Plural Measured Charges In Single Drink Patents (Class 222/129.4)
  • Patent number: 8978928
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing a drink, for example milk, from mixing a powder formula with a liquid, preferably water, the apparatus preferably being an automated baby-milk machine. The apparatus is configured to prepare a drink concentrate by mixing the amount of formula necessary for the total amount of drink in a certain amount of hot liquid, and to add the right amount of liquid of a certain low temperature to the concentrate in order to reach the end volume of the drink at a safe drinking temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Anke Sinnema, Martijn Oversteegen, Peter Sofrides Viet, Bernardus Lubbertus Kuiper
  • Patent number: 8973785
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include systems and methods for priming or purging a product dispenser. In one embodiment, a 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 operable to: receive a command to prime or purge the product dispenser; and activate the at least one pump, wherein a predefined amount of the respective beverage ingredients is simultaneously introduced into each of the plurality of beverage supply lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: David R. Newman, Gene M. Farrell
  • Patent number: 8960500
    Abstract: A beverage dispenser for combining a number of micro-ingredients, one or more macro-ingredients, and one or more water streams. The beverage dispenser may include a micro-mixing chamber for mixing a number of the micro-ingredients and the water into a micro-ingredient stream and a macro-mixing chamber for mixing the micro-ingredient stream, the macro-ingredients, and the water into a combined stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Edwin Petrus Elisabeth van Opstal, Arthur G. Rudick, Mark Andrew Wilcock, Andrew Zipsin
  • Patent number: 8881948
    Abstract: An automated mixing drink dispenser (10) establishes a preselected feed rate of concentrate from a concentrate hopper (42) and ratio of concentrate to mixing water fed into a mixing chamber (42) through the Venturi effect created by swirling water fed into a mixing chamber (42) at a preselected water pressure (66) and preselected regulated flow rate (68) associated with the preselected feed rate of the concentrate. Concentrate is fed to a mixing chamber (42) from a concentrate hopper (42) having an open drain hole (50) openly connected to the mixing chamber (42). A stirring mechanism (106, 100, 101, 102, 104) mechanically mixes the concentrate within the concentrate hopper (42) to maintain a uniform density and viscosity and a gas pressure mechanism (92, 94, 96, 86) maintains a uniform head pressure of concentrate to facilitate maintenance of the preselected concentrate flow rate over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Food Equipment Technologies Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Zbigniew G. Lassota
  • Patent number: 8851329
    Abstract: Embodiments of a dispensing system for dispensing a number of products to a user are disclosed. The dispensing system may include an input/output device and a dispenser. The input/output device may be adapted to receive a selection of one of the products from the user. The dispenser may be adapted to dispense a plurality of diluent components, the diluent components and a ratio of the diluent components corresponding at least in part to the selection of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Arthur G. Rudick, Annie T. Ellis
  • Patent number: 8839989
    Abstract: A method and computer program product for defining a PWM drive signal having a defined voltage potential. The PWM drive signal has a plurality of “on” portions and a plurality of “off” portions that define a first duty cycle for regulating, at least in part, a flow rate of a pump assembly. At least a portion of the “on” portions of the PWM drive signal are pulse width modulated to define a second duty cycle for the at least a portion of the “on” portions of the PWM drive signal. The second duty cycle regulates, at least in part, the percentage of the defined voltage potential applied to the pump assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Russell Herbert Beavis, James Jason Dattolo
  • Patent number: 8814000
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventor: Arthur G. Rudick
  • Patent number: 8807393
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Gregg Carpenter, David R. Newman, Nilang Patel, Paul A. Phillips, Arthur G. Rudick, Lawrence B. Ziesel
  • Patent number: 8798799
    Abstract: Systems and methods for dispensing compositions, such as beverages, are provided. Beverage dispensers may be configured to receive one or more physiological parameters regarding a user, and in response, formulate at least one beverage recipe for dispensing. A beverage dispenser may wirelessly receive data from a biosensor. Environmental or biological data from the biosensor may be used to alter the recipe to another existing beverage or a custom beverage. Non-physiological data may also be considered. Exertion data may be calculated. The calculation of exertion data may receive inputs regarding at least one physiological parameter and/or non-physiological parameters to derive a second physiological parameter not being measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: PepsiCo, Inc.
