Patent Abstract:
A method and apparatus for a beverage dispensing nozzle equipped with at least one flow director dispenses at lower flowrates. In a first embodiment, a single flavor beverage dispensing nozzle equipped with at least one flow director segments the flow and reduces the cross sectional area of the fluid stream, thereby forcing product to move downward. A second embodiment provides an improvement to an existing beverage dispensing nozzle, by adding at least one flow director in an annular channel of the beverage dispensing nozzle. The addition of the at least one flow director in the annular channel provides the beverage dispensing nozzle with the ability to dispense product at lower flowrates by increasing the velocity component of the exiting product. The exiting product now has sufficient energy to separate from the beverage dispensing nozzle. Methods for using the beverage dispensing nozzles with the at least one flow director are also presented.

Full Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates to beverage dispensing nozzles and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to a beverage dispensing nozzle for use in dispensing medium to low flow applications. Further embodiments include dispensing flavor additives and dispensing multiple flavored drinks from a single nozzle without intermingling drink flavors. 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   In the food and beverage service industry, counter space is at a premium. As such, it is desirable to minimize the space requirements of counter top dispensers through dispensing multiple flavors of drinks, including flavor additives, from a single nozzle. Problems associated with multiple flavor dispensing nozzles include syrup carryover, proper mixing, and excessive foaming problems. U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,098,842, 6,047,859 and 6,345,729 disclose multiple flavor nozzles that provide solutions to these problems. These multiple flavor nozzles are designed for use in high volume beverage dispensing accounts and thus produce higher than normal finished drink flowrates. While the designs of the referenced patents address the foregoing problems, they did not address problems associated with delivery of products at lower flowrates for medium to low volume beverage dispensing accounts. Furthermore, medium to low volume accounts may not require a multi-flavor beverage dispensing nozzle to satisfy the demand. 
   At lower flowrates, problems arise due to different system dynamics, wherein the product stream flows out of the nozzle in an irregular pattern and not the prescribed stream. Visually, the water segment of the product stream looks as if the water is exiting the nozzle on only one side. This training effect is present when the flow system energy does not overcome the surface tension properties of the mixing fluid in a lower flowrate system. This type of problem must be corrected to ensure proper mixing, as well as being aesthetically functional. 
   A second problem with the lower flowrate nozzles is the surface tension of the water as it leaves the underside of the nozzle. In a lower flowrate system, the water adhesion properties take over at the end of a dispense, wherein the mixing fluid then clings to the underside of the nozzle. Liquid clinging to the underside of the nozzle that contacts both the mixing fluid ports and the syrup ports can create avenues for intermingling of the different varieties of products, as well as discoloring and distaste of a dispensed drink. Accordingly, a beverage dispensing nozzle that operates at lower product flowrates would be beneficial for use in medium to low volume beverage dispensing accounts. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   A method and apparatus for a beverage dispensing nozzle equipped with at least one flow director allow products to be dispensed at lower flowrates. In a first embodiment, a single flavor beverage dispensing nozzle equipped with the at least one flow director segment the flow to provide a reduced cross sectional area. As the nozzle cavity fills, the product is forced to move down a flow director channel. A method of using the beverage dispensing nozzle with the at least one flow director is also provided. 
   A second embodiment provides an improvement to an existing beverage dispensing nozzle, by adding at least one flow director in an annular channel of a multi-flavor beverage dispensing nozzle. The addition of the at least one flow director in the annular channel has provided the beverage dispensing nozzle with the ability to dispense product at lower flowrates by increasing the velocity component of the exiting product. The exiting product now has sufficient energy to separate from the beverage dispensing nozzle. A method of using the beverage dispensing nozzle with the at least one flow director is also presented. 
   It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a beverage dispensing nozzle suitable for use with lower flowrates. 
   It is further an object of this invention to provide an increased velocity component to the product exiting the beverage dispensing nozzle. 
   It is yet further an object of this invention to segment the flow of product within the beverage dispensing nozzle. 
   It is still yet further an object of this invention to provide a visually acceptable fluid stream exiting from the beverage dispensing nozzle. 
   Still other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become evident to those of ordinary skill in the art in light of the following. Also, it should be understood that the scope of this invention is intended to be broad, and any combination of any subset of the features, elements, or steps described herein is part of the intended scope of the invention. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  provides a section view of a single flavor beverage dispensing nozzle according to the preferred embodiment. 
       FIG. 2  provides a method flowchart for using flow directors in a single flavor nozzle according to the preferred embodiment. 
