Abstract:
A device and method for determining Brix ratios of fountain-dispensed beverages that have different Brix ratios. The device includes a primary cup and a set of secondary cups that have different cross sectional areas. When determining a beverage Brix ratio, a select secondary cup is attached to the primary cup based on the ratio of the cross sectional areas of the primary cup and selected secondary cup. This ratio is based on the Brix ratio of the beverage. The determination is performed by flowing the water from the dispensing head forming the beverage into the primary cup and the syrup forming the beverage into the select secondary cup. A slider attached to one of the cups is moved to a select position based on the liquid level in the cup. The liquid level on the other cup is compared against the level defined by an indicia on the slider.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
   This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C Sec. 119 from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/539,099 filed Jan. 27, 2004. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention is related generally to measuring the ratios of dispensed liquids, such as the syrup to water ratio of liquids used to make a blended beverage. More particularly, this invention is related to a system and method for measuring the syrup to water ratios of the syrups and water used to make different beverages when the ratio of these liquids are different for individual beverages. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   A fountain-dispensed beverage is a blend of two or more liquids; water and one or more syrups or concentrates. To ensure that a beverage having the desirable taste is dispensed, it is necessary to periodically monitor the ratio of the volume of syrup dispensed to the volume of dispensed water. This ratio is referred to as the Brix ratio. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,762,251, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses an assembly for determining liquid ratio. This assembly, known as a ratio cup, consists of a cup with a vertical center wall that divides the space inside the cup into two chambers. The wall is positioned so that the chambers have cross sectional areas that have a ratio substantially equal to the ideal syrup to water ratio of the beverage to be dispensed. 
   The ratio cup is used by placing a device known as a diverter tube under the fountain head to flow the individual syrup and water streams into the individual cup chambers. By side-by-side comparison of the liquid levels in the chambers, the technician can determine if the appropriate volume of syrup is discharged per unit volume of discharged water. Based on this determination, the technician, if necessary, adjusts to the dispensing system. 
   The above system works reasonably well if, for all beverages dispensed from a dispenser, the syrup to water discharge ratios are to be identical. In practice, these ratios frequently vary, even between two beverages discharged from adjacent heads from the same dispenser. To compensate for this difference, it is necessary to provide the technician with a chart that converts a volume measurement of liquid in one chamber to a virtual volume value equal to the amount of liquid that should be in the second chamber. Thus, the technician is required to visually determine the volume of liquid in one chamber, determine the virtual volume of liquid that should be present based on reference to the look up tables, and determine if the actual volume of fluid is present. 
   Requiring the technician to perform these steps adds to the overall amount of time it takes to determine whether or not a beverage has a desired Brix ratio. Moreover, in order for this method to work properly, the technician must, based on a visual determination of fluid volume, determine the appropriate virtual volume. Requiring these steps introduces the possibility that, due to human error, the Brix ratio will be inaccurately determined. 
   The &#39;251 patent also provides a second embodiment with a slider element provided on one of the two chambers. The slider element has a horizontal calibration mark thereon to be aligned with one liquid level (i.e., the liquid level of the syrup) and a horizontal tolerance range also marked thereon. In that embodiment, the tube which receives the water from the fountain dispenser must be filled to a minimum fill line marked on the tube. The horizontal calibration mark on the slider is then aligned with the syrup level and when the level of the water falls within the horizontal tolerance range, an acceptable ratio of water to syrup is indicated. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention provides a new and useful system and method for determining the ratio of water to syrup discharged from a fountain to form a blended beverage. 
   In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a measuring assembly is provided for determining whether a beverage dispenser is dispensing an acceptable water to syrup ratio. The measuring assembly includes a primary cup member and a secondary cup member. The secondary cup member is releasably or removably secured or securable to the primary cup. A slider element is mounted for vertical sliding movement along at least a portion of the length of one of the primary and secondary cups, the slider member having a horizontal calibration mark to be aligned with the liquid level of one cup member and the slider element having at least a second horizontal calibration mark displaced vertically from the first calibration mark, with the distance between the first and second calibration marks defining a vertically disposed tolerance range for the water to syrup ratio. 
