Patent Publication Number: US-2010116844-A1

Title: Enhanced Beverage Dispenser

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/113,332, filed Nov. 11, 2008. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to improvements for a beverage dispenser, and, more particularly, to systems for dispensing high volumes of a beverage. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     It is known in the art to provide machines for dispensing hot whipped beverages, such as cappuccino, hot chocolate, etc. While it is desirable to dispense such beverages at higher flow rates to fill larger volume containers, it may be undesirable to provide a higher flow rate during beverage whipping, because the higher flow rate might induce over-foaming in the beverage. What is needed in the art is an improved beverage dispenser to overcome this and/or other disadvantages of the prior art. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Disclosed herein is an improved beverage dispenser for enabling a higher flow rate for dispensing a beverage and a lower flow rate for whipping the beverage upstream of the dispensing. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a beverage dispenser system is provided that includes a beverage dispenser. Additionally, the beverage dispenser system may include amounts of a beverage constituent, such as powdered cocoa or cappuccino, and/or one or more containers for receiving the whipped beverage, such as a larger-volume box container and/or a smaller volume container, e.g., a cup. 
     In some aspects, the beverage dispenser includes a high volume dispense section having a plurality of flow paths. In connection with a first amount of a beverage constituent, a first flow path can be provided with a first whipping assembly for whipping a first supply of a beverage having a first flow rate through the first flow path. 
     In connection with a second amount of the beverage constituent (for that same beverage), a second flow path can be provided with a second whipping assembly for whipping a second supply of the beverage having a second flow rate through the second flow path. Means are provided for dispensing the first and second supplies at a dispensing flow rate greater than the first and second flow rates individually. In some embodiments, the dispensing flow rate can be the sum of the first and second flow rates, though such is not required. The box container can be positioned in a large volume container receiving area of the beverage dispenser. 
     In some aspects, the beverage dispenser includes a low volume dispense section, such that the beverage dispenser is capable of filling both a cup and the quick-filling box container. In connection with a third amount of the beverage constituent, a third flow path can be provided with a third whipping assembly for whipping a third supply of a beverage having a third flow rate through the third flow path. Means are provided for dispensing the third supply at a second dispensing flow rate less than the dispensing flow rate of the high volume dispense section. The cup container can be positioned in a small volume container receiving area of the beverage dispenser. 
     Additional features, functions and benefits of the disclosed beverage dispenser and methods of use shall be apparent from the detailed description which follows, particularly when read in conjunction with the accompanying figure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description of exemplary embodiment(s) considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a front side elevational view of a beverage dispenser system constructed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a front control panel of a beverage dispenser of the system having been removed to reveal internal components of the beverage dispenser; 
         FIG. 2  is a right side elevational view of the beverage dispenser system of  FIG. 1 , a right side panel of a housing of the beverage dispenser having been removed to reveal internal components thereof; 
         FIG. 3  is a front side elevational view of the front control panel of the beverage dispenser of  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the beverage dispenser system of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the front control panel of the beverage dispenser having been removed to reveal internal components thereof; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a vent cap of the beverage dispenser of  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a mixing bowl of the beverage dispenser of  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  4 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a whipping chamber of the beverage dispenser of  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  4 ; 
         FIGS. 8A and 8B  are front and rear perspective view of a whipping disc of the beverage dispenser of  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  4 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a whipping blade of a beverage dispenser constructed in accordance with an alternative embodiment of a beverage dispenser; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a twin-feed nozzle of the beverage dispenser of  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  4 ; and 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of the twin-feed nozzle taken along section line  11 - 11  of  FIG. 10 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-4 , a beverage dispenser system  10  is shown constructed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The beverage dispenser system  10  includes a beverage dispenser  12 , and, in some embodiments, is provided with beverage constituent  14   a - c , such as a powder, for making cappuccino, hot chocolate, or another whipped beverage. In some embodiments, the beverage dispensing system  10  further includes a plurality of containers, such as a larger volume container, referenced herein as a box  16 , and a smaller volume container, referenced herein as a cup  18 . In preferred embodiments, the beverage dispenser system  10  is sized, dimensioned, and otherwise configured to fit and sit upon a countertop for in-store use. 
