Multi-flavor valve

US8631974B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• PepsiCo, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Joseph Todd Piatnik · Bethel, US
• Fernando A. Ubidia · Ludlow, US
• Amir Farooqui · Torrington, US
• Aaron M. Stein · Middletown, US
• Eric D. Skell · Richfield, US
• Thomas Tagliapietra · Glendale, US
• William J. Black · Bethel, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 3, 2009
• Grant date: Jan 21, 2014
• Expiry date: Aug 3, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B67D1/0085
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A multi-flavor valve for dispensing at least three flavors of beverages includes a single-piece injection-molded valve body having at least three syrup flow paths, a water flow path, and one water flow path solenoid for opening and closing the water flow path. Three syrup flow path solenoids are positioned in the corresponding syrup flow paths. The water flow path solenoid is positioned in the water flow path, within the valve body. The valve has beverage flavor switches for selecting the beverage flavors for dispensation. The valve includes an electronics module electrically connected to the solenoids and to the beverage flavor switches, the electronics module causing one of the syrup flow path solenoids to open the corresponding syrup flow path of the syrup corresponding to a selected flavor switch, and causing the water flow path solenoid to open the water flow path, causing the valve to dispense the selected beverage flavor.