       FIG. 3  provides an exploded view of beverage dispensing nozzle as viewed from above according to the preferred embodiment. 
       FIG. 4  provides an exploded view of nozzle as viewed from below according to the preferred embodiment. 
       FIG. 5  is a cross section view of the nozzle as assembled according to the preferred embodiment. 
       FIG. 6  is a cross section view of the nozzle as assembled according to the preferred embodiment. 
       FIG. 7  is a cross section view of the nozzle as assembled according to the preferred embodiment. 
       FIG. 8   a  is a top view of the outer housing after the addition of flow directors according to the preferred embodiment. 
       FIG. 8   b  is a section view of the outer housing after addition of the flow directors according to the preferred embodiment. 
       FIG. 9   a  provides a side view of the assembled beverage dispensing nozzle according to the preferred embodiment. 
       FIG. 9   b  provides a section view of the beverage dispensing nozzle before the addition of flow directors according to the preferred embodiment. 
       FIG. 9   c  provides a section view of the beverage dispensing nozzle after the addition of flow directors according to the preferred embodiment. 
       FIG. 10  provides a cross section of an embodiment of the beverage dispensing nozzle that inlcudes flavor additives according to the preferred embodiment. 
       FIG. 11   a  provides a method flowchart for using flow directors in a beverage dispensing nozzle with a single beverage flavor according to the preferred embodiment. 
       FIG. 11   b  provides a method flowchart for using flow directors in a beverage dispensing nozzle with two beverage flavors according to the preferred embodiment. 
       FIG. 11   c  provides a method flowchart for using flow directors in a beverage dispensing nozzle with three beverage flavors according to the preferred embodiment. 
       FIG. 11   d  provides a method flowchart for using flow directors in an embodiment that delivers flavor additives according to the preferred embodiment. 
       FIG. 12   a  provides a method flowchart for using flow directors in a standard beverage dispensing nozzle dispensing a single beverage flavor according to the preferred embodiment. 
       FIG. 12   b  provides a method flowchart for using flow directors in a standard beverage dispensing nozzle dispensing two beverage flavors according to the preferred embodiment. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. It is further to be understood that the figures are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be exaggerated to show details of particular components or steps. 
   U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,098,842, 6,047,859 and 6,345,729, the disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference, disclose a nozzle designed to mix beverage concentrates with a mixing fluid at high flowrates, up to 5 oz./sec. An important feature of the previously disclosed beverage dispensing nozzle is the annular discharge of a beverage syrup, wherein the annularly discharged mixing fluid contacts the beverage syrup in mid-air below the dispensing nozzle. The annular discharge shape of the beverage syrup and the mixing fluid significantly increases the contact surface area between the two streams, resulting in more effective mixing. The embodiments of this invention improve over the previously disclosed nozzle by broadening the working range of the nozzle, therein making the beverage dispensing nozzle suitable for use in lower flowrate applications, as well as the higher flowrate applications. Further embodiments of this invention include a single flavor beverage dispensing nozzle and dispensing of product flavorings. 
   As shown in  FIG. 1 , a first embodiment of a beverage dispensing nozzle  300  includes a body  301  having a single syrup flowpath  309  and a single mixing fluid flowpath  302 . The syrup flowpath  309  includes a syrup inlet port  303 , a syrup outlet port  304  and a beverage syrup channel  305 . The mixing fluid flowpath  302  includes a mixing fluid inlet port  306 , a mixing fluid outlet port  307  and a mixing fluid channel  308  disposed around the syrup flowpath  309 . The mixing fluid channel  308  further includes at least one flow director  310  to increase the velocity of the mixing fluid. Multiple flow directors  310  may be used for increased control of the mixing fluid flow dynamics. The flow director  310  segments a lower portion of the large mixing fluid channel  308  into at least one smaller channel known as a flow director channel  312 . 
   In operation, a beverage syrup is delivered to the beverage syrup inlet port  303  of the beverage dispensing nozzle  300  and a mixing fluid is delivered to the mixing fluid inlet port  306 . The beverage syrup is then delivered from the beverage syrup inlet port  303  to the beverage syrup outlet port  304  via a beverage syrup channel  305  disposed in the nozzle  300 . The beverage syrup is then discharged from the beverage syrup outlet port  304 . The mixing fluid is delivered from the mixing fluid inlet port  306  to the mixing fluid channel  308  surrounding the syrup flow path  309 . Once inside the mixing fluid channel  308 , the mixing fluid flows towards the mixing fluid outlet port  307 , therein passing the at least one flow director  310 . Upon reaching the at least one flow director  310 , the mixing fluid&#39;s downward velocity component is increased as the mixing fluid is forced through the reduced cross-sectional flow area and the hydraulic pressure of the incoming mixing fluid. The mixing fluid is then discharged from the mixing fluid outlet port  307  to contact exiting beverage syrup. 
