Handle initiated electromechanical multi-flavor beverage dispenser
US9260283B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 14, 2013 |
| Grant date | Feb 16, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 17, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB67D1/1243
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Multi-flavored beverage dispensing may be achieved by a variety of systems, processes, and techniques. In certain implementations, a system for dispensing a combination of externally supplied flavor concentrates and water may include a housing, a lid, a base, a valve, and a flow control assembly. The valve may include a dispensing nozzle, a handle, and a sensor activated by movement of the handle, the valve adapted to separately receive a flavor concentrate and water and mix the two fluids in the nozzle before dispensing. The flow control assembly may include a multiplicity of paired mechanically adjustable flow control elements and dispensing controllers. The flow control assembly may be controlled by a touch-sensitive control panel and a computer. The touch-sensitive control panel may be adapted to receive user flavor selections, and the computer may control the dispensing controllers responsive to user touches of the control panel and manipulation of the handle.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.