Entries |
Document | Title | Date |
20080245820 | VENDING DISPENSER ASSEMBLIES FOR BEVERAGE DISPENSERS - Embodiments of the invention provide vending dispenser assemblies for beverage dispensers. In particular, embodiments of the invention can provide a beverage dispenser with a manually operated vending dispenser assembly that consumes little or no additional electrical power to dispense a beverage container using the assembly. Embodiments of a vending dispenser assembly can be used with a heated or chilled compartment associated with a beverage dispenser. Furthermore, embodiments of a vending dispenser assembly can operate in conjunction with a relatively small dispenser opening to limit heat transfer loss via the dispenser opening. One embodiment can provide a dispenser for dispensing a number of products. The dispenser can include at least one storage column adapted to dispense a number of products, and a product selection device operable to permit one of the number of products to advance from the storage column, wherein the advanced product can be dispensed from the dispenser. | 10-09-2008 |
20080277420 | Method and apparatus for a modular dispensing tower - A dispenser including a plurality of tower sections allows an operator to remove one or more tower sections from the fluid dispenser without removing the fluid dispenser from a dispensing location. A housing of the dispenser includes multiple arrays of outlets from a housing fluid circuit that is connectable to fluid sources. Separate tower sections including complementary arrays are then coupled to arrays of the housing, thereby extending the housing fluid circuits to the dispense points disposed on the tower sections. The tower sections are secured to the fluid dispenser housing. The tower sections may further include mounting members that mate together to provide additional restraint and to ensure that the dispense points of the attached tower sections are aligned, thereby providing a clean, uniform appearance. | 11-13-2008 |
20080314926 | MODULAR BEVERAGE DISPENSING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A mobile beverage dispensing unit includes a replaceable syrup module, a replaceable liquid module, and a replaceable mixing module. The replaceable mixing module creates a beverage by mixing liquid that is dispensed from the replaceable liquid module and syrup that is contained in the replaceable syrup module to create a beverage. The mobile beverage dispensing unit may contain a replaceable dispensing module that dispenses the beverage that is formed in the replaceable mixing module. A plumbing module may connect the replaceable liquid module and the replaceable syrup module to the replaceable mixing module and may also connect the replaceable mixing module to the replaceable dispensing unit. A user may cause the beverage to be dispensed from the replaceable dispensing module by operating a dispensing mechanism that controls the flow of the beverage. | 12-25-2008 |
20090057341 | LIQUID CONCENTRATE/EXTRACT BEVERAGE DISPENSER WITH REPLACEABLE CONCENTRATE/EXTRACT CARTRIDGE - A concentrate/extract cartridge for dispensing a liquid concentrate/extract is provided. The cartridge includes a hollow body and a dispensing tube that contains a pumping device. The cartridge includes a valve having a valve stem that passes through a port of a valve seat connected to the dispensing tube. A piston is located at a first end of the valve stem and a valve body is located at a second end of the valve stem in removable contact with the valve seat for alternately opening and closing the port. The piston can also includes a membrane positioned on a side facing the valve stem configured to permit a flow of fluid into the dispensing tube when the valve body is in contact with the valve seat and to permit the fluid to be forcibly expressed from the dispensing tube when the valve body is moved from its contact position. A liquid dispenser suitable for numerous applications, having a removably insertable concentrate/extract cartridge and a method of dispensing a liquid are also provided. | 03-05-2009 |
20090057342 | BEVERAGE DISPENSING SYSTEM WITH A HEAD CAPABLE OF DISPENSING PLURAL DIFFERENT BEVERAGES - A beverage dispensing system includes a base to which a dispensing head is removably attached without additional fasteners. Beverage-forming liquids are supplied through a plurality of separate conduits in the base. Each base conduit has a normally closed valve that normally blocks fluid flow. The dispensing head has at least one passageway that receives liquid from an associated one of the base conduits. A projection associated with each dispensing head passageway opens the associated conduit valve to allow fluid flow from the base to the head. Dispensing valves in the dispensing head regulate the dispensing of the beverage. By selectively opening the dispensing valves, a plurality of beverages are formed from combinations of one or more liquids. A dispensing head includes an inlet opening and an outlet opening at each end of a passage extending through a body, the inlet opening having a smaller cross-sectional area than the outlet opening. | 03-05-2009 |
20090057343 | BEVERAGE DISPENSING SYSTEM WITH A HEAD CAPABLE OF DISPENSING PLURAL DIFFERENT BEVERAGES - A beverage dispensing system includes a base to which a dispensing head is removably attached without additional fasteners. Beverage-forming liquids are supplied through a plurality of separate conduits in the base. Each base conduit has a normally closed valve that normally blocks fluid flow. The dispensing head has at least one passageway that receives liquid from an associated one of the base conduits. A projection associated with each dispensing head passageway opens the associated conduit valve to allow fluid flow from the base to the head. Dispensing valves in the dispensing head regulate the dispensing of the beverage. By selectively opening the dispensing valves, a plurality of beverages are formed from combinations of one or more liquids. A dispensing head includes an inlet opening and an outlet opening at each end of a passage extending through a body, the inlet opening having a smaller cross-sectional area than the outlet opening. | 03-05-2009 |
