Patent Description:
Post-mix beverage dispensers combine carbonated water with a concentrated beverage syrup to provide a final beverage for dispensing and consumption. The beverage syrup, which is often a dense and/or viscous fluid, is typically supplied from a bag-in-box syrup container. A syrup pump may be used to move the syrup from the syrup container to the dispensing nozzle.

Conventionally, this syrup pump is a diaphragm-type pump, which is driven by a compressed gas source. In many instances, the compressed gas source may be compressed carbon dioxide, which is also used for preparing the carbonated water. Syrup pumps of this type have at least two disadvantages. First, the pumps use rubber diaphragms which come in contact with the syrup being pumped and quickly absorb flavors from the syrup, and these flavors may subsequently be leached outed into other fluids which later pass through the pump. Thus once the diaphragms in a pump become saturated with the flavor of a given syrup, the pump cannot be repurposed to pump a different flavored beverage without having a detrimental effect on the flavor the new beverage. The pump becomes effectively dedicated to a single flavor of beverage syrup.

Secondly, and more significantly, gas driven diaphragm pumps are prone to leakage of the compressed gas used to drive the pump. Again, in post-mix beverage dispensers, this gas is typically carbon dioxide, which is colorless, odorless, and which presents an asphyxiation hazard in confined spaces.

Accordingly, what is desired is an improved syrup pump for a beverage dispenser which would eliminate the problem of flavor cross-contamination when pumps are repurposed for different flavored beverages. It is also desired to provide a syrup pump for a beverage dispenser which would eliminate the asphyxiation hazard associated with the use of compressed carbon dioxide or other inert gases.

<CIT> discloses equipment for handling carbonated liquids, particularly being directed to a carbonated beverage, e.g. beer, dispensing system having the beer pressurized by carbon dioxide in a container.

<CIT> discloses a beer dispensing apparatus having a flexible impeller pump (P) controlled by two pressure switches (HP) (LP) and an electronic control circuit (CTC). The control circuit has a minimum run timing circuit to maintain the pump on without causing the pump to "hunt", a maximum run timing circuit and a time out latch as a precaution against leakage and/or fault condition indication.

<CIT> discloses a post-mix beverage dispensing valve for accurately maintaining the proper ratio of two liquid beverage components. A valve main body has a gear pump secured thereto, including two sets of oval gears. One set is in fluid communication with a source of pressurized carbonated water, and the second set is in fluid communication with a source of syrup. The valve body also includes solenoid operated pallet valves for each of the beverage components. Operation of the solenoid provides for simultaneous opening of both pallet valves whereby the pressurized carbonated water provides for the driving of both gear pairs. The desired ratio between the beverage components is maintained at a constant ratio as a function of the size of the gear pairs relative to each other.

<CIT> discloses a dispensing system configured to dispense a custom product based on a user selection via a user interface. The user interface may receive input from a user in order for the user to select a custom product (e.g., a custom drink) and the dispensing system may dispense the custom product to the user.

<CIT> discloses a beverage dispensing system comprising flow control means with temperature and pressure transducers and a microprocessor. The flow is controlled using valves. It does not disclose a specific pump type or any features of the pump in technical relation to the control means.

The above and other needs are met a syrup pump and controller system made in accordance with the present invention.

The present invention provides a beverage syrup pump and controller system in accordance with claim <NUM>. The pump and controller system includes a pump housing having an internal pumping chamber, an inlet port, an outlet port, and a sensor port. Each of the aforementioned ports are in flow communication with the pumping chamber. The pump and controller system also includes a pump motor and a pumping mechanism driven by the pump motor. This pumping mechanism is at least partially disposed within the pumping chamber, the pumping mechanism being capable of receiving a fluid through the inlet port into the pumping chamber at a first pressure and discharging the fluid from the pumping chamber through the outlet port at a second pressure which is greater than the first pressure.

The pump and controller system also includes a pressure transducer disposed adjacent the sensor port. This transducer is in contact with a quantity of the fluid at the second pressure and generates an electrical signal based upon the second pressure.

A programmable micro controller is also included which receives the electrical signal from the pressure transducer, and is electrically connected to the pump motor and capable of starting and stopping the pump motor. The micro controller is programmed to immediately stop the pump motor if the second pressure exceeds a predetermined maximum pressure level. The micro controller is also programmed to stop the pump motor if the second pressure falls below a predetermined minimum pressure level and remains below this minimum pressure level for a predetermined first time interval.

