LIQUID DISPENSING APPARATUS

Abstract

A liquid dispensing apparatus includes: a plurality of liquid source containers; a plurality of liquid flow paths, each flow path having a first end and a second end, each respective first end disposed in one-to-one fluid flow relationship with a respective one of the plurality of containers; a plurality of non-drip dispensing valves, each valve disposed in one-to-one fluid flow relationship with the second end of a respective one of the plurality of flow paths; at least one liquid flow conveyance device configured and disposed to transport liquid from each one of the containers to an associated one of the valves via an associated one of the flow paths; and a controller comprising a processing circuit responsive to executable instructions which when executed by the processing circuit facilitates dispensing of one or more of the liquids from an associated container to an associated valve.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to a liquid dispensing apparatus, particularly to a liquid dispensing apparatus for dispensing more than one liquid in more than one concentration of a particular individual liquid, and more particularly to a dispensing apparatus for dispensing a combination of one or more olive oils, or a combination of one or more balsamic vinegars, or a combination of one or more olive oils with one or more balsamic vinegars.

Existing point-of-sale dispensers for olive oils and balsamic vinegars include large vats of the oils and vinegars that a user (purchaser) accesses via a spigot to fill or refill a bottle with a desired combination of the oils and vinegars. The user is responsible for timely closing the spigot to avoid spillage.

While existing dispensers for olive oils and balsamic vinegars may be suitable for their intended purpose, the art relating to a dispensing apparatus for dispensing olive oils and balsamic vinegars in recommended or custom mixes would be advanced with a dispensing apparatus that does not rely on a user to close a spigot of a dispensing vat.

This background information is provided to reveal information believed by the applicant to be of possible relevance to the present invention. No admission is necessarily intended, nor should be construed, that any of the preceding information constitutes prior art against the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment includes a liquid dispensing apparatus having: a plurality of liquid source containers, each container configured to contain a liquid; a plurality of liquid flow paths, each flow path having a first end and a second end, each respective first end disposed in one-to-one fluid flow relationship with a respective one of the plurality of containers; a plurality of non-drip dispensing valves, each valve disposed in one-to-one fluid flow relationship with the second end of a respective one of the plurality of flow paths; at least one liquid flow conveyance device configured and disposed to transport liquid from each one of the containers to an associated one of the valves via an associated one of the flow paths; and a controller comprising a processing circuit responsive to executable instructions which when executed by the processing circuit facilitates dispensing of one or more of the liquids from an associated one of the plurality of containers to an associated one of the valves.

The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring to the exemplary non-limiting drawings wherein like elements are numbered alike in the accompanying Figures:

FIG. 1 depicts a rotated perspective view of an example dispensing apparatus with a rotary actuated dispensing wheel, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 2 depicts another rotated perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 with some detail removed for clarity;

FIG. 3 depicts an expanded assembly view of a dispensing valve assembly, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of a dispensing wheel, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of a bottle for use in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of a dispensing chamber, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 7 depicts a block diagram side view of the dispensing wheel of FIG. 4, the dispensing chamber of FIG. 6, and a motor, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIGS. 8A-8I depict displayed images on a touch screen user interface, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 9 depicts a flow chart of a method, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 10 depicts a rotated perspective view of another example dispensing apparatus similar to that depicted in FIG. 1, but with an opened door having a linearly actuated dispensing carriage, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 11 depicts a rotated perspective view of another example dispensing apparatus similar to that depicted in FIG. 10, but with an opened door having a stationary dispensing nozzle assembly, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 12 depicts a rotated perspective view of a dispensing chamber as observed from an interior of an example dispensing apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 13 depicts rotated perspective view of a dispensing chamber as observed from an exterior of an example dispensing apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 14 depicts a partial perspective view of a nozzle assembly in engagement with a container, in accordance with an embodiment; and

FIG. 15 depicts a rotated perspective view of an exterior of an example dispensing apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

Although the following detailed description contains many specifics for the purposes of illustration, anyone of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that many variations and alterations to the following details are within the scope of the claims. Accordingly, the following example embodiments are set forth without any loss of generality to, and without imposing limitations upon, the claimed invention.

An embodiment, as shown and described by the various figures and accompanying text, provides a liquid dispensing apparatus, more particularly an olive oil and balsamic vinegar dispensing apparatus, configured to dispense either recommended or custom mixes of the same in an automated and controlled manner. While an embodiment described herein depicts a liquid dispensing apparatus suitable for dispensing olive oils and balsamic vinegars, it will be appreciated that the disclosed invention is not so limited and is also applicable to other liquids suitable for such dispensing, such as salad dressings, barbecue sauces, flavored beverages, or cocktail drinks, for example. It will be further appreciated that one skilled in the art would be capable of modifying certain operational parameters applicable for a purpose disclosed herein, such as spring rate, a valve size or type, pump size or type, and flow rate management for example, in order to accommodate other liquids having viscosities or flow rates that differ from that of olive oil and vinegar.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 1 and 2, which depict different perspective views of an example embodiment of a liquid dispensing apparatus 100 with an exterior cover and door removed for better illustration of detail, where FIG. 2 depicts the apparatus 100 of FIG. 1 with some detail removed for clarity, which will be discussed further below.

An embodiment of the apparatus 100 includes a support frame 101, a plurality of liquid source containers 102 supported by the support frame 101, with each container configured to contain a liquid, such as an olive oil or a balsamic vinegar for example. FIGS. 1 and 2 depict a total of 16 liquid source containers 102, but it will be understood that any number of containers 102 suitable for a purpose disclosed herein will fall within the ambit of the invention disclosed herein. A plurality of liquid flow paths 104 (also herein referred to as liquid flow tube(s), or tube(s)) are disposed in one-to-one fluid flow relationship with a respective one of the plurality of containers 102. While embodiments are described and illustrated herein having tubes for the liquid flow paths, it will be appreciated that other means for conveying liquid from one location to another are also considered to be within the ambit of the claimed invention, such as pipes or channels for example. Each tube 104 has a first end 106 and a second end 108, each respective first end 106 being connected to a respective one of the containers 102, and each respective second end 108 being connected to a respective one of a plurality of dispensing valve assemblies 200 (depicted in FIG. 2 but best seen with reference to FIG. 3). While an embodiment is described and illustrated herein having a certain structure for the valve assembly, it will be appreciated that other structures having the function of a valve, that is, a device for controlling the passage of fluid through an orifice, and being suitable for a purpose disclosed herein, are also considered to be within the ambit of the claimed invention. As can be seen with reference to FIG. 2, each respective valve assembly 200 is disposed in one-to-one fluid flow relationship with a respective second end 108 of a respective one of the plurality of tubes 104. At least one liquid flow conveyance device 110 (also herein referred to as a pump) is configured and disposed to transport liquid from each one of the containers 102 to an associated one of the valve assemblies 200 via an associated one of the tubes 104. As used herein the term at least one means one or more than one. In an embodiment, the apparatus 100 includes a plurality of liquid flow pumps 110, as depicted in FIG. 2, with each respective liquid flow pump 110 being disposed in one-to-one fluid flow relationship with a respective one of the containers 102 and a respective one of the valve assemblies 200 via a respective one of the tubes 104. Each liquid flow pump 110 may be disposed anywhere in-line with the respective tube 104, such as proximate the first end 106, proximate the second end 108, anywhere in between the first end 106 and the second end 108, upstream of the first end 106, downstream of the second end 108, or anywhere suitable for a purpose disclosed herein. A controller 300 (best seen with reference to FIG. 1) is disposed in operable communication with the plurality of liquid flow pumps 110 via a processing circuit 302, which is responsive to executable instructions which when executed by the processing circuit 302 facilitates dispensing of one or more of the liquids from an associated one of the plurality of containers 102 to an associated one of the valve assemblies 200, which will be discussed in more detail below.

In an embodiment, the apparatus 100 further includes a dispensing wheel 112 (best seen with reference to FIG. 4) and a dispensing chamber 114 (best seen with reference to FIG. 6), the dispensing wheel 112 being disposed between the plurality of valve assemblies 200 and the dispensing chamber 114, with each respective valve assembly 200 being sealably connected to the dispensing wheel 112 in a manner discussed in more detail below.