   The measuring assembly may further include a plurality of secondary cups of different cross-sectional area from each other with each secondary cup being removably securable to the primary cup and each secondary cup having a slider member mounted for vertical sliding movement along at least a portion of the height of one of the primary and secondary cups, the slider member having a horizontal calibration mark to be aligned with the liquid level of the secondary cup member and the slider element having at least a second horizontal calibration mark displaced vertically from the first calibration mark, with a distance between the first and second calibration marks defining a vertically disposed tolerance range for the water to syrup ratio. Thus, the liquid level in the primary cup should be within the second horizontal calibration mark if the beverage dispenser is functioning within the desired tolerance range for the water to syrup ratio. 
   A suitable coupling element is provided and attached to the primary cup for removably attaching one of the secondary cups. In one embodiment, the coupling element permits simultaneous attachment of two secondary cups to the primary cup and the attachment may occur on opposed sides of the primary cup. 
   In another aspect the present invention includes a primary cup removably mountable to one or more of a set of plural secondary cups. Each cup defines a void space for receiving a separate beverage-forming liquid. The cross-sectional areas of the void spaces of the secondary cups are different. A locking assembly integral with the cups selectively and releasably mates each secondary cup so it can be in a fixed side-by-side relationship with the primary cup. 
   When it is necessary to determine the syrup-to-water discharge ratio for a particular beverage, a specific secondary cup is paired with the primary cup. The specific secondary cup that is attached to the primary cup is one that has a cross sectional area such that the cross sectional area ratio of the pair of cups is substantially identical to desired Brix ratio for the beverage. A slider member attached to one of the cups is used to make a determination if, based on the volume of liquid in both cups, the discharged beverage has the appropriate Brix ratio. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention is pointed out with particularity in the claims. The above and further features and benefits of the invention are discussed in the detailed description below taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
       FIG. 1  is front elevational view of a liquid ratio measuring assembly of this invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a top plan view of the assembly; 
       FIG. 3  is a cross sectional view of the cup assembly taken along line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 4  is a view of the bottom of one of the syrup cups of the assembly of this invention; and 
       FIG. 5  is a diagrammatic illustration of how the assembly of this invention is used to determine the ratio between two discharged liquids. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   A liquid ratio measuring assembly  10  of this invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 . Assembly  10  includes a primary cup  12  and a plurality of secondary cups, cups  14  and  16  in the Figures. At least one of the secondary cups  14  or  16  is temporarily locked to the primary cup  12  so that two cups are in a side-by-side relationship. In the Figures, both secondary cups  14  and  16  are shown locked to the primary cup  12 . It should be appreciated that this feature is optional, not mandatory. 
   Each of cups  12 ,  14 ,  16  is shaped to define a cylindrical, constant diameter void space, spaces  13 ,  15  and  17 , respectively, that extends upwardly from the base of the cup. Secondary cups  14  and  16  are shaped so that the cross sectional areas of their void spaces  15  and  17 , respectively, are different. Thus, the void space cross sectional area ratios of each secondary cup  14  and  16 , when paired with primary cup  12 , are different. For example, the ratio of the cross sectional area of primary cup void space  13  to that of the cross sectional area of the void space  15  of secondary cup  14  may be 4:1. Void space  17  of cup  16  in the Figures has a smaller diameter than void space  15 . The cross sectional area of primary cup void space  13  to that of void space  17  of secondary cup  16  may be 5:1. 
   Each cup  12 ,  14 , and  16  is formed to have along the outer surface of the cup a longitudinally extending calibration surface, surfaces  18 ,  20  and  22 , respectively. In the depicted version of the invention, calibration surfaces  18 ,  20  and  22  have planar profiles. Surfaces  18 ,  20  and  22  extend the length of the cups  12 ,  14  and  16 , respectively. Molded, printed or otherwise presented along the calibration surfaces  18 ,  20  and  22  are lines and legends that indicate volume levels within the associated cup void spaces  13 ,  15 , and  17 , respectively. 