20090065529 | POST-MIX BEVERAGE DISPENSING DEVICE - A post-mix beverage dispensing device of a type comprising at least two sources for the liquids to be mixed, which are fluidically communicated with at least two respective ducts, at least one delivery tap for a beverage, which is fluidically connected to said ducts, as well as for at least one of these ducts, means for adjusting the flow rate and/or pressure of the liquid, which are placed upstream of the delivery tap. The device also comprises, for each of these ducts, a bypass channel being provided with a relative plug, these bypass channels being provided with a respective outlet opening, which is placed downstream of the relative plug, and being interposed between the delivery tap and said means for adjusting the flow rate and/or pressure. | 03-12-2009 |
20090095770 | DUAL FUNCTION DISPENSING HEAD FOR CARBONATED BEVERAGE MACHINE - A dispensing head incorporates multiple constant flow valves for controlling the flow of multiple liquids, e.g., syrup and carbonated water fed to a dispensing nozzle. The valves are normally closed and are opened by inlet pressures above selected threshold levels. Once open, the valves maintain the liquid flows at substantially constant flow rates and pressures, irrespective of variations of liquid input pressures and viscosities. A closure mechanism serves to close the valves at inlet pressures both above and below the threshold levels. The closure mechanism may be deactivated to simultaneously allow the valves to assume their modulating functions at inlet pressures above the threshold levels. | 04-16-2009 |
20090095771 | Beverage base dispenser and method - A fountain beverage dispensing system is characterized by delivering a beverage base and a diluent for the beverage base to a dispense nozzle, adding one or more of flavors, colors and s additives to the beverage base and diluent to provide a fountain beverage, and delivering the fountain beverage into a cup for service to a customer. | 04-16-2009 |
20090120958 | MULTIFLAVOR BEVERAGE DISPENSING NOZZLE AND DISPENSER USING SAME - A multiflavor beverage dispensing nozzle includes at least one water inlet; at least two syrup inlets; a main water flow path through the nozzle; and at least two syrup flow paths through the nozzle, one in fluid communication with each syrup inlet, each terminating in a syrup discharge port. In one aspect the water flow path is shaped to cause the water to discharge from the nozzle in a sheet form, preferably in an annular shape, and the syrup discharge ports include a syrup deflector shaped to cause the syrup to fan out as it exits the discharge port so that it impinges on the sheet of water. In another aspect the nozzle includes at least two secondary water flow paths that each divert water from the main flow path and discharge the diverted water through the at least two syrup discharge ports. A beverage dispenser utilizes a plurality of the multiflavor beverage dispensing nozzles incorporating one or both of the forgoing aspects. Optionally the dispenser also includes one or more dispensing nozzles for dispensing a favor additive, and may be equipped to dispense ice and even have an ice crusher so that it can dispense crushed or cubed ice. | 05-14-2009 |
20090294475 | Method and apparatus for a beverage dispenser - 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 through external means 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. | 12-03-2009 |
20100025431 | Multiple brand ice beverage dispenser - A beverage dispenser for dispensing beverages includes a touch panel assembly, removable fittings in a carbonator, a carbonator probe, and a carbonator pump assembly removable from a front of the beverage dispenser. The touch panel assembly includes a light source for backlighting a user interface and providing the dispenser with a visual presence. Electrode traces in the touch panel assembly detect interruptions in electrode fields and are accepted as user inputs for dispensing a beverage. A controller conducts the lighting, dispensing, and reconfiguring operations for the flavor selection areas on the user interface. The touch panel assembly further includes provisions for increasing a user interface area to increase visibility of a particular flavor, as well as bonus flavors on a beverage dispenser. The removable fittings each include an orifice for entry of water to be carbonated into the carbonator. The carbonator probe is a single wire probe with timed refill. | 02-04-2010 |
20100176155 | Coupling for pump and container - An improved coupling is disclosed for connecting a pump to a container. A first embodiment of the improved coupling incorporates a slidable coupling sleeve for piercing a frangible seal for providing liquid communication from the container to the pump. A first embodiment of the improved coupling incorporates coupling for providing liquid communication from the container to the pump. The invention is suitable for use with an aseptic container, a refrigerated container or a non-refrigerated container with or without preservatives. | 07-15-2010 |
20100187258 | POST-MIX DISPENSER ASSEMBLY - A beverage dispensing assembly which has one or more urns to which a manual, post-mix valve is engaged, on front walls thereof. The urn or urns do not contain fluid, rather, at least, a pair of fluid lines carrying pressurized fluid to the post-mix valve, which may be a “T” valve. The two fluid lines carry fluid from a first and a second fluid source, typically pressurized, which sources are remote from the urn or urns. If the assembly is comprised of more than one urn, it may include a base, designed to hold the urns in side-by-side alignment. | 07-29-2010 |
20100219203 | Friendly dispensers - A user friendly system that permits an unskilled person to quickly add dispersant material to a fluid system with the user friendly system utilizing operator evident dispersant carriers such as drawers, hangars or insertable cartridges. | 09-02-2010 |
20100276451 | BEVERAGE DISPENSER - There is disclosed a beverage dispenser capable of appropriately and smoothly supplying a supercooled beverage without being influenced by a type of raw water. The present invention is a beverage dispenser | 11-04-2010 |
20100308078 | Mixed Beverage Dispense System and Method - A mixed beverage dispense system and method for pumping a first liquid and a second liquid using a controlled gas source. The dispense system can include a first pump that pumps the first liquid and a second pump that pumps the second liquid. The first pump and the second pump can each include a gas inlet, an inlet gas connection, and an outlet gas connection. The dispense system can also include connector tubing connecting the controlled gas source to the first pump and the second pump in series. The dispense system can include a bag-in-box package with chambers that hold the liquid bags and a fitment with fitment openings open to each one of the chambers for receiving the liquids from the liquid bags. The dispense system can also include an outlet connector coupled to the fitment for receiving the liquids from the fitment. | 12-09-2010 |
