Patent Description:
Current post-mix beverage dispensing nozzles generally mix streams of syrup, concentrate, sweetener, bonus flavors, other types of flavoring, and other ingredients with water or other types of diluent by flowing the syrup stream down the center of the nozzle with the water stream flowing around the outside. The syrup stream is directed downward with the water stream such that the streams mix as they fall into a consumer's cup.

There is a desire for a beverage dispensing system as a whole to provide as many different types and flavors of beverages as may be possible in a footprint that may be as small as possible. Preferably, such a beverage dispensing system may provide as many beverages as may be available on the market in prepackaged bottles, cans, or other types of containers.

In order to accommodate this variety, the dispensing nozzles need to accommodate fluids with different viscosities, flow rates, mixing ratios, temperatures, and other variables. Current dispensing nozzle assemblies may not be able to accommodate multiple beverages with a single nozzle design and/or the dispensing nozzle assembly may be designed for specific types of fluid flow. One known means of accommodating differing flow characteristics is shown in commonly owned <CIT> that describes the use of replaceable fluid modules that are sized and shaped for specific flow characteristics. Even more variety and more fluid streams may be employed in commonly owned <CIT> that shows the use of a number of tertiary flow assemblies.

One issue with the use of certain nozzle designs is brix stratification. (One degree Brix is <NUM> gram of sucrose in <NUM> grams of solution and represents the strength of the solution as percentage by mass. ) Certain thicker or more viscous syrups may resist proper mixing with the other ingredients. As a result, the dispenser may provide an out of specification beverage with higher amounts of sugar at the bottom of the drink and lower amounts at the top.

There is thus a desire for a dispensing nozzle assembly to accommodate even more and different types of fluids that may pass there through. The dispensing nozzle assembly preferably may accommodate this variety while still providing good mixing and easy cleaning.

<CIT>discloses multi-flavor or multi-fluid dispensing nozzle assemblies capable of dispensing a wide number of different types of fluid.

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a dispensing nozzle assembly for mixing a first fluid and a second fluid, comprising: a target assembly; the target assembly comprising a plurality of twisted fins; and an injector ring assembly surrounding the target assembly in whole or in part; the injector ring assembly comprising a plurality of first tubes directed towards the target assembly for the first fluid; the plurality of first tubes comprising one or more threads therein; and the injector ring assembly comprising a plurality of second tubes directed towards the target assembly for the second fluid such that the first fluid and the second fluid mix along the twisted fins of the target assembly.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides a method of mixing a number of fluids in a dispensing nozzle assembly, comprising: flowing a first fluid through a tube with a plurality of threads towards a target assembly; flowing one or more additional fluids towards the target assembly; and mixing the first fluid and the one or more additional fluids along a plurality of twisted fins extending from the target assembly.

These and other features and improvements of the present application and the resultant patent will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the several drawings and the appended claims.

Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals refer to like elements throughout the several views, <FIG> shows an example of a dispensing nozzle assembly <NUM> as is described herein. The dispensing nozzle assembly <NUM> may be used as part of a beverage dispenser for dispensing many different types of beverages or other types of fluids. Specifically, the dispensing nozzle assembly <NUM> may be used with diluents, macro-ingredients, micro-ingredients, and other types of fluids. The diluents generally include plain water (still water or non-carbonated water), carbonated water, and other fluids. The dispensing nozzle assembly <NUM> may be a common dispensing nozzle assembly. The term "common" is used herein to signify that the common dispensing nozzle assembly may be commonly used with many different types of beverages and beverage dispensers.