   A locking assembly integral with the cups  12 ,  14  and  16  releasably hold each of the secondary cups  14  and  16  to the primary cup  12 . The locking assembly includes a flange  24  that is molded to and extends longitudinally along the outer surface of the primary cup  12 . In the depicted version of the invention, each flange  24  has a cross-shaped cross sectional shape. The locking assembly also has a U-shaped rail  26  that is integrally attached to and extends longitudinally along the length of the secondary cups  14  and  16 . Each rail  26  forms an open face channel  28  along the outer surface of cup  14  or  16 . More particularly, rails  26  are dimensioned so that the complementary flange  24  can be inserted in a close sliding fit within the associated channel  28 . Channel  28  extends along the entire length of flange  24 , except at bottoms  30  thereof wherein the opening terminates short of the extreme bottom so that the channel is effectively closed, at  32 , as seen in  FIG. 4 . This structure ensures proper alignment of the indicia on each of the cups with the indicia on cup  12 . The tops of flanges  24  have a large configuration, at  34 , which frictionally engages the interior surfaces of rails  26  when cups  14 ,  16  are fully engaged with cup  12  to prevent accidental removal or movement of cups  14 ,  16  relative to cup  12 . This is also shown partially in dotted lines in  FIG. 1 . 
     FIG. 4  depicts the bottom, base plate  29  of secondary cup  14 . Primarily, the base plate  29  has a circular shape. This shape reflects the circular cross-sectional profile of void space  15 . Base plate  29  is further shaped to have a tab  32  that extends outwardly from the circular section. Tab  32  extends under flange  24  to close cup channel  28 . The closing of the channel  28  limits the extent to which the associated primary cup flange  24  can move downwardly relative to secondary cup  14 . This arrangement ensures the accurate vertical alignment of the primary and secondary cups  12  and  14 , respectively. 
   The primary cup flanges  24  are further shaped to have, at their top ends, large cross sectional areas. This ensures that the flanges frictionally engage the complementary interior surfaces of the rails  26 . This engagement prevents accidental removal or movement of the primary cup  12  and secondary cup  14  relative to each other. 
   A slide ring  36  is fitted around the outer surface of each secondary cup  14  and  16 . Each slide ring  36  is shaped to fit snugly and extend partially circumferentially around the associated cup  14  or  16 . In the depicted version of the invention, each slide ring  36  extends at least 50% around the circumference of the associated secondary cup  14  or  16 . Slide rings  36  are dimensioned to move vertically along the length of the cups  14  and  16 . 
   Each slide ring  36  has a planar face  38  that overlies the calibration surface  18  or  20  of the cup  14  or  16 , respectively, to which the ring is mounted. The planar face  38  is formed with a cut-out that exposes the underlying calibration surface  18  or  20 , (cut-out not identified). The cut-out is formed in the slide ring face  38  to define opposed, arrow-like pointers  40 . 
   Slide rings  36  are further formed to each have at one end a vertically extending planar flange  42 . The slide rings  36  are formed so that each flange  42  abuts a side surface of the associated cup rail  26 . Each flange  42  is formed to define a notch  44  that is directed to the open end of the rail  26 , towards the adjacent primary cup  12 . Each notch  44  is positioned relative to the associated cup pointers  40  to define a vertically disposed tolerance ratio. 
     FIG. 5  depicts how assembly  10  of this invention may be used to measure the syrup-to-water ratio of a fountain head-dispensed beverage. First, appropriate secondary cup  14  or  16  is attached to the primary cup  12 . Both may be attached as illustrated. By “appropriate” it is meant a secondary cup, that when paired with the primary cup  12 , results in a cup-to-cup cross sectional area ratio of void spaces that corresponds to the ratio of the volume of syrup that should be dispensed per unit volume water. The cups are placed under a fountain head  50 . A known in the art syrup diverter tube  52  is placed under fountain head  50 . A volume of beverage is flowed, “poured,” from fountain head  50 . Diverter tube  52  includes separate conduits through which the water and syrup individually flow. The water is dispensed into primary cup  12 . The syrup is dispensed through diverter tube  52  and into secondary cup  14  in  FIG. 5 . Typically, the pour is performed until the volume of water in the primary cup is between 400 and 500 cc. 
   Once the pour is completed, assembly  10  is placed so that cups  12  and  16  are level. Slide ring  36  fitted to cup  16  is positioned so that the pointers  40  are aligned with the top of the syrup in secondary cup  16 . Then, the technician visually checks to determine whether or not the top level line of the water, represented by ∇  46  in  FIG. 1 , is within the area of the associated slide ring notch  44 . If the water level line falls within this area, the Brix ratio is correct for the beverage. If the level line is outside of this area, the technician knows, without calculation, that the ratio of dispensed syrup to water should be adjusted. 
