Cabinet-type Dispenser For Single Mixed Drinks Patents (Class 222/129.1)
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Publication number: 20140263446Abstract: The present application provides a rotary carbonator for use with a beverage dispensing system. The rotary carbonator may include an off-center carbonator chamber, a rotor positioned within the off-center carbonator chamber, and a number of vanes extending from the rotor. The vanes may define within the off-center carbonator chamber a first number of vane cavities with an increasing area and a second number of vane cavities with a decreasing area. A water inlet and a gas inlet may be positioned about the first vane cavities and a carbonated water outlet may be positioned about the second vane cavities.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: The Coca-Cola CompanyInventors: Victor Henry Quittner, William J. Moore
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Publication number: 20140263397Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling liquid flow to the liquid supply of a beverage forming apparatus. The liquid supply may include two valves positioned in series for controlling a flow of a liquid into the liquid supply. Pressures upstream, between and/or downstream of the valves may be detected and used to determine if one or both of the valves leak when closed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: Keurig, IncorporatedInventor: William T. Jacobs
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Patent number: 8826688Abstract: To provide a beverage dispenser capable of appropriately and smoothly supplying a supercooled beverage. According to the present invention, there is disclosed a beverage dispenser including a beverage supply circuit 7 which supplies a carbonated beverage to the outside a primary cooling device 13, a secondary cooling device 30, and a heat exchanger 16 for supercooling which allows these components to cool the carbonated beverage flowing through the beverage supply circuit 7 into a supercooled state at a temperature of a solidifying point or less. The heat exchanger 16 supplies the carbonated beverage in the supercooled state to release the supercooled state in the outside, and the carbonated beverage on standby for serving in a portion of the beverage supply circuit 7 cooled by at least the heat exchanger 16 for supercooling is maintained in an unsaturated state.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2009Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: The Coca-Cola CompanyInventors: Yoshihisa Tachibana, Takashi Nishiyama, Kazuhide Saito, Kazuaki Mizukami, Hiroyuki Hashimoto, Hiroshi Yamamoto
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Publication number: 20140246459Abstract: A beverage tower having a solid cold block with glycol recirculation, the tap/valve is built into the cold block and is integral and fused thereto, so as to keep the entire beverage tap cold and maintain the beverages in a sanitary condition meeting health codes. The coolant lines within the cold block pass entirely around the tap in the cold block in serpentine fashion or in a coolant chamber, resulting in a tap which remains cooled effectively, while the cold block provides thermal inertia to the system. In particular, the entire valve stem and parts of the tap containing it are integral with and surrounded by the cold block. A method of construction is provided for an improved unitary integrated fused tapped cold block.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2014Publication date: September 4, 2014Inventor: Jon Joseph Robinson
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Patent number: 8820593Abstract: A water dispensing system for an automobile includes a docking mechanism in a trunk of the car to detachably hold a water bar that is linked by a water pipe to supply water to a water dispenser in a cabin of the automobile. The water bar includes a rechargeable power unit to provide power to the water bar when the water bar is removed from the automobile.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2012Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: Aqua Car Ltd.Inventor: Moshe Pesach
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Patent number: 8820580Abstract: A dispensing nozzle assembly for dispensing a number of micro-ingredients into a fluid stream. The dispensing nozzle assembly may include a micro-ingredient mixing chamber, a number of micro-ingredient lines in communication with the micro-ingredient mixing chamber such that the micro-ingredients mix therein, and a mixed micro-ingredient exit such the mixed micro-ingredients are dispensed into the fluid stream.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2012Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: The Coca-Cola CompanyInventor: Lawrence B. Ziesel
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Patent number: 8820577Abstract: A device for dispensing a liquid is connectable to a container containing the liquid and detachably connectable to a base station having a drive member, the device including a liquid duct and a pump actuated by the drive member for effecting passage of liquid through the duct, characterized in that the device includes a cutter for piercing a tamper resistant foil positioned across the outlet of the container and that a push pin for actuating the cutter is operable from outside the device.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2008Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: Nestec S.A.Inventors: Christoph Rusch, Elmar Mock, Gary Cooper, Andre Klopfenstein, Naomi Bitmead, James Peter Herrick, Amol Ashok Bhalerao, Randall L. Morrison, Bernard Guillemain