     The beverage dispenser  12  includes a housing  20  and is provided with a front control panel  22 . The beverage dispenser  12  is provided with first and second receiving areas  24 ,  26  at which the box  16  and the cup  18  may be respectively positioned for fluid communication with a high volume dispense section  28  of the beverage dispenser  12  and a low volume dispense section  30  of the beverage dispenser  12 , respectively. The front control panel  22 , which is in electrical communication with an electronic control unit (not shown), includes a button, referenced herein as a high volume dispense button  32 , for having the electronic control actuate the high volume dispense section  28  of the beverage dispenser  12  for a high-volume outflow of beverage into the box  16 . The front control panel  22  further includes a button, referenced herein as a low volume dispense button  34 , for having the electronic control actuate the low volume dispense section  30  of the beverage dispenser  12  for a low-volume outflow of beverage to the cup  18 . A stop button  36  can be provided for interrupting midstream the outflow of beverage to the box  16  and/or the cup  18 . It is contemplated that user interface elements additional and/or alternative to buttons  30 ,  32 ,  34  can be provided with the beverage dispenser  12 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , the beverage dispenser  12  includes a subsystem for delivering a liquid, such as hot (or cold) water, to the high volume dispense section  28  and the low volume dispense section  30 . Any subsystem suitable for the purposes herein described can be included. For example, the subsystem can include a water inlet  38  receiving water from external piping, a water valve  40  in communication with the water inlet  38  for controlling the inflow of water, a water tank  42  for storing (and heating) water from the water valve  40  via a conduit (not shown), and a dispensing valve  44  for communication of hot water, for example, from the water tank  42  to the high volume dispense section  28  and the low volume dispense section  30 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-4 , the high volume dispense section  28  is configured to dispense a beverage at a dispense flow rate into a large volume container, such as the box  16 . The high volume dispense section  28  has a plurality of flow paths, at least including a first flow path  46  and a second flow path  48 , and further includes a twin-feed nozzle  50  in fluid communication with the first and second flow paths  46 ,  48 . Whipping of first and second supplies of the beverage occurs along the first and second flow paths  46 ,  48 . The high volume dispense section  28  enables a higher dispense flow rate to the box  16 , while providing lower individual flow rates through the first and second flow paths  46 ,  48 . In this regard, a higher, quick-filling dispense flow rate is provided, while a lower, upstream flow rate is provided, thereby minimizing over-foaming of the beverage during whipping. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 4 , the first flow path  46  includes a first reservoir, such as a first hopper  52   a , which is configured to contain a first amount of beverage constituent  14   a , preferably in powder form. A first hopper outlet  54   a  is in communication with the first hopper  52   a  for directing a flow of the first amount of beverage constituent  14   a  to a vent cap  56   a  for further communication to a first mixing bowl  64   a , where the first amount of the beverage constituent  14   a , e.g., cocoa, is mixed with a liquid, e.g., hot water, to form a first supply of the beverage. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 ,  4 ,  5 , and  6 , the vent cap  56   a  can include a first vent cap inlet  58   a  for receiving the first amount of beverage constituent  14   a  and a first vent cap outlet  60   a  for communicating the first amount of beverage constituent  14   a  to the first mixing bowl  64   a  and for receiving steam from the first mixing bowl  64   a  to vent to atmosphere via a first steam relief opening  62   a . In preferred embodiments, the vent cap  56   a  attaches to the mixing bowl  64   a  and is used to draw away water vapor from the hot water, which may have a temperature of one-hundred-eighty degrees Fahrenheit, for example. 
     The first mixing bowl  64   a  can include a first mixing bowl inlet  66   a  for receiving the first amount of beverage constituent  14   a  from the first vent cap outlet  60   a  and for sending steam thereto. The first mixing bowl  64   a  includes a first feed  68   a  for receiving hot water from the water tank  42  and a first mixing bowl outlet  70   a  for communication of the first supply of beverage from the first mixing bowl  64   a  to a first whipping chamber  72   a.    
     In preferred embodiments of the invention, the mixing bowl  64   a  is an open bowl-like device that receives the hot water from the feed  68   a . The feed  68   a  preferably comprises a side port, which directs the water tangentially into a circular swirling pattern. Into this, the dry powder, for example, is introduced from above. The powder drops through the open vent cap  56   a  and into the bottom of the first mixing bowl  64   a . The water and powder drains through the first mixing bowl outlet  70   a , e.g., a lower opening at the bottom of the first mixing bowl  64   a , and into the first whipping chamber  72   a.    
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 ,  4 ,  7 ,  8 A, and  8 B, the first whipping chamber  72   a  is provided with a first whipping chamber inlet  74   a  for receiving the first supply of beverage, and a first whipping chamber outlet  76   a  for communicating the first supply of beverage in a whipped form to a first inlet segment  86  of the twin-feed nozzle  50 . 
