COMBINATION CONCENTRATE MIX AND FRESH BREWED BEVERAGE DISPENSING DEVICE
A hot tea dispensing machine is disclosed. The hot tea dispensing machine has a tea brew basket with an urn situated below. Housing is provided for supporting the urn and the brew basket above the urn. Flow control circuits are provided that deposit hot water above the brew basket and makeup water and a concentrate directly into the urn. The makeup water and concentrate is pressurized and the flow directed from nozzles will direct a stream of the concentrate and the makeup water so they intersect within the interior of the urn.
This patent application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Applications Ser. No. 61/452,813, filed Mar. 15, 2011; and Ser. No. 61/528,846, filed Aug. 30, 2011.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONBeverage dispensing machines, namely, a beverage dispensing machine that is capable of dispensing fresh brewed and concentrate tea through flow control circuits.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONTypically, tea dispensers provide for either dispensing of a tea made from a combination of a concentrate and diluent, such as water, or fresh brewed tea. Fluid flow circuits are typically provided with pumps for metering the flow of a concentrate and a diluent in a controlled ratio so the tea from the concentrate is not too strong and not too weak. Fresh brewed tea mix dispensers typically provide for a combination of hot water with either loose tea leaves or tea leaves in a bag, which tea leaves will steep in the water for a period of time, then deliver to the user.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONSA hot tea dispensing machine is disclosed. The hot tea dispensing machine has a tea brew basket with an urn situated below. Housing is provided for supporting the urn and the brew basket above the urn. Flow control circuits are provided that deposit hot water above the brew basket and makeup water and a concentrate directly into the urn. The makeup water and concentrate is pressurized and the flow directed from nozzles will direct a stream of the concentrate and the makeup water so they intersect within the interior of the urn, typically above a fluid high level and below an upper rim of the urn
A multi-station dispensing unit for dispensing fresh brewed tea or other drink is provided. At least one station of the multi-station unit has an urn adapted to receive fluids from a nozzle assembly located above the urn and also to receive strong, hot fresh brewed tea from a brew basket above the urn for providing the strong, hot fresh brewed tea to the urn. A nozzle assembly is provided so as to provide both makeup water and a concentrate, the makeup water for diluting the strong, hot fresh brewed tea from the brew basket and the concentrate being one or more of a sweetener and/or a flavor.
A tea dispensing machine is provided for engaging at least one pressurized concentrate source and a pressurized water source. The tea dispensing machine typically has at least one urn having side walls, an urn interior, a floor, and an upper rim, at least one of tea brew basket, a housing having a base and an upper section, the base configured to engage the urn, the upper section configured to engage the tea basket so that the tea basket is over an urn; a hot water fluid circuit comprising a hot water leg, including a flow control valve, with at least one removed end situated above a brew basket; a makeup water/concentrate fluid circuit comprising a makeup water leg, including a flow control valve, with a removed end, the removed end proximate the urn, and also at least one concentrate leg, including a flow control valve, with a removed end, the removed end proximate the urn; wherein the removed ends of the makeup water leg and the concentrate leg are directed such that a pressurized flow controlled fluid emitted from each simultaneously at least partly converges within the urn interior.
A beverage dispensing valve for dispensing a beverage from a container is disclosed. The beverage dispensing valve includes a downspout assembly having a body having walls with a slot therein. The downspout assembly has a channel, an upper opening and a lower opening, with the slot in the channel between the upper and lower openings. The downspout assembly includes a lateral member typically extending laterally from the downspout assembly and engaging the wall adjacent the slot. A pinch member is designed to be party enclosed within the lateral member and dimensioned to move partially through the slot. A handle typically engaging the removed end of the lateral member and the pinch member moves the pinch member in and out of the slot. A coil spring may be provided for engaging the lateral member and the pinch arm urging the pinch arm at least partially through the slot of the body. A pliable, flexible silicon-based, elastomer sleeve or insert or other suitable member is dimensioned to tightly fit against the walls of the channel of the body, the insert having an open top and an open bottom. The pinch member is engaged to the wall of the slot and when the pinch member moves through the slot into the interior of the channel of the body, the pinch member shuts off and closes any fluid flow therethrough. When the pinch member is moved, via the handle so that it is at least partially out of the slot, fluid is allowed to flow, under the impetus of gravity between the upper opening of the insert and the lower opening of the insert.
