Abstract:
An improved bulk storage system for fluids supplied to a dispensing system by a fluid line. The bulk storage system includes a receptacle with a first portal and a second portal. A substantially nonpermeable bag is positioned within the receptacle for storing and dispensing fluids therefrom. The bag includes a first passageway positioned adjacent to the first portal of the receptacle and a second passageway positioned adjacent to the second portal of the receptacle. A support device is positioned adjacent to the receptacle. The first passageway of the bag is attached to the support device and the second passageway of the bag is attached to the fluid line such that fluids in the bag flow through the second passageway to the dispensing system.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to a bulk delivery and storage system for fluids and more particularly relates to a bulk storage device for soft drink syrup and a method for delivering and storing the same. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Soft drink beverage dispensers, also known as soft drink fountains, mix soft drink concentrate, such as syrup, with a diluent, such as soda water. The typical soft drink fountain is capable of dispensing several different beverages or beverage flavors, either through a common nozzle assembly or through separate dispensing taps. In either case, the fountain draws in syrup from one or more syrup sources. 
     The syrup may be provided to a fountain customer in a number of different formats. Conventional methods include delivering the syrup in a disposable five (5) gallon “bag in box” (“BIB”) container or in a reusable five gallon tank. The bag in box container or the reusable tank provides the syrup to the fountain by a flexible hose or other types of connectors. Typically, a third party distributor delivers the syrup container to a customer while also delivering food items and condiments. 
     Another known method is to use refillable syrup receptacles located near the fountains. High volume customers may install bulk syrup receptacles of about 75 gallons or more to reduce the frequency of changing the syrup containers. These receptacles may be 75 gallon stainless steel pressure tanks. The receptacles are periodically filled via a tanker truck of some sort or by similar types of delivery means in 75 gallon increments. Such high volume customers may have several receptacles on the premises to insure a steady supply of syrup. Typically, there are two (2) receptacles per type or flavor of syrup at an outlet. 
     One drawback with known syrup receptacle designs is that the receptacles generally must be washed out and cleaned before each refilling. This cleaning process can be time consuming and may result in unacceptable down time for the customer. One or more fountain dispensers may be unavailable while the receptacles are being cleaned and filled. Further, because the customer may not want to have the receptacles cleaned at busy times of the day, delivery times and schedules may be complicated to arrange. 
     Another drawback is that the syrup receptacles may be inadvertently filled with the wrong type or flavor of syrup. Alternatively, the hoses running between the fountain and the receptacles may be inadvertently hooked up in the wrong order. In either case, the fountain may dispense the wrong type of beverage. Although the substitution of certain beverages may be readily apparent, i.e., a clear beverage for a dark colored beverage, other substitutions would not be as readily apparent to the customer. 
     Other drawbacks include the fact that known bulk syrup receptacles are generally dedicated to one type or flavor of syrup to ensure consistent taste. A customer therefore may not be able to vary easily the types of beverages offered. The receptacles are also costly to install and may take up more space than the same volume of BIB containers. 
     What is needed, therefore, is a simplified bulk syrup delivery, storage, and dispensing system that avoids the need for cleaning the syrup receptacles after each use, that avoids the down time common in the use of such syrup receptacles, and that prevents the inadvertent substitution of beverages. These goals must be accomplished in a reliable and low cost manner. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides an improved bulk storage system for fluids supplied to a dispensing system by a fluid line. The bulk storage system includes a receptacle with a first portal and a second portal. A substantially nonpermeable bag is positioned within the receptacle for storing and dispensing fluids therefrom. The bag includes a first passageway positioned adjacent to the first portal of the receptacle and a second passageway positioned adjacent to the second portal of the receptacle. A support device is positioned adjacent to the receptacle. The first passageway of the bag is attached to the support device and the second passageway of the bag is attached to the fluid line such that fluids in the bag flow through the second passageway to the dispensing system. 
     Specific embodiments of the present invention include using a receptacle having an outer shell with a first end and a second end. The first portal includes this first end of the outer shell. The second end of the receptacle includes a bottom plate with a central drain. The second portal includes this central drain positioned within the bottom plate. The receptacle may be stainless steel, plastic, or a combination of the two. 
