JUICER INCLUDING SHAPED PRESSING SURFACES
Embodiments related to juicing methods and apparatuses for extracting juice from food matter using juicer cartridges are described. In one embodiment, a juicer cartridge may include one or more separate internal compartments. Food matter loaded into the juicer cartridge may be compressed by a corresponding juicer and expelled through an outlet that may be sealed until activation. Food matter may be pre-sized according to various physical characteristics, and the juicer cartridge may be injected with a gas to enhance shelf life and reduce nutrient loss. The juicer may also be provided with “smart” functionality to provide safety features, track usage, and enhance the operator experience. Several embodiments of packing systems for preparing juicer cartridges are also described.
1 - 28 . (canceled)
29 . A juicer comprising:
a first press including a first pressing surface; and
a second press including a second pressing surface, wherein the first pressing surface and the second pressing surface define a pressing chamber that accepts an associated juicer cartridge, wherein at least a portion of the first pressing surface includes a concave surface.
30 . The juicer of claim 29 , wherein at least a portion of the second pressing surface includes at least one of a concave surface, a convex surface, a flat surface, and a surface including a complementary shape of the first surface.
31 . The juicer of claim 29 , further comprising a plurality of grooves formed on the first and second pressing surfaces.
32 . The juicer of claim 29 , wherein the grooves on the first and second pressing surfaces nest together.
33 . The juicer of claim 29 , wherein the grooves have rounded peaks.
34 . The juicer of claim 29 , wherein the concave surface has a curvature and outer perimeter that directs food matter located within the pressing chamber toward a center of the pressing surface during juice extraction.
35 . A juicer comprising:
a first press including a first pressing surface; and
a second press including a second pressing surface, wherein the first pressing surface has a first pressing area that is larger than a first projected area of the first pressing surface.
36 . The juicer of claim 35 , wherein the first press further comprises a plurality of grooves that form the first pressing area.
37 . The juicer of claim 36 , wherein the grooves have rounded peaks.
38 . The juicer of claim 35 , wherein the second pressing surface has a second pressing area that is larger than a second projected area of the second pressing surface.
39 . The juicer of claim 38 , wherein the first press further comprises a plurality of grooves that form the first pressing area and the second press further comprises a plurality of grooves that form the second pressing area.
40 . The juicer of claim 39 , wherein the grooves on the first and second pressing surfaces nest together.