C, processor 122 opens bypass valve 190 to increase system heat (step 266). When the evaporator temperature rises by more than 1°C, the bypass valve 190 is closed to cool the evaporator (step 268). The machine 100 can then be operated from an idle state to produce ice cream (step 270) or shut down (step 272).

After inserting a cassette, the user presses the start button. When the user presses the start button, the bypass valve 190 closes, the evaporator 108 moves to its closed position, and the motor 124 is turned on (step 274). In some machines, a motor is used to electronically close the evaporator. In some machines, the evaporator is closed mechanically, for example, by moving a lid from an open position to a closed position. In some systems, a sensor confirms the presence of a cassette 150 in the evaporator 108 before taking these actions.

Some systems include radio frequency identification (RFID) tags or other smart barcodes, such as UPC strips or QR codes. The identification information on the cassette can be used to trigger specific cooling and mixing algorithms for that particular cassette. These systems can read the RFID, QR code, or barcode as appropriate and identify the hybrid motor speed profile and hybrid motor torque threshold (step 273).

Identification information can also be used to facilitate direct-to-consumer marketing (e.g., via the internet or using a subscription model). Because the boxes are shelf-stable, the method and system described herein can be used to sell ice cream via e-commerce. In a subscription model, consumers pay a monthly fee for a predetermined number of boxes to be shipped to them. Consumers can choose their personalized box from a variety of categories (e.g., ice cream, healthy smoothie, frozen coffee, or frozen cocktail) as well as their personalized flavor (e.g., chocolate or vanilla).

Identification can also be used to track every box used. In some systems, the machine is connected to a network and can be configured to notify a supplier of which boxes are being used and need to be replaced (for example, through a weekly shipment). This approach is more efficient than having consumers go to the grocery store to purchase boxes.

These actions cool the bin 150 in the evaporator 108 while rotating the mixing paddle 160. As the ice cream forms, the viscosity of the contents of the bin 150 increases. A torque sensor in the machine measures the torque of the motor 124 required to rotate the mixing paddle 160 in the bin 150. Once the torque of the motor 124 measured by the torque sensor meets a predetermined threshold, the machine 100 moves into a dispensing mode (276). The dispensing port opens and the motor 124 reverses direction (step 278) to press the frozen confection out of the bin 150. This lasts for approximately 1 to 10 seconds to dispense the contents of the bin 150 (step 280). The machine 100 then switches to defrost mode (step 282). Frost accumulation on the evaporator 108 can reduce the efficiency of heat transfer from the evaporator 108. Furthermore, the evaporator 108 may be frozen to the cassette 150, the first and second portions 128, 130 of the evaporator may be frozen together, and/or the cassette may be frozen to the evaporator. These issues can be avoided by defrosting the evaporator between cycles by opening the bypass valve 190, turning on the evaporator 108, and shutting off the motor 124 (step 282). The machine then defrosts the evaporator by diverting the gas flow through the bypass valve for approximately 1 to 10 seconds (step 284). The machine is programmed to defrost after each cycle unless a thermocouple reports that the evaporator 108 is above freezing. The cassette can then be removed. The machine 100 then returns to idle mode (step 264). In some machines, a thermometer measures the temperature of the contents of the cassette 150 and identifies when the contents of the cassette are to be dispensed. In some machines, the dispensing mode begins when a predetermined time is reached. In some machines, a combination of the torque required to rotate the mixing paddle, the cassette temperature, and/or the time determines when the contents of the cassette are to be dispensed.

If the idle time expires, the machine 100 automatically shuts down (step 272). A user can also shut down the machine 100 by pressing the power button (286). When the power is turned off, the processor opens the bypass valve 190 to equalize the pressure across the valve (step 288). The machine 100 waits ten seconds (step 290) and then shuts down the compressor 186 and the fan (step 292). The machine then shuts down.

Figures 12A to 12D are perspective views of a machine 300. Machine 300 is substantially similar to machine 100, but has a different mechanism for opening lid 112 to insert a cassette 150 and connecting the drive shaft of machine 300 to cassette 150.

FIG12A shows the machine 300 with the lid 112 in its closed position. In this position, a handle 302 is flush with the lid 112. FIG12B shows the handle 302 raised to an intermediate position. In this position, the lid 112 still covers the evaporator 108, but as explained in more detail with respect to FIG13A and FIG13B, the drive shaft 126 is slightly raised.

The auxiliary cover 115 of the machine 300 slides back into the housing 104, rather than pivoting like the auxiliary cover 115 of the machine 100. FIG12C shows that when the handle 302 is further lifted, the handle 302 lifts the lid 112 to an open position, where the auxiliary cover 115 begins to slide back under the housing 104. FIG12D shows the auxiliary cover 115 fully retracted into the housing 104, leaving space for the handle 302 and lid 112 to hinge back far enough to allow a cassette 150 to be inserted into the evaporator 108.

Figures 13A and 13B are partial cross-sectional views of the machine 300 illustrating the insertion of a drive shaft 304 into the interior area of the evaporator 108. The drive shaft 304 is attached to the handle 302. As shown in Figure 13A, when the handle 302 is in its neutral position, the drive shaft 304 is proximate to but spaced from the cassette 150. Moving the handle 302 to its closed position forces the drive shaft 304 through the second end of the cassette 150 to engage an internal mixing paddle.

Figure 14 is a partially cutaway perspective view of the drive shaft 304. The drive shaft 304 includes teeth 306, a locking section 308, and a flange 310. When the handle 302 is moved to its closed position, forcing the drive shaft 304 through the second end 212 of the cassette 150, the teeth 306 cut through the second end 212 of the cassette 150. In some systems, a sharp edge without teeth is used.