   As shown in  FIG. 2 , a method of using flow directors in a beverage dispensing nozzle  300  commences with step  80 , delivering a beverage syrup to a beverage syrup inlet port  303  of the beverage dispensing nozzle  300 . A mixing fluid is then delivered to a mixing fluid inlet port  306  of the beverage dispensing nozzle  300 , step  81 . In step  82 , the beverage syrup is delivered from the beverage syrup inlet port  303  to a beverage syrup discharge port  304  via a syrup flowpath  309  disposed inside of the beverage dispensing nozzle  300 . The method continues with step  83 , wherein the mixing fluid is delivered from the mixing fluid inlet port  306  to the mixing fluid channel  308  surrounding the beverage syrup flowpath  309 . Step  84  provides for the discharge of the beverage syrup from the beverage syrup discharge port  304 . The velocity of the mixing fluid is increased as it passes the flow director  310  in the flow director channel  312  as shown in step  85 . In step  86 , the mixing fluid is discharged from the beverage dispensing nozzle  300  to mix with exiting beverage syrup. 
   In a second embodiment, a beverage dispensing nozzle  10  characteristic of the nozzle disclosed in the referenced U.S. Patents is equipped with an at least one flow director  200  to permit the nozzle  10  to operate at lower flowrates. As shown in  FIGS. 3–7 , the nozzle  10  includes a cap member  11 , an o-ring  12 , a plurality of gaskets  13 – 15 , an inner housing  16 , a first or outer annulus  17 , a second or intermediate annulus  18 , a third or inner annulus  19  and an outer housing  20 . The inner housing  16  defines a chamber  40  and includes an opening  44  into the chamber  40 . The inner housing  16  includes a plurality of cavities  41 – 43  that communicate with the chamber  40  through a plurality of conduits  45 – 47 , respectively. The conduits  45 – 47  are concentrically spaced apart; namely, conduit  47  is innermost, conduit  45  is intermediate, and conduit  46  is outermost (see  FIGS. 3–7 ). The conduits  45 – 47  are concentrically spaced apart so that beverage syrup may enter the chamber  40  at three separate points. The interior wall of the inner housing  16  defining the chamber  40  includes a plurality of stair steps  48 – 51 . 
   The first or outer annulus  17  includes an upper member  52  and a discharge member  53 . The first or outer annulus  17  fits within the chamber  40  of the inner housing  16  such that a portion of the upper member  52  engages the stair-step  49 . That portion of the upper member  52  may press fit with the stair step  49  or an adhesive may be used to secure that portion of the upper member  52  with the stair step  49 . The first or outer annulus  17  and the interior wall of the inner housing  16  defining stair step  48  form a first beverage syrup channel  54  that connects with the conduit  46  of the inner housing  16 . The first beverage syrup channel  54  insures a large volume of beverage syrup flows uniformly about the first or outer annulus  17  during discharge. The discharge member  53  includes a plurality of discharge channels  55  to aid the first beverage syrup channel  54  in discharging the beverage syrup because the discharge member  53  is sized to substantially reside within the lower portion of the interior wall for the inner housing  16 . The discharge member  53  operates to discharge the beverage syrup in a restricted flow to insure uniform distribution of the beverage syrup as it exits from the beverage dispensing nozzle  10 , thereby providing a maximum surface area for contact with mixing fluid also exiting from the beverage dispensing nozzle  10 . 
   The second or intermediate annulus  18  includes an upper member  56  and a discharge member  57 . The second or intermediate annulus  18  fits within the first or outer annulus  17  such that a portion of the upper member  56  engages the stair step  50 . That portion of the upper member  56  may press fit with the stair step  50  or an adhesive may be used to secure that portion of the upper member  56  with the stair step  50 . The second or intermediate annulus  18  and the interior wall of the first or outer annulus  17  form a second beverage syrup channel  58  that connects with the conduit  45  of the inner housing  16 . The second beverage syrup channel  58  insures a large volume of beverage syrup flows uniformly about the second or intermediate annulus  18  during discharge. The discharge member  57  includes a plurality of discharge channels  59  to aid the second beverage syrup channel  58  in discharging the beverage syrup because the discharge member  57  is sized to substantially reside within the lower portion of the interior wall of the first or outer annulus  17 . The discharge member  57  operates to discharge the beverage syrup in a restricted flow to insure uniform distribution of the beverage syrup as it exits from the beverage dispensing nozzle  10 , thereby providing a maximum surface area for contact with mixing fluid also exiting from the beverage dispensing nozzle  10 . 
