Post mix dispensing machine
US4566287A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 5, 1983 |
| Grant date | Jan 28, 1986 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 5, 2003 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB67D2210/00152
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A machine for dispensing a freshly mixed cup of juice or other beverage made from concentrate mixed with water immediately prior to the dispensing, comprising a generally U-shaped water reservoir, the water in which is kept at an essentially constant level by means of a proximity switch interacting with a solenoid valve located in the principal water supply. Coils of a refrigerant unit are disposed in the reservoir to chill the water to a temperature above the freezing point, and one or more concentrate tanks are located between the arms of the U-shaped reservoir, so that the concentrate will be chilled to, and maintained at, a desired temperature. Modular pump units are utilized for pumping concentrate into a mixing chamber, with a power driven impeller utilized in the mixing chamber to effect a mixing of concentrate with a suitable quantity of water from the reservoir. Down time of the machine is minimized by the modular pump units being quickly replaceable in case of malfunction, with the refrigeration unit used in the machine likewise being modularized to permit rapid replacement.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.