Patent Application
20170197817
Field
Embodiments of the present invention relate to post-mix dispensers to dispense beverage liquid concentrates from a self-pressurized container, e.g., a bag-on-valve container, as a component source.
Background
Post-mix dispensers are typically limited to dispensing syrup or liquid concentrates from a bag-in-box package. The syrup or concentrate is introduced into the system through the use of a pump or a pressurized tank, e.g., CO2. Thus, a typical post-mix system requires a great deal of components and technical understanding to set up and maintain the system.
One aspect of the invention permits a post-mix dispensing system that can deliver beverage liquid concentrates from a self-pressurized container. A further aspect of the invention includes connecting a self-pressurized container to post-mix equipment for the purpose of dispensing beverage flavor concentrates including, but not limited to, flavor shots, carbonated soft drinks, tea concentrate, coffee, lemonade, and other types of beverages. The dispensed beverage can be hot or cold.
In one aspect of the invention, the post-mix beverage dispensing system includes a nozzle, a diluent conduit in fluid communication with the nozzle, a concentrate conduit in fluid communication with the nozzle, a flow control valve in, fluid communication with the concentrate conduit and a source conduit, and a self-pressurized concentrate source. The self-pressurized concentrate source can be connected to the source conduit by a connector and can include a concentrate chamber containing a beverage concentrate, a pressurized outer container surrounding the concentrate chamber and exerting a pressure on the concentrate chamber, and a valve assembly in fluid communication with an interior of the concentrate chamber, such that the connector opens the valve assembly. In one aspect of the invention, the concentrate chamber is a bag. Other embodiments of self-pressurized systems commonly known to those skilled in the art, such as piston cup containers, can also be used. The beverage concentrate and a diluent can mix at the nozzle to dispense a beverage.
In a further aspect of the invention, a method for dispensing a beverage from a post-mix beverage dispensing system can include connecting a self-pressurized concentrate source to a connector, the connector being in fluid communication with a dispensing nozzle. The pressurized concentrate source can include a concentrate chamber containing a beverage concentrate, a pressurized outer container surrounding the concentrate chamber and exerting a pressure on the concentrate chamber, and a valve assembly in fluid communication with an interior of the concentrate chamber, such that the connector opens the valve assembly to provide the beverage concentrate to the source conduit. The method further includes mixing the beverage concentrate and a diluent at the dispensing nozzle to dispense a beverage.
In another aspect of the invention, a method of retrofitting a post-mix beverage dispensing system with a self-pressurized concentrate source can include connecting a connector to a source conduit, the source conduit being in fluid communication with a dispensing nozzle, and connecting a self-pressurized concentrate source to the connector. The pressurized concentrate source can include a concentrate chamber containing a beverage concentrate, a pressurized outer container surrounding the concentrate chamber and exerting a pressure on the concentrate chamber, and a valve assembly in fluid communication with an interior of the concentrate chamber, such that the connector opens the valve assembly to provide the beverage concentrate to the source conduit. The retrofit post-mix beverage dispensing system can mix the beverage concentrate and a diluent at the dispensing nozzle to dispense a bevel age.
Further features and advantages of embodiments of the invention, as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the invention, are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is noted that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein. Such embodiments are presented herein for illustrative purposes only. Additional embodiments will be apparent to a person skilled in the relevant arts(s) based on the teachings contained herein.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the invention and to enable a person skilled in the relevant art(s) to make and use the invention.
Features and advantages of the embodiments will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which like reference characters identify corresponding elements throughout.
The present invention(s) will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. References to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “an exemplary embodiment”, etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.
In one aspect of the invention, a beverage liquid concentrate self-pressurized bag-on-valve container can be connected into a post mix system, the internal pressure from the bag-on-valve system permits the liquid concentrate to be introduced into the post-mix system for dispensing at the nozzle. Upon connection to the system, the bag-on-valve output valve is opened, thus allowing liquid concentrate to flow into the system. Such a configuration simplifies the post-mix system and enables one without technical knowledge or expertise to provide beverages from liquid concentrate. Use of a beverage liquid concentrate, in a self-pressurized bag-on-valve container also eliminates the need for a delivery pump or pressurized cylinder to propel the liquid concentrate.
The beverage liquid concentrate in a self-pressurized bag-on-valve container also provides for the ability to extend the yield and shelf life on beverage products as the liquid concentrate is isolated from the gas and pressurization contained within the bag-on-valve container. Current bag-in-box systems expose the beverage liquid concentrates to the atmosphere which causes more rapid oxidation of the syrup within.