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Patent number: 8814000Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for providing a selectable beverage from a post-mix beverage dispenser are provided. In one embodiment, the method for providing a beverage having a separately selected color front a post-mix beverage dispensing system comprises: (a) providing at least two beverage bases for dispense from the post-mix beverage dispensing system; (b) separately storing at least two colorants in the post-mix beverage dispensing system; (c) receiving a request for a selected beverage base and the separately selected color with a computer processor; and (d) in response to the selection of the selected beverage base and the separately selected color, automatically dispensing through a single faucet of the post-mix beverage dispensing system, continuously in a predetermined ratio for any volume of the beverage dispensed, the selected beverage base and at least one of the colorants to provide the beverage having the separately selected color.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2013Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: The Coca-Cola CompanyInventor: Arthur G. Rudick
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Publication number: 20140231455Abstract: The disclosure concerns a system including a multi-tower modular dispensing system comprising at least a first dispensing head and a second dispensing head at a counter, a transfer unit located remotely from the counter, piping extending from the transfer unit to the counter, the transfer unit comprising a centralized ingredient system having a plurality of beverage ingredient sources, the centralized ingredient system configured to supply beverage ingredients to the piping for the dispensing of a first beverage at the counter, the piping comprising a main micro bundle, the main micro bundle comprising at least two separate beverage ingredient lines.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2014Publication date: August 21, 2014Applicant: PepsiCo, Inc.Inventors: Steven T. JERSEY, William W. SEGIET, Tom SIEGEL, Eddie KALI, Joseph BOGGS, Robert BALSTAD
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Patent number: 8807392Abstract: A nozzle system for use with a multi-flavor beverage dispenser includes a mixing chamber having a fluid outlet therefrom; a diluent injector configured to deliver a mixing fluid from without to within the mixing chamber; and a number of concentrate injectors configured to independently deliver a fluid concentrate from without to within the mixing chamber. The concentrate injector each have associated therewith a self-sealing dispensing valve configured to substantially limit fluid flow through its respective concentrate injector to from without the mixing chamber to within the mixing chamber.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2011Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Lancer CorporationInventors: Donald W. Smeller, Jarrell L. Jennings, III, Robert L. Robinson, Merrill R. Good, George E. Hernandez
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Patent number: 8807393Abstract: The present application describes a product dispenser. The product dispenser may include at least one macro-ingredient source, at least one micro-ingredient source positioned about the dispenser, a diluent source, a dispensing valve, a number of pumps or metering devices, and a user interface. The user interface receives a request for a product type and instructs the pumps or metering devices to dispense a predetermined type and ratio of macro-ingredients, micro-ingredients, and diluent to the dispensing valve for a predetermined flow rate.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2013Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: The Coca-Cola CompanyInventors: Gregg Carpenter, David R. Newman, Nilang Patel, Paul A. Phillips, Arthur G. Rudick, Lawrence B. Ziesel
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Publication number: 20140220221Abstract: The principles of the present invention provide novel compositions and methods for making a low-chloride salt blend, high-concentrate beverage syrup. The method includes combining a high-concentrate beverage syrup and a salt blend low in chlorides to maintain organoleptic properties while minimizing corrosion of metallic components in beverage dispensers.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2014Publication date: August 7, 2014Applicant: The Coca-Cola CompanyInventors: David Del Pozo, Marissa Charytan
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Publication number: 20140209629Abstract: A beverage dispensing system includes a nozzle body with a plurality of ingredient inlets and a water inlet disposed in the nozzle body. A diffuser is connected to the nozzle body and has floor with a plurality of holes therethrough. A nozzle cap is connected to the diffuser and has an outlet. A first mixing chamber is formed between the ingredient inlets and the diffuser floor, and a second mixing chamber is formed between the diffuser and the outlet, with the second mixing chamber being configured to receive fluid from the first mixing chamber via the holes in the diffuser floor. A first water flow path is situated between the water inlet and the first mixing chamber, and a second water flow path is situated between the water inlet and the second mixing chamber, wherein the second water flow path bypasses the first mixing chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2014Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: FBD PARTNERSHIP, LPInventor: Matthew Gates