With reference to FIG. 4, an embodiment of the dispensing wheel 112 has a plurality of dispensing orifices 116 disposed in one-to-one relationship with the plurality of dispensing valve assemblies 200, and a central axis 118 about which the dispensing wheel 112 rotates. The dispensing chamber 114 is disposed below and in liquid-gravity-feed relationship with the dispensing wheel 112, and is configured to support at least two different sizes of a fluid container 120 (depicted generally in FIG. 5) that is configured to receive a dispensed fluid from one or more of the plurality of liquid source containers 102 via an associated one of the plurality of dispensing valve assemblies 200, the dispensing wheel 112 being disposed horizontally with respect to the dispensing chamber 114.

With reference to FIG. 6, an embodiment of the dispensing chamber 114 includes a plurality of panels 124, which includes a top panel 124.1 having centrally disposed orifice 126. A bottom panel 124.2 of the plurality of panels 124 includes a receiving region 128 for receiving and supporting the fluid container 120. The front of the dispensing chamber 114 is open (i.e., absent a panel) for receiving the fluid container 120. In an embodiment, the receiving region 128 is recessed from the main surface of the bottom panel 124.2, and has a plurality of orifices 130 disposed therein for draining any liquid that may inadvertently or otherwise be spilled. The receiving region 128, and more specifically the plurality of orifices 130 of the receiving region 128, is fluidly coupled to a drain pan 132 of the apparatus 100 via a drain line 134, the drain pan 132 being disposed and configured for ease of routine cleaning. In an embodiment, a side panel 124.4 of the plurality of panels 124 includes at least one sensor, optionally two sensors 136, 138, disposed and configured to sense a presence, a size, a weight, or any combination of a presence, a size, and a weight, of the fluid container 120 in the dispensing chamber 114. For example, the bottom sensor 136 may be a proximity sensor disposed to sense the presence of any sized container 120, and the top sensor 138 may be another proximity sensor disposed to sense the presence of just a large sized container 120, that is, the top sensor 138 is disposed such that a small sized container 120 would not be tall enough to be sensed by the top sensor 138. Other sensors may be used in place of or in addition to proximity sensors 136, 138 for a purpose disclosed herein, such as weight sensors where the container 120 may be hung or otherwise supported in the dispensing chamber 114 from a weight sensitive support for example. The controller 300, via the processing circuit 302, is responsive to executable instructions which when executed by the processing circuit 302 is operational to receive signals from the sensors 136, 138 and to control the pumps 110 to control how much liquid is pumped from the containers 102 via the pumps 110 depending on the volumetric size of the container 120 in the dispensing chamber 114. In an embodiment, one such container 120 has an internal liquid volume capacity of 250 milliliter (ml), and another such container 120 has an internal liquid volume capacity of 500 ml, for example. Other volumetric sizes for the container 120 may be used without detracting from a scope of the invention disclosed herein.

With reference to FIG. 7, a motor 122 is mounted on a back panel 124.3 of the plurality of panels 124 of the dispensing chamber 114 using hardware suitable for such a purpose, and is configured and disposed to rotate the dispensing wheel 112 on command from the controller 300 via the processing circuit 302 which is responsive to executable instructions which when executed by the processing circuit 302 turns the motor 122 on and off to facilitate rotation of the dispensing wheel 112 in a plan-view clockwise direction for up to 180-degrees of rotation from a datum position, and to facilitate rotation of the dispensing wheel 112 in a plan-view counterclockwise direction for up to 180-degrees of rotation from the datum position. By limiting clockwise and counterclockwise rotations of the dispensing wheel 112 to only 180-degrees in each direction, tangling of the liquid flow tubes 104 can be avoided. In an embodiment, the motor 122 and dispensing wheel 112 are connected by a collar 140, using hardware suitable for such a purpose, which is fixedly attached with respect to both the motor drive axis 142 and the dispensing wheel axis 118 so that the dispensing wheel 112 rotates the same amount as a drive shaft 146 of the motor 122. It will be appreciated, however, that alternative drive configurations may be employed without detracting from a scope of the invention, such as geared or belt drive configurations for example. As depicted in and with reference briefly back to FIG. 4, the plurality of dispensing orifices 116 on the dispensing wheel 112 are disposed at a uniform radial distance R with respect to the central axis 118 of the dispensing wheel 112, and are spaced apart with respect to each other at uniform angular intervals A relative to the central axis 118. The motor 122 is configured to rotate the dispensing wheel 112 at discrete angular displacement intervals that correlate with the uniform angular intervals A of the spaced apart dispensing orifices 116, such that the controller 300, the motor 122, and the dispensing wheel 112, all work synergistically to perfect alignment of a desired one of the valve assemblies 200, and associated orifice 116 on the dispensing wheel 112, with the orifice 126 of the dispensing chamber 114, which is depicted schematically in FIG. 7 by axis line 144. In an embodiment, the motor 122 is a stepper motor having an angular step interval that provides for the above described alignment of the valve assembly 200 with the orifice 126.

Reference is now made back to FIG. 3 depicting one of the plurality of dispensing valve assemblies 200 in an expanded assembly view. In an embodiment, each valve assembly 200 includes a housing 202 (upper) and 204 (lower), the upper housing 202 having a first orifice 212 at a first port 213 and the lower housing 204 having a second orifice 214 at a second port 215, a support 206 disposed within and in a fixed relationship with the housing 202, 204, a nozzle 208 disposed within the housing 202, 204 and displaceable relative to the housing 202, 204, and a biasing member 210, which in an embodiment is a compression spring, disposed between the support member 206 and the nozzle 208 to bias the nozzle 208 toward the upper housing 202 to form a liquid seal at, or with respect to, the first orifice 212. In an embodiment, the support member 206 has a plurality of legs 216 shaped to nest in the square notches 218 in the lower housing 204 and the triangular notches 220 in the upper housing 202. While an embodiment depicts the use of square notches 218 and triangular notches 220 in the housing 204, 202, it will be appreciated that the scope is not so limited and encompasses any shaped notch, or other suitable means of retention, that may be suitable for a purpose disclosed herein. The space between the legs 216 of the support member 206 permits liquid to flow from the first orifice 212 to the second orifice 214 around the support member 206 when the nozzle 208 is open (i.e., not in sealing engagement with the upper housing 202).

In an embodiment, each valve assembly 200 when fully assembled securely captures the support 206 between the upper and lower housings 202, 204, with the upper and lower housings 202, 204 engaging each other, and with the nozzle 208 being free to translate up and down under the influence of a bias force from the biasing member 210 and within the confines of the upper housing 202 and the support 206. In an embodiment, the assembled valve assembly 200 is fabricated from a polymer and is sealed at the mating surfaces between the upper and lower housings 202, 204 and the support 206, particularly at the notches 218, 220, by any means suitable for a purpose disclosed herein, such as vibratory welding for example.

In an embodiment, the nozzle 208 has a proximal end 222 disposed proximate the support member 206, and a distal end 224 disposed proximate the first orifice 212, where the distal end 224 is smaller in cross section than the proximal end 222. An upper surface 226 of the nozzle 208 between the distal end 224 and the proximal end 222 is configured to redirect a liquid flow from the first orifice 212 to the second orifice 214 to bypass the biasing member 210. In an embodiment, the upper surface 226 of the nozzle 208 is conical in shape, and forms a seal surface (herein also referred to by reference numeral 226), and the upper housing 202 has an internal seal surface 230 that is complementary to the seal surface 226 of the nozzle 208. In an embodiment, a resilient compression ring 232, which in an embodiment is a rubber O-ring, is disposed between and on one of the seal surface 226 of the nozzle 208 or the seal surface 230 of the upper housing 202 for providing the liquid seal at the first orifice 212. In an embodiment, the rubber O-ring 232 is disposed on the nozzle 208, as depicted in FIG. 3.

In an embodiment, the support member 206 includes a pocket 234 in a stem portion 238, the nozzle 208 includes a pocket 236 at the proximal end 222, and the compression spring 210 is disposed within the pocket 234 of the support member 206 and within the pocket 236 of the nozzle 208. When the nozzle 208 is open, which will be discussed further below, the proximal end 222 of the nozzle 208 seats, or is in close proximity to, a top surface 240 of the stem portion 238, with the compression spring 210 substantially enclosed, and protected, within the pockets 234 and 236, which in combination with the shape of the upper surface 226 of the nozzle 208 serves to protect the compression spring 210 from exposure to any of the liquid being dispensed from the containers 102. In an embodiment, the pocket 234 cooperates with a drain hole 235 to prevent any accumulation of liquid that may inadvertently enter the pocket 234.