20100314410 | INTEGRATED METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DISPENSING BEVERAGE INGREDIENTS - An integrated beverage blending system comprising: a controller for menu selection; an ice portion control module; an ingredient module; a dispensing apparatus in communication with the ice portion control module and the ingredient module, wherein the ice and the ingredient are dispensed into a beverage container via the dispensing apparatus. | 12-16-2010 |
20100327017 | Multiple brand ice beverage dispenser - A beverage dispenser for dispensing beverages includes a touch panel assembly, removable fittings in a carbonator, a carbonator probe, and a carbonator pump assembly removable from a front of the beverage dispenser. The touch panel assembly includes a light source for backlighting a user interface and providing the dispenser with a visual presence. Electrode traces in the touch panel assembly detect interruptions in electrode fields and are accepted as user inputs for dispensing a beverage. A controller conducts the lighting, dispensing, and reconfiguring operations for the flavor selection areas on the user interface. The touch panel assembly further includes provisions for increasing a user interface area to increase visibility of a particular flavor, as well as bonus flavors on a beverage dispenser. The removable fittings each include an orifice for entry of water to be carbonated into the carbonator. The carbonator probe is a single wire probe with timed refill. | 12-30-2010 |
20110017776 | Automatic Beverage Dispenser - 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. | 01-27-2011 |
20110024455 | BEVERAGE DISPENSING SYSTEM WITH A HEAD CAPABLE OF DISPENSING PLURAL DIFFERENT BEVERAGES - A dispensing head is removably attached to a beverage dispensing system base without additional fasteners, wherein beverage forming liquids are supplied through a plurality of separate conduits in the base. Each base conduit has a normally closed valve that normally blocks fluid flow. The dispensing head has at least one passageway that receives liquid from an associated one of the base conduits. A projection associated with each dispensing head passageway opens the associated conduit valve to allow fluid flow from the base to the head. Dispensing valves in the dispensing head are independently accountable to regulate the dispensing of the beverage. In one version of the invention, four liquids are supplied to the dispensing head through the conduits, namely two liquid concentrates; carbonated water; and noncarbonated water. By selective opening of the dispensing valves, a plurality of beverages are formed from combinations of one or more of the liquids. | 02-03-2011 |
20110024456 | Control Scheme For Enhanced Filtered Water Systems - An enhancement control system that can be used as part of an enhanced water system to produce enhanced filtered water is described. The enhancement control system includes at least one enhancement delivery element that can dispense an enhancement(s) into filtered water in response to an enhancement delivery instruction(s). The enhancement control system can also include an input element that can enable transmittal of the enhancement delivery instruction(s) from a user to the enhancement delivery element(s). The control system can also include a memory element that can store information about the user and the user's preferences and information about the enhanced water system. The control system can also include a communication element that can provide information from the enhanced water system to the user. The control system can also include a monitor element that can gather data from outside the enhanced water system, such as user health information or environmental information, and provide the data to the enhanced water system. In some embodiments, a control logic element can be used to coordinate and control operation of the elements of the enhanced water system. | 02-03-2011 |
20110042413 | PISTON PUMP AND DRIVER THEREFOR - A pump driver, a disposable pump cartridge for use with the pump driver and a beverage dispenser employing the pump drive are disclosed. The disposable pump cartridge comprises at least one barrel | 02-24-2011 |
20110042414 | BEVERAGE DISPENSER - To provide a beverage dispenser capable of appropriately and smoothly supplying a carbonated beverage as a supercooled beverage. According to the present invention, there is disclosed a beverage dispenser including a carbonator | 02-24-2011 |
20110079610 | COMPONENT MIXING METHOD, APPARATUS AND SYSTEM - A mixing device and method for mixing at least one first ingredient and at least one second ingredient. The device includes a body which has a wall defining a cavity. A first inlet communicates with the cavity for introducing the first ingredient and a second inlet communicates with the cavity for introducing the second ingredient. An outlet is provided in communication with the cavity receiving the mixed first and second ingredient which have been mixed in the cavity. The ingredients are mixed by introducing one ingredient as a stream and the second ingredient as a forcefully introduced stream. An area upstream of the ingredients is provided for mixing ingredients. Once mixed the ingredients must flow through the body before reaching the outlet. Multiple mixing devices can be cascaded to produce additional variations and mixing methods. The device can be in the form of a kit for retrofitting on existing devices such as beverage dispensers. | 04-07-2011 |
20110163125 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GENERATING A DRIVE SIGNAL - 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. | 07-07-2011 |
20110168738 | INTEGRATED METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DISPENSING BEVERAGE INGREDIENTS - An integrated beverage blending system comprising an ice portion control module, an ingredient module; an ice dispensing conduit in communication with the ice portion control module, and an ingredient dispensing valve removably connected to the ice dispensing conduit and in communication with the ingredient module. Ice is dispensed into a beverage container via the ice dispensing conduit and the ingredient is dispensed into the beverage container via the ingredient dispensing valve. | 07-14-2011 |