    Inventors: Indrani Deo, Steven Jersey
  • Patent number: 8783513
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Russell H. Beavis, Benjamin W. Jones, John M. Kerwin, Larry B. Gray, Casey P. Manning, Felix Winkler, Robert A. Charles
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8701937
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: IMI Cornelius, Inc.
    Inventor: George H. Hoover
  • Patent number: 8651333
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Smart Bar USA LLC
    Inventors: William Metropulos, Wayne Alpert, Tim Knecht
  • Patent number: 8584901
    Abstract: A powder dispensing apparatus for dispensing a powder either with or without a liquid is presented. The apparatus includes a base, a dispenser, and a tower. The base is adapted for receiving a container. The dispenser includes a rotatable carriage contacting a support element with an opening. The carriage includes a plurality of compartments horizontally disposed above an optional funnel and rotatable about a central axis. A hopper is disposed above the carriage and communicates with less than all compartments. Each compartment is capable of separately dispensing a powder from the hopper through the opening into the funnel and thereafter into the container resting on the base. The tower is disposed between and attached at opposing ends to the base and the dispenser. The apparatus is useful, for example, in preparing baby formula and other food for infants, as well as in preparing food and drink for children and adults.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignees: Product Spring, LLC, Taylored Concepts, LLC, Hartdesign! Ltd.
    Inventors: Christopher Dooley, Loren Taylor, Mark E. Hartelius
  • Patent number: 8584900
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Smart Bar USA LLC
    Inventors: William Metropulos, Tim Knecht, John Sugrue, Wayne Alpert, Kevin Hinterlong
  • Patent number: 8567642
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: IMI Cornelius, Inc.
    Inventor: George H. Hoover
  • Patent number: 8511221
    Abstract: A machine for preparing coffee and milk based beverages having a steam generator, a first apparatus for producing coffee as well as a source of liquid milk and a second apparatus for preparing and dispensing a beverage from a concentrated fluid product. The second apparatus includes a beverage preparation device associated with a second dispenser connected via first line to a first connector unit of the second apparatus to receive a concentrated fluid product pre-diluted in the first connector unit and, via a second line, to the source of liquid milk to complete dilution and obtain a diluted product to be dispensed from the beverage preparation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Gruppo Cimbali S.p.A.
    Inventors: Dario Sala, Andrea Coccia
  • Publication number: 20130200101
    Abstract: A powder dispensing apparatus for dispensing a powder either with or without a liquid is presented. The apparatus includes a base, dispenser, and tower. The base is adapted for receiving a container. The dispenser includes a rotatable or slidable carriage. The carriage includes at least one compartment horizontally disposed above an optional funnel. The carriage is rotatable about a central axis or translatable parallel to and below the hopper. A hopper is disposed above the carriage and communicates with less than all compartments. Each compartment is capable of separately dispensing a powder from the hopper into the funnel and thereafter into the container resting on the base. The tower is disposed between and attached at opposing ends to the base and the dispenser. The apparatus is useful, for example, in preparing baby formula and other food for infants, as well as in preparing food and drink for children and adults.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicants: Product Spring, LLC, Hartdesign! Ltd., Taylored Concepts, LLC
    Inventors: Product Spring, LLC, Taylored Concepts, LLC, Hartdesign! Ltd.
  • Patent number: 8490829
    Abstract: Systems and methods for dispensing compositions, such as beverages, are provided. Beverage dispensers may be configured to receive one or more physiological parameters regarding a user, and in response, formulate at least one beverage recipe for dispensing. A beverage dispenser may wirelessly receive data from a biosensor. Environmental or biological data from the biosensor may be used to alter the recipe to another existing beverage or a custom beverage. Non-physiological data may also be considered. Exertion data may be calculated. The calculation of exertion data may receive inputs regarding at least one physiological parameter and/or non-physiological parameters to derive a second physiological parameter not being measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: PepsiCo, Inc.
