Patent Description:
Nozzles are often used to dispense beverages for consumption, such as in a fountain beverage dispenser. Nozzles can be categorized as pre-mix nozzles, in which a beverage is dispensed through the nozzle, and post-mix nozzles in which carbonated water or other base liquid and a beverage flavoring, such as a syrup, are dispensed separately from the nozzle and may combine with one another at the point of dispense, which may be within the nozzle or outside of the nozzle. The water and flavoring may mix while traveling to a beverage container or within the beverage container as the container is being filled.

Post-mix nozzles provide the advantage of allowing for a variety of beverages to be dispensed from a single nozzle. The post-mix nozzle may be in communication with various sources of flavoring such that the post-mix nozzle can be used to dispense a variety of beverages by dispensing the base liquid along with a desired flavoring. In this way, multiple types of beverages can be dispensed without requiring a premixed reservoir of each beverage.

Document <CIT> discloses a multi-flavor valve. Document <CIT> discloses a superflow diffuser and spout assembly. Document <CIT> discloses a beverage dispensing device. Document <CIT> discloses a syrup drink supply nozzle assembly.

Some embodiments described herein relate to a nozzle for dispensing a beverage, that includes a nozzle head having a base liquid inlet configured to receive a base liquid from a base liquid source, and a flavoring inlet configured to receive a flavoring from a flavoring source. The nozzle may further include a diffuser assembly in fluid communication with the base liquid inlet, wherein the diffuser assembly includes at least one diffuser plate having an annular region with a plurality of peripheral openings through which the base liquid flows. The nozzle may further include a receptacle in fluid communication with the diffuser assembly and the flavoring inlet, wherein the receptacle includes an inner wall, and an outlet through which the base liquid and the flavoring are dispensed, wherein the peripheral openings of the diffuser assembly are arranged so as to direct a flow of the base liquid along the inner wall of the receptacle, and wherein the flavoring inlet directs a flow of the flavoring through the receptacle in a longitudinal direction of the nozzle; and a vent for equalizing pressure within the nozzle (<NUM>), wherein the vent comprises one or more of (a) a vent tube (<NUM>) including an upper end (<NUM>) arranged within the receptacle (<NUM>) and a lower end (<NUM>) outside of the receptacle (<NUM>) so that the lower end (<NUM>) is open to the environment, and (b) vent holes (<NUM>) formed around a periphery of the receptacle (<NUM>) at an upper end (<NUM>) of the receptacle (<NUM>) and configured to equalize pressure in the receptacle (<NUM>) with an external pressure, wherein flavoring flows through an open central portion of the receptacle (<NUM>).

In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the flavoring inlet may be one of a plurality of flavoring inlets, and the base liquid inlet may be one of a plurality of base liquid inlets. In some embodiments, the nozzle head may include a central section and a peripheral section that surrounds the central section, and the plurality of flavoring inlets may be arranged in the central section and the plurality of base liquid inlets may be arranged in the peripheral section.

In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the diffuser assembly may include a first diffuser plate and a second diffuser plate arranged in a stacked configuration.

In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the diffuser assembly may include a central opening in which a base of the nozzle head is arranged.

In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, an inner edge of a peripheral opening of the plurality of peripheral openings may be aligned with the inner wall of the receptacle.

In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the receptacle may include an upper end and a lower end, wherein the nozzle head and the diffuser assembly may be arranged at the upper end of the receptacle, and the outlet may be disposed at the lower end of the receptacle. In some embodiments, the receptacle may taper from the upper end toward the lower end.

In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the inner wall of the receptacle may have a curvature.

In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the flavoring and the base liquid may intersect within the receptacle. In some embodiments, the flavoring may intersect with the base liquid at the outlet of the receptacle.

In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the outflow stabilizer may be arranged within the outlet of the receptacle, and the outflow stabilizer may be configured to direct the flow of the base liquid and the flavoring through the outlet along a longitudinal axis of the nozzle.

In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the beverage dispensing nozzle may further include vent holes arranged on an upper end of the receptacle, wherein the vent holes are oriented perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the nozzle.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate the present disclosure and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles thereof and to enable a person skilled in the pertinent art to make and use the same.

Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the scope of the described embodiments as defined by the claims.

Post-mix beverage dispensing nozzles may be used to dispense multiple beverages. Such beverage dispensing nozzles generally provide a flow of a base liquid, and a flow of a syrup or flavoring, and the base liquid and flavoring may be mixed at the point of dispense. By providing a flow of a base liquid that is separate from the flow of flavoring, a single beverage dispensing nozzle may be used to dispense multiple types of beverages by dispensing the base liquid along with the desired flavoring.