With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 in combination, it will be seen and can be appreciated that each respective second end 108 of each tube 104 is sealably connected with each respective first port 213 of an associated valve assembly 200, and each respective second port 215 of an associated valve assembly 200 is sealably connected with each respective orifice 116 of the dispensing wheel 112, thereby providing a leak-free fluid flow path from each container 102 to the dispensing chamber 114.

On command from the controller 300 via the executable instructions executed by the processing circuit 302, the respective pump 110 and biasing member 210 are configured to permit liquid flow from the first orifice 212 to the second orifice 214 in response to the pump 110 being productive of a liquid pressure at the first orifice 212 that overcomes a sealing force exerted by the biasing member 210, and the biasing member 210 is configured to prevent liquid flow from the first orifice 212 to the second orifice 214 in response to the sealing force exerted by the biasing member 210 being greater than a liquid pressure at the first orifice 212. Stated alternatively, each respective nozzle 208 is biased upward against its respective upper housing 202 via its respective biasing member 210 to form a liquid seal at the respective first orifice 212 when no liquid is being pumped from the containers 102, and each respective biasing member 210 is appropriately sized to compress and permit liquid flow through the first orifice 212 in response to a demand, via the controller 300, for liquid from one of the containers 102, where each respective pump 110 is appropriately sized to create sufficient liquid pressure at the first orifice 212 to compress the respective biasing member 210 to effect such on-demand liquid flow. Further stated alternatively, on command from the controller 300, the conveyance device 110 and the respective valve assembly 200 are configured to permit liquid flow in the respective liquid flow path 104 in response to the conveyance device 110 being productive of a liquid pressure that overcomes a no-flow threshold condition of the respective valve assembly 200, and the respective valve assembly 200 is configured to prevent liquid flow in the respective liquid flow path 104 in response to the conveyance device 110 being non-productive of a liquid pressure that overcomes the no-flow threshold condition of the respective valve assembly 200.

Alternative to the valve assembly 200 disclosed herein with reference to FIG. 3, applicant has been found that an FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved non-drip check valve known in the art may be suitable for a purpose disclosed herein, which is discussed further below in connection with FIGS. 10-15.

With reference now back to FIG. 1, an embodiment of the controller 300 includes a touch screen user interface 304, herein also referred to simply as a touch screen and also functioning as a display screen, disposed in signal communication with the processing circuit 302 in a manner known in the art. To operate the dispensing apparatus 100 to dispense desired liquids from the containers 102 in any desired quantity or combination, a user would approach the touch screen 304 and enter touch-activated commands via one or more displayed objects 400, with each displayed object 400 being representative of a particular dispense command. FIG. 1 also depicts a label printer 320 configured and disposed in operable communication with the processing circuit 302 to provide a printed label 322 that identifies the ingredients and proportions of the dispensed liquids, where the customer would affix the printed label 322 to the dispensing bottle 120, an embodiment of the printed label 322 being of a peal-and-stick variety. FIG. 1 also depicts a wireless communication device 330 and associated antenna 332 configured and disposed in operable communication with the processing circuit 302 to wirelessly communicate information relating to ingredients and proportions of the dispensed liquids to a device address, such as an email address, of and provided by a customer.

Example displayed objects 400 for effectuating a dispense sequence will now be described with reference to FIGS. 8A-8I, where the outer box graphic in each figure is representative of an embodiment of the touch screen 304, regardless of the size of the outer box graphic depicted in the several figures. While specific touch screens with specific displayed objects are described and illustrated herein, it will be appreciated that these touch screens and displayed objects are just an example for discussion purposes, and that the scope is not limited to just the touch screens and displayed objects presented herein, but also encompasses other touch screens with other displayed objects that would be consistent with a purpose disclosed herein for effecting dispensing of liquids in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 8A depicts an example start touch screen 304 with a displayed object 400 being a touch button object 402 that prompts a user to “press here to start”. If the user touches (or presses) the object 402, the display screen 304 of FIG. 8B is presented, which displays touch button objects 404 and 406 giving the user a choice between selecting “recommended mixes” 404 of liquids (e.g., olive oils and balsamic vinegars) or making a “mix your own” 406 combination of liquids.

If the user selects (i.e., touches or presses) object 404, the display screen 304 of FIG. 8C is presented, which displays several touch button objects 408, 410, 412, 414, 416, 418 and 420, and an informational message 500 that informs the user that they have selected a “pick a recommended mixture” option. Here the user would select one of the displayed objects 408-418 for a recommended mixture or suggested pairing, or would select the “back” touch button object 420 if they have changed their mind or inadvertently selected the wrong option on the previous screen of FIG. 8B. If the user selects object 408 “extra virgin olive oil/classic balsamic”, for example, the display screen 304 of FIG. 8D is presented, which displays touch button objects 422 and 424, and informational messages 502, 504 and 506 that inform the user that they selected the recommended mixture of “extra virgin olive oil and classic balsamic vinegar” 502, which has the recommended percentages of “66% extra virgin olive oil” 504 and “33% classic balsamic vinegar” 506. Here the user has the option of selecting object 422 to “fill” a container of the selected combination, or object 424 to return “back” to the previous screen of FIG. 8C. If the user selects object 422, the display screen 304 of FIG. 8E is presented, which displays informational messages 508 and 510 that inform the user that “filling” 508 has commenced and to “please do not touch or remove bottle” 510 during filling. It will be appreciated from the foregoing description of the dispensing apparatus 100 that filling of the bottle (also herein referred to as a container) will not commence unless the controller 300 has ascertained via the sensors 136, 138 that a bottle is in place in the dispensing chamber 114, and what the volumetric size of the bottle is, such as 250 ml or 500 ml, for example. The controller 300 will then facilitate dispensing of the appropriate amounts of liquids to fulfill the user's request. By the controller 300 having programmed knowledge of the flow rate of the pumps 110, accurate dispensing of the desired liquids is achievable. Upon completion of a filling process, the display screen 304 of FIG. 8F is presented, which displays informational messages 512 and 514 that informs the user that “you may now remove your bottle” 512 and displays a “thank you” message 514.

While not specifically depicted in the several drawings provided herewith, an embodiment also includes an option where a user may request that a listing of suggested recipes be presented on the display screen 304, where the suggested recipes provide the user with information on how to use the available olive oils and vinegars in a vinaigrette, a marinade, or a baked product, for example.

Returning back to the display screen 304 of FIG. 8B, if a user selects the “mix your own” object 406, the display screen of FIG. 8G is presented, which displays check box objects 426, 428, 430, 432, 434, 436, 438, 440, 442, 444 and 446, touch button objects 448, and 450, and informational messages 516 and 518 that inform the user that one or more of the “olive oils” 516 and “balsamic vinegars” 518 is to be selected.

In an example, if the user selects just the “extra virgin olive oil” by selecting check box object 426, and then selecting the “next” button 448, the display screen 304 of FIG. 8H is presented, which displays slider-button object 452 (also herein referred to as a stroke-based object), touch button objects 454 and 456, and informational messages 520, 522 and 524 that inform the user “extra virgin olive oil” at “100%” 524 has been selected, and gives the user the option to “specify how much of each flavor by sliding the sliders” (e.g., slider-button 452) between “none” and “max” 522. In this example, however, let's assume that the user made a mistake and now wants to select something different. To remedy the mistake, the user would then select the “back” touch button 456 instead of the “fill” button 454, which would cause the display screen 304 of FIG. 8G to be redisplayed, giving the user the option to change the selection of “olive oils” 516 and “balsamic vinegars” 518. If the user now selects “Tuscan herb”, “Sicilian lemon” and “classic balsamic”, by selecting check box objects 428, 430 and 440, respectively, and then selecting the “next” button 448, the display screen 304 of FIG. 8I is presented (but with the listed percentages being initially displayed as 33%, 33% and 33%), which is similar to the display screen 304 of FIG. 8H but with three slider-button objects 458, 460 and 464 displayed, along with the associated selected “Tuscan herb” 530 and “Sicilian lemon” 532 olive oils, and “classic balsamic” 534 vinegar. At this stage of the dispense process the displayed percentage of liquids is still at the initial values of 33%. To change the percentages the user is prompted to “specify how much of each flavor by sliding the sliders” using slider-buttons 458, 460 and 462. In this example the user selected “Tuscan herb” at “29%” 530, “Sicilian lemon” at “60%” 532, and “classic balsamic” at “11%” 534. When the final selection is completed, the user selects the “fill” touch button 464, resulting in the display screens 304 of FIGS. 8E and 8F being presented, where the user would follow a process similar to that described above for the same figures.

