Patent ID: 6173117
Filing Date: 2001-01-09
Classification: A47J

Abstract:
A heated beverage machine comprising:a housing having contained therein a water dispensing assembly, a powdered drink mix dispensing assembly, and a control circuit;said water dispensing assembly including a water reservoir, a water reservoir level sensor, a water temperature sensor, three fluid volume select input buttons, a warm/hot select switch, a water dispensing valve in connection between said water reservoir and a mixing nozzle, a resistance heating element, a water temperature display gauge, a water level display gauge, a warm temperature select indicator light, and a hot temperature select indicator light;said powdered drink mix dispensing assembly including powdered drink mix reservoir, a dispensing auger positioned within a dispensing pipe in connection between said mixing nozzle and said powdered drink mix reservoir, a dispensing auger position sensor, a shaker assembly positioned within said powdered drink mix reservoir, and a dispensing auger motor;said control circuit having inputs in electrical connection with a water reservoir level sensor, a water temperature sensor, a dispensing auger position sensor, three fluid volume select input buttons, a warm/hot select switch, and on/off switch, a start mix switch, and outputs in connection with a water dispensing valve, a resistance heating element, a water temperature display gauge, a water level display gauge, a dispensing auger motor, a warm temperature select indicator light, and a hot temperature select indicator light;said control circuit operating said dispenser auger motor and said water dispensing valve such that said volume of powdered drink mix and water dispensed corresponds with said volume of said fluid volume select input button selected in response to activation of said start mix switch;said control circuit operating said resistance heating element to heat dispensed water exiting said water dispensing valve to said temperature corresponding to said position of said warm/hot select switch before said dispensed water reaches said mixing nozzle;said mixing nozzle being positioned outside of said housing and having a dispensing opening for dispensing a mixture of said dispensed water and powdered beverage mix.