Patent Description:
In beverage dispensing technology, it can be important for both sanitary and regulatory reasons to maintain low temperatures in the product being dispensed. Different products have different regulatory standards, for example, NSF <NUM> is applicable to beer technology, while NSF <NUM> is applicable to milk dispensing.

Some systems for maintaining the low temperatures in the product being dispensed can include a cold block positioned within a tower, a tap extending from the tower and an internal valve. The internal valve is configured such that beverage which is held within the system is not inside the tap but rather is entirely within the tower and any beverage within the tap will drain out immediately after the tap is closed. The cold block keeps the beverage cold as the beverage stops at the valve seat positioned near the cold block. In particular, it is provided a system for dispensing a chilled beverage having the features defined in claim <NUM>. Moreover, it is provided a method for dispensing a chilled beverage having the features defined in claim <NUM>. Further preferred embodiments are defined in the claims.

Various embodiments are depicted in the accompanying drawings for illustrative purposes. The drawings should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of this disclosure. Various features of different disclosed embodiments can be combined to form additional embodiments, which are part of this disclosure. Any one feature or any combination of features, of any embodiment can be included in any other embodiment. In particular, in the following <FIG>, a first arrangement is shown while in <FIG> a second arrangement is shown. The first arrangement is an embodiment of the present invention while the second arrangement is helpful for understanding the present invention. The scope of protection is defined by the claims.

In certain applications, a beverage dispenser can seek to maintain a contained beverage at low temperatures for both sanitary and regulatory reasons. However, prior systems can be bulky and can limit the configuration and aesthetics of the beverage dispenser. In addition, prior systems can allow residual portions of beverage to accumulate in unrefrigerated portions of the dispensing system. This can allow the accumulated unrefrigerated portions to spoil and come in contact with the refrigerated beverage when it is dispensed which can contaminate the beverage as a whole with bacteria or affect the taste of the beverage as a whole.

Accordingly, in certain arrangements disclosed herein, a beverage dispenser advantageously is refrigerated such that any surface that the dispensed beverage is in contact with during the dispensing process is kept in a refrigerated environment at the appropriate temperature in view of sanitary and/or regulatory concerns. In certain examples of the disclosed beverage dispenser, any residual amounts of beverage remaining in any portion of the beverage dispenser will be maintained at the appropriate temperature in the refrigerated environment to prevent and/or inhibit spoiling. As well, the design of the disclosed beverage dispenser can in certain arrangements be configured such that it does not require bulky components that can affect the aesthetic appeal of the beverage dispenser.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate an example arrangement of a beverage dispenser system <NUM> with a retractable dispenser <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates the beverage dispenser system <NUM> the dispenser <NUM> is shown in a retracted position inside a housing <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates the beverage dispenser system <NUM> in an extended position in which the dispenser <NUM> extends from the housing <NUM> to dispense a liquid (e.g. milk). As will be discussed in more detail below, in certain arrangements, the beverage dispensing system <NUM> can facilitate maintaining the dispensed beverage at low temperatures including any residual amounts of beverage that has collected after a dispensing operation. As described below, the housing <NUM> can include a roof <NUM>, which is omitted from <FIG> to aid the illustration but is shown in <FIG>.

In order to maintain the temperature of the beverage, the beverage dispensing system <NUM> can include the housing <NUM>, which can provide an enclosed or substantially enclosed refrigerated environment for components positioned within the housing <NUM>. In some examples, the components positioned within the housing <NUM> can include all of the components of the beverage dispensing system <NUM> that come in contact with the beverage during a dispensing operation.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the housing <NUM> can be in the form of a cube. In other arrangements, the housing <NUM> can have other shapes such as a cylinder, pyramid, etc. The housing <NUM> can also be part of and/or share sides or walls a larger housing or system.

As noted above, in certain arrangements the housing <NUM> can maintain all components and/or surfaces of such components that come in contact with the dispensed beverage system in a refrigerated environment. A "refrigerated environment" is intended to be a broad term that in addition to its ordinary meaning includes a cooled environment in light of sanitary and/or regulatory concerns of the dispensed beverage. In certain arrangements, the refrigerated environment can be maintained at a temperature of between about <NUM>°F and about <NUM>°F (<NUM>,<NUM> and about <NUM>,<NUM>) and/or a different temperature range depending upon the beverage and/or desired dispensing temperature. In some examples, the housing <NUM> can be composed of a structural and/or insulation materials such as various combinations, of plastics, metals, foams, fiberglass, polyurethane insulation, air gaps, etc. so as to provide sufficient insulation to maintain the cooling temperature within the housing <NUM>. The temperature within the housing <NUM> can be generated and/or maintained in a number of ways. In some examples, the housing <NUM> can be disposed over a cooling port <NUM> that provides cool air within the housing <NUM> and maintains the temperature within the housing <NUM>. The cool air can be cooled through a various cooling and/or refrigeration systems. In certain arrangements, the cooling within the housing <NUM> can be provided by circulating a coolant through the housing <NUM> and/or using such a coolant in combination a cooling part <NUM>.

With continued reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the housing <NUM> can include an opening <NUM> that can allow certain components of the beverage dispensing system <NUM> such as the dispenser <NUM> to extend from the housing <NUM> and dispense the beverage. As will be discussed in more detail below, the dispenser <NUM> of the beverage dispensing system <NUM> can include a tab <NUM> that can form a seal that prevents cold air from escaping the housing <NUM> when the dispenser <NUM> is in a retracted position.

