Automatic soda fountain and method
US5350082A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 9, 1992 |
| Grant date | Sep 27, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 9, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG07F13/065
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A money activated beverage dispensing line is disclosed of the soda fountain type in which the dispensing of a beverage from a series of dispensing stations is automatically controlled with consumer interaction. The dispensing line includes a money validator which generates a start signal in response to a correct amount of money being detected as deposited by the consumer. In response to the start signal, a cup dispenser dispenses a cup. An ice dispenser subsequently dispenses ice into the cup. A beverage dispenser at a remote station includes a plurality of beverage dispensing nozzles having dispensing switches which must be manually activated by the consumer to dispense a selected beverage. An interlock control responsive to actuation of a beverage dispensing switch associated with a selected beverage dispensing nozzle disenables a remainder of the dispensing nozzles so that dispensing of beverage from the remainder of dispensing nozzles is prevented during a beverage dispensing cycle. A remote supply cabinet is utilized to supply concentrated syrup to the beverage dispenser. Advantageously, the supply cabinet may be disposed in another room, or up to 200 feet away, so that it do…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.