   The third or inner annulus  19  includes a securing member  60 , an intermediate member  61  and a discharge member  62 . The inner annulus  19  fits within the intermediate annulus  18  such that the securing member  60  protrudes through the opening  44  of the inner housing  16  and engages the interior wall of the inner housing  16  defining the opening  44 . The securing member  60  may be press fit with the interior wall of the inner housing  16  defining the opening  44  or an adhesive may be used to secure the securing member  60  with the interior wall of the inner housing  16  defining the opening  44 . The third or inner annulus  19 , the stair step  51  and the interior wall of the second or intermediate annulus  18  form a third beverage syrup channel  64  that connects with the conduit  47  of the inner housing  16 . The third beverage syrup channel  64  insures a large volume of beverage syrup flows uniformly about the third or interior annulus  19  during discharge. The discharge member  62  includes a plurality of discharge channels  63  to aid the third beverage syrup channel  64  in discharging the beverage syrup because the discharge member  62  is sized substantially reside within the lower portion of the interior wall for the second or intermediate annulus  18 . The discharge member  62  operates to discharge the beverage syrup in a restricted flow to insure uniform distribution of the beverage syrup as it exits from the beverage dispensing nozzle  10 , thereby providing a maximum surface area for contact with mixing fluid also exiting from the beverage dispensing nozzle  10 . 
   The cap member  11  includes a plurality of beverage syrup inlet ports  21 – 23  that communicate with a respective beverage syrup outlet port  24 – 26  via a respective connecting conduit  37 – 39  through the cap member  11 . The beverage syrup outlet ports  24 – 26  snap fit within a respective cavity  41 – 43  of the inner housing  16  to secure the inner housing  16  to the cap member  11 . The gaskets  13 – 15  fit around a respective beverage syrup outlet port  24 – 26  to provide a fluid seal and to assist in the securing of the inner housing  16  to the cap member  11 . With the inner housing  16  secured to the cap member  11 , a beverage syrup path involving the beverage syrup inlet port  21 ; the conduit  37 ; the beverage syrup outlet port  24 ; the cavity  41 ; the conduit  46 ; and the first beverage syrup channel  54 , which includes the discharge channels  59  is created. A beverage syrup path involving the beverage syrup inlet port  22 ; the conduit  38 ; the beverage syrup outlet port  25 ; the cavity  42 ; the conduit  45 ; the second beverage syrup channel  58 , which includes the discharge channels  55 , and one involving the beverage syrup inlet port  23 ; the conduit  39 ; the beverage syrup outlet port  26 ; the cavity  43 ; the conduit  47 ; the third beverage syrup channel  64 , which includes the discharge channels  63  are also created. 
   The cap member  11  includes a mixing fluid inlet port  27  that communicates with a plurality of mixing fluid outlet channels  66 – 71  via a connecting conduit  28  through the cap member  11 . The mixing fluid outlet channels  66 – 71 , in this preferred embodiment, are uniformly spaced within the cap member  11  and communicate with an annular cavity  36  defined by a portion of the cap member  11  to deliver mixing fluid along the entire circumference of the annular cavity  36 . Nevertheless, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other mixing fluids, such as plain water may be used. Furthermore, although the preferred embodiment discloses the formation of a beverage from a beverage syrup and a mixing fluid, such as carbonated water or plain water, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that a mixing fluid, such as carbonated or plain water, may be dispensed individually from a beverage path as described above instead of a beverage syrup. 
   The outer housing  20  snap fits over the cap member  11 , including the o-ring  12  which provides a fluid seal and assists in the securing of the inner housing  16  to the cap member  11 . The outer housing  20  has an inwardly extending lip portion  73  at its exit end to direct exiting mixing fluid into the exiting beverage syrup. An inner surface  201  of the outer housing  20  in combination with the portion of the cap member  11  defining the annular cavity  36  and an exterior wall  202  of the inner housing  16  define a mixing fluid channel  72 . With the outer housing  20  secured to the cap member  11 , a mixing fluid path involving the mixing fluid inlet port  27 , the conduit  28 , the mixing fluid outlet channels  66 - 71 , the annular channel  36  and the mixing fluid channel  72  is created. 