In some examples, the internal components of the system for beverage dispensing <NUM> that can be extended through the opening <NUM> include the dispenser <NUM> that is configured to extend from the housing <NUM> to dispense a beverage. In some arrangements, the dispenser <NUM> can be fluidly connected to a refrigerated beverage reservoir through one or more channels and/or tubes. As illustrated in <FIG>, in the illustrated example arrangement, the dispenser <NUM> is fluidly connected to a refrigerated beverage reservoir <NUM> through a tube <NUM>, an angled connector <NUM> and flexible tube <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the flexible tube <NUM> is connected to the angled connecter <NUM>, which is then in turn connected to the tube <NUM>. In modified arrangements, additional and/or modified configurations of the flow passages, tubes, pipes and/or channels can be used to fluidly connect the dispenser <NUM> to the refrigerated beverage reservoir <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, in the illustrated example arrangement, the dispenser <NUM> can include a valve <NUM> and a downwardly protruding dispense tap <NUM>. The valve <NUM> can move between an open position to place the fluid tube <NUM> and the dispense tap <NUM> in fluid communication with each other and a closed position in which the valve <NUM> prevents fluid from moving from the pipe to the dispense tap <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the valve <NUM> can be connected to an actuator <NUM>. In some arrangements, the actuator <NUM> can be a manual actuator that can be used to manually move the valve between a closed and opened position such as a knob, switch, button, etc. In other arrangements, the actuator <NUM> can be automatic or semi-automatic in which a knob, switch, button can actuate a motor or other component to move the valve <NUM> between an opened and closed position. In some arrangements, the actuator <NUM> can provide for portion control of the beverage dispensed. For example, the actuator <NUM> can include a mechanism that allows the dispenser <NUM> to dispense a pre-determined volume of beverage.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, in some examples, the dispenser <NUM> can be configured to extend from and retract into the housing <NUM>. In some arrangements, the dispenser body <NUM> can include a tap body <NUM> that can surround the dispense tap <NUM> described above. As shown in <FIG>, the tap body <NUM> can surround the dispense tap <NUM> and can include an opening <NUM> through which the dispense tap <NUM> can extend. As shown in <FIG>, the tap body <NUM> can have dimensions that allow the tap body <NUM> to be retracted through the opening <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. In some examples, the tap body <NUM> can have approximately the same height and width as the opening <NUM> to provide a seal or close fitting between the opening <NUM> and the tap body <NUM> as to prevent or limit the escape of cold air from the housing <NUM> through the opening <NUM>. In some examples, the tap body <NUM> can be composed of a stainless steel, plastic, or a material that is NSF compliant. In some arrangements, the tap body <NUM> can be composed of an insulation material such as foam. In some examples, the tap body <NUM> can include an insulating material with a hard and durable shell that can be composed of stainless steel, aluminum, copper, brass, plastic, wood, etc. In certain arrangements, the tap body <NUM> can include a gasket or seal arranged around the perimeter of the tap body <NUM> that is configured to engage the opening <NUM> when the dispenser <NUM> is in the retracted position. In certain arrangements, as illustrated in <FIG>, the tap body <NUM> can have a sufficient length such that in the extended position a perimeter <NUM> of the tap body <NUM> can remain in contact with the opening <NUM> in both the retracted and extended position so as to minimize the loss of cold air from the housing <NUM> in both the retracted and extended positons. In addition to the tap body <NUM> or as alternative to an extended top body <NUM>, a rear panel (not illustrated) can be provided on the tap body. The rear panel can be configured to remain in the housing <NUM> and cover the opening <NUM> when the tap body <NUM> is in the extended position so as to prevent or limit the escape of cold air from the housing <NUM> through the opening <NUM> when the tap body <NUM> is in the extended position.

In some arrangements, a front end of the tap body <NUM> can be coupled or integrally formed with the tab <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, in some e arrangements, the tab <NUM> can have dimensions or a shape that does not allow the tab <NUM> to pass through the opening <NUM>. For example, in the illustrated arrangement, the tab <NUM> is larger than the opening <NUM> and covers the opening <NUM> when the dispenser <NUM> is in the retracted positon so as to close the opening <NUM> to prevent cold air from escaping from the opening <NUM>. In some examples, as will be discussed in more detail below, the tab <NUM> can be used as a handle to allow a user to mechanically extend and/or retract the dispenser <NUM> from and into the housing <NUM>. In some arrangements, the tab <NUM> can be coupled to the dispenser <NUM> and the tap body <NUM> can be eliminated and/or reduced in size such that it does not form a close fit with the opening <NUM>. In other arrangements, the tab <NUM> can be eliminated and the tap body <NUM> can provide the seal or close fitting with the opening <NUM>.