From all of the foregoing, and with reference now to FIG. 9, it will be appreciated that the controller 300 is operational to effectuate liquid dispensing according to the following where the processing circuit 302 is further responsive to executable instructions which when executed by the processing circuit 302 facilitates the following method 600: responding 602 to a user touching at least one displayed object 400 on the touch screen 304, the at least one displayed object 400 being representative of a command for dispensing a first desired liquid from the plurality of liquid source containers 102 to provide a final liquid composition that is one of a recommended composition or a custom composition; activating 604 the motor 122 to rotate the dispensing wheel 112 to align one of the plurality of dispensing valve assemblies 200 with the dispensing chamber 114, the aligned dispensing valve assembly 200 being associated with the first desired liquid; sensing 606 a presence of the container 120 in the dispensing chamber 114, and with the presence of such container 120 being sensed activating 608 the at least one liquid flow pump 110 to cause the first desired liquid to flow through the associated valve assembly 200 into the container 120 until a desired amount of the first desired liquid is dispensed; and deactivating 610 the at least one liquid flow pump 110 when the container 120 is full of the final liquid composition.

The method further includes: activating 612 the motor 122 to rotate the dispensing wheel 112 to realign a second one of the plurality of dispensing valve assemblies 200 with the dispensing chamber 114, the realigned dispensing valve assembly 200 being associated with a second desired liquid; and activating 614 an associated liquid flow pump 110 to cause the second desired liquid to flow through the associated valve assembly 200 into the container 120 until a desired amount of the second desired liquid is dispensed. Wherein the desired amount of the first desired liquid is a first percentage of a total amount of the final liquid, and the desired amount of the second desired liquid is a second percentage of the total amount of the final liquid, the first percentage plus the second percentage being equal to or less than one hundred percent.

In an embodiment, the at least one displayed object 400 includes a touch button object (also herein referred to as a first static object), a second slider-button object (also herein referred to as a stroke-based object), and an informational message. Wherein the slider-button object is representative of a command to dispense a custom percentage of the first desired liquid, the second desired liquid, or both the first desired liquid and the second desired liquid. Wherein the slider-button object is representative of a command to dispense a custom percentage of a plurality of desired liquids, a total percentage of all dispensed liquids being substantially equal to one hundred percent.

In an embodiment, the controller 300 is programmed with counter logic and the processing circuit 302 is responsive to executable instructions which when executed by the processing circuit 302 implements the counter logic to determine if all or substantially all of a particular liquid has be dispensed from its respective container 102, and if so displays a message on the touch screen 304 that serves to notify an administrator of the dispensing apparatus 100 that a refilling operation is needed. The controller 300 may also include an administrator screen accessible only to the administrator that may include other administrator options, such as notification of how much liquid remains in a respective one of the containers so that refilling can be accomplished without a container being completely depleted of its contents, for example.

While an embodiment is disclosed and illustrated herein using one or more pumps as a means of conveying liquid from the containers to the valve assemblies, it is contemplated that other means for conveying liquid, such as using one or more compressors for example, would be equally suitable for a purpose disclosed herein, where the compressors would be configured and disposed to provide pressurized gas to the containers that would serve to force the liquid from the container to the valve assembly. As such, the term liquid flow conveyance device encompasses both a pump and a compressor, either of which being configured and disposed in a manner suitable for a purpose disclosed herein, or any other liquid conveyance device suitable for a purpose disclosed herein.

In an alternative embodiment it is further contemplated that a single vacuum pump may be selectively coupled via a flow tube to a fluid container 120 that is to be filled, the air evacuated therefrom, and a selected valve assembly 200 operably opened and closed to allow a desired amount of the desired liquid to flow from its associated container 102 under the influence of vacuum suction.

Alternative to the foregoing description of a plurality of valve assemblies 200 being disposed on a dispensing wheel 112 for dispensing one or more of selected liquids from one or more of the plurality of liquid source containers 102, applicant has found that other dispensing mechanisms may be suitable for a purpose disclosed herein, such as a plurality of non-drip valves disposed on a linearly actuated carriage, or a plurality of non-drip valves disposed in fluid flow communication with a stationary dispensing nozzle, for example. These alternative dispensing mechanisms will now be described with reference to FIGS. 10-15, where like elements are numbered alike, and where similar or interchangeable elements are numbered with the last three trailing numerals being numbered alike.

Reference is now made to FIG. 10, which depicts a liquid dispensing apparatus 1100 similar to that of apparatus 100, but instead of the plurality of valve assemblies 200 being disposed on a dispensing wheel 112, the apparatus 1100 includes a plurality of non-drip dispensing valves 1200 disposed on a linearly actuatable dispensing carriage 1112 having a plurality of supports 1113 disposed in one-to-one relationship with the plurality of non-drip dispensing valves 1200, such as FDA approved non-drip check valves known in the art for example, the dispensing carriage 1112 being disposed on a door 1103 that is hinged or otherwise operably attached to the support frame or enclosure 1101 (similar to support frame 101 of FIG. 1). The dispensing carriage 1112 is operable to move linearly in a forward direction and a reverse direction (such as left and right on the door 1103 for example) via a stepper motor 122. Similar to the apparatus 100, apparatus 1100 includes a plurality of liquid flow paths (tubes for example) 104 disposed in one-to-one relationship between a liquid conveyance device (pump for example) 110 and a respective non-drip dispensing valve 1200. In FIG. 10, the liquid flow paths 104 are depicted as end-connected segments for clarity. Similar to the apparatus 100 described herein above, a controller 300 includes a processing circuit 302 responsive to executable instructions which when executed by the processing circuit facilitates dispensing of one or more of the liquids from an associated one of the plurality of containers 102 to an associated one of the non-drip valves 1200. Also similar to apparatus 100, the controller 300 includes a touch screen user interface (see 304 in FIGS. 1 and 15 for example) disposed in signal communication with the processing circuit 302 in a manner known in the art.

Dispensing apparatus 1100 includes a dispensing chamber 114 disposed below and in gravity feed relationship with the dispensing valves 1200 similar to apparatus 100. A difference between apparatus 1100 and apparatus 100 is that the dispensing valves 1200 are disposed adjacent each other on the dispensing carriage 1112, where the dispensing carriage 1112 is disposed horizontally with respect to the dispensing chamber 114 and is operable to move horizontally with respect to the dispensing chamber 114. The motor 122 is configured and disposed to linearly actuate the dispensing carriage 1112 on command from the controller 300, wherein the processing circuit 302 is responsive to executable instructions which when executed by the processing circuit 302 facilitates linear movement of the dispensing carriage 1112 relative to the dispensing chamber 114 in a forward direction for a defined distance from a datum position, and facilitates linear movement of the dispensing carriage 1112 relative to the dispensing chamber 114 in a reverse direction for a defined distance from the datum position, the defined distances in the forward and reverse directions encompassing a range of motion that enables dispensing from each one of the plurality of non-drip dispensing valves 1200 into a container 120 similar to that discussed herein above in connection with dispensing apparatus 100. In the dispensing apparatus 1100, however, the plurality of dispensing valves 1200 are disposed and spaced apart on the dispensing carriage 1112 at a uniform linear distance with respect to each other, and the motor 122, in an embodiment being a stepper motor, is configured to linearly actuate the dispensing carriage 1112 at discrete linear displacement intervals that correlate with the uniform linear distances of the spaced apart dispensing valves 1200.

Dispensing apparatus 1100 further includes a removable waste container 1140, disposed on the door 1103 and in fluid communication with the dispensing chamber 114 via a tube or other collection channel 1145, for collecting liquid spillage that may occur during operation of the dispensing apparatus 1100 in response to a user request.