     Whipping means, such as a first whipping disc  78   a , is positioned within the whipping chamber  72   a . The whipping disc  78   a  preferably includes a series of smooth protrusions  80   a  and grooves  82   a  for low turbulence mixing to minimize over-foaming. The first whipping disc  78   a  is provided with a central opening  84   a  for receiving a motor shaft (not shown) that drives rotation of the first whipping disc  78   a . The whipping means provided with the whipping chamber  72   a  can comprise more than one whipping discs  78   a , e.g., a pair may be included. The whipping disc(s)  78   a  provide a gentle mixing action, providing reduced foam build-up before dispensing into the waiting container. Additional and/or alternative whipping means is contemplated. For example, referring to  FIG. 9 , therein is shown a whipping blade and shaft in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
     In preferred embodiments of the invention, the first whipping chamber  72   a  comprises a closed cylindrical chamber. The first whipping chamber inlet  74   a  comprises a top opening to accept the pre-mixed product, which gets fully mixed by a whipping action created by the spinning of the first whipping disc(s)  78   a  located centrally within the first whipping chamber  72   a . The fully mixed and whipped product drains out of the first whipping chamber outlet  76   a , which comprises a bottom opening, and into a nozzle, such as a first inlet segment  86  of a twin-feed nozzle  50 . The nozzle  50  directs the beverage into a waiting large-volume container, such as box  16 , placed below the nozzle. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 4 , the high volume dispense section  28  further includes a second flow path  48 , which is preferably similar to the first flow path  46 . For example, the second flow path  48  is provided with a second reservoir, e.g., a second hopper  52   b , configured to have a second amount of the beverage constituent  14   b . In this regard, mixed in the second flow path  48  is a second supply of that same beverage which was mixed in the first flow path  46 . The second flow path  48  is provided with a second hopper outlet  54   b  in communication with the second hopper  52   b  and a second vent cap  56   b , which diverts the second amount of beverage constituent  14   b  to a second mixing bowl  64   b  and further diverts steam to atmosphere. The second amount of beverage constituent  14   b  mixes with hot water in the second mixing bowl  64   b  to form the second supply of the beverage. The second supply is received by the second whipping chamber  72   b , where the second supply is whipped by a second whipping disc  78   b  and communicated to the second inlet segment  88  of the twin-feed dispense nozzle  50 . It shall be understood that components provided with the second flow path  48 , e.g., components  52   b ,  54   b ,  56   b ,  64   b ,  72   b , and  78   b  are similar in design and construction as components  52   a ,  54   a ,  56   a ,  64   a ,  72   a , and  78   a  described herein. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 ,  4 ,  10 , and  11  the preferred dispensing means for the illustrated configuration includes a twin-feed nozzle  50  in fluid communication with two flow paths  46 ,  48 . It shall be understood that the high volume dispense section  28  can further include flow paths additional to the two flow paths  46 ,  48  and that the dispensing means can include inlet segments in addition to inlet segments  86 ,  88  for communication with said additional flow paths. For example, the high volume dispense section  28  might include four flow paths (with four amounts of the beverage constituent) provided to further increase the dispensing flow rate of beverage into the large volume container, e.g., into the box  16 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the illustrated twin-feed nozzle  50  includes a downstream segment  90  receiving the first and second supplies of the beverage from the first and second inlet segments  86 ,  88 , respectively. The twin-feed nozzle  50  is preferably configured such that the first supply of the first inlet segment  86  and the second supply of the second inlet segment  88  converge. In some embodiments, an internal diameter D OUT  of the downstream segment  90  is greater than an internal diameter D IN1  of the first inlet segment  86  and/or is greater than an internal diameter D IN2  of the second inlet segment  88 . In some embodiments of the invention, A(D OUT )=A(D IN1 )+A(D IN2 ), where A represent a cross-sectional area of a pipe, and where cross-sectional area A is a function of a diameter. However, such is not required. Flow rate can be controlled by any suitable approach known in the art. For example, pressure can be increased to increase velocity. 
     In preferred embodiments of the invention, the same components are used in each of the first and second flow paths  46 ,  48 , such that the high volume dispense section  28  includes two of each components, and the first and second flow paths  46 ,  48  are arranged in a parallel path in order to obtain increased flow rate to the box  16 . A twin-feed nozzle  50  is provided that combines the two product streams into a common dispensing stream for the waiting container spout. In some embodiments, three, four, or more parallel paths can be provided with a multi-feed nozzle to further increase flow rate to a higher-volume container. 
