Source: https://patents.google.com/patent/US8887958B2/en
Timestamp: 2019-02-20 16:35:16
Document Index: 555583897

Matched Legal Cases: ['§119', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60']

US8887958B2 - Component mixing method, apparatus and system - Google Patents
US8887958B2
US8887958B2 US12/526,014 US52601408A US8887958B2 US 8887958 B2 US8887958 B2 US 8887958B2 US 52601408 A US52601408 A US 52601408A US 8887958 B2 US8887958 B2 US 8887958B2
US12/526,014
US20100314412A1 (en
Jeffery W. Kadyk
2007-02-08 Priority to US88891607P priority Critical
2008-02-08 Application filed by Bunn-O-Matic Corp filed Critical Bunn-O-Matic Corp
2008-02-08 Priority to PCT/US2008/053380 priority patent/WO2008098154A1/en
2008-02-08 Priority to US12/526,014 priority patent/US8887958B2/en
2009-10-08 Assigned to BUNN-O-MATIC CORPORATION reassignment BUNN-O-MATIC CORPORATION ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: KADYK, JEFFERY, RADHAKRISHNAN, SURESH
2010-12-16 Publication of US20100314412A1 publication Critical patent/US20100314412A1/en
2014-11-18 Publication of US8887958B2 publication Critical patent/US8887958B2/en
B67D1/0024—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught the beverage being prepared by mixing at least two liquid components the components being mixed at the time of dispensing, i.e. post-mix dispensers the apparatus comprising means for automatically controlling the amount to be dispensed control of the amount of the mixture, i.e. after mixing based on the timed opening of a valve
A mixing device has a cavity within a body with an inlet for an ingredient. A water inlet is located in the cavity of the body such that the water inlet and the ingredient inlet impinge upon one another to mix the fluids within a chamber located within the cavity. The mixture then dispenses downstream through an outlet. The chamber is located upstream of the water inlet in order to facilitate the mixing process.
This patent application is a U.S. Nationalization of international application no. PCT/US2008/053380, filed Feb. 8, 2008, which claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/888,916, filed Feb. 8, 2007. The disclosures set forth in the referenced applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties, including all information as originally submitted to the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
Sanitation and cleansing of components may be an issue for some equipment. As discussed above, it may not be preferred to cleanse components. In this situation, it might be desirable to provide disposable components. Disposable components would also be useful prevent flavor and allergen contamination. Buy removing and disposing of components, the chemicals that might otherwise introduce different flavors or allergens could be removed form the system. Disposable components would also increase the level of sanitation because the ease of changing and disposing of the components will help promote good sanitation practices.
FIG. 17 is a diagrammatic side elevational, cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the mixing device;
FIG. 18 is a diagrammatic view of the mixing device which is used to mix a multiple stage or multiple ingredient product similar to that as shown in FIG. 2; and
FIG. 19 is a diagrammatic side elevational, cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the mixing device similar to that as shown in FIG. 17.
In the embodiment as shown in FIG. 17, a bayonet or quick fit connection 224 is provided on a machine 226. The machine includes a water line 228 with the quick disconnect fitting 224. Similarly, a first ingredient source in the form of a bag-in-box or “BIB” 230 is provided for coupling by a way of a tube 232 to the mixing device 220. Quick disconnect or barb fittings 234, 236 are provided on the BIB 230 and mixing device 220, respectively. A retaining clamp or other device may used if there is need to secure the seat 170 of the mixing device 220 to the quick disconnect fitting 224 of the water line 228. The mixing device 220 can be provided as a quickly disconnectable, inexpensive part which may be thrown away after a period of use, easily removed for washing or provided as a disposable component of a BIB 230 assembly which might include the BIB 230, tube 232 and mixing device 220.
The embodiment as shown in FIG. 19 is similar to that as shown in FIG. 17. As shown in FIG. 19 a pump 235 of known construction is shown diagrammatically, such as, but not limited to a peristaltic pump, for use with the flexible tubing 232 to drive or control the flow of the ingredient or product 237 from the container 230. An industry standard ball check valve fitment 273 is provided on the container 230. Such a container 230 and fitment 273 assembly is design for a single use. The fitment 273 may be of a ball check valve type in which a ball 271 is positively retained in a collar 269 under the influence of a biasing device 267, such as, but not limited to a spring.
