Systems and methods for dispensing flavor doses and blended beverages

US7806294B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• THE COCA-COLA COMPANY · US

Inventors

• Shaun B. Gatipon · Smyrna, US
• Douglas J. McDougall · Atlanta, US
• Byron L. Eberhart, III · Duluth, US
• Thomas R. Hecht · Manheim, US
• Roland E. Young · Folsom, US
• Richard A. Martindale · Vacaville, US
• Bret D. Baker · Vacaville, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 6, 2006
• Grant date: Oct 5, 2010
• Expiry date: Nov 6, 2028

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B67D2210/00091
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Disclosed are systems and methods for dispensing flavor doses and beverages. A beverage tower may be provided that has a small footprint and that is capable of dispensing a wide variety of flavor doses and blended beverages. The beverage tower may include a flow control module that controls the flow rate of beverage additives and water through the beverage tower and a switch module that includes a plurality of switches that may be selectively opened and closed to control the flow of beverage additives and water through the beverage tower to a point of dispense. A flavor dose or blended beverage may be dispensed by the beverage tower in accordance with user input that is provided to the beverage tower via a control panel. The user input may specify a desired beverage additive, a desired cup size, and an indication of whether a flavor shot or a blended beverage is desired. Additionally, a user may define and program into the memory of the beverage tower the various flavor doses and blended beverages that are capable of being dispensed by the beverage tower.