The pump is a gear pump. The pumping mechanism includes a drive gear, having a plurality of drive gear teeth, which is disposed within the pumping chamber and rotatably driven by the pump motor. The pumping mechanism also includes an idler gear, having a plurality of idler gear teeth intermeshed with the drive gear teeth, which is disposed within the pumping chamber and attached to an idler shaft disposed within the pumping chamber. The sensor port is located downstream of the drive gear and the idler gear.

In certain embodiments of the pump and controller system, the pressure transducer preferably includes a ceramic piezo disc.

In some embodiments of the pump and controller system, the micro controller is also preferably programmed to restart the pump motor if, after exceeding the predetermined maximum pressure level, the second pressure falls below the predetermined maximum pressure level.

In certain embodiments, the pump and controller system also preferably includes a temperature transducer disposed adjacent the sensor port. This temperature transducer is in contact with a quantity of the fluid and generates an electrical signal based upon a temperature of the fluid which is received by the programmable micro controller.

In some instances, the pump and controller system also preferably includes a data port electrically connected to the micro controller for transmitting data from the micro controller to an external device. In certain embodiments, the pump and controller system also preferably includes a wireless transmitter and receiver electrically connected to the micro controller for transmitting data from the micro controller to an external device.

The present invention provides a post-mix beverage dispenser in accordance with claim <NUM>. The post-mix beverage dispenser includes a beverage mixing and dispensing nozzle and a supply of carbonated water in flow communication with the beverage mixing and dispensing nozzle. The post-mix beverage dispenser also includes a supply of beverage syrup and a beverage syrup pump system.

The beverage syrup pump system, in turn, includes a pump housing having an internal pumping chamber, an inlet port, an outlet port, and a sensor port. Each of the aforementioned ports are in flow communication with the pumping chamber. The pump and controller system also includes a pump motor and a pumping mechanism driven by the pump motor. This pumping mechanism is at least partially disposed within the pumping chamber, the pumping mechanism being capable of receiving a syrup fluid through the inlet port into the pumping chamber at a first pressure and discharging the fluid from the pumping chamber through the outlet port at a second pressure which is greater than the first pressure.

In certain embodiments of the post-mix beverage dispenser, the pressure transducer preferably includes a ceramic piezo disc.

In some embodiments of the post-mix beverage dispenser, the micro controller is also preferably programmed to restart the pump motor if, after exceeding the predetermined maximum pressure level, the second pressure falls below the predetermined maximum pressure level.

In certain embodiments, the post-mix beverage dispenser also preferably includes a temperature transducer disposed adjacent the sensor port. This temperature transducer is in contact with a quantity of the fluid and generates an electrical signal based upon a temperature of the fluid which is received by the programmable micro controller.

In some instances, the post-mix beverage dispenser also preferably includes a data port electrically connected to the micro controller for transmitting data from the micro controller to an external device. In certain embodiments, the pump and controller system also preferably includes a wireless transmitter and receiver electrically connected to the micro controller for transmitting data from the micro controller to an external device.

Thus according to the present invention, a post-mix beverage dispenser is provided which does not utilize a gas driven diaphragm pump in order to pump the beverage syrup. This provides at least two advantages. First of all, by eliminating the diaphragm pump, the beverage syrup being pumped is no longer in contact with the rubber diaphragms used in such pumps. More preferably, the beverage syrup does not contact any components made from rubber as the syrup moves through the syrup pump. Thus, the problem of syrup flavors being absorbed by the rubber components and subsequently leaching out into other beverage syrups (i.e. flavor cross-contamination) is eliminated. Consequently, the syrup pumps according to the present disclosure may be readily repurposed for different flavored beverages if desired.

In addition, by eliminating the gas driven diaphragm pump, the risk of leakage of carbon dioxide or other inert gases from the diaphragm pump is likewise eliminated. Thus, the significant confined space asphyxiation hazard presented by such carbon dioxide leaks is also eliminated.

Further advantages of the invention are apparent by reference to the detailed description when considered in conjunction with the figures, which are not to scale so as to more clearly show the details, wherein like reference numbers indicate like elements throughout the several views, and wherein:.

The present invention relates to a pump and a related pump controller system <NUM>. The pump and controller system <NUM> is particularly suited for pumping beverage syrups in a post-mix beverage dispenser.

As shown in <FIG>, a pump according to the present invention includes a pump housing <NUM> which is generally formed from a high strength material, such as brass, stainless steel, or another metal or alloy. Alternatively, the pump housing <NUM> may be molded from a polymeric material, preferably a polymeric material embedded with a fiber reinforcement material, such as carbon fiber or fiberglass filaments.