    Inventors: Indrani Deo, Steven Jersey
  • Patent number: 8490834
    Abstract: A product dispenser reconfigurable in the field includes a housing, at least one tower unit, and a removable ambient box. The at least one tower unit includes at least one dispense point, whereby a product or diluent is delivered from a diluent or product source to the dispense point. The ambient box is an insulated product path that is adaptable to at least one external source and the tower units or the dispense points. The external source may be conditioned externally or may deliver an ambient temperature product, wherein the product circuits passing through the ambient box may deliver product to any tower unit, thereby providing increased product variability within a same product dispenser. The product dispenser still further includes a tower structure that is removable without disabling the product circuits, and a method of merchandising on the tower structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Lancer Corporation
    Inventors: William A. Edwards, Roger Anthony Kolodziejcyk
  • Patent number: 8463447
    Abstract: Systems and methods for dispensing a product are provided. A plurality of product ingredients are associated with a product dispenser that is operable to form a plurality of selectable products from the plurality of products ingredients. Input for a selected product is received and a recipe that defines the ratio of product ingredients for forming the selected product is identified. The dispense of each of the respective product ingredients is commenced based at least in part on the identified recipe, and the dispense of each of the respective product ingredients is independently monitored during the dispense of the selected product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: David Roy Newman, Paul Anderson Phillips
  • Patent number: 8453879
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Gregg Carpenter, David R. Newman, Nilang Patel, Paul A. Phillips, Arthur G. Rudick, Lawrence B. Ziesel
  • Patent number: 8453881
    Abstract: A mounting system for securing inverted bottles to a refrigerated dispensing apparatus housing, which system includes a valve body with external locking splines and grooves to secure a bottle to which it is threadedly connected to a socket in the housing having mating splines and grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Tap Machine Inc.
    Inventor: Michael L. Chapin
  • Patent number: 8444016
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing milk-based beverages comprises a milk container (4), a pump (8) for conveying the milk from the milk container (4) to a milk outlet (20), supply means (13, 14) for supplying at least one flavoring agent to the milk and means for mixing the at least one flavoring agent with the milk. To this end, a coolable cabinet (2), into which the milk container (4) can be inserted, is arranged in a housing (1). Via a hose line (7), the milk in the milk container (4) reaches a mixing apparatus (9) in a meterable quantity, conveyed by the pump (8) disposed in the hose line (7). At least one flavoring agent is able to be additionally supplied in a metered manner into the mixing apparatus via the supply means (13, 14), and is able to be mixed with the milk; the mixed beverage thus obtained reaches, via an outlet (20), a vessel (21) which can be provided beneath this outlet (20). Flavored cold milk-based beverages can thereby be produced in an optimal way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Schaerer AG
    Inventor: André Lüssi
  • Patent number: 8434642
    Abstract: 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 from 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: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventor: Arthur G. Rudick
  • Patent number: 8403179
    Abstract: A conventional frozen carbonated beverage freezer is modified to eliminate the draw handle to facilitate better performance at the hands of an untrained customer in a serve yourself setting. A conventional FCB freezer, with or without a draw handle, is modified to enable dispensing different flavors of frozen carbonated beverages by a customer for a self-serve setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Flavor Burst Co., L.L.P.
