the present disclosure describes an automated blend in - cup apparatus and the related method of operation . the disclosure relates generally to the field of mixing consumable material . more specifically , the disclosure relates to a mixer that is automatically operable to lower a mixing blade into a cup or vessel that contains material to be blended / mixed . a shield is automatically lowered to at least partially isolate the cup . after mixing , the shield and blade are automatically retracted , and the cup is removed from the apparatus . the shield and blade may be automatically lowered again for a cleaning operation . overall , the apparatus contains various structural and safety elements that provide a unique construction and method of operating the apparatus .