Plural Measured Charges In Single Drink Patents (Class 222/129.4)
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Publication number: 20120000934Abstract: In a dispensing appliance for dispensing a beverage from a powdered beverage container, a cartridge includes a container containing powdered beverage, and a dispenser on the container operable to dispense powdered beverage from the container. The appliance includes a mount for removably supporting the cartridge on the dispensing appliance, and a drive system configured for operative connection with the dispenser upon loading of the cartridge into the mount. The drive system is operable to operate the dispenser to release powdered beverage from the container. The beverage may be dispensed from the appliance in its powder form, or mixed with a liquid and dispensed generally in a liquid form. In a method of refilling a dispensing appliance, an empty cartridge of powdered beverage is replaced with a new, substantially full cartridge of powdered beverage with the cartridge dispenser operatively connected to the drive system of the appliance.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2010Publication date: January 5, 2012Applicant: ABBOTT LABORATORIESInventors: David Carl Ulstad, Wilson George Zeitler, Tobe Cohen, Guarav Rohatgi, Ilan E. Moyer, Andrew Boyce, Zachary Traina, Philip Charles Walker, Allan Lee Cameron
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Patent number: 8087542Abstract: An apparatus, method and vending system mixes a dry mix with water to produce a whipped fluid slurry for a beverage. The mixing apparatus includes an inlet for receiving an unwhipped fluid slurry and an outlet for discharging the whipped fluid slurry. A whipping chamber is connected to the inlet for whipping the unwhipped fluid slurry and further includes an impeller that induces fluid turbulence to produce the whipped fluid slurry when the impeller rotates above one or more indentations in the surface of the whipping chamber.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2007Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Assignee: Crane Merchandising Systems, Inc.Inventor: Gregory G. Stettes
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Patent number: 8065953Abstract: Preparing device for preparing a beverage from a powdery substance and a hot liquid, the device comprising: at least one mixing chamber for mixing a quantity of the powdery substance and a quantity of the hot liquid; an inlet into the mixing chamber for the quantity of hot liquid; an inlet into the mixing chamber for the quantity of powdery substance; an extractor hood placed on the mixing chamber; an extraction duct connected to the extractor hood and provided with a suction device, such as a ventilating fan, for extracting vapor and dust particles from the mixing chamber via the extraction duct and the extractor hood; a first housing accommodating further components of the preparing device, such as electrical components and pipework, in which the extraction duct extends entirely along the exterior of the first housing.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2007Date of Patent: November 29, 2011Assignee: Bravilor Holdings B.V.Inventors: Ramon Eduard Verhoeven, Johannes Jacobus Van Steenderen de Kok, Carlos Nicolaas Jozef Maria Koopman
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Patent number: 7976883Abstract: The invention relates to a method for delivering a flavored and/or nutritionally enhanced non-carbonated beverage on premise. The method comprises a step of providing at least one packaged source of a liquid premix base comprising at least one microbiologically, physically, enzymatically and/or chemically sensitive beverage component which is not solely carbohydrate, a water activity lowering component. The liquid premix based is formulated with a water activity and/or solid content effective to render it shelf stable at room temperature. The method comprises a step of separately providing a plurality of flowable additive packaged sources adapted to tailor the flavor, aroma, body and/or nutritional value of the beverage. The method comprises a step in which liquid premix base is mixed to hot or cold non-carbonated water to provide a beverage base which is dispensed to the cup and wherein at least one additive is delivered and mixed with the beverage base into the cup.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2005Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: Nestec S.A.Inventors: Arturo F. Guerrero, David J. Harrison, Roland A. MacHattie
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Publication number: 20110163126Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2011Publication date: July 7, 2011Applicant: THE COCA-COLA COMPANYInventors: Gregg Carpenter, David R. Newman, Nilang Patel, Paul A. Phillips, Arthur G. Rudick, Lawrence B. Ziesel
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Patent number: 7972639Abstract: Beverage dispensers and dispensing methods that facilitate mixing of one or more additives (e.g., flavorings) with a base liquid are described. In a preferred method of preparing a beverage, a base liquid is dispensed from a dispensing device (100) into a container (150). A flowable additive is dispensed from the dispensing device into the container to mix the flowable additive with the base liquid during the dispensing of the base liquid to provide the beverage. Preferably, the dispensing of the base liquid and the flowable additive is controlled to vary the relative concentration of the additive in the base liquid in the container during the dispensing.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2005Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: Nestec S.A.Inventors: Arturo F. Guerrero, David Harrison
