Cabinet-type Dispenser For Single Mixed Drinks Patents (Class 222/129.1)
  • Patent number: 6848600
    Abstract: The present invention provides a carbonated and non-carbonated water supplier for a beverage dispensing apparatus for a residential refrigerator. The beverage dispensing apparatus includes a drink supplier including a drink supply canister holder for holding a plurality of drink supply canisters, a plurality of valve actuators for causing the drink supply to be selectively released from the drink supply canisters, the water supplier for selectively supplying carbonated water and non-carbonated water for producing the beverages, a gas supplier for supplying CO2 gas to carbonate the carbonated water provided by the water supplier and for supplying CO2 gas or other gas for pressurizing the drink supply canisters to provide a consistent flow rate of the drink supply from the drink supply canisters and one or more beverage requesters for enabling users to request one of a plurality of beverages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Beverage Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Harry Lee Crisp, III
  • Patent number: 6845886
    Abstract: A post-mix beverage valve provides for automatic, accurate beverage ratioing. A valve body can be assembled, and includes a water flow hard body, syrup body and common nozzle body. The water and syrup flow bodies define flow channels and include one end for connection to water and syrup respectively, and opposite ends for fluid connection to the nozzle body. The water flow channel includes a turbine flow sensor connected to a micro-controller determining the water flow rate. The syrup flow channel includes a flow sensor, two MEMS pressure sensors, monitoring the syrup. The sensors are connected to the micro-controller and positioned about an orifice and senses sense a differential pressure indicative of syrup flow rate solenoid regulates flow of syrup through the syrup body. A stepper motor on the water body controls a rod in the flow channel in conjunction with a v-groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Inventors: Paul Henry, Steve Czeck, Philip Andrew Simmons, Keith James Heyes, Martin Johnson, Jamie Atkinson
  • Publication number: 20040245287
    Abstract: A post-mix beverage dispenser includes a diluent jet directed at a wall of a mixing chamber thereof such that a swirling descending mass of diluent is formed. A concentrate dispensing outlet ejects concentrate into the swirling mass of diluent causing turbulent mixing of the diluent and the concentrate to create a frothed or whipped beverage. Instead of creating a swirling mass of diluent, the diluent jet and concentrate dispensing outlet may be oriented substantially directly at one another such that the streams of concentrate and diluent collide causing a turbulent mixing of the diluent and the concentrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventor: David Fox
  • Publication number: 20040245288
    Abstract: A modular diluent changeover manifold for beverage dispensers provides quick and convenient changeover of supply of two different beverage liquid diluents to post-mix beverage dispensing valves. The diluent changeover manifold is mounted within a beverage dispenser behind a beverage valve mounting panel. The modular changeover manifold and valve assembly, when assembled, consists of a pair of diluent tubes and a plurality of changeover valves. Each changeover valve has an outlet fluidly connected to an associated one of the beverage dispensing valves and each tube supplies a different diluent, such as plain water and carbonated water, to one of two inlets to each changeover valve. The changeover valves are individually manually manipulateable to deliver to their associated beverage valves either the diluent from the first tube or the diluent from the second tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventor: Andrew J. Tobler
  • Patent number: 6827238
    Abstract: A beverage dispensing apparatus being formed so as in use to provide a vortex motion in the mass of beverage flowing through the apparatus. In the vortexial flow, a low pressure area is produced at the center of the vortex so that the pressure in that region falls below equilibrium pressure and thus results in gas separating out from the liquid beverage. Since the gas breakout is achieved without the need for a flow restrictor, the pressure drop associated with these devices does not occur. Consequently, the beverage may enter the apparatus at a lower pressure. Moreover it has been found that a high quality head is formed on the draught beverage dispensed from the apparatus of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Carlsberg-Tetley Brewing Limited
    Inventors: Andrew Barker, Paul Campbell
  • Patent number: 6829431
    Abstract: A device to automatically dispense the proper amounts of dry baby formula and heated water to make liquid infant formula. The baby bottle is held in place in a pivoting transfer arm with a clip that fastens around the neck of the bottle. After the powdered formula is dispensed, the transfer arm swings the bottle to the water dispensing station. Water heated to the desired temperature is added to the bottle, and the formula is ready to be mixed and served.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Acorn Product Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Ken Haven, Jay Wilson, Dan Blaugrund, Vera S. Boudtchenko, Brandon Lee, Chang W. Lee
