One Ingredient Operates Dispensing Means For Another Patents (Class 222/129.2)
  • Patent number: 11338717
    Abstract: A device that includes a housing configured to couple to a vehicle console. The device further includes a lid that is configurable between a closed position and an open position. The device further includes a lock is configured to transition from a locked configuration to an unlocked configuration. In the locked configuration, the lock is configured to maintain the lid in the closed position. In the unlocked configuration, the lock is configured to release the lid from the closed position. The device further includes a user interface configured to display products, receive a user input identifying a product, receive card information, send an authorization request that requests a purchase of the product, and send an authorization signal to a controller in response to receiving an approval message. The device further includes the controller configured to send an actuation signal to unlock the lock in response to receiving the authorization signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: 7-ELEVEN, INC.
    Inventors: Jonathan Christopher Hodge, Gurmeet Singh, Maninder Singh Suri, Ranganathan Mohan
  • Patent number: 11214477
    Abstract: A cock (10) that receives and discharges the carbonated water from a nozzle (70) includes: a first flow path (4S); and a second flow path (46). A flow path transverse Closs-section has an annular shape. The second flow path has an outer diameter larger than that of the first flow path and having a flow path cross-sectional area smaller than that of the first flow path; and a shaft (50) which forms the inner circumferential surface of the second flow path. the shaft having a ring-shaped groove (52) formed over the outer circumference of the shaft in a part of the second flow path that is connected to the first flow path, wherein a longitudinal center axis line (C1) of the first flow path is nonparallel to and does not intersect with a longitudinal center axis line (C2) of the second flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: SUNTORY HOLDINGS LIMITED
    Inventor: Naoki Nishimura
  • Patent number: 11104502
    Abstract: A multi-function appliance and methods and systems for manufacturing, producing, preparing, packaging, displaying, selling and marketing perishable food or items in a container with a container storage technology for use with select consumer goods or household appliances. A method and system for the use of multiple brand logos or names and communicative indicia on a container or product packaging wherein at least one of the brand logos or names, such as a secondary or tertiary brand logo or name can be used to represent different or distinct products, services or benefits from the primary brand logo or name.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Inventor: Edward P. Espinosa
  • Patent number: 11015862
    Abstract: A water storage device and a refrigerator, the water storage device comprising: a housing having a water inlet end and a water outlet end, and a water distribution plate. The water distribution plate divides a water storage cavity into a water inlet cavity and a water outlet cavity; a gap for allowing water to flow through is provided between the outer edge of the water distribution plate and the inner wall of the housing; when the water distribution plate moves from the water inlet end towards the water outlet end, water entering the water inlet cavity from the water inlet end will not mix with cold water in the water outlet cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: QINGDAO HAIER CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Xiaobing Zhu, Yanqing Zhang, Jianjun Xue
  • Patent number: 10974945
    Abstract: The bar gun holster is a mechanical device. The bar gun holster attaches a bar gun to a counter such that the bar gun is readily available to dispense a beverage such as soda. The bar gun is a mechanical device that dispenses a plurality of beverages is a draught manner. The beverage dispensed through the bar gun is selectable. The bar gun further comprises a nozzle and a handle. The bar gun holster comprises a counter plate, an intermediate structure, a bar gun mount, and hardware. The counter plate and the bar gun mount attach to the intermediate plate. The hardware: a) assembles the bar gun holster; and, b) attaches the bar gun holster to the counter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Inventor: Jason Jones
  • Patent number: 10743566
    Abstract: A system for preparing and dispensing a nitrogen infused beverage is provided. The system includes a beverage concentrate container in fluid connection, through a first flow controlling point, with a nitrogenated beverage liquid mixing point, a nitrogenated water supply in fluid connection, through a second flow controlling point, to said nitrogenated beverage liquid mixing point, wherein said nitrogenated water supply includes a water supply in fluid connection with a liquid/gas contactor unit having a controlled pressurized supply of a gas includes at least 50% by weight nitrogen supplied thereto, and a nitrogen infused beverage line in fluid connection from the nitrogenated beverage liquid mixing point to a beverage faucet of a faucet tower, wherein the beverage faucet is a faucet such that the infused beverage in the nitrogen infused beverage line remains under pressure during dispense of the beverage from the faucet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: AUTOMATIC BAR CONTROLS, INC.
