Impeller for automated microfoaming

An impeller for microfoaming a liquid comprising:

• a substantially circular base having an outer edge and a central axis;
• a means for coupling the base to a motor;
• a first curved support wall having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the first curved support wall extends upward from the outer edge of the base, and wherein the first curved support wall curves radially inward toward the central axis of the base;
• a first curved blade having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the first curved blade extends upward from or about the second end of the first curved support wall, and wherein the second end of the first curved blade extends upward from or about the first end of the first curved support wall;
• a second curved support wall having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the second curved support wall extends upward from the outer edge of the base, and wherein the second curved support wall curves radially inward toward the central axis of the base;
• a second curved blade having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the second curved blade extends upward from or about the second end of the second curved support wall, and wherein the second end of the second curved blade extends upward from or about the first end of the second curved support wall;
• a first outlet defined by the base, the second end of the first curved support wall, and the first end of the first blade;
• a second outlet defined by the base, the second end of the second curved support wall, and the first end of the second blade;
• a shroud having a ring and a wall extending downward from the ring, wherein the wall of the shroud is seated about the first curved support wall and the second curved support wall;
• a screen coupled to the shroud;
• and
• an inlet defined by the first curved blade and the second curved blade.

An automated frother for microfoaming a liquid comprising:

• a vessel for containing liquid;
• an impeller disposed within the vessel;
• and
• a motor for spinning the impeller;
• wherein the impeller includes:
• a substantially circular base having an outer edge and a central axis;
• a first support wall extending upward from the base from or about the outer edge and curving inward toward the central axis;
• a first blade extending upward from the first support wall;
• a second support wall extending upward from the base from or about the outer edge and curving inward toward the central axis;
• a second blade extending upward from the second support wall;
• a shroud disposed about the first blade and the second blade;
• a screen coupled to the shroud;
• an inlet defined by the first blade and the second blade, the inlet for receiving liquid to be microfoamed;
• a first outlet defined by the first support wall, the second support wall, and the base, the first outlet for allowing liquid to be ejected radially outward away from the central axis while being microfoamed;
• and
• a second outlet defined by the first support wall, the second support wall, and the base, the second outlet for allowing liquid to be ejected radially outward away from the central axis while being microfoamed.