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Patent number: 7913879Abstract: 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 21, 2010Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: The Coca-Cola CompanyInventors: Gregg Carpenter, David R. Newman, Nilang Patel, Paul A. Phillips, Arthur G. Rudick, Lawrence B. Ziesel
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Patent number: 7905373Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 6, 2007Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Assignee: Deka Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Russell Herbert Beavis, James Jason Dattolo
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Publication number: 20110049180Abstract: The present application provides a product dispensing system for dispensing one of a number of predetermined products. The product dispensing system may include a product dispenser with a number of micro-ingredients to create the predetermined product, a reading device configured to read or receive data, a container for receiving the predetermined product, and a data storage medium with the data thereon.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2010Publication date: March 3, 2011Applicant: THE COCA-COLA COMPANYInventors: Gregg Carpenter, David R. Newman, Nilang Patel, Paul A. Phillips, Arthur G. Rudick, Lawrence B. Ziesel, Louis Mattos, JR., Qiuchen Peter Zhang, Nilton Antonio Moreira Mattos, H. Brock Kolls, Michael J. Kline
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Patent number: 7806294Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for dispensing flavor doses and beverages. A beverage tower may be provided that has a small footprint and that is capable of dispensing a wide variety of flavor doses and blended beverages. The beverage tower may include a flow control module that controls the flow rate of beverage additives and water through the beverage tower and a switch module that includes a plurality of switches that may be selectively opened and closed to control the flow of beverage additives and water through the beverage tower to a point of dispense. A flavor dose or blended beverage may be dispensed by the beverage tower in accordance with user input that is provided to the beverage tower via a control panel. The user input may specify a desired beverage additive, a desired cup size, and an indication of whether a flavor shot or a blended beverage is desired.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2006Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Assignee: The Coca-Cola CompanyInventors: Shaun B. Gatipon, Douglas Jon McDougall, Byron L. Eberhart, III, Thomas R. Hecht, Roland E. Young, Richard A. Martindale, Bret D. Baker
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Publication number: 20100237099Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2010Publication date: September 23, 2010Applicant: 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: 20100224649Abstract: 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 15, 2008Publication date: September 9, 2010Inventor: George H. Hoover
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Publication number: 20100187259Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 4, 2008Publication date: July 29, 2010Inventor: André Lüssi
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Patent number: 7757896Abstract: 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: March 6, 2006Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: The Coca-Cola CompanyInventors: Gregg Carpenter, David R. Newman, Nilang Patel, Paul A. Phillips, Arthur G. Rudick, Lawrence B. Ziesel
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Patent number: 7740152Abstract: A pumping system for pumping one out of a number of fluids with varying viscosities. The pumping system may include a positive displacement pump and a control for operating the positive displacement pump. The control may include viscosity compensation data. The viscosity compensation data relates to at least one of the fluids such that the control instructs the positive displacement pump to operate based on the viscosity of the fluid.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2006Date of Patent: June 22, 2010Assignee: The Coca-Cola CompanyInventors: Robert Hughes, Gregg Carpenter, Lawrence B. Ziesel, David R. Newman, Russell H. Beavis
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Publication number: 20100116844Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for an enhanced beverage dispenser. In preferred embodiments, the beverage dispenser includes: (a) a first flow path in which a first amount of a powder is mixed with water proximal a first whipping chamber to form a first supply of beverage; (b) a second flow path in which a second amount of the same powder is mixed with water proximal a second whipping chamber to form a second supply of the same beverage; and (c) dispensing means positioned downstream of both whipping chambers at which the first and second supplies of beverage converge to provide a high dispensing flow rate. In this regard, a lower flow rate is provided for whipping to inhibit over-foaming of the beverage, while a higher dispensing flow rate is provided for quick-filling of a large-volume beverage container.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2009Publication date: May 13, 2010Inventor: Robert Bissinger
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Publication number: 20100089948Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2008Publication date: April 15, 2010Applicant: THE COCA-COLA COMPANYInventors: Lawrence B. Ziesel, Gregg Carpenter, Robert Hughes, Daniel S. Quartarone