    Inventor: Charles Kleinrichert
  • Patent number: 10450731
    Abstract: Faucet-integrated touch-free soap dispensing systems are provided. A soap dispenser is at least partially integrated with a faucet, and includes a proximity sensor, a dispensing unit, and a soap dispensing outlet. The dispensing unit includes a soap reservoir and a pump mountable below a deck that supports the faucet, and is communicatively coupled to the proximity sensor and fluidly coupled to the soap dispensing outlet via a soap tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: AS America, Inc.
    Inventors: James McHale, Marin Marinov, Walter Pitsch, Xiao Jing Ye
  • Patent number: 10254771
    Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods are described herein for dispensing a carbonated beverage. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a first cylinder that defines an interior region that can contain a volume of carbonated water and a first piston separating the interior region. A second cylinder is coupled to the first cylinder and defines an interior region and a second piston separating the interior region and operatively coupled to the first piston. The interior region of the second cylinder can contain a volume of beverage concentrate. A flywheel assembly is operatively coupled to the first cylinder and to the first piston and can control a predetermined ratio of a volume of carbonated water from the first cylinder and a volume of beverage concentrate from the second cylinder to be dispensed when a force is exerted on the piston by a flow of carbonated water through the first cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Inventors: Patrick J. Tatera, Randal Bertuccelli, Joe Molinari
  • Patent number: 9945104
    Abstract: An integrally formed sensor type faucet liquid soap dispenser includes a faucet main body provided with an upper surface, a lower surface, a side surface, and a rear surface. The faucet main body further includes: a water output sensor window, disposed on the lower surface at a water output end of the faucet main body, and having the water output sensor provided inside; and a liquid soap output sensor window, disposed on the upper surface or the rear surface at the water output end of the faucet main body, and having the liquid soap output sensor provided inside. The water output port and the liquid soap output port are both disposed on the lower surface at the water output end of the faucet main body, such that water output port and liquid soap output port are adapted to output water and liquid soap respectively through using an interlock circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: XIAMEN RUNNER INDUSTRIAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jun-Sheng Wang, Xi-Min Chen
  • Patent number: 9896322
    Abstract: A manifold for a liquid dispensing system has at least two layers. The first layer has multiple through holes along its thickness direction, and one or more fluid channels perpendicular to the thickness direction. The second layer has one or more through holes along its thickness direction, each communicating with one of the through holes of the first layer. The second layer also has one or more fluid channels perpendicular to the thickness direction. The fluid channels each have an inlet at the edge of the respective layer and an outlet at one of the through holes. The second layer also has one or more holes defining valve bores. A valve in each of the valve bores controls flow of a liquid to a respective one of the fluid channels of the second layer. Also provided are a liquid dispensing system and a method of manufacturing a manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Automatic Bar Controls, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas R. Hecht
  • Patent number: 9851137
    Abstract: Utility routing for door-mounted operations are disclosed. An appliance may include a cabinet and one or more doors connected to the cabinet. An apparatus may have a mounted position on the door. An operation apparatus may be enabled, supported, or otherwise made operable in part by closed-looped conveyance of one or more operating mediums. The apparatus has an unmounted position wherein the apparatus is separated from the door while maintaining the closed-loop conveyance of the one or more operating mediums.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Inventor: Andrew M. Tenbarge
  • Patent number: 9754437
    Abstract: Systems and methods for dispensing beverages are provided. In accordance with various embodiments, beverage vendors may maintain the quality associated with a branded beverage while permitting consumers to enjoy the personalized beverages. In one embodiment, a user input may select a beverage formulation. The beverage formulation may be a commercially available branded beverage. A second user input may be received that is configured to modify a concentration of an ingredient of the selected beverage formulation. The ingredient may be a sweetener, such as a sugar. In response to the adjusting the ingredient, a concentration of at least one second ingredient may be automatically adjusted to form a recipe of a modified beverage formulation. In one embodiment, the user input adjusts a natural sugar and, in response, the carbon dioxide concentration is automatically adjusted. In another embodiment, carbon dioxide and another acid may be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: PepsiCo, Inc.