  • Patent number: 6820763
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a beverage dispensing system. In one arrangement, the beverage dispensing system comprises a self-contained, removable container unit, the container unit including at least one liquid container that is adapted to store a liquid therein, and a source of gas under pressure that provides a driving mechanism for delivering liquid from the at least one liquid container of the removable container unit. In addition, the present disclosure relates to liquid containers for beverage dispensing systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: SB Partnership, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard P. Bilskie, Harold F. Stover
  • Publication number: 20040217130
    Abstract: A mixed liquid dispenser head (7) is provided with a carbonated water supply port (39), raw material exits (33), and a diluting water exit (35) within a head main body (11); a nozzle (13) that is attached to the head main body so as to cover the carbonated water supply port (39), the raw ingredient exits (33), and the diluting water exit (35); valve devices (49) that are provided in the raw ingredient exits and the diluting water exits and that open and close due to liquid pressure changes; a flow straightening plate (41) for making carbonated water discharged from the carbonated water supply port flow along an inner circumferential surface of the nozzle; and low pressure caps (57) and (59) provided for each of the raw ingredient exits and the diluting water exit and covering the raw ingredient exits and the diluting water exit together with the valve devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventors: Shuuji Kado, Toshinari Hirakawa, Yushi Yonekura
  • Publication number: 20040217129
    Abstract: A drink dispensing head incorporating a Venturi valve to utilize the motive force of a high pressure liquid to draw a low pressure liquid into the dispensing head without the need for a pumping means. A Venturi valve incorporated into a remote valve structure for adding a bonus flavor to a regular beverage dispenser without altering the existing valve structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Applicant: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Jurgens Roekens, Paul Haskayne, Gary A. Short
  • Patent number: 6808091
    Abstract: A dispensing nozzle includes an outer housing defining an interior and a nozzle outlet. A mixing nozzle insert is positioned within the nozzle housing. The insert has a central elongate core that includes a top end that is positioned adjacent inlets for water and juice concentrate, and a bottom end opposite there from adjacent the outlet of the nozzle. The insert includes a concentrate disk on its top end having a perimeter edge positioned closely adjacent an interior surface of the nozzle housing. This disk includes one or more flow holes extending there through. The insert also includes, below the concentrate disk, a plurality of mixing projections having alternating extensions integral with the central core and extending outward there from along the length thereof. The insert and the nozzle housing are designed so that the syrup concentrate is introduced above the concentrate disk and the water is introduced at a level just below the concentrate disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Inventor: David K. Njaastad
  • Patent number: 6796459
    Abstract: An automatic fill system for a beverage dispenser includes a sensor system for monitoring the beverage level in the dispenser. The sensors are wired in series with a level control board mounted inside the frame of the beverage dispenser. Sensing points are connected in an electrical circuit for maintaining the proper water to beverage concentrate ratio in the mixing hopper of the beverage dispenser. Resistance in the circuit is monitored so that when the resistance in the circuit reaches a predetermined value, a relay and solenoid open to divert water to the mixing hopper for mixing with the beverage concentrate. Sensors in the hopper shut off the dispenser when the beverage level in the hopper exceeds maximum and minimum levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Inventor: Greg A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6779685
    Abstract: A carbonated beverage is furnished from a source at a first pressure to a reservoir in which a quantity of the beverage is held a second pressure level that is less than the first pressure and greater than atmospheric pressure. When it is desired to dispense the carbonated beverage into a serving container, the reservoir is vented to the atmosphere so that the beverage is dispensed at substantially atmospheric pressure. The amount of carbonated beverage in the reservoir is sensed and when that amount drops below a first level, carbonated beverage is added from the source while the reservoir is vented to the atmosphere. The venting terminates when the amount of beverage in the reservoir reaches a second level. The beverage continues to flow into the reservoir thereafter for a predefined period of time causing the pressure to increase to the second pressure level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Dispensing Systems International, LLC