    Inventor: Ernest C. Gerber
  • Patent number: 8371477
    Abstract: A device (3) for metering a base liquid and mixing this base liquid with a diluent to prepare a food product, has a connecting portion for connecting it with a container (4) containing the base liquid, the device (3) including: a diluent inlet (71), a mixing chamber (80) for mixing the base liquid with the diluent. An actively controlled air inlet is provided for selectively having ambient air enter the device and guiding it to the container (4). A controller is provided for selectively metering the base liquid into the mixing chamber and for selectively enabling an air flow through the air inlet only during periods when no base liquid is metered into the mixing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Andre Klopfenstein, Elmar Mock, Christoph Rusch, Naomi Bitmead
  • Publication number: 20130032611
    Abstract: A powder dispensing apparatus for dispensing a powder either with or without a liquid is presented. The apparatus includes a base, a dispenser, and a tower. The base is adapted for receiving a container. The dispenser includes a rotatable carriage contacting a support element with an opening. The carriage includes a plurality of compartments horizontally disposed above an optional funnel and rotatable about a central axis. A hopper is disposed above the carriage and communicates with less than all compartments. Each compartment is capable of separately dispensing a powder from the hopper through the opening into the funnel and thereafter into the container resting on the base. The tower is disposed between and attached at opposing ends to the base and the dispenser. The apparatus is useful, for example, in preparing baby formula and other food for infants, as well as in preparing food and drink for children and adults.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Inventors: Christopher Dooley, Loren Taylor, Mark E. Hartelius
  • Publication number: 20130032612
    Abstract: An apparatus for preparing infant formula to be supplied to a bottle, and methods and circuits for operating the same, are disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing having a shape for integrating together components of the apparatus. A fluid reservoir for holding fluid and configured to be coupling to the housing is provided. Further provided is a formula disc disposed at a first location of the housing. The first location defined above a dispense location of the bottle, and the formula disc having a top end and a dispense end, the formula disc further includes a plurality of slots for holding the infant formula in a powder state. The apparatus has an end plate that is coupled to the dispense end of the formula disc, and the end plate has a dispense hole, such that the end plate is rotatable relative to the formula disc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Inventors: Cara A. Armstrong, Robin D. Richards
  • Patent number: 8365959
    Abstract: A drink dispensing tap water dispenser, kit and method of converting a tap water dispenser to a drink dispenser is disclosed. The dispenser includes an adaptor having a central body portion connectable inline to a domestic tap water dispenser. A dispensing nozzle is supported by the central body portion of the adaptor and includes at least one liquid connection to a liquid source for dispensing liquid separate from the tap water dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Stefano Tavolazzi
  • Patent number: 8365956
    Abstract: A product dispenser reconfigurable in the field includes a housing, at least one tower unit, and a removable ambient box. The at least one tower unit includes at least one dispense point, whereby a product or diluent is delivered from a diluent or product source to the dispense point. The ambient box is an insulated product path that is adaptable to at least one external source and the tower units or the dispense points. The external source may be conditioned externally or may deliver an ambient temperature product, wherein the product circuits passing through the ambient box may deliver product to any tower unit, thereby providing increased product variability within a same product dispenser. The product dispenser still further includes a tower structure that is removable without disabling the product circuits, and a method of merchandising on the tower structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Lancer Corporation
    Inventors: William A. Edwards, Roger Anthony Kolodziejcyk
  • Patent number: 8360279
    Abstract: An automatic home appliance that performs the preparation, mixing, and heating of infant formula bottles provides a reservoir on top that holds an amount of powdered formula. Connection to a household water supply provides a flow of water to an internal water heating reservoir. A central front opening is provided in which the infant bottle is placed. A digital display and a plurality of programming buttons are arranged upon a front panel to allow the user to select operating parameters. Once programmed, internal electronic controls perform dispensing and mixing of the necessary ingredients in the proper ratio and dispensing of mixed formula into the proper sized bottle. The mixture is also kept warm at the proper temperature by a hot plate. An indicator light then illuminates to communicate to a user that the bottle is ready to be removed and the mixture consumed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Inventor: Matthew L. Giles
  • Patent number: 8333301
    Abstract: A method for the preparation of a beverage by mixing water and at least one powdered product in a mixing chamber and dispensing the mixture to a final container. The method includes preparation and delivery of at least a first portion of beverage by mixing a first soluble product with water, either in the absence of mechanical stirring or with rotating a rotor at a rotor rotation speed of less than 500 rpm. The method also includes the preparation and delivery of at least a second portion of beverage by mixing a second soluble product with water in the presence of mechanical stirring and for the delivery of further portions of beverage to the final container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Rhea Vendors S.p.A.