As discussed above, in some examples, the dispenser <NUM> can be coupled to the tube <NUM>. The tube <NUM> can be configured to provide a fluid connection from the refrigerated beverage in the reservoir <NUM> through the flexible tube <NUM> and the angled connecter <NUM>. As well, in certain arrangements, the tube <NUM> can be sufficiently rigid to support the weight of the dispenser <NUM> allow the dispenser <NUM> to extend from and retract into the housing <NUM>. In some arrangements, the tube <NUM> can be composed of stainless steel, aluminum, plastic, or other NSF compliant material. The material of the tube <NUM> provides for sanitary food and/or beverage contact. In some arrangements, the tube <NUM> can withstand exposure to cleaning agents and/or chemicals. In some examples, the thermal properties of the tube <NUM> can provide for the dissipation of heat so as to allow the beverage within the tube <NUM> to remain cool. In some arrangements, the tube <NUM> is composed of a material that can allow the tube <NUM> to maintain the flexibility and/or rigidity of the tube over the life of the <NUM>. In other arrangements, the tube <NUM> can be flexible and can fold, bend and/or compress/expand as the dispenser <NUM> is moved in and out of the retracted and extended position while providing a fluid connection between the reservoir <NUM> and the dispenser <NUM>. In such examples, the dispenser <NUM> can be secured on a track (not pictured) that can run along the roof <NUM> of the housing <NUM> to support movement of the dispenser <NUM>.

In some arrangements, the beverage dispensing system <NUM> can include an boss <NUM> that in the illustrated arrangement can be coupled to the roof <NUM> of the housing <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. In certain arrangements, the boss <NUM> can be supported by a floor and/or side wall of the housing <NUM>. In some examples, the boss <NUM> can include as sleeve <NUM> that extends through the boss <NUM> such that the tube <NUM> can be inserted through the sleeve <NUM>. As will be explained below, the sleeve <NUM> can be configured to allow the tube <NUM> to slide back and forth within the sleeve <NUM>. As the tube <NUM> slides back and forth, the flexible tube <NUM> can bend to allow such movement to occur. In other arrangements, the sleeve <NUM> can be omitted and the tube <NUM> can slide within an opening extending through the boss <NUM>. The sleeve <NUM> can be made of a material that can provide proper support for the tube <NUM>. For example, the material of the sleeve <NUM> can prevent kinks from forming when the tube moves back and forth. In some arrangements, the material of the sleeve <NUM> can be configured to allow the tube <NUM> to slide easily. In some examples, this can allow the tube <NUM> to be easily replaced by sliding the tube <NUM> out of the sleeve <NUM>. As noted above, certain arrangements, as illustrated in <FIG>, the boss <NUM> can be attached to the roof <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. In some arrangements, the boss <NUM> is attached to the housing <NUM> using a securing mechanism such as (e.g. screws, and/or adhesive). In other arrangements, depending on the location of the opening <NUM> on the housing <NUM>, the boss <NUM> can be attached to any surface of the housing <NUM> (e.g., a floor of the housing <NUM>) or secured by any other structures to allow the fluid tube <NUM> to extend the dispenser through the opening <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. In the illustrated arrangement of <FIG> and <FIG>, the dispenser <NUM> can move along a horizontal and/or substantially horizontal axis as the dispenser moves form the extended to retracted positons.

In some examples, a user can pull the dispenser <NUM> from the housing <NUM> by manually pulling on the tab <NUM> such that the fluid tube <NUM> moves relative to the boss <NUM> along a central axis of the sleeve <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, in certain arrangements, the beverage dispensing system <NUM> can include a mechanism <NUM> that moves the dispenser <NUM> between the retracted and extended position. In the illustrated arrangement, the mechanism <NUM> can include a motor which is coupled to a linkage, which is, in turn, coupled to the pipe <NUM>. The motor accordingly through the linkage can move the pipe <NUM> back and forth to move the dispenser <NUM> from the retracted and extended positions. As shown in <FIG>, in certain arrangements, the motor <NUM> can be connected to a user interface <NUM> (e.g., a button or switch), which can be used to signal the motor <NUM> to move the dispenser from the retracted or extended position. As shown in <FIG>, in certain arrangements, the beverage dispensing system <NUM> can include a motion sensor <NUM> that is attached to a control system <NUM>. The control system <NUM> can send a signal to the motor <NUM> to extend the tap body <NUM> from the housing <NUM> upon receiving an external signal (e.g. hand movement) and subsequently retracting the tap body <NUM> into the housing <NUM> upon receiving an external signal (e.g. hand movement). In some arrangements, the control system <NUM> can receive a voice signal that can send a signal to the motor <NUM> to extend the tap body <NUM> from the housing <NUM> and thereafter retracting the tap body <NUM> into the housing <NUM> automatically, or upon receiving a second voice command.

To provide a refrigerated beverage to be dispensed from the dispenser <NUM>, the tube <NUM> can be fluidly connected to the flexible tube <NUM>, which can be in turn connected to the reservoir <NUM>, which in some arrangements, can be positioned outside the housing <NUM>. In some arrangements, the housing <NUM> can be large enough to accommodate the beverage reservoir such that the beverage reservoir or portions thereof are positioned within the housing. In some arrangements, the refrigerated beverage can be provided with a pump (not shown) or otherwise kept at a higher pressure such that beverage can be delivered through the flexible tube and fluid tube <NUM> and out of the opening <NUM> of the dispenser <NUM> when the valve <NUM> is in an open position.

As discussed above, the dispenser <NUM> can be extended and retracted within the housing <NUM> of the system for beverage dispensing <NUM> to ensure that all components of the beverage dispensing system <NUM> that contact the dispensed beverage remain in the refrigerated environment when the dispenser <NUM> is in the retracted position. When the dispenser <NUM> is extended to dispense the beverage, the components of the dispenser <NUM> and the pipe <NUM> are preferably provided with sufficient thermal mass such that they remain at a cool temperature and/or close to the refrigerated environment temperature during the dispensing operation even though these components are temporally outside of the refrigerated environment during the dispensing step.