The container 230 is filled and sent to the user with the fitment in place. This allows the container to be installed in a dispenser as an easy to install cartridge. The container may be filled with any type of food product suitable for use with such a container. An assembly 280 including a receptacle 275, tubing 232, and device 220 may be used to connect the industry standard fitment 273 to the device 220.
In this regard the entire assembly 280, including the receptacle 275, tube 232, and mixing device 220 can be removed for disposal. Disposal may occur as the result of a maintenance schedule, as a substitute for cleaning and replacing, upon changing the container 230 as a separate kit or assembly 280, or when changing the container as an assembly packaged with and or attached to the container 230. The foregoing reasons for changing the assembly are intended to provide examples and are not intended to limit the disclosure or the interpretation of this application and associated claims.
The receptacle 275 includes a cup portion 277 having a wall 279 defining a cavity 281. The cup 275 receives the collar portion 269 of the fitment 273 with a sealing member 285 such as an o-ring providing a seal between the fitment and the cup. When the fitment is engaged in the cup 275 a post 287 positioned in the cup dislodges the ball 271 from the shoulder 289 of the collar. When the ball 271 is dislodged, product 237 can flow through the cup to the tube 232. The pump or control valve 235 controls the flow of product to the mixing device 220. The post 287 is suspended in cup by supports 291 which define passages 293 through which product 237 can flow. Barbed ends 236 are provided on the end of the cup and the on the device 220 to receive and retain the tube 232. The assembly 280 could also be constructed as a single piece structure with the tube 232 over molded, attached, connected, bonded or otherwise assembled with the receptacle 275 and device 220. The assembly could also be constructed to allow disassembly of the components 275, 232, 220 for cleansing and/or sanitizing.
As shown in FIG. 19, an embodiment of the mixing device 220 is shown which is developed and designed to be a disposable device assembly or part of a retrofit kit 280. Generally the mixing device 220 is of the same configuration and operation as described above but is designed to be produced to facilitate a disposable operation, such as but not limited to a low cast injection molded component. Also, this need not be disposable but may be used in a retrofitting application in which the overall design is sized and dimensioned for a universal application or for applications in specific pieces of dispensing equipment. In this embodiment, a diagrammatic illustration is provided to show a simplified version of the mixing device 220 and the associated assembly 280. Many other various, sizes, dimensions and proportions can be developed to achieve the same mixing results or similar mixing results as described herein above, all improving on the prior art. The kit may include one or more mixing device 220, may include one or more tubes 232 for connecting mixing device 220 to a first ingredient source, and may include one or more receptacles 275 for connecting to the container coupling 273.
In the embodiment as shown in FIG. 19, a bayonet or quick fit connection 224 is provided on a machine 226. The machine includes a water line 228 with the quick disconnect fitting 224. Similarly, a first ingredient source in the form of a bag-in-box or “BIB” 230 is provided for coupling by a way of the coupling 275. Quick disconnect or barb fittings 234, 236 are provided on the BIB 230 and mixing device 220, respectively. A retaining clamp or other device may used if there is need to secure the seat 170 of the mixing device 220 to the quick disconnect fitting 224 of the water line 228. The mixing device 220 can be provided as a quickly disconnectable, inexpensive part which may be thrown away after a period of uses, easily removed for washing or provided as a disposable component of a BIB 230 assembly which might include the BIB 230, tube 232 and mixing device 220.
In use, the user attaches the assembly 280 to the receptacle 275, coupled to the tube 232 and to the coupling 273 of the container 230. Additionally, the assembly 280 may come preassembled on the container 230. For example, the tube could be clamped shut during shipment whereupon a clamp is released from the tube 232 to allow flow through the tube. Additionally, the tube can be used in combination with a pump 235 or other pumping device. In this manner, the tube can be installed or otherwise engaged with the pumping mechanism. This type of configuration will facilitate an easy and efficient installation in a sanitary manner. None of the structures or devices need to be opened and there is no contact between the concentrate retained within the container, tube and mixing assembly.