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Publication number: 20140209634Abstract: A mobile vehicle or cart based beverage dispenser for providing mixed beverages is provided. The vehicle beverage dispenser has a vehicle that includes a housing containing a plurality of first liquids, a plurality of second liquids, and a water supply, wherein the first liquids comprise liquors, and wherein the second liquids comprise mixer syrup. The vehicle beverage dispenser also has an interface, a dispensing spout and a controller. The interface allows to input variable data and receive variable instructions. The controller electrically operates valves to control the flow of first liquids, second liquids and water to the beverage dispenser spout based on instructions entered at the interface and a pouring schema stored in memory.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2014Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: Smart Bar International LLCInventors: William METROPULOS, Tim KNECHT, Fred KNECHT
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Patent number: 8783513Abstract: A product dispensing system includes a flow control device configured to regulate a first ingredient. A pump module is configured to be coupled to a supply of a second ingredient. A controller is configured to provide a first control signal to the flow control device for controlling the supply of a first quantity of the first ingredient based upon, at least in part, a predetermined recipe. The controller is further configured to provide a second control signal to the pump module for controlling the supply of a first quantity of the second ingredient based upon, at least in part, the predetermined recipe.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2012Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Russell H. Beavis, Benjamin W. Jones, John M. Kerwin, Larry B. Gray, Casey P. Manning, Felix Winkler, Robert A. Charles
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Patent number: 8784915Abstract: The invention proposes to dispense a substance from a container filled with a single portion of a substance. The container comprises a preformed deformable body, preferably made of sheet material, defining a filling cavity which body has an opening and an integral planar circumferential rim surrounding said opening, which opening is closed by a cover sheet which is sealed to the circumferential rim by means of a circumferential sealing seam. The container with the substance is opened by making use of the deformability of the cover sheet. A support surface supports the cover sheet except at the position of a recess. The recess is positioned at least over a part of the circumferential sealing seam. Upon compression of the container body the substance is pressurized and the cover sheet bulges out into the recess such that the sealing seam is broken at the location where the bulge is formed resulting in the container being open.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2010Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: MDS Global Holding Ltd.Inventors: Lucas Alphonsus Maria Evers, Edouard Sterngold
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Publication number: 20140196811Abstract: A method, non-transitory computer readable medium, and apparatus for dispensing a beverage are disclosed. For example, the method receives an indication that a customer desires to dispense a beverage, scans a barcode associated with a beverage container being used by the customer, dispenses the beverage in accordance with information obtained from scanning the barcode and stores one or more dispensing details associated with the dispensing.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2013Publication date: July 17, 2014Applicant: Xerox CorporationInventors: ROBERTO RAMOS, III, Eliud Robles Flores
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Publication number: 20140183220Abstract: An instant drink vending machine is described. The instant drink vending machine has a water supply system for obtaining mixed warm water with a temperature selected among a set of pre-determined temperatures comprised between an upper and a lower value corresponding to temperatures of hot water and cold water to be mixed, said system including thermostatic shape memory alloy devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2012Publication date: July 3, 2014Applicant: SAES GETTERS S.P.A.Inventors: Francesco Butera, Stefano Alacqua, Emanuele Nicolini
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Publication number: 20140175125Abstract: The present invention relates to a beverage dispenser configured to dispense variable serving sizes of cold beverages. The present invention uses the Venturi effect in order to mix the syrup and water at a constant ratio.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2013Publication date: June 26, 2014Inventor: Michael John Breault
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Patent number: 8757437Abstract: A gas line leakage monitor for beverage dispensing system is configured to prevent unintended environmental discharge of a beverage dispensing gas such as CO2. The monitor includes a gas inlet coupled to the source of gas and a gas outlet coupled to the dispensing portions of the system. The monitor includes a flow sensor detecting when gas is flowing through the monitor. The monitor includes a timer coupled to the flow sensor and tracking the amount of time that the flow sensor detects at least each episode of un-interrupted flow of gas through the monitor. The monitor includes a shut-off valve coupled to the timer for stopping the flow of gas through the monitor and to the system's dispensing portions when the timer indicates an episode of un-interrupted gas flow through the monitor meets a pre-set threshold. The monitor includes a manual reset for opening the shut-off valve.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2012Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Bevtech, Inc.Inventor: Daniel E Schneider
