Abstract: A switching regulator provides energy to an inductor-capacitor combination that supply a DC voltage as an output. The presence of a current that can be significantly lower than the typical load current is detected using a pulse signal that provides a measure of the current supplied by the regulator to the inductor. A comparator compares this signal to a reference voltage that is related to the current level to be detected. This reference voltage is adjustable based on the voltage applied by the regulator and the voltage being ultimately supplied as the DC output voltage. The comparator and a capacitor perform an integration function that results in a voltage that ramps upward if the current threshold is being exceeded. When this ramping voltage passes a predetermined level, a signal is provided to indicate that the threshold has been exceeded.

Abstract: A dispenser of beverages prepared by combining hot or cold water with granulate is disclosed. The dispenser is designed to dispense granulate directly from the container in which it is purchased at retail or from the manufacturer by incorporating a support funnel which will hold the container inverted. The funnel is also designed to catch any spilled granulate and direct it towards the funnel spout. The dispenser may be combined with an instant hot water heater and/or a coin mechanism. A separate control compartment having a closure which is designed to make access more difficult is included in the housing. A more readily available compartment containing the funnel and the granulate container may also be locked. The dispenser provides a freshly prepared beverage without the need to wait for brewing and minimizes cleanup since no brewing container is required.

Abstract: A device for dispensing a measured quantity of granulated food or concentrate material to a container. A hopper-like container which functions as both a shipping and storage container and an operational storage container for the granulated material to be dispensed is positioned in the interior of a housing having a recessed container filling station. A granulated material transfer tube interconnects the hopper-like container and the container filling station. A valve seat is provided on the lower end of the transfer tube. An electro-responsive, pivoted dispensing valve, having a valve head which engages the valve seat, is provided to interrupt the flow of granulated material through the transfer tube into a cup or other similar container positioned in the container filling station. A timer is provided to control the period of time which the dispensing valve remains open, and, thereby, the quantity of granulated material dispensed to the cup or other similar container.

Abstract: A device for reconstituting beverages by injecting fluid such as hot or cold water into a container having a granulated, powder or liquid food or beverage concentrate material therein comprises an electroresponsive valve coupled to a fluid supply, a combination nozzle and punch coupled to the valve outlet with a flexible tube, electroresponsive means for advancing the punch to penetrate the container and means for supporting the container so there will be an angle between the flow path of the fluid discharged from the nozzle and the axis or walls of the container during filling. Electric control circuitry is provided for timing the valve, punch and nozzle operations and for issuing a measured quantity of fluid to the container. Containers adapted for being easily penetrated by the punch, for sanitary sealing and for being engaged in a self-supporting state during filling are also provided.