    Inventor: Patrick L. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20040144802
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for dispensing and mixing metered amounts of first and second liquid components of a soft drink. The system comprises a mixing chamber connected by separate feed conduits to pressurized sources of the first and second liquid components. First normally closed valves are located in and demarcate the feed conduits into upstream and downstream sections. The first valves are opened automatically in response to pressure above a threshold level in their respective upstream conduit sections, and are operative when open to deliver a constant flow of liquid through their respective downstream conduit sections to the mixing chamber. Second normally closed valves are located in the upstream conduit sections. The second valves are opened in response to a command signal, and each second valve automatically closes in response to a drop in pressure below the threshold level in the upstream conduit section of the other second valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2004
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventor: John R. Newton
  • Patent number: 6761036
    Abstract: A dispenser for soft-drinks and ice has an integral ice maker. The compressor and condenser for the ice making refrigeration system are located remotely from the ice making apparatus. Thus, the dispenser with an integral ice maker does not emit noise and heat from the compressor and condenser in the customer service areas where ice and soft drinks are dispensed. Refrigerant vapor is drawn from a receiver and is used for defrosting in the harvest portion of the ice making cycle. The dispenser also has an internal heat exchanger for cooling carbonated water and syrup prior to dispensing a soft drink. There is also an ice maker and dispenser, having a refrigeration system in which ice-making components and an ice dispenser are located near a customer-service area, while the hot and noisy refrigeration components are located remotely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Manitowoc Foodservice Companies, Inc.
    Inventors: Merritt T. Teague, Richard K. Renken, Jerry L. Landers
  • Publication number: 20040129720
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a device and method for dispensing dual component liquids or concentrates packaged in separate containers to provide protection from effects such as oxidation and moisture loss. The liquids or concentrates can be dispensed through a pumping system, preferably including a peristaltic pump, mixed together, and optionally diluted with another liquid, such as water, to provide a consumable beverage. In addition, the device of the present invention can dispense liquids or concentrates having different viscosities, such that they are mixed together in the proper ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: Pu-Sheng Cheng, Randall C. Chrisman, Shannon Gavie, Walter F. Landry, Brian J. McDonough, Randall L. Morrison, Eugene Scoville
  • Publication number: 20040129724
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing and dispensing whipped soft drinks, hot chocolate and beverages which does not use mechanical whipping such as rotating blades, but rather accomplishes the whipping of the mixture of syrup and water by means of a whipper insert 28 that is mounted above the dispensing nozzle 24b of the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventor: Gus J. Stratton
  • Publication number: 20040118872
    Abstract: A beverage dispenser for dispensing beverages includes a touch panel assembly, removable fittings in a carbonator, a carbonator probe, and a carbonator pump assembly removable from a front of the beverage dispenser. The touch panel assembly includes a light source for backlighting a user interface and providing the dispenser with a visual presence. Electrode traces in the touch panel assembly detect interruptions in electrode fields and are accepted as user inputs for dispensing a beverage. A controller conducts the lighting, dispensing, and reconfiguring operations for the flavor selection areas on the user interface. The touch panel assembly further includes provisions for increasing a user interface area to increase visibility of a particular flavor, as well as bonus flavors on a beverage dispenser. The removable fittings each include an orifice for entry of water to be carbonated into the carbonator. The carbonator probe is a single wire probe with timed refill.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: Adrian M. Romanyszyn, Paul S. Sudolcan, Alfred A. Schroeder, Roberto Rosales
  • Publication number: 20040118871
    Abstract: A beverage mixer and dispenser is disclosed. The housing of the beverage mixer and dispenser includes a mixing chamber and an extract container positioned above the mixing chamber. A metering device is positioned between the extract container and the mixing chamber to allow dispensing of a desired amount of extract from the extract container into the mixing chamber. The beverage mixer and dispenser includes a feed opening, which is exposed at an exterior surface of the housing and leads into the mixing chamber to allow for manual addition of drink additives to the mixing chamber. The beverage mixer and dispenser also includes a cream chamber. The cream chamber is adapted to receive a liquid-extract combination from the mixing chamber. A rotatable mixing rotor is positioned within the mixing chamber and a rotatable first cream rotor is located within the cream chamber to provide thorough mixing of the liquid-extract-cream combination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: Juan Carlos Coronado, Vicenc Font, Antonio Rebordosa, Jose Luis Roman