The pump housing <NUM> includes an inlet port <NUM> and an outlet port <NUM>, both of which are in fluid communication with an internal pumping chamber <NUM> disposed within the pump housing <NUM>. In addition, the pump housing <NUM> also includes a sensor port <NUM>, as discussed in more detail below.

The fluid pump includes a motor <NUM>. The pump motor <NUM> is preferably an electric motor <NUM>; however, the pump motor <NUM> may alternatively be powered by other means such as by fuel combustion. A pump drive shaft <NUM> is generally attached to the pump motor <NUM> and driven thereby. The pump drive shaft <NUM> is preferably made from a metal such as steel.

The pump also includes a pumping mechanism <NUM> which is at least partially disposed within the pumping chamber <NUM>. The pumping mechanism <NUM>, which is described in more detail below, is capable of receiving a fluid through the inlet port <NUM> into the pumping chamber <NUM> at a first pressure and discharging the fluid from the pumping chamber <NUM> through the outlet port <NUM> at a second pressure which is greater than the first pressure.

The pumping mechanism <NUM> is driven by the pump motor <NUM> via the drive shaft <NUM>. In some instances, the drive shaft <NUM> may be directly coupled to the pumping mechanism <NUM>. In such cases, the pump housing <NUM> further includes a drive shaft opening through which the drive shaft <NUM> extends into the pump housing <NUM> and a seal to prevent fluid leakage through the drive shaft opening. In other instances, the drive shaft <NUM> may be magnetically coupled to the pumping mechanism <NUM>, thereby eliminating the need for an additional seal.

The nature of the pumping mechanism <NUM> may vary in different embodiments of the present invention. The pumping mechanism <NUM> is a positive displacement pumping mechanism <NUM>. Although not falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the present claims, the pump may be provided as a positive displacement rotary vane pump, and the pumping mechanism <NUM> may include a pump liner disposed within the pumping chamber <NUM>, together with other moving and static pump parts, such as a rear cap, endplate, O-rings, bearings, seals, rotor, vanes, alignment pins, snap rings, shaft, pressure relief valve, port inserts, washers, inlet strainer, and the like.

The pump is as a positive displacement gear pump. The pump housing <NUM> is preferably oval shaped and, as discussed above, includes an internal pumping chamber <NUM>, an inlet port <NUM>, and an outlet port <NUM>. The pump housing <NUM> further includes a drive shaft opening through which the drive shaft <NUM> extends into the pump housing <NUM>. The pumping mechanism <NUM> includes a drive gear <NUM> and an idler gear <NUM>. The drive gear <NUM> includes a plurality of drive gear teeth <NUM> and is disposed within the pumping chamber <NUM> and rotatably driven by the drive shaft <NUM>. The idler gear <NUM> includes a plurality of idler gear teeth <NUM> which are intermeshed with the drive gear teeth <NUM> so that the idler gear <NUM> is rotatable when the drive gear <NUM> is driven by the drive shaft <NUM>. The idler gear <NUM> is also disposed within the pumping chamber <NUM> and is attached to an idler shaft disposed within the pumping chamber <NUM>. The pump housing <NUM> may also include a pressure plate <NUM> which is removably fastened to the main body of the pump housing <NUM>.

During operation of the gear pump, fluid is received into the pumping chamber <NUM> from the inlet port <NUM> at a first or initial pressure. The drive shaft <NUM> rotates the drive gear <NUM> which in turn rotates the idler gear <NUM> due to the intermeshed teeth <NUM>, <NUM> of the two gears <NUM>, <NUM>. As the two gears rotate, fluid is trapped by the gear teeth. The fluid then travels around the inner perimeter of the pumping chamber <NUM> until it is forced out through the outlet port <NUM> at a second pressure which is greater than the first or initial pressure. The flow path of the fluid through the pumping chamber is illustrated graphically with arrows in <FIG>.

As noted above, the pump housing <NUM> also includes a sensor port <NUM>. For instance, a sensor port <NUM> may be formed in a pressure plate <NUM> which is removably fastened to the main body of the pump housing <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The sensor port <NUM> is generally located so as to be adjacent a portion of the syrup or other fluid which has already based through the drive and idler gears <NUM>, <NUM> of the pumping mechanism <NUM>, i.e., a quantity of the fluid at the on the discharge side of the pump and at the higher, second pressure.