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Patent number: 7648050Abstract: An apparatus for mixing and dispensing a fluoride treatment includes a housing having a storage container for separately storing a plurality of different flavored fluoride treatments and an input device for inputting a desired flavored fluoride treatment from one of the respective stored fluoride treatments in the storage container. In response to the input, the apparatus includes means for formulating said desired flavored fluoride treatment from said stored fluoride treatments. The apparatus further includes means for entering a volume of the desired flavored fluoride to be dispensed and means for dispensing the formulated desired fluoride treatment in a volume amount entered in said volume entering means to a user for later use thereof.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2004Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Inventor: Stacey Ehlers
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Patent number: 7614524Abstract: A beverage dispenser for dispensing a beverage into a container is provided. The dispenser includes a housing having a dispensing area. A pump or a control valve is in communication with a source of diluent which is to be dispensed into the dispensing area. A cartridge receiving area and a dispensing actuator are located in the housing. A concentrate/extract cartridge is removably insertable into the cartridge receiving area in a position to be actuated by the dispensing actuator, the concentrate/extract cartridge being adapted to hold a beverage concentrate/extract and including a dispensing aperture for dispensing a beverage concentrate/extract into the dispensing area upon placement of the concentrate/extract cartridge in the cartridge receiving area. A controller is located in the housing to control the actuator to discharge concentrate/extract into the dispensing area. A method of dispensing a selected beverage made from concentrate/extract and a diluent is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2005Date of Patent: November 10, 2009Assignee: Intelligent Coffee Company, LLCInventors: Jeffrey J. Girard, Mario E. Vassaux, Roy Kenneth, Richard Symington, Erik Kenneth, Shlomo Greenwald, Zipora Greenwald, Nasser Pirshafiey
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Patent number: 7578416Abstract: A water purification apparatus having an inlet and an outlet, and at least one water purification device thereinbetween, wherein the outlet includes at least a first and second water release valve, the first release valve being operable at a first flow rate, and the second release valve being operable at a second flow, is described. Preferably, at least one water release valve is operable at a relatively slow flow rate of generally up to 0.1 liter per minute, and at least one other water release valve is operable at a relatively fast flow rate of, for example, up to 2 liters per minute. The present water purification apparatus provides the operator with the ability to very accurately obtain an exact volume of water desired.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2003Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: OTV SAInventor: Lee Underwood
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Publication number: 20090152297Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for preparing a beverage, such as baby milk, from an aqueous liquid and a fatty, dry instant product, such as formula or milk powder. The apparatus comprises a first supply system for supplying the aqueous liquid, a second supply system for supplying the instant product, and a dispense unit with a first and second nozzle for dispensing predetermined quantities of the instant product and the liquid. The first and second nozzle are furthermore arranged to dispense the instant product and liquid in a predetermined order and a predetermined direction, allowing the ingredients to be mixed in the stream, without the use of additional mixing means or operations.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2007Publication date: June 18, 2009Applicant: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Simon Martinus Oversteegen, Getrude Riette Van Der Kamp, Bastiaan Johannes De Wit
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Publication number: 20090151574Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (1) for preparing a beverage, for instance baby milk, from water and an instant product, for instance formula. The apparatus comprises a water supply system (2) for supplying water, a heating device (11) for sterilizing water by heating it; and a cooling device (10) for cooling water heated in the heating device (11). The cooling device uses water from the water supply system (2) as cooling-water. The water that is sterilized in the heating device (11), has preferably previously been used in the cooling device (11) as cooling-water. The cooling device (10) may comprise a counter flow heat exchanger.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2007Publication date: June 18, 2009Applicant: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Marie Sybien Nijboer, Klaas Kooijker, Joldert Maria Boersma, Fred Fraij, Peter Sofrides Viet
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Publication number: 20090145926Abstract: A device (3) for metering a base liquid and mixing this base liquid with a diluent to prepare a food product, has means for connecting it with a container (4) containing the base liquid, the device (3) comprising: a diluent inlet (71), a mixing chamber (80) for mixing the base liquid with the diluent. Air inlet means are provided for selectively having ambient air enter the device and guiding it to the container (4). Control means are provided for selectively metering the base liquid into the mixing chamber and for selectively enabling an air flow through the air inlet means only during periods when no base liquid is metered into the mixing chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2007Publication date: June 11, 2009Applicant: NESTEC S.A.Inventors: Andre Klopfenstein, Elmar Mock, Christoph Rusch, Naomi Bitmead
