Temperature-controlled beverage dispenser
US9376303B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 9, 2011 |
| Grant date | Jun 28, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 29, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25D31/002
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A temperature-controlled beverage dispenser is disclosed, which provides a cold plate having disposed therein beverage lines and refrigerant lines. The refrigerant lines may be connected to a cooling system, such as a heat exchanger, which is configured to remove heat from the cold plate. The beverage lines may be connected to a beverage supply for dispensing a desired beverage. Valves and a pressure sensor in the refrigerant line are connected to a microprocessor. At regular intervals, the microprocessor closes the valves, waits a short time, and then takes a pressure reading, which corresponds to a temperature. If the temperature falls below a desired value, then the cooling system is shut off. This permits the microprocessor to closely control the temperature of the beverage being dispensed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.