   This invention provides a means to quickly and easily determine the Brix ratio of different beverages that have different Brix ratios. By the pairing of the appropriate secondary cup  14  or  16  for the specific beverage to the primary cup  12 , the technician quickly, by simple movement of slide ring  36  and visual inspection of liquid levels, determines if the Brix ratio is appropriate. There is no need to perform any calculations or rely on data derived from look-up charts or tables to determine if the Brix ratio is correct. Both the time it takes to perform these steps and the potential error they introduce into the evaluation is eliminated. 
   The foregoing description is directed to a specific version of the invention. It should be appreciated that other versions of the invention may have features different from what has been described. For example, there may be times when practicing the invention that it is desirable to simultaneously attach two or more secondary cups to a single primary cup and direct the separate beverage-forming liquids into each cup. This method may be practiced for determining if the Brix ratios are appropriate for a beverage that is formed from water, a primary syrup and one or more secondary syrups. Such a beverage may be for example, a cola beverage that has a supplemental cherry or vanilla flavoring. In order to determine if the appropriate ratio of beverage forming liquids are being discharged, the water is flowed to the primary cup, the cola syrup to a first secondary cup and the supplemental flavor syrup to a second secondary cup. Once the pour is complete, the measurements are made as before. 
   Moreover, in some versions of the invention, secondary cups that have identical cross-sectional areas may be provided. In these versions of the invention, the identical cups would have different slide rings  36 . These slide rings  36  would differ in the length of the notches  44  formed in the rings. Thus, if there is a beverage that, for taste reasons, needs a very precise Brix ratio, the secondary cup used for measurement of this beverage would have a slide ring  36  with a short notch  44 . Measurements for a beverage that does not require a very precise Brix ratio are made using the secondary cup that has a slide ring  36  with a longer notch  44 . 
   Also, the physical structure of the invention may vary from what has been described. For example, there is no requirement that, in all versions of the invention, the indicia formed on the slide rings  36  to indicate levels be cut-out spaces defined by the rings. The slide rings may be transparent. Markers printed or otherwise applied to the rings indicate where each is to be set based on fluid level and the level of acceptable water in the associated primary cup. A slide bar, formed of less material than a ring, may be slidably attached to the cups. 
   Also, in some versions of the invention, the primary cup may be the only cup provided with a slide ring or slide bar. In these versions of the invention, once the pour is complete, the primary cup slide ring/bar is set based on the water level in the cup. A visual marker on the ring/bar indicates the acceptable volume range of syrup for the pour. The technician determines if the syrup level in the secondary cup is within the range indicated by the marker to evaluate whether or not the beverage has an appropriate Brix ratio. An advantage of this assembly is that it eliminates the expense of mounting a slide ring/bar to each secondary cup. 
   Similarly, other assemblies may be used to releasably lock the secondary cups to the primary cup. For example, the cups may be provided with complementary interlocking fingers. An advantage of this type of assembly is that the cups, when locked together, are inherently held in the proper vertical alignment. However, it is anticipated that in many versions of the invention, it would be preferable to allow the cups to have some degree of vertical movement relative to each other. This would allow the technician to more easily hold both cups during the pour. After the pour, the cups are placed in a fixed vertical and side-by-side relationship to allow the Brix evaluation to be completed. 
   It should further be understood that it may not always be necessary to physically mate the cups together prior to actually performing the pour. After the pour is completed, the cups are placed in the side-by-side fixed vertical relationship to complete the evaluation. 
   Also, the illustrated circular cross sectional shapes of the cups should similarly be considered exemplary, not limiting. For space saving reasons and/or to take advantage of alternate locking assemblies, cups may be provided with a desired cross-sectional configuration, such as a polygonal cross sectional profile, for example. 
   Furthermore, while the invention is generally described for use in measuring Brix ratios of fountain-dispensed beverages, it should be understood that this is likewise, exemplary, not limiting. The assembly of this invention may be used in other processes to quickly determine if liquid discharge ratios are appropriate. For example, the assembly may be used in a bottling plant or chemical processing facility to determine if two or more liquids that are simultaneously discharged to form a product, or intermediate product, are discharged in the appropriate ratio. 
   Therefore, it is an object of the appended claims to cover all such variations and modifications that come within the true spirit and scope of this invention.