Beverage mixing system
US6269973A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 13, 1999 |
| Grant date | Aug 7, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 13, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG05D11/132
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
This invention provides a system and a method of mixing and dispensing a beverage from a beverage concentrate. The flow of the beverage concentrate into a mixing device for mixing water with the beverage concentrate is monitored to detect a low flow situation indicating the need to replace the beverage concentrate supply bag. The system automatically controls the flow of mixed beverage out of the mixing device in response to the detected flow of beverage concentrate. In a specific embodiment, a pressure switch is provided to monitor the pressure of the flow of beverage concentrate into the mixing device. When the pressure sensed by the pressure switch falls below a preset minimum pressure, the pressure switch activates a flow regulating device coupled to the outlet of the mixing device to shut off the flow of beverage from the mixing device. This prevents or minimizes the dispensing of beverages of improper mix ratios from the mixing device. After the beverage concentrate supply bag is replaced, the pressure in the flow of concentrate will build. When the pressure switch senses a pressure that rises to or above the preset minimum pressure, it automatically opens the flow regulating…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.