The locking section 308 is received in a bore in the mixing paddle 160. The bore in the mixing paddle 160 and the locking section 308 of the drive shaft 304 have matching shapes, so rotation of the drive shaft 304 causes rotation of the mixing paddle 160. The drive shaft 304 has a locking section 308 with a square cross-section. Some drive shafts have locking sections with other shapes (e.g., hexagonal or octagonal cross-sections). A flange 310 of the drive shaft 304 is attached to the handle 302. A central bore 312 extends through the drive shaft 304. When the drive shaft 304 is inserted into a cassette 150, the central bore 312 of the drive shaft 304 allows air to flow into the cassette 150 as the refrigerated food or beverage is discharged/dispensed from the other end of the cassette 150. Some drive shafts are made of solid material.

In some machines, the drive shaft 304 is configured so that the piercing/distal end of the drive shaft 304 is wider in diameter than the center portion of the drive shaft 304, resulting in a hole formed in the aluminum cartridge that is wider in diameter than the center portion of the drive shaft 304. This configuration reduces the likelihood that the center portion of the drive shaft will contact the cartridge during rotation. Additionally, the drive shaft 304 may be coated with a self-cleaning and/or hydrophobic coating that reduces the amount of cartridge components that adhere to the drive shaft 304.

FIG15 is a perspective view of the dispenser 153 of the machine 300. The protrusion 163 of the annular member 161 is rectangular rather than pin-shaped. Dispenser 153 is otherwise substantially the same as dispenser 153 of the machine 100.

In addition to machine 100, some machines also implement other approaches to the cassette machine interface. For example, some machines have a cassette machine interface that can be moved relative to the main body of the machine to expose the receptacle defined by the evaporator. A loading system can control the position of the cassette machine interface relative to the main body of the machine. In some of these machines, the lid is fixed in position relative to the main body of the machine.

Figures 16A and 16B are schematic side views of a loading system 320 used to move the cassette machine interface 106 while keeping the lid 112 fixed in position relative to the main body of the machine. In some loading systems, the lid rotates away from the cassette machine interface and the evaporator rotates away from the lid. Figure 16A shows the loading system 320 in its open position, while Figure 16B shows the loading system 320 in its closed position. For ease of viewing, the loading system 320 is shown independent of the rest of the associated machine.

The loading system 320 includes a handle 322, which is part of a three-link linkage attached to the bin machine interface 106. A second link 324 extends between the handle 322 and a support link 326 and is pivotally attached to the handle and the support link. The handle 322 and the linkage's support link 326 both pivot about pins mounted on the housing. The support link 326 is pivotally attached to the second link 324. The support link 326 is also pivotally mounted to the housing at a pin 328.

The cassette machine interface 106 is mounted on support rods 326. Raising and lowering the handle 322 moves the cassette machine interface 106 between its open position (as shown in FIG. 16A ) and its closed position (as shown in FIG. 16B ).

Figures 17A, 17B, and 17C show a loading system 330 in its closed position, its transition position, and its open position, respectively. In the transition position, the machine's drive shaft 126 is separated from the cassette machine interface 106 before pivoting the cassette machine interface 106.

The loading system 330 includes a handle 332, which is part of a three-link linkage attached to the pod machine interface 106. A support rod 334 extends between the handle 332 and the pod machine interface 106 and is pivotally attached thereto. Both the handle 332 and the support rod 334 have a generally L-shaped configuration. A third rod 336 is pivotally attached to the support rod 334. Both the handle 332 and the third rod 336 of the linkage pivot about a pin 323 mounted on the housing.

The cassette machine interface 106 includes an extension 338 having a pin 340 that rides along a guide rail 342. The guide rail 342 causes the cassette machine interface 106 to pivot when the handle is raised and lowered.

When the loader system 330 is in its closed position ( FIG. 17A ), raising the handle 332 without rotating it lowers the cassette robot interface 106 until the loader system 330 is in its neutral position ( FIG. 17B ). Continued raising of the handle 332 drives the pin 340 of the extension 338 along the guide rail 342 , thereby lowering and rotating the cassette robot interface 106 to facilitate insertion or removal of a cassette.

Figures 18A through 18C are schematic perspective, cross-sectional, and top views of a cassette machine interface 350 having an evaporator 352 receiving a cassette 354. The cassette machine interface 350 has a bore 355 for hingedly attaching the cassette machine interface 350 to the body of a machine for rapidly cooling food or beverages. The drive shaft 126 is the only component of the machine shown.

Evaporator 352 is in its closed position, thereby holding cassette 354. Drive shaft 126 engages cassette 150 to rotate mixing paddle 356. Mixing paddle 356 is a three-bladed paddle having blades with a large opening adjacent to a stem 358 of paddle 356. The angle of inclination of blade 360 relative to a plane extending along an axis of cassette 354 varies with distance from the end of cassette 354. The outer edge of blade 360 defines a slot that receives an edge of cassette 354 during assembly.

The cassette machine interface 350 includes a housing 361 having a ledge 362 and a wall 364 extending upward from the ledge 362. The ledge 362 and wall 364 guide and support a refrigerant fluid line (not shown) attached to the evaporator 352. The fluid line extends from a recess 366 defined in the wall 364 to an inlet port 368 and an outlet port 369 of the evaporator 352 on the side of the evaporator 352 opposite the recess 366. Because a first portion 370 of the evaporator 352 and a second portion 372 of the evaporator 352 define two separate flow paths, the evaporator 352 has two inlet ports 368 and two outlet ports 369 (labeled in Figures 18B and 18C).

The evaporator 352 is positioned within the cassette machine interface 350 such that an annular space 374 is defined between the outer wall of the evaporator 352 and the inner wall of the outer shell of the cassette machine interface 350. The annular space 374 is filled with an insulating material to reduce heat exchange between the environment and the evaporator 108. In the cassette machine interface 350, the annular space 374 is filled with an aerogel (not shown). Some machines use other insulating materials, such as an annular belt (such as an air barrier), insulating foam made of various polymers, or fiberglass wool.