While post-mix nozzles may allow for multiple beverage to be dispensed from a single nozzle, such nozzles may have the drawback of carryover of flavor. For example, if the beverage dispensing nozzle is used to dispense a first beverage, and is subsequently used to dispense a second beverage, flavoring from the first beverage may remain within the nozzle and mix with the second beverage as the second beverage is being dispensed.

As a result, the second beverage may be contaminated by the first flavoring and the second beverage may not have the desired taste. Additionally, drops of flavoring remaining within lines or conduits through which the various flavorings are dispensed can be drawn out as the base liquid contacts or flows by the lines or conduits carrying the various flavorings, exacerbating flavor carryover. Thus, there is a need in the art for a multi-flavor beverage dispensing nozzle that reduces or eliminates carryover of flavor.

Further, beverage dispensing nozzles often dispense a beverage with an aerated or turbulent flow pattern. As a result, the dispensed beverage does not flow smoothly and consistently as it is dispensed and may splash or sputter. The dispensed beverage may appear non-uniform and opaque due to aeration of the beverage during mixing of the base liquid and flavoring exiting the nozzle. Achieving a smooth and consistent flow of a beverage dispensed from a nozzle may be particularly challenging for multi-flavor beverage dispensing nozzles due to the different flow paths of the different flavors. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a beverage dispensing nozzle that provides a smooth and laminar flow pattern to reduce splashing or spraying and to provide an aesthetically pleasing flow of beverage.

Some embodiments described herein relate to a beverage dispensing nozzle that reduces carryover of flavor. The beverage dispensing nozzle ensures that flavoring does not remain within the nozzle after a beverage is dispensed, and further prevent contact of the base liquid and the flavoring inlets. As a result, the beverage dispensing nozzle may dispense various types of beverages without contamination of each beverage by the other flavorings. Some embodiments described herein relate to a beverage dispensing nozzle configured to dispense a beverage with a smooth, laminar flow pattern to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance and to improve the experience of dispensing a beverage. As a result, the beverage dispensed from the nozzle may resemble water flowing from a pitcher or from a water fountain.

A beverage dispensing nozzle <NUM> for dispensing a beverage with a smooth and gentle flow is shown in <FIG>. Beverage dispensing nozzle <NUM> is configured to dispense a base liquid and a flavoring so as to form a beverage. Beverage dispensing nozzle <NUM> is configured to dispense a variety of base liquids and a variety of flavorings such that beverage dispensing nozzle <NUM> may be used to dispense a wide variety of beverages.

As used herein, the term "beverage" refers to a combination of any base liquid and any flavoring. A "base liquid" may be, for example, water, carbonated water, sparkling water, chilled water, or mineral water, among other liquids. A "flavoring" may be any of various additives in liquid form that is used to sweeten, add flavor, or enhance the base liquid, such as syrups, sweeteners, or concentrates, among other additives. For example, a carbonated cola beverage may be created by combining carbonated water as the base liquid with a cola-flavoring or syrup. Alternatively, an iced tea beverage may be created by combining chilled water as the base liquid with a tea flavoring.

In some embodiments, nozzle <NUM> includes a nozzle head <NUM>, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. Nozzle head <NUM> may include flavoring inlets <NUM> for receiving flavorings from a flavoring source, such as a flavoring storage container, e.g., a bag-in-box (BiB). Flavoring inlets <NUM> may be connected to a flavoring source by a flavoring supply line <NUM>. Nozzle head <NUM> further includes base liquid inlets <NUM> for receiving base liquids from a source of base liquid, such as a municipal water supply, a liquid storage receptacle, or the like. Base liquid inlets <NUM> may be connected to a base liquid source by a base liquid supply line <NUM>. Beverage dispensing nozzle <NUM> may further include a diffuser assembly <NUM> in fluid communication with the base liquid inlets <NUM>. Diffuser assembly <NUM> may include one or more diffuser plates <NUM>, <NUM> for controlling a flow of base liquid, and distributing base liquid to a receptacle <NUM> of nozzle <NUM>. Receptacle <NUM> is configured to receive a flow of the base liquid from the diffuser assembly <NUM> as well as a flow of the flavoring directly from flavoring inlets <NUM>. Receptacle <NUM> includes an outlet <NUM> for dispensing a smooth, laminar flow of the base liquid and the flavoring to provide a beverage for consumption.