     It is contemplated that dispensing means can be provided in which the first supply of the beverage and the second supply of the beverage are not mixed with one another. For example, the dispensing means can include a first nozzle for the first flow path  46  and, spaced apart therefrom, a second nozzle for the second flow path  48 , wherein the first and second volumes of beverage do not contact one another until they have been received in the large container, e.g., the box  16 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 4 , the beverage dispenser  12  can be provided with a low volume dispense section  30  in addition to the high volume dispense section  28 . In this regard, the beverage dispenser system  10  might be provided with a smaller container, e.g., a cup  18 , to be positioned at a cup receiving area  26  for receiving a beverage from an additional flow path, e.g., a third flow path  96 . The third flow path  96  is preferably provided with a third amount of the beverage constituent  14   c , such that the machine is capable of both high- and low-volume dispensing of the same beverage via high and low volume dispense sections  28 ,  30 , respectively. 
     Continuing with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 4 , the third flow path  96  of the low volume dispense section  30  is preferably similar to the first and second flow paths  46 ,  48 . For example, the third flow path  96  is provided with a third reservoir, e.g., a third hopper  52   c , configured to have a third amount of the beverage constituent  14   c . In this regard, a third supply is mixed in the third flow path  96 . The third supply is preferably that same beverage of the first and second supplies, but it can be different, as it is not combined with the first and second supplies. The third flow path  96  is provided with a third hopper outlet  54   c  in communication with the third hopper  52   c  and a third vent cap  56   c , which diverts the third amount of beverage constituent  14   c  to a third mixing bowl  64   c  and further diverts steam to atmosphere. The third mixing bowl  64   c  receives hot water that mixes therein with the third amount of the beverage constituent  14   c  to form the third supply. The third supply is received by the third whipping chamber  72   c , where the third supply is whipped by third whipping disc(s)  78   c  and communicated to a nozzle, referenced herein as a cup dispense nozzle  98 , for dispensing the third volume to a smaller container, e.g., the cup  18 . It shall be understood that components provided with the third flow path  96 , e.g., components  52   c ,  54   c ,  56   c ,  64   c ,  72   c , and  78   c  are similar in design and construction as components  52   a ,  54   a ,  56   a ,  64   a ,  72   a , and  78   a  described herein. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , the beverage dispenser  12  can include additional and/or alternative features. For example, the beverage dispenser  12  can be provided with one or more detection sensors  94  for continuously polling the receiving areas  24 ,  26  to determine the presence or absence of the corresponding one of the containers  16 ,  18  and to communicate same to the electronic control (not shown). If a user actuates one of the dispense buttons  32 ,  34 , the electronic control would nevertheless prevent dispensing of the corresponding volume of beverage if the corresponding one of the receiving areas  24 ,  26  was empty, for example. 
     The detection sensors  94  can be characterized as a safety feature, and guide brackets can be used in connection with such feature to assist a user in positioning container  16 ,  18  in the correct location of either of the container receiving areas  24 ,  26 . The detection sensors  94 , which can comprise proximity sensors, cooperate with the guide brackets to assure that the box container  16 , for example, is positioned properly to accept the dispensed drink and not spill outside the container. 
     The beverage dispenser  12  can be provided with a plurality of out-of-product sensors  92  for continuously polling the hoppers  52   a - c  to determine the presence or absence of beverage constituent. If a user actuates one of the dispense buttons  32 ,  34 , the electronic control would nevertheless prevent dispensing of the corresponding supply of beverage under certain circumstances. At the low volume dispense section  30 , if the user actuates the low volume dispense button  34 , the electronic control would prevent dispensing of the third supply of beverage, if the out-of-product sensor corresponding to the hopper  52   c  sends an out-of-product signal. At the high volume dispense section  28 , if the user actuates the high volume dispense button  32 , the electronic control would prevent dispensing of both the first and second supplies of beverage, if the out-of-product sensor corresponding to any one of the hoppers  52   a  and  52   b  sends an out-of-product signal. In this regard, even though one of hoppers  52   a  and  52   b  may not have “run-out” of beverage constituent, a combination of the first and second supplies would be diluted if permitted to continue, and thus dispensing of a diluted beverage is prevented. The out-of-product sensors  92  can comprise proximity sensors. In the high volume dispense section  28 , for example, the sensors  92  monitor the level of powder inside each of the two powder hoppers, to make sure “either” hopper does not run out of powder during the dispensing of the drink. This way the correct strength, e.g., drink ratio, will be produced consistently. 