20110215112 | Water dispenser that flavors and carbonates water - A water dispenser designed to filter and supply cold, hot and lukewarm water that includes a mechanism for adding flavor to the dispensed water and a mechanism for carbonating the dispensed water. The flavor addition mechanism is installed within the casing of the dispenser and includes one or more base units whereby each of the said base units has a compartment into which a cartridge with flavor substances is installed, an operation system and a small tube that delivers the flavor dose to the dispensed water. The carbonation mechanism includes a base unit with a compartment into which a gas canister is installed, carbonation tank and operation system. | 09-08-2011 |
20110220681 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR RECIRCULATING STILLWATER AND/OR SEMI-CARBONATED WATER - A device for recirculating stillwater in a beverage dispensing system includes a cooling device and a conduit having the stillwater recirculated therein. At least a portion of the conduit is in thermal communication with the cooling device. | 09-15-2011 |
20110315711 | Touch Screen Interface for a Beverage Dispensing Machine - A beverage dispensing system including a control unit and a touch screen. Inputs are made to the touch screen to dispense beverages and apply system adjustments. The control unit controls a plurality of beverage dispensing valves according to inputs made to the touch screen. | 12-29-2011 |
20120055954 | MANIFOLD SYSTEM FOR BEVERAGE DISPENSER - 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. | 03-08-2012 |
20120111887 | Method and apparatus for dispensing a beverage from a liquid concentrate - A nozzle system for use with a multi-flavor beverage dispenser includes a mixing chamber having a fluid outlet therefrom; a diluent injector configured to deliver a mixing fluid from without to within the mixing chamber; and a number of concentrate injectors configured to independently deliver a fluid concentrate from without to within the mixing chamber. The concentrate injector each have associated therewith a self-sealing dispensing valve configured to substantially limit fluid flow through its respective concentrate injector to from without the mixing chamber to within the mixing chamber. | 05-10-2012 |
20120111888 | FLUID DISPENSING SYSTEM WITH THERMAL CONTROL - 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. | 05-10-2012 |
20120118912 | BEVERAGE DISPENSING SYSTEM WITH A HEAD CAPABLE OF DISPENSING PLURAL DIFFERENT BEVERAGES - A beverage dispensing system includes a base to which a dispensing head is removably attached without additional fasteners. Beverage-forming liquids are supplied through a plurality of separate conduits in the base. Each base conduit has a normally closed valve that normally blocks fluid flow. The dispensing head has at least one passageway that receives liquid from an associated one of the base conduits. A projection associated with each dispensing head passageway opens the associated conduit valve to allow fluid flow from the base to the head. Dispensing valves in the dispensing head regulate the dispensing of the beverage. By selectively opening the dispensing valves, a plurality of beverages are formed from combinations of one or more liquids. A dispensing head includes an inlet opening and an outlet opening at each end of a passage extending through a body, the inlet opening having a smaller cross-sectional area than the outlet opening. | 05-17-2012 |
20120152981 | BEVERAGE DISPENSING ASSEMBLY - 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. | 06-21-2012 |
20120160871 | Beverage Dispensing System - 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. | 06-28-2012 |
20120168462 | Dispensing Nozzle Assembly - A dispensing nozzle assembly for dispensing a number of micro-ingredients into a fluid stream. The dispensing nozzle assembly may include a micro-ingredient mixing chamber, a number of micro-ingredient lines in communication with the micro-ingredient mixing chamber such that the micro-ingredients mix therein, and a mixed micro-ingredient exit such the mixed micro-ingredients are dispensed into the fluid stream. | 07-05-2012 |
20120298692 | Modular Dispensing System - The disclosure concerns a system including a modular dispensing system, at least one dispensing head at a counter, a transfer unit located remotely from the counter, and piping extending from the transfer unit to the counter. In one aspect, the transfer unit comprises a centralized flavor ingredient system having a plurality of beverage flavor ingredient sources, and the piping comprises a main micro bundle. | 11-29-2012 |
20120298693 | Multi-Tower Modular Dispensing System - The disclosure concerns a system including a multi-tower modular dispensing system comprising at least a first dispensing head and a second dispensing head at a counter, a transfer unit located remotely from the counter, piping extending from the transfer unit to the counter, the transfer unit comprising a centralized ingredient system having a plurality of beverage ingredient sources, the centralized ingredient system configured to supply beverage ingredients to the piping for the dispensing of a first beverage at the counter, the piping comprising a main micro bundle, the main micro bundle comprising at least two separate beverage ingredient lines. | 11-29-2012 |
20120318822 | TROLLEY FOR PREPARING AND DISPENSING DRINKS - In the case of a trolley ( | 12-20-2012 |
20130008920 | Beverage Dispensing System with a Head Capable of Dispensing Plural Different Beverages - A beverage dispensing system includes a base to which a dispensing head is removably attached without additional fasteners. Beverage-forming liquids are supplied through a plurality of separate conduits in the base. Each base conduit has a normally closed valve that normally blocks fluid flow. The dispensing head has at least one passageway that receives liquid from an associated one of the base conduits. A projection associated with each dispensing head passageway opens the associated conduit valve to allow fluid flow from the base to the head. Dispensing valves in the dispensing head regulate the dispensing of the beverage. By selectively opening the dispensing valves, a plurality of beverages are formed from combinations of one or more liquids. A dispensing head includes an inlet opening and an outlet opening at each end of a passage extending through a body, the inlet opening having a smaller cross-sectional area than the outlet opening. | 01-10-2013 |