To further ensure that the appropriate temperature is maintained in the dispenser <NUM> during a dispensing step, in the invention as shown in <FIG>, the beverage dispensing system <NUM> includes a sensor <NUM> that will indicate to the user when the extended dispenser <NUM> has been out of the housing <NUM> for a sufficient time such that the dispenser <NUM> is at a temperature that can cause the beverage within the dispenser <NUM> to spoil. In other arrangements, the sensor <NUM> can indicate to the user when the dispenser <NUM> has been extended out of the housing <NUM> for a sufficient time such that the housing <NUM> is expending energy above a certain threshold to maintain the temperature within the housing <NUM>. In certain arrangements, the sensor <NUM> can comprise one or more temperature sensors within the housing <NUM> and/or on the dispenser <NUM> that can be used to indicate when the dispenser <NUM> and/or space within the housing <NUM> has exceeded a specified limit. In each of the aforementioned instances, the sensor <NUM> provides an indication (e.g. visual or auditory) until the user retracts the dispenser <NUM> back into the housing <NUM> or the dispenser <NUM> will be automatically retracted into the housing <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the sensor <NUM> can be connected to a control system <NUM> and send a signal to the control system <NUM> when the dispenser <NUM> has been extended from the housing <NUM> above a programmed threshold (e.g. temperature or time). The control system <NUM> can then send a signal to an indicator <NUM> to provide an indication to the user (e.g. visual or auditory).

In some arrangements, the beverage dispensing system <NUM> can include a secondary seal or gasket (not illustrated) which can come into contact with the walls of the housing <NUM> when the tap body <NUM> is extended from the housing <NUM> in order to limit the introduction of warm air into the housing <NUM>. In certain arrangements, the seal or gasket can extend around the perimeter of the tab <NUM> and can contact an exterior surface of the housing <NUM> when the dispenser <NUM> is in the closed position. In some arrangements, the secondary seal can be composed of a compliant material, for example rubber, silicone, etc., that can seal the opening <NUM> when the tap body <NUM> is extended from the housing <NUM>. In some examples, as illustrated in <FIG>, the secondary seal <NUM> can provide for a small opening to allow the tube <NUM> and attached tap body <NUM> to smoothly extend from and retract into the housing <NUM> while also limiting the warm air allowed into the system for refrigeration.

In certain arrangements, the system for beverage dispensing <NUM> can provide an indication to the user when possible spoiling of the beverage has occurred to allow the user the opportunity to clean or replace parts of the system for beverage dispensing <NUM>. In some arrangements, the system for beverage dispensing <NUM> can communicate to the user when the beverage stored within the system for beverage dispensing <NUM> has spoiled and/or when the beverage stored has exceeded a minimum temperature for a specified amount of time.

In certain arrangements, to reduce the space taken up by the housing, the beverage dispenser system can be located below a surface, such as a table <NUM>. <FIG> illustrate an example beverage dispensing system <NUM> wherein the dispenser <NUM> extends through an opening <NUM> in the surface of the table <NUM>. In some arrangements a system for refrigeration is located below the surface of the table <NUM> and maintains all components of the system for beverage dispensing <NUM> within a desired temperature range, which in certain arrangements can be a temperature of between <NUM>°F and about <NUM>°F (<NUM>,<NUM> and about <NUM>,<NUM>) which is suitable for milk. The temperature range can be modified depending upon the beverage being stored and dispensed. In some arrangements, the system for refrigeration maintains all components of the system for beverage dispensing <NUM> at a temperature that allows the beverage to be served chilled - for example an iced beverage, such that the beverage can be served with ice without causing the ice to melt quickly. As will be explained below, in the arrangement of <FIG> and <FIG>, the dispenser <NUM> can move along a vertical or substantially vertical axis as the dispenser moves from the extended to retracted positions.

As with the housing <NUM> for the beverage dispensing system <NUM> of <FIG>, in some arrangements, the beverage dispensing system <NUM> can include an opening <NUM> that allows certain internal components of the system for beverage dispensing <NUM> to extend from the table <NUM> and dispense the beverage. As will be discussed in more detail below, the dispenser <NUM>, like the dispenser <NUM> of the system for beverage dispensing <NUM> can include a tab <NUM> that prevents or inhibits cold air from escaping the table <NUM> when the internal components of the system for beverage dispensing <NUM> are retracted. Many of the components of the beverage dispensing system <NUM> of <FIG> can be similar and/or the same as the dispensing system <NUM> of <FIG> and thus have been given similar names and numbers with the numbers of <FIG> being preceded by "<NUM>" instead of "<NUM>. " Accordingly, for similar components reference can also be made to the description above with specific possible variations being highlighted below. It should also be appreciated that certain components of the systems of <NUM> and <NUM> can be combined and/or substituted with each other in certain arrangements. For simplicity, certain components of the beverage dispensing system <NUM> are not illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> such as the components within the housing beneath the table <NUM> such a boss, sleeve, an angled connector, a flexible tube and the components of <FIG> and <FIG>. As noted above, a description of such components which can be used with the arrangements of <FIG> and <FIG> can be found in the description above with reference to <FIG>.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, not unlike the beverage dispensing system <NUM>, in some examples, the internal components of the system for beverage dispensing <NUM>, the dispenser <NUM> is configured to extend from the table <NUM> to dispense a beverage. In some arrangements, the dispenser <NUM> can be fluidly connected to a refrigerated beverage reservoir (not shown) through a one or more of channels, tubes, pipes etc. and in certain arrangements a configuration similar to the configuration of <FIG> and <FIG> can be used. As illustrated in <FIG>, in some examples, the dispenser <NUM> is fluidly connected to the refrigerated beverage through a rigid fluid tube <NUM>.