Figures 19A-19C illustrate a wedging system 400 associated with a cassette machine interface 350 that uses a cover 402 to clamp an evaporator 352 around a cassette 354. Figures 19A and 19B are schematic perspective and side views, respectively, of the cassette machine interface 350, with the cover 402 spaced apart from the evaporator. For example, this position may be the functional equivalent of the intermediate position shown in Figure 17B. Figure 19C is a schematic side view of the cassette machine interface 350 with the cover 402 engaged in the closed position.

Each side of the evaporator 352 has a manifold 404 that connects a channel inside the wall of the evaporator 352 to the inlet port 368 and the outlet port 369. The manifold 404 has a sloped portion 406 near the inlet port 368 and the outlet port 369. The lid 402 has a wedge 408 on the side facing the evaporator 352. The wedge 408 has a flat surface 410 and a sloped surface 412. When the cassette machine interface 350 engages the lid 402 (e.g., by moving the lid toward a fixed-position evaporator or by moving an evaporator toward a fixed-position lid), the wedge 408 on the lid 402 contacts the sloped portion 406 of the manifold 404. The movement applies force to the inclined portion 406 of the manifold 404 on the evaporator and clamps the first portion 370 and second portion 372 of the evaporator 352 around the cassette 354 to achieve a tight fit. The latch maintains this tight fit by closing the lid 402.

The loading mechanism described previously receives a cassette by inserting it into a receptacle from the top of the cassette machine interface. Some machines load cassettes from the bottom of the cassette machine interface.

Figures 20A through 20D are perspective views of a machine 420 incorporating an elevator platform 424 into a loading system 422. A cassette 426 is placed on the elevator platform 424 (Figure 20A). The loading system includes a handle 428, which is pulled downward to raise the elevator platform 424 (Figure 20B). After the elevator platform 424 closes the evaporator (not shown), with the cassette 426 inside, the machine 420 is operated to cool and mix the ingredients in the cassette 426 (Figure 20C). After production, the food or beverage is dispensed from the machine 420 (Figure 20D). Although the lift platform 424 is controlled by handles 428, some machines use other systems (for example, an electric motor) to move the lift platform 424.

Figures 21A and 21B are schematic side views of one embodiment of a loading system 422. In this embodiment, a lift platform 424 is mounted on and slides along rails 430. A handle 428 is attached to the lift platform 424 as part of a four-bar linkage. A second link 434 of the linkage extends between the handle 428 and a third link 436 of the linkage and is pivotally attached to the handle and the third link. A third link 436 of the linkage extends between the second link 434 and a fourth link 438 of the linkage and is pivotally attached to the second and fourth links. A fourth link 438 of the linkage extends between the third link 436 of the linkage and the lift platform 424 and is pivotally attached to the third link and the lift platform. Both the handle 428 and the third link 436 of the linkage pivot about a pin 432 mounted on the housing of the cassette machine interface. Pushing downward on the handle 428 raises the lift platform 424, and pulling upward on the handle 428 lowers the lift platform 424.

Figures 22A and 22B are schematic side views of another embodiment of a loading system 422. A lift platform 424 is mounted on and slides along rails 430. In this embodiment, a handle 428 is attached to the lift platform 424 as part of a three-link linkage. A second link 440 of the linkage extends between the handle 428 and the lift platform 424 and is pivotally attached to the handle and the lift platform. A third link 442 of the linkage extends between the pin 432 and the second link 440 and is pivotally attached to the pin and the second link. The handle 428 and the third link 442 of the linkage both pivot around a pin 432 mounted on the housing of the pod machine interface. Pushing downward on the handle 428 raises the lift platform 424, and pulling upward on the handle 428 lowers it.

Figures 23A and 23B are perspective views of a machine 450 substantially similar to the machine 100 shown in Figure 1 . Machine 450 is shown with (Figure 23A) and without (Figure 23B) a housing 452. Machine 450 is a prototype that has demonstrated the ability to freeze a room-temperature container in less than 90 seconds. In machine 450, a motor 454 for rotating the mixing paddles is mounted on the container machine interface 456 rather than within the main body of machine 450. This configuration provides a less complex mechanical connection between the motor and the drive shaft than that used in machine 100. However, machines with this configuration tend to have a greater overall height than machines similar to machine 100.

Figures 24A and 24B are front and rear perspective views of a machine 460, showing the internal components of the machine 460 without its housing. The housing may be similar to housing 104 shown in Figure 1A or housing 452 shown in Figure 28A. Machine 460 is substantially similar to machines 100 and 450. Machine 460 has a motor 462 housed in the body of the machine, rather than in the cover of machine 460. A belt 464 connects motor 462 to a drive shaft 466. Machine 460 also includes a compressor 468.

FIG25A is a schematic diagram of a machine 470 having three evaporators. FIG25B is a flow diagram of a refrigeration cycle 472 for machine 470. Machine 470 is shown with evaporator 352, which is described in more detail with respect to FIG18A through FIG18C. Some multi-evaporator machines use other evaporators, for example, evaporator 108, which is described with respect to FIG2A through FIG2D. Other evaporators that can be used with this and other machines are described in more detail in U.S. Patent Application No. 16/459,388 (Attorney Docket No. 47354-0006001), filed concurrently with the present application and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Some multi-evaporator machines have more or fewer evaporators than machine 470. The three evaporators 352 of refrigeration cycle 472 of machine 470 are connected in series with a compressor 186 and a condenser 180. Each evaporator 352 can be operated independently of the other evaporators.

Figures 26A and 26B illustrate a schematic diagram of a system 480 for producing a refrigerated or chilled beverage or food product using a refrigeration system in a freezer 482. System 480 can also be incorporated into a freezer. System 480 provides a fluid connection between the condenser coil 484 and compressor 485 of the freezer 482 and an evaporator 486 housed in the door 488 of the freezer 482. A user inserts a cassette into the evaporator 486 within the freezer 482. A dispensing mechanism 490 is integrated with the door, allowing the user to press a lever with a cup or bowl to dispense the frozen or chilled beverage or food product once the contents of the cassette are frozen.

