Patent Grant
8290615
A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains or may contain material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the photocopy reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure in exactly the form it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
The present invention relates in general to a drink supply canister for beverage dispensing apparatus, and in particular to a drink supply canister for beverage dispensing apparatus for a residential refrigerator which produces and dispenses carbonated and non-carbonated beverages from a plurality of the drink supply canisters.
Many households in the United States and throughout the world consume large volumes of beverages such as soft drinks, sodas, juices, lemonade, teas, isotonics, fruit drinks and other beverages on a daily basis. For instance, in 1998 retail sales of soft drinks in the United States were approximately 54 billion dollars, retail sales of fruit drinks in the United States were approximately 17.5 billion dollars and retail sales of isotonics in the United States were approximately 2.25 billion dollars.
Manufacturers in the beverage industry produce packaged beverages for consumers in the form of bottles, cans and cartons. They also produce liquid and powder beverage concentrates which require consumer preparation. Preparing beverages from concentrate by hand can be burdensome, time consuming and monotonous. Producing carbonated beverages from concentrate in homes using know commercial equipment is impractical because special equipment and supplies are required. Such home mixed beverages are often of inconsistent quality and flavor.
For those who choose not to prepare beverages from concentrates, maintaining an adequate supply of packaged ready-to-drink beverages can be relatively burdensome for families which experience a large consumption of beverages. Beverage containers, consisting largely of water, are somewhat heavy, and such beverage containers occupy substantial space in refrigerators. In many families, at least once per week, family members stock their refrigerators with packaged beverages because of limited refrigerator space. The amount of available refrigerator space limits a family's supply of refrigerated ready-to-drink beverages.
One way of minimizing a family's beverage supply tasks is by using a refrigerator which produces and dispenses ready-to-drink beverages. A number of beverage dispensing devices have been proposed specifically for household refrigerators, some of which involve producing carbonated beverages. The most common device enables consumers to dispense water and ice from a dispenser built into the exterior of a refrigerator door. Such types of dispensers are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,956,967 and 6,039,219. Other dispensers enable consumers to dispense ready-to-drink beverages. Certain of these devices involve a connection between a beverage container in the refrigerator and a spout attached to the outside of the refrigerator. Pumping and other approaches have also been suggested to move the ready-to-drink beverage from the container through the spout. Devices such as these are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,791,523, 5,791,517, 5,542,265 and 4,930,666.
One refrigerator dispenser, disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,949,903, involves the mixing of syrup and water and the dispensing of non-carbonated beverages. Another refrigerator dispenser disclosed in U.S. Reissue Pat. No. Re: 32,179 involves the mixing of syrup and carbonated water and the dispensing of carbonated beverages.
One problem with these refrigerator dispensers is the need to clean them. Since the refrigerator dispensers house and distribute consumable beverages, the dispenser components which come into contact with fluids must be cleaned to avoid bacteria growth and other contamination. The existing refrigerator dispensers include a relatively high number of separate components which require regular cleansing to prevent contamination. Furthermore, many of the components are not removable, and many are difficult to fully clean. Therefore, it is inconvenient and in many cases not possible to fully clean the components of the currently known refrigerator dispensers without disassembling these dispensers.
Although known refrigerator devices may enable users to dispense carbonated and non-carbonated beverages from residential refrigerators, the construction of these devices is relatively complex, and the use, supply and maintenance of these devices is relatively inconvenient, cumbersome, time consuming and generally impractical. Additionally, such know devices do not solve problems such as cross-contamination of different beverages. Thus, while the patents indicated above disclose beverage dispensing mechanisms, there is no known commercially available refrigerator system for dispensing ready-to-drink beverages which eliminate cross-contamination problems.
Dispensing machines in commercial establishments are also well known for producing concentrate-based beverages. These machines, often found in restaurants and eateries, typically involve the mixing of syrup and carbonated or non-carbonated water and the dispensing of beverages, such as soda. Commercial machines such as these are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,647,512, 5,392,960 and 4,993,604. However, such commercial machines have not been suitably adapted for residential or home use or use in conjunction with residential refrigerators.
Countertop units for dispensing beverages have also been developed. For instance, Bev Star, Inc. produces a three drink countertop dispenser. However, such countertop units take up substantial additional counter space which is highly undesirable in most households. These devices also only dispense a limited number of drinks. Such countertop units may have valve brixing problems, mechanical failures and general reliability issues. Countertop units also utilize mechanical refrigeration to chill the water, which adds tremendous costs to the potential home consumer, thus adding to the impracticability of the application for the home user.
Accordingly, the assignee of the present invention owns U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/589,725 entitled “Beverage Distribution and Dispensing System and Method” which discloses and claims a beverage distribution and dispensing system which enables users to dispense a plurality of beverages from a residential refrigerator, which tracks beverage consumption and the use of the drink supply and CO2 supply, which automatically orders drink supply and CO2 supply as necessary, which facilitates the delivery of drink supply and CO2 supply to the users, which enables the users to determine beverage consumption and to change the dispensed beverages, and which reduces the need to store conventional beverage containers in the refrigerators of the users.
The present invention provides an improved beverage dispensing apparatus which is adapted to be used in conjunction with the beverage distribution system disclosed in that U.S. patent application.
The beverage dispensing apparatus of the present invention is preferably housed within a residential refrigerator to enable consumers to practically, conveniently and reliably produce and dispense non-carbonated and carbonated beverages from their refrigerators. The dispensing apparatus also facilitates the commercial availability and standardized manufacture and distribution of drink supply canisters and CO2 gas supply canisters for residential refrigerators.
For purposes of this application, the term: (a) “user” or “users” includes users of the beverage dispensing apparatus of the present invention such as users, consumers, household members and other operators of the apparatus; (b) “beverage dispensing apparatus” is alternatively referred to as “dispensing apparatus” or “beverage dispenser”; (c) “beverage” includes any ready-to-drink liquid; and (d) “drink supply” includes any liquid, which in and of itself, is a ready-to-drink liquid or any liquid or non-liquid which requires the addition of carbonated or non-carbonated water or other fluid(s) in order to become a ready-to-drink beverage including, but not limited to, any syrup or. concentrate which consists of predetermined percentages of water and flavoring or sugar.
Generally, one embodiment of the beverage dispensing apparatus of the present invention includes: (a) a drink supplier including a 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; (b) a water supplier for selectively supplying carbonated water and non-carbonated water for producing the beverages; (c) a gas supplier for supplying CO2 gas to carbonate the carbonated water provided by the water supplier, and in one embodiment, 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; (d) a beverage container compartment for holding a beverage collector or container such as a glass, cup or pitcher; (e) in one embodiment, a fluid director for facilitating the mixing of the drink supply from one of the drink supply canisters and the carbonated or non-carbonated water from the water supplier and for directing the mixed beverage to the beverage container compartment; (f) a controller or dispensing computer or processor for controlling and tracking the dispensing of drink supply and carbonated or non-carbonated water; and (g) one or more suitable beverage requesters (such as indicators, actuators, buttons, a touch panel or a touch screen) for enabling users to request one of a plurality of beverages.
In one alternative embodiment of the present invention, the gas supplier includes an air pressurizer or pressurization device for pressurizing the drink supply canisters to reduce the volume of CO2 gas used by the dispensing apparatus.