Other than the dispensing apparatus 1100 having a linearly actuated dispensing carriage 1112 versus the rotary actuated dispensing wheel 112 of dispensing apparatus 100, operation of the dispensing apparatus 1100 to dispense desired liquids from the containers 102 in any desired quantity or combination is similar to that discussed herein above in connection with dispensing apparatus 100, and therefore any repetitive description is deemed unnecessary. Any difference between the operation of the dispensing apparatus 1100 and the operation of the dispensing apparatus 100 not specifically described in detail herein, would be well recognized and readily understood by one skilled in the art from a full reading of the description provided herein without further elaboration being deemed necessary.

Further to the descriptions provided herein above directed to the dispensing apparatus 100 and the dispensing apparatus 1100, reference is now made to FIG. 11, which depicts a liquid dispensing apparatus 2100 similar to that of dispensing apparatus 1100, but instead of the plurality of non-drip dispensing valves 1200 being disposed on a linearly actuatable dispensing carriage 1112, the dispensing apparatus 2100 has nozzle assembly 2112 disposed in fluid communication with each one of a plurality of non-drip dispensing valves 2200 (best seen with reference to FIGS. 12-14) where each valve 2200 is disposed in one-to-one fluid flow relationship with an end of a respective one of the plurality of flow paths 104. As depicted, the nozzle assembly 2112 is disposed on a door 2103 that is hinged or otherwise operably attached to the support frame or enclosure 2101 (similar to the support frame or enclosure 1101 of FIG. 10). Similar to the non-drip dispensing valves 1200 of dispensing apparatus 1100, each dispensing valve 2200 may be an FDA approved non-drip check valve. Contrary to the rotary dispensing wheel 112 of dispensing apparatus 100, or the linearly actuated dispensing carriage 1112 of dispensing apparatus 1100, a dispensing end the nozzle assembly 2112 of dispensing apparatus 2100 is disposed in a single dispense position independent of which valve 2200 of the plurality of non-drip valves are involved in the dispensing of one or more of the liquids. That is, the nozzle assembly 2112 may be stationary, or disposed in a fixed position, relative to the dispensing chamber 114, or may be configured to move in only a vertical direction relative to the dispensing chamber 114 in order to engage and disengage a dispensing end of the nozzle assembly 2112 with the container 120 to be filled. By limiting the degree of freedom of motion of the nozzle assembly 2112, to be stationary or vertical motion only, the dispensing apparatus 2100 does not require a stepper motor such as the motor 122 employed in dispensing apparatus 100 or dispensing apparatus 1100, thereby reducing the complexity and maintenance of the overall dispensing system.

Other than the dispensing apparatus 2100 having a stationary, or limited degree of freedom of motion, nozzle assembly 2112 versus the rotary actuated dispensing wheel 112 of dispensing apparatus 100, or the linearly actuated dispensing carriage 1112, operation of the dispensing apparatus 2100 to dispense desired liquids from the containers 102 in any desired quantity or combination is similar to that discussed herein above in connection with dispensing apparatus 100 and dispensing apparatus 2100, and therefore any repetitive description is deemed unnecessary. Any difference between the operation of dispensing apparatus 2100, and the operation of either dispensing apparatus 100 or dispensing apparatus 2100 not specifically described in detail herein, would be well recognized and readily understood by one skilled in the art from a full reading of the description provided herein without further elaboration being deemed necessary.

Similar to dispensing apparatus 1100, dispensing apparatus 2100 may also include a removable waste container 2140, disposed on the door 2103 and in fluid communication with the dispensing chamber 114 via a tube or other collection channel 2145, for collecting liquid spillage that may occur during operation of the dispensing apparatus 2100 in response to a user request.

Accordingly and in view of the foregoing, while certain combinations of features relating to one or more liquid dispensing apparatus have been described herein, it will be appreciated that these certain combinations are for illustration purposes only and that any combination of any of these features disclosed herein may be employed, explicitly or equivalently, either individually or in combination with any other of the features disclosed herein, in any combination, and in association with any embodiment of a liquid dispensing apparatus as herein disclosed, and all in accordance with an embodiment. Any and all such combinations are contemplated herein and are considered within the scope of the claims. As a non-limiting example, the sensor sensors 136, 138 disposed and configured to sense a presence, a size, a weight, or any combination of a presence, a size, and a weight, of the fluid container 120 in the dispensing chamber 114 as described in connection with the dispensing apparatus 100, may be equally applied to the dispensing apparatus 1100 or the dispensing apparatus 2100. Other features described in connection with the dispensing apparatus 100, such as the entering of touch-activated commands via one or more displayed objects 400 to facilitate a dispense method similar to the method 600, or the activation of a label printer 320, or the activation of a wireless communication device 330, for example, are equally applicable to the dispensing apparatus 1100 and the dispensing apparatus 2100, and are therefore deemed not to require a repetitive description herein. Other features not specifically described in connection with dispensing apparatus 1100 or dispensing apparatus 2100, but described in connection with dispensing apparatus 100, that would be readily understood by one skilled in the art as being applicable and capable of being incorporated into with the dispensing apparatus 1100 or the dispensing apparatus 2100, are considered to be fully contemplated herein.

Reference is now made to FIG. 15, which depicts a rotated perspective exterior view of an example dispensing apparatus 3100 in accordance with an embodiment disclosed herein, which may be the dispensing apparatus 100, the dispensing apparatus 1100 or the dispensing apparatus 2100. From an exterior viewpoint, the dispensing apparatus 3100 has a support frame or enclosure 3101 and a door 3103. Visible from the front of the dispensing apparatus 3100 is a dispensing chamber 114 with a container 120 disposed therein, and a touch screen user interface 304 for controlling the dispensing of liquids into the container. Also visible from the front of the dispensing apparatus 3100 is a storage area 3150 for storing empty bottles that are made available for a customer to use at the point of sale. The dispensing apparatus 3100 may also have a signage area 3160 for displaying brand information or other items that may be of interest or directed particularly to a user at the point of sale.

In view of all of the foregoing, it will be appreciated that embodiments disclosed herein include at least the following sets of Embodiments A, B and C.

Regarding Embodiment A

Embodiment A1

A liquid dispensing apparatus, comprising: a plurality of liquid source containers, each container configured to contain a liquid; a plurality of liquid flow paths, each flow path having a first end and a second end, each respective first end disposed in one-to-one fluid flow relationship with a respective one of the plurality of containers; a plurality of non-drip dispensing valves, each valve disposed in one-to-one fluid flow relationship with the second end of a respective one of the plurality of flow paths; at least one liquid flow conveyance device configured and disposed to transport liquid from each one of the containers to an associated one of the valves via an associated one of the flow paths; and a controller comprising a processing circuit responsive to executable instructions which when executed by the processing circuit facilitates dispensing of one or more of the liquids from an associated one of the plurality of containers to an associated one of the valves.

Embodiment A2

The apparatus of Embodiment A1, wherein the at least one liquid flow conveyance device comprises a plurality of liquid flow conveyance devices, each conveyance device being disposed in one-to-one fluid flow relationship with a respective one of the containers and a respective one of the valves via a respective one of the flow paths.

Embodiment A3

The apparatus of Embodiment A1, further comprising a nozzle assembly disposed in fluid flow communication with each one of the plurality of non-drip dispensing valves, the nozzle assembly having a dispensing end disposed in a single dispense position independent of which valve of the plurality of non-drip valves are involved in the dispensing of one or more of the liquids.

Embodiment A4

The apparatus of Embodiment A3, further comprising a dispensing chamber disposed below and in gravity feed relationship with the dispensing end of the nozzle assembly, the dispensing chamber configured to support a fluid container that is configured to receive a dispensed fluid from one or more of the plurality of liquid source containers via an associated one of the plurality of dispensing valves.

Embodiment A5

The apparatus of Embodiment A4, wherein each valve of the plurality of non-drip dispensing valves comprises a non-drip check valve.

Embodiment A6

The apparatus of Embodiment A5, wherein: on command from the controller, the conveyance device and the respective non-drip check valve are configured to permit liquid flow in the respective liquid flow path in response to the conveyance device being productive of a liquid pressure that overcomes a no-flow threshold condition of the non-drip check valve; and the respective non-drip check valve is configured to prevent liquid flow in the respective liquid flow path in response to the conveyance device being non-productive of a liquid pressure that overcomes the no-flow threshold condition of the non-drip check valve.