   Similarly, upon mating the outer housing  20  and the cap member  11 , three different beverage flow paths are defined. Beverage syrup enters the beverage syrup inlet ports  21 , 22 , 23 , flows through the conduits  37 , 38 , 39  and the beverage system outlet ports  24 , 25 , 26  to the cavities  41 , 42 , 43 ; the beverage syrup then flows through the conduits  46 , 45 , 47 , the first, second and third beverage syrup channels  54 , 58 , 64 , the discharge channels  55 , 59 , 63 , and the discharge members  53 , 57 , 62 , respectively, prior to being discharged from the beverage dispensing nozzle  10 . 
   In operation, mixing fluid enters the beverage dispensing nozzle through the mixing fluid inlet port  27  and travels through the conduit  28  to the mixing fluid outlet channels  66 – 71  for delivery into the annular cavity  36 . Under high flow rates, the annular cavity  36  receives a large volume of mixing fluid to insure the mixing fluid channel  72  remains full for uniform flow as the mixing fluid moves downwardly through the mixing fluid channel  72  to the discharge end of the nozzle. The objective is to maintain a uniform distribution of mixing fluid exiting the entire circumference of the mixing fluid channel  72 . The inwardly extending lip portion  73  of the outer housing  20  directs the mixing fluid inwardly toward a beverage syrup stream exiting from one of the discharge members  53 ,  57 , or  62 . 
   The beverage syrup inlet ports  21 – 23  each receive a different flavor of beverage syrup, which is delivered through a conduit by a beverage syrup source (not shown). Each beverage syrup travels through its particular flow path for discharge from the beverage dispensing nozzle  10  as previously described. Illustratively, a beverage syrup delivered to the beverage syrup inlet port  21  flows through the conduit  37 , the beverage syrup outlet port  24 , the cavity  41 , the conduit  46 , the first beverage syrup channel  54 , and the discharge channels  55  prior to discharge from the beverage dispensing nozzle  10 . The first, second ad third beverage syrup channels  54 ,  58 , and  64  provide a large volume of beverage syrup around each of a respective first or outer, second or intermediate, and third or inner annulus  17 ,  18 , and  19  for discharge through one of the discharge members  53 ,  57 , and  62 . The discharge members  53 ,  57 , and  62  restrict the flow of beverage syrup to insure uniform distribution of the beverage syrup as it exits from the beverage dispensing nozzle  10 , thus insuring a maximum surface area for contact with the mixing fluid exiting from the mixing fluid channel  72 . Although only one beverage syrup is typically dispensed at a time, it should be understood that more than one beverage syrup may be discharged from the beverage dispensing nozzle  10  at a time to provide a mix of flavors. 
   As a solution to the problems associated with dispensing at lower flowrates, the outer housing  20  of the nozzle  10  has been outfitted with a plurality of flow directors  200 , eight in this preferred embodiment, on an inner surface  201  of the outer housing  20 . The flow directors  200  extend upward from the inwardly extending lip portion  73  at its exit end to the edge of the inner surface  201  as shown in  FIGS. 8   a  and  8   b . The flow directors  200  do not run the full length of the mixing fluid channel  72 . Full-length flow directors  200  would prevent the filling of an upper section of the mixing fluid channel  72  around the beverage syrup flowpath. The addition of the flow directors  200  segments a lower section of the mixing fluid channel  72  into a plurality of smaller flow channels or flow director channels  210 . It should be noted that the quantity and length of flow director  200  features may vary depending on mixing requirements for different products and additives. 
   With the installation of flow directors  200 , assembly of the cap member  11  and the outer housing  20  now define a slightly different flow path for the mixing fluid. The inner surface  201  of the outer housing  20  in combination with the portion of the cap member  11  defining the annular cavity  36  and the exterior wall  202  of the inner housing  16  define the mixing fluid channel  72  which now encompasses flow director channels  210 . The flow director channels  210  are defined by the inner surface  201  of the outer housing  20 , the outer wall  202  of the inner housing  16 , and two adjacent flow directors  200  as shown in  FIG. 9   c .  FIGS. 9   b  and  9   c  provide section views of the beverage dispensing nozzle  10  before and after the addition of flow directors  200 . With the outer housing  20  secured to the cap member  11 , a mixing fluid path involving the mixing fluid inlet port  27 , the conduit  28 , the mixing fluid outlet channels  66 – 71 , the annular channel  36 , the mixing fluid channel  72  and the flow director channels  210  is created. 