     The bag may be a flexible material such as linear low density polyethylene. The first passageway of the bag may include a spout attached to the bag and a hose connected to the spout or an extended bag section. The second passageway of the bag may include a spout. The bag may have a predetermined color. The color depends upon the type of fluid intended to be contained in the bag. The receptacle and the fluid line also may have this predetermined color. 
     The support device may include a manifold having a first valve and a second valve in fluid communication with each other. The first passageway of the bag may be attached to the second valve of the manifold such that fluids flowing through the first valve of the manifold pass through the second valve and the first passageway into the bag. 
     The first passageway of the bag may include a first passageway connector having a predetermined size. The second valve of the manifold also may include a manifold connector with this predetermined size. The predetermined size varies with the type of fluid intended to be placed in the bag. The second passageway of the bag also may include a passageway connector of a predetermined size. The fluid line also may include a line connector with this predetermined size. This predetermined size also varies with the type of fluid intended to be dispensed from the bag. 
     The present invention may further include a delivery system for providing fluids to the bag through the first passageway. The delivery system may include a delivery vehicle with a plurality of fluid compartments and a delivery hose for providing fluids from the plurality of fluid compartments to the bag. The support device may have a manifold such that the delivery hose and the first passageway of said bag are connected in fluid communication therethrough. The delivery hose may include a delivery hose connector of a predetermined size. The manifold also may include a manifold connector of the same predetermined size. The predetermined size again varies with the type of fluid intended to be delivered to the bag. The delivery hose also may have a predetermined color depending upon the type of fluid intended to be placed in the bag. 
     The method of the present invention provides for use of a storage receptacle with a beverage dispenser. A fluid line connects the storage receptacle and the beverage dispenser. The method includes the steps of placing a flexible bag with a first spout and a second spout within the storage receptacle; attaching the second spout to the fluid line; supplying fluids to the bag through the first spout; evacuating fluids from the bag to the beverage dispenser through the second spout and the fluid line; and removing the bag from the receptacle when the bag is exhausted. The fluid may be soft drink syrup. The receptacle may further include a manifold positioned adjacent thereto. The method then further includes the steps of attaching the first spout to the manifold and supplying fluids to the bag therethrough. 
     A further method of the present invention provides for using a plurality of color-coded storage receptacles for supplying syrup to a beverage dispenser. Each of the receptacles is to be lined with one of a plurality of color-coded bags and connected to the beverage dispenser by one of a plurality of color-coded fluid lines. The method includes the steps of selecting one of the color-coded receptacles; selecting one of the color-coded bags to match the receptacle; placing the color-coded bag within the color-coded receptacle; filling the bag with fluid; selecting one of the color-coded fluid lines to match the receptacle and the bag; connecting the bag to the fluid line; and supplying syrup to the beverage dispenser. The method may further a delivery vehicle with a plurality of fluid compartments and a plurality of color-coded delivery hoses. The method then further included the steps of selecting one of the colorcoded delivery hoses to match the receptacle and the bag; connecting the delivery hose to the bag; and delivering syrup to the bag. 
     A further method of the present invention provides for supplying fluids from a delivery source to a plurality of storage receptacles. The method includes the step of supplying each one of the storage receptacles with one of a plurality of bag liners. Each one of the bag liners includes one of a plurality of bag connectors. Each one of the bag connectors includes a predetermined dimension determined by the type of fluid to be placed within the bag liner. The method further includes the step of supplying the delivery source with a plurality of delivery hoses. Each one of the delivery hoses includes one of a plurality of hose connectors. Each one of the hose connectors has a predetermined dimension determined by the bag connector intended to be used therewith. The method further includes the steps of selecting the bag liner within one of the receptacles to be joined with one of the delivery hoses; connecting the bag liner with the delivery hose; and delivering fluids from the delivery source to the bag liner. The delivery source may further include a plurality of different types of fluids. A different hose connector and a different bag connector may be used for each different type of fluid The method may then further include the step of selecting the delivery hose and the bag liner depending upon the type of fluid. 