Embodiment A7

The apparatus of Embodiment A6, further comprising: at least one sensor disposed proximate the dispensing chamber and being configured to sense a presence, a size, a weight, or any combination of a presence, a size, and a weight, of the container in the dispensing chamber.

Embodiment A8

The apparatus of Embodiment A7, further comprising: a touch screen user interface disposed in signal communication with the processing circuit of the controller, the processing circuit being further responsive to executable instructions which when executed by the processing circuit facilitates a method, the method comprising: responding to a user touching at least one displayed object on the touch screen, the at least one displayed object being representative of a command for dispensing a first desired liquid from the plurality of liquid source containers to provide a final liquid composition that is one of a recommended composition or a custom composition; sensing a presence of the container in the dispensing chamber, and with the presence of such container being sensed activating the at least one liquid flow conveyance device to cause the first desired liquid to flow through the associated dispensing valve into the container until a desired amount of the first desired liquid is dispensed; and deactivating the at least one liquid flow conveyance device when the container is full of the final liquid composition.

Embodiment A9

The apparatus of Embodiment A8, wherein the method executed by the processing circuit further facilitates: activating the at least one liquid flow conveyance device to cause the second desired liquid to flow through the associated dispensing valve into the container until a desired amount of the second desired liquid is dispensed.

Embodiment A10

The apparatus of Embodiment A9, wherein: the desired amount of the first desired liquid is a first percentage of a total amount of the final liquid, and the desired amount of the second desired liquid is a second percentage of the total amount of the final liquid, the first percentage plus the second percentage being equal to or less than one hundred percent.

Embodiment A11

The apparatus of Embodiment A10, wherein: the at least one displayed object comprises at least one static object, at least one stroke-based object, or at least one static object and at least one stroke-based object.

Embodiment A12

The apparatus of Embodiment A11, wherein the at least one stroke-based object is representative of a command to dispense a custom percentage of the first desired liquid, the second desired liquid, or both the first desired liquid and the second desired liquid.

Embodiment A13

The apparatus of Embodiment A12, wherein the at least one stroke-based object is representative of a command to dispense a custom percentage of a plurality of desired liquids, a total percentage of all dispensed liquids being one hundred percent.

Embodiment A14

The apparatus of Embodiment A8, further comprising: the processing circuit being responsive to executable instructions which when executed by the processing circuit implements a counter logic to determine if all or substantially all of a particular liquid has be dispensed from its respective container, and if so displays a message on the touch screen that serves to notify an administrator of the dispensing apparatus that a refilling operation is needed of the respective container.

Embodiment A15

The apparatus of Embodiment A1, wherein: each flow path of the plurality of liquid flow paths comprises a tube; and each conveyance device of the at least one liquid flow conveyance device comprises a pump.

Embodiment A16

The apparatus of Embodiment A1, further comprising: a label printer configured and disposed in operable communication with the processing circuit to provide a printed label that identifies ingredients and proportions of the dispensed liquids.

Embodiment A17

The apparatus of Claim 1, further comprising: a wireless communication device configured and disposed in operable communication with the processing circuit to wirelessly communicate information relating to ingredients and proportions of the dispensed liquids to an email address of a customer.

Regarding Embodiment B

Embodiment B1

A liquid dispensing apparatus, comprising: a plurality of liquid source containers, each container configured to contain a liquid; a plurality of liquid flow paths, each flow path having a first end and a second end, each respective first end disposed in one-to-one fluid flow relationship with a respective one of the plurality of containers; a plurality of non-drip dispensing valves, each valve disposed in one-to-one fluid flow relationship with the second end of a respective one of the plurality of flow paths; at least one liquid flow conveyance device configured and disposed to transport liquid from each one of the containers to an associated one of the valves via an associated one of the flow paths; and a controller comprising a processing circuit responsive to executable instructions which when executed by the processing circuit facilitates dispensing of one or more of the liquids from an associated one of the plurality of containers to an associated one of the valves.

Embodiment B2

The apparatus of Embodiment B1, wherein the at least one liquid flow conveyance device comprises a plurality of liquid flow conveyance devices, each conveyance device being disposed in one-to-one fluid flow relationship with a respective one of the containers and a respective one of the valves via a respective one of the flow paths.

Embodiment B3

The apparatus of Embodiment B1, further comprising a linearly actuatable dispensing carriage having a plurality of supports disposed in one-to-one relationship with the plurality of non-drip dispensing valves, the dispensing carriage operable to move linearly in a forward direction and a reverse direction.

Embodiment B4

The apparatus of Embodiment B3, further comprising a dispensing chamber disposed below and in gravity feed relationship with the dispensing valves, the dispensing chamber configured to support a fluid container that is configured to receive a dispensed fluid from one or more of the plurality of liquid source containers via an associated one of the plurality of dispensing valves, the dispensing valves being disposed adjacent each other on the dispensing carriage, the dispensing carriage being disposed horizontally with respect to the dispensing chamber and operable to move horizontally with respect to the dispensing chamber.

Embodiment B5

The apparatus of Embodiment B4, wherein the processing circuit is further responsive to executable instructions which when executed by the processing circuit facilitates linear movement of the dispensing carriage relative to the dispensing chamber in a forward direction for a defined distance from a datum position, and facilitates linear movement of the dispensing carriage relative to the dispensing chamber in a reverse direction for a defined distance from the datum position, the defined distances in the forward and reverse directions encompassing a range of motion that enables dispensing from each one of the plurality of non-drip dispensing valves.

Embodiment B6

The apparatus of Embodiment B5, further comprising a motor configured and disposed to linearly actuate the dispensing carriage on command from the controller.

Embodiment B7

The apparatus of Embodiment B6, wherein: the plurality of dispensing valves are disposed and spaced apart on the dispensing carriage at a uniform linear distance with respect to each other; and the motor is configured to linearly actuate the dispensing carriage at discrete linear displacement intervals that correlate with the uniform linear distances of the spaced apart dispensing valves.

Embodiment B8

The apparatus of Embodiment B7, wherein the motor is a stepper motor.

Embodiment B9

The apparatus of Embodiment B6, wherein each valve of the plurality of non-drip dispensing valves comprises a non-drip check valve.

Embodiment B10

The apparatus of Embodiment B9, wherein: on command from the controller, the conveyance device and the respective non-drip check valve are configured to permit liquid flow in the respective liquid flow path in response to the conveyance device being productive of a liquid pressure that overcomes a no-flow threshold condition of the non-drip check valve; and the respective non-drip check valve is configured to prevent liquid flow in the respective liquid flow path in response to the conveyance device being non-productive of a liquid pressure that overcomes the no-flow threshold condition of the non-drip check valve.

Embodiment B11

The apparatus of Embodiment B10, further comprising: at least one sensor disposed proximate the dispensing chamber and being configured to sense a presence, a size, a weight, or any combination of a presence, a size, and a weight, of the container in the dispensing chamber.

Embodiment B12

The apparatus of Embodiment B11, further comprising: a touch screen user interface disposed in signal communication with the processing circuit of the controller, the processing circuit being further responsive to executable instructions which when executed by the processing circuit facilitates a method, the method comprising: responding to a user touching at least one displayed object on the touch screen, the at least one displayed object being representative of a command for dispensing a first desired liquid from the plurality of liquid source containers to provide a final liquid composition that is one of a recommended composition or a custom composition; activating the motor to linearly actuate the dispensing carriage to align one of the plurality of dispensing valves with the dispensing chamber, the aligned dispensing valve being associated with the first desired liquid; sensing a presence of the container in the dispensing chamber, and with the presence of such container being sensed activating the at least one liquid flow conveyance device to cause the first desired liquid to flow through the associated dispensing valve into the container until a desired amount of the first desired liquid is dispensed; and deactivating the at least one liquid flow conveyance device when the container is full of the final liquid composition.