The system also provides for beverage dispensing without the need for an electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic power source to draw the liquid concentrate from its container into the beverage dispensing system.
An aspect of the present invention will now be described with reference to
Beverage dispensing system 10 can utilize a conventional bag-on-valve container to supply self-pressurized beverage liquid concentrate. As shown in
Self-pressurized concentrate source 200 also includes valve assembly 230 located at the top portion of outer container 220. Valve assembly 230 retains beverage liquid concentrate 212 within self-pressurized concentrate source 200. The valve within valve assembly 230 permits beverage liquid concentrate 212 to be dispensed upon connection into beverage dispensing system 10. In one aspect of the invention, valve assembly 230 includes a push valve.
In a typical filling process, concentrate chamber 210, attached to valve assembly 230, is inserted into outer container 220. Next, outer container 220 is pressurized and valve assembly 230 is crimped onto outer container 220, thus retaining the pressure within outer container 220. In one aspect of the invention, outer container 220 can be an approximately 14.5 fluid ounce container that is pressurized to approximately 45 psi. Concentrate chamber 210 can then be pressure filled with beverage liquid concentrate 210. In one aspect, after pressure filling concentrate chamber 210, internal pressure within outer container 220 can be approximately 120 psi. After a weight and pressure check, self-pressurized concentrate source 200 is ready for transport and/or use in beverage dispensing system 10.
Referring now to
Connector 300 can also include a valve activation device 320 that engages the valve stem 232 within valve assembly 230 to release beverage liquid concentrate 212 from within concentrate chamber 210. Valve activation device 320 can include a through bore through which beverage liquid concentrate 212 can flow. In one aspect of the invention, attachment of connector 300 to self-pressurized concentrate source 200 pushes a proximal portion 322 of valve activation device 320 into valve stem 232, thus releasing beverage liquid concentrate 212 from within concentrate chamber 210. Valve activation device 320 can be attached to sealing collar 310 with fasteners 302. In this aspect, connector 300 can include a gasket between valve activation device 320 and sealing collar 310. In an alternate aspect, sealing collar 310 and valve activation device 320 can, be formed as a unitary piece.
Connector 300 can be connected to beverage dispensing system 10 through transfer shaft 330. IL one aspect of the invention, transfer shaft 330 connects to the through bore in valve activation device 320. Transfer shaft 330 can be fastened to valve activation device 320 with a friction fit by pressing transfer shaft 330 onto valve activation device 320. In an alternate aspect of the invention, transfer shaft 330 can be clamped onto valve activation device 320 or can include threading to screw into valve activation device 320. Transfer shaft 330 connects to source conduit 150 which directs the beverage liquid concentrate 212 into beverage dispensing system 10. In another aspect of the invention, valve activation device 320 can include a barbed fitting area where a tube can be fitted over the barb and crimped to prevent leaks.
In another aspect of the invention, a beverage dispensing system can be retrofit to include connector 300 for use with self-pressurized concentrate source 200. In this aspect, the beverage dispensing, system to be retrofit typically includes a non-pressurized concentrate source, e.g., a bag-in-box system, and a non-pressurized concentrate source dispenser, e.g., an electrical or pneumatic pump or pressurized cylinder, to draw the concentrate from within the non-pressurized concentrate source into the beverage dispensing system. The non-pressurized concentrate source and the non-pressurized concentrate source dispenser can be disconnected from the beverage dispensing system. The conduit that previously connected the non-pressurized concentrate source can then be attached to connector 300. Connector 300 can in turn be attached to self-pressurized concentrate source 200 to dispense beverage liquid concentrate 212 into the retrofit beverage dispensing system.
Referring now to
Concentrate flow control valve 160 controls the rate at which beverage liquid concentrate 212 enters concentrate conduit 140 and ultimately nozzle 120. In one aspect of the invention, concentrate flow control valve 160 can restrict the flow of beverage liquid concentrate 212 to approximately 0.1 ounces per second, thus creating, a 46:1 capability. The flow rate of beverage liquid concentrate 212 can be modified at concentrate flow control valve 160 based on the concentration ratio of beverage liquid concentrate 212.
The beverage liquid concentrate 212 can be any concentration ratio. In one aspect of the invention, the beverage liquid concentrate 212 can be up to approximately a 100:1 dilution ratio based on volume, allowing storage of a highly concentrated beverage within a relatively small space. In an alternate aspect of the invention, the beverage liquid concentrate 212 can be up to approximately a 30:1 dilution ratio based on volume. In a further aspect of the invention, the beverage liquid concentrate 212 can be up to approximately an 80:1 dilution ratio based on volume.