    Inventors: Indrani Deo, Steven Jersey
  • Patent number: 9701528
    Abstract: A method for cleaning a bargun dispenser, the method including providing a cleaning assembly containing a reservoir, a pump and fluid connection tubes; connecting the cleaning assembly to the bargun dispenser by connecting the concentrate inlet line to the reservoir in place of the source of concentrate with one of the fluid connection tubes and connecting the water inlet line to the reservoir in place of the water supply with one of the fluid connection tubes; filling the reservoir with a cleaning solution; activating the pump of the reservoir; and activating the bargun handle buttons for opening the pump outlet lines until the reservoir is empty.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Juan Gonzalez, Steve Robbins, Randy Kiger, Rick Baron, Steve Garbee, Alan Hackey, Joshua Cox
  • Patent number: 9688524
    Abstract: An injection device having an inlet, an outlet and a chamber extending between the inlet and the outlet. A piston divides the chamber into an upper chamber and a lower chamber. The piston is movable within the chamber and includes a body. The piston includes a shutter movable with respect to the body between a closed position, wherein the body and the shutter isolate the upper chamber from the lower chamber when the piston is moved in an injecting direction, and an open position, wherein the body and the shutter place the upper chamber in fluidic communication with the lower chamber when the piston is moved in a filling direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: DISCMA AG
    Inventors: Luc Desoutter, Daniel Diesnis
  • Patent number: 9307859
    Abstract: Device for producing a frothed liquid comprising a chamber opened to atmosphere with a transverse bottom wall and a longitudinal upward wall, at least one diluent inlet, at least one liquid delivery outlet. The at least one diluent inlet comprises a first diluent inlet provided through the upward wall and dimensioned and oriented for directing a thin jet of diluent in the chamber. The at least one liquid delivery outlet is configured in the bottom wall for liquid to rise up along the side of the upward wall by the jet of diluent entering the chamber as a result of the direction and dimension of the diluent inlet in the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Raphael Gugerli, Jean-Luc Thuliez, Iwan Kissling, Raphael Bernhardsgruetter, Cedric Beausire, Nihan Dogan, David J. Harrison, David Hamel
  • Patent number: 9027790
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of dispensers are disclosed herein. One exemplary dispenser is a soap or sanitizer dispenser. The dispenser includes a housing. A removable and replaceable concentrate container for holding concentrated soap or sanitizer is located within the housing. A concentrate pump is in fluid communication with the concentrate container. A diluent container for holding a liquid is also located within the housing and a diluent pump for pumping the diluent is also included. The dispenser includes a mixing chamber in fluid communication with the concentrate pump and the diluent pump. The dispenser includes an outlet. When concentrated soap or sanitizer is pumped from the concentrate container, it mixes with diluent pumped from the diluent container to form a diluted mixture. The diluted mixture is dispensed at the outlet of the dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: GOJO Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Nick E. Ciavarella, Paul R. Metcalfe, Scott E. Urban
  • Patent number: 8721162
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Enodis Corporation
    Inventors: Jan Claesson, William E. Smith, Roberto Nevarez
  • Publication number: 20140091105
    Abstract: Various systems, processes, and technique may be used to achieve beverage dispensing. In particular implementations, a beverage dispensing system may include a flow controller, a venturi-type mixer, and a dispensing faucet. The flow controller may be adapted to regulate water flow rate therethrough. The venturi-type mixer may be coupled to the flow controller and to a beverage concentrate syrup supply conduit. The mixer may be adapted to draw beverage concentrate syrup in response to water flowing through the mixer and begin mixing the beverage concentrate syrup with the water, the mixture of beverage concentrate syrup and water forming a beverage. The beverage dispensing faucet may be coupled to the mixer and adapted to receive the mixture and dispense the beverage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventors: A.A. Jud Schroeder, Jody Jacobsen, Joseph P. Webster
  • Patent number: 8636175
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Inventor: Clyde M. Smith
  • Patent number: 8408421
    Abstract: A dispenser using a stopcock valve has a first and second chamber. The first chamber has a flow material and is pressurized with air. The first chamber is connected to a stopcock valve that holds a second chamber which has a pressure sensor when the stopcock valve is rotated to the proper orientation. The stopcock valve is then rotated to a dispensing position where the flow material is dispensed under pressure to an outlet. By using the air pressure sensor and by taking into consideration the volume of the second chamber, the amount of flow of material can be dosed out consistently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul M DiPerna