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Patent number: 7537138Abstract: Methods and systems to deliver foamed beverages from liquid concentrate(s) through a dispenser machine are presented. In an embodiment, the method and system for improving foam quality by generating foam with the desired texture, stability and bubble size distribution comprises use of a low viscous liquid(s) to generate a primary foam, which is then stabilized by mixing it with liquid(s) of higher viscosity. To create high quality foam, different dosing protocols including two approaches such as delivery of foaming liquid concentrates at different concentration, or getting different concentration by varying water dosing times and/or flow rates were used. Positive results were found for the dispensing systems using milk and other liquid concentrates at specific dispensing conditions (flow rates and times).Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2005Date of Patent: May 26, 2009Assignee: Nestec S.A.Inventors: Rafaella Saggin, Martin Leser, Jean-Baptiste Bezelgues, Simon Livings, Alexander A. Sher
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Publication number: 20090069933Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2008Publication date: March 12, 2009Applicant: THE COCA-COLA COMPANYInventors: Arthur G. Rudick, Annie T. Ellis
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Publication number: 20090069949Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include systems and methods for providing dynamic ingredient matrix reconfiguration in a product dispenser. In one embodiment, a system can include an ingredient matrix operable to receive one or more ingredient packages within respective locations. In addition, the system can include a controller in communication with the ingredient matrix and operable to execute a set of instructions operable to receive information associated with one or more ingredient packages. Furthermore, the controller can be operable to determine at least one location within the ingredient matrix for a selected one or more ingredient packages, and output the at least one location within the ingredient matrix for insertion of selected one or more ingredient packages.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2008Publication date: March 12, 2009Applicant: THE COCA-COLA COMPANYInventors: Gregg Carpenter, David R. Newman, H. Brock Kolls, Son V. Tran
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Publication number: 20080206429Abstract: Beverage dispensers and dispensing methods that facilitate mixing of one or more additives (e.g., flavorings) with a base liquid are described. In a preferred method of preparing a beverage, a base liquid is dispensed from a dispensing device (100) into a container (150). A flowable additive is dispensed from the dispensing device into the container to mix the flowable additive with the base liquid during the dispensing of the base liquid to provide the beverage. Preferably, the dispensing of the base liquid and the flowable additive is controlled to vary the relative concentration of the additive in the base liquid in the container during the dispensing.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2005Publication date: August 28, 2008Applicant: NESTEC S.A.Inventors: Arturo F. Guerrero, David Harrison
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Publication number: 20080163756Abstract: An apparatus, method and vending system mixes a dry product mix with liquid to produce a mixed beverage. The apparatus includes a product canister containing the dry product mix. The product canister includes a dispensing mechanism that dispensed a portion of the mix through an outlet. During dispensing, a plurality of agitators positioned within the product canister and in contact with the product mix displaces the product mix, thereby keeping the product mix loose and lifted and resulting in a more evenly distributed product mix feed for dispensing through the outlet.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2007Publication date: July 10, 2008Inventor: Gregory G. Stettes
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Publication number: 20080164284Abstract: An apparatus, method and vending system mixes a dry mix with water to produce a whipped fluid slurry for a beverage. The mixing apparatus includes an inlet for receiving an unwhipped fluid slurry and an outlet for discharging the whipped fluid slurry. A whipping chamber is connected to the inlet for whipping the unwhipped fluid slurry and further includes an impeller that induces fluid turbulence to produce the whipped fluid slurry when the impeller rotates above one or more indentations in the surface of the whipping chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2007Publication date: July 10, 2008Inventor: Gregory G. Stettes
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Patent number: 7356381Abstract: A refrigerator having a housing supporting a display device. The housing is configured to support at least one drink supply container which can contain a drink syrup associated with a carbonated beverage. The refrigerator has an input device coupled to the drink supply container which enables a user to cause carbonated beverage to flow to a beverage collector.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2006Date of Patent: April 8, 2008Assignee: Beverage Works, Inc.Inventor: Harry Lee Crisp, III