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Publication number: 20140158710Abstract: A system for dispensing a beverage includes a conical inner sleeve configured to receive a mixture of beverage components, a first blade, and a blade arm. An outer shell receives the first blade, blade arm, and the inner sleeve. A top couples the inner sleeve and outer shell in a fixed position. A tap module includes a tap handle and a tap control. The tap handle restricts and allows beverage flow through a beverage port. The tap control detects whether the tap handle is in a first position or a second position. The tap control prevents a motor from operation while the tap handle is in the first position and engages the motor while the tap handle is in the second position.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2012Publication date: June 12, 2014Applicant: Coolerita, Inc.Inventors: Malcolm Lunn, Larry Kiliszewski, Brett Triola
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Publication number: 20140158165Abstract: An ice dispensing system includes an ice hopper structure including a plurality of walls having inner surfaces that define an inner volume storing ice therein. The ice hopper may include a drain. A cleaning structure is coupled to the ice hopper structure. The cleaning structure includes a pump linked to a spray mechanism positioned within the inner volume of the ice hopper structure. The spray mechanism disperses a liquid on an inner surface of the ice hopper structure during a cleaning cycle of the ice dispensing mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2013Publication date: June 12, 2014Applicant: IMI CORNELIUS INC.Inventors: Vittal Murthy, Jayateertha Malagi, A.R. Servesh, Matthew Kampert, Chris Zemko
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Patent number: 8746507Abstract: A method and system for managing the dispensing of beverages from an automatic beverage dispensing unit. The beverages may be comprised of a single or multiple ingredients, including a first plurality of liquids, a second plurality of liquids, and/or a combination of one or more first and second plurality of liquids. In addition, garnishes and sides may be included in the beverage. The beverages are dispensed according to a pouring schema. The pouring schema may be a beverage recipe and may be preprogrammed by a system manager, or alternatively, be chosen by a consumer during operation of the system. The first plurality of liquids may include liquors and the second plurality of beverages may include mixers which are mixed with the liquors to create the beverage.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2011Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: Smart Bar USA LLCInventors: William Metropulos, Tim Knecht
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Patent number: 8746506Abstract: A multi-tower modular dispensing system including at least a first dispensing head and a second dispensing head at a counter, a transfer unit located remotely from the counter, piping extending from the transfer unit to the counter, the transfer unit including a centralized ingredient system having a plurality of beverage ingredient sources, the centralized ingredient system configured to supply beverage ingredients to the piping for the dispensing of a first beverage at the counter, the piping including a main micro bundle, the main micro bundle including at least two separate beverage ingredient lines.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2011Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: PepsiCo, Inc.Inventors: Steven T. Jersey, William W. Segiet, Tom Siegel, Eddie Kali, Joseph Boggs, Robert Balstad
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Patent number: 8740019Abstract: An exemplary foam dispenser includes a housing, a plate located in the housing, a first dispensing wheel located proximate the plate. The first dispensing wheel has a plurality of pinch members and is rotatable about an axis. The exemplary dispenser includes a second dispensing wheel located proximate the plate. The second dispensing wheel having a plurality of pinch members and rotatable about the same axis as the first dispensing wheel. Rotation of the first dispensing wheel is configured to pinch a first flexible tube against the plate and to move a first liquid through the first tube; and rotation of the second dispensing wheel is configured to pinch a second flexible tube against the plate and to move a second liquid through the first tube. The exemplary dispenser includes a motor for rotating the first and second dispensing wheels and a motor controller for starting and stopping the motor.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2013Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: GOJO Industries, Inc.Inventors: Nick E. Ciavarella, Michael J. Gallo
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Patent number: 8721162Abstract: A method of controlling an integrated beverage system that comprises a dispensing module that dispenses one or more ingredients into a beverage container and a blending/mixing module that blends and/or mixes the ingredients in the beverage container, the method comprising: controlling the dispensing module and the blending/mixing module to prepare first and second beverages concurrently or sequentially.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2012Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Enodis CorporationInventors: Jan Claesson, William E. Smith, Roberto Nevarez