In one preferred alternative embodiment, the drink supply and carbonated or non-carbonated water is directed directly to a beverage container in the beverage container compartment (i.e., without a fluid director) to eliminate any potential cross-contamination and the need to regularly clean the fluid director. These and other alternative embodiments of the present invention are discussed in more detail below.
Generally, in operation, after the user installs the drink supply canisters, the CO2 gas or other pressurized gas from the gas supplier pressurizes the drink supply canisters. When a user desires to obtain a beverage, the user makes the user's request through the beverage requester which is preferably connected to or in communication with the dispensing computer or controller. The controller determines the user's request and generates a beverage dispense signal. Upon receiving a beverage dispense signal from the controller, the appropriate drink supply outlet valve actuator associated with the appropriate drink supply outlet valve in the appropriate drink supply canister opens for a predetermined period of time to dispense the appropriate amount of drink supply from the drink supply canister. This drink supply is directed into one of the channels of the fluid director (or in the alternative embodiment directly into the beverage container). Simultaneously, upon receiving a beverage request signal from the controller, the water supplier directs the appropriate amount of carbonated or non-carbonated water into the same channel of the fluid director (or in the alternative embodiment directly into the same beverage container). The drink and the carbonated or non-carbonated water mix in that channel of the fluid director (or in the alternative embodiment, mix as both the drink supply and carbonated or non-carbonated water are directed into the beverage container), and the fluid director directs the mixed drink supply and the carbonated or non-carbonated water (i.e., the beverage) to the beverage container compartment.
The drink supply canister holder is preferably built into or constructed within the freezer compartment door or refrigerator compartment door, and includes drink supply canister slots or areas for receiving and holding the plurality of drink supply canisters. The drink supply canister holder enables users to remove used drink supply canisters and insert new drink supply canisters into the drink supply canister holder.
In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the drink supply canister is a pressurizable encasement which has a gas inlet valve and a drink supply outlet valve. One embodiment of the gas inlet valve is a spring activated valve which is predisposed to be normally closed to prevent the flow of gas into or out of the drink supply canister. When the gas inlet valve is depressed or activated, gas such as CO2 or pressurized air is communicated through the gas inlet valve into the drink supply canister. One embodiment of the drink supply outlet valve includes a sealing member which is positioned in the bottom wall or end of the canister such that the sealing member can be tilted or displaced horizontally. The drink supply outlet valve maintains a seal on the inside of the canister when the drink supply canister is pressurized. When the sealing member is displaced, the sealing member unseats, and the drink supply outlet valve opens and causes pressurized drink supply to flow from the drink supply canister. One or more valve actuators are mounted to or adjacent to the drink supply canister holder. When a user activates a beverage requester, a controller causes one of the valve actuators to engage and displace the sealing member of the drink supply outlet valve for a predetermined amount of time, which in turn causes drink supply to flow from the drink supply canister. After a predetermined time period elapses, the valve actuator disengages the sealing member, stopping the flow of drink supply from the drink supply canister. It should be appreciated that the present invention contemplates alternative suitable gas inlet valves, drink supply outlet valves and drink supply outlet valve actuators as discussed below.
The water supplier of the present invention provides carbonated and non-carbonated water to the fluid director or directly to the beverage container in the beverage container compartment for mixing the beverages. The water supplier is connected to a drinkable water source, such as a conventional cold water source commonly available in residential kitchens. One embodiment of the water supplier includes a holding tank which stores a sufficient supply of water. The water supply from the holding tank is used if a user requests the dispensing apparatus to dispense non-carbonated water alone or if the dispensing apparatus requires substantial amounts of non-carbonated water. The water supplier also includes a carbonation tank connected to the gas supplier. The carbonation tank uses CO2 gas obtained from the CO2 gas supply canister and particularly the gas supplier to carbonate the water.
In one embodiment, a carbonated water supply line and a non-carbonated water supply line are each separately mounted above the fluid director or directly above the beverage container compartment. In one embodiment, the water supplier includes a plurality of carbonated water valves and non-carbonated water valves. The carbonated water valves are connected to the carbonated water line, and the non-carbonated water valves are connected to the non-carbonated water line. A water valve actuator is mounted adjacent to and connected to each carbonated water valve and each non-carbonated water valve. When a user activates a beverage requester, the controller causes a water valve actuator to engage and open a carbonated water valve or a non-carbonated water valve located above a particular channel of the fluid director or directly above the beverage container compartment. The actuator maintains the valve open for a predetermined amount of time. After such time elapses, the water valve actuator allows the valve to close. In another embodiment illustrated, the carbonated water line is connected to a single multi-way carbonated water valve, and the non-carbonated water line is connected to a single multi-way non-carbonated water valve. When a user activates a beverage requester, the water valve actuator causes a multi-way valve to open and direct water to one of a plurality of channels for a predetermined period of time.
It should be appreciated that the drink supply outlet valve actuators and the water valve actuators can be constructed such that both cause the respective valves to open for the time period during which the beverage requestor is activated by the user. In such case, the exact amount of drink supply and carbonated and/or non-carbonated water are dispensed simultaneously to form the beverage.
One preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of water dispensers connected to the carbonated and non-carbonated water lines. The water dispensers are disposed between or connected to each pair of carbonated water valves and non-carbonated water channel entrance of the fluid director or over the predetermined location or slot for each beverage container in the embodiments without the fluid director. Depending on the request by the user and the type of beverages dispensed, either the non-carbonated water valve or the carbonated water valve will open and allow non-carbonated water or carbonated water to flow into the water dispenser. The water dispenser diffuses and directs the water into the appropriate channel of the fluid director or directly into the drink supply steam and the appropriate beverage container in the beverage container compartment. It should be appreciated that for some beverages, both the carbonated and non-carbonated water will be employed to create the correct mixture for the carbonated beverage.
In one embodiment, each water dispenser is a substantially cylindrical ring or tube referred to herein as a water ring. The water ring defines a central opening or aperture which enables the drink supply to flow through the water ring. The water ring includes a plurality of relatively small openings or orifices along its lower or inner circumference. When water flows into the water ring from one of the water valves, the water flows through the orifices, forming a spray or other relatively even distribution of water. The drink supply outlet valve of the drink supply canister is positioned over the central opening of the water ring to direct the drink supply into the channel of the fluid director or directly into the beverage container through the water ring. This causes the drink supply and the water to mix on the fly in the desired ratios. It should be appreciated that the water ring does not need to be cylindrical or completely cylindrical as discussed in detail below.
The gas supplier of the beverage dispenser includes one or more, and preferably a plurality of gas supply canisters which contain CO2 gas. In one embodiment, the gas supplier includes a gas supply canister holder adapted to hold at least one and preferably a plurality of gas supply canisters. The gas supply canister holder may be attached to or mounted in the freezer compartment door, refrigerator compartment door or any suitable location in or connected to the refrigerator. Each gas supply canister includes a gas supply canister valve. The gas supplier includes a gas line connected to the gas supply canister holder or frame, and adapted to direct the gas to a gas manifold which equalizes or substantially equalizes the pressurized gas provided by each gas supply canister and provides a single stream of gas. In one embodiment, the gas stream serves a dual purpose and in particular is provided to pressurize the drink supply canisters and to carbonate the water in the carbonation tank for the production of carbonated water. In another embodiment, the gas stream is used to carbonate the water in the carbonation tank and an independent gas pressurizer is provided to pressurize the drink supply canisters.
