Fluid dispensing apparatus
US7337920B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 23, 2004 |
| Grant date | Mar 4, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 3, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB67D2001/1263
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A concentrated flavour dispensing machine having displacement pumps for delivering between a few millilitres and few ounces of fluids having a viscosity value between 1 to 4000 centepoise is described. The dispensing machine includes a cabinet for containing a multitude of displacement pumps, where each displacement pump is in direct fluid communication with a respective storage tank, and a control panel having a programmable microprocessor mounted to the cabinet for receiving user selections and controlling each individual pump. Each displacement pump includes a stepper motor in engagement with a threaded drive rod for advancing a piston by any one of several predetermined distances to dispense a corresponding volume of fluid. The control panel receives a valid user selection for actuating one or more pumps to dispense the appropriate volume of a concentrated flavouring fluid. The microprocessor tracks the amount of fluid dispensed from each storage tank and alerts users and/or prevents further operation when reservoirs are close to empty to avoid null dispenses to customers. Various maintenance routines can be executed through the user interface, and dispense volumes and combinat…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.