The pump and controller system <NUM> also includes a pressure transducer <NUM>, which is positioned adjacent the sensor port <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Being adjacent the sensor port <NUM>, the transducer <NUM> is in contact with a quantity of the fluid at the second pressure and generates an electrical signal based upon the second pressure. In general, the pressure transducer <NUM> preferably includes a ceramic piezo disc which generates an electrical voltage which is proportional to the second pressure; however, other forms of pressure transducers such as capacitive pressure transducers may also be used in accordance with the present invention. Preferably, however, such pressure transducers are constructed without the use of rubber shielding or other rubber materials which might come in contact with the fluid being pumped.

In some instances, a second sensor, such as a temperature transducer, is also included and disposed adjacent the sensor port <NUM>. For instance, the pump and controller system <NUM> may include a thermocouple. Like the pressure transducer <NUM>, this temperature transducer is in contact with a quantity of the fluid and generates an electrical signal based upon a temperature of the fluid which is received by the programmable micro controller <NUM>.

The pump and controller system <NUM> also includes a programmable micro controller <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG> & <FIG>. The micro controller <NUM> receives the electrical signal from the pressure transducer <NUM>, and also receives the electrical signal from the temperature transducer, if present. The micro controller <NUM> is also electrically connected to the pump motor <NUM> so as to be capable of starting and stopping the pump motor <NUM>. The micro controller <NUM> may be preferably located within an enclosure formed as a part of the pump housing <NUM> or attached to the pump housing. In certain embodiments, the micro controller <NUM> may be located in an enclosure located at the end of the pump housing <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Alternatively, the micro controller <NUM> may be located in an enclosure located on the side of the pump housing <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>.

The micro controller <NUM> is programmed to stop the pump motor <NUM> under certain specified conditions. For instance, the micro controller <NUM> is programmed to immediately stop the pump motor <NUM> if the second pressure exceeds a predetermined maximum pressure level. This maximum pressure level is programmed into the micro controller <NUM> and may set by the end user depending upon the specific circumstances in which the pump and controller system <NUM> are being used. In a typical post-mix beverage dispenser application, this maximum pressure level may be set at from about <NUM> psig to about <NUM> psig.

The micro controller <NUM> is also programmed to stop the pump motor <NUM> if the second pressure falls below a predetermined minimum pressure level and remains below this minimum pressure level for a predetermined first time interval. This prevents the pump from running for an extended time in a low pressure (i.e. vacuum) condition. Here again, the minimum pressure level and the first time interval are programmed into the micro controller <NUM> and may set by the end user depending upon the specific circumstances in which the pump and controller system <NUM> are being used. In a typical post-mix beverage dispenser application, the minimum pressure level may be set at from about <NUM> psig to about <NUM> psig. The first time interval may be set at from about <NUM> to about <NUM> seconds. Once the micro controller <NUM> stops the pump motor <NUM> due to a low pressure condition, a manual reset is generally required to restart the pump motor <NUM>.

In some instances, the micro controller <NUM> may also be programmed to restart the pump motor <NUM> after it has been stopped. For instance, the micro controller <NUM> may be programmed to restart the pump motor <NUM> if, after exceeding the predetermined maximum pressure level, the second pressure falls below the predetermined maximum pressure level. In a typical post-mix beverage dispenser application, the micro controller <NUM> may be programmed to restart the pump motor <NUM> immediately after the second pressure falls below the predetermined maximum pressure level.

Preferably, the pump and controller system <NUM> may also include a manual reset switch <NUM> which is electrically connected to the micro controller <NUM> in order to allow manual restarting of the pump motor <NUM> in circumstances in which the micro controller <NUM> is not programmed to automatically restart the pump motor <NUM>. For example, if the micro controller <NUM> has stopped the pump motor <NUM> due to a vacuum situation (i.e., the second pressure falls below a predetermined minimum pressure level and remains below this minimum pressure level for a predetermined first time interval), the micro controller <NUM> is preferably not programmed to automatically restart the pump motor <NUM> after this occurrence. Rather, the use of the manual reset switch <NUM> is preferably required instead.

Optionally, as illustrated in <FIG>, the pump and controller system <NUM> may also include one or more components for relaying data from a pressure transducer <NUM>, a temperature transducer, or any other sensor which is connected to the micro controller <NUM>. For instance, the pump and controller system <NUM> may include a data port, such as an Ethernet port or a USB port which is electrically connected to the micro controller <NUM>. This data port may be used for transmitting data, such as pressure or temperature information, from the micro controller <NUM> to an external device. In instances, the pump and controller system <NUM> may include a wireless transmitter and receiver which are electrically connected to the micro controller <NUM>. This wireless transmitter and receiver may wirelessly transmit data, such as pressure or temperature information, from the micro controller <NUM> to an external device. This information may, for instance, be wirelessly transmitted via a wireless local area network (WLAN), Bluetooth communication, near field communication (NFC), or by radio-frequency identification (RFID).