In one embodiment, the controller includes a computer and electronic components and connections. The computer includes at least one processor and one or more memory devices for storing data and at least one actuation program, routine or module. The actuation program provides the processor with instructions for controlling the operation (including the synchronization) of the drink supply and water supply actuators and valves for providing the correct brix ratios for different beverages. It should be appreciated that the actuation program will include the appropriate brix ratios for the different beverages adapted to be dispensed from the beverage dispenser of the present invention. It should also be appreciated that the controller or the beverage requester can include an input mechanism which enables a user to select the type of beverage being dispensed.
It should also be appreciated that the dispensing apparatus of the present invention can be adapted to communicate electronically with any computer dispensing apparatus or electronic network. In one embodiment, the computer of the controller can electronically communicate with an order processing dispensing apparatus through communication channels such as existing telephone lines, cable lines, wireless communications or the Internet as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/589,725.
The beverage dispensing apparatus of the present invention thereby enables users to produce and dispense carbonated and non-carbonated beverages from their refrigerators. The dispensing apparatus provides a relatively high degree of consistent control over fluid flow rates and fluid mixing. The dispensing apparatus achieves this level of control through the use of pressurized drink supply canisters and computer-controlled valve activation. In addition, the drink supply canisters and gas supply containers are constructed in such a manner so as to facilitate their standardization, manufacture and commercialization on a large scale basis.
It is therefore an advantage of the present invention to provide a beverage dispensing apparatus.
A further advantage of the present invention is to provide a beverage dispensing apparatus which dispenses a plurality of carbonated and non-carbonated drinks from a residential refrigerator.
Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a beverage dispensing apparatus for refrigerators which has reliable and consistent control over the flow of drink supply and water.
Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide a beverage dispensing apparatus for refrigerators which includes pressurized drink supply canisters allowing for a relatively high degree of control over drink flow.
Still another advantage of the present invention is to provide a beverage dispensing apparatus for refrigerators which has computer control over drink supply and water flow.
A further advantage of the present invention is to provide a beverage dispensing apparatus for refrigerators which is relatively convenient to use and maintain.
Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed disclosure, taken in conjunction with the accompanying sheets of drawings, wherein like numerals refer to like parts, elements, components, steps and processes.
Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to
As generally illustrated in
As further generally illustrated in
As mentioned above, other alternative embodiments of the beverage dispensing apparatus of the present do not include a fluid director. The drink supplier and the water supplier respectively, direct the drink supply from the appropriate drink supply canister and the carbonated or non-carbonated water directly into the beverage containers as discussed in more detail below.
In the embodiment shown in
As further illustrated in more detail in
In this embodiment, the drink supply canister access door 40 is connected to the securing member 48 in such a manner that: (a) the securing member 48 opens when the drink supply canister access door 40 opens; and (b) the securing member 48 closes when the drink supply canister access door 40 closes. When the securing member 48 and drink supply canister access door 40 are open, as shown in
As illustrated in
In the illustrated embodiment, when the securing member 48 closes, the canister receptacles 52a, 52b, 52c and 52d engage and fit over the drink supply canisters 24 to restrict their movement. Additionally, when the securing member 48 closes, the gas supplier valves 54a, 54b, 54c and 54d also depress the gas inlet valves (discussed below) in the drink supply canisters 24 to enable CO2 gas (or another pressurized gas such as air) to flow into and pressurize the drink supply canisters 24 as discussed in more detail below. It should further be appreciated that a suitable alternative apparatus or method may be employed to pressurize the drink supply containers as discussed below. For instance, the gas supplier valves may include direct gas injectors as discussed below.
In one embodiment, the drink supply canister holder 22 and the drink supply canisters 24 include co-acting mating members (not shown) which ensure that suitable drink supply canisters are used in connection with the beverage dispenser. The present invention contemplates that one mating member may be disposed on each drink supply canister and the other mating member for each drink supply canister is disposed on the drink supply canister holder 22, such as in the drink supply canister support 42. The mating members enable the drink supply canister holder 22 to receive only predetermined drink supply canisters 24, thereby ensuring that users use only appropriate drink supply canisters in the beverage dispenser of the present invention. In one example embodiment, the canister receptacles 50a to 50d and/or canister receptacles 52a to 52d have a predetermined or predefined shape (such as an irregular shape). In such case, one or both ends of the drink supply canisters 24 have co-acting or mating predetermined shapes which enable the drink supply canisters 24 to fit into such receptacles. It should be appreciated that the present invention contemplates a suitable adapter or converter which enables a non-mating drink supply canister to mate with the canister receptacles or to otherwise be installed in the beverage dispensing apparatus and particularly the drink supply canister holder of the present invention. These embodiments protect the integrity of the drink supply used by the beverage dispenser. It should be appreciated that the co-acting mating members could also limit the types of drinks dispensed from certain slots. This could. be employed such that only certain beverages can be dispensed from certain slots.
It should also be appreciated that the controller may be adapted to determine if a suitable drink supply canister is being used in the drink supply canister holder using sensors, switches or other suitable mechanisms which prevent the operation with incompatible drink supply canisters.
Referring now also to
In one embodiment of the present invention, the technique for filling drink supply canisters can be substantially the same as the technique presently used when filling soft drink cans, bottles or containers. Specifically, the cylindrical wall 62 and one end of the canister can be integrally formed, filled with drink supply and then capped by the other end of the canister which is press fit or otherwise attached to the cylindrical wall 62.
In other embodiments of the present invention, the gas inlet valve 64 or the drink supply outlet valve 66 can be used for drink supply filling purposes. The drink supply canister 24 can be filled with drink supply by routing drink supply through either of these valves. For instance, part or all of the gas inlet valve may serve as a dual purpose device. The initial purpose is as a filling device during the production and packaging process at the bottling facility. The second purpose is for facilitating the flow of CO2 or other pressurized gas into the drink supply canister to pressurize the canister. As discussed below, the CO2 gas or pressurized air is communicated through the inlet to provide pressure to the drink supply canister to facilitate consistent drink supply delivery at desired pressure and flow rates to the drink supply outlet valve 66.