20130043274 | PACKAGE FOR STORING AND DOSING A FLUID AND DISPENSER FOR DOCKING THE PACKAGE - The invention concerns a package for storing and dosing a fluid comprising:—a flexible container for storing a fluid and presenting a fluid outlet,—dosing means comprising: a housing, said housing presenting a pump inlet and a pump outlet and a part of the housing between the inlet and the outlet being flexible and resilient, a rotor presenting at last one chamber formed between the rotor surface and the housing,—a one-way valve, wherein the housing pump inlet is connected to the flexible container and the housing pump outlet is connected to the one-way elastic valve. | 02-21-2013 |
20130048672 | Dispensing Nozzle Assembly - A dispensing nozzle assembly for dispensing a number of micro-ingredients into a fluid stream. The dispensing nozzle assembly may include a micro-ingredient mixing chamber, a number of micro-ingredient lines in communication with the micro-ingredient mixing chamber such that the micro-ingredients mix therein, and a mixed micro-ingredient exit such the mixed micro-ingredients are dispensed into the fluid stream. | 02-28-2013 |
20130112708 | BEVERAGE VALVE ASSEMBLY MOUNTING ASSEMBLY - A mounting assembly includes a beverage mounting assembly having a housing. The housing has a housing wall that surrounds a cavity. A valve body is connectable to the beverage mounting assembly. The valve body is connectable to the beverage mounting assembly via a clip. The clip is insertable into both the housing and the valve body to connect the valve body to the beverage mounting assembly. At least one actuator is disposed in the cavity of the housing. The actuator rotates from a closed position to an open position that actuates pressure to the valve body from a liquid source. The actuator is separate from the clip that connects the housing to the valve body. | 05-09-2013 |
20130126555 | Beverage Dispensing System with a Head Capable of Dispensing Plural Different Beverages - A beverage dispensing system includes a base to which a dispensing head is removably attached without additional fasteners. Beverage-forming liquids are supplied through a plurality of separate conduits in the base. Each base conduit has a normally closed valve that normally blocks fluid flow. The dispensing head has at least one passageway that receives liquid from an associated one of the base conduits. A projection associated with each dispensing head passageway opens the associated conduit valve to allow fluid flow from the base to the head. Dispensing valves in the dispensing head regulate the dispensing of the beverage. By selectively opening the dispensing valves, a plurality of beverages are formed from combinations of one or more liquids. A dispensing head includes an inlet opening and an outlet opening at each end of a passage extending through a body, the inlet opening having a smaller cross-sectional area than the outlet opening. | 05-23-2013 |
20130206792 | Modular Beverage Dispenser Having A Built-In Cold Plate and Carbonator - A modular beverage dispenser for engagement with bag-in-box or other source of pressurized concentrate and a pressurized ambient water source, such as city water, is provided. The dispenser has a housing having housing walls, the walls defining an interior space, the interior having interior walls defining a multiple of interior spaces. The housing engages either a flange (configured to engage a perimeter of a countertop drop-in cutout) or legs configured to depend downward from the housing to support the same above a support surface. An ice container is provided for receiving ice therein configured to engage the housing so as to be substantially within the interior space. A cold plate is provided with a multiplicity of cold plate contained fluid lines therein adapted to engage the ice container so as to be cooled by the contents thereof. A carbonator is located in a first interior space. | 08-15-2013 |
20130206793 | HANDLE INITIATED ELECTROMECHANICAL MULTI-FLAVOR BEVERAGE DISPENSER - Multi-flavored beverage dispensing may be achieved by a variety of systems, processes, and techniques. In certain implementations, a system for dispensing a combination of externally supplied flavor concentrates and water may include a housing, a lid, a base, a valve, and a flow control assembly. The valve may include a dispensing nozzle, a handle, and a sensor activated by movement of the handle, the valve adapted to separately receive a flavor concentrate and water and mix the two fluids in the nozzle before dispensing. The flow control assembly may include a multiplicity of paired mechanically adjustable flow control elements and dispensing controllers. The flow control assembly may be controlled by a touch-sensitive control panel and a computer. The touch-sensitive control panel may be adapted to receive user flavor selections, and the computer may control the dispensing controllers responsive to user touches of the control panel and manipulation of the handle. | 08-15-2013 |
20130233887 | LIQUID BEVERAGE CONCENTRATE DISPENSING SYSTEM - A system, method, and apparatus are disclosed for controllably dispensing a liquid beverage concentrate for use in dispensing a beverage. The beverage may contain liquid beverage concentrate in combination with a liquid dilution ingredient such as water and may also include one or more additional ingredients. This system, method, and apparatus provides more precise control of the quantity of beverage concentrate dispensed by operating a pump used to dispense the concentrate based on the number of pulses of concentrate dispensed. A calibration is made to determine the measure of concentrate in each pulse. This volume per pulse is recorded and stored in a controller to controllably dispense a precise volume for a specific type of concentrate based on a predetermined recipe retained in the controller for each drink, type, and volume of the finished beverage. | 09-12-2013 |
20130240565 | ARRANGEMENT FOR DISPENSING AN ADDITIVE INTO A LIQUID STREAM - The present invention relates to an arrangement | 09-19-2013 |
20130248560 | Beverage Dispensing System - 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. | 09-26-2013 |
20130320039 | BEVERAGE DISPENSER - A beverage dispensing system includes a nozzle body with a plurality of ingredient inlets and a water inlet disposed in the nozzle body. A diffuser is connected to the nozzle body and has floor with a plurality of holes therethrough. A nozzle cap is connected to the diffuser and has an outlet. A first mixing chamber is formed between the ingredient inlets and the diffuser floor, and a second mixing chamber is formed between the diffuser and the outlet, with the second mixing chamber being configured to receive fluid from the first mixing chamber via the holes in the diffuser floor. A first water flow path is situated between the water inlet and the first mixing chamber, and a second water flow path is situated between the water inlet and the second mixing chamber, wherein the second water flow path bypasses the first mixing chamber. | 12-05-2013 |
