Patents Assigned to Bunn-O-Matic Corporation
  • Component Mixing Method, Apparatus and System
    Publication number: 20080049548
    Abstract: A mixing device and method for mixing at least one first ingredient and at least one second ingredient. The device includes a body which has a wall defining a cavity. A first inlet communicates with the cavity for introducing the first ingredient and a second inlet communicates with the cavity for introducing the second ingredient. An outlet is provided in communication with the cavity receiving the mixed first and second ingredient which have been mixed in the cavity. The ingredients are mixed by introducing one ingredient as a stream and the second ingredient as a forcefully introduced stream. An area upstream of the ingredients is provided for mixing ingredients. Once mixed the ingredients must flow through the body before reaching the outlet. The device can be in the form of a kit for retrofitting on existing devices such as beverage dispensers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2005
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: BUNN-O-MATIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jeffery Kadyk, Suresh Radhakrishnan
  • Container positioner
    Patent number: 7331277
    Abstract: A container positioner assembly for use in positioning a volume of material in a container relative to a dispensing apparatus. The container positioner assembly includes structures for engagement with the apparatus allowing relative movement of a container attached thereto. The container positioner assembly may include an assist system which facilitates biased movement of the container relative to the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic Corporation
    Inventors: Burton L. Hart, John T. Knepler, Kevin G. Lowe, David Wurtzler
  • RECONFIGURABLE CONTROL PANEL
    Publication number: 20080037232
    Abstract: A control panel for use with a beverage brewing device is provided. The control panel includes a circuit board and connector assembly in combination with a least one overlay. The circuit board, board includes at least one and commonly a plurality of devices which may include switches and lights. A plurality of overlays are configured for use with control areas. The control areas are analogous to switch controls or light areas which are provided on the circuit board. The overlays may have but are not required to have a one-to-one correspondence with the components on the circuit board. The multiple overlays in combination with a single circuit board allows for a many-to-one combination of overlays to circuit board. Additionally, the circuit board may be programmed to activate or deactivate selected components so that components underlying an overlay without a corresponding control area cannot be activated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Applicant: BUNN-O-MATIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Jamie D. Schroetlin
  • Brewer
    Patent number: 7328650
    Abstract: Disclosed is a beverage dispenser of the type for dispensing beverage into a server. The dispenser includes a housing having a body and an overhanging portion protruding from the housing. A dispensing area is defined between the overhanging portion of the body. The housing is configured for dispensing beverage therefrom. An extension is provided protruding from the body of the housing into the dispensing area. The extension is positioned proximate to an area which retains at least one server in the dispensing area. A void is defined in the dispensing area between the extension and the overhanging portion. The void helps facilitate ease of access to the dispenser and server as well as facilitating ease of access to the servers, removal and replacement of the servers as well as maintenance, repair, operation and other aspects of the dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic Corporation
    Inventors: Burton L. Hart, Raymond N. Wenda
  • Liquid beverage conductivity detecting system
    Patent number: 7328815
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system, method and apparatus for controlling the flavor of a beverage produced from a concentrate, based on the conductivity of the beverage being produced. The apparatus includes a conductivity sensor which provides a controller with real time conductivity data from the beverage being served. The controller is capable of comparing the real time conductivity data to a preprogrammed range of conductivity readings and adjusting a variable speed pump to keep the real time conductivity data within the preprogrammed range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic Corporation
    Inventor: Kevin G. Lowe
  • AUTOMATIC FILL SYSTEM FOR BEVERAGE MACHINE
    Publication number: 20080023486
    Abstract: A system and method delaying refilling of a reservoir in a beverage dispensing system or dispensing of a mixed volume to prevent undesirable characteristics in the dispensed beverage. First, a volumetric freezing rate is determined for the product. Next, a volume of frozen product is dispensed. The rate the dispensed volume is refilled is controlled to be no faster than the volumetric freezing rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Applicant: BUNN-O-MATIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Jeff W. Kadyk
  • System And Method For Preventing Tank Overheating
    Publication number: 20080011865
    Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for preventing a water tank from overheating. The apparatus includes a water delivery system for delivering water to a reservoir for receiving water. The reservoir includes a level sensor and an associated heater for heating water in the reservoir. The system includes a water dispensing system for dispensing heater water from the reservoir. A controller is provided to control the operation of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2005