  • Patent number: 6742553
    Abstract: In a cup-type beverage vending machine, during conveyance of a beverage-filled cup to a product taking-out position and when the cup does not reach the product taking-out position, a pivot arm is supported by a support roller and a cup on a cup stage is held by a holder. When the cup reaches the product taking-out position, a lower edge of the pivot arm is released from the support roller and the pivot arm and the holder are pivoted downward. Consequently, the holder is spaced downward apart from a front surface of the cup, which allows a customer to easily take out the cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Sanden Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Sato, Ryouichi Sekiguchi, Toshiya Chiku
  • Publication number: 20040084475
    Abstract: A beverage dispensing system includes separate valves for controlling the flow rate of a diluent and a concentrate. Various concentrates of different viscosities can be used and the selected concentrate is identified. The flow rate of the concentrate is determined based on temperature and pressure and on information related to the identified concentrate. The valves are controlled so that the concentrate and diluent reach target flow rates. The target flow rates satisfy a target ratio of diluent to concentrate. If the actual flow rates cannot reach the target flow rates, then the target flow rates are modified to satisfy the target ratio. The structure of the concentrate valve is designed to accommodate proportional metering of any one of the various concentrates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: PepsiCo, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy W. Bethuy, William J. Black, Brian T. Cahill, Andrew D. Nelson, Peter D. Mehn
  • Patent number: 6726062
    Abstract: A system is provided for producing at least two beverages having different percentages of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic Corporation
    Inventor: William Segiet
  • Publication number: 20040065680
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for cold carbonation are provided in which a carbonator (13) having one or more segments is provided. A sensor (14) is provided that can be accessed from a side of a dispenser (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventor: Alfred A. Schroeder
  • Patent number: 6705489
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a valve providing for the dispensing of two liquids at a desired ratio. The valve includes first and second liquid flow body assemblies releasably securable to a nozzle body assembly. Each liquid flow body assembly is securable to a source of liquid and includes flow sensing means and flow regulating means. A control receives inputs from the flow sensing means and regulates the operation of the flow regulating means to provide for the dispensing of the two liquids from the nozzle body assembly at a predetermined ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: IMI Cornelius Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Henry, Steve Czeck, Philip Andrew Simmons, Keith James Heyes, Martin Johnson, Jamie Atkinson
  • Publication number: 20040040983
    Abstract: A dispensing nozzle for mixing a first fluid and one or more second fluids to form a third fluid. The nozzle may include a first fluid pathway and a number of replaceable second fluid modules surrounding at least in part the first fluid pathway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2002
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventor: Lawrence B. Ziesel
  • Patent number: 6698621
    Abstract: A selection manifold for use for use with a beverage dispenser apparatus for dispensing both carbonated and non-carbonated beverages and including a plurality of dispensing valves with a syrup and a water line feeding each dispensing valve further comprising a selection manifold connected between at least one of the water lines and sources of both carbonated and non-carbonated water, the manifold having a selecting mechanism allowing a user of the apparatus to easily switch between directing carbonated and non-carbonated water through the water line to the dispensing valve. In a preferred embodiment, the selection mechanism includes a portion that enables a viewer to easily determine whether carbonated or non-carbonated water is selected. In another preferred embodiment, the selection mechanism includes a lock to prevent inadvertent switching of the mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Manitowoc Foodservice Companies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry L. Landers, M. Scott Bennett, Hershel E. Fancher, Alan S. Lucas
  • Patent number: 6698625