In one embodiment, the gas inlet valve 64 is attached to, connected to or otherwise suitably formed in one surface and in one embodiment the top surface of the drink supply canister 24. One embodiment of the gas inlet valve 64 is a spring activated valve which is predisposed to be normally closed to prevent the flow of gas into or out of the drink supply canister 24. When the gas inlet valve 64 is depressed or actuated, gas flows through the gas inlet valve 64 into the drink supply canister 24. The gas inlet valve 64 illustrated in
In one embodiment, the drink supply outlet valve 66 is attached to, connected to or otherwise suitably formed in one surface and preferably the bottom surface of the drink supply canister 24 as illustrated in
In this embodiment of the drink outlet valve 66, one or more drink supply outlet valve actuators 78 are suitably mounted to the bottom of or adjacent to the drink canister support 42 to co-act with the drink supply outlet valves. The drink supply outlet valve actuators 78 can include any suitable mechanical or electro-mechanical actuating device, such as a solenoid 80 connected to an extension piston, pin or rod or other valve engager or engagement member 82. In the illustrated embodiment, when a user activates a beverage requester 36, the controller 38 (described below) causes the appropriate drink supply outlet valve actuator 78 to engage and displace spout 76 for a predetermined period of time, which in turn causes the drink supply to flow from the drink supply canister 24 as specifically illustrated in
One embodiment of the beverage dispenser of the present invention, as seen in
In one embodiment, the fluid director 34 is adapted to be removed from the refrigerator primarily to enable a user to clean the fluid director. In one embodiment of the present invention, the beverage dispenser 10 includes a fluid director access door 94 pivotally or otherwise movably connected to the exterior of freezer compartment door as generally illustrated in
The water supplier 26 provides carbonated and non-carbonated water for producing the beverages. In one embodiment, part of the water supplier is located in the lower portion of the refrigerator 12 as illustrated in
In operation, the water passes through the water filter 96 into the water pump 98. The water filter 96 preferably removes chlorine and moderate particles from the water to enhance and establish a consistent flavor of the water which is important for maintaining consistency in the dispensed beverages. It should be appreciated that other suitable water filter, filtration or purification systems may be used in conjunction with the present invention to provide a consistent taste to the beverages. The water pump 98 may be any suitable water pump such as a commercially available 115V AC pump which preferably regulates the water pressure to approximately ninety-five (95) pounds PSI. The water pump 98 pumps the water to the two-way water valve 100. The two-way water valve 100 directs the water to the holding tank 104 and the carbonation tank 106. The water pressure regulator 102 preferably decreases the water pressure in the holding tank 104 to a manageable water pressure of approximately fifty (50) PSI. The water pressure regulator may be any suitable regulator such as a commercially available 50 PSI regulator. It should be appreciated that the water pump may be connected to the water lines by suitable quick disconnect connections as illustrated in
The holding tank 104 preferably stores a sufficient supply of non-carbonated water. The refrigerator 12 maintains this reserve water supply at a relatively low temperature and preferably about forty-five (45) degrees Fahrenheit or less (but not less than thirty-eight (38) degrees Fahrenheit). In this embodiment, the water supply from the holding tank 104 is used if a user requests the dispensing apparatus to dispense non-carbonated water alone or if the dispensing apparatus 10 requires substantial amounts of non-carbonated water.
As illustrated in
The non-carbonated water from the holding tank 104 and the carbonated water from the carbonation tank 106 preferably pass through a cold transfer device 108 (or alternatively receive chilled water via the refrigerator reserve water supply (not shown), preferably chilled at thirty-eight (38) to forty-five (45) degrees Fahrenheit in separate fluid communication lines or conduits). The cold transfer device 108 decreases the temperature of the water so that the resulting mixture of the drink supply and carbonated water (i.e., the beverage) maintains a relatively high level of carbonation for optimal drinking enjoyment. In one embodiment, the cold transfer device 108 is a conventional device which includes one or more tubes or lines (not shown) which are routed through a conventional cooling device (not shown). Preferably, the tubes are constructed of aluminum or steel. The cold transfer device 108 may be constructed of any suitable size or shape, such as eight (8) inches by twelve (12) inches by two (2) inches.
In one embodiment, the carbonated water supply line 110 and the non-carbonated water supply line 112 are each separately mounted at least partially above the fluid director 34 and below the drink supply canister holder as illustrated in
In this embodiment, one carbonated water line and associated water valve and one non-carbonated water line and associated water valve is associated with each drink supply canister held by the drink supply canister holder. It should be appreciated that, at any one time only carbonated water or only non-carbonated water may be distributed to one or more designated slots for drink supply canisters because such containers are designated to produce only carbonated drinks or non-carbonated drinks, respectively.
When a user activates a beverage requester 36, the controller 38 sends a signal to the appropriate water valve actuator 118 to cause the appropriate carbonated water valve 114 or the appropriate non-carbonated water valve 116 associated with the desired drink supply canister to open. The water valve actuator 118 keeps the valve open for a predetermined time period, preferably simultaneous with the opening of the drink supply outlet valve in the drink supply canister as described herein. After such time period elapses, the actuator 118 causes or allows the appropriate valve 114 or 116 to close. As mentioned above, it should be appreciated that the beverage dispenser of the present invention could be adapted to open the drink supply outlet valve and the carbonated water valve or the non-carbonated water valve beginning simultaneously at the time the user activates the beverage requester and continuing until the user releases or deactivates the beverage dispenser. This embodiment enables the user to determine the amount of beverage, dispensed instead of predetermined or fixed amounts being dispensed.
In one alternative embodiment illustrated in
One embodiment of the present invention includes at least one and preferably a plurality of water dispensers for dispensing carbonated and non-carbonated water. The water dispensers facilitate and enhance the mixing process of the drink supply and the water, and particularly the consistency and quality of the water-drink supply mixture.
As illustrated in
In the embodiment of
In a further embodiment, as discussed below in relation to
As specifically illustrated in
In one alternative embodiment, the carbonated water lines and valves are connected to a single water dispenser (not shown). The water dispenser includes internal walls which form separate sections for each carbonated water valve. The non-carbonated water line and valves are also connected to a single water dispenser (not shown). This water dispenser includes internal walls which form separate sections for each non-carbonated water valve. In a further alternative embodiment, a plurality of water rings (not shown) are connected or joined, forming a single member which distributes water in the same manner as if the water rings were separated. In a further alternative embodiment, the water dispenser includes opposing water injectors connected to the valves which direct carbonated and non-carbonated water in the appropriate direction to mix with the drink supply from the drink supply canisters.
It should be appreciated that the water dispenser or water tube of the present invention does not have to be circular, cylindrical or substantially cylindrical. The water tube of the present invention may be any suitable shape. For instance, the water tube 124c may not be completely circular as illustrated in
The gas supplier, in one embodiment of the beverage dispenser, facilitates the steady and consistent dispensing of the drink supply from the drink supply canister. As dispensing occurs, the gas supplier ensures that the drink supply flow rate out of the drink supply canister does not substantially change even though the volume of drink supply in the drink supply canister is steadily decreasing. The gas supplier applies a pressure to the inside of the drink supply canisters which is controlled by one or more regulators which adjust the gas pressure as necessary to produce this steady drink supply flow rate. The control over the flow rate enables the beverage dispenser of the present invention to control the brix or ratio of drink supply and carbonated or non-carbonated water.
One embodiment of the gas supplier 28 of the beverage dispenser 10 includes one or more, and preferably a plurality of gas, supply canisters 126 which contain CO2 gas, as generally illustrated in
In one embodiment, the gas supply canisters 126 hold one hundred (100) grams or less, and preferably seventy-eight (78) grams or less of CO2 gas. Certain shipping regulations allow a plurality of CO2 supply canisters, each holding seventy-eight (78) grams or less of CO2, to be shipped in the same box or package. Thus, in this embodiment, several CO2 gas supply canisters can be shipped to a user in a single package. It should be appreciated that the gas supply canister size, shape and material can vary to accommodate various shipping regulations and manufacturing and distribution methods.