A nozzle head <NUM> of nozzle <NUM> according to an embodiment is shown in <FIG>. Nozzle head <NUM> may include base liquid inlets <NUM> and flavoring inlets <NUM>. Each base liquid inlet <NUM> may be connected to a base liquid source. In some embodiments, each base liquid inlet <NUM> may be connected to a different type of base liquid, so that each base liquid inlet <NUM> provides a different base liquid. For example, a first base liquid inlet <NUM> may be connected to a source of flat water, and a second base liquid inlet <NUM> may be connected to a source of carbonated water. It is understood that each base liquid inlet <NUM> may receive any base liquid. Similarly, each flavoring inlet <NUM> may be connected to a flavoring source. Each flavoring inlet <NUM> may be connected to a flavoring source such that nozzle <NUM> may dispense a variety of different flavorings. For example, a first flavoring inlet <NUM> may be connected to a source of a cola flavoring, and a second flavoring inlet <NUM> may be connected to a source of a lemon-lime flavoring. It is understood that any flavoring inlet <NUM> may receive any flavoring.

In some embodiments, each base liquid inlet <NUM> and flavoring inlet <NUM> may include an upstanding tubular wall <NUM> defining a bore <NUM> extending through nozzle head <NUM> to base <NUM> of nozzle head <NUM> and terminating at base liquid outlet <NUM> and flavoring outlet <NUM>, respectively. Base liquids and flavorings flow through bores <NUM> of each inlet <NUM>, <NUM> and into nozzle <NUM>. In such embodiments, upstanding tubular wall <NUM> may be configured to engage with an inner diameter of a supply line or conduit <NUM>, <NUM> that supplies the flavorings or base liquids to nozzle <NUM>.

In some embodiments, each base liquid inlet <NUM> or flavoring inlet <NUM> may receive a fitting <NUM> configured to facilitate connection of a supply line <NUM>, <NUM> to the base liquid inlet <NUM> or flavoring inlet <NUM>, as shown for example in <FIG>. Fitting <NUM> may have a hollow tubular shape. In some embodiments, a retention plate <NUM> may be secured to nozzle head <NUM> over fittings <NUM> and secured to nozzle head <NUM> to hold fittings <NUM> and/or supply lines <NUM>, <NUM> in position. Retention plate <NUM> may be secured to nozzle head <NUM> via any of various fastening methods, such as via the use of mechanical fasteners <NUM>, including screws or bolts, among other fasteners.

In some embodiments, nozzle head <NUM> may include a central section <NUM> and a peripheral section <NUM> arranged outside of and surrounding central section <NUM>, as best shown in <FIG>. Flavoring inlets <NUM> may be arranged at central section <NUM> of nozzle head <NUM>. In this way, flavoring inlets <NUM> are centrally arranged on nozzle <NUM> and are aligned with outlet <NUM> of nozzle <NUM> in a longitudinal direction of nozzle <NUM> (see, e.g., <FIG>). Flavoring inlets <NUM> may be arranged with a first flavoring inlet <NUM> at a center of nozzle head <NUM> and additional flavoring inlets <NUM> may be arranged around first flavoring inlet <NUM>, such as in a circular pattern around the first flavoring inlet <NUM>. For example, in <FIG>, five flavoring inlets <NUM> are arranged around a first flavoring inlet <NUM>. However, in some embodiments, flavoring inlets <NUM> may be arranged in a square or rectangular pattern. The flavoring inlets <NUM> may be arranged in one or more columns or rows, and adjacent columns or rows may be staggered or offset from one another.

Base liquid inlets <NUM> may be arranged in peripheral section <NUM> of nozzle head <NUM>. Base liquid inlets <NUM> may be arranged around flavoring inlets <NUM>. Base liquid inlets <NUM> may be radially spaced from flavoring inlets <NUM> and are located closer to an outer perimeter of nozzle head <NUM> than flavoring inlets <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, nozzle head <NUM> includes four base liquid inlets <NUM>. However, nozzle head <NUM> may include fewer or additional base liquid inlets <NUM>.

Nozzle head <NUM> may further include a flange <NUM> located at a perimeter of nozzle head <NUM>. Flange <NUM> may extend around an entire perimeter of nozzle head <NUM>. Flange <NUM> is provided to facilitate securement of nozzle head <NUM> to a support structure, such as a portion of a beverage dispenser.

Nozzle head <NUM> may further include a base <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Flavoring inlets <NUM> terminate at flavoring outlets <NUM> on base <NUM> of nozzle head <NUM>. Flavoring inlets <NUM> (and the bores thereof) are arranged generally parallel to a longitudinal axis X of nozzle <NUM> and thus outlets <NUM> on base <NUM> of nozzle head <NUM> are also arranged at a central section of nozzle head <NUM>. Flavoring inlet <NUM> is in communication with receptacle <NUM> of nozzle <NUM> so that flavoring passing through flavoring inlet <NUM> and out of outlet <NUM> on base <NUM> and enters receptacle <NUM>. A flow of flavoring flows through receptacle <NUM> in a longitudinal direction of nozzle <NUM>. Similarly, base liquid inlets <NUM> may terminate at base liquid outlets <NUM> on base <NUM>. However, outlets <NUM> supply base liquid to diffuser assembly <NUM> of nozzle <NUM>, as discussed in further detail herein, rather than directly to receptacle <NUM>.

