Abstract: A beverage dispensing apparatus includes a dispensing device, at least one valve that distributes a diluent, a concentrate pump that distributes concentrate, a support structure that supports the foregoing components and exterior cladding attached to the support structure. The exterior cladding provides the appearance of a real leaf tea brewer. The diluent valve and concentrate pump distribute the diluent and concentrate into the dispensing device to form a mixture to be dispensed therefrom. The diluent can be hot water and the apparatus further includes an air ejector device for eliminating air bubbles from the hot water prior to mixing. In addition, an improved sensor can accurately determine when the supply of concentrate is depleted.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 16, 2003
Date of Patent:
January 24, 2006
Assignee:
PepsiCo, Inc.
Inventors:
Brian C. Jones, David N. Evans, Scott A. Dzibela, John C. Nordenstrom, Sanjay Kumar, Russell J. Duchene, Allen L. Rogala, Michael J. Fodor, William K. Henninger, Amir A. Faroqui
Abstract: A bridge and adapter system for a bag-in-box packaging filler is shown to include an adapter providing a quick connection between the supply line and the dispensing member of the bag-in-box packaging. A bridge is adapted to sit longitudinally across the box of the bag-in-box packaging and is adapted to engage with both the adapter and the dispensing member of the bag-in-box packaging in order to provide support of the adapter and dispensing member, therein. The adapter includes air vents which facilitate the escape of air in the bag-in-box while it is being displaced with other contents from the supply line. The upper end portion of the adapter includes a cam lock connector for connecting the supply line.
Inventors:
John M. Bretz, Susan L. Colten, Rachel Orland, Jeffrey L. Pattee, Susan Vanderwiel, David Piccioli, Bradley L. Allen, Bryce Rutter, William Scott Portzline