   With the flow directors  200  in place, the upper section of the mixing fluid channel  72  fills with mixing fluid. Once filled, the hydraulic pressure of the incoming mixing fluid forces the mixing fluid in the upper section of the mixing fluid channel  72  into the series of flow director channels  210  defined by the flow directors  200 . The reduced cross sectional area of the flow director channels  210  provides an increased velocity component for the mixing fluid exiting the nozzle  10  since the velocity component of the mixing fluid is being directed downward through all of the flow director channels  210 . The increased velocity component provides the mixing fluid stream with enough energy to separate from the nozzle  10  at the end of the dispense. The increased velocity of the mixing fluid eliminates the problem of the mixing fluid clinging to the underside of the nozzle  10 , and crossing over into other discharge ports. The addition of flow directors  200  improves the distribution of mixing fluid by regaining the desired discharge velocity for a more effective mix. 
   In a dispense, the syrup and mixing fluid flow separately through the nozzle  10  to mix with beverage syrup discharged from the nozzle  10 . Illustratively, syrup enters the nozzle  10  through a syrup inlet port  21 , flows through the conduit  37 , moves into the beverage system outlet port  24  to the cavity  41 ; the syrup then flows through the conduit  46 , the beverage syrup channel  54 , the discharge channel  55 , and finally, the discharge member  53 . Concurrently, a mixing fluid enters the nozzle  10  through the mixing fluid inlet port  27 , moves through the conduit  28 , exits the mixing fluid outlet channels  66 – 71 , flows into the annular channel  36 , through the mixing fluid channel  72 , and flows through the flow director channels  210  to the end of the nozzle  10 . Once the mixing fluid exits the flow director channels  210 , it is redirected inward into the syrup stream exiting the nozzle  10  by the inwardly extending lip portion  73 . As both fluids are being dispensed in concentric annular rings, the opportunity for mixing is increased. While the preferred embodiment provides for annularly shaped discharging of the syrup and mixing fluid, it should be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, that the shape of the discharge streams is not limited to annular rings. Additionally, it should be further apparent to one skilled in the art that the beverage syrup and the mixing fluid flowpaths may be switched for products with fractional mixing ratios, wherein the mixing fluid could exit the center of the beverage dispensing nozzle. 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , an embodiment of the beverage dispensing nozzle  900  provides for delivery of flavor additives from the beverage dispensing nozzle  900  along with beverage syrup and mixing fluid. Examples of flavor additives in this embodiment include, but are not limited to, cherry or vanilla, which are utilized to form new drink combinations such as cherry cola. In this embodiment, the third or inner annulus  919  includes a securing member  960 , an intermediate member  961 , and a discharge member  962 . The third or inner annulus  919  mounts within the second or intermediate annulus  18 , protrudes through the opening of the inner housing  16 , and engages the interior wall of the inner housing  16  defining the opening identically as previously described with reference to the beverage dispensing nozzle  10 . The third or inner annulus  919 , however, includes a pair of passageways  907  and  908  therethrough, which are utilized to deliver flavor additives from the third or inner annulus  919 . The intermediate member  961  and the discharge member  962  are identical to the intermediate member  61  and the discharge member  62  of the third or inner annulus  19 , except the intermediate member  961  and the discharge member  962  define a portion of the passageways  907  and  908 . The securing member  960  is identical to the securing member  60  of the third annulus  919 , except the securing member  60  defines a cavity  909  as well as a portion of the passageways  907  and  908 . 
   The cap member  911  is configured and operates as the cap member  11 , except the cap member  911  further includes a plurality of flavor additive inlet ports  901  and  902  that communicate with a respective flavor additive outlet port  903  and  904  via a respective connecting passageway  905  and  906  through the cap member  911 . Identical to the cap member  11 , beverage syrup outlet ports of the cap member  911  snap fit within a respective cavity of the inner housing  16  to secure the inner housing  16  to the cap member  911 . Gaskets fit around a respective beverage syrup outlet port to provide a fluid seal and to assist in the securing of the inner housing  16  to the cap member  911 . In addition, the securing member  960  of the third or inner annulus  919  extending through the opening of the inner housing  16  snap fits around a protrusion  35  of the cap member  911  to aid in the securing of the inner housing  16  to the cap member  911 . With the inner housing  16  secured to the cap member  911 , a flavor additive conduit involving the flavor additive inlet port  901 ; the passageway  905 ; the flavor additive outlet port  903 ; and the passageway  907  is created. Similarly, a flavor additive conduit involving the flavor additive inlet port  902 ; the passageway  906 ; the flavor additive outlet port  904 ; and the passageway  908  is created. 
