Method and system for controlling drippings from a beverage dispenser via an expansion valve

US8505595B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• MANITOWOC FOODSERVICE COMPANIES, LLC · US

Inventors

• John C. Bragg · Goldsboro, US
• Harry Edward Wing · Midland, US
• Nicholas M. Patterson · Apalachicola, US
• Roberto Nevarez · Hudson, US
• Paul Hanniffy · Birmingham, GB

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 6, 2012
• Grant date: Aug 13, 2013
• Expiry date: Sep 6, 2032

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G07F13/10
• WIPO field: Control
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A beverage system includes an ingredient module and an ingredient dispensing valve dispensing an ingredient into a beverage container. The ingredient module comprises a housing, an ingredient container disposed within the housing, a first ingredient conduit disposed between the ingredient container and the ingredient dispensing valve, and a pumping device that causes the ingredient to move from the ingredient container, through the first ingredient conduit, and through the ingredient dispensing valve under pressure. A valve receives the ingredient from the pumping device and passes the ingredient to the dispensing valve. The valve includes a second ingredient conduit, where the valve controls the size of the second ingredient conduit, such that the size of the second ingredient conduit is reduced during dispensing of the ingredient to the dispensing valve and enlarged when the dispensing of the ingredient to the dispensing valve is terminated.