    Inventor: Luca Doglioni Majer
  • Patent number: 8322570
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Russell Beavis, Benjamin W. Jones, John M. Kerwin, Larry B. Gray, Casey Patrick Manning, Felix Winkler, Robert A. Charles
  • Patent number: 8276787
    Abstract: A combination beverage and water dispenser includes a housing having a liquid-beverage-concentrate storage reservoir, a hot water storage tank and a cold water storage tank received therein. The cold water storage tank is in fluid communication with both a domestic water supply line and a dispensing cavity for receiving an inverted water bottle. Level sensors within the cold water storage tank communicate with a control valve on the domestic water supply line to control incoming domestic water supply. Alternatively, the domestic water supply may be disabled and a water bottle may be installed within the cavity to use bottled water in lieu of domestic water, if desired. The hot water tank, the cold water tank and the beverage concentrate reservoir are in selective communication with a mixing valve wherein hot or cold water and beverage concentrate are mixed to produce a desired hot or cold beverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Inventors: Paul J. Gremillion, Gary V. Triola, Jane Triola, Benjamin Triola
  • Publication number: 20120228328
    Abstract: The present application provides a beverage dispenser. The beverage dispenser may include a number of micro-ingredients, a water stream, and a rotary chamber. The rotary chamber may include a first element in communication with the micro-ingredients and the water stream and a second element maneuverable to a dispense position and a sealed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: THE COCA-COLA COMPANY
    Inventors: Christopher Thomas Ryan, Edwin Petrus Elisabeth van Opstal, Kenneth Heng-Chong Ng, Sasha Miu
  • Publication number: 20120228327
    Abstract: A dispensing machine for producing beverages from a beverage ingredient powder comprising: a diluent supply member, a powder storing member, a dosing member for metering a dose of powder from the powder storing member, a guide for delivering the dose of powder from the dosing member to a container, and a valve that is able to close or open the bottom extremity of the guide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventors: Yann Brunner, Hans Wuergler
  • Patent number: 8261656
    Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a beverage from water and an instant product includes a water supply system for supplying water, a heating device for sterilizing water by heating it; and a cooling device for cooling water heated in the heating device. The cooling device uses water from the water supply system as cooling-water. The water that is sterilized in the heating device has preferably previously been used in the cooling device as cooling-water. The cooling device includes a counter flow heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Marie Sybien Nijboer, Klaas Kooijker, Joldert Maria Boersma, Fred Fraij, Peter Sofrides Viet
  • Patent number: 8230774
    Abstract: An all-in-one home appliance that performs the preparation, mixing and heating of multiple infant bottles, is herein disclosed. The apparatus comprises a countertop appliance with three (3) reservoirs comprising water, formula, and cereal, respectively. Inside the base of the appliance is a turnstile that holds up to five (5) empty bottles that have been previously sterilized by the user. In operation, the user would select the bottle size and the necessary recipe of water, formula, and cereal, respectively, using an integral control panel. At this point, internal control circuitry dispenses pre-heated water and dry ingredients in proper ratios into a mixing chamber. After mixing of the ingredients, the mixture is delivered into the proper sized bottle. Finally, internal heaters maintain the bottles at a constant selected temperature. An automatic alarm is then sounded when the prepared bottles are ready. This apparatus ensures preparation of baby bottles having consistent ingredients, mixing, and heating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Inventor: Karen A. Hunte
  • 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: 8224481
    Abstract: A miniaturized fluid dispensing system for dispensing customized fluids. The dispenser may include first and second reservoirs containing constituent fluids; a drive motor; at least two pump assemblies commonly driven by the drive motor and in communication with the first and second reservoirs; first and second valve assembly in communication with the first and second pump assemblies; and a control system for selectively controlling the valve assemblies to blend and discharge a composition from the constituent fluids. The system may include a dispensing header to house the valves and to define ‘discharge’ and ‘recirculation’ flow paths for each constituent fluid. The present invention also provides a method for dispensing a fluid regimen (e.g. a plurality of compositions) by periodically blending and discharging varying compositions over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Access Business Group International LLC
    Inventors: Richard B. Bylsma, David W. Baarman, Mark G. Marshall, Pierre Becker
  • Patent number: 8201712
    Abstract: A dispenser for combining a number of ingredients. The dispenser may include a laminated container with one of the number of ingredients therein and a pump in communication with the laminated container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: T. Edwin Freeman, Robert Hughes, Daniel S. Quartarone