Generally described, the macro-ingredients may have reconstitution ratios in the range from full strength (no dilution) to about six (<NUM>) to one (<NUM>) (but generally less than about ten (<NUM>) to one (<NUM>)). The macro-ingredients may include sugar syrup, HFCS ("High Fructose Corn Syrup"), FIS ("Fully Inverted Sugar"), MIS ("Medium Inverted Sugar"), concentrated extracts, purees, and similar types of ingredients. Other ingredients may include traditional BIB ("Bag-in-box") flavored syrups, nutritive and non-nutritive sweetener blends, juice concentrates, dairy products, soy, and rice concentrates. Similarly, a macro-ingredient base product may include the sweetener as well as flavorings, acids, and other common components of a beverage syrup. The beverage syrup with sugar, HFCS, or other macro-ingredient base products generally may be stored in a conventional bag-in-box container remote from the dispenser. The viscosity of the macro-ingredients may range from about <NUM> to about <NUM>,<NUM> centipoise (about <NUM> to about <NUM>,<NUM> millipascal-seconds (mPa. s)) and generally over <NUM> centipoises (<NUM> mPa. s) or so when chilled. Other types of macro-ingredients may be used herein.

The micro-ingredients may have reconstitution ratios ranging from about ten (<NUM>) to one (<NUM>) and higher. Specifically, many micro-ingredients may have reconstitution ratios in the range of about <NUM>:<NUM>, to <NUM>:<NUM>, to <NUM>:<NUM>, to <NUM>:<NUM>, or higher. The viscosities of the micro-ingredients typically range from about one (<NUM>) to about six (<NUM>) centipoise (about <NUM> to about <NUM> mPa. s) or so, but may vary from this range. Examples of micro-ingredients include natural or artificial flavors; flavor additives; natural or artificial colors; artificial sweeteners (high potency, nonnutritive, or otherwise); antifoam agents, nonnutritive ingredients, additives for controlling tartness, e.g., citric acid or potassium citrate; functional additives such as vitamins, minerals, herbal extracts, nutricuticals; and over the counter (or otherwise) medicines such as pseudoephedrine, acetaminophen; and similar types of ingredients. Various types of alcohols may be used as either macro- or micro-ingredients. The micro-ingredients may be in liquid, gaseous, or powder form (and/or combinations thereof including soluble and suspended ingredients in a variety of media, including water, organic solvents, and oils). Other types of micro-ingredients may be used herein.

The dispensing nozzle assembly <NUM> may be largely modular in nature. The dispensing nozzle assembly <NUM> includes an injector ring assembly <NUM>. The injector ring assembly <NUM> may include an upper injector ring <NUM> and a lower injector ring <NUM>. The respective injector rings <NUM>, <NUM> may be made out of a thermoplastic such as polypropylene and the like. Other types of food grade materials may be used herein. The injector rings <NUM>, <NUM> may be injection molded or manufactured via other types of conventional techniques. The injector rings <NUM>, <NUM> may be fastened together via laser welding techniques. The use of laser welding avoids the need for gaskets and the like. Other types of fastening techniques may be used herein.

The dispensing nozzle assembly <NUM> also may have a core module assembly <NUM>. The core module assembly <NUM> may include a diluent/sweetener module <NUM> and a target assembly <NUM>. The diluent/sweetener module <NUM> and the target assembly <NUM> also may be made out of a food grade thermoplastic such as polypropylene and the like. Other types of food grade materials may be used herein. The diluent/sweetener module <NUM> and the target assembly <NUM> may be injection molded or manufactured via other types of conventional techniques. The diluent/sweetener module <NUM> and the target assembly <NUM> may be in communication with the upper and lower injector rings <NUM>, <NUM> of the injector ring assembly <NUM> as will be described in more detail below. In some embodiments, the diluent/sweetener module <NUM> may be fastened with the upper injector ring <NUM> such as via laser welding or other types of fastening techniques. Other components and other configurations may be used herein.