  • Patent number: 8220660
    Abstract: A system for supplying at least two fluids in proportioned quantities may include a first and second intake passages configured to be in flow communication with sources of first and second fluids, respectively. The system may include a fluid transfer device in flow communication with the first intake passage and the second intake passage, and a pump in flow communication with the first intake passage. Operation of the pump is configured to supply a quantity of the first fluid to a first chamber of the fluid transfer device such that a quantity of the second fluid is expelled from a second chamber of the fluid transfer device. When operation of the pump is ceased, a quantity of the second fluid enters the second chamber and a quantity of the first fluid is expelled from the first chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Inventor: Clyde M. Smith
  • Patent number: 7963304
    Abstract: A multi-station dispensing apparatus which affords an automatic flow rate for the product to be dispensed. It also provides a single control knob which can select from several different chemical concentrates to be diluted and dispensed. In addition, a bottle can be filled by single-handed operation as well as a bucket without the need to reset the control knob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Diversey, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael H. Bertucci, Curtis H. Hubmann, Christopher F. Lang, Steven E. Schiller
  • Patent number: 7905429
    Abstract: Dispensing systems for dispensing one or more materials into a fluid flow conduit, during the conveyance of fluid through the conduit are configured to connect to a fluid conduit, such as a standard pipe of a shower arm and dispense a material into the water flow in the shower arm. The system includes a first tube member having a restrictor flow passage to provide a pressure differential, as fluid flows through the tube member. The pressure differential created within the restrictor passage by the fluid flow is communicated to a flask, to provide a pressure differential between the interior and the exterior of a flexible container within the flask. The pressure differential causes material within the flexible container to be drawn out and conveyed to the fluid flowing through the tube member. The flask may be connected to the first tube member, through an extension portion that is rotatable around the first tube member for convenient positioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Water Pik, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan David Somerfield, Thomas Jay Sandusky
  • Patent number: 7866508
    Abstract: A beverage dispensing system and method for dispensing a beverage comprising water from a water source. Some embodiments of the beverage system can include a housing, an inlet adapted to be coupled to the water source, a concentrate source containing concentrate, a dispensing outlet, a fluid line, and a valve. The dispensing outlet can dispense at least one of water and the concentrate. The fluid line can fluidly couple the water source and the dispensing outlet. The valve can be positioned to supply any desired amount of concentrate in a range of concentrate amounts from the concentrate source to the fluid line. The range of concentrate amounts can correspond to a range of water amounts flowing through the fluid line to produce a corresponding range of beverage amounts dispensed from the dispensing outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: JMF Group LLC
    Inventors: Marjorie E. Feldman, Randolph J. Higgins, David L. Mathieu, James T. Sener, Christopher D. Hageman, Joseph M. Paul, James Fitzgerald
  • Patent number: 7516763
    Abstract: A multi-station dispensing apparatus which affords an automatic flow rate for the product to be dispensed. It also provides a single control knob which can select from several different chemical concentrates to be diluted and dispensed. In addition, a bottle can be filled by single-handed operation as well as a bucket without the need to reset the control knob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: JohnsonDiversey, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael H. Bertucci, Curtis H. Hubmann, Christopher F. Lang, Steven E. Schiller
  • Publication number: 20080314452
    Abstract: A system for supplying at least two fluids in proportioned quantities may include a first and second intake passages configured to be in flow communication with sources of first and second fluids, respectively. The system may include a fluid transfer device in flow communication with the first intake passage and the second intake passage, and a pump in flow communication with the first intake passage. Operation of the pump is configured to supply a quantity of the first fluid to a first chamber of the fluid transfer device such that a quantity of the second fluid is expelled from a second chamber of the fluid transfer device. When operation of the pump is ceased, a quantity of the second fluid enters the second chamber and a quantity of the first fluid is expelled from the first chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventor: Clyde M. Smith