Figures 27A through 27C are perspective and cross-sectional views of a lid 520 having an extendable drive shaft 522. The lid 520 is configured so that rotation of a handle about an axis of the drive shaft 522 causes the drive shaft to move toward and away from a cassette. For ease of illustration, the movement of the drive shaft is described as vertically upward or downward relative to the orientation of the illustrated system. However, translational motion of the drive shaft depends on the orientation of the system and is not necessarily vertical.

Cover 520 includes an assembly of a system 524 for extending or retracting a drive shaft 522. A portion of drive shaft 522 includes threads 525 on an outer surface. An annular member 526 defines a central bore and a recess 528. Annular member 526 receives drive shaft 522 within the central bore. Drive shaft 522 is rotationally coupled to annular member 526 but is free to translate relative to annular member 526 along an axis of the central bore.

The annular member 526 is received in an inner assembly 533 of a gear 532. The inner assembly 533 has inwardly extending teeth (best seen in FIG. 27A ). The teeth of the inner assembly 533 are adjacent to the recess 528 defined by the annular member. The inner assembly 533 also has internal threads 535 that engage the outer threads 525 of the drive shaft 522. The gear 532 is connected to a motor (not shown) via a drive belt (not shown).

A lock 530 is hingedly mounted in recess 528. Lock 530 is biased toward the locked position shown in FIG. 27C by a spring (not shown). Some locks are made of a resilient material so that the shape of the resilient material biases the lock toward its locked position. System 524 also includes a solenoid 534 having a rod 536 aligned with lock 530. The solenoid is mounted to other components of the machine and secured in place. Solenoid 534 is energized and de-energized by a power source. When energized, solenoid 534 extends rod 536 into recess 528 of annular member 526 to move lock 530 from its locked position (see FIG. 27C ) to its unlocked position (see FIG. 27B ).

In its locked position, lock 530 engages the gears of inner assembly 533, causing rotation of gear 532 to rotate annular member 526 and drive shaft 522. In the absence of relative motion between drive shaft 522 and inner assembly 533 of gear 532, rotation of gear 532 does apply an upward or downward force to the drive shaft. Instead, if a cassette is engaged, rotation of gear 532 rotates annular member 526 and drive shaft 522, and rotation of drive shaft 522 rotates the mixing paddles.

In its unlocked position, lock 530 is disengaged from the teeth of inner assembly 533 by lever 536. Lever 536 prevents inner assembly 533 and the drive shaft from rotating. Due to the engagement between the internal threads 535 of inner assembly 533 and the external threads 525 of drive shaft 522, rotation of inner assembly 533 applies an upward or downward force on the drive shaft, depending on the direction of rotation.

Figures 28A-28C illustrate a drive shaft 540 having a hooked end 542 for engaging a complementary recess 544 in a mixing paddle 546. The hooked end of the drive shaft rotationally couples the drive shaft 540 to the mixing paddle. A drive shaft with a hooked end 542 can penetrate a cassette more easily than a drive shaft with a square end.

FIG29 shows a perspective view of a machine 550 substantially similar to the machine 300 shown in FIG12A through FIG12D . However, the machine 550 has a handle 552 connected to a pinion 554 for moving a drive shaft up and down. The handle 552 is triangular in shape and widens from a first end 556 to a second end 558. A recess 560 on the first end 556 of the handle 552 provides a gripping surface. The recess 560 indicates to the user where to grip the handle 552. Some handles have other shapes (e.g., rectangular, square, or circular). Some handles are shaped like the handle shown in FIG12A . A recess 562 extends from the second end 558 of the handle 552 into the handle. The pinion 554 and an elevator shaft 564 are housed in the recess 562. A user lifts the first end 556 of the handle 552 to rotate the handle 552 about the second end 558 and thereby open the lid 112. The user presses down on the first end 556 of the handle 552 to rotate the handle 552 about the second end 558 and close the lid 112.

Figures 30A and 30B show a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of the handle 552 in its closed position. Figures 30C and 30D show a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of the handle 552 in its open position. The elevator shaft 564 defines a first bore 566 and a second bore 568 extending parallel to each other through the elevator shaft 564. A base plate 570 is mounted on the lid 112 between the handle 552 and the lid 112. A first linear bearing 572 and a second linear bearing 574 extend from the base plate 570 away from the lid 112 (shown in Figure 29). The first linear bearing 572 extends into the first bore 566 of the elevator shaft 564, and the second linear bearing 574 extends into the second bore 568 of the elevator shaft 564. When the handle 552 moves between its open position and its closed position, the elevator shaft 564 translates vertically along the first linear bearing 572 and the second linear bearing 574.

Pinion 554 defines a central hole 576, shown in Figures 30C and 30D. An axle 578 of handle 552 extends through central hole 576 and is rotationally coupled to pinion 554. Movement of handle 552 causes axle 578 and pinion 554 to rotate.

Elevator shaft 564 includes a gear 582 that engages pinion 554, causing gear 582 to move vertically when pinion 554 rotates. Gear 582 is integrally formed with elevator shaft 564. In some elevator shafts, the gear is attached to the elevator shaft rather than being integrally formed with the shaft. Drive shaft 304 extends from elevator shaft 564 through a central aperture 584 defined in base plate 570. Vertical movement of elevator shaft 564 causes drive shaft 304 to move vertically. When handle 552 is moved from its open position to its closed position, drive shaft 304 moves downward to engage a mixing paddle in a cassette. When the handle 552 is moved from its closed position to its open position, the drive shaft 304 moves upward and disengages the mixing paddle from a cassette inserted into the machine.

