Postmix beverage dispensing system

US5494193A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• THE COCA-COLA COMPANY · US

Inventors

• Jonathan Kirschner · Marietta, US
• Simon J. Richter · Marietta, US
• Mark S. Heflin · Atlanta, US
• Shawn B. Gatipon · Smyrna, US
• Jack F. Brumley · Houston, US
• Michael T. Romanyszyn · San Antonio, US
• Alfred A. Schroeder · San Antonio, US
• Samuel Durham · San Antonio, US
• Harold R. Heath · Houston, US
• Richard O. Norman · San Antonio, US
• Norman P. Wittig · Corry, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 10, 1994
• Grant date: Feb 27, 1996
• Expiry date: Jan 10, 2014

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B67D2210/00049
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A postmix juice dispensing system for dispensing a finished beverage directly from a pliable beverage concentrate having an ice point at or near freezer temperatures, with little or no conditioning. The system preferably uses a one-piece, unitary, disposable package that includes both the concentrate container and a positive displacement metering pump. The disposable package is placed in the dispenser which automatically connects the pump to a pump motor. A mixing nozzle is connected to the metering pump and a water line is connected to the mixing nozzle. Upon pushing a load button, the dispenser automatically feeds compressed air on top of a piston in the concentrate container to force concentrate into the pump. The dispenser automatically reads an indicator on the package to set the pump speed in response to the type of concentrate in the package. The dispenser requires no cleanup or sanitization and allows rapid flavor change.