  • Patent number: 7328815
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system, method and apparatus for controlling the flavor of a beverage produced from a concentrate, based on the conductivity of the beverage being produced. The apparatus includes a conductivity sensor which provides a controller with real time conductivity data from the beverage being served. The controller is capable of comparing the real time conductivity data to a preprogrammed range of conductivity readings and adjusting a variable speed pump to keep the real time conductivity data within the preprogrammed range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic Corporation
    Inventor: Kevin G. Lowe
  • Patent number: 7243818
    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: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Inventor: Charles H. Jones
  • Patent number: 7156259
    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: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Pepsico, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy W. Bethuy, William J. Black, Brian T. Cahill, Andrew D. Nelson, Peter D. Mehn
  • Patent number: 7048148
    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: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Jurgens Roekens, Paul Haskayne, Gary A. Short
  • Patent number: 6994231
    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: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Inventor: Charles H. Jones
  • Publication number: 20040256411
    Abstract: Disclosed is a fluid dispensing system for precisely controlling the mixing of a first fluid (i.e., a diluent such as water) with a second fluid (i.e., a concentrate) at a mixing point within the fluid dispensing system. A valve is positioned in the dispensing system along the line of supply of the second fluid upstream of the mixing point, such valve being simultaneously actuated through application of positive and/or negative pressure to allow the second fluid to flow through the valve. The application of positive and/or negative pressure is generated from the first fluid to be dispensed by the system and mixed with the second, such that the termination of flow of the first fluid immediately terminates flow of the second fluid to ensure proper mixing of the two fluids in the final solution, thus preventing inadvertent leakage of the second fluid or collection of the second fluid within the flow system which may become subject to spoilage or contamination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventor: Mitchell A. Friedman
  • Patent number: 6749086
    Abstract: A pressurized delivery module having two chambers enables refill of the module while liquid material continues to be supplied to a semiconductor processing tool. Initially, the chambers are in fluid communication with each other through a valve assembly, with positive pressure applied to the module from an inert gas supply. When material in the module becomes depleted, the chambers are isolated from one another to permit refilling. In the refill module state, one chamber remains pressurized, with material remaining therein continued to be dispensed to the semiconductor fabrication tool. The second chamber is vented and placed into fluid communication with the bulk material supply. Once the level of material in the second chamber has been replenished and processing of the remaining wafer has been completed, during transfer of the next incoming wafer to the tool, the second chamber is sealed off from the material supply, repressurized, and placed back into fluid communication with the first chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Applied Materials Inc.
    Inventors: Younes Achkire, Johnathan Frankel, Brian Brown
  • Patent number: 6712242
    Abstract: Disclosed is a fluid dispensing system for precisely controlling the mixing of a first fluid (i.e., a diluent such as water) with a second fluid (i.e., a concentrate) at a mixing point within the fluid dispensing system. A valve is positioned in the dispensing system along the line of supply of the second fluid upstream of the mixing point, such valve being simultaneously actuated through application of positive and/or negative pressure to allow the second fluid to flow through the valve. The application of positive and/or negative pressure is generated from the first fluid to be dispensed by the system and mixed with the second, such that the termination of flow of the first fluid immediately terminates flow of the second fluid to ensure proper mixing of the two fluids in the final solution, thus preventing inadvertent leakage of the second fluid or collection of the second fluid within the flow system which may become subject to spoilage or contamination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: International Dispensing Corporation
    Inventor: Mitchell A. Friedman
  • 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: 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.