20130334251 | DRINKING APPARATUS EQUIPPED WITH BEVERAGE SUPPLY FUNCTION - A drinking apparatus equipped with beverage supply function includes a drinking machine, a beverage module and a control circuit. The drinking machine has an area at the top to hold the beverage module. The area has a first water passage connection port communicating with an internal water passage of the drinking machine and a first circuit connection port connecting to an internal circuit of the drinking machine. The beverage module has a second water passage connection port communicating with an internal water passage of the beverage module and a second circuit connection port connecting to an internal circuit of the beverage module. The first water passage connection port and first circuit connection port of the drinking machine are coupled respectively with the second water passage connection port and second circuit connection port of the beverage module. Water and power of the beverage module are provided by the drinking machine. | 12-19-2013 |
20140034673 | Beverage Dispensing System Using Highly Concentrated Beverage Syrup - 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. | 02-06-2014 |
20140069953 | AUTOMATIC BEVERAGE DISPENSER - 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. | 03-13-2014 |
20140076929 | Beverage Dispensing System with a Head Capable of Dispensing Plural Different Beverages - A beverage dispensing system includes a base to which a dispensing head is removably attached without additional fasteners. Beverage-forming liquids are supplied through a plurality of separate conduits in the base. Each base conduit has a normally closed valve that normally blocks fluid flow. The dispensing head has at least one passageway that receives liquid from an associated one of the base conduits. A projection associated with each dispensing head passageway opens the associated conduit valve to allow fluid flow from the base to the head. Dispensing valves in the dispensing head regulate the dispensing of the beverage. By selectively opening the dispensing valves, a plurality of beverages are formed from combinations of one or more liquids. A dispensing head includes an inlet opening and an outlet opening at each end of a passage extending through a body, the inlet opening having a smaller cross-sectional area than the outlet opening. | 03-20-2014 |
20140097203 | COUPLING FOR PUMP AND CONTAINER - An improved coupling is disclosed for connecting a pump to a container. A first embodiment of the improved coupling incorporates a slidable coupling sleeve for piercing a frangible seal for providing liquid communication from the container to the pump. A first embodiment of the improved coupling incorporates coupling for providing liquid communication from the container to the pump. The invention is suitable for use with an aseptic container, a refrigerated container or a non-refrigerated container with or without preservatives. | 04-10-2014 |
20140175125 | Beverage dispenser and related methods - The present invention relates to a beverage dispenser configured to dispense variable serving sizes of cold beverages. The present invention uses the Venturi effect in order to mix the syrup and water at a constant ratio. | 06-26-2014 |
20140209634 | AUTOMATIC BEVERAGE DISPENSER BEVERAGE CART - A mobile vehicle or cart based beverage dispenser for providing mixed beverages is provided. The vehicle beverage dispenser has a vehicle that includes a housing containing a plurality of first liquids, a plurality of second liquids, and a water supply, wherein the first liquids comprise liquors, and wherein the second liquids comprise mixer syrup. The vehicle beverage dispenser also has an interface, a dispensing spout and a controller. The interface allows to input variable data and receive variable instructions. The controller electrically operates valves to control the flow of first liquids, second liquids and water to the beverage dispenser spout based on instructions entered at the interface and a pouring schema stored in memory. | 07-31-2014 |
20140231455 | Multi-Tower Modular Dispensing System - The disclosure concerns a system including a multi-tower modular dispensing system comprising at least a first dispensing head and a second dispensing head at a counter, a transfer unit located remotely from the counter, piping extending from the transfer unit to the counter, the transfer unit comprising a centralized ingredient system having a plurality of beverage ingredient sources, the centralized ingredient system configured to supply beverage ingredients to the piping for the dispensing of a first beverage at the counter, the piping comprising a main micro bundle, the main micro bundle comprising at least two separate beverage ingredient lines. | 08-21-2014 |
20140263446 | Rotary Carbonator - The present application provides a rotary carbonator for use with a beverage dispensing system. The rotary carbonator may include an off-center carbonator chamber, a rotor positioned within the off-center carbonator chamber, and a number of vanes extending from the rotor. The vanes may define within the off-center carbonator chamber a first number of vane cavities with an increasing area and a second number of vane cavities with a decreasing area. A water inlet and a gas inlet may be positioned about the first vane cavities and a carbonated water outlet may be positioned about the second vane cavities. | 09-18-2014 |
20140263447 | Systems and Methods for Facilitating Consumer-Dispenser Interactions - Embodiments of the invention can include systems and methods for dispensing consumable products. In one embodiment, a system comprising a product dispenser and processor can be provided. The processor can be operable to execute a set of instructions operable to receive a consumer preference to receive a notification associated with a product. The set of instructions can be further operable to determine whether the product is being offered, and based at least in part on the consumer preference, notify the consumer regarding availability of the product from the product dispenser. | 09-18-2014 |