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mixing device with an input container that is configured for receiving a product that includes a fluid component and a second component. A whipper with a conical whipper surface has an axis is configured for aerating and frothing the product. The whipper surface extends between first and second end portions, with the first end portion having a smaller diameter than the second end portion. The whipper surface is preferably oriented at a surface angle to the axis of about between 5° and 65°. A motor is in driving association with the whipper for rotating the whipper about the axis at a speed sufficient for aerating and frothing the product. A product exit conduit is disposed downstream of the whipper and is configured for dispensing the product of the fluid and second components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Gerhard Ufheil, Romanus Eduard Verhoeven
  • Publication number: 20040026451
    Abstract: A beverage dispensing system and method employs a beverage concentrate, and optionally liquid sweeteners, and beverage flavorings to provide a tailored single beverage output of high volume. A venturi mixing device is utilized with water as the motive force to mix the beverage components together. Control valves are provided for each component to regulate the amounts and ratios to produce a desired beverage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: Charles H. Jones
  • Patent number: 6688134
    Abstract: A touchless automatic fiber optic beverage/ice dispenser (10, FIG. 1), dispenses ice and or beverages into a cup/container (26, FIG. 2), without user or cup/container touching any part of the machine, for sanitary effortless product filling activation. Any number of products may be dispensed from dispensing nozzles (16, 18, FIG. 1), in any volumes desired, allowing product mixing to customize beverages to the user's preference. Touchless automatically activated dispensing allows cup/container to be held in normal fashion to which people are currently accustomed. A filling indicator light (15, FIG. 1) illuminates during automatic filling. “On/off” mode selector (14, FIG. 1) prevents unauthorized product dispensation, and allows fast, easy machine cleaning. Resulting is a user friendly, commercially durable, sanitary touchless beverage/ice dispenser (10, FIG. 1), wherein germs and diseases are not transmitted from person to person via the machine, even during refilling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Inventors: John C. Barton, Norma J. Barton
  • Patent number: 6685059
    Abstract: A beverage dispensing apparatus includes a dispensing device, at least one valve that distributes a diluent, a concentrate pump that distributes concentrate, a support structure that supports the foregoing components, and exterior cladding attached to the support structure. The exterior cladding provides the appearance of a real leaf brewer. The diluent valve and concentrate pump distribute the diluent and concentrate into the dispensing device to form a mixture to be dispensed therefrom. The diluent can be hot water and the apparatus further includes an air ejector device for eliminating air bubbles from the hot water prior to mixing. In addition, an improved sensor can accurately determine when the supply of concentrate is depleted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: PepsiCo, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian C. Jones, David N. Evans, Scott A. Dzibela, John C. Nordenstrom, Sanjay Kumar, Russell J. Duchene, Allen L. Rogala, Michael J. Fodor, William K. Henninger, Amir A. Faroqui
  • Publication number: 20040011814
    Abstract: Beverage dispensing apparatus comprising a dispenser unit (1) arranged to be mounted on a surface, a source of hot water (2) remote from the dispenser unit (1) for supplying hot water to the dispenser unit, and a source of liquid concentrate (3) remote from the dispenser unit (1) for supplying liquid concentrate to the dispenser unit (1), in which hot water and liquid concentrate are supplied to the dispenser unit (1) and are mixed in the dispenser unit to produce a beverage, the beverage being dispensed from the dispensing unit (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventor: David Ronald Andrews
  • Publication number: 20040011807
    Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for detecting the presence or absence as well as the level of material in a beverage dispenser. The system includes a sensor assembly including a light source and a light detector. The source and detector are in close proximity to one another with the detector detecting a beam emitted from the source and the beam is reflected from material retained in the container. A controller is provided and receives a signal from the sensor assembly for controllably operating functions of the beverage dispenser based on the detection signal from the sensor assembly relating to material in the container. The apparatus for detecting a level of material in the container includes a comparator coupled to the sensor assembly for receiving a signal from the detector, the output from the comparator coupled to the controller. A variable gain amplifier is coupled to the detector for receiving an output signal from the detector. The variable gain amplifier provides an input signal to the comparator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventor: John T. Knepler
  • Patent number: 6675985