The injector ring assembly <NUM> may define a number of macro-ingredient paths <NUM> and a number of micro-ingredient paths <NUM> therethrough. <FIG> show an example of the injector ring assembly <NUM>. The injector ring assembly <NUM> may be largely plate like in shape with a central aperture <NUM> extending therethrough. The lower injector ring <NUM> may be largely flat and planar like in shape. The upper injector ring <NUM> may have the macro-ingredient paths <NUM> and the micro-ingredient paths <NUM> extending therethrough. The central aperture <NUM> may be sized and shaped for the diluent/sweetener module <NUM> and the target assembly <NUM>. One or more assembly flanges <NUM> may extend into the central aperture <NUM>. Other components and other configurations may be used herein.

Specifically, the upper injector ring <NUM> may include a number of macro-ingredient ports <NUM> of the macro-ingredient paths <NUM>. In this example, there may be twelve (<NUM>) macro-ingredient ports <NUM> encircling about the central aperture <NUM> in whole or in part. Any number of the macro-ingredient ports <NUM> may be used herein in any position. The macro-ingredient ports <NUM> may be arranged in pairs with each pair sharing a macro-ingredient line fastener aperture <NUM>. The macro-ingredient line fastener aperture <NUM> allows a macro-ingredient line to be secured thereto. The macro-ingredient ports <NUM> may be used and sized primarily for traditional beverage syrups that are typically housed in a bag-in-box container as described above although any type of macro-ingredient may be used herein.

Each macro-ingredient port <NUM> may include a macro-ingredient inlet chamber <NUM>. The macro-ingredient inlet chamber <NUM> may be largely tube-like in shape. Each macro-ingredient inlet chamber <NUM> may lead to a number of macro-ingredient outlet tubes <NUM>. In this example, each macro-ingredient inlet chamber <NUM> extends to four (<NUM>) macro-ingredient outlet tubes <NUM>. Any number of the macro-ingredient outlet tubes <NUM> may be used herein in communication with each macro-ingredient inlet chamber <NUM>. The number of macro-ingredient outlet tubes <NUM> may vary in each macro-ingredient inlet chamber <NUM>. The macro-ingredient outlet tubes <NUM> may have an angled configuration <NUM>. Specifically, the macro-ingredient outlet tubes <NUM> may extend in the angled configuration <NUM> through the upper injector ring <NUM> to the central aperture <NUM> towards the target assembly <NUM>. The angle may be about <NUM> to about <NUM> degrees although the angle may vary. The macro-ingredient outlet chambers <NUM> and the macro-ingredient outlet tubes <NUM> may have any suitable size, shape, or configuration. Other components and other configurations may be used herein.

The upper injector ring <NUM> also may include a number of micro-ingredient ports <NUM> of the micro-ingredient paths <NUM>. The micro ingredient ports <NUM> may be used and sized primarily for use with the micro-ingredients. In this example, eleven (<NUM>) sets of four (<NUM>) micro-ingredient ports <NUM> are shown encircling the center aperture <NUM> concentrically with the macro-ingredient ports <NUM>. Any number of the micro-ingredient ports <NUM> may be used herein in any configuration. Each set of the micro-ingredient ports <NUM> may have one or more micro-ingredient line fastener apertures <NUM> positioned there about. The micro-ingredient line fastener apertures <NUM> allow a micro-ingredient line to be secured thereto. The micro-ingredient ports <NUM> may be arranged in a quad configuration <NUM> of a set of four ports. The quad configuration <NUM> may accommodate a quad tube assembly <NUM> as shown in part in <FIG> and shown in <CIT> referenced above. Other components and other configurations may be used herein.