20140291352 | Water Dispenser for Instant-Beverage Vending Machines and Instant-Beverage Vending Machine Including said Dispenser - Water distributor comprising: a first hot water inlet pipe with two outlets; a second pipe with first inlets, each of them being connected to the corresponding first outlet by means of a third pipe, said second pipe further comprising several second outlets; a rod having at least one narrowing and sliding within said second pipe by action of some actuating means; and water tightness means situated on both sides of each of the second outlets. The positioning of the narrowing of the rod with respect of the water tightness means of each outlet determines whether water will be allowed to flow through said outlet or not. Advantage: guaranteeing that the opening and closure of the different water outlets correspond with the selection made by the user. | 10-02-2014 |
20140299630 | ARCUATE MULTI-DISPENSING BEVERAGE DISPENSER - Disclosed is a beverage dispenser having a plurality of non-linear dispensing sides each having a dispensing station of a dimension suitable to comfortably accommodate a user/operator. Each dispensing station is of a dimension narrower than that of a dispensing station of a conventional dispenser. The beverage dispenser of the present disclosure allows for variations and flexibility in the shape of the unit, and a user-friendly touch screen accommodates one or more concurrent users/operators, while also allowing a choice of various beverage selections. The touch screen provides a user interface that may be configured for use by a restaurant employee and/or self-service applications. In addition, the user friendly touchscreen interface also facilitates the use of ADA compliant controls. The beverage dispenser of the present disclosure also allows for “banking” of multiple units into a “kiosk” type formation. | 10-09-2014 |
20140305967 | DISPENSE POINT ISOLATION DEVICE - Devices for dispensing beverages, particularly multiple differing beverages from a dispensing nozzle, are provided herein. In an exemplary embodiment, a multiple beverage dispensing device includes a dispensing array attached to a dispense point isolation device within a dispensing nozzle, the dispensing array facilitates flow of a beverage base and at least one beverage additive into the dispensing nozzle and the dispense point isolation device isolating discharge of beverage additive to prevent cross-contamination and color-carryover caused by the residual traces of beverage additive often associated with conventional dispensing devices. In many embodiments, the dispense point isolation device further includes one or more isolation features, including any or all of a recess, trough, notch, raised ridge or tubular projection around an exit orifice of the beverage additive flow channel so as to further isolate release of the beverage additive and further inhibit cross-contamination and color-carryover. | 10-16-2014 |
20140346188 | LIQUID CONCENTRATE/EXTRACT BEVERAGE DISPENSER WITH REPLACEABLE CONCENTRATE/EXTRACT CARTRIDGE - A concentrate/extract cartridge for dispensing a liquid concentrate/extract is provided. The cartridge includes a hollow body and a dispensing tube that contains a pumping device. The cartridge includes a valve having a valve stem that passes through a port of a valve seat connected to the dispensing tube. A piston is located at a first end of the valve stem and a valve body is located at a second end of the valve stem in removable contact with the valve seat for alternately opening and closing the port. A liquid dispenser suitable for numerous applications and having a removably insertable concentrate/extract cartridge and a method of dispensing a liquid are also provided. | 11-27-2014 |
20140346189 | MODULAR BEVERAGE DISPENSER HAVING A BUILT-IN COLD PLATE AND CARBONATOR - A modular beverage dispenser for engagement with bag-in-box or other source of pressurized concentrate and a pressurized ambient water source, such as city water, is provided. The dispenser has a housing having housing walls, the walls defining an interior space, the interior having interior walls defining a multiple of interior spaces. The housing engages either a flange (configured to engage a perimeter of a countertop drop-in cutout) or legs configured to depend downward from the housing to support the same above a support surface. An ice container is provided for receiving ice therein configured to engage the housing so as to be substantially within the interior space. A cold plate is provided with a multiplicity of cold plate contained fluid lines therein adapted to engage the ice container so as to be cooled by the contents thereof. A carbonator is located in a first interior space. A carbonator pump and motor is located in a second interior space. A flow control and manifold assembly is provided, including a python and a bar gun having a nozzle adapted to dispense a beverage therefrom; a multiplicity of fluid lines are provided for engaging the cold plate containing the cold plate fluid lines, wherein the near ends of the fluid lines engage either a concentrate source (such as bag-in-box) or a water source, and the removed ends of the fluid lines engage the flow control and manifold assembly through a coupling member having an on/off switch. The cold plate includes an extension with a recess designed to receive at least some of the exterior of the carbonator. The multiplicity of fluid lines includes a line configured to pre-chill and post-chill the carbonated water, before delivering it to the coupling member. | 11-27-2014 |
20140361041 | Modular Valve Array Having A Single Dispense Point - The invention relates to a valve dispensing system that can be used in a beverage dispenser. In particular, the valve dispensing system has individual valve module components that control the flow of a beverage or beverage component, and a plurality of valve module components may be combined to form a system capable of dispensing a plurality of beverages and/or beverage components. | 12-11-2014 |
20140361042 | Dispensing Nozzle Assembly - A dispensing nozzle assembly for dispensing a number of micro-ingredients into a fluid stream. The dispensing nozzle assembly may include a micro-ingredient mixing chamber, a number of micro-ingredient lines in communication with the micro-ingredient mixing chamber such that the micro-ingredients mix therein, and a mixed micro-ingredient exit such the mixed micro-ingredients are dispensed into the fluid stream. | 12-11-2014 |
20150014357 | System and Method for Generating a Drive Signal - 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. | 01-15-2015 |