As discussed above, in some arrangements, the beverage dispensing system <NUM> can include the retractable dispenser <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, in some examples, the beverage dispensing system <NUM> can include the dispenser <NUM> that is configured to extend from and retract into the table <NUM>. In certain arrangements, the table <NUM> includes a refrigeration system below the surface of the table <NUM> that maintains all components that come in contact with a beverage from the beverage dispensing system <NUM> at a low temperature. As discussed above, the "refrigeration system" includes is a broad term that in addition to its ordinary meaning includes a cooled environment in light of sanitary and/or regulatory concerns of the dispensed beverage. In certain arrangements, the refrigerated environment can be maintained at a temperature of between <NUM>°F and about <NUM>°F and/or a different temperature range depending upon the beverage and/or desired dispensing temperature. In some examples, the table <NUM> can be composed of a structural and/or insulation materials such as various combinations, of plastics, metals, foams, fiberglass, polyurethane insulation, air gaps, etc. so as to provide sufficient insulation to maintain the cooling temperature within the table <NUM>.

The dispenser <NUM>, like the dispenser <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, can include a valve <NUM> and a downwardly protruding dispense tap. As discussed above with regard to the valve <NUM>, the valve can move between an open position to place the fluid tube <NUM> and dispense tap in fluid communication with each other and a closed position in which the valve prevents fluid from moving from the pipe to the dispense tap. Like the dispenser <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> the valve can be connected to an actuator. In some arrangements, the actuator can be a manual actuator that can be used to manually move the valve between a closed and open position using an actuator such as a knob, switch, button, etc. In other embodiments, the actuator can be automatic or semi-automatic in which the knob, switch, button can actuate a motor or other component to move the valve between an opened and closed position.

In some arrangements, the dispenser <NUM> can include a tap body <NUM> that can surround the dispense tap <NUM> described above. In some examples, the tap body <NUM> can surround the dispense tap <NUM> and can include an opening <NUM> through which the dispense tap <NUM> can extend. As shown in <FIG>, the tap body <NUM> can have dimensions that allow the tap body <NUM> to be retracted through the opening <NUM> of the table <NUM>. In some examples, the tap body <NUM> can have approximately the same height and width as the opening <NUM> to provide a seal or close fitting between the opening <NUM> and the tap body <NUM> so as to prevent or limit the escape of cold air from the table <NUM> through the opening <NUM>. In some arrangements, the tap body <NUM> can be composed of foam. In some examples, the tap body <NUM> can include an insulating material with a hard and durable shell that can be composed of stainless steel, aluminum, copper, brass, plastic, wood, etc. In certain arrangements, the tap body <NUM> can include a gasket or seal arranged around the perimeter of the tap body <NUM> that is configured to engage the opening <NUM> when the dispenser <NUM> is in the retracted position. In certain arrangements, like the tap body <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, the tap body <NUM> can have a sufficient length such that in the extended position a perimeter of the tap body <NUM> can remain in contact with the opening <NUM> in both the retracted and extended position so as to minimize the loss of cold air from the table <NUM> in both the retracted and extended positions.

In some arrangements, the tap body <NUM> can include a tab <NUM> attached at the front end of the tap body <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, in some arrangements, the tab <NUM> can have dimensions or a shape that does not allow the tab <NUM> to pass through the opening <NUM>. For example, in the illustrated arrangement, the tab <NUM> is larger than the opening <NUM> and covers the opening <NUM> when the dispenser <NUM> is in the retracted position so as to close the opening <NUM> and prevent cold air from escaping from the opening <NUM>. In some arrangements, this can prevent the tap body <NUM> from retracting too far into the table <NUM>. In some examples, as will be discussed in more detail below, the tab <NUM> can be used as a handle to allow a user to mechanically extend and/or retract the dispenser <NUM> from and into the table <NUM>. In some arrangements, the tab <NUM> can be coupled to the dispenser <NUM> and the tap body <NUM> can be eliminated and/or reduced in size such that it does not form a close fit with the opening <NUM>. In other arrangements the tab <NUM> can be eliminated and the dispenser <NUM> can provide the seal or close fitting with the opening <NUM>.

As discussed above, in some examples, the tap body <NUM> can be coupled to the tube <NUM>. The tube <NUM> can be configured to provide a fluid connection from the refrigerated beverage in the reservoir to the dispenser <NUM>. As well, in some arrangements, the tube <NUM> can be sufficiently rigid to allow the dispenser <NUM> to extend from and retract into the table <NUM>. In some arrangements, the tube <NUM> can be composed of plastic, or other NSF compliant material. The material of the tube <NUM> can provide for sanitary food and/or beverage contact. In some arrangements, the tube <NUM> can withstand exposure to cleaning agents and/or chemicals. In some examples, the thermal properties of the tube <NUM> should provide for the dissipation of heat so as to allow the beverage within the tube <NUM> to remain cool. In some arrangements, the tube <NUM> is composed of a material that can allow the tube <NUM> to maintain the flexibility and/or rigidity of the tube over the life of the <NUM>. In other arrangements, the fluid tube <NUM> can be flexible and be configured to provide a fluid connection between the reservoir <NUM> and the dispenser <NUM>. In such examples, the dispenser <NUM> can be secured to a track or a separate structure that can allow the dispenser <NUM> to be extended and retracted from the table <NUM>.