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Publication number: 20140124529Abstract: A multi-flavor valve capable of dispensing at least three flavors of beverages is provided. The valve includes a single-piece injection-molded valve body having at least three syrup flow paths and a water flow path. The valve also includes at least three syrup flow path solenoids for respectively opening and closing the at least three syrup flow paths, and one water flow path solenoid for opening and closing the water flow path. The three syrup flow path solenoids are positioned in the corresponding syrup flow paths, and the water flow path solenoid is positioned in the water flow path, within the valve body. The valve also has at least three beverage flavor switches for selecting any one of the three beverage flavors for dispensation.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2014Publication date: May 8, 2014Applicant: PepsiCo,Inc.Inventors: Joseph Todd Piatnik, Fernando Ubidia, Amir Farooqui, Aaron Stein, Eric Skell, Thomas Tagliapietra, William Black
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Patent number: 8701937Abstract: A fountain beverage dispenser for constituting a beverage by mixture of a beverage syrup and a diluent for the syrup is characterized by use of a highly concentrated beverage syrup supply and at least one diluent and syrup blending station for diluting the highly concentrated syrup with diluent before the diluted syrup is mixed with diluent in the final mixture of syrup and diluent delivered to a dispensing nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2013Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: IMI Cornelius, Inc.Inventor: George H. Hoover
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Publication number: 20140097203Abstract: An improved coupling is disclosed for connecting a pump to a container. A first embodiment of the improved coupling incorporates a slidable coupling sleeve for piercing a frangible seal for providing liquid communication from the container to the pump. A first embodiment of the improved coupling incorporates coupling for providing liquid communication from the container to the pump. The invention is suitable for use with an aseptic container, a refrigerated container or a non-refrigerated container with or without preservatives.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2013Publication date: April 10, 2014Applicant: Nestec S.A.Inventors: Richard D Baron, Sean H. Frielich
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Patent number: 8690016Abstract: A product storage and handling system for a beverage dispenser is characterized by a cabinet in which a plurality of bins are removably supported on one or more shelves that may be slid into and out of the cabinet. Each bin is for containing a removable container of liquid beverage component, a fluid valve of which container extends downward through and is releasably secured against vertical movement in a lower opening in the bin. A connector coupled to a fluid line leading to a beverage valve of a beverage dispenser is arranged to be conveniently fluid coupled with and decoupled from the fluid valve of the bag. When a shelf of slid out of the cabinet, the bins supported by it may, if desired, be lifted off of and replaced on the shelf for during replacement of a depleted bag of liquid beverage component. Alternatively, the bins may remain supported on the shelf during replacement of a depleted bag of liquid beverage component.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2010Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: IMI Cornelius Inc.Inventors: Douglas Anderson, Karl M. Bogacz, Peter S. Tinucci, N Sudhir Kumar, Ramakrishnan Anoop
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Patent number: 8678234Abstract: A system and method for dispensing fluids is introduced. A preferred embodiment comprises a sealed tank, a bag containing fluid inside the sealed tank, an outlet for dispensing the liquid in the bag, and a pressure generating device to create pressure in the sealed tank.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2013Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Fair Oaks Farms Brands, Inc.Inventors: Timothy Peter Doelman, Vincent A. Baxter
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Publication number: 20140076929Abstract: A beverage dispensing system includes a base to which a dispensing head is removably attached without additional fasteners. Beverage-forming liquids are supplied through a plurality of separate conduits in the base. Each base conduit has a normally closed valve that normally blocks fluid flow. The dispensing head has at least one passageway that receives liquid from an associated one of the base conduits. A projection associated with each dispensing head passageway opens the associated conduit valve to allow fluid flow from the base to the head. Dispensing valves in the dispensing head regulate the dispensing of the beverage. By selectively opening the dispensing valves, a plurality of beverages are formed from combinations of one or more liquids. A dispensing head includes an inlet opening and an outlet opening at each end of a passage extending through a body, the inlet opening having a smaller cross-sectional area than the outlet opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 25, 2013Publication date: March 20, 2014Inventors: Timothy W. Bethuy, William J. Black, Brian T. Cahill, Ronald Schilling, Paul Novotny, Fabio Nebbia, Giovanni Perucca
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Patent number: 8676376Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include systems and methods of dispensing control for a product dispenser. In one embodiment, a system or product dispenser can be provided. The system or product dispenser can include a plurality of beverage ingredient sources comprising a respective beverage ingredient, a plurality of beverage supply lines in respective communication with the plurality of ingredient sources, at least one pump in communication with the plurality of beverage supply lines, and a controller in communication with the at least one pump and operable to execute a set of instructions. The set of instructions can be operable to store data associated with a prior poured beverage, provide a command for a user to dispense the prior poured beverage in a subsequent pour, and after selection of the command, based at least in part on the data associated with a prior poured beverage, dispense a subsequent beverage similar to the prior poured beverage.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2011Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: The Coca-Cola CompanyInventors: Daniel S. Quartarone, Erika Gomez
