Multi-flavor valve

US9409756B2 · 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: Jan 13, 2014
• Grant date: Aug 9, 2016
• Expiry date: Jan 13, 2034

Classification

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

Abstract

A multi-flavor valve capable of dispensing at least three flavors of beverages is provided. The valve includes a single-piece injection-molded valve body having at least three syrup flow paths and a water flow path. The valve also includes at least three syrup flow path solenoids for respectively opening and closing the at least three syrup flow paths, and one water flow path solenoid for opening and closing the water flow path. The three syrup flow path solenoids are positioned in the corresponding syrup flow paths, and the water flow path solenoid is positioned in the water flow path, within the valve body. The valve also has at least three beverage flavor switches for selecting any one of the three beverage flavors for dispensation. The valve further 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, thereby causing the multi-flavor valve to dispense the selected beverage flavor.