    Abstract: In a cup-type beverage vending machine according to the present invention, during conveyance of a beverage-filled cup to a product taking-out position and when the cup does not reach the product taking-out position, a pivot arm is supported by a support roller and a cup on a cup stage is held by a holder. When the cup reaches the product taking-out position, a lower edge of the pivot arm is released from the support roller and the pivot arm and the holder are pivoted downward. Consequently, the holder is spaced downward apart from a front surface of the cup, which allows a customer to easily take out the cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Sanden Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Sato, Ryouichi Sekiguchi, Toshiya Chiku
  • Patent number: 6676387
    Abstract: A metering device contains a rotor which defines elongate chamber, there being a shuttle contained within the chamber movable between two terminal end positions. Frusto-conical surfaces defined on the rotor cooperate with annular members defining corresponding seats. One passage extends from one end of the chamber to one frusto-conical surface, and another passage extends from the other end of the chamber to the other frusto-conical surface. Each annual element defines a respective inlet and outlet for fluid and a shuttle is present within the chamber. As the rotor rotates, the shuttle effects a shuttling movement thus measuring dispensed volumes of fluid. A sensor is provided to detect physical contact of the shuttle with the end of the chamber to cause the rotor to advance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Inventor: Laurence Richard Penn
  • Patent number: 6672481
    Abstract: A beverage dispenser for providing a flow of carbonated water from a pressurized source of gas and a source of water. The dispenser may include a pump. The pump may be driven by the gas from the gas source to pump the water from the water source. The pump also may include a water outlet and a gas outlet. A connector may be in communication with the water outlet and the gas outlet so as to combine the gas and the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventor: Lawrence B. Ziesel
  • Patent number: 6672484
    Abstract: An integrated heat exchanger and liquid dispensing unit 10 for flash cooling beer includes a main body 12 provided with an internal flow path 14 having an inlet 16, an outlet 18, and a void 20 in fluid communication therebetween. The void 20 is formed from four cylindrical chambers 22a-22d that are interlinked so as to be in mutual fluid communication with each other. Chambers 22 are formed in a thermal insulating block 26 held within the main body 12. Conduits 30c-30d are disposed within chambers 22a-22d respectively. Each conduit has an inlet 32 and an outlet 34. The outlet 34 is connected directly to a dispensing tap 36. The heat transfer fluid 45 passes through the fluid flow path 14 and thus flows through and about the conduits 30. Beer enters through inlet 32, passes through the conduit 30 and is dispensed through tap 36. The beer is cooled by virtue of a heat exchange with the fluid 45 flowing through the chambers 22.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Matilda Bay Brewing Co. Limited
    Inventors: Paul Newing, Andrew Hunter
  • Patent number: 6669053
    Abstract: A beverage dispenser for blending a mix and a beverage concentrate to dispense a blended beverage formed from the mix and the concentrate includes a supply of mix, a supply of at least a single type of concentrate, a manifold, a first conduit connecting the supply of concentrate to the manifold, a first valve for controlling fluid flow through the first conduit, a vacuum source operatively connected to the manifold to establish a vacuum in the manifold to draw the concentrate from the supply of concentrate through the first conduit and into the manifold when the first valve is in its open position, a second conduit for directing the mix to the manifold and a dispensing station for dispensing a blended beverage formed from a predetermined amount of mix and predetermined amount of concentrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Inventors: Brent Garson, Aviel Dafna, Fabrizio Pin
  • Publication number: 20030230597
    Abstract: A beverage dispenser for beverages such as cold tea, coffee and the like comprises:
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Applicant: Unilever Bestfoods North America, Divison of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventor: Ashok Kumar Naik
  • Patent number: 6651849
    Abstract: A unitary one-piece, disposable package includes a canister for storing a product. A pump housing formed integrally with the canister contains a progressive cavity pump that pumps product from the canister to an outlet chamber of the pump housing and out an outlet from the chamber. A product dispenser for use with the unitary one-piece, disposable package includes a housing, a chamber in the housing for receiving the package, and a motor within the housing for driving the progressive cavity pump of the package. An alternative product dispenser includes a housing having a chamber for receiving a product canister wherein the chamber facilitates communication of product from the canister to a pump chamber. A progressive cavity pump mounts within the pump chamber for pumping product from the canister out an outlet from the pump chamber. A motor within the housing drives the progressive cavity pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Lancer Partnership, Ltd.
