Apparatus for mixing and dispensing a beverage
US4173296A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 14, 1977 |
| Grant date | Nov 6, 1979 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 14, 1997 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB67D1/1231
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A device for mixing and dispensing a flow of liquid concentrated beverage ingredient from a constant volume pump with a pressurized diluent supplied from a source at a preselected flow rate through a flow control device. Diluent flow and liquid concentrate flow intersect and converge into a common fluid passageway which, in turn, flows into a fluid chamber formed by a housing. A tubular spout containing first and second restrictive orifices extends into the chamber formed by the housing and is sealed thereto by a pair of seal rings. The tubular spout can be rotated to a first or second position dependent upon the consistency of the liquid concentrate desired to be dispensed, thereby selectively permitting fluid to flow through the first orifice or both orifices. The unmixed diluent and liquid concentrate in the fluid chamber flow through the orifices and are mixed therein resulting in a homogeneous and uniformly mixed beverage. The mixed beverage is then diffused in the spout to substantially atmospheric pressure and very low flow velocity. The resultant diffused mixed beverage is then dispensed through the spout by gravity flow.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.