In the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in
In the embodiment illustrated in
In another embodiment illustrated in
In one step, by inserting the pack of connected gas supply canisters 126 into the gas supply canister holder 128, the user opens all of the gas supply canister valves 130a and gas manifold valves 138a. After the pack is connected to the manifold 132a, the gas flows from the gas supply canisters 126 into the gas manifold 132a.
In one embodiment, the gas pressure regulator 134 is a conventional regulator adapted to reduce CO2 gas pressure to levels in the approximate pressure range between ten (10) and eighty (80) PSI. The two-way gas valve 136 is connected to gas lines 142a and 142b. Gas line 142a communicates gas to the drink supply canisters 24, and gas line 142b communicates gas to the water supplier 26.
Referring back to
In one embodiment further illustrated in
To enable the drink supply canister securing member 48 to open and close, gas feed lines 146a, 146b, 146c and 146d are preferably any suitable flexible communication line such as a rubber, polymer or coiled aluminum connector or hose. Alternatively, the connection between gas line 142a and gas conduits 146a to 146d can be any suitable rotatable or movable connection. It should also be appreciated that the drink supply canister holder may be alternatively constructed such that the gas feed lines are stationary and the drink supply canisters are positioned to engage the feed lines.
As illustrated in
As mentioned above, gas line 142b is connected to the carbonation tank 106, to direct CO2 gas to produce carbonated water. As described above, the interaction of the CO2 gas and non-carbonated water creates carbonated water in a conventional manner.
In the alternative embodiment illustrated in
It should further be appreciated from
As illustrated in
In an alternative embodiment, a gas supply canister (not shown) is directly connected to each drink supply canister. The gas supply canister can be connected to the drink supply canister in any suitable fashion, such as a press fit, threadable engagement or a suitable connection. In addition, the connection can involve suitable valves constructed within the drink supply canister and the gas supply canister. In this embodiment, a separate supply of gas can be used for producing the carbonated water. This gas supply can be connected directly to the carbonation tank.
As illustrated in
In one embodiment, the drink supply outlet valve actuator 78 includes an extension rod 82 extending from a solenoid adapted to engage the spout 76 to cause the sealing member 74 to unseat as indicated above and illustrated in
The drink supply outlet valve and the drink supply outlet valve actuator co-act to cause the appropriate amount of drink supply to be dispensed. It should be appreciated that alternative embodiments of the drink supply outlet valve and the drink supply outlet valve actuator may be employed in the beverage dispenser in accordance with the present invention. One such alternative embodiment is illustrated in
One embodiment of the present invention includes a controller 38 including a computer and electronic components and connections as illustrated in
In one embodiment, the memory devices 158 are adapted to store data and at least one actuator program. The actuator program provides the processor 158 with instructions for controlling the operation of the valve actuators. The actuator program enables the processor to synchronize the operation of the actuators which controls the opening and closing of the valves in response to inputs. An input could be, for example, a signal generated when a user activates or pushes one of the beverage requestors 36. The actuator program also provides the processor with instructions for controlling the duration during which various valves remain open.
It should be appreciated that the dispensing apparatus of the present invention can be adapted to receive and store data associated with predetermined drink supplies or beverages. The processor 156 can use this data in conjunction with the actuator program to produce beverages in accordance with predetermined specifications. For example, certain beverages may require different percentages of drink supply and carbonated water, certain beverages may require different percentages of drink supply and non-carbonated water, and certain beverages may require different percentages of drink supply and carbonated and non-carbonated water (to vary the level of carbonation). This information or data can be loaded and stored in the memory device for the production of specific beverages.
In the embodiment where the beverage dispenser includes an input device such as a touch screen, the beverage dispensing system of the present invention may enable a user to input the type of drink supply and the position of the drink supply such that the controller knows or can determine the appropriate brix ratio. It should be appreciated that the present invention can alternatively include at least one reader or sensor (not shown) for determining the type of drink supply from a label or other readable device on the drink supply canister.
In one further embodiment of the present invention, the beverage dispenser includes an optical sensor or any other suitable type of sensor (not shown). The sensor is connected to the controller. The sensor detects when a cup or beverage container is in the beverage container compartment. If the beverage container is at a position in the compartment, the controller will enable the valve actuators to function. This prevents the valve actuators from causing the drink supply and the water to be dispensed when a beverage cup or beverage container is not present in the beverage dispensing compartment or in the correct position in the beverage dispensing compartment. Referring back to the embodiment illustrated in
In one alternative embodiment of the present invention, illustrated in
In another embodiment illustrated in
Similarly, it should be appreciated that the fluid director access door may be alternatively constructed for the embodiment including the fluid director. For instance, the fluid director access door may be connected to a drawer member (not shown). The drawer member may be horizontally and slidably mounted within the refrigerator. The fluid director is supported by the drawer member and fits within one or more slots included in the drawer member. When a user pulls out the drawer member, the fluid director becomes accessible to a user. A user can remove the fluid director from the drawer member, clean it and replace it.
It should also be appreciated that the fluid director may take alternative forms. In one example alternative embodiment illustrated in
In another alternative embodiment illustrated in
One alternative embodiment of the present invention includes a gas injector adapted to directly inject the CO2 gas or other suitable gas into the drink supply canisters to adequately pressurize the drink supply canisters as generally illustrated in
In one embodiment illustrated in
Referring now to
When a user provides an input, for example, by pushing one of the beverage requestors 36, the controller sends a signal to the appropriate valve actuators for causing the appropriate valves to open for predetermined periods of time, causing the drink supply and water to flow into at least one channel 84 of the fluid director 34, as indicated by block 172. The drink supply-water mixture flows through channel 84 and into a beverage container 32, as indicated by block 174. A user can then drink and enjoy the desired beverage, as indicated by block 176. It should be appreciated that the same general process will apply to the embodiments without the fluid director, wherein the drink supply and carbonated or non-carbonated water are mixed on the fly and directed into the beverage container.
It should also be appreciated that the beverage requestors could alternatively enable the user to control the volume of beverage dispensed by the amount of time the user activates the beverage dispenser (such by pushing a mechanical beverage requester button) or by inputting a volume amount (such as selecting one of a four (4) ounce beverage container indicator, eight (8) ounce beverage container indicator, twenty (20) ounce beverage container indicator, or twenty-four (24) ounce beverage container indicator on a beverage requester in the form of an input screen or touch screen.