Embodiment B13

The apparatus of Embodiment B12, wherein the method executed by the processing circuit further facilitates: activating the motor to linearly actuate the dispensing carriage to realign a second one of the plurality of dispensing valves with the dispensing chamber, the realigned dispensing valve being associated with a second desired liquid; and activating the at least one liquid flow conveyance device to cause the second desired liquid to flow through the associated dispensing valve into the container until a desired amount of the second desired liquid is dispensed.

Embodiment B14

The apparatus of Embodiment B13, wherein: the desired amount of the first desired liquid is a first percentage of a total amount of the final liquid, and the desired amount of the second desired liquid is a second percentage of the total amount of the final liquid, the first percentage plus the second percentage being equal to or less than one hundred percent.

Embodiment B15

The apparatus of Embodiment B14, wherein: the at least one displayed object comprises at least one static object, at least one stroke-based object, or at least one static object and at least one stroke-based object.

Embodiment B16

The apparatus of Embodiment B15, wherein the at least one stroke-based object is representative of a command to dispense a custom percentage of the first desired liquid, the second desired liquid, or both the first desired liquid and the second desired liquid.

Embodiment B17

The apparatus of Embodiment B16, wherein the at least one stroke-based object is representative of a command to dispense a custom percentage of a plurality of desired liquids, a total percentage of all dispensed liquids being one hundred percent.

Embodiment B18

The apparatus of Embodiment B12, further comprising: the processing circuit being responsive to executable instructions which when executed by the processing circuit implements a counter logic to determine if all or substantially all of a particular liquid has be dispensed from its respective container, and if so displays a message on the touch screen that serves to notify an administrator of the dispensing apparatus that a refilling operation is needed of the respective container.

Embodiment B19

The apparatus of Embodiment B1, wherein: each flow path of the plurality of liquid flow paths comprises a tube; and each conveyance device of the at least one liquid flow conveyance device comprises a pump.

Embodiment B20

The apparatus of Embodiment B1, further comprising: a label printer configured and disposed in operable communication with the processing circuit to provide a printed label that identifies ingredients and proportions of the dispensed liquids.

Embodiment B21

The apparatus of Embodiment B1, further comprising: a wireless communication device configured and disposed in operable communication with the processing circuit to wirelessly communicate information relating to ingredients and proportions of the dispensed liquids to an email address of a customer.

Regarding Embodiment C

Embodiment C1

A liquid dispensing apparatus, comprising: a plurality of liquid source containers, each container configured to contain a liquid; a plurality of liquid flow paths, each flow path having a first end and a second end, each respective first end disposed in one-to-one fluid flow relationship with a respective one of the plurality of containers; a plurality of dispensing valve assemblies, each valve assembly disposed in one-to-one fluid flow relationship with the second end of a respective one of the plurality of flow paths; at least one liquid flow conveyance device configured and disposed to transport liquid from each one of the containers to an associated one of the valve assemblies via an associated one of the flow paths; and a controller comprising a processing circuit responsive to executable instructions which when executed by the processing circuit facilitates dispensing of one or more of the liquids from an associated one of the plurality of containers to an associated one of the valve assemblies.

Embodiment C2

The apparatus of Embodiment C1, wherein the at least one liquid flow conveyance device comprises a plurality of liquid flow conveyance devices, each conveyance device being disposed in one-to-one fluid flow relationship with a respective one of the containers and a respective one of the valve assemblies via a respective one of the flow paths.

Embodiment C3

The apparatus of Embodiment C1, further comprising a dispensing wheel having a plurality of dispensing orifices disposed in one-to-one relationship with the plurality of dispensing valve assemblies.

Embodiment C4

The apparatus of Embodiment C3, further comprising a dispensing chamber disposed below and in gravity feed relationship with the dispensing wheel, the dispensing chamber configured to support a fluid container that is configured to receive a dispensed fluid from one or more of the plurality of liquid source containers via an associated one of the plurality of dispensing valve assemblies, the dispensing wheel being disposed horizontally with respect to the dispensing chamber.

Embodiment C5

The apparatus of Embodiment C4, wherein the processing circuit is further responsive to executable instructions which when executed by the processing circuit facilitates rotation of the dispensing wheel in a plan-view clockwise direction for up to 180-degrees of rotation from a datum position, and facilitates rotation of the dispensing wheel in a plan-view counterclockwise direction for up to 180-degrees of rotation from the datum position.

Embodiment C6

The apparatus of Embodiment C5, further comprising a motor configured and disposed to rotate the dispensing wheel on command from the controller.

Embodiment C7

The apparatus of Embodiment C6, wherein: the plurality of dispensing orifices are disposed on the dispensing wheel at a uniform radial distance with respect to a central axis of the dispensing wheel, and are spaced apart with respect to each other at uniform angular intervals relative to the central axis; and the motor is configured to rotate the dispensing wheel at discrete angular displacement intervals that correlate with the uniform angular intervals of the spaced apart dispensing orifices.

Embodiment C8

The apparatus of Embodiment C7, wherein the motor is a stepper motor.

Embodiment C9

The apparatus of Embodiment C6, wherein each valve assembly of the plurality of dispensing valve assemblies comprises: a housing having a first orifice and a second orifice; a support member disposed within and in fixed relationship with the housing, the support member configured to permit liquid flow from the first orifice to the second orifice; a nozzle disposed within the housing and displaceable relative to the housing; and a biasing member disposed between the support member and the nozzle to bias the nozzle toward the housing to form a liquid seal at the first orifice.

Embodiment C10

The apparatus of Embodiment C9, wherein: the nozzle comprises a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end disposed proximate the support member, the distal end disposed proximate the first orifice, the distal end being smaller in cross section than the proximal end, an upper surface of the nozzle between the distal end and the proximal end configured to redirect a liquid flow from the first orifice to the second orifice to bypass the biasing member, the upper surface of the nozzle having a seal surface; and the housing comprises a seal surface complementary to the seal surface of the nozzle.

Embodiment C11

The apparatus of Embodiment C10, further comprising a resilient compression ring disposed between and on one of the seal surface of the nozzle or the seal surface of the housing for providing the liquid seal at the first orifice.

Embodiment C12

The apparatus of Embodiment C10, wherein: the biasing member comprises a compression spring; the support member comprises a pocket; the nozzle comprises a pocket at the proximal end; and the compression spring is disposed within the pocket of the support member and within the pocket of the nozzle.

Embodiment C13

The apparatus of Embodiment C10, wherein: on command from the controller, the conveyance device and biasing member are configured to permit liquid flow from the first orifice to the second orifice in response to the conveyance device being productive of a liquid pressure at the first orifice that exceeds a sealing force exerted by the biasing member; and the biasing member is configured to prevent liquid flow from the first orifice to the second orifice in response to the sealing force exerted by the biasing member being greater than a liquid pressure at the first orifice.

Embodiment C14

The apparatus of Embodiment C13, further comprising: at least one sensor disposed proximate the dispensing chamber and being configured to sense a presence, a size, a weight, or any combination of a presence, a size, and a weight, of the container in the dispensing chamber.

Embodiment C15

The apparatus of Embodiment C14, further comprising: a touch screen user interface disposed in signal communication with the processing circuit of the controller, the processing circuit being further responsive to executable instructions which when executed by the processing circuit facilitates a method, comprising: responding to a user touching at least one displayed object on the touch screen, the at least one displayed object being representative of a command for dispensing a first desired liquid from the plurality of liquid source containers to provide a final liquid composition that is one of a recommended composition or a custom composition; activating the motor to rotate the dispensing wheel to align one of the plurality of dispensing valve assemblies with the dispensing chamber, the aligned dispensing valve assembly being associated with the first desired liquid; sensing a presence of the container in the dispensing chamber, and with the presence of such container being sensed activating the at least one liquid flow conveyance device to cause the first desired liquid to flow through the associated valve assembly into the container until a desired amount of the first desired liquid is dispensed; and deactivating the at least one liquid flow conveyance device when the container is full of the final liquid composition.

Embodiment C16

The apparatus of Embodiment C15, further comprising: activating the motor to rotate the dispensing wheel to realign a second one of the plurality of dispensing valve assemblies with the dispensing chamber, the realigned dispensing valve assembly being associated with a second desired liquid; and activating the at least one liquid flow conveyance device to cause the second desired liquid to flow through the associated valve assembly into the container until a desired amount of the second desired liquid is dispensed.