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Patent number: 7337920Abstract: A concentrated flavour dispensing machine having displacement pumps for delivering between a few millilitres and few ounces of fluids having a viscosity value between 1 to 4000 centepoise is described. The dispensing machine includes a cabinet for containing a multitude of displacement pumps, where each displacement pump is in direct fluid communication with a respective storage tank, and a control panel having a programmable microprocessor mounted to the cabinet for receiving user selections and controlling each individual pump. Each displacement pump includes a stepper motor in engagement with a threaded drive rod for advancing a piston by any one of several predetermined distances to dispense a corresponding volume of fluid. The control panel receives a valid user selection for actuating one or more pumps to dispense the appropriate volume of a concentrated flavouring fluid.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2004Date of Patent: March 4, 2008Assignee: A.C. Dispensing Equipment, Inc.Inventors: Michael R Duck, Garth C. Illsley, Charles Jollymore, Ian MacLean, Kevin Stoneman, Dzung Tran, Avery Wilson, Kim Kanigan
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Publication number: 20080023488Abstract: Additive dispensing units and methods of using same are provided. In an embodiment, the modular dispensing unit comprises a support, a plurality of containers attached to the support and a plurality of pumps attached to the support. For example, each of the containers can include an additive. The pumps are operatively connected to the containers for dispensing one or more of the additives from the containers. The dispensing unit is so constructed and arranged to be attached to and operatively associated with a beverage dispensing machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2007Publication date: January 31, 2008Applicant: NESTEC S.A.Inventors: Arturo F. Guerrero, Amol Bhalerao, Gary C. Helstern
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Patent number: 7320414Abstract: A beverage dispense system has a dispense nozzle with inlet sections for connection to beverage supplies that merge into an outlet section sized to match the flows such that a unit volume of beverage can be dispensed more quickly. The inlet sections are provided with separate valves controlling the flow so that beverage can be dispensed through either one or both inlet sections. The nozzle is automatically drained on completion of a dispense by air admitted to the nozzle via a passageway.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2003Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Inventor: Terrence Robert Davis
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Publication number: 20070205220Abstract: The present application describes a product mixing device. The product mixing device includes an ingredient combination chamber and means for agitation positioned about the ingredient combination chamber. The ingredient combination chamber includes a diluent inlet, a number of macro-ingredient inlets, a number of micro-ingredient inlets, and an outlet.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2006Publication date: September 6, 2007Applicant: THE COCA-COLA COMPANYInventors: Arthur G. Rudick, David R. Newman, Nilang Patel, Paul A. Philips, Gregg Carpenter, Lawrence B. Ziesel
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Publication number: 20070205221Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2006Publication date: September 6, 2007Applicant: THE COCA-COLA COMPANYInventors: Gregg Carpenter, David R. Newman, Nilang Patel, Paul A. Philips, Arthur C. Rudick, Lawrence B. Ziesel
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Patent number: 7231279Abstract: An automatic vending machine includes an integrated capsule dispensing apparatus. The automatic vending machine comprises a first dispensing unit for delivering products that it withdraws from one or more first storage compartments, and is characterized in that it further comprises at least a second dispensing unit for delivering products packaged in the form of capsules that are stored loosely within second storage compartments.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2004Date of Patent: June 12, 2007Assignee: N&W Global Vending S.p.A.Inventor: Paolo Ghidotti
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Patent number: 7156115Abstract: A flow control system (10) is provided in which a flow control valve (12) is controlled by a control system (14). The control system (14) measures a flow rate or temperature of a fluid flowing through the flow control valve (12) and adjusts the flow control valve (12) to achieve a desired flow rate. The flow control valve (12) includes an electromagnetically adjustable spool (26).Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2003Date of Patent: January 2, 2007Inventors: William F. Everett, David C. Sudolcan
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Patent number: 7044336Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a flavored beverage. The apparatus comprises a hopper adapted to hold a common base powder and having a hopper outlet, the hopper being operative to dispense the base powder via the hopper outlet in accordance with a powder dispense signal, and a water dispenser having a water outlet, the water dispenser being operative to dispense water via the water outlet in accordance with a water dispense signal. The apparatus further comprises a flavor dispensing unit adapted to store a plurality of supplies of flavoring syrups, the flavor dispensing unit being operative to dispense via at least one flavor dispensing outlet at least one of the flavoring syrups in accordance with a respective one of a plurality of flavor dispense signals. A mixing unit is adapted to receive and admix base powder from the hopper outlet, water from the water outlet, and the at least one of the flavoring syrups from the at least one flavor dispensing outlet to produce the flavored beverage.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2005Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Assignee: Bertone Holdings Inc.Inventor: Claudio Bertone