    Inventors: Alfred A. Schroeder, Michael T. Romanyszyn, Jr., Samuel Durham
  • Patent number: 6644508
    Abstract: A dispenser system includes a product source, a cooling unit, an agitator, a dispensing station coupled with the product source, a sensor, and a controller. The cooling unit cools product delivered to the dispensing station from the product source. The agitator is disposed in the cooling unit and circulates cooling fluid contained in the cooling unit. The sensor measures an operating parameter of the dispenser system and outputs a signal representative thereof. The controller, responsive to the signal output by the sensor, operates the agitator at a lower speed when the signal output by the sensor indicates the dispenser system is operating in a desired stable state. Alternatively, the controller, responsive to the signal output by the sensor, operates the agitator at a higher speed when the signal output by the sensor indicates the dispenser system is not operating in the desired stable state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Lancer Partnership, Ltd.
    Inventors: Paul Haskayne, John T. Hawkins, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20030205586
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a beverage, such as beer or soft drinks. The apparatus includes a container for storing the beverage, a gas source for supplying the container with a propellant under positive pressure, and a riser pipe for leading the beverage out of the container under the action of the positive pressure. The riser pipe has an open, first end immersed in the beverage and an opposite, second end fluid-connected to a faucet for dispensing the beverage. The gas source is connected to the interior of the container via a gas conduit, and the fluid-connection includes a fluid conduit arranged to offer a considerable resistance against the flow of the beverage during drawing. The apparatus according to the invention has a simple and inexpensive construction and is easy and quick to operate. By activating the faucet the drawing process takes place in a self-regulating manner with a preselected degree of foaming.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventor: Anders Blicher
  • Publication number: 20030192912
    Abstract: A beverage dispenser includes a customer interface and a logic unit for controlling beverage dispenser operations. The customer interface includes a sensor linked with the logic unit. Specifically, the sensor receives an input and outputs a corresponding command signal. The logic unit receives the corresponding command signal from the sensor and thus controls beverage dispenser operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Applicant: Lancer Partnership, Ltd.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Chadwell, David C. Sudolcan
  • Publication number: 20030183652
    Abstract: A dual diluent manifold is mounted within the dispenser at a front end thereof. A plurality of post-mix beverage dispensing valves are mounted there above on a front surface of the dispenser. The manifold consists of an elongate rectangular block machined or molded to include a plain water channel and a carbonated water channel extending along the length thereof and along a bottom portion thereof. Each channel is in fluid communication with a plurality of holes or orifices that extend downward from a top surface of the manifold and transversely to their respective channel. As a result thereof there exist orifice pairs extending along the manifold, one of which fluidly communicates with the plain water channel and one of which communicates with the carbonated water channel. The plain and carbonated water channels have inlet ends for receiving fittings for connection with tubing that extend to cooled sources of plain and carbonated water respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventors: Peter S. Tinucci, David W. Berend
  • Publication number: 20030173376
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a beverage dispensing system. In one arrangement, the beverage dispensing system comprises a self-contained, removable container unit, the container unit including at least one liquid container that is adapted to store a liquid therein, and a source of gas under pressure that provides a driving mechanism for delivering liquid from the at least one liquid container of the removable container unit. In addition, the present disclosure relates to liquid containers for beverage dispensing systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventors: Richard P. Bilskie, Harold F. Stover