Base <NUM> of nozzle head <NUM> may include one or more recesses <NUM> partially extending around a perimeter of base <NUM> and a groove <NUM> extending around a perimeter of base <NUM>. Recess <NUM> may be configured to secure a receptacle <NUM> to nozzle head <NUM> of nozzle <NUM>. Receptacle <NUM> may include one or more tabs <NUM> arranged around a perimeter of receptacle <NUM> that are configured to engage with recess <NUM> of nozzle head <NUM>. Securement of receptacle <NUM> to nozzle head <NUM> may be achieved by placing receptacle <NUM> over nozzle head <NUM> and rotating receptacle <NUM> so that tabs <NUM> are inserted into recesses <NUM> of nozzle head <NUM>. Receptacle <NUM> may be rotated until tabs <NUM> reach the maximum rotational travel allowed by recesses <NUM>. This mechanical mating secures receptacle <NUM> position longitudinally along an axis X of nozzle <NUM> and established the rotational orientation of receptacle <NUM> about the axis X of nozzle with respect to nozzle head <NUM>. Groove <NUM> may be configured to receive a seal ring <NUM>. Seal ring <NUM> may be secured to base <NUM> to form a seal with receptacle <NUM> when base <NUM> of nozzle head <NUM> is received within upper end <NUM> of receptacle <NUM> (see, e.g., <FIG>). Seal ring <NUM> may help to prevent liquid from escaping from receptacle <NUM> or from entering receptacle <NUM> from an exterior of nozzle <NUM>.

Nozzle head <NUM> may be arranged at upper end <NUM> of receptacle <NUM> of nozzle <NUM> and encloses upper end <NUM> of receptacle <NUM>. Base liquid inlets <NUM> of nozzle head <NUM> are in fluid communication with diffuser assembly <NUM> so that base liquid supplied to base liquid inlets <NUM> from fluid source flows through diffuser assembly <NUM> and into receptacle <NUM> (see, e.g., base liquid flow B in <FIG>). Base <NUM> of nozzle head <NUM> may extend through central opening <NUM> of diffuser assembly <NUM> so that flavoring inlets <NUM> are in fluid communication with receptacle <NUM>.

In some embodiments, nozzle <NUM> includes a diffuser assembly <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Diffuser assembly <NUM> and receptacle <NUM> are in fluid communication so that a base liquid may flow through diffuser assembly <NUM> and into receptacle <NUM>. Diffuser assembly <NUM> may be arranged below a portion of nozzle head <NUM> and at an upper end <NUM> of receptacle <NUM>. Diffuser assembly <NUM> is configured to provide a smooth and laminar flow of the base liquid into receptacle <NUM>. Diffuser assembly <NUM> may include a first diffuser plate <NUM> and a second diffuser plate <NUM> arranged in a stacked configuration. First diffuser plate <NUM> is shown as being arranged on top of second diffuser plate <NUM>, however, in some embodiments, second diffuser plate <NUM> may instead be arranged on top of first diffuser plate <NUM>. In some embodiments, diffuser assembly <NUM> may include a single diffuser plate or three or more diffuser plates.

First diffuser plate <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, includes an annular region <NUM> defining a central opening <NUM>. Annular region <NUM> further defines a plurality of peripheral openings <NUM> arranged around a perimeter of first diffuser plate <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, peripheral openings <NUM> are each the same size in shape. However, in some embodiments, peripheral openings <NUM> may differ in size or shape. Further, peripheral openings <NUM> are shown as having a circular shape. However, in some embodiments, peripheral openings <NUM> may have a square, rectangular, triangular, or oval shape, among others.

In operation, base liquid flows through base liquid inlet <NUM> and onto annular region <NUM> of first diffuser plate <NUM> of diffuser assembly <NUM>. Base liquid is distributed around annular region <NUM> of first diffuser plate <NUM> and flows through peripheral openings <NUM> into receptacle <NUM> or onto a further diffuser plate (e.g., second diffuser plate <NUM>), depending on the number of diffuser plates in diffuser assembly <NUM>.

In embodiments having a second diffuser plate <NUM>, second diffuser plate <NUM> may similarly include an annular region <NUM> defining a central opening <NUM> and further defining a plurality of peripheral openings <NUM> arranged around a perimeter of second diffuser plate <NUM>. In some embodiments, second diffuser plate <NUM> may include an upstanding flange <NUM> adjacent to central opening <NUM>. Flange <NUM> may be substantially perpendicular to annular region <NUM>. Flange <NUM> may be configured to engage with an inner edge <NUM> of first diffuser plate <NUM> adjacent central opening <NUM> so as to secure first diffuser plate <NUM> to second diffuser plate <NUM>.