In a further aspect, the present invention also relates to a post-mix beverage dispenser, which utilizes a pump and controller system <NUM> as described above. As shown in <FIG>, the post-mix beverage dispenser <NUM> includes a beverage mixing and dispensing nozzle <NUM> and a supply of carbonated water which is in flow communication with the beverage mixing and dispensing nozzle <NUM>. For instance, the beverage dispenser <NUM> may include a water carbonation system <NUM>, in which a source of non-carbonated water (such as a municipal water supply line) is pumped into a mixing tank <NUM> by a water pump <NUM>. This mixing tank <NUM> is also in flow communication with a source of carbon dioxide gas such as a compressed gas cylinder <NUM>. Water is pumped into the mixing tank <NUM>, and carbon dioxide gas is then mixed with, and dissolved into, the water in the mixing tank <NUM> to provide carbonated water. The carbonated water may also be passed through a chiller <NUM> before reaching the mixing and dispensing nozzle <NUM>.

In addition, post-mix beverage dispenser <NUM> also includes a source of concentrated beverage syrup, such as a bag-in-box syrup container <NUM>. The dispensing nozzle <NUM> is also connected to, and in flow communication, with the bag-in-box or other beverage syrup container <NUM>. The pump and controller system <NUM> described above may be used to move the syrup from the syrup container <NUM> to the dispensing nozzle <NUM>. Thus the syrup container <NUM> is connected to the pump inlet port <NUM> and the pump outlet port <NUM> is connected to the beverage mixing and dispensing nozzle <NUM> in order to supply the beverage syrup for the nozzle <NUM>.

Advantageously then, according to the present invention, a post-mix beverage dispenser <NUM> is disclosed which does not utilize a gas driven diaphragm pump in order to pump the beverage syrup. Thus, the beverage syrup being pumped is no longer in contact with the rubber diaphragms used in such pumps. More preferably, the beverage syrup does not contact any components made from rubber as the syrup moves through the syrup pump. Accordingly, the problem of syrup flavors being absorbed by the rubber components and subsequently leaching out into other beverage syrups (i.e. flavor cross-contamination) is eliminated, and syrup pumps according to the present invention may be readily repurposed for different flavored beverages if desired.

Claim 1:
A beverage syrup pump and controller system (<NUM>) comprising:
a pump housing (<NUM>) having an internal pumping chamber (<NUM>), an inlet port (<NUM>) for flow communication with a supply of beverage syrup (<NUM>), an outlet port (<NUM>), and a sensor port (<NUM>), each of the ports (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) being in flow communication with the pumping chamber (<NUM>);
a pump motor (<NUM>);
a positive displacement pumping mechanism (<NUM>) driven by the pump motor (<NUM>) and at least partially disposed within the pumping chamber (<NUM>), the pumping mechanism (<NUM>) being capable of receiving a fluid through the inlet port (<NUM>) into the pumping chamber (<NUM>) at a first pressure and discharging the fluid from the pumping chamber (<NUM>) through the outlet port (<NUM>) at a second pressure which is greater than the first pressure;
a pressure transducer (<NUM>) disposed adjacent the sensor port (<NUM>), the transducer (<NUM>) being in contact with a quantity of the fluid at the second pressure and generating an electrical signal based upon the second pressure;
a programmable micro controller (<NUM>), which receives the electrical signal from the pressure transducer (<NUM>), and is electrically connected to the pump motor (<NUM>) and capable of starting and stopping the pump motor (<NUM>),
wherein the micro controller (<NUM>) is programmed to immediately stop the pump motor (<NUM>) if the second pressure exceeds a predetermined maximum pressure level,
wherein the micro controller (<NUM>) is programmed to stop the pump motor (<NUM>) if the second pressure falls below a predetermined minimum pressure level and remains below the minimum pressure level for a predetermined first time interval, and
wherein the pump is a gear pump and the pumping mechanism (<NUM>) comprises:
a drive gear (<NUM>), having a plurality of drive gear teeth (<NUM>), disposed within the pumping chamber (<NUM>) and rotatably driven by the pump motor (<NUM>); and
an idler gear (<NUM>), having a plurality of idler gear teeth (<NUM>) intermeshed with the drive gear teeth (<NUM>), disposed within the pumping chamber (<NUM>) and attached to an idler shaft disposed within the pumping chamber (<NUM>),
and wherein the sensor port (<NUM>) is located downstream of the drive gear (<NUM>) and the idler gear (<NUM>).