Autofill system for frozen beverages
US6112946A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 15, 1999 |
| Grant date | Sep 5, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 15, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB67D2210/00152
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
This invention provides a system and a method of economically and efficiently dispensing frozen beverages within a desired range of consistency in a continuous manner suitable for large-scale high-volume usage. A sensor is used to monitor the level of the beverage in a container for providing the frozen beverage. The beverage is cooled by a cooling device which has a cooling capacity. A flow regulating device is used to regulate the flow rate of the beverage to the container. A controller is coupled with the sensor and the flow regulating device to regulate the flow rate of the beverage in response to the monitored beverage level and the cooling capacity of the cooling device. When properly tuned to match the cooling capacity of the cooling device with the flow rate of the beverage into the container, the controller maintains the desired consistency of the frozen beverage, while automatically refilling the beverage container to within a desired range of levels.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.