Each micro-ingredient port <NUM> may include a micro-ingredient inlet passage <NUM>. The micro-ingredient inlet passages <NUM> may be largely tube-like in shape. The micro-ingredient inlet passages <NUM> may have any suitable size, shape, or configuration. Each micro-ingredient inlet passage <NUM> may lead to a micro-ingredient dispensing chamber <NUM>. The micro-ingredient inlet passages <NUM> may be in communication with the micro-ingredient dispensing chambers <NUM> via a micro-ingredient dispensing chamber inlet tube <NUM>. The micro-ingredient dispensing chamber inlet tube <NUM> may have a reduced diameter as compared to the micro-ingredient inlet passage <NUM>. Each micro-ingredient dispensing chamber <NUM> may have a curved configuration <NUM> along the horizontal plane such that the upper injector ring <NUM> may accommodate as many micro-ingredient ports <NUM> as possible extending therethrough. Each micro-ingredient dispensing chamber <NUM> may be enclosed on the lower side by the lower injector ring <NUM>. Each micro-ingredient dispensing chamber <NUM> may include a micro-ingredient dispensing chamber outlet tube <NUM>. Each of the micro-ingredient dispensing chamber outlet tubes <NUM> may include the angled configuration <NUM>. Specifically, the micro-ingredient dispensing chamber outlet tube <NUM> may extend in the angled configuration <NUM> from the micro-ingredient dispensing chamber <NUM> through the upper ring <NUM> and into the central aperture <NUM>. The same or different angles may be used herein. The micro-ingredient dispensing chamber outlet tubes <NUM> may have a reduced diameter as compared to the micro-ingredient dispensing chamber inlet tubes <NUM>. The micro-ingredient dispensing chamber outlet tubes <NUM> may extend below the macro-ingredient outlet tubes <NUM> along the angled configuration <NUM> in whole or in part. The micro-ingredient inlet passage <NUM>, the micro-ingredient dispensing chamber inlet tubes <NUM>, the micro-ingredient dispensing chamber <NUM>, and the micro-ingredient dispensing chamber outlet tubes <NUM> may have any suitable size, shape, or configuration. Other components and other configurations may be used herein.

The macro-ingredient outlet tubes <NUM> and the micro-ingredient dispensing chamber outlet tubes <NUM> may extend through a dispensing ring <NUM> of the upper injector ring <NUM>. The dispensing ring <NUM> may be a molded, unitary element of the upper injector ring <NUM> or the dispensing ring <NUM> may be a separate, added component. If a separate component, the dispensing ring <NUM> may be modular in nature and may be divided into any number of pie shaped elements or otherwise configured. The dispensing ring <NUM> may be made out of a thermoplastic like the rest of the upper injector ring <NUM> or a different material such as stainless steel or a ceramic. The macro-ingredient outlet tubes <NUM> and/or the micro-ingredient dispensing chamber outlet tubes <NUM> may be laser drilled through the dispensing ring <NUM>. Other types of drilling techniques may be used herein. The use of a hydrophilic material such as stainless steel may prevent or limit fluid carryover, i.e., micro-ingredients may pool at the end of the micro-ingredient dispensing chamber outlet tube <NUM>. Such pooled micro-ingredients may drip and/or carry over into the next beverage. The use of the angled configuration <NUM> also may assist in reducing carryover. Other components and other configurations may be used herein.

<FIG> show an example of the core module assembly <NUM> with the diluent/sweetener module <NUM> and the target assembly <NUM>. The diluent/sweetener module <NUM> may be attached to the target assembly <NUM> in a snap fit and the like. The diluent/sweetener module <NUM> may include a diluent port <NUM> and a sweetener port <NUM>. The diluent/sweetener module <NUM> may include a diluent/sweetener module fastener aperture <NUM> extend therefrom. A diluent line and a sweetener line may be attached thereto. The target assembly <NUM> may include a number of vertically extending fins <NUM> that extend into a largely star-shaped appearance as viewed from the bottom. The fins <NUM> may form a number of U or V shaped channels <NUM>.

When combined, the diluent/sweetener module <NUM> and the target assembly <NUM> may define a diluent/sweetener mixing chamber <NUM> therebetween. The target assembly <NUM> may have a number of diluent/sweetener dispensing ports <NUM> positioned about the diluent/sweetener mixing chamber <NUM>. Specifically, the diluent/sweetener mixing chamber <NUM> may extend from the diluent port <NUM> and the sweetener port <NUM> to the diluent/sweetener dispensing ports <NUM>. The dispensing ports <NUM> may be positioned over the fins <NUM> and the channels <NUM> of the target assembly <NUM>. An umbrella valve <NUM> and the like also may be used herein.