     Thus, herein has been described an enhanced beverage dispenser, comprising a machine with capability of filling a large storage container (e.g., a ninety-six ounce cardboard box dispenser), while limiting the amount of product foaming to gain an optimal filling ratio. A fast-fill counter-top beverage dispenser is provided that will dispense a high volume of finished product into carry-out containers, for example, with small closable openings, without excessive foaming, while filling up to about ninety to ninety-five percent of the available volume, for example. In preferred embodiments, the same machine that provides fast-fill capability, can be used to supply smaller cup sized servings, e.g., eight to twelve ounces, for example, with normal foam head of about one-half inch high. In preferred embodiments, the high volume dispense section  28  assures that dispensing into the box  16  will not occur when the box is improperly positioned below the spout, e.g., nozzle  50 . The dispensing unit, in preferred embodiments, will cease if powdered product runs low enough, in at least one of the first and second flow paths, to produce a drink not of a specified powder to water ratio. 
     In preferred embodiments of the invention, a first dispensing flow rate of the high volume dispense section  28  can be about three ounces per second, for example, and the second dispensing flow rate of the low volume dispense section  30  can preferably be about one and three-tenths (1.3) of an ounce per second. In preferred embodiments, the hoppers  52   a ,  52   b  of the high volume dispense section  28  are provided with about twenty-three pounds of product, e.g., powder or other beverage constituent, and the hopper  52   c  of the low volume dispense section  30  are provided with about seven pounds of product. 
     In preferred embodiments of the invention, the beverage dispenser system  10  presents a dispensed beverage, e.g., hot chocolate, by thoroughly mixing liquid, with minimized powder residue within the liquid, and a visible head on the surface of the beverage of approximately one-quarter inch to approximately one-half inch. 
     Regarding the low volume dispense section  30 , for example, this effect is preferably achieved on the cup size section of the machine, for example, by mixing hot water and powder into an open mixing bowl located above the dispense nozzle. The beverage dispenser machine may also have a product guide in between the hoppers and the mixing bowl. A secondary whipping of the hot water/powder mix occurs in the whipping chamber, just below the mixing bowl, and the final beverage product dispenses out of the cup dispense nozzle into the waiting cup. Pre-calculated water flow rates, powder dispensing rates, whipping disc (or blade) design and speed, all assures a desirable beverage. 
     Regarding the high volume dispense section  28 , production of a larger filled portable beverage container of a beverage, e.g., hot chocolate, presents different water and powder feed rates as well as a different mixing system. Larger volumes of mixed product tend to foam-up and overflow an enclosed container before a percentage of its total volume has been filled with liquid, and it is preferably to achieve up to ninety percent of the available volume of the container, e.g. box  18 , being filled without foam overflowing the container spout. Inhibiting over-foaming can be accomplished, at least in part, by including whipping disc(s) in the secondary chamber, e.g., the whipping chamber  72   a , for a mixing action that is gentler than that typically provided by a whipping blade. However, a mixing disc is not required, and any suitable whipping means, including a whipping blade, for example, can be included. 
     Inhibiting over-foaming can also be accomplished, at least in part, by providing the parallel flow paths. To fill large containers in relatively short periods of time, the fill rate, e.g., flow rate, might be doubled, for example, by using two hopper/mix chamber sections that feed into a two-to-one dispensing tube. Each of the large hoppers preferably contains about ten pounds of powder (e.g., about twenty three pounds for the two together) and the smaller hopper contains five pounds of powder (e.g., about seven pounds). 
     On the high volume dispense section  28 , there are two separate hoppers used, and, if either one runs out of product, then dispensing is interrupted, because otherwise the dispensed drink would be diluted and the customer would not realize this until the user sampled the drink some time after leaving the store. To prevent this from happening an “out of product” sensor is used on each hopper that will stop the dispense operation if the powder level in either hopper drops below a certain point. 
     The design preferably also includes protection against the unit dispensing without the container being in place. A proximity sensor, along with a guide bracket, is used to assure the portable container is positioned properly to accept the dispensed drink, and not spill outside the container. 
     The design also preferably contains buttons to control the machine, these may include a high volume dispense button for activating dispensing the beverage from the high volume dispense section, a cup dispense button for activating dispensing the beverage from the cup size section and a stop button to either stop the machine entirely or the dispensing of a specific beverage. 
     The above aspects of the present invention have been given by way of illustrative example. While various embodiments of the invention have been described herein, it should be apparent, however, that various modifications, alterations and adaptations to those embodiments may occur to persons skilled in the art with the attainment of some or all of the advantages of the present invention. The disclosed embodiments are therefore intended to include all such modifications, alterations and adaptations without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims.