Vita-mix Corporation

David J Barnard

David J Kolar

Richard D Boozer

Brent A Miller

Paul K Foisy

Michael A Kindig

Kevin Scheifele

Benjamin J Dastoli

A drink-blending machine ( ) includes an ice-shaving unit ( ) and a blender assembly ( ). The ice-shaving unit ( ) is adapted to transfer ice from a bin ( ) to the pitcher ( ) of the blender assembly ( ). A weighing mechanism ( ) includes a deflection beam ( ), one end of which carries the pitcher ( ). The deflection beam ( ) includes a strain gauge ( ) which provides a signal proportional to weight to a control circuitry box ( ). In operation of the machine ( ), a quantity of liquid is placed in the pitcher ( ) and dependent upon the weight of ice or liquid-to-ice ratio predetermined by depressing a selected button ( ), ice from the ice-shaving unit ( ) is transferred to the pitcher ( ) until the predetermined weight of ice is received by the pitcher ( ).

Method and apparatus for controlling the blending of drinks

A drink-blending machine (,) includes an ice-shaving unit (,) and a blender assembly (,). The ice-shaving unit (,) is adapted to transfer ice from a bin (,) to the pitcher (,) of the blender assembly (,). A weighing mechanism (,) includes a deflection beam (,), one end of which carries the pitcher (,). The deflection beam (,) includes a strain gauge (,) which provides a signal proportional to weight to a control circuitry box (,). In operation of the machine (,), a quantity of liquid is placed in the pitcher (,) and dependent upon the weight of ice or liquid-to-ice ratio predetermined by depressing a selected button (,), ice from the ice-shaving unit (,) is transferred to the pitcher (,) until the predetermined weight of ice is received by the pitcher (,).

Enclosure for a food processor

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North Olmsted, OH, United States of America

David J Barnard