Fountain dispensing module
US5992685A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 23, 1998 |
| Grant date | Nov 30, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 23, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB67D2210/00034
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A dispense module for both carbonated and non-carbonated beverages is connected to a postmix beverage dispenser in the same space that any well-known dispensing valve occupies. The module includes a housing having a front-loading, refrigerated chamber for receiving a disposable concentrate package, a motor and pump drive, a refrigeration system, a front door, a water on-off valve, a water flow control, and a control system. The disposable concentrate package includes an integral concentrate container and pump, mixer and nozzle unit. The dispense module can be an integral part of a new dispenser and can also be retrofitted onto existing dispensers in place of one or more dispensing valves to dispense either carbonated or non-carbonated beverages. The concentrate packages are easily and quickly inserted into and removed from the module to change flavors as desired.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.