The target assembly <NUM> may include an assembly track <NUM> formed thereon. The assembly track <NUM> may include a lower path <NUM> and an upper path <NUM>. The assembly track <NUM> may be sized to accommodate the assembly flange <NUM> of the central aperture <NUM> of the injection ring assembly <NUM> so as to connect the core module assembly <NUM> to the injector ring assembly <NUM> (or vice versa). The assembly track <NUM> may have any suitable size, shape, or configuration. Other components and other configurations may be used herein.

In use, the upper injection ring <NUM> and the lower injection ring <NUM> may be combined so as to form the injector ring assembly <NUM>. Likewise, the diluent/sweetener module <NUM> and the target assembly <NUM> may be combined so as to form the core module assembly <NUM>. The core module assembly <NUM> may be positioned within the central aperture <NUM> of the injector ring assembly <NUM>. The assembly track <NUM> of the core module assembly <NUM> may accommodate the assembly flange <NUM> of the injector ring assembly <NUM> so as to attach the core module assembly <NUM> in a screw-like action. Specifically, the assembly flange <NUM> may travel down the upper path <NUM> as the target assembly <NUM> is rotated clockwise. Continued rotation pulls the target assembly <NUM> into a secure fit as the assembly flange <NUM> travels along the lower path <NUM>. The use of the assembly track <NUM> also provides for easy removal of the core module assembly <NUM> for cleaning the central aperture <NUM> of the injector ring assembly <NUM>. Any order of assembly may be used herein. Any type of fasteners or joinders techniques also may be used herein. Other components and other configurations may be used herein.

A sweetener or other fluid may flow into the sweetener port <NUM> of the core module assembly <NUM> with a diluent flowing into the diluent port <NUM>. The sweetener and the surrounding flow of diluent may mix in the diluent/sweetener mixing chamber in whole or in part and may be dispensed via the dispensing ports <NUM> of the target assembly <NUM>. The diluent/sweetener mixture may flow downward through the channels <NUM> of the target assembly <NUM> and continue mixing therealong.

One or more macro-ingredients may flow into the macro-ingredient ports <NUM> of the upper injector ring <NUM> of the injector ring assembly <NUM>. The macro-ingredients may flow through the macro-ingredient inlet chambers <NUM> and may be dispensed via the macro-ingredient outlet tubes <NUM> with the angled configuration <NUM> towards the target assembly <NUM>. Having a number of the macro-ingredient outlet tubes <NUM> used in combination with each of the macro-ingredient inlet chambers <NUM> allows for good flow of the macro-ingredients therethrough.

Likewise, micro-ingredients may flow into the micro-ingredient ports <NUM> of the upper injector ring <NUM> of the injector ring assembly <NUM>. The micro-ingredients may flow into the micro-ingredient passage <NUM> and into the micro-ingredient dispensing chamber <NUM> via the micro-ingredient dispensing chamber inlet tube <NUM>. The micro-ingredients may pass through the micro-ingredient dispensing chamber <NUM> and may exit via the micro-ingredient dispensing chamber outlet tube <NUM> at the angled configuration <NUM> towards the targeted assembly <NUM>. The diluent, the sweetener, the macro-ingredients, and/or the micro-ingredients all may mix as they flow along the target assembly <NUM> and fall towards a consumer's cup or other type of vessel. Different beverages may use different combinations of ingredients.