  • Patent number: 6349852
    Abstract: A cold beverage dispensing system for chilling a beverage such that at least a portion of the beverage includes a frozen component. The system includes a beverage hopper or tank for retaining a quantity of beverage and a chilling assembly communicating with the beverage hopper for chilling the beverage. The system also includes a beverage detector having a conductive probe carried on and extending into the beverage hopper for detecting the condition of either the presence or absence of a beverage at a predetermined level in the beverage hopper and generating a refill control signal corresponding to the condition detected. A refill assembly communicates with the beverage hopper for controllably providing refill beverage to the beverage hopper. A controller is coupled to the refill assembly and the beverage detector for operating the refill assembly in response to the refill control signal to maintain the beverage in the beverage hopper at the predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic Corporation
    Inventor: David F Ford
  • Patent number: 6296153
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a self-contained high pressure pneumatic beverage dispensing system which includes a water pressurization and supply system. In one aspect of the invention, the water pressurization and supply system comprises a water pump having a piston cylinder and a piston that is disposed within the piston cylinder between the first and second ends of the cylinder. The water pump is adapted to be filled with high pressure gas on a first side of the cylinder through a gas inlet and further is adapted to be filled with water on a second side of the cylinder through a water inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: S.O.B. Partnership
    Inventors: Richard P. Bilskie, Edward N. Oyler, Harold F. Stover
  • Patent number: 6253960
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a self-contained high pressure pneumatic beverage dispensing system. In each embodiment of the dispensing system, the dispensing system comprises a carbonator tank dispensing system which includes a water valve that is adapted to connect in fluid communication to a carbonator tank and to a source of pressurized water. The water valve has an open position in which water from the source of pressurized water can flow through the water valve and into the carbonator tank and further has a closed position in which water from the source of pressurized water cannot flow through the water valve into the carbonator tank. The dispensing system further includes at least one proximity switch that is adapted to operably connect in fluid communication to the water valve and a source of pressurized gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: S.O.B. Partnership
    Inventors: Richard P. Bilskie, Edward N. Oyler, Harold F. Stover
  • Patent number: 6237811
    Abstract: A programmable dispenser which mixes a substance with water and dispenses a product. In one embodiment, the rate at which substance is dispensed is programmable. The programmable dispenser includes a substance dispensing device which dispenses the substance and a motor which is operably connected to the substance dispensing device. A controller is operably connected to the motor and programmed to operate the motor at a programmed speed to dispense substance at a pre-determined rate. A button is in communication with the controller, and the controller is configured such that the button is actuatable to change the programmed speed to a new programmed speed to provide that the controller subsequently operates the motor at the new programmed speed to provide that the substance dispensing device dispenses substance at a different rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic Corporation
    Inventor: David F. Ford
  • Patent number: 6234349
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a self-contained high pressure pneumatic beverage dispensing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Sterling Beverage Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard P. Bilskie, Edward N. Oyler, Harold F. Stover
  • Patent number: 6216913
    Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a self-contained, pneumatic beverage dispensing system. In one embodiment, the pneumatic beverage dispensing system comprises a carbonator tank for facilitating absorption of CO2 gas in water to produce carbonated water, a source of CO2 gas under high pressure, the source of CO2 gas being in fluid communication with the carbonator tank so as to fill the carbonator tank with CO2 gas, and a source of water under high pressure, the source of water being in fluid communication with the carbonator tank so as to fill the carbonator tank with water. The system normally further comprises at least two liquid containers for containing liquids to be dispensed by the dispensing system, one of the liquid containers being in fluid communication with the source of CO2 gas, and a pneumatic pump system in fluid communication with the source of CO2 gas and the other of the liquid containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: S.O.B. Partnership
    Inventors: Richard P. Bilskie, Edward N. Oyler, Harold F. Stover
  • Patent number: 6206241
    Abstract: An automatic fluid dispenser including a pump mechanism actuated by a piston movable between a first position, and a second position in which a fluid is dispensed. A conduit is coupled to the pump mechanism and couplable to a pressurized fluid source. A valve is carried by the conduit and is movable between an open position in which a pressurized fluid from the pressurized fluid source moves the piston to the second position, and a closed position stopping the pressurized fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Inventors: Brian C. Terrell, John J. Spilotro