In some embodiments, first diffuser plate <NUM> may be secured to second diffuser plate <NUM> by a snap-fit connection. As shown in <FIG>, flange <NUM> of second diffuser plate <NUM> may define a recess <NUM> to receive a protrusion <NUM> of first diffuser plate <NUM> so as to secure first and second diffuser plates <NUM>, <NUM> to one another. However, in some embodiments, first and second diffuser plates <NUM>, <NUM> may be secured via press-fit, friction fit, interference fit, or the like. Further, in some embodiments, flange <NUM> of second diffuser plate <NUM> may include threading so as to engage with threading on an inner edge <NUM> of first diffuser plate <NUM>. In some embodiments, flange <NUM> of second diffuser plate <NUM> may receive and support a seal ring <NUM> to create a seal with an inner wall <NUM> surrounding and separating central section <NUM> from peripheral section <NUM> of nozzle head <NUM> (see <FIG>). A seal ring <NUM> may be arranged around a perimeter of first diffuser plate <NUM> in order to provide a seal with diffuser assembly <NUM> and the peripheral section <NUM> of nozzle head <NUM>. Both seal ring <NUM> and seal ring <NUM> may help to ensure base liquid flows only through peripheral openings <NUM>. Seal ring <NUM> may help to ensure that no base liquid flows through central opening <NUM> and may help to ensure that no base liquid flows onto the flavoring outlets <NUM>. Flow of base liquid over flavoring outlets <NUM> may result in carryover of flavor, which is undesirable.

In some embodiments, first diffuser plate <NUM> may include a first number n<NUM> of peripheral openings <NUM> of a diameter di and second diffuser plate <NUM> may include a second number n<NUM> of peripheral openings <NUM> of a diameter d<NUM>. In some embodiments, the second number of peripheral openings is greater than the first number of peripheral openings (n<NUM> > n<NUM>). In some embodiments, the diameter of peripheral openings <NUM> may be smaller than a diameter of peripheral openings <NUM> (d<NUM> < d<NUM>) First diffuser plate <NUM> having a relatively small number of peripheral openings <NUM> may help to restrict the locally concentrated flow of base liquid flowing from one or more of the base liquid outlets <NUM> into diffuser assembly <NUM> causing the base liquid to fully fill the volume defined by annular region <NUM>, and second diffuser plate <NUM> having a relatively large number of peripheral openings <NUM> may help to evenly distribute the base liquid within the volume defined by annular region <NUM> so that the flow of base liquid is uniformly distributed peripherally as the base liquid flows into receptacle <NUM>. A pressure drop across second diffuser plate <NUM> may be lower than a pressure drop across first diffuser plate <NUM>. As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the number and size as well as the spacing and location of peripheral openings <NUM> and <NUM> on first diffuser plate <NUM> and second diffuser plate <NUM>, and the location at which the flow of the base liquid is directed into receptacle <NUM> may be specified to suit the nozzle size and the desired nozzle flow rate for a particular beverage dispensing nozzle application.

In some embodiments, diffuser assembly <NUM> may be configured to provide a flow rate of approximately <NUM> (<NUM> ounces) per second or <NUM> liter (<NUM> gallon) per minute. This flow rate may provide a smooth, laminar flow within receptacle <NUM> of nozzle <NUM>, and helps to prevent turbulent flow and splashing within receptacle <NUM> of nozzle <NUM>. Turbulent flow and splashing may result in carryover of flavor and may cause turbulent flow of beverage through outlet <NUM> of nozzle <NUM>. As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the flow rate may be increased above <NUM> (<NUM> ounces) per second if a diameter of an outlet <NUM> of nozzle <NUM> is also increased. Increasing a flow rate without increasing diameter of outlet <NUM> could result in base liquid backing up within receptacle <NUM>, which may also result in turbulent flow and base liquid entering dry zone <NUM>, which is undesirable.

A receptacle <NUM> of a beverage dispensing nozzle <NUM> is in fluid communication with diffuser assembly <NUM> and with flavoring inlets <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Diffuser assembly <NUM> is configured to provide a laminar flow of base liquid into receptacle <NUM> along inner wall <NUM> of receptacle <NUM>. Flavoring flows through flavoring inlets <NUM> of nozzle head <NUM> directly into receptacle <NUM>. Flavoring flows through an open central portion of receptacle <NUM> along a longitudinal axis X of nozzle <NUM>. Receptacle <NUM> directs the flow of base liquid and flavoring to outlet <NUM> so that base liquid and flavoring are dispensed through outlet <NUM> of nozzle in a laminar flow pattern.