The common dispensing nozzle assembly <NUM> thus may be used to dispense any number of beverages. For example, a carbonated soft drink may include a flow of carbonated water as a diluent via the diluent port <NUM> and a flow of a conventional beverage syrup via one of the macro-ingredient ports <NUM>. Alternatively, the carbonated soft drink also may include the flow of carbonated water via the diluent port <NUM>, a flow of sweetener via the sweetener port <NUM>, and a number of flows of micro-ingredients via the micro-ingredient ports <NUM>. Further, a tea or coffee beverage may be created via a flow of still water as the diluent, a flow of tea concentrate as a macro-ingredient or a micro-ingredient, and a flow of a sweetener as a macro-ingredient or a micro-ingredient. Any number and combination of different beverages may be produced herein in a fast and efficient manner.

The dispensing nozzle assembly <NUM> may dispense syrups/concentrates with reconstitution ratios of anywhere from about three (<NUM>) to one (<NUM>) to about one hundred fifty (<NUM>) to one (<NUM>) or higher. The number, size, and shape of the various ports and pathways herein may be varied and reconfigured as desired. The dispensing nozzle assembly <NUM> thus may be used with almost any type of beverage dispenser. For example, the dispensing nozzle assembly <NUM> may be used with a conventional syrup based dispenser, a micro-ingredient based dispenser, and/or a hybrid or other type of dispenser based upon availability or any type of operational parameters or needs. The dispensing nozzle assembly <NUM> may be original equipment or part of a retrofit. Multiple dispensing nozzles assemblies <NUM> may be used together herein in different configurations.

The following chart shows how the dispensing nozzle assembly <NUM> may produce different types of beverages:.

<FIG> shows an alternative embodiment of a micro-ingredient dispensing chamber outlet tube <NUM>. The micro-ingredient dispensing chamber outlet tube <NUM> may have the angled configuration <NUM> extending through the dispensing ring <NUM>. The micro-ingredient dispensing chamber outlet tube <NUM> may include an insert <NUM> therein. The insert <NUM> may be made out of a stainless steel, a ceramic, or other types of a hydrophilic material in whole or in part. As described above, the micro-ingredient dispensing chamber outlet tubes <NUM> may be laser drilled through a plastic material of the dispensing ring <NUM> or otherwise formed therein. The plastic material may be largely hydrophobic. By using different materials and positions therein, the hydrophilic/hydrophobic ratio of the micro-ingredient dispensing chamber outlet tubes <NUM> may be varied. Specifically, the hydrophilic material tends to hold the micro-ingredients within the micro-ingredient dispensing chamber outlet tube <NUM> so as to resist carryover between dispenses. The insert <NUM> thus may not extend the entire length of the micro-ingredient dispensing chamber outlet tube <NUM>. Rather, a length of the plastic material may extend at the exit. Other components and other configurations may be used herein.

Alternatively as shown in <FIG>, the micro-ingredient dispensing chamber outlet tube <NUM> may include a surface treatment <NUM> therein. The surface treatment <NUM> also may vary hydrophilic properties of the micro-ingredient dispensing chamber outlet tubes <NUM> in whole or in part. As above, the surface treatment <NUM> may end before the exit of the micro-ingredient dispensing chamber outlet tube <NUM> given the hydrophobic properties of the plastic.

To the extent that the dispensing ring <NUM> is made out of stainless steel or similar types of material, each micro-ingredient dispensing chamber outlet tube <NUM> may take the form of any number of smaller tubes drilled therethrough. The tubes may have the same or a number of different shapes. The use of a number of smaller holes may fan out the velocity of the micro-ingredient stream so as to slow the stream while creating additional surface tension to prevent dripping. The use of the insert <NUM>, the surface treatment <NUM>, and the angled configuration <NUM> all may contribute to reduce dripping and carryover. The insert <NUM>, the surface treatment <NUM>, and the angled configuration <NUM> may be used separately or in combination. Other components and other configurations may be used herein.

<FIG> show an alternative embodiment of an upper injector ring <NUM> as may be described herein. The macro-ingredient outlet tubes <NUM> include a number of threads <NUM> formed therein. The size, shape, angle, and configuration of the threads <NUM> may vary. The threads <NUM> act somewhat like rifling in a gun barrel to increase the speed of the flow therein. Specifically, the threads <NUM> are surface instabilities that add a rotational component to the macro-ingredient flow therethrough. This unstable rotation allows the macro-ingredients to mix more easily with the other ingredients so as to reduce thereby brix stratification in the beverage. Other components and other configurations may be used herein.