Figures 31A to 31E show a machine 550 having a handle 555 that operates similarly to the handle 302 in Figures 13A and 13B. However, in Figures 31A to 31E, the handle 555 and the lid 112 rotate around the same hinge 556. The handle 555 is also larger and allows a user to use their entire hand to apply force to the drive shaft through the handle. The length of the handle 555 increases the mechanical advantage provided by the handle 555 and reduces the amount of force required by the user to pierce the cartridge and engage the drive shaft 304. The cartridge 150, as shown in Figure 31B, also includes a centering head 580 that engages with the paddle 160. The centering head 580 holds the paddle 160 in place, with the central stem 228 along the axis of rotation. Figures 31A and 31B show the handle 555 and lid 112 in their closed position. The drive shaft 304 extends into the evaporator to pierce the cassette 150 and engage the mixing paddle 170. Figures 31C and 31D show the handle 555 in the open position and the lid 112 in the closed position. The drive shaft 304 is retracted and retained within the lid 112. Figure 32E shows the lid 112 and handle 555 in the open position. The evaporator 108 is exposed, and a cassette 150 can be inserted into the evaporator 108.

FIG32 shows a perspective view of a machine 590 having a handle structure 592 including a handle 594 and a housing 596. FIG33A-33C show a more detailed view of the handle structure 592. The machine 590 is substantially similar to the machine 100 shown in FIG1A and FIG1B but includes the handle structure 592 and the handle 594 that rotates about a vertical axis 598 to extend or retract a drive shaft 600.

Figure 33A is a cross-sectional view of the handle structure 592 in its open position. The handle structure 592 includes a spring 602 and a drive shaft 600. The drive shaft 600 includes a base 601 and a stem 603 extending from the base 601 through a central opening 604 defined in a pulley 606. A first end 608 of the spring 602 is attached to the base 601 of the drive shaft 600. A second end 610 of the spring 602 abuts a surface 612 of the pulley 606. The spring 602 biases the drive shaft toward its open position.

Central opening 604 is sized to receive drive shaft 600 and rotationally couple drive shaft 600 to pulley 606. Pulley 606 is connected to a motor (not shown) by a drive belt. Operation of the motor rotates pulley 606 and drive shaft 600.

The handle structure 592 also includes a nut 614 that receives the handle 594 and a lead screw 616. The nut 614 and the handle 594 are rotationally and axially constrained so that when a user moves the handle 594 about the vertical axis 598, the nut 614 also rotates about the vertical axis 598. The nut 614 has internal threads 620 that correspond to external threads 622 on the lead screw 616. The lead screw 616 includes an opening 624 that receives a protrusion 626 from the housing. The protrusion 626 and the opening 624 are shaped so that the lead screw 616 is rotationally constrained to the housing 596, but can move axially relative to the housing 596. In this configuration, as the handle 594 is rotated, the lead screw 616 travels on the threads 620 to move axially.

FIG33B shows a perspective view of the handle structure 592 in an open position. FIG33C shows a perspective view of the handle structure 592 in a closed position. In this configuration, the lead screw 616 abuts the base 601 of the drive shaft 600. In the open position, the spring 602 is slightly compressed, biasing the base 601 of the drive shaft 600 toward the lead screw 616. When the handle 594 is in its open position, the drive shaft 600 is in a retracted position. In its open position, the handle 594 abuts a first surface 628 of the housing 596. To move the handle to its closed position, the user rotates the handle 594 until it abuts a second surface 630 of the housing, approximately 120 degrees from its original orientation. Rotating the handle 594 rotates the nut 614. This rotation of the nut 614 moves the lead screw 616 downward toward the base 601 of the drive shaft 600. The lead screw 616 applies an axial force to the base 601, which translates axially and applies a compressive force to the spring 602. The spring 602 compresses as the lead screw 616 pushes the drive shaft through the opening in the pulley 606 to engage the mixing paddle 160 of the cassette 150.

The handle structure 592 retracts the drive shaft 600 by moving the handle 594 from the second surface 630 of the housing 596 to the first surface 628 of the housing. This movement rotates the nut 614 in the opposite direction and causes the lead screw 616 to axially move in a second direction opposite the first direction. The spring 602 expands to press the base 601 of the drive shaft 600 away from the cassette 150 and toward the lead screw 616. The drive shaft 600 translates axially upward to disengage the mixing paddle 160 from the cassette 150. When the drive shaft 600 is disengaged from the mixing paddle 160, the handle structure 592 is in the open position. When the drive shaft 600 is engaged with the mixing paddle 160, the handle structure 592 is in its closed position.

In use, a user opens the lid 112 and inserts the cassette 150. The user then closes the lid 112, engages the latch, and moves the handle 594 from the open position to its closed position to extend the drive shaft 600. The drive shaft 600 engages the mixing paddle 160 and the machine is ready to initiate a refrigeration cycle, refrigerating, mixing, and dispensing the contents of the cassette 150. To remove a used cassette 150, the user moves the handle 594 from its closed position to the open position, thereby retracting the drive shaft 600. The user then opens the lid 112 by disengaging the latch and removes the cassette. Then discard, recycle or reuse the container 150.

In some handle structures, the lead screw and the base of the drive shaft are slightly separated in the open position and adjacent in the closed position. In some handle structures, when the handle structure 592 is in the open position, the spring is in a natural state in which the spring is not subjected to compression or tension.

Figures 34A and 34B show a top view and a perspective view of a frame 640 positioned within the machine 100 to restrict the lateral movement of the evaporator 108. The frame 640 is positioned within the cassette machine interface 106 so that it is flush with a surface 642 of the cassette machine interface 106. As previously described, the base of the evaporator 108 has three bores 148 in the second portion 130, which are used to mount the evaporator 108 to the floor of the cassette machine interface 106. Bolting the second portion 130 ensures that it is stationary; however, the first portion 128 is free to move and rotate about the hinge 132. The frame 640 restricts the movement of the first portion 128. In the open position, the evaporator 108 is flush with a first inner edge 644 and a second inner edge 646. Specifically, the first inner edge 644 of the frame 640 abuts the first portion 128 of the evaporator 108, and the second inner edge 646 of the frame 640 abuts the second portion 130 of the evaporator 108. When the evaporator is closed, the first portion 128 moves toward the second portion 130. In this position, the second portion 130 still abuts the second inner edge 646 of the frame 640 but is slightly spaced apart from the first inner edge 644 of the frame 640 to enclose the evaporator 108 around the cassette 150.