In order to maintain laminar flow through receptacle <NUM> and prevent splashing or turbulent flow within receptacle <NUM>, peripheral openings <NUM> of second diffuser plate <NUM> may be arranged so as to direct the base liquid along inner wall <NUM> of receptacle <NUM>. In some embodiments, an inner edge <NUM> of peripheral opening <NUM> is aligned with inner wall <NUM> of receptacle, as best shown in <FIG>. In this way, flow of base liquid makes a smooth transition from diffuser assembly <NUM> to receptacle <NUM>. Flow of base liquid may proceed along a line tangential to a curvature of inner wall <NUM> of receptacle <NUM>. Flow of base liquid remains attached to inner wall <NUM> of receptacle <NUM>. In some embodiments, however, inner edge <NUM> of peripheral opening <NUM> may be spaced inwardly from inner wall <NUM> and direct base liquid along inner wall <NUM>. In such embodiments, inner edge <NUM> of peripheral opening <NUM> may be spaced from <NUM> to <NUM> from inner wall <NUM> at upper end <NUM> of receptacle <NUM>.

As base liquid is configured to flow along inner wall <NUM> of receptacle <NUM> and flavoring flows through the open central portion of receptacle <NUM>, a dry zone <NUM> may be created within receptacle <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Dry zone <NUM> may be a region surrounding outlets <NUM> of flavoring inlets <NUM> of nozzle head <NUM> within receptacle <NUM> in which no liquid is present at any time during operation of nozzle <NUM>. If a base liquid contacts outlets <NUM> in receptacle <NUM>, drops of flavoring remaining in flavoring inlet <NUM> may be drawn into receptacle <NUM>, contaminating the beverage being dispensed with flavorings that may not have been selected to be dispensed. Thus, it is important to minimize or prevent splashing within receptacle <NUM> into dry zone <NUM>.

Flavoring flows from flavoring outlet <NUM> on base <NUM> of nozzle head <NUM> through an interior of receptacle <NUM>. Flavoring outlets <NUM> may be longitudinally aligned with outlet <NUM> of receptacle <NUM> so that the flavoring flows directly to outlet <NUM>. Flavoring F intersects with base liquid B within receptacle <NUM> at intersection I located at outlet <NUM> or immediately adjacent to outlet <NUM>, as shown for example in <FIG>. The flow of flavoring interrupts the flow of the base liquid where the flavoring intersects the base liquid, which may result in splashing or turbulent flow. Thus, the flavoring intersects the base liquid at outlet <NUM> to minimize such effects within receptacle <NUM>.

Receptacle <NUM> of nozzle <NUM> is shown for example in <FIG>. Receptacle <NUM> directs base liquid and flavoring toward an outlet <NUM> of receptacle <NUM> to be dispensed from nozzle <NUM>. Base liquid and flavoring intersect within receptacle <NUM> at intersection I and exit outlet <NUM> together. Receptacle <NUM> includes an open upper end <NUM> and a lower end <NUM> that is open at outlet <NUM>. Outlet <NUM> may be arranged centrally on receptacle <NUM>, as best shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. Receptacle <NUM> may taper from upper end <NUM> toward lower end <NUM>, such that a diameter D<NUM> of upper end <NUM> is greater than a diameter D<NUM> of lower end <NUM> at outlet <NUM>, as best shown in <FIG>. In some embodiments, D<NUM> may be <NUM> centimeter to <NUM> centimeter (<NUM> inches to <NUM> inches), <NUM> centimeter to <NUM> centimeter (<NUM> inches to <NUM> inches), or <NUM> centimeter to <NUM> centimeter (<NUM> inches to <NUM> inches). In some embodiments, receptacle <NUM> may taper linearly so that receptacle <NUM> has a generally conical shape. However, in some embodiment, receptacle <NUM> may have a curvature, as shown in <FIG>.

In some embodiments, receptacle <NUM> may further include vanes <NUM>, as shown for example in <FIG>. Vanes <NUM> may be disposed on an inner wall <NUM> of receptacle <NUM> and may extend generally perpendicularly from inner wall <NUM>. Vanes <NUM> may be arranged radially around outlet <NUM> of receptacle <NUM> and may extend from lower end <NUM> toward upper end <NUM> of receptacle <NUM>. Vanes <NUM> may be evenly spaced around outlet <NUM> and may be arranged at a fixed interval. Vanes <NUM> may be arranged symmetrically when viewed from the top-down, as shown in <FIG>. In some embodiments, each vane <NUM> may have the same shape and dimensions. Vanes <NUM> define flow channels <NUM> for base liquid to flow within receptacle <NUM> toward outlet <NUM>. Vanes <NUM> may help to prevent swirling of base liquid within receptacle <NUM>, which may cause base liquid to exit through outlet <NUM> at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis X of nozzle <NUM>. While diffuser assembly <NUM> is configured to evenly distribute base liquid around receptacle <NUM>, there may be a somewhat greater flow of base liquid in one portion of receptacle <NUM>, which may cause base liquid to swirl within receptacle <NUM> or cause streamlines of base liquid flowing along inner wall <NUM> to split or separate and rejoin chaotically in the absence of vanes <NUM>, splitting of the streamlines may also result in splitting or deflection of the flow shape through outlet <NUM>. Thus, vanes <NUM> help to control the direction of flow of base liquid within receptacle <NUM>, direct the flow of base liquid toward outlet <NUM>, and help form a uniform and laminar flow from outlet <NUM>.