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Publication number: 20140069953Abstract: A beverage dispenser for providing mixed beverages. The beverage dispenser has a housing containing a plurality of first liquids, a plurality of second liquids, and a water supply, wherein the first liquids comprise liquors, and wherein the second liquids comprise mixer syrup. The beverage dispenser also has an interface, a dispensing spout and a server. The interface is provided on the housing to input variable data and receive variable instructions. The server electrically operates valves to control the flow of first liquids, second liquids and water to the beverage dispenser spout based on instructions entered at the interface and a pouring schema stored in memory.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2013Publication date: March 13, 2014Applicant: Smart Bar USA LLCInventors: William Metropulos, Tim Knecht, John Sugrue, Wayne Alpert, Kevin Hinterlong
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Patent number: 8651333Abstract: The present invention is directed a beverage dispensing machine and beverage dispenser that may be used for mixing and dispensing liquids. The beverage dispenser has a mounting bracket with a carrier that is removably connected to the mounting bracket and a mixing bowl that is removably connected to the carrier. The beverage container also has a first set of fittings extending from the mounting bracket for receiving a first set of liquids and dispensing the first set of liquids into the mixing bowl. The beverage container also has a second set of fittings also extending from the mounting bracket for receiving a second set of liquids and dispensing the second set of liquids into the mixing bowl.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2011Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: Smart Bar USA LLCInventors: William Metropulos, Wayne Alpert, Tim Knecht
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Publication number: 20140034675Abstract: For retrofitting to a backblock of an existing multi-head, multi-backblock beverage dispensing machine, Applicant provides a valve having, in one embodiment, walls adapted to fluidly engage a backblock. A primary circuit has a pair of primary circuit pathways adapted to receive pressurized syrup and pressurized water from the backblock. The valve provides a multiplicity of supplemental circuit pathways adapted to receive (typically not from a backblock) a multiplicity of different syrups from a multiplicity of different pressurized syrup sources. Flow control elements in the valve engage the circuits to control the rate of flow of fluid therethrough. Operator pushbutton controlled valved chambers open and close the circuit pathways. A post-mix valve assembly mixes a syrup from a circuit pathway with the pressurized water from the primary circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: February 6, 2014Applicant: Schroeder Industries, Inc. d/b/a Schroeder AmericaInventor: Schroeder Industries, Inc. d/b/a Schroeder America
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Publication number: 20140034673Abstract: A fountain beverage dispenser for constituting a beverage by mixture of a beverage syrup and a diluent for the syrup is characterized by use of a highly concentrated beverage syrup supply and at least one diluent and syrup blending station for diluting the highly concentrated syrup with diluent before the diluted syrup is mixed with diluent in the final mixture of syrup and diluent delivered to a dispensing nozzle.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2013Publication date: February 6, 2014Applicant: IMI CORNELIUS INC.Inventor: George Harold Hoover
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Patent number: 8636175Abstract: A system for dispensing fluid may include a first fluid circuit and second fluid circuit. The first fluid circuit may include a first reservoir configured to contain a supply of first fluid for being dispensed and a first variable volume chamber in flow communication with the first fluid circuit. The second fluid circuit may be configured to provide pressure for dispensing the first fluid. The second fluid circuit may include a second reservoir, a pump, fluid passages configured to provide fluid flow within the second fluid circuit, and a second variable volume chamber in flow communication with the second fluid circuit. The second fluid circuit may be a closed-loop circuit, and the first variable volume chamber and the second variable volume chamber are associated with one another, such that flow of fluid in the second circuit controls dispensing and temperature of the first fluid in the first fluid circuit.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2010Date of Patent: January 28, 2014Inventor: Clyde M. Smith