As mentioned above and as generally illustrated in
Generally, the beverage dispenser or beverage dispensing apparatus 10a of this embodiment of the present invention includes: (a) a drink supplier including a drink supply canister holder or frame 22a for holding or maintaining at least one and preferably a plurality of drink supply canisters 24 and drink supply valve actuators 78 for causing the drink supply to be selectively released from the drink supply canisters 24; (b) a water supplier 26 for selectively supplying carbonated water and non-carbonated water for mixing or making the beverages; (c) a gas supplier 28a for supplying CO2 gas to carbonate the carbonated water provided by the water supplier 26, and for supplying CO2 gas or other pressurized air for pressurizing the drink supply canisters 24; (d) a beverage container compartment 30 for holding one or more beverage collectors or containers 32 (such as a glass, cup or pitcher); (e) a controller (not shown) for controlling and tracking the dispensing of drink supply and carbonated or non-carbonated water; and (f) one or more suitable beverage requesters (not shown). In the embodiment illustrated in
Generally, in operation, after the user installs the drink supply canisters 24, the gas inlet valve 64 associated with each drink supply canister 24 causes the CO2 gas to flow from the gas supplier 28a into the drink supply canisters 24. This pressurizes the drink supply canisters 24. When a user desires to obtain a beverage, the user makes the user's request through the appropriate beverage requester 37a, 37b, 37c or 37d which is connected to or in communication with the controller. Upon receiving a beverage dispense signal, the controller causes the drink supply outlet valve actuator (not shown) to cause the drink supply outlet valve (not shown) associated with the appropriate drink supply canister 24 to open to dispense the appropriate amount of drink supply from that drink supply canister 24. This drink supply stream is directed downward into the beverage container 32. Simultaneously, the controller causes the water supplier 26 to direct the appropriate amount of carbonated or non-carbonated water through the appropriate water dispenser into the stream of the drink supply and into the same beverage container 32 as specifically illustrated in phantom in
In one embodiment, as seen in
It should be appreciated that the drink supply canister holder can be constructed in several alternative manners. In one alternative embodiment generally illustrated in
In the embodiment of the drink supply canister holder 22b illustrated in
A further alternative embodiment of the drink supply canister holder or frame is illustrated in
A further alternative embodiment of the drink supply canister holder or frame is illustrated in
As described above, the water supplier provides carbonated and non-carbonated water for mixing the beverages. In one embodiment illustrated in
As described earlier, the carbonated water line 110a and non-carbonated water line 112a can be connected to water rings in such a manner that the water rings are positioned between carbonated water line 110a and non-carbonated water line 112a. In this embodiment, however, the water ring 124 includes two connections for the water lines which are separated by less than one hundred eighty (180) degrees along the circumference of the water ring 124, and preferably less than ninety (90) degrees. Accordingly, the water lines 110a and 112a can be positioned adjacent to one side of the water rings 124b with relatively little space separating the carbonated water line 110a and the non-carbonated water line 112a as illustrated in
As best illustrated in
In one alternative embodiment of the present invention best illustrated in
In the illustrated embodiment, the drink supply outlet valve actuator 78a includes a motor 206 and a worm gear 208 attached to the motor 206. In operation, when the controller sends an “open” or “on” signal to the drink supply outlet valve actuator 78a, the motor 206 in turn causes the worm gear 15208 to rotate. The worm gear 208 which engages the rotatable member 204 in turn causes the rotatable member to rotate to the open position. As the rotatable member 204 rotates, the rotatable valve 66b opens, and pressurized drink supply flows out of the drink supply canister 24a for a predetermined period of time. When this time period elapses, the controller sends a “Close” or “Off’ signal to the actuator 78a, and the motor 206 causes the worm gear 208 to rotate in the opposite direction to close the rotatable valve 66b, stopping the flow of the pressurized drink supply. Though only one actuator 78a is illustrated in
It should be appreciated that the dispensing apparatus of the present invention, and particularly the controller of the beverage dispensing apparatus can be adapted to communicate electronically with any suitable computer distribution system or electronic network. In one embodiment, the controller electronically communicates with an order processing system through communication channels such as telephone lines, cable lines, wireless communications and the Internet. The order processing system is capable of receiving and processing orders which the controller transmits to the order processing system. Such orders relate, for instance, to supplies of drink supply canisters or gas supply canisters, needed repairs and related delivery and distribution information. Other services may also be provided or facilitated by the controller.
The beverage dispenser of the present invention accordingly enables users to conveniently dispense carbonated and non-carbonated beverages from residential refrigerators. This beverage dispenser has a high degree of reliability and convenience because of its use of pressurable drink supply canisters and computer-controlled valve actuators. Users can conveniently install drink supply canisters and gas supply containers into the dispensing apparatus. The embodiment including the fluid director enables the users to conveniently maintain and clean the dispensing apparatus by providing a removable fluid director which can be cleaned in a dishwasher. The embodiment in which the drink supply container directly dispenses drink supply, preferably through the water dispenser or water ring, provides a beverage dispenser which does not need to be regularly cleaned because the dispensed liquids (i.e., water and drink supply) are directly dispensed into the drink containers. Furthermore, such embodiment not only eliminates cleaning activities but does so without compromising the quality of the water-drink supply mixing process. This embodiment includes a water dispenser which facilitates effective fluid mixing on the fly. It should be appreciated that the present invention may be implemented in other appliances, in counter top beverage dispensing apparatus and in commercial refrigerator and beverage dispensing apparatus.
An alternative embodiment of the drink supply canister is illustrated in
This drink supply canister 310 includes a body 312, an opening (not shown) in the body and a valve assembly member 314 removably connected to the body 312 at the opening. The valve assembly member 314 includes a body or multi-valve support 316, a drink supply outlet valve 318 connected to the multi-valve support 316 and a gas inlet valve 320 connected to the multi-valve support 316. The valve assembly member 314 also includes a cover 322 connected to the multi-valve support 316, preferably through a snap-fit connection.
The multi-valve support 316 includes a wall 316a having an inner threaded surface 316b which co-acts with a threaded surface at the opening of the body 312 to facilitate the removable connection of the valve assembly member 314 to the body 312. Multi-valve support 316 also includes a valve support member 316c, such as a wall, which supports the drink supply outlet valve 318 and the gas inlet valve 320 and secures such valves to the multi-valve support 316. The valve support member 316c includes a wall 316d which defines an opening for receiving the gas inlet valve 320. It should be appreciated that the valve assembly member 314 can be permanently connected to the body 312. In such embodiment, the multi-valve support 316, and specifically wall 316a, is preferably molded as an integral part of the body 312, functioning as a permanent drop band or neck of the drink supply canister 310.
In any case, the drink supply outlet valve 318 is moveable between a closed position illustrated in
Referring to
Sealing member 324b is rigidly connected to the inner surface 324a of the director 324 by support members 328. The support members 328 mount the sealing member 324b to the director 324, and the support members 328 also define a plurality of passageways or openings through which drink supply can flow. The sealing member 324b preferably includes a sealing surface 324d which, depending upon the position of the closure member 326, can seal or unseal the opening in the closure member 326 which is described below. In another embodiment (not shown), sealing member 324b does not include sealing surface 324d. In such embodiment, the sealing member has a flat or other suitably shaped upper sealing surface which can seal and unseal the opening in the closure member 326 by engaging the skirt or wall 326c of the closure member which is described below.
The closure member 326 of drink supply outlet valve 318 is adapted to engage and disengage director 324. Closure member 326 is preferably a rotatable engaging member, such as a rotatable sleeve. When director 324 and closure member 326 engage, the drink supply outlet valve 318 is closed and drink supply does not flow through the drink supply outlet valve 318. When director 324 and closure member 326 disengage, the drink supply outlet valve 318 is open, and drink supply flows through the drink supply outlet valve 318.
In the illustrated embodiment, the closure member 326 includes an inner threaded surface 326a, an outer surface 326b and a skirt or wall 326c which defines an opening through which drink supply can flow. When director 324 is engaged with closure member 326, the sealing surface 324d of the sealing member 324b seals the opening defined by wall 326c, which prevents drink supply from flowing from the drink supply canister 310. When director 324 and closure member 326 disengage, the opening defined by wall 326c is not sealed, and drink supply flows from the drink supply canister 310.