In some embodiments, receptacle <NUM> of nozzle <NUM> may have <NUM> to <NUM> vanes, <NUM> to <NUM> vanes, or <NUM> to <NUM> vanes. In some embodiments, receptacle <NUM> may include <NUM> vanes. The inventors of the present application found that the use of <NUM> vanes resulted in the most uniform and laminar flow from outlet <NUM> with an outlet diameter D<NUM> in a range of <NUM> inches to <NUM> inches and a flow rate of approximately <NUM> ounces per second and given the overall size of the nozzle as characterized by a diameter D<NUM> of approximately <NUM> inches. A different number of vanes may be appropriate depending on the dimensions of the nozzle assembly (e.g., D<NUM> and D<NUM>), and the flow rate of the nozzle. In general, a nozzle having a relatively small outlet diameter D<NUM> and a relatively small overall size D<NUM> and a greater base liquid flow would require fewer vanes, and a nozzle having a relatively large outlet diameter D<NUM> and overall size D<NUM>, and a lower base liquid flow rate would require a larger number of vanes.

In some embodiments, an outflow stabilizer <NUM> may be arranged within the outlet <NUM> of receptacle <NUM> in order to promote dispensing of beverage from nozzle <NUM> in a direction along a longitudinal axis X of nozzle <NUM>, as best shown in <FIG>. As base liquid flows along an inner wall <NUM> of receptacle <NUM>, the flow of base liquid may cause base liquid to flow through outlet <NUM> at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis X of nozzle <NUM>. While diffuser assembly <NUM> is configured to evenly distribute base liquid to receptacle <NUM>, flow of base liquid may not be uniform through receptacle <NUM> at all times, and if the flow of base liquid is greater in one portion or side of receptacle <NUM>, the flow of base liquid through outlet <NUM> may flow at a slight angle relative to a longitudinal axis of nozzle <NUM>. Outflow stabilizer <NUM> may help to prevent the base liquid that flows along the inner walls <NUM> of receptacle <NUM> from colliding at outlet <NUM>, which may otherwise divert the flow of the base liquid and flavoring through outlet <NUM>. Outflow stabilizer <NUM> may have an X-shape or a cross-shape configuration and is arranged so as to divide outlet into multiple outflow regions <NUM>. In some embodiments, outflow stabilizer <NUM> may have other shapes so as to divide outlet <NUM> into various numbers of outflow regions <NUM>. The beverage flowing past outflow stabilizer <NUM> brings the beverage together into a uniform, aesthetically pleasing stream.

In some embodiments, nozzle <NUM> may be operated by a control system. In order to dispense a beverage from nozzle, control system may cause a selected base liquid, such as carbonated water, to flow through the nozzle, and control system may also cause a selected flavoring to flow through the nozzle. For example, control system may actuate one or more pumps for causing base liquid and flavoring to flow from a base liquid source or a flavoring source to the nozzle. As the base liquid and flavoring exit the outlet, the base liquid and flavoring may combine "in flight" as the base liquid and flavoring flow from the nozzle to a beverage container. The base liquid and flavoring may mix and combine further within the beverage container. In some embodiments, the base liquid may continue to be dispensed for a brief period of time after the flavoring stops being dispensed. For example, the period of time may be <NUM> to <NUM>, and in some embodiments may be <NUM>. In this way, any flavoring that may remain within the receptacle <NUM> of nozzle <NUM> can be washed out by the base liquid.

The receptacle <NUM> further includes a vent for equalizing a pressure within nozzle <NUM> and external air pressure. In some embodiments, beverage dispensing nozzle <NUM> may include a vent tube <NUM>, as shown for example in <FIG>. Outlet <NUM> of beverage dispensing nozzle <NUM> may be sized so as to slightly restrict flow at outlet <NUM>, which may help to provide a substantially cylindrical flow of base liquid through outlet <NUM> without ripples. However, as a result of the flow restriction, base liquid may back up at outlet <NUM> and may become trapped in receptacle <NUM> at the end of the dispensing operation. The backup of base liquid may result in carryover of flavor. Vent tube <NUM> serves to equalize the internal air pressure within the nozzle and external air pressure, allowing the base liquid to fully drain and preventing base liquid from becoming trapped within receptacle <NUM> at the end of the dispensing operation. Vent tube <NUM> may also help to promote a smooth flow of liquid through outlet <NUM>.