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Patent number: 8631974Abstract: A multi-flavor valve for dispensing at least three flavors of beverages includes a single-piece injection-molded valve body having at least three syrup flow paths, a water flow path, and one water flow path solenoid for opening and closing the water flow path. Three syrup flow path solenoids are positioned in the corresponding syrup flow paths. The water flow path solenoid is positioned in the water flow path, within the valve body. The valve has beverage flavor switches for selecting the beverage flavors for dispensation. The valve includes an electronics module electrically connected to the solenoids and to the beverage flavor switches, the electronics module causing one of the syrup flow path solenoids to open the corresponding syrup flow path of the syrup corresponding to a selected flavor switch, and causing the water flow path solenoid to open the water flow path, causing the valve to dispense the selected beverage flavor.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2009Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: PepsiCo, Inc.Inventors: Joseph Todd Piatnik, Fernando Ubidia, Amir Farooqui, Aaron Stein, Eric Skell, Thomas Tagliapietra, William Black
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Patent number: 8622257Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing granulated powder, such as a fine sugar or sweetener, which uses an auger driven by a gear motor. The gear motor is controlled by a control unit on the front of the dispenser, allowing a user to select the quantity of powder to be dispensed. The apparatus comprises at least one, preferably two dispensing assemblies within the chassis, each comprising a storage bin for the powder, an inclined base, an auger member abutting the base of the storage bin and a dispensing chute. The base of the storage bin is inclined positively toward to the orifice of the dispensing chute, thereby ensuring that the powder is dispensed at a constant rate with minimized dribbling.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2007Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: A.C. Dispensing Equipment, Inc.Inventors: P. Gregory Erman, Ben Garvey, Chris Marshall, Michael McDougall, Kevin Stoneman, Avery Wilson
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Patent number: 8622250Abstract: A mixing device and method for mixing at least one first ingredient and at least one second ingredient. The device includes a body which has a wall defining a cavity. A first inlet communicates with the cavity for introducing the first ingredient and a second inlet communicates with the cavity for introducing the second ingredient. An outlet is provided in communication with the cavity receiving the mixed first and second ingredient which have been mixed in the cavity. The ingredients are mixed by introducing one ingredient as a stream and the second ingredient as a forcefully introduced stream. An area upstream of the ingredients is provided for mixing ingredients. Once mixed the ingredients must flow through the body before reaching the outlet. Multiple mixing devices can be cascaded to produce additional variations and mixing methods. The device can be in the form of a kit for retrofitting on existing devices such as beverage dispensers.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2010Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic CorporationInventors: Jeff Kadyk, Suresh Radhakrishnan
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Patent number: 8616412Abstract: A beverage dispensing system includes a base to which a dispensing head is removably attached without additional fasteners. Beverage-forming liquids are supplied through a plurality of separate conduits in the base. Each base conduit has a normally closed valve that normally blocks fluid flow. The dispensing head has at least one passageway that receives liquid from an associated one of the base conduits. A projection associated with each dispensing head passageway opens the associated conduit valve to allow fluid flow from the base to the head. Dispensing valves in the dispensing head regulate the dispensing of the beverage. By selectively opening the dispensing valves, a plurality of beverages are formed from combinations of one or more liquids. A dispensing head includes an inlet opening and an outlet opening at each end of a passage extending through a body, the inlet opening having a smaller cross-sectional area than the outlet opening.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2013Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: PepsiCo, Inc.Inventors: Timothy W. Bethuy, William J. Black, Brian T. Cahill, Ronald Schilling, Paul Novotny, Fabio Nebbia, Giovanni Perucca
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Publication number: 20130334251Abstract: A drinking apparatus equipped with beverage supply function includes a drinking machine, a beverage module and a control circuit. The drinking machine has an area at the top to hold the beverage module. The area has a first water passage connection port communicating with an internal water passage of the drinking machine and a first circuit connection port connecting to an internal circuit of the drinking machine. The beverage module has a second water passage connection port communicating with an internal water passage of the beverage module and a second circuit connection port connecting to an internal circuit of the beverage module. The first water passage connection port and first circuit connection port of the drinking machine are coupled respectively with the second water passage connection port and second circuit connection port of the beverage module. Water and power of the beverage module are provided by the drinking machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2011Publication date: December 19, 2013Applicants: PRIMO WATER CORPORATION, MEDIA GROUP CO., LTD.Inventors: Fangzhen Zheng, Mianchun Huang, Duming Zeng, Richard Edward Belmont