In some arrangements, the beverage dispensing system <NUM> can include a boss (not illustrated) similar to the boss of <FIG> and <FIG> that can be configured to extend and retract the tap body <NUM> from the table <NUM>. In some examples, the mechanism can retain the tube <NUM> so as to support the tube <NUM> as it extends out from the table <NUM>. For example, the boss can be coupled to a portion of the table <NUM>. In some arrangements, the mechanism can include a sleeve that extends through the boss such that the tube <NUM> can be inserted through the sleeve. In some arrangements, the sleeve can be configured to allow the tube <NUM> to slide back and forth within the sleeve.

In some examples, a user can pull the dispenser <NUM> from the table <NUM> by manually lifting the dispenser <NUM> from the opening <NUM> using the tab <NUM>. In certain arrangements, the beverage dispensing system <NUM> can include a mechanism for automatically moving the dispenser <NUM> between the retracted and extended position such as the mechanism described with reference to <FIG>. In some arrangements, the mechanism can include a motor which is coupled to a linkage, which is, in turn, coupled to the fluid tube <NUM>. The motor accordingly through the linkage can move the tube <NUM> back and forth to move the dispenser <NUM> from the retracted and extended positions. Like the beverage dispensing system <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, the beverage dispensing system <NUM> can include a motor (e.g. motor <NUM>) connected to a user interface (e.g. user interface <NUM>) that can be, for example, a button or a switch. The user interface can be used to signal the motor to move the dispenser <NUM> from the retracted or extended positions.

In some arrangements, the mechanism (not illustrated) supporting the tube <NUM> can include a ratchet that locks the dispenser <NUM> in an extended position when it is manually pulled out. The mechanism can be subsequently released by pulling up or pushing down on the dispenser <NUM> to allow the dispenser <NUM> to retract into the opening <NUM> of the table <NUM>.

Like the arrangement shown in <FIG>, in some arrangements, the beverage dispensing system <NUM> can include a motion sensor (e.g. motion sensor <NUM>) that is attached to a control system (e.g. control system <NUM>). The control system can send a signal to the motor to extend the tap body <NUM> from the table <NUM> upon receiving an external signal (e.g. a hand movement) and subsequently retracting the tap body <NUM> into the table <NUM> upon receiving an external signal (e.g. a hand movement). In some arrangements, the control system <NUM> can receive a voice signal that can send a signal to the motor <NUM> to extend the tap body <NUM> from the housing <NUM> and thereafter retracting the tap body <NUM> into the housing <NUM> automatically, or upon receiving a second voice command.

To provide a refrigerated beverage to be dispensed from the dispenser <NUM>, the fluid tube <NUM> can be fluidly connected to the reservoir. In some arrangements, the reservoir can be positioned in the refrigerated system underneath the table <NUM>, or in a separate location. In some arrangements, the reservoir can be provided with a pump or otherwise kept at a higher pressure such that beverage can be delivered through the fluid tube <NUM> and out of the opening <NUM> of the dispenser <NUM> when the valve <NUM> is in an open position.

As with the system for beverage dispensing <NUM>, the dispenser <NUM> can be extended and retracted under the table <NUM> of the beverage dispensing system <NUM> to ensure that all or substantially all components of the beverage dispensing system <NUM> that come in contact with the beverage remain in the refrigerated environment when the dispenser <NUM> is in the retracted position. When the dispenser <NUM> is extended to dispense the beverage, the components of the dispenser <NUM> and the pipe <NUM> are preferably provided with sufficient thermal mass such that they remain at a cool temperature and/or close to the refrigerated environment temperature during the dispensing operation even though these components are temporally outside of the refrigerated environment during the dispensing step.

To further ensure or facilitate that the appropriate temperature is maintained in the dispenser <NUM>, in some arrangements, the beverage dispensing system <NUM> can include various sensors as illustrated in <FIG> for the beverage dispensing system <NUM>. For example, in some arrangements, the beverage dispensing system <NUM> can include a sensor (e.g. sensor <NUM>) that will indicate to the user when the extended dispenser <NUM> (e.g. <FIG>) has been out of the table <NUM> for a sufficient time such that the dispenser <NUM> is at a temperature that can cause beverage within the dispenser <NUM> to spoil. In other arrangements, the sensor (e.g. sensor <NUM>) can indicate to the user when the dispenser <NUM> has been extended out of the table <NUM> for a sufficient time such that the refrigeration system is expending energy above a certain threshold to maintain the temperature within the refrigeration system. In certain arrangements, the sensor can comprise one or more temperature sensors underneath the table <NUM> and/or on the dispenser <NUM> that can be used to indicate when the dispenser <NUM> and or space underneath the table <NUM> has exceeded a specified limit. In each of the aforementioned instances, the sensor can either provide an indication (e.g. visual or auditory) until the user retracts the dispenser <NUM> back into the table <NUM> or the tap body <NUM> will be automatically retracted into the table <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG> for beverage dispensing system <NUM>, the beverage dispensing system <NUM> includes a sensor (e.g. sensor <NUM>) that can be connected to a control system (e.g. control system <NUM>). The sensor (e.g. sensor <NUM>) can be configured to send a signal to the control system (e.g. control system <NUM>) when the dispenser <NUM> has been extended from the table <NUM> above a programmed threshold. The control system (e.g. control system <NUM>) can then send a signal to an indicator (e.g. indicator <NUM>) to provide an indication to the user (e.g. visual or auditory).