A beverage dispensing valve is disclosed for engaging a beverage container. The valve typically includes a downspout assembly having a substantially vertical body and having walls defining a generally vertical channel therethrough and having a slot in the walls, the walls defining an upper opening and a lower opening; the body with a lateral member extending laterally from the slot.
The valve may include a flexible, resilient sleeve-like insert having a channel with an upper and lower opening, the insert dimensioned to snuggly engage the walls of the channel, at least adjacent the slot.
The valve may include a pinch member dimensioned to move at least partly through the slot and, at least partly into the channel and against the insert and a handle, adapted to engage the pinch member to move the pinch member between a pinched position wherein the channel of the pinch member is substantially closed and an open position wherein the channel is at least partially open. The handle may include a generally vertical portion adapted to be grasped by the hand. The vertical portion may extend generally vertically upward.
The valve may include a biasing member engaging the pinch member and the body to urge the pinch member to the closed portion.
The valve may include including a pin for engaging the handle to the pinch member.
The insert may at least partially extend between the ends of the channel of the body and the insert may be adapted to seal fluidly against the walls of the downspout assembly.
The insert may have a handle extending at least partly upward from the walls defining the upper opening.
The insert may be comprised of a silicon-based elastomer
Turning to
As set forth herein, there are multiple stations in a dispensing unit. Each station is plumbed for either or both of a fresh brewed circuit or a tea concentrate, a makeup water circuit (every station), and a concentrate circuit as set forth in more detail below. Moreover, the concentrate circuit may be one or more of a concentrate tea, a sweetener or a flavor for the tea.
We will first examine the hardware comprising the combination unit 10. Following this examination of the hardware, we will examine the fluid flow circuits, and lastly look at the electronic control of the fluid flow circuits, and their engagement with the flow control of the fluid flow circuits to provide precise metered delivery of a diluent, a concentrate or a fresh brewed product to the consumer.
Turning to housing 12 is seen to comprise a base 18 and a spaced apart upper housing 20 with an upper housing support 22 between the base and the upper housing. Upper housing 20 is seen to comprise a top cover 20a and a front face 20b. Upper housing support 22 is seen to include a front wall 22a. Housing 12 may also include a splash plate 24 across the front of base 18, which splash plate 24 is typically located below dispensing valve assembly 36 of urn 14. Base 18 may also be provided with a drip tray 26 for spillover and draining in ways known in the art. Legs 28, such as the four illustrated in
Turning to
Turning now to
It may be helpful to view an embodiment of Applicants' device as having a number of fluid flow circuits. With reference to
One of the first circuits is illustrated in
The first circuit (
Flow controls 58a/58b may be adjusted for flow volume in ways known in the art for the proper ratio or brix between amount of concentrate C and/or D and amount of makeup water. For example, there may be a 5 to 1 ratio between water and a tea concentrate.
Typically, but not necessarily, there are four first circuits (concentrate and makeup water legs) each similar to that illustrated in
With reference to
Plate 84 has an injector 86 mounted above the brew basket as seen, for example, in
If the fresh brewed circuit of
There may be a plurality of electronic control circuits whose functionality is set forth in more detail below. These electronic control circuits are controlled generally from a control board 88 containing a microprocessor (not shown). First, there is a station/choice control circuit. This control circuit includes the manual input and display boards 41a/41b/41c/41d (for example, via touch screen), typically one for each station or a single input and display, which can manually output signals to control board 88. Manual input and display boards 41a/41b/41c/41d are typically located just above the brew baskets/urn combination at that station that it is intended to control. In an alternate embodiment, a single manual input and display board 41 is used (see
By way of example, station A (leftmost in
Following the opening and then closing of solenoid 80 and typically following the time delay sufficient for some of the hot water to have steeped and drained into the urn below, normally closed solenoid 60b will open for a period of time sufficient to deposit a second volume of unheated or “makeup” water into the urn to mix with the first volume of steeped water. The first volume of steeped, hot fluid plus the second volume of unheated makeup water will substantially equal the desired beverage volume.