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Patent number: 7032780Abstract: A refrigerator having a beverage dispenser, a display device and a plurality of beverage data files. The refrigerator dispenses beverages such as soda, juice and punch. The refrigerator receives and stores beverage data files, and the display device graphically represents data related to the different types of available beverages. Based on this information, the user can select a desirable beverage, and the refrigerator dispenses the selected beverage.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2005Date of Patent: April 25, 2006Assignee: Beverage Works, Inc.Inventor: Harry Lee Crisp, III
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Patent number: 7004355Abstract: The present invention provides a drink supply canister holder for a beverage dispensing apparatus for a residential refrigerator. The beverage dispensing apparatus includes a drink supplier including the drink supply canister holder for holding or maintaining at least one and preferably a plurality of drink supply canisters, and at least one and preferably a plurality of valve actuators for causing the drink supply to be selectively released from the drink supply canisters, a water supplier for selectively supplying carbonated water and non-carbonated water for producing the beverages, a gas supplier for supplying CO2 gas to carbonate the carbonated water provided by the water supplier and for supplying CO2 gas or other gas for pressurizing the drink supply canisters to provide a consistent flow rate, of the drink supply from the drink supply canisters and one or more beverage requesters for enabling users to request one of a plurality of beverages.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2001Date of Patent: February 28, 2006Assignee: Beverage Works, Inc.Inventors: Harry Lee Crisp, III, Todd Erik Duff
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Patent number: 6962270Abstract: A beverage dispenser to provide a plurality of different flavors with accurate mixing control comprises a housing (40, 42, 44) containing a diluent valve (46A, 46B) and at least two concentrate valves (48A, B, C, D), each valve having its own inlet (12) and outlet (14), characterized in that all the outlets (14) lead to a single dispense nozzle (50A, B, C), a flow rate sensor (16) is provided for each valve, the flow rate sensors (16) being connected to a controller (54), and a setting mechanism (52A, B, C, D, E, F) is provided to open and close each valve, the controller (54) operating the setting mechanisms whereby one concentrate valve and the diluent valve may be opened to dispense a particular beverage and, in response to the sensed flow rates through those opened valves, controlling the degree of opening of those valves to achieve a predetermined diluent to concentrate ratio for the beverage mixture in the dispense nozzle (50A, B, C).Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2000Date of Patent: November 8, 2005Inventors: Linda Barker, legal representative, Keith James Heyes, Martin Stanley Johnson, Steven Maulder, Phillip Andrew Simmons, Paul Barker, deceased
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Patent number: 6951166Abstract: A unit heats water to a specified temperature and then alerts a user or automatically mixes the heated water with dry baby formula and dispenses the mixture into a baby bottle.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2004Date of Patent: October 4, 2005Inventor: Gary C. Sickels
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Patent number: 6935532Abstract: A system for delivering a selected one of two diluents to beverage dispensing valves is characterized by a manifold having a plurality of pairs of first and second diluent outlet orifices. One diluent is delivered to all of the first outlet orifices and the other diluent is delivered to all of the second outlet orifices. Hoses coupled at one end to diluent inlets to associated ones of the dispensing valves each have a connector at their opposite end which is adapted to be selectively and releasably connected with either the first or second orifice of an associated pair of orifices in accordance with whichever diluent is to be delivered by the hose to its associated dispensing valve. Stop plugs are releasably inserted into and close the non-selected orifices to prevent escape of diluent from those orifices. A retainer releasably retains the connectors and stop plugs in the orifices.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2003Date of Patent: August 30, 2005Inventors: Peter S. Tinucci, David W. Berend
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Patent number: 6874660Abstract: Discloses a multi-flavor hot beverage dispenser apparatus adapted to dispense a selected flavor hot drink. The dispenser apparatus has hopper to hold a base powder. The hopper includes a hopper dispenser outlet including a motor driven auger to dispense the base powder from the hopper and a hot water boiler and hot water dispense valve. The hot water boiler has controlled heating means to heat the water to the desired temperature. A plurality of liquid flavor dispensers is provided with one or more dispensers selectively activatable to dispense a flavor syrup to flavor the dispensed hot drink to the desired flavor. The liquid flavouring supply is separate from the base powder allowing a compact sized dispenser which requires minimal counter space that does not increase with increasing flavor selection offerings.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2003Date of Patent: April 5, 2005Assignee: Bertone Holdings, Inc.Inventor: Claudio Bertone