Vent tube <NUM> may include a hollow tubular member configured to place an interior of receptacle <NUM> in fluid communication with an area external to beverage dispensing nozzle <NUM>. Vent tube <NUM> may be arranged parallel to a longitudinal axis X of nozzle <NUM> (and of receptacle <NUM>). Vent tube <NUM> may also be offset from a center of receptacle <NUM> so that flavoring flowing through a central portion of nozzle <NUM> does not contact vent tube <NUM>. Vent tube <NUM> includes an upper end <NUM> arranged within receptacle <NUM> and a lower end <NUM> outside of receptacle <NUM> and adjacent outlet <NUM> of receptacle <NUM> so that lower end <NUM> is open to the environment. Vent tube <NUM> may include an opening <NUM> at upper end <NUM> and may include an open lower end <NUM>. In this way, air may flow from an exterior of receptacle <NUM> to an interior of receptacle <NUM> (and of nozzle <NUM>), or air may flow in the reverse direction from the interior to the exterior so as to equalize interior and exterior pressures. Opening <NUM> at upper end <NUM> may be arranged on a sidewall of vent tube <NUM> and thus may extend in a direction transverse to longitudinal axis X to prevent liquid from escaping nozzle <NUM> through vent tube <NUM>.

In some embodiments, receptacle <NUM> may alternatively or additionally include vent holes <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Vent holes <NUM> may function similarly to vent tube <NUM> of <FIG>, and may serve to equalize the internal air pressure within the nozzle and external air pressure. In this way, vent holes <NUM> may help to allow base liquid <NUM> to fully drain, preventing base liquid <NUM> from becoming trapped within receptacle <NUM> at the end of the dispensing operation. In some embodiments, or more vent holes <NUM> may be formed around a periphery of receptacle <NUM>. Vent holes <NUM> may be laterally oriented, and thus may be oriented perpendicular to a longitudinal axis X of nozzle <NUM>. Vent holes <NUM> may be located at upper end <NUM> of receptacle <NUM> and may be positioned such that the holes are not in a direct flow path of the base liquid flow from diffuser assembly <NUM> onto inner wall <NUM> of receptacle <NUM>.

The Summary and Abstract sections may set forth one or more but not all exemplary embodiments of the present invention(s) as contemplated by the inventors, and thus, are not intended to limit the present invention(s) and the appended claims in any way.

The present invention has been described above with the aid of functional building blocks illustrating the implementation of specified functions and relationships thereof.

Claim 1:
A nozzle (<NUM>) for dispensing a beverage, comprising:
a nozzle head (<NUM>), comprising:
a base liquid inlet (<NUM>) configured to receive a base liquid from a base liquid source, and
a flavoring inlet (<NUM>) configured to receive a flavoring from a flavoring source;
a diffuser assembly (<NUM>) in fluid communication with the base liquid inlet (<NUM>), wherein the diffuser assembly (<NUM>) comprises at least one diffuser plate (<NUM>; <NUM>) having an annular region (<NUM>) with a plurality of peripheral openings (<NUM>) through which the base liquid flows;
a receptacle (<NUM>) in fluid communication with the diffuser assembly (<NUM>) and the flavoring inlet (<NUM>), comprising:
an inner wall (<NUM>), and
an outlet (<NUM>) through which the base liquid and the flavoring are dispensed, wherein the peripheral openings (<NUM>) of the diffuser assembly (<NUM>) are arranged so as to direct a flow of the base liquid along the inner wall (<NUM>) of the receptacle (<NUM>), and wherein the flavoring inlet (<NUM>) directs a flow of the flavoring through the receptacle (<NUM>) in a longitudinal direction of the nozzle (<NUM>), characterised by
a vent for equalizing pressure within the nozzle (<NUM>), wherein the vent comprises one or more of (a) a vent tube (<NUM>) including an upper end (<NUM>) arranged within the receptacle (<NUM>) and a lower end (<NUM>) outside of the receptacle (<NUM>) so that the lower end (<NUM>) is open to the environment, and (b) vent holes (<NUM>) formed around a periphery of the receptacle (<NUM>) at an upper end (<NUM>) of the receptacle (<NUM>) and configured to equalize pressure in the receptacle (<NUM>) with an external pressure, wherein flavoring flows through an open central portion of the receptacle (<NUM>).