If chosen via user (input), the optional flavor and/or sweetener circuit may be opened for a time period sufficient to sweeten or flavor the beverage volume, such time period to preferably be within the time period that solenoid 60b (makeup water) is opened—ensuring simultaneous flow of the flavor or sweetener and makeup water and proper mixing thereof.
Turning now back to station A, in the next example, instead of a choice of fresh brew being made, the user has placed a bag in the box tea concentrate at C/D and has input the “concentrate choice” (rather than fresh brew) mode at station A.
The microprocessor thereafter responds to the start cycle (via user input) by opening solenoid 60b for a period of time to deposit a first flow controlled volume of water through the injector into the urn (not into the brew basket). This period of time may also be responsive to beverage volume control (for a strong, regular or mild beverage strength). Typically, while solenoid 60b is opened, solenoid 60a will also be open for a period of time (usually less) to deliver sufficient tea concentrate to the beverage volume. This period may also be responsive to either the optional beverage strength or beverage volume control. Additionally, a flavor and/or sweetener circuit may provide flavor and/or sweetener to the urn.
A temperature control circuit operates through the microprocessor and control board 88. Its function is to maintain temperature in a hot water tank 51 between a preset high and a preset low temperature limit (for example, 195°-205° F.). The temperature control circuit includes a heating element 92, a temperature sensor 94 on heat tank 51 (see
Flow control as set forth herein is typically adjustable to control the ratio of the mix; that is, concentrate to water on the first circuit. However, controlling the ratio of the mix may also be achieved by varying the solenoid open time periods. For example, if a 5 to 1 mix is required, between water and concentrate, a flow control of water at five times the rate of the flow control of a concentrate will achieve such a mix, so long as the time period of the solenoids in their open condition is the same for both the water and the concentrate. On the other hand, if the flow control were adjusted so that the rate of flow of the concentrate and the water were the same, then to achieve the 5 to 1 ratio, the solenoid for the water would be open for five times the period of the solenoid opening for the concentrate. Variations between these extremes may be provided. Typically, however, the period of time is controlled such that the flow of the concentrate is within the time period of the flow of the water. Moreover, as can be seen with
The control board may also be programmed for a water only circuit. That is to say, the water leg may be opened while all the other solenoids are shut down to provide ambient water only through injector 64b to the urn.
While tea is a beverage that may be fresh brewed, other beverages are also possible, such as, for example, bagged coffee or loose ground coffee using a filter and a drip mode. Moreover, there is also, in one embodiment, a single station wherein the combination is the ability to either fresh brew, with makeup water and optionally flavor, or to concentrate mix the dispensed beverage.
A tank fluid level control circuit is also provided to maintain proper fluid level in hot water tank 51 (water level above the four outlets and substantially covering the heating element). At this point, it is noted that the four outlets of the tank 51 are also above the injectors 86, to allow gravity flow of the hot water into the brew basket. Voltage is measured at the control board to the water level sensor 90 mounted on top and depending into the hot water tank (
There may be three injectors just above the urn, typically above the upper rim. That is to say, while some embodiments use two injectors for injecting fluid into the urn, three may be provided. For example, the first circuit, besides having makeup water leg, may include a concentrate leg having a flavor (such as lemon or raspberry) and a concentrate leg having a sweetener as seen in
On the other hand, in a first circuit, there may again be three legs, again a makeup water leg, but a second (concentrate) leg being bag in box tea (leg), and a third (concentrate) injector along with a third circuit having a concentrate sweetener.
In addition, there may be level sensors 96 for indicating the level of fluid in urn 14. It may be an optical level sensor or an ultrasound level detector, and positioned over an at least partly open urn. One such level sensor is Part No. QS180PA, 12-30 VDC, available from Banner Engineering, Pennsylvania, an ultrasound level detector. This level sensor is a “one position” sensor and is typically engaged to the control circuit and microprocessor. A one position level sensor will continuously monitor the level of fluid in the urn and, when it hits a preset low position, will signal an action, such as “re-brew.” This will generate solenoid commands as programmed—usually to begin a fresh brew or concentrate cycle.
There may be multi-position sensor and microprocessor combinations, which sensors monitor the fluid level and which microprocessors include algorithms for certain flow control actions to occur at specified levels. For example, there may be a detection of a “no container” position, in which the algorithm will generate a “no flow” (also solenoid closed) or “no fluid” position.