In one embodiment, sealing member 324b is a dome-shaped rod having a diameter greater than the diameter of the opening defined by wall 326c. When this larger sized rod engages the opening, the opening is obstructed or blocked, preventing the flow of drink supply from the drink supply container 310. When rotatable closure member 326 is rotated to a particular location relative to the fixed director 324, the drink supply outlet valve is open, as best illustrated in
Closure member 326 also includes a plurality of teeth or gears 326d formed on its outer surface 326b. As described below, when the drink supply canister 310 is mounted in the drink supply canister holder, a drink supply outlet valve actuator engages the teeth or gears 326d and rotates closure member 326 clockwise or counterclockwise, thereby controlling the flow of drink supply from the drink supply canister 310.
The gas inlet valve 320, also mounted to the valve support member 316c, includes a securing member 330 which connects and secures the gas inlet valve 320 to the valve support member 316c. The gas inlet valve 320 also includes a body 332 defining a pocket or cavity and at least one, and preferably a plurality of flexible finger members, flaps or walls 334 connected to the body 332. The flexible finger members, flaps or walls 334 can also be included in the body 332, for example as separate portions of the body 332 integrally formed therein. In one embodiment (not shown), the gas inlet valve includes a body defining two walls formed by a single slit or cut in the body of the gas inlet valve. In another embodiment (not shown), the gas inlet valve includes a body defining one cylindrical wall preferably formed by lancing or poking the body of the gas inlet valve.
Each wall 334 has an inner surface 334a, an outer surface 334b and one or more edges 334c. The walls 334 and edges 334c are biased toward each other by the natural resiliency of the wall material. The inner surfaces 334a are constructed to withstand the gas pressure applied by the gas suppler, described below. The outer surface 334b are constructed to withstand the gas pressure applied by the gas pressure inside the drink supply canister 310. The differences, if any, between the pressures applied to the inner surface 334a and the outer surface 334b determines whether or not the gas inlet valve 320 will open, as described below.
The walls 334, and particularly the edges 334a of the walls 334, are constructed and formed in such a manner that the walls 334 and edges 334a are predisposed and biased to engage one another. When the edges 334a engage one another, this forms a seal which prevents gas from flowing out of the gas inlet valve 320. In one embodiment, the gas inlet valve 320 is constructed through molding of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) material, and after the gas inlet valve 320 is molded, the walls 334 are constructed by making a plurality of cuts or slits in the body 332 of the gas inlet valve 320. It should be appreciated however, that gas inlet valve 320 can be constructed of any suitable resiliently flexible material, such as silicon rubber, and the walls 334 can have any suitable shape and any suitable number of edges.
The body 332 of the gas inlet valve 320 defines a pressurizable reservoir or cavity for containing the gas provided by the gas supplier which is described below. When the gas pressure in this cavity exceeds the gas pressure in the drink supply canister 310, the pressure applied to the inner surface 324a causes the walls 334 to bend or flex outwardly. When they flex outwardly, the edges 334c disengage one another, forming an opening. Gas then flows from the gas supplier into the drink supply canister 310. It should be appreciated that the walls 334, alone or in conjunction with the body 332, can define the pressurizable reservoir or cavity for containing the gas provided by the gas supplier.
The edges 334 remain disengaged and the gas inlet valve 320 remains open until the gas pressure in the drink supply container 310 increases to a pressure level which is equal to or greater than the pressure level in the cavity of the gas inlet valve 320. At that point, the gas pressure in the drink supply container 310 applied to the outer surface 326b of the gas inlet valve 320 causes the walls 334 to bend or flex inwardly until the edges 334c engage each other, thereby closing the gas inlet valve 320.
The securing member 330 of the gas inlet valve 320 secures and attaches the gas inlet valve 320 to the valve support member 316c of the multi-valve support 316. Also, as described below, the securing member co-acts with a gas conduit which supplies gas to the gas inlet valve 320. The securing member 330 includes an outer member 330a which prevents the gas inlet valve 320 from sliding into the drink supply canister 310, and the gas inlet valve 320 includes an inner member 330b which prevents the gas inlet valve from sliding out of the drink supply canister 310. The securing member 330 functions as a locking member which, through the outer member 330a and the inner member 330b, locks the gas inlet valve 320 to the valve support member 316c of the multi-valve support 316.
Also, the securing member 330 defines an opening which receives gas conduit 336. In one embodiment, the opening in securing member 330 is equal to or slightly smaller in diameter than the diameter of the gas conduit 336. Here, the diameter of the opening relative to the gas conduit 336 causes a seal to form at the opening when the gas inlet valve 320 is forced onto the gas conduit 336. It is preferable that gas inlet valve 320 is adapted to be connected to gas conduit 336 through a removable, press-fit connection.
To facilitate such a removable connection, in one embodiment, the outer member 330a includes a bevel edge (not shown) which defines the opening for receiving the gas inlet valve. The beveled edge facilitates the direction of the gas inlet valve 330 onto the gas conduit 336. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments the securing member 330 can include any alternate suitable member or members which secure the gas inlet valve 320 to the multi-valve support 316 and which enable the gas inlet valve 320 to be removably inserted into the gas conduit 336.
It should also be appreciated that drink supply canister 310 can include any suitable gas inlet valve other than gas inlet valve 320, such as any suitable resealable valve. Preferably, the gas inlet valve enables gas, conduit 336 to be connected to and disconnected from the gas inlet valve through a push-pull action or sliding action.
As described earlier, during the operation of the beverage dispensing apparatus of the present invention, the volume of drink supply in the drink supply canister steadily decreases. With the drink supply canister inverted, the drink supply produces a head pressure or pressure at the drink supply outlet valve. This pressure begins at a maximum level when the drink supply canister is full and steadily decreases as the volume of drink supply flows from the drink supply outlet valve.
The gas inlet valve 320 enables the beverage dispensing apparatus of the present invention to offset this decrease in pressure and maintain a relatively constant, predetermined pressure inside the drink supply canister 310. The presence of this constant pressure inside drink supply canister 310 facilities control over the quantity of drink supply provided for each mixed beverage. Also, such constant pressure generally facilitates the overall quality control over the beverage production process.
The drink supply canister of this embodiment both distributes drink supply and receives a gas supply all at one end of the drink supply canister. The drink supply canister includes a drink supply outlet valve which can be rotatably opened and closed by a drink supply outlet valve actuator. The drink supply canister also includes a resealable gas inlet valve which opens and closes based in part upon the internal gas pressure in the drink supply canister. The gas inlet valve includes a plurality of flexible walls which are biased toward each other. When the gas pressure in the drink supply canister falls below a certain level, the walls outwardly flex forming an opening for the supply of gas to the drink supply canister. Once the gas pressure in the drink supply canister is increased to a certain level, the walls flex inwardly and engage each other, stopping the supply of gas to the drink supply canister. This gas inlet valve enables the gas supplier to maintain a substantially constant gas pressure inside the drink supply canister even though the gas inlet valve does not include an electronic actuator or any other electronic parts.