  • Publication number: 20030168472
    Abstract: A system is provided for producing at least two beverages having different percentages of water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventor: William Segiet
  • Patent number: 6607013
    Abstract: An automatic device for preparing mixed and non-mixed beverages having a load-bearing structure (22), a conveyor (21) designed to convey containers (26) into a set position under a motor-driven rotary head (12,32) having a plurality of receptacles (13,33) for ingredients to be poured into the containers (26) on the conveyor where each receptacle (13, 33) has an automatic-dosing actuation valve (24, 34) and the said device (10) includes an automatic system (20) for managing positioning of the dispensers over the containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Inventor: Mauro Leoni
  • Patent number: 6591877
    Abstract: Membrane switch is used to activate beverage and ice dispensing on a beverage/ice-dispensing machine. The switch is inexpensive and easy to clean and install. This switch is directly connected to a control board by a flat wire cable. An LED light can be mounted on switch to give feedback to the customer for current use status, low ice condition, or malfunction. Multi colored LEDs can be used to supply different conditions. The switch is simply mounted using an adhesively in an identically shaped indented portion on the front face of the molded housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Hoshizaki America, Inc.
    Inventor: Earl B. Graffius
  • Publication number: 20030121937
    Abstract: A beverage dispensing system includes a beverage dispenser which forms and dispenses a beverage and a processor for monitoring the beverage dispenser. The beverage dispenser operates under various parameters including a first parameter that is indicative of the quality of the beverage to be dispensed and a second parameter that is indicative as to when routine maintenance is to be scheduled. The processor monitors the various parameters under which the beverage dispenser operates and determines whether the first parameter is outside of a predetermined range. If the first parameter is outside the predetermined range, the processor sends a signal regarding a request for immediate repair service. The second parameter is also monitored and the routine maintenance is scheduled based thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventors: William J. Black, Joseph Todd Piatnik, Timothy W. Bethuy, Richard V. Baxter, Jeffrey C. Thon, Edward G. Beistle, Andrew D. Nelson
  • Patent number: 6578763
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for vending a containerized liquid product to a vendee, after an original liquid container has been emptied, by successive refillings of the product and utilizing machine-readable indicia on the container, a discount ticket or coupon being dispensed to the vendee upon completion of the filling of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Restore Products
    Inventor: Laurie J. Brown
  • Publication number: 20030106904
    Abstract: A beverage dispenser includes an electronic control system for controlling beverage dispenser components. The beverage dispenser components include at least a user interface, a dispensing valve, and a valve interface for regulating the delivery of a beverage from the dispensing valve. The electronic control system includes a microcontroller for monitoring the user interface and for activating the valve interface responsive to user input, thereby regulating the delivery of a beverage from the dispensing valve. The electronic control system further includes a program memory with firmware configured in a state machine system architecture for controlling the microcontroller. The state machine system architecture supports either a non-preemptive or a preemptive multitasking real time operating system. The firmware includes supervisory control firmware, dispenser tasks firmware, and low level drivers firmware.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Applicant: Lancer Partnership, Ltd.
    Inventors: David C. Sudolcan, Thomas J. Chadwell
  • Publication number: 20030102330
    Abstract: A dispenser for delivering water and/or juice has been invented. The dispenser feeds liquids by gravity and provides for a system flush at the end of each use. The dispenser can, if desired, handle more than one type of juice through a common mixing chamber and spout.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2003
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Inventor: Cameron A. Cote