Figures 35A to 35F show a machine 700 having a lid 710 that pivots laterally relative to a housing 712 housing the refrigeration system. Lid 710 is attached to housing 712 by a pivot pin 714 (see Figure 35B). A locking lever 716 extends through the top of lid 710. Locking lever 716 comprises a vertically extending hollow cylinder 717 with internal threads.

A rocker 718 extends between a drive shaft 720 and a rod 722. A spring 724 surrounding the drive shaft 720 acts against the rocker 718, biasing the drive shaft 720 upward. In the absence of a force applied to the rod 722, the drive shaft 720 is fully seated within the cover 710. An actuator 721 is disposed within the housing 712, with a ball screw 723 extending through the actuator 721. The actuator 721 and ball screw 723 are positioned so that they are aligned with the rod 722 when the cover 710 is in its closed position.

A motor 726 is attached to the drive shaft 720 by a belt 728. Motor 726 is attached to the cover 710 and rotates with it. Motor 726 extends downward into the housing 712 through an opening 730, best seen in FIG35C. Because motor 726 does not move relative to the drive shaft 720, the tensioning device included in some other machines is not required in machine 700.

The pivot pin 714 is mounted to a plate 732 that is fixed in place in the housing 712. A bolt 734 is also mounted to the plate 732. The bolt 734 is positioned to engage the vertically extending hollow cylinder 717 of the locking lever 716 when the cover 710 is in its closed position.

Figures 35C and 35D illustrate the operation of locking lever 716. Figure 35C shows a portion of machine 700 when cover 710 is in its closed and locked position, with cover 710 and locking lever 716 in the position shown in Figure 35A. The internal threads of the vertically extending hollow cylinder 717 of locking lever 716 engage the external threads of bolt 734. The bottom end of vertically extending hollow cylinder 717 defines a slot 736. When locking lever 716 is rotated to its unlocked position, slot 736 aligns with the flat surface on bolt 734 (best seen in Figures 35G and 35H). This alignment allows lid 710 to be rotated to its open position to insert a cassette, as shown in Figures 35E and 35F. Because machine 700 opens horizontally, its height can be lower than that of a machine with its lid open upward. After the cassette is inserted, lid 710 is rotated back to its closed position and locking lever 716 is rotated to its locked position.

Figures 35G and 35H illustrate the engagement of drive shaft 720 with one of the cassette's internal paddles. In Figures 35G and 35H, the end of hollow cylinder 717 of locking lever 716 is partially cut away, allowing one of the flat faces of bolt 734 to be visible. Figure 35G shows a portion of machine 700 after lid 710 has been rotated back to its closed position and locking lever 716 has been rotated to its locked position. Operation of actuator 721 drives ball screw 723 upward into engagement with rod 722. As rod 722 moves upward, the engagement between rod 722 and rocker 718 causes rocker 718 to rotate, forcing drive shaft 720 downward to engage the inner paddle of the cassette. Using actuator 721 positioned within housing 712 to apply the force pressing down on drive shaft 720 avoids generating an external force that could cause the machine to tip over, as might occur in a machine where a user manually applies an external force to press down on drive shaft 720.

Figures 36A and 36B illustrate a machine 700 having a laterally rotating cover 710 and a single motor 740 for rotating a drive shaft 720, translating the drive shaft 720, and rotating a dispensing mechanism 742. The dispensing mechanism 742 used in the machine 700 can be any of the previously described dispensing mechanisms that rotate to open and/or close. Figures 36A and 36B show exterior perspective views of the machine 700 with a housing and a transparent housing, respectively. Figure 36B provides a view of the internal components of the machine 700 in a closed position. Using a single motor to control the movement of the internal components can reduce the cost and size of the machine.

Figures 36C and 36D illustrate an assembly 703 within a machine 700 having an evaporator 108 housing a cassette 150 and a single motor 740. A drive shaft 720 moves vertically from a first position outside the cassette 150 to a second position partially inside the cassette 150, engaging a mixing paddle 170. Movement from the first position to the second position pierces the cassette 150. In the second position, the mixing paddle 170 and drive shaft 720 are rotationally coupled. Motor 740 is rotationally coupled to a rod 744, which is connected to drive shaft 720 to rotate the drive shaft 720 and mix the contents of the cassette 150. In some machines, the motor is mounted on the housing.

A first clutch 746, a gear 748, a second clutch 750, and a third clutch 751 are attached to the shaft 744. The clutches 746, 750, and 751 rotationally couple and decouple with the shaft 744 based on a signal from the controller of the machine 700. Some clutches are electromechanical or have rollers with release pawls. Gear 748 is permanently rotationally coupled to the shaft 744. The first clutch 746 is connected to the drive shaft 720 via a hybrid drive belt 752 to rotate the hybrid blades 170 when the first clutch 746 is coupled to the shaft 744. Gear 748 is connected to motor 740 via a main drive belt 754 to rotate gear 748 and rod 744. Second clutch 750 is connected to dispensing mechanism 742 via a dispensing drive belt 756 to rotate dispensing mechanism 742 when second clutch 750 is coupled to rod 744. Third clutch 750 is connected to a piercing mechanism 758 to move drive shaft 720 between a first position and a second position when third clutch 751 is coupled to rod 744.

In this configuration, motor 740 and clutches 746, 750, and 751 control the rotation of mixing paddle 170, the rotation of dispensing mechanism 742, and the movement of drive shaft 720 between a first position and a second position. Motor 740 can perform each of the aforementioned tasks individually or simultaneously by coupling or decoupling the various clutches 746, 750, and 751.