20150034674 | DISPENSER PLATFORM APPARATUS AND METHOD - A dispenser platform for receiving a product container, having a casing, wholly or partially encasing a control panel coupled a control module and a product container receptacle having a product container coupling assembly. The product container coupling assembly includes a first product supply conduit configured to receive a barrel of a product container. A second product supply conduit couples to a reservoir or to a supply of a second product, such as water. The product container holds a first product, such as concentrated coffee, concentrated tea, concentrated flavored drink, flavored syrup (cola) or concentrated juice. Components of the dispenser platform include a pump assembly, a heating and/or cooling assembly responsively coupled to a control panel via a control module and a filter assembly. The product container can be a BOV container or an airless dispensing container. | 02-05-2015 |
20150069087 | HYBRID BEVERAGE DISPENSER - Disclosed is a hybrid beverage dispenser that can be configured in a number of flexible arrangements, providing the opportunity for a configurable beverage dispensing “station” having a variable “footprint”. The hybrid beverage dispenser may have “on board” refrigeration and/or heating system for providing both hot and cold beverages from the same dispenser. A remote chiller may provide chilled syrups for the beverages. Also disclosed is a countertop hybrid beverage dispensing unit for situations where limited space is an issue. Also disclosed is a hybrid beverage dispenser that provides the ability to dispense from one dispenser beverages which usually are dispensed from separate dispensers. The countertop unit possesses the same beverage dispensing flexibility; however, all ingredients are remotely chilled and pumped to the point of dispensing. | 03-12-2015 |
20150069088 | CARTRIDGE FOR AN ADDITIVE DISPENSING SYSTEM - A cartridge for selectively dispensing an additive to water that includes a housing, a bladder disposed within the housing, and a pump connected to the housing and in fluid communication with the bladder. The bladder is configured to contain a consumable additive such as a flavor, for water. The pump is operable to selectively dispense an amount of the additive into water. The cartridge may be connected to a water filtration system such that the cartridge may dispense the additive into filtered water. | 03-12-2015 |
20150102062 | OUTPUT UNIT FOR A BEVERAGE DISPENSER, BEVERAGE DISPENSER HAVING SUCH AN OUTPUT UNIT AND METHOD FOR OPERATING SUCH A BEVERAGE DISPENSER - An output unit for a beverage dispenser outputs hot beverages and/or ingredients for beverages to a container standing below the output unit. The output unit has one or more outlet assemblies for beverages and/or ingredients. Improved cleaning and/or mixing is achieved in that each of the outlet assemblies has a central inner outlet and an outer outlet which concentrically encloses the inner outlet, and in that the outer outlet is designed as a ring nozzle directed in the outlet direction so that a fluid which is output through the outer outlet encloses the inner outlet in the form of a concentric liquid sheath. | 04-16-2015 |
20150129614 | Beverage Dispenser Nozzle - An apparatus for controlling a fluid flow may include a flow channel, a housing, a flow restrictor, and a housing adjustment member. The flow channel defines a fluid pathway for the fluid flow. The fluid pathway includes an inlet and an exit. The housing surrounds the flow channel. The housing comprises an exterior surface defining a first threaded portion. The flow restrictor is located within the housing and proximate the exit. The housing adjustment member includes a second threaded portion in contact with the first threaded portion. Embodiments may include a method for controlling a fluid flow. The method comprises: causing the fluid flow to pass through a flow channel having an inlet and an exit; restricting, via a flow restrictor, the fluid flow, the flow restrictor located proximate the exit; and adjusting a position of the flow restrictor to further restrict or unrestrict the fluid flow. | 05-14-2015 |
20150329342 | BEVERAGE DISPENSING SYSTEM HAVING ELECTRIC PUMPS AND A REMOVABLE TRAY FOR HOLDING CONCENTRATE BAGS - Various systems, processes, and techniques may be used to achieve beverage dispensing. In particular implementations, a beverage dispensing system may include a housing, a water inlet, a dispensing faucet, and a tray. The housing may include a base and at least one vertically extending wall that defines an inner cavity at least at the top of the housing. The water inlet and the dispensing faucet may be coupled to the housing. The tray may be adapted to couple to the housing and be suspended in the inner cavity. The tray may have walls and a lower surface that define a cavity adapted to hold a beverage concentrate container, the lower surface being slanted relative to the base of the housing when the tray is coupled to the housing. The lower surface may have an connector fitting adapted to receive a beverage concentrate conduit. | 11-19-2015 |
20150353335 | Beverage Dispenser and Related Methods - The present invention relates to a beverage dispenser configured to dispense variable serving sizes of cold beverages. The dispenser can dispense both carbonated and non-carbonated beverages. The dispenser includes a mechanism to carbonate water and can be used with a variety of different syrup flavors. | 12-10-2015 |
20160152460 | Rotary Cabonator | 06-02-2016 |
20160157669 | PROPORTIONAL VALVE FOR FLUID-TREATMENT MACHINES, IN PARTICULAR FOR PRODUCING AND DISPENSING BEVERAGES - A proportional valve for a fluid-treatment machine has a main body provided with a first connection element and with a second connection element to the hydraulic circuit of the machine. Inside of the main body there are at least one inlet duct and at least one outlet duct. Inside of the main body, in an inner chamber obtained between the inlet duct and the outlet duct, there is an actuation piston capable of selectively putting in communication the inlet duct with the outlet duct. The actuation piston is operatively connected to an actuation mechanism that comprises one elastic actuation member made of a shape-memory alloy and an electric current generating device, operatively connected to the elastic actuation member in order to modify the value of the elastic force applied on the actuation piston through a temperature variation caused by the passage of electric current inside the elastic actuation member. | 06-09-2016 |
20170233234 | NOZZLE WITH ISOLATION PORTING | 08-17-2017 |
20190144252 | CUSTOM BEVERAGE CREATION DEVICE, SYSTEM, AND METHOD | 05-16-2019 |