   The operation of the beverage dispensing nozzle  900  in delivering a mixing fluid for combination with a beverage syrup to produce a desired drink is identical to the operation of the beverage dispensing nozzle  10 . However, the beverage dispensing nozzle  900  provides a user the option of altering drink flavor through the addition of flavor additives, such as cherry or vanilla, delivered from flavor additive sources. When the user has selected a flavor additive, the flavor additive enters a respective passageway  907  or  908  via a respective passageway  905  or  906  and flavor additive outlet port  903  and  904 . The selected additive flavor traverses a respective passageway  907  or  908  and exits the third or inner annulus  919 , where the flavor additive combines with the flowing beverage syrup and mixing fluid to produce an alternatively flavored drink, such as cherry or vanilla cola. 
   A method flowchart for using flow directors  200  in a beverage dispensing nozzle  10  mixing a single beverage syrup and a mixing fluid is shown in  FIG. 11   a . The process begins with step  98 , wherein a beverage syrup is delivered to a first beverage syrup inlet port  21 . In step  102 , a mixing fluid is delivered to a mixing fluid inlet port  27 . Step  103  provides for delivering the beverage syrup from the first beverage syrup inlet port  21  to the first beverage syrup channel  54 . Next, the mixing fluid is delivered from the mixing fluid inlet port  27  to the mixing fluid channel  72 , step  107 . The process continues with step  108 , wherein the beverage syrup is discharged from the first beverage syrup channel  54 . In step  112 , the velocity of the mixing fluid is increased as the mixing fluid passes the flow directors  200 . Step  113  provides for discharging the mixing fluid from the mixing fluid channel  72  to contact exiting beverage syrup to mix therewith outside of the beverage dispensing nozzle  10 . 
   In embodiments where a second beverage dispensing stream is also being dispensed from the nozzle  10 , the method of  FIG. 11   a  would further include steps  99 ,  104  and  109  as shown in  FIG. 11   b . Similarly, the process begins with step  98 , wherein a beverage syrup is delivered to a first beverage syrup inlet port  21 . A second beverage syrup is then delivered to a second beverage syrup inlet port  22  as shown in step  99 . Next, step  102 , a mixing fluid is delivered to a mixing fluid inlet port  27 . The process then moves to step  103 , wherein the first beverage syrup is delivered form the first beverage syrup inlet port  21  to a first beverage syrup channel  54 . In step  104 , the second beverage syrup is delivered to a second beverage syrup channel  58 . The mixing fluid is delivered from the mixing fluid inlet port  27  to a mixing fluid channel  72  in step  107 . Next, the first beverage syrup is discharged from the first beverage syrup channel  54 , step  108 . Likewise, the second beverage syrup is discharged from the second beverage syrup channel  58 , step  109 . In step  112 , the velocity of the mixing fluid is increased by passing it through the flow directors  200 . The mixing fluid is then discharged from the mixing fluid channel  72  to mix therewith outside of the beverage dispensing nozzle  10  with exiting beverage syrup. 
   In an embodiment wherein three syrups are desired, the method of  FIG. 11   b  further includes steps  100 ,  105  and  110 , as shown in  FIG. 11   c . Similarly, the process begins with step  98 , wherein a beverage syrup is delivered to a first beverage syrup inlet port  21 . A second beverage syrup is then delivered to a second beverage syrup inlet port  22  as shown in step  99 . In step  100 , a third beverage syrup is delivered to a third beverage syrup inlet port  23 . Next, step  102 , a mixing fluid is delivered to a mixing fluid inlet port  27 . The process then moves to step  103 , wherein the first beverage syrup is delivered form the first beverage syrup inlet port  21  to a first beverage syrup channel  54 . In step  104 , the second beverage syrup is delivered to a second beverage syrup channel  58 . The process then moves to step  105 , wherein the third beverage syrup is delivered to a third beverage syrup channel  63 . The mixing fluid is delivered from the mixing fluid inlet port  27  to a mixing fluid channel  72  in step  107 . Next, the first beverage syrup is discharged from the first beverage syrup channel  54 , step  108 . Likewise, the second beverage syrup is discharged from the second beverage syrup channel  58 , step  109 , and the third beverage syrup is discharged from the third beverage syrup channel  63 , step  110 . In step  112 , the velocity of the mixing fluid is increased by passing it through the flow directors  200 . The mixing fluid is then discharged from the mixing fluid channel  72  to mix therewith outside of the beverage dispensing nozzle  10  with exiting beverage syrup. 