The piercing mechanism 758 includes a pinion 762 located at a first end 763 of the rod 744, a gear 764 connected to the pinion 762, and a bolt 766 of the rocker arm 718 adjacent to the gear 764. The bolt 766 is translationally coupled to the rocker arm 718 and is disposed on a hinge 768 of the rocker arm 718. The hinge 768 is centered about a rotational axis of the rocker arm 718, and the bolt 766 is configured to be offset from the center of the hinge 768. The pinion 762 is rotationally coupled to the third clutch 751, such that when the third clutch 751 is coupled to the rod 744, the pinion 762 rotates. As the pinion rotates, its teeth engage complementary teeth on gear 764, causing gear 764 to translate. When motor 740 rotates rod 744, third clutch 751, and pinion 762 in a first rotational direction, gear 764 moves in a first translational direction. When motor 740 rotates rod 744, third clutch 751, and pinion 762 in a second rotational direction, gear 764 moves in a second translational direction. In machine 700, the first translational direction is toward bolt 766, and the second translational direction is away from bolt 766. In some machines, the first translational direction is away from the bolt, and the second translational direction is toward the bolt. Gear 764 moves toward bolt 766 to apply a vertical force relative to the axis of rotation of rocker arm 718. This vertical force causes rocker arm 718 to rotate about hinge 768 against the bias of spring 724 and moves drive shaft 720 downward from the first position shown in FIG. 36C to the second position shown in FIG. 36D . To disengage drive shaft 720 from the mixing blade, gear 764 moves away from bolt 766 to remove the vertical force, and spring 724 presses drive shaft 720 back to the first position.

In use, the user opens the lid 710 from a closed position by moving a handle 760 to rotate the lid 710. The rod 744 is aligned with the vertical axis of rotation of the lid 710. In this configuration, the distance between the rod 744 and the pulleys 752, 756, and 754 remains constant during any operation of the machine 700 (for example, opening and closing the lid). The cassette 150 is then inserted and the user moves the lid 710 back to the closed position. The first clutch 746, the second clutch 750, and the third clutch 751 are initially decoupled from the rod 744. Once the start button is pressed, the motor 740 rotates the rod 744 in a first direction. The third clutch 751 engages the rod 744 to move the drive shaft 720 from the first position to the second position, thereby piercing the cassette 150 and engaging the mixing paddle 170. The third clutch 751 then decouples from the rod 744 to lock the drive shaft 720 in the second position. The first clutch 746 is coupled to the rod 744 to rotate the drive shaft 720 and the mixing paddle 170, thereby mixing the contents of the cassette 150 while the evaporator 108 cools the contents of the cassette 150. When the contents of the cassette are ready to be dispensed, for example, if a sensor on the drive shaft 720 reads a predetermined torque, the motor 740 reverses its rotational direction and the mixing paddle 170 rotates in the opposite direction to stir the contents of the cassette 150 downward. The second clutch 750 is coupled to the rod 744, and the dispensing mechanism 742 is rotated to open. Once the contents of the cassette 150 have been dispensed, the first clutch 746 and the second clutch 750 are decoupled, and the third clutch 751 is coupled to the rod 744. The motor 740 and the third clutch 751 rotate in the second direction, and the drive shaft 720 moves from the second position to the first position. The cassette 150 can then be removed from the evaporator 108 by opening the lid 710.

In some machines, the evaporator is defrosted after the contents of the cassette are dispensed and before the cassette is removed. Defrosting the evaporator melts any material frozen to the evaporator walls and the walls of the cassette.

In some machines, the dispensing mechanism is opened by coupling the second clutch to the rod, rotating the dispensing mechanism in a first direction, decoupling the second clutch, and reversing the motor's rotational direction to rotate the mixing paddle in a second direction. In some dispensing mechanisms, only one rotational direction is used. In some machines, after the contents of the cassette have been dispensed, the motor reverses direction and closes the dispensing mechanism.

Figures 37A and 37B show perspective views of an assembly 780 that operates using a single motor and is substantially similar to assembly 703. However, in assembly 780, instead of translating drive shaft 720 via piercing mechanism 758, third clutch 751 rotates to close or open evaporator 108. Furthermore, first clutch 746 is omitted, and a hybrid drive belt 752 connects gear 748, a motor (not shown), and a second gear 782. Second gear 782 is connected to drive shaft 720 to rotate it when the motor rotates.

The third clutch 751 couples and decouples with the rod 744 to open and close the evaporator 108 via a clamping mechanism 784. The clamping mechanism 784 includes a gear 786 attached to the rod 138 and a pinion 788 that can be rotated by the third clutch 751 when the third clutch 751 is coupled to the rod 744. The second clutch 750 is coupled to a dispensing gear 790 to open and close the dispensing mechanism 742 when the second clutch 750 is coupled to the rod 744.

Figures 38A and 38B illustrate an assembly 800 for rotating the mixing impeller 170, translating the rod 138 on the evaporator 108, and rotating the dispense mechanism 742 using a single motor 740. The motor (not shown) is connected to a main gear 802 via a pulley (not shown). The main gear 802 is rotationally connected to the drive shaft 720 and is geared with an evaporator clamping assembly 804 via a clamping gear 806 and with a dispense rotary assembly 808 via a dispense gear 810.

The evaporator clamp assembly 804 includes an evaporator clutch 812, an evaporator rod 814, an evaporator screw driver 816, and a screw 818 positioned in a threaded hole 820 on the rod 138. The dispense gear 810 is connected to the evaporator clutch 812. The evaporator clutch 812 rotationally couples and decouples the evaporator rod 814 based on a signal from the controller of the machine 700. When the evaporator clutch 812 is coupled to the evaporator rod 814, the evaporator rod 814 rotates due to the motor. The rotation of the rod 814 is converted into rotation of the screw 818 by the evaporator screw driver 816. The evaporator screw drive uses an internal gear and pinion (not shown) to convert this rotation. In some screw drives, screw rotation converts rotation about a vertical axis into rotation about a horizontal axis. Screw 818 rotates into threaded hole 820 and moves evaporator 108 into the closed position. Evaporator clutch 812 disengages to maintain the evaporator 108 in the closed position. To open the evaporator, the motor reverses its rotation direction and evaporator clutch 812 reengages, unscrewing screw 818 and moving evaporator 108 from the closed position to the open position.