     A further method of the present invention provides for supplying fluids from a plurality of storage receptacles to a beverage dispenser. The method includes the steps of supplying each one of the storage receptacles with one of the bag liners. Each one of the bag liners includes one of a plurality of bag connectors. Each one of the bag connectors includes a predetermined dimension determined by the type of fluid contained within the bag liner. The method further includes the step of supplying the beverage dispenser with a plurality of delivery hoses. Each one of the delivery hoses includes one of a plurality of hose connectors. The dimensions of each one of the hose connectors are determined by the bag connectors intended to be used therewith. The method further includes the steps of selecting the bag liner to be joined with the delivery hose; connecting the bag liner with the delivery hose; and delivering fluids from one of the receptacles to the beverage dispenser Each one of the receptacles may have a different type of fluid Different bag connectors and hose connectors are used for each different type of fluid. The method may then include the steps of selecting one of the storage receptacles and one of the hose connectors depending upon the type of fluid that is to be supplied to the beverage dispenser. 
     It is thus an object of the present invention to provide an improved bulk storage and delivery system for soft drink syrup. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a disposable liner for use in syrup receptacles of a bulk storage and delivery system for soft drink syrup. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an improved bulk storage and delivery system for soft drink syrup that avoids the need for cleaning the receptacles before each refilling. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved bulk storage and delivery system for soft drink syrup that avoids downtime when refilling or delivering the syrup. 
     It is a still further object of the present invention to provide an improved bulk storage and delivery system for soft drink syrup that prevents the inadvertent substitution of beverages to the fountain. 
     Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, when taken in conjunction with the drawings and the appended claims. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of the bulk storage and delivery system of the present invention. 
     FIG. 1A is a schematic drawing of the bulk delivery system of the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic view of the syrup receptacles and bags of the present invention. 
     FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of a syrup receptacle of the present invention. 
     FIG. 4 is a plan view of the syrup receptacle. 
     FIG. 5 is a plan view of the syrup bag. 
     FIG. 6 is a plan view of an alternative syrup bag. 
     FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of a hose connection. 
     FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view of an alternative hose connection. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring now in more detail to the drawings, in which like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, FIGS. 1,  1 A, and  2  show a bulk syrup delivery and storage system  100  of the present invention. The bulk syrup and storage delivery system  100  includes a plurality of receptacles  110 . The receptacles  110  may be stand-alone units, fixedly attached to each other, or wall mounted by conventional means. The receptacles  110  are preferably made from stainless steel, plastic, a combination of the two, or other types of substantially rigid, non-corrosive materials. The receptacles  190  may be modular in construction. Any number of receptacles  110  may be used in any formation. 
     The receptacles  110  each have an outer shell  120  with a door  130 . The outer shell  120  may be a rounded structure or a four (4) sided structure. The door  130  is mounted by hinges  140  or by other types of conventional mechanisms to the outer shell  120 . The receptacles  110  also each have a bottom plate  150 . The outer shell  120  and the bottom plate  150  may be fixedly attached by conventional means or may be formed as a unitary element. The bottom plate  150  is angled slightly from the outer shell  120  towards a central drain  160 . The angle is preferably about five degrees (5°) to about ten degrees (10°) so as to assist in draining syrup from the receptacle  110 . 
     If the receptacle  110  holds about two (2) cubic feet or about fifty (50) gallons or more, the drain rate may be approximately four (4) or (5) ounces per second. The receptacle  110  may hold about fifty (50) to one-hundred (100) gallons. A combination of differently sized receptacles  110  may be used. The outer shell  120  may be of any reasonable thickness to maintain a rigid structure and to prevent puncture of the syrup container described below. The receptacles  110  may be color-coded or otherwise differentiated according to the type of syrup intended to be used therein. The receptacles  110  may have a transparent sight glass (not shown) to permit the customer to see the amount of syrup therein. 
     Positioned over each receptacle  110  may be a manifold  170 . The manifold  170  also may be made of stainless steel or other types of substantially rigid, non-corrosive materials. The manifold  170  may have a quick release valve  180  for each receptacle. Each valve  180  may have two (2) connections, an upper connection  182  and a lower connection  184 . The manifold  170  may extend across each of the receptacles  110  as is shown in FIG. 1 or may be centralized as shown in FIG.  2 . The manifold  170  may be fixedly attached to the receptacles  110  or may be a self-supporting structure. 