In certain arrangements, the system for beverage dispensing <NUM> can include a secondary seal (not illustrated) which can seal the opening <NUM> when the tap body <NUM> is extended from the table <NUM> in order to limit the introduction of warm air into the refrigeration below the surface of the table <NUM> in a manner similar to the arrangement shown in <FIG>. In some arrangements, the secondary seal can be composed of a compliant material, for example rubber, silicone, etc., that can seal the opening <NUM> when the tap body <NUM> is extended from the table <NUM>. In some examples, the secondary seal can provide for a small opening to allow the pipe <NUM> and attached tap body <NUM> to smoothly extend from and retract into the table <NUM> while also limiting the warm air allowed into the system for refrigeration. Similar to the arrangement shown in <FIG>, in certain arrangements, the tap body <NUM> can have a sufficient length such that in the extended position a perimeter <NUM> of the tap body <NUM> can remain in contact with the opening <NUM> in both the retracted and extended position so as to minimize the loss of cold air from the housing in both the retracted and extended positons. In addition to the tap body <NUM> or as alternative to an extended top body <NUM>, a rear panel (not illustrated) can be provided on the tap body <NUM>. The rear panel can be configured to remain in within housing and the cover the opening <NUM> when the tap body <NUM> is in the extended position so as to prevent or limit the escape of cold air from the housing <NUM> through the opening <NUM> when the tap body <NUM> is in the extended position.

In certain arrangements, the system for beverage dispensing <NUM> can provide an indication to the user when possible spoiling of the beverage has occurred to allow the user the opportunity to clean or replace parts of the system for beverage dispensing <NUM>. In some arrangements, the system for beverage dispensing <NUM> can communicate to the user when the beverage stored within the system for beverage dispensing <NUM> has spoiled.

<FIG> illustrate an arrangement of a beverage dispensing system <NUM> in which a dispenser <NUM> can be built or added onto the side of a refrigeration unit. <FIG> illustrates the dispenser <NUM> positioned behind a closed door <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates the beverage dispensing system <NUM> with the door <NUM> rotated back to an open position to allow the dispensing of a beverage into a receptacle. In <FIG> and <FIG> a top wall or roof of the beverage dispensing system <NUM> is not shown so that the internal components can be viewed.

As discussed, in some arrangements, the beverage dispensing system <NUM> is in thermal or fluid communication with housing <NUM>, which can form an enclosed space <NUM> that can be cooled. <FIG> and <FIG> a top wall or roof of the housing <NUM> is not shown so that the internal components can be viewed.

In the illustrated example, the housing <NUM> can include an opening <NUM> in a front wall <NUM> of the housing <NUM> to accommodate a platform <NUM> and a door <NUM>. In some arrangements, the door <NUM> can be curved and form a seal or barrier about a curve of the platform. The platform <NUM> and door <NUM> can be any size or shape and preferably as a seal is formed between the door <NUM> and the platform <NUM>. In some arrangements, a bottom end of the door <NUM> can be positioned within a groove formed in the platform <NUM>. The groove can guide sliding movement of the door <NUM> and aid in forming a seal or barrier to the escape of cold air from the housing <NUM>. In some examples, the door <NUM> and the platform <NUM> can provide a seal or barrier such that the temperature can be maintained within the housing <NUM> and heat transfer through the door and platform in the cold positon is reduced.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the dispenser <NUM> can be composed of a fluid tube <NUM> that extends from the platform <NUM>. In some arrangements, the base of the fluid tube <NUM> of the dispenser <NUM> can be fluidly connected to a refrigerated beverage contained within a reservoir <NUM>. As illustrated, in some arrangements, the dispenser <NUM> can include a curved portion <NUM> that curves the fluid tube <NUM> downward such that the beverage can be dispensed from an opening <NUM>. In some arrangements, the refrigerated beverage reservoir can be provided with a pump (not shown) or maintained at a higher pressure such that the beverage can be delivered through the fluid tube <NUM> of the dispenser <NUM> and out of the opening <NUM> of the dispenser <NUM>. To dispense beverage, the dispenser <NUM> can be configured for manual control by the operator and/or automatic control. For example, in certain arrangements, the user can pull a lever or button (not shown) down for as long as they want the beverage to dispense. In certain arrangements, the apparatus can be provided with flow meter and a digital or analog display of how much liquid has been dispensed. In certain arrangements, the dispenser <NUM> can be configured for automatic control wherein a user can inputting the type and/or size of drink to be dispensed. The dispenser <NUM> can then use a flow meter, a timer or a scale to know how much of the beverage has been dispensed and appropriately shut off a dispense valve when the appropriate amount of beverage has been delivered.

As shown in <FIG>, in the illustrated example arrangement, the dispenser <NUM> can include a valve <NUM>. The valve <NUM> can be connected to an actuator <NUM>. In some arrangements, the actuator <NUM> can be a manual actuator that can be used to manually move the valve between a closed and opened position such as a knob, switch, button, etc. In other arrangements, the actuator <NUM> can be automatic or semi-automatic in which a knob, switch, button can actuate a motor or other component to move the valve <NUM> between an opened and closed position.