<FIG> show further embodiments of a target assembly <NUM> as may be described herein. <FIG> shows a target assembly <NUM> with a number of twisted fins <NUM> and twisted channels <NUM> instead of the straight fins <NUM> and straight channels <NUM> shown above. In this example, the twist may be about twenty degrees or so. Other angles may be used herein. In a manner similar to the rifling in the macro-ingredient outlet tubes <NUM>, the twisted fins <NUM> and the twisted channels <NUM> create instability and swirl at the end of the target assembly <NUM> to promote good mixing of the macro-ingredients and the other ingredients and, hence, reduced brix stratification. The target assembly <NUM> is used with the threads <NUM> of the macro-ingredient outlet tubes <NUM>. Other components and other configurations may be used herein.

<FIG> shows a target assembly <NUM> using the twisted fins <NUM> and the twisted channels <NUM> at about the twenty degree twist. In this example, the twisted fins <NUM> and the twisted channels <NUM> may include a taper <NUM>. Specifically, the taper <NUM> represents a reduction in diameter from the top to the bottom of the target assembly <NUM>. The nature of the taper <NUM> may vary. <FIG> shows a target assembly <NUM> using the twisted fins <NUM> and the twisted channels <NUM> with the taper <NUM>. In this example, the twist may be about forty degrees or so. The angle may range from about fifteen degrees to about forty-five degrees. Other angles may be used herein. Other variations may include changing the length of the fins and the channels. Other components and other configurations may be used herein.

Experimentation has shown that the combination of the threads <NUM> in the macro-ingredient outlet ports <NUM> and the twisted fins <NUM> and twisted channels <NUM> with the twenty degree twist of the target assembly <NUM> may have the greatest impact to date on reducing brix stratification in macro-ingredients such a certain types of viscous syrups. Extensive laboratory testing has shown such improved mixing. The amount of brix stratification may vary. Such a reduction may bring the resultant beverage into specification such that the flexibility of the overall beverage dispenser is improved.

<FIG> and <FIG> show an alternative embodiment of an upper injector ring <NUM> as may be described herein. In this example, the micro-ingredient dispensing chamber outlet tubes <NUM> and the macro-ingredient outlet tubes <NUM> may be in a "showerhead" configuration or a raised bowl <NUM>. The micro-ingredient dispensing chamber outlet tubes <NUM> may be largely similar to those described above in number and configuration. Many more macro-ingredient outlet tubes <NUM>, however, may be used herein. For example, if twelve groups of four macro-ingredient tubes <NUM> in a line configuration for a total of forty-eight macro-ingredient outlet tubes are shown in <FIG>, twelve groups of eleven macro-ingredient outlet tubes <NUM> in a four by three by four configuration for a total of <NUM> macro-ingredient tubes <NUM> are shown herein. The increased number of macro-ingredient tubes <NUM> provides increased turbulence about the target assembly <NUM> for improved mixing and, hence, improved brix stratification. The number of macro-ingredient outlet tubes <NUM> may vary. Likewise, the size, shape, and configuration of the macro-ingredient outlet tubes <NUM> may vary. The macro-ingredient outlet tubes <NUM> include the threads <NUM> described above. Other components and other configurations may be used herein.