Referring now to
In the illustrated embodiment, each compartment 344 is pivotally connected to a housing 372 which facilitates a user's insertion and removal of drink supply canisters 310. Each compartment 344 has at least one side wall 344a which defines a slot. The slot assists users in inserting a drink supply canister 310 into the compartment 344. Also, each compartment 344 includes front and back walls 344b and a lower wall (not shown) which defines an opening for receiving valve assembly member 314. A user can outwardly tilt a compartment 344, insert a drink supply canister 310 and inwardly tilt the compartment 344. In doing so, the valve assembly member 314 is inserted into housing 342, and the gas inlet valve 320 of the drink supply canister 310 is forced or directed onto the gas conduit 336.
In one embodiment, the lower wall of the compartment 344 includes a plurality of circular walls which guide the proper insertion of the drink supply canister 310 in the compartment 344. It should be appreciated that the drink supply canister holder of the present invention can include any suitable compartments other than compartments 344. For example, in other embodiments, the compartments can have any suitable shape, including a cylindrical shape, and the compartments need not be pivotable.
In the illustrated embodiment, the gas conduit 336 includes a body 336a and a stopping member 336b. Stopping member 336b ensures that a predetermined portion of the body 336a extends into the gas inlet valve 320 when a user installs the gas supply canister 310 into the drink supply canister holder 338. In one embodiment, the body 336a has a bevel-shaped or dome-shaped end which facilitates the insertion of the gas inlet valve 320 onto the gas conduit 336. In another embodiment, the gas conduit 336 is supported by one or more support members (not shown) which prevent the gas conduit from moving or bending when the drink supply canister 310 is installed in the drink supply canister holder 338. Such support member or members rigidly connect the gas conduit 336 to the housing 342.
In this embodiment, gas conduit 336 delivers gas which is provided from a gas supply canister 346. Gas supply canister 346 is connected to a gas pressure regulator 348 which is connected to an on/off gas valve 350. The gas valve 350 is connected to a gas line 352 which is connected to a plurality of gas conduits 336, one for each of the drink supply canisters 310. The gas pressure regulator 348 maintains the gas pressure in the gas line 352 at a substantially constant predetermined pressure. The gas valve 350 controls whether or not gas flows through the gas line 352 and to the gas conduits 336. Though in this embodiment the gas supplier includes a gas supply canister, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments the gas can be provided to the drink supply canisters by any alternate suitable gas supplier.
When a user installs the drink supply canister 310 in the beverage dispensing apparatus of the present invention, the gas inlet valve 320 of the drink supply canister 310 is directed onto the gas conduit 336. After the user installs the drink supply canister 310, a controller (not shown) causes the gas valve 350 to open which causes gas to flow through gas line 352 and to gas conduit 336. Gas then flows into the gas inlet valve 320. As described above, whenever the pressure level inside the drink supply canister 310 deviates from the pressure level in the gas line 352 to a certain degree, the gas inlet valve 320 opens for a length of time. The gas inlet valve 320 closes when the two pressure levels in the gas line 352 and drink supply canister 310 are substantially the same. Therefore, by setting the pressure level in the gas line 352 to a desired level (using the gas pressure regulator 348), the pressure level in the drink supply canister 310 is also set to that desired pressure level.
Housing 342 houses a drink supply valve actuator 356 which actuates the drink supply outlet valve 318, a carbonated water valve 358 and a non-carbonated water valve 360 (both of which are connected to a water dispenser 362), and two water valve actuators 364 which separately actuate the carbonated water valve 358 and the non-carbonated water valve 360. The drink supply valve actuator 356 actuates the drink supply outlet valve 318, causing the drink supply outlet valve 318 to open and close in response to beverage requests as described above. In one embodiment, the drink supply valve actuator 356 includes a motor 366 coupled to a worm gear 368 which is adapted to engage the outer surface 326b of the closure member 326. Specifically, the worm gear 368 mates with the teeth 326d of the closure member 326, causing the closure member 326 to rotate to the open or closed positions.
A stop member 370 is connected to the end of the worm gear 368, preferably to guide the free end and to prevent the free end of the gear from engaging other components within the housing 342 when the worm gear 368 is rotating. Stop member 370 is preferably shaped as a disk, though stop member 370 can have any suitable shape. Depending upon which electrical signal the controller sends to motor 366, drink supply valve actuator 356 can open or close drink supply outlet valve 318 by driving and rotating worm gear 368a predetermined amount or for a predetermine length of time in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction.
Each of the water valve actuators 364 are connected to the carbonated water valves 358 and the non-carbonated water valves 360. The water valve actuators 364 control the opening and closing of these valves which controls the flow of carbonated and non-carbonated water to the water dispenser 362. Carbonated water is supplied to each carbonated water valve 358 through the carbonated water line 372. Non-carbonated water is supplied to each non-carbonated water valve 360 through non-carbonated water line 374. The carbonated water valve 358 and non-carbonated water valve 360 are both connected to the water dispenser 362 for distributing water through the water dispenser 362 into a beverage collector.
In one embodiment, the water dispenser 362 is a water ring having a plurality of openings or orifices 362a as described above. Depending upon which signal the controller sends, the water valve actuators 364 can cause carbonated water or non-carbonated water to flow into the water dispenser 362. The water (carbonated or non-carbonated) which flows into water dispenser 362, flows out of orifices 362a, into the drink supply stream 376 and into the beverage collector 378.
With reference to
The drink supply canister holder, in this embodiment, enables a user to conveniently install and remove drink supply canisters in the beverage dispensing apparatus of the present invention. By outwardly tilting a compartment, the user can insert a drink supply canister into the compartment. When the user inwardly tilts the compartment, the user causes a gas conduit to be connected to the drink supply canister. The gas conduit connects to the gas inlet valve of the drink supply canister. The operation of the gas inlet valve maintains a substantially constant predetermined pressure inside the drink supply canister. When a user pushes a beverage requestor, a drink supply valve actuator actuates the drink supply outlet valve, causing the closure member of the drink supply outlet valve to rotate. This rotation causes drink supply to flow from the drink supply canister through the center of the water dispenser and into the beverage collector. The drink supply combines with the water, as described above, and the beverage is then ready for consumption.
As the user consumes drink supply from time to time, the volume of drink supply in the drink supply canister decreases. Though the volume of drink supply decreases, the gas pressure inside the drink supply canister is substantially constant because the gas inlet valve causes gas to flow into the drink supply canister whenever the internal pressure of the drink supply canister falls below a predetermined pressure level. This type of drink supply canister and drink supply canister holder is advantageous because it is reliable, robust and relatively simple to operate and maintain.
While the present invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the claims. It is thus to be understood that modifications and variations in the present invention may be made without departing from the novel aspects of this invention as defined in the claims, and that this application is to be limited only by the scope of the claims.
This application is a continuation of and claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/419,399 filed May 19, 2006, which in turn is a continuation of and claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/137,608 filed May 1, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,367,480, which, in turn, is a continuation-in-part of and claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/010,108, filed Nov. 30, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,857,541, which is a continuation-in-part of and claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/589,725, filed Jun. 8, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,751,525. This application is related to and hereby incorporates by reference the following commonly owned patent applications: “APPLIANCE HAVING A USER INTERFACE PANEL AND A BEVERAGE DISPENSER,” Ser. No. 12/817,680; and “APPLIANCE WITH DISPENSER”, Ser. No. 12/845,331.
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