Applicants' unit is multi-functional in that it may be adapted to brew fresh brewed, concentrate tea or a combination, with all circuits at least providing makeup water separately in an urn. Makeup water as set forth herein means water added to either a steeped fluid in the hot brew circuit or a concentrate bag in box tea for a concentrate brew circuit.
When the unit is configured for only fresh brewed tea, then only the fresh brewed circuit and the water leg of the first circuit need be provided. Optionally, a concentrate leg may also be provided in the first circuit to add a flavor and/or sweetener.
If the unit is to be configured as a concentrate beverage only, then no fresh brewed circuit is required and only the first circuit, with at least a water leg and a concentrate leg for the bag in box tea concentrate, and, optionally, an additional concentrate leg for a flavor or a sweetener, may be provided. Typically, Applicants' unit will be configured to provide both fresh brewed and concentrate and may have two or more stations as necessary.
There is a safety circuit operating with the temperature control circuit in which a fluid level drop to below a minimum fluid level on the tank will automatically shut off energy to the heating element 92.
It may be noted that there is no mixing nozzles or no mixing at all of water with any concentrate where such mixing occurs anywhere but in the urn interior or brew basket. That is, the machine has no point within it, not in the nozzles or upstream of the nozzles, where there are concentrates (whether tea concentrate or a flavor or a sweetener concentrate) and water mixing. Other than non-electrical flow control devices and the solenoids, there are typically no electrical elements, such as electrical valves or pumps. All mixing is done downstream of the machine, in the urn or above the fluid level in the urn.
If there is a lid or top 31 on the urn, typically the injectors are positioned above the opening 31a of the lid and having the direction set so the flow is through the opening in the top of the lid of the urn. It is seen with reference to the Figures that, with respect to a principal axis Pa, which is seen in the view of
In
Dimensions for urn 14 are given and are approximate; the maximum dimension is typically up to about 15 inches or less.
In
Pinch member 110 has pinch arm 110a is dimensioned to extend therefrom and adapted to extend at least partially into a channel defined by body 104. Pinch member 110 may also include a slot 110b for engaging a pin 118, the pin extending through to spaced apart portions of pin engagement member 116b.
Turning now to
Although the invention has been described in connection with the preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the invention's particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alterations, modifications, and equivalences that may be included in the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
Claims
1. A tea dispensing machine for engaging at least one pressurized concentrate source and a pressurized water source, the tea dispensing machine comprising:
- at least one urn having side walls, an urn interior, a floor, and a lower rim and an upper rim
- at least one of tea brew basket;
- a housing having a base and an upper section, the base configured to engage the urn, the upper section configured to engage the tea basket so that the tea basket is over an urn;
- a hot water fluid circuit for engaging a pressurized water service, the hot water fluid circuit comprising a hot water leg, including a flow control valve, with at least one removed end situated above a brew basket and a hot water tank downstream of the pressurized water source and upstream of the removed end; and
- a makeup water/concentrate fluid circuit comprising a makeup water leg, including a flow control valve, with a removed end, the removed end proximate the urn, and also at least one concentrate leg, including a flow control valve, with a removed end, the removed end proximate the urn; wherein the removed ends of the makeup water leg and the concentrate leg are directed to a convergence point within the urn interior.
2. The tea dispensing machine of claim 1, wherein the removed ends of the makeup water leg and the concentrate leg comprise injectors, said injectors positioned above the urn and directed downward toward the urn.
3. The tea dispensing machine of claim 2, wherein said injectors comprise one for makeup water and one for concentrate.
4. The tea dispensing machine of claim 2, wherein said injectors comprise one for makeup water and two for concentrate; and wherein said makeup water/concentrate fluid circuit has two concentrate legs.
5. The tea dispensing machine of claim 2, wherein said urn includes a lid with an opening therein, said injectors configured to direct fluid emitted therefrom through the opening of the lid.
6. The tea dispensing machine of claim 2, wherein the at least one urn and at least one brew basket are multiple urns and multiple brew baskets, and comprising multiple hot water and makeup/concentrate multiple fluid circuits.
7. The tea dispensing machine of claim 6, wherein the removed ends of the makeup water leg and the concentrate leg comprise injectors, said injectors positioned above the urn and directed downward toward the urn.
