Patent · US Expired

Hot beverage dispensing machine

US4624395A · kind A · utility

54Cited by
108References
30Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMay 11, 1984
Grant dateNov 25, 1986
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 11, 2004

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
  • CPC primaryF25D2331/806
  • WIPO fieldHandling
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A hot beverage dispensing machine is disclosed for dispensing a beverage from a concentrate. The dispensing machine includes a beverage concentrate container disposed in an inverted orientation within a refrigerated compartment. A first valve is associated with the container, the first valve permitting the flow of the concentrate from the container when the container is located within the refrigerated compartment in an inverted position. A receptacle having a receptacle output removably receives the inverted container. A first electrically controlled valve regulates the flow of the concentrate via the receptacle output to a mixer wherein the concentrate is mixed with hot water from a hot water tank. A second electrically controlled valve regulates the flow of hot water from the water tank to the mixer. A dispenser spout is disposed in fluid communication with the mixer with the spout being disposed remote from the hot water inlet. A thermoelectric heat pump is located in thermal contact with the refrigerated compartment to maintain the compartment below ambient temperature. A combination of thermistors and water level sensors disposed within the water tank generate electrical signa…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.