Cold carbonation system for beverage dispenser with remote tower
US7337618B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 3, 2006 |
| Grant date | Mar 4, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 3, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25D31/002
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A beverage dispensing system is characterized by an ice/beverage dispenser and a remote beverage tower. The dispenser has a cold plate, a carbonator pump and a carbonator tank and the tower has a carbonator tank. To chill the tower carbonator tank, a closed loop fluid circuit extends between and heat exchange couples the dispenser cold plate and the tower carbonator tank. The dispenser carbonator pump can be used to circulate water through the closed loop circuit or a carbonator pump for the tower can be used for the purpose. A valve arrangement is provided for and as part of the dispenser cold plate to conveniently enable the dispenser to be switched between stand-alone operation and operation as a base unit for the remote tower. Arrangement is also made to cause ice agitation at the dispenser in response to drinks dispense at the remote tower to maintain a supply on the cold plate.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.