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Applicant: BUNN-O-MATIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Victor Goeckner
  • Brewer Having a Programmable Temperature Component
    Publication number: 20080000358
    Abstract: A beverage making apparatus having structures and methods to facilitate programming of the apparatus with parameters suitable for a pre-determined brewing substances. The beverage making apparatus has a water delivery system for delivering water to a brewing substance holder containing a brewing substance. A temperature adjusting system is provided for adjusting the temperature of water in the water delivery system. A controller is provided for controllably operating the apparatus, the controller further being programmable with characteristics suitable for predetermined brewing substances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Applicant: BUNN-O-MATIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Victor Goeckner, Jamie Schroetlin
  • BEVERAGE COMMUNICATION SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20070296608
    Abstract: A beverage system including a communication means (300) for communicating between a beverage dispensing module (32) and a base station (304). Each beverage-dispersing module (32) includes a controller (76), which is centralized for use with multiple modules (32) or dedicated to an individual module (32). The controller (76) collects information about the module (32) or modules. The controller (76) includes link (302), which connect the controller (76) to the base station (304). The base station (304) includes a means for displaying display (305) and can provide visual auditor or other information about numerous conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Publication date: December 27, 2007
    Applicant: BUNN-O-MATIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Burton Hart, John Knepler, Kevin Lowe, David Wurtzler
  • WATER BATH REFILL SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20070267440
    Abstract: A refill system and method of use for a beverage dispenser. The refill system includes a fill tube coupled to the water bath generally at an upper portion to dispense water into the water bath. The tube is configured for coupling to a dispense nozzle of the beverage dispenser. The beverage dispenser can be operated to dispense water only when the fill tube is coupled to the nozzle. The beverage dispenser can be controlled to prevent dispensing of product into the water bath when the fill tube is attached to the nozzle. An overflow tube may be provided and may be used to monitor the level of water retained in the water bath.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Applicant: BUNN-O-MATIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Jeffery Kadyk
  • BEVERAGE SERVER WITH A DRIP TRAY ASSEMBLY
    Publication number: 20070266861
    Abstract: A beverage server assembly and a base for elevating a beverage container. The beverage server assembly includes the base including extensions and a connecting portion defining a nesting area therein. The nesting area defines an opening. A drip tray assembly can be removably retained in the nesting area. The drip tray assembly includes a drip tray with a removable grate. The nesting area is sized in dimension for use with the drip tray assembly or with the grate without the drip tray. The server assembly can be positioned with the faucet extending over a drain to allow liquid to flow from the faucet to the grate, through the opening and to the drain without collection in the drip tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Applicant: BUNN-O-MATIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Burton Hart
  • Self aligning self engaging hopper drive
    Patent number: 7275664
    Abstract: Disclosed is a self-aligning auger drive assembly. The assembly includes a hopper with an auger supported therein. A shaft is connected to and extends from the auger externally from the hopper. A coupling is associated with the shaft and is operatively associated with a biasing device which creates an engaging force to promote engagement of the coupling with a motor assembly driver. A portion of the coupling defines a recess which receives at least a portion of the driver as the driver is rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic Corporation
    Inventor: Jason T. Pickrell
  • Loose Coffee Apparatus, System and Method
    Publication number: 20070221069
    Abstract: An infusion container (30) for use with a brewer (20). The infusion container (30) includes a body portion defining at least a portion of a cavity therein. At least a portion of the body being liquid permeable. The infusion container liquid permeable portion facilitates brewing a beverage by allowing water to pass through the infusion container The infusion container may be an individual structure which can be placed in and removed from the holder (30). Additional components or group of components for use with the beverage holder (30). The infusion container provides structures and methods facilitating convenient use of a brewer which allows the user to use the type of substance and quantity of substance of their choice and efficiently clean the substance holder (30).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2005
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Applicant: BUNN-O-MATIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Christopher Rahn, Arthur Bunn, John Bishop, Randy Pope
  • BREW STRENGTH CONTROL
    Publication number: 20070214966
    Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for controllably adjusting characteristics of a beverage produced by a beverage system. The characteristics of the beverage may include the strength, flavor, concentration of various flavor components as well as other characteristics. A control is provided for access by a user to adjust the characteristics to a desired level. The user may increment or decrement the level of the characteristics in response to personal preferences. The control provides an interface to control the beverage system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Publication date: September 20, 2007
    Applicant: BUNN-O-MATIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: John Bishop, Scott Mazzini, Randy Pope
  • Beverage communication system
    Patent number: 7268698
    Abstract: A beverage system including a communication means (300) for communicating between a beverage dispensing module (32) and a base station (304). Each beverage-dispersing module (32) includes a controller (76), which is centralized for use with multiple modules (32) or dedicated to an individual module (32). The controller (76) collects information about the module (32) or modules. The controller (76) includes link (302), which connect the controller (76) to the base station (304). The base station (304) includes a means for displaying display (305) and can provide visual auditor or other information about numerous conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic Corporation
    Inventors: Burton L. Hart, John T. Knepler, Kevin G. Lowe, David Wurtzler
  • Electronic thermostat for liquid heating apparatus
    Patent number: 7263283
    Abstract: An electronic thermostat (20) has a mechanical switch (22) and a solid-state switch (24). The electronic thermostat (20) is suitable for use in a liquid heating apparatus, such as a coffee maker or any other apparatus that dispenses heated beverages. In an illustrative embodiment, the electronic thermostat (20) has a controller (36) and a temperature sensor (34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic Corporation
    Inventor: John T. Knepler
  • METHOD OF LIMITING BREWER OPERATION TO AUTHORIZED SUBSTANCES
    Publication number: 20070187425
    Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for preventing unauthorized equipment usage that involves providing equipment, such as beverage making equipment, to a customer. Authorized product is provided to the customer in packaging that has a technological measure attached. The equipment includes a technological measure reader to read information from the technological measure to set the equipment to perform an authorized number of food or beverage making cycles. An authorization deactivator may also be provided in association with the equipment to erase, decrement, or otherwise prevent the technological measure from being reused.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Publication date: August 16, 2007
    Applicant: Bunn-O-Matic Corporation
    Inventor: John Knepler
  • AIR PUMP OPERATED BREWER SYSTEM AND METHOD
    Publication number: 20070186780
    Abstract: A system as disclosed herein uses a cold or unheated water source such as a reservoir or a pressurized inlet feed line, and a heated water reservoir. The unheated water reservoir is pressurized with a pressurizing apparatus communicating with the unheated water reservoir. Such a pressurizing apparatus may include an air pump, bladder or piston arrangement as well as other pressurizing apparatus. The pressurizing apparatus is controllable to push water from the unheated water reservoir to the heated water reservoir. As a result of the pressurization and displacement of the unheated water, heated water is then displaced and forced from the heated water reservoir. Heated water from the heated water reservoir is dispensed to the spray head and over the beverage brewing substance such as coffee for brewing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Publication date: August 16, 2007
    Applicant: BUNN-O-MATIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Charles Clark
  • LOOSE COFFEE TRANSFER SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20070181002
    Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for receiving and containing loose beverage substance with a transfer device such as a scoop or measuring device and transferring it to a corresponding holder for retaining the loose beverage substance during dispensing process. The system and apparatus facilitates orderly transfer of loose beverage substance to the holder for dispensing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Publication date: August 9, 2007
    Applicant: BUNN-O-MATIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Christopher Rahn
  • Adjustable volume brewer
    Publication number: 20070157820
    Abstract: Beverage making apparatus which controllably produces a beverage from a brewing substance by combining heated water with a brewing substance. The beverage making apparatus includes a volume adjustment assembly (22) which can be controlled by a user to increase or decrease the volume of water which is controllably dispensed to the beverage making substance. The apparatus and method for using the apparatus includes controllably dispensing water from a water source such as a water reservoir (34) or pressurized water line to a controllable heated water reservoir (53). The heated water reservoir communicates with the spray head (40). A flow meter (46) is provided and communicates with a water dispensing line (38) between the water source and the heated water reservoir for monitoring the volume of water flowing through the dispensing line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Publication date: July 12, 2007
    Applicant: BUNN-O-MATIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Arthur Bunn