The dispensing rotary assembly 808 includes a dispensing clutch 824, a dispensing rod 826, a dispensing screw driver 828, and a pinion 830 that is geared with a dispensing mechanism 742. The dispensing gear 810 is connected to the dispensing clutch 824. The dispensing clutch 824 is rotationally coupled and decoupled from the dispensing rod 826 based on a signal from a controller of the machine 700. When the dispensing clutch 824 is coupled to the dispensing rod 826, the dispensing rod 826 rotates due to the motor. The rotation of the rod 826 is converted into movement of the pinion 830 by the dispensing screw driver 828. Pinion 830 rotates to rotate the dispensing mechanism 742 from the closed position to the open position or vice versa. The evaporator screw drive 828 translates this rotation using an internal gear and pinion (not shown). When the dispensing mechanism 742 is in the open position, the dispensing clutch 824 is decoupled from the rod 826, and the dispensing mechanism 742 remains in the open position. In some assemblies, the dispensing mechanism is closed after dispensing by reversing the direction of the motor and coupling the dispensing clutch to the dispensing rod. In some screw drives, the movement of the rod is converted into a lateral force that translates the pinion to rotate the dispensing mechanism.

FIG39 shows a cross-sectional perspective view of a system 850 having a telescopic drive shaft 852. System 850 is substantially similar to system 524 shown in FIG27A-27C. However, extension mechanism 850 includes a rod extension 853 that locks a cogwheel 854 of an internal screw 856. Internal screw 856 is internal to telescopic drive shaft 852 and engages the internal threads of drive shaft 852 to extend drive shaft 852 when screw 856 is locked by rod 853. Rod 853 is deployed when solenoid 534 is energized and retracted when solenoid 534 is de-energized. In its locked position, drive shaft 852 rotates relative to internal screw 856 and travels on the threads of screw 856 to move up and down. When drive shaft 852 is fully extended, the solenoid is de-energized and internal screw 856 is unlocked. In the unlocked position, internal screw 856 is rotationally coupled to gear 532, drive shaft 852, and a cover plate 858.

To retract the drive shaft 852, the motor and gear 532 are rotated in the opposite direction. The solenoid is energized to lock the inner screw 856. The drive shaft 852 rotates in the opposite direction relative to the inner screw 856 and the drive shaft 852 travels on the threads to retract.

FIG40 shows a cross-sectional and perspective view of a system 860 having an extendable drive shaft 522. System 860 is substantially similar to system 524 of FIG27A-27C. However, extension mechanism 860 has a boomerang-shaped hinged lock 862.

Several systems and methods have been described. However, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, although the evaporator has been illustrated as being generally oriented vertically during use, some machines have the evaporator oriented horizontally or at an angle to gravity during use. Therefore, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.

100: Machine 102: Main body 106: Bin/machine interface 108: Evaporator 109: Refrigeration system 110: Receptacle 112: Lid 114: Hinge 116: Latch 118: Latch recess 120: Latch sensor 122: Processor 124: Motor 126: Drive shaft 127: Track

Claims (11)

A machine for rapidly cooling food and beverages, the machine being used to reduce the temperature of an ingredient in a cassette containing an ingredient for a food or beverage and a mixing paddle, the machine comprising: a refrigeration system defining a receptacle sized to receive the cassette; a drive shaft extending into the receptacle, the drive shaft being configured to (i) provide a mechanical connection to the mixing paddle of the cassette disposed in the receptacle, and (ii) provide a first opening in the cassette to permit pressurized gas to flow out of the cassette; a motor mechanically connected to the drive shaft, the motor operable to rotate the drive shaft to mix the cooled ingredient and air entering the first opening of the cartridge; and a dispenser configured to engage the cartridge positioned in the receptacle to apply a force to create a second opening in the cartridge to dispense the cooled food or beverage from the cartridge as air continues to enter the cartridge through the first opening. The machine of claim 1 , wherein the refrigeration system includes an evaporator defining a receptacle sized to receive the cassette. The machine of claim 1, wherein the drive shaft is configured for axial movement relative to the receptacle to engage the mixing paddle of the cassette. The machine of claim 3, wherein the axial movement of the drive shaft relative to the receptacle provides the first opening allowing air to flow into the bin. A machine as in claim 4, wherein the drive shaft defines a central bore providing an air passage through the drive shaft. A machine as claimed in claim 1, comprising a lid movable from a closed position covering the receptacle and from an open position exposing the receptacle for inserting the cassette into the receptacle. A machine for rapidly cooling food and beverages, the machine being used to reduce the temperature of an ingredient in a cassette containing an ingredient for a food or beverage and a mixing paddle, the machine comprising: a refrigeration system including an evaporator defining a receptacle sized to receive the cassette; a drive shaft extending into the receptacle, the drive shaft being configured to (i) provide a mechanical connection to the mixing paddle of the cassette disposed in the receptacle, and (ii) provide a first opening in the cassette to permit pressurized gas to flow out of the cassette; a motor mechanically connected to the drive shaft, the motor operable to rotate the drive shaft to mix the cooled ingredient and air entering the first opening of the cartridge; and a dispenser configured to engage the cartridge positioned in the receptacle to apply a force to create a second opening in the cartridge to dispense the cooled food or beverage from the cartridge as air continues to enter the cartridge through the first opening. A machine as in claim 7, wherein the drive shaft is configured for axial movement relative to the receptacle to engage the mixing paddle of the cassette. A machine as claimed in claim 8, wherein the axial movement of the drive shaft relative to the receptacle provides the first opening allowing air to flow into the bin. A machine as in claim 9, wherein the drive shaft defines a central bore providing an air passage through the drive shaft. A machine as claimed in claim 9, comprising a lid movable from a closed position covering the receptacle and from an open position exposing the receptacle for inserting the cassette into the receptacle.