8. The tea dispensing machine of claim 7, wherein said injectors comprise one for makeup water and one for concentrate; and wherein said makeup water/concentrate fluid circuit has two concentrate legs.
9. The tea dispensing machine of claim 7, wherein said injectors comprise one for makeup water and two for concentrate.
10. The tea dispensing machine of claim 7, wherein said urn includes a lid with an opening therein, said injectors configured to direct fluid emitted therefrom through the opening of the lid.
11. The tea dispensing machine of claim 7, further including user microprocessor and solenoid controlled valves to initiate and terminate flow of fluid through the legs of the circuits.
12. The tea dispensing machine of claim 11, wherein user microprocessor and solenoid controlled valves engaged with the concentrate legs are configured to provide a pulsed flow of concentrate while the makeup water is flowing.
13. The tea dispensing machine of claim 11, wherein the flow control of the fluid circuit is adjustable to control the volume of flow of fluid therethrough.
14. The tea dispensing machine of claim 6, wherein the brew baskets include a floor with ridges.
15. The tea dispensing machine of claim 6, wherein the urn has a floor located above the lower rim.
16. A tea dispensing machine for engaging at least one pressurized concentrate source and a pressurized water source, the tea dispensing machine comprising:
- at least one urn having side walls, an urn interior, a floor, and a lower rim and an upper rim
- at least one of tea brew basket;
- a housing having a base and an upper section, the base configured to engage the urn, the upper section configured to engage the tea basket so that the tea basket is over an urn;
- a hot water fluid circuit for engaging a pressurized water service, the hot water fluid circuit comprising a hot water leg, including a flow control valve, with at least one removed end situated above a brew basket and a hot water tank downstream of the pressurized water source and upstream of the removed end; and
- a makeup water/concentrate fluid circuit comprising a makeup water leg, including a flow control valve, with a removed end, the removed end proximate the urn, and also at least one concentrate leg, including a flow control valve, with a removed end, the removed end proximate the urn; wherein the removed ends of the makeup water leg and the concentrate leg are directed to a convergence point within the urn interior; wherein the at least one urn and at least one brew basket are multiple urns and multiple brew baskets, and comprising multiple hot water and makeup/concentrate multiple fluid circuits; wherein the removed ends of the makeup water leg and the concentrate leg comprise injectors, said injectors positioned above the urn and directed downward toward the urn; and
- further including user microprocessor and solenoid controlled valves to initiate and terminate flow of fluid through the legs of the circuits.
17. The tea dispensing machine of claim 16, wherein said injectors comprise one for makeup water and two for concentrate.
18. The tea dispensing machine of claim 17, wherein user microprocessor and solenoid controlled valves engaged with the concentrate legs are configured to provide a pulsed flow of concentrate while the makeup water is flowing.
19. A tea dispensing machine for engaging one pressurized tea concentrate source, a second concentrate source compatible with tea, and a pressurized water source, the tea dispensing machine comprising:
- at least one urn having side walls, an urn interior, a floor, and a lower rim and an upper rim
- at least one of tea brew basket;
- a housing having a base and an upper section, the base configured to engage the urn, the upper section configured to engage the tea basket so that the tea basket is over an urn;
- a hot water fluid circuit for engaging a pressurized water service, the hot water fluid circuit comprising a hot water leg, including a flow control valve, with at least one removed end situated above a brew basket and a hot water tank downstream of the pressurized water source and upstream of the removed end; and
- a makeup water/concentrate fluid circuit comprising a makeup water leg, including a flow control valve, with a removed end, the removed end proximate the urn, and also two concentrate legs, each including a flow control valve, with a removed end, the removed end proximate the urn, the one of the two concentrate legs for engaging one of the first or second concentrate, the other of the concentrate legs for engaging the other of the first or second concentrate; wherein the removed ends of the makeup water leg and the concentrate leg are directed to a convergence point within the urn interior.
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 15, 2012
Publication Date: Sep 20, 2012
Inventors: WILLIAM EDWARDS (Selma, TX), TERESA BRADLEY (Cibolo, TX), A. A. JUD SCHROEDER (SAN ANTONIO, TX)
Application Number: 13/421,412
International Classification: A47J 31/46 (20060101);