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Patent number: 8602263Abstract: An improved coupling is disclosed for connecting a pump to a container. A first embodiment of the improved coupling incorporates a slidable coupling sleeve for piercing a frangible seal for providing liquid communication from the container to the pump. A first embodiment of the improved coupling incorporates coupling for providing liquid communication from the container to the pump. The invention is suitable for use with an aseptic container, a refrigerated container or a non-refrigerated container with or without preservatives.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2010Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: Nestec S.A.Inventors: Richard D. Baron, Sean H. Frielich
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Publication number: 20130320039Abstract: A beverage dispensing system includes a nozzle body with a plurality of ingredient inlets and a water inlet disposed in the nozzle body. A diffuser is connected to the nozzle body and has floor with a plurality of holes therethrough. A nozzle cap is connected to the diffuser and has an outlet. A first mixing chamber is formed between the ingredient inlets and the diffuser floor, and a second mixing chamber is formed between the diffuser and the outlet, with the second mixing chamber being configured to receive fluid from the first mixing chamber via the holes in the diffuser floor. A first water flow path is situated between the water inlet and the first mixing chamber, and a second water flow path is situated between the water inlet and the second mixing chamber, wherein the second water flow path bypasses the first mixing chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2013Publication date: December 5, 2013Applicant: FBD PartnershipInventor: Matthew Gates
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Patent number: 8590746Abstract: A beverage dispensing system includes a base to which a dispensing head is removably attached without additional fasteners. Beverage-forming liquids are supplied through a plurality of separate conduits in the base. Each base conduit has a normally closed valve that normally blocks fluid flow. The dispensing head has at least one passageway that receives liquid from an associated one of the base conduits. A projection associated with each dispensing head passageway opens the associated conduit valve to allow fluid flow from the base to the head. Dispensing valves in the dispensing head regulate the dispensing of the beverage. By selectively opening the dispensing valves, a plurality of beverages are formed from combinations of one or more liquids. A dispensing head includes an inlet opening and an outlet opening at each end of a passage extending through a body, the inlet opening having a smaller cross-sectional area than the outlet opening.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2012Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: PepsiCo, Inc.Inventors: Timothy W. Bethuy, William J. Black, Brian T. Cahill, Ronald Schilling, Paul Novotny, Fabio Nebbia, Giovanni Perucca
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Patent number: 8584900Abstract: A beverage dispenser for providing mixed beverages. The beverage dispenser has a housing containing a plurality of first liquids, a plurality of second liquids, and a water supply, wherein the first liquids comprise liquors, and wherein the second liquids comprise mixer syrup. The beverage dispenser also has an interface, a dispensing spout and a server. The interface is provided on the housing to input variable data and receive variable instructions. The server electrically operates valves to control the flow of first liquids, second liquids and water to the beverage dispenser spout based on instructions entered at the interface and a pouring schema stored in memory.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2010Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: Smart Bar USA LLCInventors: William Metropulos, Tim Knecht, John Sugrue, Wayne Alpert, Kevin Hinterlong
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Patent number: 8567642Abstract: A fountain beverage dispenser for constituting a beverage by mixture of a beverage syrup and a diluent for the syrup is characterized by use of a highly concentrated beverage syrup supply and at least one diluent and syrup blending station for diluting the highly concentrated syrup with diluent before the diluted syrup is mixed with diluent in the final mixture of syrup and diluent delivered to a dispensing nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2008Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: IMI Cornelius, Inc.Inventor: George H. Hoover
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Publication number: 20130276411Abstract: A vending machine, particularly for cold drinks, comprising at least one main water tank, at least one storage compartment for at least one water-soluble preparation and at least one apparatus for mixing the preparation in water, to provide a beverage, obtained by mixing the preparation in the water, which can be dispensed to the exterior.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2011Publication date: October 24, 2013Inventors: Gian Luca Casadio Prati, Gian Marco Casadio Prati
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Publication number: 20130277394Abstract: A substantially self-contained moveable (roll around) ice cooled beverage dispensing apparatus, in one embodiment, disclosing onboard pressurized bag-in-box syrup concentrate, onboard carbonation and pump elements, as well as onboard cooling in a portable roll around unit, connecting up to a self-contained unit source of water, source of high pressurize CO2 (onboard in one embodiment) and/or AC electricity. These three elements are common elements, in the sense that electricity and water are typically available at most retail store locations where dispensing is desired and CO2 easily available in high pressure bottles, for example.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2013Publication date: October 24, 2013Applicant: Schroeder Industries, Inc. d/b/a Schroeder AmericaInventor: William Edwards