     Positioned under each receptacle  110  may be a load cell  190 . The load cell  190  may be of conventional design. The load cell  190  allows the customer to measure accurately the amount of syrup added to and drained from the receptacles  110 . The receptacles  110  also may be mounted on to a skid  195  so as to provide containment for syrup spills. The receptacles  190  may be removable to permit access. 
     Positioned within each receptacle  110  is a syrup bag  200 . Each syrup bag  200  may be made from conventional, substantially nonpermeable materials, such as those used in bags for known bag in box formats. For example, the bag  200  may have two (2) or more walls  205  that are heat-sealed together or otherwise joined by conventional methods. The walls  205  may each have one (1) or two (2) plys of a polyethylene resin. For example, an inner ply made from a web of two (2) mil Linear Low Density Polyethylene (“LLDPE”) or similar materials and an outer ply of a four (4) mil co-extrusion layer of LLDPE/Nylon/LLDPE, with tie layers on either side of the nylon, or similar materials. The two (2) LLDPE layers are preferably about 1.4 mil, the nylon about 1.0 mil and the tie layers about 0.1 mil. The bags  200  are preferably made from disposable and recyclable materials. 
     The bags  200  also have two (2) spouts, an upper spout  210  and a lower spout  220 . The spouts  210 ,  220  are of conventional design and meet applicable industry tamper evident requirements. Each spout  210 ,  220  preferably has a flange  230  surrounding a cylindrical body  235 . The flange  230  is heat sealed to the bag walls  205  for a fluid tight seal. The spouts  210 ,  220  may be identical in design to those used in known BIB bags. If the spouts  210 ,  220  are similar in design to known BIB bags, a BIB bag can be used as a reserve in the event that one of the bags  200  of the present invention is exhausted. Each bag  200  preferably evacuates S to approximately one (1) ounce or less over five (5) gallons. In fact, less than three (3) ounces may remain over fifty (50) gallons. Because the fill time of the bag  200  can be much faster than its drain time, the upper spout  210  may be larger in diameter than the lower spout  220 . For example, the fill time of the bag  200  may be approximately twenty (20) gallons per minute while the drain time may be approximately four (4) to five (5) ounces per second. As such, the upper spout  210  may have a diameter of about two (2) to three (3) inches while the lower spout  220  may have a diameter of only about one (1) to two (2) inches. 
     The bag  200  is preferably sized to fit within the receptacle  110 . For example, the bag  200  may hold about (50) to one-hundred (100) gallons of syrup depending upon the size of the receptacle  110 . Although the term “syrup” is used herein, it should be noted that any type of fluid may be used. Variously sized receptacles  110  with correspondingly sized bags  200  may be used. The bag  200  may connect to the manifold  170  via a hose  240  as is shown in FIG. 2 or the bag  200  itself may have an upper cone shaped section  250  such that the bag  200  attaches directly to the manifold  170 . An example of a bag  200  with a cone shaped section  250  is shown in FIG.  6 . In either scenario, the manifold  170  supports the bag  200  as the bag  200  drains so as to prevent the bag  200  from collapsing upon itself and blocking the lower spout  220 . The bag  200  also may be color-coded or otherwise differentiated according to the type of syrup to be used therein. A possible bag design for use in this delivery and storage system  100  may be similar to that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,596,040 to Lafleur, et al., owned by Custom Packaging Systems of Maistee, Mich. The disclosure of U.S. Pat. No. 4,596,040 is incorporated herein by reference. 
     Each bag  200  also is connected to a conventional fountain system  270  via a fountain hose  280 . Each bag  200  is connected to the fountain system  270  by a separate fountain hose  280 . The fountain hose  280  mates with the lower spout  220  of each bag  200  through the central drain  160  of the receptacle  110 . The syrup is supplied to the fountain system  270  from the bag  200  by a pump, by gravity, or by other conventional transport means. The fountain hoses  280  also may be color-coded or otherwise differentiated according to the type of syrup to be used therein. 