Concentrate flow control valve 160 and diluent flow control valve, 170 can be a mechanical valve, e,g a conventional plunger valve that is movable between fully-opened and fully-closed positions. In addition, each of valves 160 and 170 can contain an orifice restriction of a predetermined size to meter the flow of liquid therethrough. That is, based on the relative sizes of the orifice restrictions of the valves, the correct proportion of the diluent 30 or beverage liquid concentrate 212 can be maintained regardless of the incoming pressure. In an alternate aspect of the invention, valves 160 and 170 can be electronic solenoid-operated valves. In this aspect, operation of valves 160 and 170 can be controlled by an electronic control module that includes a programmable microprocessor. The programmable microprocessor (not shown) can provide intelligent control of the beverage system. The microprocessor can control the dispensing function (e.g., valve operation, etc.), monitor system status such as the diluent temperature, number of drinks dispensed, and sensors that determine the amount of concentrate remaining in the beverage dispensing system. The microprocessor can also provide service diagnostics, and the ability to remotely poll the electronic status.
At the end of concentrate conduit 140 and diluent conduit 130, the respective liquids empty into the nozzle assembly 100. A converging nozzle 120 is threaded onto the nozzle assembly 100. Flow is directed through the nozzle 152 and into a container, cup, or pitcher of the user. The nozzle 120 may have internal flow vanes (not shown) to help straighten the flow and minimize splashing.
Nozzle assembly 100 can include a lever 110. The user initiates the flow of beverage liquid concentrate 212 and diluent 30 by pulling on the lever 110. Beverage liquid concentrate 212 and diluent 30 mix at the nozzle 120 and in vessel of the user.
Referring now to
As shown in
Referring now to
Activation stem 1322 is located at the bottom or proximal portion of valve activation device 1320. Activation stem 1322 extends through an orifice in the top surface of housing 1310 to engage the valve of self-pressurized concentrate source 200 (discussed above with respect to
When a user wishes to connect a self-pressurized concentrate source 200 to beverage system 3010, the user can pull upwards on handle 1326 of valve activation device 1320 to compress spring 1.328 against spring housing 1314 and draw activation stem 1322 upwards and out of concentrate source chamber 1312. The user can then insert a self-pressurized concentrate source 200 into concentrate source chamber 1312. Once self-pressurized concentrate source 200 is properly seated within chamber 1312, the user can lower valve activation device 1320 such that activation stem 1322 extends into chamber 1312 to engage the valve of self-pressurized concentrate source 200, thus releasing beverage liquid concentrate into the beverage system 3010. Additional self-pressurized concentrate sources 200 can be utilized with connector 1300. While connector 1300 is shown to connect up to four self-pressurized concentrate sources 200, connector 1300 can be modified to accommodate any number of self-pressurized concentrate sources 200.
As shown in
Concentrate flow control valves 160, 1160, 2160, and 3160 and diluent flow control valve 170 can be a mechanical valve, e.g., a conventional plunger valve that is movable between fully-opened and fully-closed positions. In addition, each of valves 160, 1160, 2160, 3160, and 170 can contain an orifice restriction of a predetermined size to meter the flow of liquid therethrough. That is, based on the relative sizes of the orifice restrictions of the valves, the correct proportion of the diluent or beverage liquid concentrate can be maintained regardless of the incoming pressure. In an alternate aspect of the invention, valves 160, 1160, 2160, 3160, and 170 can be an electronic solenoid-operated valve. In this aspect, operation of valves 160, 1160, 2160, 3160, and 170 can be controlled by an electronic control module that includes a programmable microprocessor.
It is to be appreciated that the Detailed Description section, and not the Summary and Abstract sections, is intended to be used to interpret the claims. The Summary and Abstract sections may set forth one or more but not all exemplary embodiments of the present invention(s) as contemplated by the inventor(s), and thus, are not intended to limit the present invention(s) and the appended claims in any way.
The present invention(s) have been described above with the aid of functional building blocks illustrating the implementation of specified functions and relationships thereof. The boundaries of these functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined herein for the convenience of the description. Alternate boundaries can be defined so long as the specified functions and relationships thereof are appropriately performed.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the invention(s) that others can, by applying knowledge within the skill of the art, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments, without undue experimentation, without departing from the general concept of the present invention(s). Therefore, such adaptations and modifications are intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation, such that the terminology or phraseology of the present specification is to be interpreted by the skilled artisan in light of the teachings and guidance.
The breadth and scope of the present invention(s) should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.
