Patent ID: 7681605
Filing Date: 2010-03-23
Classification: G07F

Abstract:
1. A currency operated liquid dispensing machine for liquid retained in a plurality of removable and replaceable containers, said liquid dispensing machine comprising; a cabinet; a suitably selected holder housed in the cabinet, for releasably retaining the plurality of containers; a furcated passage comprising a main passage, an open end to define an outlet and a plurality of branches, each terminating in an inlet, said furcated passage to permit fluid communication between the plurality of containers and said outlet; said outlet being in communication with the ambient atmosphere, said outlet located to permit feeding of the liquid from the containers to said outlet; a plurality of terminally located liquid dispensing systems for releasably coupling said inlet to a container to permit the flow of liquid; a dispensing valve to stop and start the flow of liquid; a controller to determine the flow of liquid through said furcated passage and to selectively actuate said dispensing valve; a currency acceptor and processor for communication with said controller, wherein liquid is dispensed from said currency operated liquid dispensing machine in a metered volume in response to input of a selected value of currency; and a surge buffer, said surge buffer located to dampen surging of the liquid from said outlet.