Embodiment C17

The apparatus of Embodiment C16, wherein: the desired amount of the first desired liquid is a first percentage of a total amount of the final liquid, and the desired amount of the second desired liquid is a second percentage of the total amount of the final liquid, the first percentage plus the second percentage being equal to or less than one hundred percent.

Embodiment C18

The apparatus of Embodiment C17, wherein: the at least one displayed object comprises a first static object and a second stroke-based object.

Embodiment C19

The apparatus of Embodiment C18, wherein the stroke-based object is representative of a command to dispense a custom percentage of the first desired liquid, the second desired liquid, or both the first desired liquid and the second desired liquid.

Embodiment C20

The apparatus of Embodiment C19, wherein the stroke-based object is representative of a command to dispense a custom percentage of a plurality of desired liquids, a total percentage of all dispensed liquids being one hundred percent.

Embodiment C21

The apparatus of Embodiment C15, further comprising: the processing circuit being responsive to executable instructions which when executed by the processing circuit implements a counter logic to determine if all or substantially all of a particular liquid has be dispensed from its respective container, and if so displays a message on the touch screen that serves to notify an administrator of the dispensing apparatus that a refilling operation is needed.

Embodiment C22

The apparatus of Embodiment C1, wherein: each flow path of the plurality of liquid flow paths comprises a tube; and each conveyance device of the at least one liquid flow conveyance device comprises a pump.

Embodiment C23

The apparatus of Embodiment C1, further comprising: a label printer configured and disposed in operable communication with the processing circuit to provide a printed label that identifies ingredients and proportions of the dispensed liquids.

Embodiment C24

The apparatus of Embodiment C1, further comprising: a wireless communication device configured and disposed in operable communication with the processing circuit to wirelessly communicate information relating to ingredients and proportions of the dispensed liquids to an email address of a customer.

An embodiment of the invention may have one or more of the following advantages: a liquid dispensing apparatus having separate liquid flow paths for individual ones of liquids to be dispensed, thereby avoiding contamination of previously dispensed liquids into a new mixture of different liquids; and, a liquid dispensing apparatus having a stationary or substantially stationary (limited freedom of motion) valve assembly, thereby avoiding movement and entanglement of attached dispensing tubes during dispensing.

As disclosed herein, an embodiment may be embodied in the form of computer-implemented processes and apparatuses for practicing those processes. An embodiment of the invention may also be embodied in the form of a computer program product having computer program code containing instructions embodied in tangible media, such as floppy diskettes, CD-ROMs, hard drives, USB (universal serial bus) drives, or any other computer readable storage medium, such as random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory, for example, wherein, when the computer program code is loaded into and executed by a computer, the computer becomes an apparatus for practicing the invention. An embodiment of the invention may also be embodied in the form of computer program code, for example, whether stored in a storage medium, loaded into and/or executed by a computer, or transmitted over some transmission medium, such as over electrical wiring or cabling, through fiber optics, or via electromagnetic radiation, wherein when the computer program code is loaded into and executed by a computer, the computer becomes an apparatus for practicing the invention. When implemented on a general-purpose microprocessor, the computer program code segments configure the microprocessor to create specific logic circuits. A technical effect of the executable instructions is to automatically dispense in a controlled manner a recommended mix or a custom mix of liquids, such as olive oils and balsamic vinegars, into a bottle or other suitable container of a known volumetric size.

While embodiments have been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the claims. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best or only mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. Also, in the drawings and the description, there have been disclosed example embodiments and, although specific terms may have been employed, they are unless otherwise stated used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the claims therefore not being so limited. Moreover, the use of the terms first, second, etc. do not denote any order or importance, but rather the terms first, second, etc. are used to distinguish one element from another. Furthermore, the use of the terms a, an, etc. do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item. Additionally, the term “comprising” as used herein does not exclude the possible inclusion of one or more additional features.

Claims

1. A liquid dispensing apparatus, comprising:

a plurality of liquid source containers, each container configured to contain a liquid;

a plurality of liquid flow paths, each flow path having a first end and a second end, each respective first end disposed in one-to-one fluid flow relationship with a respective one of the plurality of containers;

a plurality of non-drip dispensing valves, each valve disposed in one-to-one fluid flow relationship with the second end of a respective one of the plurality of flow paths;

at least one liquid flow conveyance device configured and disposed to transport liquid from each one of the containers to an associated one of the valves via an associated one of the flow paths; and

a controller comprising a processing circuit responsive to executable instructions which when executed by the processing circuit facilitates dispensing of one or more of the liquids from an associated one of the plurality of containers to an associated one of the valves.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one liquid flow conveyance device comprises a plurality of liquid flow conveyance devices, each conveyance device being disposed in one-to-one fluid flow relationship with a respective one of the containers and a respective one of the valves via a respective one of the flow paths.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a nozzle assembly disposed in fluid flow communication with each one of the plurality of non-drip dispensing valves, the nozzle assembly having a dispensing end disposed in a single dispense position independent of which valve of the plurality of non-drip valves are involved in the dispensing of one or more of the liquids.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising a dispensing chamber disposed below and in gravity feed relationship with the dispensing end of the nozzle assembly, the dispensing chamber configured to support a fluid container that is configured to receive a dispensed fluid from one or more of the plurality of liquid source containers via an associated one of the plurality of dispensing valves.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein each valve of the plurality of non-drip dispensing valves comprises a non-drip check valve.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein:

on command from the controller, the conveyance device and the respective non-drip check valve are configured to permit liquid flow in the respective liquid flow path in response to the conveyance device being productive of a liquid pressure that overcomes a no-flow threshold condition of the non-drip check valve; and

the respective non-drip check valve is configured to prevent liquid flow in the respective liquid flow path in response to the conveyance device being non-productive of a liquid pressure that overcomes the no-flow threshold condition of the non-drip check valve.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising:

at least one sensor disposed proximate the dispensing chamber and being configured to sense a presence, a size, a weight, or any combination of a presence, a size, and a weight, of the container in the dispensing chamber.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising:

a touch screen user interface disposed in signal communication with the processing circuit of the controller, the processing circuit being further responsive to executable instructions which when executed by the processing circuit facilitates a method, the method comprising:

responding to a user touching at least one displayed object on the touch screen, the at least one displayed object being representative of a command for dispensing a first desired liquid from the plurality of liquid source containers to provide a final liquid composition that is one of a recommended composition or a custom composition;

sensing a presence of the container in the dispensing chamber, and with the presence of such container being sensed activating the at least one liquid flow conveyance device to cause the first desired liquid to flow through the associated dispensing valve into the container until a desired amount of the first desired liquid is dispensed; and

deactivating the at least one liquid flow conveyance device when the container is full of the final liquid composition.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the method executed by the processing circuit further facilitates:

activating the at least one liquid flow conveyance device to cause the second desired liquid to flow through the associated dispensing valve into the container until a desired amount of the second desired liquid is dispensed.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein:

the desired amount of the first desired liquid is a first percentage of a total amount of the final liquid, and the desired amount of the second desired liquid is a second percentage of the total amount of the final liquid, the first percentage plus the second percentage being equal to or less than one hundred percent.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein:

the at least one displayed object comprises at least one static object, at least one stroke-based object, or at least one static object and at least one stroke-based object.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the at least one stroke-based object is representative of a command to dispense a custom percentage of the first desired liquid, the second desired liquid, or both the first desired liquid and the second desired liquid.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the at least one stroke-based object is representative of a command to dispense a custom percentage of a plurality of desired liquids, a total percentage of all dispensed liquids being one hundred percent.

14. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising:

the processing circuit being responsive to executable instructions which when executed by the processing circuit implements a counter logic to determine if all or substantially all of a particular liquid has be dispensed from its respective container, and if so displays a message on the touch screen that serves to notify an administrator of the dispensing apparatus that a refilling operation is needed of the respective container.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein:

each flow path of the plurality of liquid flow paths comprises a tube; and

each conveyance device of the at least one liquid flow conveyance device comprises a pump.

16. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a label printer configured and disposed in operable communication with the processing circuit to provide a printed label that identifies ingredients and proportions of the dispensed liquids.

17. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a wireless communication device configured and disposed in operable communication with the processing circuit to wirelessly communicate information relating to ingredients and proportions of the dispensed liquids to an email address of a customer.