Further details of the configuration and operation of the apparatus, system and method disclosed herein can be found and related provisional applications entitled
“Component Mixing Method, Apparatus and System” filed Jun. 25, 2004, U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/583,153;
“Component Mixing Method, Apparatus and System” filed Oct. 8, 2004, U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/617,106;
“Component Mixing Method, Apparatus and System” filed Mar. 11, 2005, U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/661,193;
“Component Mixing Method, Apparatus and System” filed May 20, 2005, U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/683,279;
“Component Mixing Method, Apparatus and System” filed Jun. 23, 2005, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/166,704;
“Component Mixing Method, Apparatus and System” filed Jun. 23, 2005 PCT Patent Application No. US2005/022648; and
“Component Mixing Method, Apparatus and System” filed Feb. 8, 2007, U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/888,916.
Each of the above-referenced applications and the materials set forth therein is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
1. A mixing device for receiving and mixing at least one ingredient and water, the mixing device comprising:
a body having a wall defining a cavity;
an ingredient inlet communicating with the chamber of the cavity of the body, the ingredient inlet being positioned for dispensing directly into the chamber;
a beverage outlet communicating with the cavity of the body for receiving the mixture of the ingredient and water mixed in the chamber of the cavity;
a water inlet positioned in the cavity of the body for delivering water to a position in the cavity proximate to the ingredient inlet for introducing water into the chamber of the cavity, the water inlet being positioned for dispensing directly into the chamber and to directly impinge on the ingredient;
the chamber defining a space for mixing the ingredient and water which is positioned upstream of at least one of the inlets;
the beverage outlet being positioned downstream of the ingredient inlet, water inlet, and the chamber;
a seat of the water inlet being couplable to a water source; and
wherein the mixing device being formed as an integral single piece component.
2. The mixing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a tube coupled to the ingredient inlet for coupling to an ingredient source.
3. The mixing apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a receptacle coupled to an end of the tube spaced from the mixing device, the receptacle engaging a check valve on an ingredient container for operating the check valve to facilitate flow of ingredient through the tube to the mixing device.
4. The mixing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a pump coupled to the mixing apparatus for moving ingredient to the body for mixing with water from the water source.
5. The mixing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising the mixing apparatus being disposable.
6. The mixing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising components design for a single use.
7. In a beverage dispensing apparatus for mixing ingredients to produce a beverage, the beverage dispensing apparatus including a controllable water source, an ingredient source, and a removably attachable mixing device for receiving and mixing water and ingredient, the mixing device comprising:
an ingredient inlet communicating with the chamber of the cavity of the body and removably communicating with the ingredient source, the ingredient inlet being positioned for dispensing directly into the chamber;
a water inlet removably attachable to the water source and positioned in the cavity of the body for delivering water from the water source to a position in the cavity proximate to the ingredient inlet for introducing water into the chamber of the cavity, the water inlet being positioned for dispensing directly into the chamber and to directly impinge on the ingredient;
a beverage outlet communicating with the cavity of the bodyfor receiving the mixture of the ingredient and water mixed in the chamber of the cavity and for dispensing beverage from the mixing device;
the beverage outlet being positioned downstream of the ingredient inlet, water inlet, and the chamber; and
8. The beverage dispensing apparatus for mixing ingredients to produce a beverage of claim 7, further comprising a tube coupled to the ingredient inlet for coupling to an ingredient source.
9. The beverage dispensing apparatus for mixing ingredients to produce a beverage of claim 8, further comprising a receptacle coupled to an end of the tube spaced from the mixing device, the receptacle engaging a check valve on an ingredient container for operating the check valve to facilitate flow of ingredient through the tube to the mixing device.
10. The beverage dispensing apparatus for mixing ingredients to produce a beverage of claim 7, further comprising a pump coupled to the mixing apparatus for moving ingredient to the body for mixing with water from the water source.
11. The beverage dispensing apparatus for mixing ingredients to produce a beverage of claim 7, further comprising the mixing apparatus being disposable.
12. The beverage dispensing apparatus for mixing ingredients to produce a beverage of claim 7, further comprising removably attachable components designed for a single use.