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Patent number: 6761284Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for detecting the presence or absence as well as the level of material in a beverage dispenser. The system includes a sensor assembly including a light source and a light detector. The source and detector are in close proximity to one another with the detector detecting a beam emitted from the source and the beam is reflected from material retained in the container. A controller is provided and receives a signal from the sensor assembly for controllably operating functions of the beverage dispenser based on the detection signal from the sensor assembly relating to material in the container. The apparatus for detecting a level of material in the container includes a comparator coupled to the sensor assembly for receiving a signal from the detector, the output from the comparator coupled to the controller. A variable gain amplifier is coupled to the detector for receiving an output signal from the detector. The variable gain amplifier provides an input signal to the comparator.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2003Date of Patent: July 13, 2004Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic CorporationInventor: John T. Knepler
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Publication number: 20040129725Abstract: Discloses a multi-flavour hot beverage dispenser apparatus adapted to dispense a selected flavour hot drink. The dispenser apparatus has hopper to hold a base powder. The hopper includes a hopper dispenser outlet including a motor driven auger to dispense the base powder from the hopper and a hot water boiler and hot water dispense valve. The hot water boiler has controlled heating means to heat the water to the desired temperature. A plurality of liquid flavour dispensers is provided with one or more dispensers selectively activatable to dispense a flavour syrup to flavour the dispensed hot drink to the desired flavour. The liquid flavouring supply is separate from the base powder allowing a compact sized dispenser which requires minimal counter space that does not increase with increasing flavour selection offerings.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2003Publication date: July 8, 2004Inventor: Claudio Bertone
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Patent number: 6711990Abstract: Baby formula preparation and multiple dispensing apparatus includes a base housing having side and bottom walls, and also having an open top, and further having container assembly support members disposed therein; and also includes a container assembly including a container, and also including a hood being securely and conventionally attached about the container, and further including a bottle support member being securely and conventionally attached to the container, and also including bottle retaining members being securely and conventionally attached to the bottle support member; and further includes a cover being removably disposed over the open top of the container; and also includes a light-emitting assembly being securely fastened attached to the container assembly; and further includes a baby formula preparation and dispensing assembly for preparing baby formula and for dispensing the baby formula to bottles.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2003Date of Patent: March 30, 2004Inventor: Conrad W. Harrison
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Publication number: 20030164384Abstract: A system for dispensing slushy or frozen beverages having an ingredient of interest or importance to a customer. A container of this ingredient is visible to the prospective customer, and an indicator establishes that this ingredient is being supplied while the total beverage is being withdrawn from a mixer.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2002Publication date: September 4, 2003Inventor: David H. Erlandsen
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Patent number: 6607013Abstract: An automatic device for preparing mixed and non-mixed beverages having a load-bearing structure (22), a conveyor (21) designed to convey containers (26) into a set position under a motor-driven rotary head (12,32) having a plurality of receptacles (13,33) for ingredients to be poured into the containers (26) on the conveyor where each receptacle (13, 33) has an automatic-dosing actuation valve (24, 34) and the said device (10) includes an automatic system (20) for managing positioning of the dispensers over the containers.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2001Date of Patent: August 19, 2003Inventor: Mauro Leoni
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Patent number: RE42907Abstract: Device for conditioning water produced by environmental conditioning or dehumidification apparatuses or plants, comprising a device (2) for measuring the quantity of water produced by a condenser (1) which transforms atmospheric humidity into water, a feeder (4) of a corrective composition of salts and mineral substances, preferably in the form of tablets (P), for dispensing at least one of them in proportion to the quantity of water measured, a mixing vessel (5) receiving the measured water and at least a tablet (P) provided by the feeder (4), a control and command unit (6) that activates the feeder (4) in proportion to the quantity of water measured and received, and a tank (7) for collecting and filtering the water provided with means (70) for filtering micro-organisms and bacteria and a valve (81) for the exit of potable water.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2002Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Inventor: Osman Akkad