     Syrup is delivered to the receptacles  110  by a tanker system  300 . The tanker system  300  includes a delivery vehicle  310 , preferably with a plurality of tanks or compartments  320 . Each compartment  320  may hold approximately 500 to 1000 gallons of syrup therein. The compartments  320  may be mounted on a skid  322  such that a dedicated vehicle is not required. A conventional intermediate bulk container also may be used. In the example of FIG. 1, each compartment  320  has a fill port  330  and a drain port  340 . Each compartment  320  may be drained via a drain hose  360  connected to the drain port  340 . The drain hose  360  is preferably about 1.5 inches in diameter. 
     The delivery vehicle  310  also may have a compressed gas source  400  mounted thereon. The compressed gas source  400 , such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen, or compressed air, may be used to provide, i.e., push, the syrup out of the compartments  320  to the receptacles  110 . A compressed gas booster pump  405  also may be used. The compartments  320  may be pressurized by up to about thirty (30) pounds per square inch. The compressed gas source  400  also may be used to blow the compartments  320  and the drain hoses  360  clean after the compartments  320  are evacuated. Alternatively, the syrup in each compartment  320  may be drained via a pump  350 . The pump  350  is of conventional design. The pump  350  preferably can force approximately twenty-five (25) gallons per minute from the compartments  320 . 
     Each drain hose  360  leads a truck manifold  390 . The truck manifold  390  also may contain a meter  392  to determine the amount of syrup delivered. Any type of mechanical or electrical meter  392  may be used. The meter  392  may be positioned at any convenient location. Mounted onto the truck manifold  390  is a plurality of hose reals  380 . A delivery hose  370  is positioned on each hose real  380  for easy access and delivery of the syrup. Each delivery hose  370  mates with a valve  180  on the tank manifold  170 . The delivery hoses  370  also may be color-coded or otherwise differentiated according to the type of syrup to be used therein. The delivery hoses  370  may be about 1.5 inches in diameter. The delivery hoses  370  may be approximately 100 feet long or longer depending upon the location of the receptacles  110  and their accessibility. 
     The delivery vehicle  310  also may have a ticket printer  410  operated by a conventional programmable logic card or controller  420  so as to provide invoices and maintain various types of use and inventory information. The controller  420  may receive information from the meter  392  or other sources. The controller  420  may monitor the amount of syrup dispensed with accuracy of about plus or minus 0.15 percent. The amount of syrup delivered to the receptacles  110  may be varied. 
     FIGS. 7 and 8 show examples of two different spout connectors  460  that may be used with the bulk syrup delivery system  100  of the present invention. The spout connectors  450  may be used in several different locations. The spout connectors  450  could be used between the delivery hose  370  and the valve  180  of the tank manifold  170 , between the valve  180  of the tank manifold  170  and the upper spout  210  of the bag  200 , and between the lower spout  220  of the bag  200  and the fountain hose  280  of the fountain system  270 . The spout connectors  450  prevent the wrong type of syrup from being delivered to the wrong bag  200  or from being drained from the bag  200  to the fountain system  270 . Preferably, each different type or flavor of syrup would have a different type of spout connector  450 . 
     FIG. 7 shows a quick disconnect connector  460  having a coupling  470  selectively connectable to the spouts  210 ,  220  of the bag  200 . The coupling  470  is mounted on one end of the hoses  240 ,  280 , or  370 . The coupling  470  includes a sleeve  480  slidably and rotatably mounted on a central core  490 . The inside of the sleeve  480  is radially spaced from the central core  490  to define an annular region  500  between the central core  490  and the inner surface of the sleeve  480 . The central core  490  includes a hollow interior passage connected in flow relation to the hose  240 ,  280 , or  370 . Threads  510  are formed on the inner surface of the sleeve  480 . 
     The spouts  210 ,  220  also have threads  520  formed on the cylindrical body  235 . The spout threads  520  match the threads  510  of the coupling  470 . When the connector is coupled to the spouts  210 ,  220 , the central core  490  fits in the annular region  500  and an O-ring seal  540  near the lower end of the central core  490  engages the inner wall of the cylindrical body  235 . FIG. 8 shows a similar connector  460  with the connector  470  having a larger sleeve  480  and a larger central core  490 . Likewise, the spout  210 ,  220  has a larger cylindrical body  235 . Because of this size difference, the coupling  470  of FIG. 7 will not mate with the spout  210 ,  220  of FIG.  8  and vice versa. 