13. A kit for use with a beverage dispenser, the kit providing at least a mixing device for installation in the beverage dispenser, the mixing device comprising:
an ingredient inlet communicating with chamber of the cavity of the body, the ingredient inlet being positioned for dispensing directly into the chamber;
14. The kit for use with a beverage dispenser including the mixing device of claim 13, further comprising an ingredient source.
15. The kit for use with a beverage dispenser including the mixing device of claim 14, further comprising an ingredient source attached to the mixing device.
16. The kit for use with a beverage dispenser including the mixing device of claim 15, further comprising a clamp positioned between the ingredient source and the mixing device to control the flow of ingredient from the ingredient source to the mixing device.
17. The kit for use with a beverage dispenser including the mixing device of claim 14, further comprising the ingredient source ingredient source is a container of liquid.
18. The kit for use with a beverage dispenser including the mixing device of claim 17, further comprising the ingredient source ingredient source is a bag in box assembly.
19. A method of mixing a beverage using a removable mixing device, the method comprising:
providing a mixing device having a body having a wall defining a cavity, a chamber being defined in the cavity, an ingredient inlet communicating with the chamber of the cavity of the body and removably communicating with an ingredient source, the ingredient inlet being positioned for dispensing directly into the chamber, a water inlet removably attachable to a water source and positioned in the cavity of the body for delivering water from the water source to a position in the cavity proximate to the ingredient inlet, and a beverage outlet communicating with the cavity of the body for receiving the mixture of the ingredient and water mixed in the chamber of the cavity and for dispensing beverage from the mixing device, the mixing device being formed as an integral single piece component;
controllably dispensing ingredient from the ingredient source to the mixing device;
controllably dispensing water from the water source to the mixing device to directly impinge on the ingredient dispensed from the ingredient source;
mixing the ingredient and water in the chamber of the mixing device upstream of the outlet; and
discharging beverage from the mixing device from a position downstream of the ingredient inlet, water inlet, and the chamber.
20. The method of mixing a beverage using a removable mixing device of claim 19, the method further comprising:
removing the mixing device from the ingredient source and from the water source after a predetermined period of time; and
disposing of the mixing device.
21. The method of mixing a beverage using a removable mixing device of claim 19, the method further comprising:
removing the mixing device from the ingredient source and from the water source after a predetermined period of time;
cleaning the mixing device; and
reusing the mixing device for mixing beverages.
US12/526,014 2007-02-08 2008-02-08 Component mixing method, apparatus and system Active 2028-11-11 US8887958B2 (en)
US88891607P true 2007-02-08 2007-02-08
PCT/US2008/053380 WO2008098154A1 (en) 2007-02-08 2008-02-08 Component mixing method, apparatus and system
US12/526,014 US8887958B2 (en) 2007-02-08 2008-02-08 Component mixing method, apparatus and system
US20100314412A1 US20100314412A1 (en) 2010-12-16
US8887958B2 true US8887958B2 (en) 2014-11-18
ID=39682122
US12/526,014 Active 2028-11-11 US8887958B2 (en) 2007-02-08 2008-02-08 Component mixing method, apparatus and system
US (1) US8887958B2 (en)
CA (1) CA2677796A1 (en)
MX (1) MX2009008407A (en)
WO (1) WO2008098154A1 (en)
2008-02-08 WO PCT/US2008/053380 patent/WO2008098154A1/en active Application Filing
2008-02-08 CA CA 2677796 patent/CA2677796A1/en not_active Abandoned
2008-02-08 US US12/526,014 patent/US8887958B2/en active Active
2008-02-08 MX MX2009008407A patent/MX2009008407A/en active IP Right Grant
MX2009008407A (en) 2009-08-18
US20100314412A1 (en) 2010-12-16
WO2008098154A1 (en) 2008-08-14
CA2677796A1 (en) 2008-08-14
CN103169373A (en) 2013-06-26 Coffee/espresso machine with a milk froth generating device for the preparation of cappuccino
US20070205219A1 (en) 2007-09-06 Dispensing nozzle assembly
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:KADYK, JEFFERY;RADHAKRISHNAN, SURESH;SIGNING DATES FROM 20090909 TO 20090925;REEL/FRAME:023347/0497