<FIG> show an alternative embodiment of an upper injector ring <NUM> of a dispensing nozzle assembly <NUM> as may be described herein. In this example, the micro-ingredient dispensing chamber outlet tubes <NUM> and the macro-ingredient outlet tubes <NUM> may be positioned in or about the dispensing ring <NUM> instead of in the "showerhead" configuration or the raised bowl <NUM>. Similar to that described above, the macro-ingredient outlet tubes <NUM> may be used in many different sizes, shapes, and configurations. <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, show a number of the macro-ingredient outlet tubes <NUM> positioned in a number of two by three configurations <NUM> (two row of three macro-ingredient outlet tubes <NUM>). Fig. 22B shows a number of the macro-ingredient outlet tubes <NUM> positioned in a two by four configuration <NUM> (two rows of four macro-ingredient tubes <NUM>). Fig. 22C shows a number of the macro-ingredient outlet tubes <NUM> positioned in a four-two-four configuration <NUM> (a top row of four macro-ingredient tubes <NUM>, a middle row of two macro-ingredient tubes <NUM>, and a bottom row of four macro-ingredient tubes <NUM>). Fig. 22D shows a single row of three macro-ingredient outlet tubes <NUM>. Many other variations may be used herein. A number of different configurations may be used together herein in the upper injector ring <NUM>. The macro-ingredients may be a conventional syrup stream.

In addition to variations in the number and the position of the macro-ingredient outlet tubes <NUM>, the diameter of the macro-ingredient outlet tubes <NUM> also may vary. Although a typical diameter may be about <NUM> inches (about <NUM> millimeters), the diameter may vary from about <NUM> millimeters or less to about <NUM> millimeters or more. These variation may provide a maximum contact width along the target <NUM> of about <NUM> millimeter to about <NUM> millimeters or more with a total perimeter of all of the macro-ingredient outlet tubes <NUM> of about <NUM> millimeters to about <NUM> millimeters or more. Variations in the maximum contact width seem to be the most responsive in reducing overall Brix stratification. Other components and other configurations may be used herein. Macro-ingredient outlet tubes <NUM> of different diameter may be used together herein in the upper injector ring <NUM>.

Another variable considered is the angle of the macro-ingredient outlet tubes <NUM> through the dispensing ring <NUM>. A converging configuration of the macro-ingredient outlet tubes <NUM> may converging into a single channel <NUM> along the target <NUM> so as to mix with only one water stream from the diluent-sweetener dispensing ports <NUM>. A parallel configuration <NUM> of the macro-ingredient outlet tubes <NUM> as is shown in <FIG> may intercept two or three water streams along two or three of the channels <NUM> of the target <NUM>. A diverging configuration <NUM> of the macro-ingredient outlet tubes <NUM> as is shown in <FIG> may intercept three or more water streams along three or more channels <NUM>. The extent of the diverging angle, however, may be limited to prevent or reduce overspraying. Better mixing thus may be provided by the macro-ingredients intercepting more of the water streams.

Many different variations of the macro-ingredient outlet tubes <NUM> may be used herein. By way of example only, preferred combinations may include the two by three configuration <NUM> or the two by four configuration <NUM> in the parallel configuration <NUM> or the diverging configuration <NUM> so as to maximize the overall width of contact with limited overspraying. Brix performance of <NUM> degrees or better may be obtained. These configurations may be combined with the inserts <NUM>, the surface treatments <NUM>, the treads <NUM>, the twisted fins <NUM>, the tapered fins <NUM>, and other variations in any combination. The configurations shown herein are by way of example only. Any combination of number, size, angle, or position may be used herein. Other components and other configurations may be used herein.

Claim 1:
A dispensing nozzle assembly (<NUM>) for mixing a first fluid and a second fluid, comprising:
a target assembly (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>);
the target assembly comprising a plurality of twisted fins (<NUM>); and
an injector ring assembly (<NUM>) surrounding the target assembly in whole or in part;
the injector ring assembly comprising a plurality of first tubes (<NUM>) directed towards the target assembly for the first fluid;
the plurality of first tubes comprising one or more threads (<NUM>) therein; and
the injector ring assembly comprising a plurality of second tubes (<NUM>) directed towards the target assembly for the second fluid such that the first fluid and the second fluid mix along the twisted fins of the target assembly.