     In use, the customer may have two (2) or more receptacles  110  for each fountain hose  280  connected to the fountain system  270 . This dual receptacle arrangement allows the customer to use one receptacle  110  while leaving the other receptacle  110  available to be refilled. By using the receptacles  110  in this alternating fashion, there is no down time or lack of availability at the fountain system  270 . In the bulk syrup delivery system  100  of FIG. 2, the customer is using at least three (3) different sources of syrup, S 1 , S 2 , and S 3  and therefore uses six (6) receptacles  110 , two (2) for syrup S 1 , two (2) for syrup S 2 , and two (2) for syrup S 3 . 
     Likewise, the tanker system  300  is also designed to deliver the same three (3) types of syrup, S 1 , S 2 , and S 3 . Each compartment  320  on the delivery vehicle  310  may contain a different type of syrup. When the delivery vehicle  310  arrives at the customer&#39;s location, the delivery worker determines the type and volume of syrup needed. Alternatively, an electronically managed inventory system may be used to determine need and to facilitate route planning. 
     The delivery worker installs new bags  200  in the receptacles  110  that are not currently hooked up to the fountain hoses  280  of the fountain system  270 . The delivery worker matches the color of the bag  200  with the color of the receptacle  110 . The delivery worker places the correct bag  200  within the receptacle  110  and either attaches a new hose  240  to the upper spout  210  of the bag  200  and to the valve  180  of the manifold  170  or directly attaches the upper spout  210  to the valve  180  of the manifold  170 . The worker unwinds the matching colored delivery hose  370  from the reel  380  attached to the delivery vehicle  310 . The delivery hose  370  is attached to the valve  180  of the manifold  170 . The delivery worker then activates the pumps  350  or the compressed gas source  400  and fills the receptacle  110  with syrup. The amount and type of syrup to be delivered may be programmed at the controller  420 . The amount of syrup dispensed also is metered so as to shut off the pumps  350  or the compressed gas source  400  after the appropriate amount of syrup has been delivered. This process is then repeated for the remaining receptacles  110  not connected to the fountain system  270 . In this example, three (3) types of syrup may be dispensed at once from the tanker system  300 . 
     Because of the use of the connectors  460 , syrup S 1  from the delivery vehicle  310  can only be delivered to the receptacle  110  also marked for syrup S 1 . The matching color scheme also reduces the possibility that the wrong type of syrup would be delivered to the wrong bag  200 . After the receptacles  110  are full, the delivery worker then reels in the delivery hose  370  on the reel  380 . The bags  200  are then sealed with a tamper evident cover. The controller  420  accurately meters the amount of syrup delivered. The ticket printer  410  may then print out an invoice for the customer. Likewise, the load cell  190  may automatically transmit this information directly to the controller  420  or elsewhere. The load cell  190  also accurately provides information on the amount of syrup delivered and consumed. 
     When the syrup in the receptacle  110  is exhausted, the customer merely disconnects the fountain hose  370  from the exhausted bag  200  and connects the fountain hose  370  to a bag  200  in a filled receptacle  110 . Again, because of the use of the connectors  450 , the customer cannot connect the hose  370  to the incorrect bag  200 . Likewise, the use of matching colors on the receptacle  110 , the bag  200 , and the fountain house  370  reduces the possibility that the wrong type of syrup would be delivered to the wrong bag  200 . The syrup is then drained through the lower spout  220  of the bag  200  and into the fountain hose  280  of the fountain system  270 . The syrup is then mixed with a diluent such as soda water in a conventional fashion and served to a consumer. The exhausted bag  200 , and the hose  240  if used, are removed from the receptacle  110  by the customer or the delivery worker. The bag  200  is then discarded or recycled. 
     The present invention thus results in a number of advantages over known delivery and storage means. For example, as compared to known BIB containers, the present invention results in less product remaining in the bag (less than one (1) ounce over five (5) gallons), eliminates the need for the corrugated boxes, and eliminates the need to lift the boxes. The present invention also provides the ability to deliver a varied amount of syrup as opposed to known method that always push 75 gallons into known receptacles. Further, the modularity of the present invention addresses the problem of limited storage space. 
     It should be apparent that the foregoing relates only to a preferred embodiment of the present invention and that numerous changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.