As shown in <FIG>, in some arrangements, the door <NUM> can be actuated to expose the dispenser <NUM>. In some arrangements, the platform <NUM> provides a surface for which a receptacle (e.g. a cup) is placed. Once the beverage has been dispensed, the door <NUM> can be actuated to return to its unopened position and return the dispenser <NUM> to its refrigerated environment. In some arrangements, the door <NUM> can be actuated by the user to open and close the door <NUM> to provide access to the dispenser <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, in certain arrangements, the beverage dispensing system <NUM> can include an actuator <NUM> that allows the door <NUM> to move between the opened and closed position. In the illustrated arrangement, the actuator <NUM> can include a motor which is coupled to a linkage, which is, in turn coupled to the door <NUM>. The motor accordingly through the linkage can move the door <NUM> between the opened and closed positions. As shown in <FIG>, the actuator <NUM> can be connected to a user interface <NUM> (e.g., a button or switch), which can be used to signal the actuator <NUM> to move the door <NUM> from the opened or closed position.

As shown in <FIG>, in some arrangements, the beverage dispensing system <NUM> can include a motion sensor <NUM> that is attached to a control system <NUM>. The control system <NUM> can send a signal to the actuator <NUM> to actuate the door <NUM> upon receiving an external signal (e.g. hand movement) is detected.

As discussed above, the door <NUM> can be opened and closed within the housing <NUM> of the beverage dispensing system <NUM> to ensure that all components of the beverage dispensing system <NUM> that contact the dispensed beverage remain in the refrigerated environment when the dispenser <NUM> is retained within the enclosed space <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. When the door <NUM> is opened to allow the dispenser <NUM> to dispense the beverage, the components of the dispenser <NUM> and fluid tube <NUM> are preferably provided with sufficient thermal mass such that they remain at a cool temperature and/or close to the refrigerated environment temperature during the dispensing operation even though these components are temporally outside of the housing <NUM> during the dispensing step. In some examples, the door <NUM> can provide a seal or barrier such that the temperature can be maintained within the housing <NUM> and heat transfer through the door is reduced even when the door <NUM> is opened to allow access to the fluid tube <NUM>.

As discussed with regard to the beverage dispensing system <NUM> and the beverage dispensing system <NUM>, to further ensure that the appropriate temperature is maintained in the beverage dispensing system <NUM>, in some arrangements, the beverage dispensing system <NUM> can include a sensor <NUM> that can indicate to the user when the dispenser <NUM> has been exposed for a sufficient time (e.g. with the door <NUM> opened) such that the dispenser <NUM> is at a temperature that can cause the beverage within the dispenser <NUM> to spoil. In some arrangements, the sensor <NUM> can indicate to the user when the door <NUM> has been opened for a sufficient time such that the housing <NUM> is expending energy above a certain threshold in order to maintain the temperature within the housing <NUM>. In certain arrangements, the sensor <NUM> can comprise one or more temperature sensors within the housing <NUM> and/or on the dispenser <NUM> that can be used to indicate when the dispenser <NUM> and/or enclosed space <NUM> has exceeded a specified limit. In each of the aforementioned instances, the sensor <NUM> can either provide an indication (e.g. visual or auditory) until the user closes the door <NUM> or the door <NUM> automatically closes. As illustrated in <FIG>, the sensor <NUM> can be connected to a control system <NUM> and send a signal to the control system <NUM> when the housing <NUM> has been opened above a programmed threshold (e.g. temperature or time). The control system <NUM> can then send a signal to an indicator <NUM> to provide an indication to the user (e.g. visual or auditory).

In some arrangements, the system for beverage dispensing <NUM> can include a secondary seal (not illustrated) which can close off the bulk of the housing <NUM> when the door <NUM> is opened to allow access to the dispenser <NUM>. In some examples this can limit the introduction of warm air into the bulk of the housing <NUM>. In some arrangements, the secondary seal can be composed of a compliant material, for example rubber, silicone, etc., that can seal the housing <NUM> when the door <NUM> is opened.

In some arrangements, the system for beverage dispensing <NUM> can provide an indication to the user when possible spoiling of the beverage has occurred so as to allow the user the opportunity to clean or replace parts of the system for beverage dispensing <NUM>. In some arrangements, the system for beverage dispensing <NUM> can communicate to the user when the beverage stored within the system for beverage dispensing <NUM> has spoiled.

As used herein, the term "beverage" has its ordinary and customary meaning, and includes, among other things, any edible liquid or substantially liquid substance or product having a flowing quality (e.g., milk, dairy products, juices, coffee beverages, teas, frozen yogurt, beer, wine, cocktails, liqueurs, spirits, cider, soft drinks, flavored water, energy drinks, soups, broths, combinations of the same, or the like).

Claim 1:
A system for dispensing a chilled beverage, the system comprising:
a housing (<NUM>) having an opening (<NUM>), wherein the housing (<NUM>) is configured to maintain a low temperature within the housing (<NUM>);
a dispense tap (<NUM>) having an opening (<NUM>) for dispensing the chilled beverage, the dispense tap (<NUM>) being configured to move between a retracted position in which the dispense tap (<NUM>) is positioned within the housing (<NUM>) and an extended position in which the dispense tap (<NUM>) extends out through the opening (<NUM>) to a position outside the housing, characterized in that the system further comprises
a sensor (<NUM>) and control system (<NUM>) configured to provide an indication to a user when the dispense tap (<NUM>) has been extended out from the housing (<NUM>) for a certain amount of time.