  • Publication number: 20120140590
    Abstract: The present application provides a dispensing system for mixing a first fluid and a second fluid. The dispensing system may include a first fluid source with the first fluid therein, a volumetric dosing chamber in communication with the first fluid source, a vent tube extending from within the volumetric dosing chamber to about the first fluid source such that a dose of the first fluid from the first fluid source flows into the volumetric dosing chamber under the force of gravity until the first fluid reaches the vent tube, a first fluid dispensing line in communication with the volumetric dosing chamber, a second fluid source with the second fluid therein, and a second fluid dispensing line in communication with the second fluid source. The dose of the first fluid may flow through the first fluid dispensing line and the second fluid may flow through the second fluid dispensing line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: THE COCA-COLA COMPANY
    Inventor: Jonathan Kirschner
  • Patent number: 8181824
    Abstract: A beverage dispensing system using a sweetener. The beverage dispensing system may include a dispensing nozzle, a sweetener source with the sweetener at more than about 65° brix, a first diluent source with a first diluent, a mixing chamber in communication with the sweetener source and the first diluent source so as to dilute the sweetener to less than about 65° brix, and a second diluent source with a second diluent so as to dilute further the sweetener upstream of the dispensing nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Lawrence B. Ziesel, Gregg Carpenter, Robert Hughes, Daniel S. Quartarone
  • Patent number: 8162181
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Gregg Carpenter, David R. Newman, Nilang Patel, Paul A. Phillips, Arthur G. Rudick, Lawrence B. Ziesel
  • Patent number: 8162176
    Abstract: 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 from 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: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventor: Arthur G. Rudick
  • Publication number: 20120074168
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include systems and methods for priming or purging a product dispenser. In one embodiment, a 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 operable to: receive a command to prime or purge the product dispenser; and activate the at least one pump, wherein a predefined amount of the respective beverage ingredients is simultaneously introduced into each of the plurality of beverage supply lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: THE COCA-COLA COMPANY
    Inventor: David R. Newman
  • Publication number: 20120006850
    Abstract: The invention concerns a dosing device for dosing a metered amount of a powdered product comprising: a fixed body (2) made of at least a disc presenting a single pierced aperture (5), a rotary top disk (1) disposed on the top of the fixed body (2) and presenting a taking out pierced aperture (4), a rotary bottom disk (3) disposed on the bottom of the fixed body and presenting a discharging pierced aperture (6), a rotary shaft (7) connecting the bottom disk (1) and the top disk (3), wherein in the stand-by position of the device the metered pierced aperture (5) is empty and closed to the atmosphere. The invention also concerns a beverage preparation apparatus implementing such a dosing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventors: Raphael Bernhardsgruetter, Cedric Beausire, Lucio Scorrano
  • Patent number: 8091737
    Abstract: A multiple flavor beverage dispensing nozzle includes at least one disposable beverage flavor syrup injector for injecting flavor syrup into a mixing fluid. The flavor syrup injector injects flavor syrup at an angle towards the longitudinal axis of the nozzle exit orifice such that the nozzle exit orifice does not come in contact with the syrup, avoiding color and flavor contamination of other dispensed beverages. Also, by injecting the syrup at an angle, the mixing fluid intersects with the syrup in midair below the surface of the nozzle, resulting in a complete and gentle mixing of syrup and mixing fluid, without syrup residue accumulating on any surface in contact with any other flavor. By directing the mixing fluid through and around the housing containing the flavor syrup injectors, a uniform even circular flow of mixing fluid is dispensed from the exit orifice of the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignees: Lancer Partnership, Ltd, The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Donald W. Smeller, Samuel Escamilla, Robert L. Robinson
  • Patent number: 8091736
    Abstract: A method and computer program product for defining a PWM drive signal having a defined voltage potential. The PWM drive signal has a plurality of “on” portions and a plurality of “off” portions that define a first duty cycle for regulating, at least in part, a flow rate of a pump assembly. At least a portion of the “on” portions of the PWM drive signal are pulse width modulated to define a second duty cycle for the at least a portion of the “on” portions of the PWM drive signal. The second duty cycle regulates, at least in part, the percentage of the defined voltage potential applied to the pump assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Russell Herbert Beavis, James Jason Dattolo