   In an embodiment where a flavor additive is desired while using the beverage dispensing nozzle  900 , the method flowchart of  FIG. 11   a  further includes steps  101 ,  106  and  111  as shown in  FIG. 11   d . The process begins with step  98 , wherein a beverage syrup is delivered to a first beverage syrup inlet port  21 . The process then moves to step  101 , wherein a flavor additive is delivered to a flavor additive inlet port  901 . In step  102 , a mixing fluid is delivered to a mixing fluid inlet port  27 . Step  103  provides for delivering the beverage syrup from the first beverage syrup inlet port  21  to the first beverage syrup channel  54 . The process then moves to step  106 , wherein the flavor additive is then delivered from the flavor additive inlet port  901  to a flavor additive passageway  905  in the third annulus  919 . Next, the mixing fluid is delivered from the mixing fluid inlet port  27  to the mixing fluid channel  72 , step  107 . The process continues with step  108 , wherein the beverage syrup is discharged from the first beverage syrup channel  54 . The process moves to step  111 , wherein the flavor additive is discharged form the third annulus  919 . In step  112 , the velocity of the mixing fluid is increased as the mixing fluid passes the flow directors  200 . Step  113  provides for discharging the mixing fluid from the mixing fluid channel  72  to contact exiting beverage syrup to mix therewith outside of the beverage dispensing nozzle  900 . 
   In another embodiment, the beverage dispensing nozzle  10  may be a standard beverage dispensing nozzle, i.e. not an air-mix beverage dispensing nozzle, wherein the beverage syrup and the mixing fluid streams mix in a mixing chamber prior to exiting the nozzle. The method flowchart for this embodiment is shown in  FIG. 12   a . The method process commences with step  115 , wherein a beverage syrup is delivered to a first beverage syrup inlet port  21 . In step  117 , a mixing fluid is delivered to a mixing fluid inlet port  27 . Step  118  provides for delivering the beverage syrup from the first beverage syrup inlet port  21  to the first beverage syrup channel  54 . Next, the mixing fluid is delivered from the mixing fluid inlet port  27  to the mixing fluid channel  72 , step  120 . The process continues with step  121 , wherein the beverage syrup is discharged from the first beverage syrup channel  54 . In step  123 , the velocity of the mixing fluid is increased as the mixing fluid passes the flow directors  200 . Step  124  provides for discharging the mixing fluid from the mixing fluid channel  72  to mix with exiting beverage syrup. 
   A method flowchart for one variation of using flow directors  200  in an application with two beverage syrups is shown in  FIG. 12   b . Similar to the method shown in  FIG. 12   a , the process commences with a delivery of a first beverage syrup to a first beverage syrup inlet port  21 , step  115 . A second beverage syrup is then delivered to a second beverage syrup inlet port  22  in step  116 . The process continues with the delivery of a mixing fluid to a mixing fluid inlet port  27  as shown in step  117 . Step  118  provides for delivering the first beverage syrup from the first beverage syrup inlet port  21  to a first beverage syrup channel  54 . Similarly, the second beverage syrup is delivered from the second beverage syrup inlet port  22  to a second beverage syrup channel  58  in step  119 . Delivery of the mixing fluid from the mixing fluid inlet port  27  to a mixing fluid channel  72  follows in step  120 . The first beverage syrup is then discharged from the first beverage syrup channel as shown in step  121 . Likewise, the second beverage syrup is discharged from the second beverage syrup channel  58  in step  122 . The velocity of the mixing fluid is increased in the mixing fluid channel  72  as it passes the flow directors  200  disposed therein in step  123 . In step  124 , the mixing fluid is discharged from the mixing fluid channel to mix with exiting beverage syrup. 
   Although the present invention has been described in terms of the foregoing preferred embodiment, such description has been for exemplary purposes only and, as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, many alternatives, equivalents, and variations of varying degrees will fall within the scope of the present invention. That scope, accordingly, is not to be limited in any respect by the foregoing detailed description; rather, it is defined only by the claims that follow.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1