Patent Description:
Post-mix dispensers typically permit a beverage to be created on-demand from a mixture of ingredients. An advantage of dispensing beverage in this form is that the concentrate containers and water supply typically occupy significantly less space than is otherwise required to store the same volume of beverage in individual containers. Moreover, this dispensing equipment eliminates increased waste formed by the empty individual containers as well as additional transport costs. These and other technological advances have allowed food and beverage vendors to offer more diverse choices to consumers through post-mix dispensing systems.

Traditional post-mix beverage dispensing systems utilize a one-to-one relationship of actuation valve to fluid source. This one-to-one relationship results in higher cost for fluid management, electronic controls, and an increased space requirement on beverage dispensing equipment.

<CIT> describes a multi-way shut-off device for liquids, especially for use in beverage vending machines.

<CIT> describes a method and an arrangement for selective connection of tube connectors.

The invention is defined in independent claim <NUM>, wherein further embodiments of the invention are incorporated in the dependent claims. More specifically, according to the invention as defined in claim <NUM>, there is provided a beverage dispensing valve system comprising a first valve having a first flow path and a first core positioned to open and close the first flow path; a second valve having a second flow path and a second core to open and close the second flow path; and a movable valve activation device comprising an electromagnet, the valve activation device being movable to a first position adjacent the first core to cause the first core to open the first flow path and a second position adjacent the second core to cause the second core to open the second flow path, wherein the electromagnet is energized in response to an electronic input signal to attract the first core or the second core upward.

In the following, an illustrative summary of aspects, embodiments and examples of the present disclosure is provided. One aspect of the disclosure permits post-mix beverage dispensing with a beverage dispensing valve system including a movable valve activation device. The valve activation device can be indexed to dispense diluent, brand concentrate, or flavor concentrate from one of a plurality of flow regulators. Software can direct the position of the valve activation device by moving the valve activation device to the appropriate position to activate a flow valve related to the selected diluent, brand concentrate, or flavor concentrate based on a user input. In a further aspect, multiple beverage dispensing valve systems can be utilized, for example, a first beverage dispensing valve system for a diluent group, a second beverage dispensing valve system for a brand concentrate group, and a third beverage dispensing valve system for a flavor concentrate group.

In one aspect of the disclosure, the post-mix beverage dispensing system includes a beverage dispensing valve system including a first flow regulator having a first flow path and a first core positioned to open and close the first flow path, a second flow regulator having a second flow path and a second core to open and close the second flow path, and a movable valve activation device. The valve activation device is movable to a first position adjacent the first core to cause the first core to open the first flow path or a second position adjacent the second core to cause the second core to open the second flow path.

In a further aspect of the disclosure, a method of indexing a movable valve activation device can include providing a beverage dispensing valve including a first flow regulator at a first position, a second flow regulator at a second position, and a motor to move the valve activation device to the first position or the second position. The method can include moving the valve activation device to the first position and generating first electronic position data representative of the first position. The method can also include moving the valve activation device to the second position and generating second electronic position data representative of the second position. The method can also include storing the first electronic position data and the second electronic position data in a memory of a beverage dispensing system that includes a user interface. The method can also include electronically linking the first electronic position data to a first user selection on the user interface and electronically linking the second electronic position data to a second user selection on the user interface.

In another aspect of the disclosure, a method of dispensing a beverage from a post-mix beverage dispensing system can include providing a post-mix beverage dispensing system including an electronic control system, an electronic user interface, and a valve system having a movable valve activation device. The method can include transmitting a first electronic signal to the control system based on a first user selection on the electronic user interface, moving the movable valve activation device based on the first electronic signal to a position adjacent a flow regulator, transmitting a second electronic signal to the control system based on a second user selection on the user interface, and initiating the movable valve activation device based on the second electronic signal to open a flow path in the flow regulator to dispense a fluid.

Further features and advantages of embodiments of the disclosure, as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the disclosure, are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is noted that the disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein. Such embodiments are presented herein for illustrative purposes only. Additional embodiments will be apparent to a person skilled in the relevant art(s) based on the teachings contained herein.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the disclosure and to enable a person skilled in the relevant art(s) to make and use the claimed invention.

Features and advantages of the embodiments will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which like reference characters identify corresponding elements throughout.

The present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. References to "one embodiment", "an embodiment", "an exemplary embodiment", etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic.

In one aspect of the disclosure, a beverage dispensing valve system utilizing a single activation method to dispense a fluid from one of multiple fluid sources is provided. The single activation method can reduce the number of solenoids or other activation devices resulting in lower cost and a smaller space requirement. The single activation method can move an activation device and index its position at one or more flow regulators in the beverage dispensing valve system to open and close fluid flow paths, as determined by a control system and user input. The activation device can be electronically indexed in a curved, circular, or linear arrangement. The activation device can be electrically powered or pneumatically powered. The response time of moving the activation device can be optimized through a control algorithm that incorporates user input on a touchscreen display. The control algorithm can allow the activation device to reach the desired flow regulator to control the respective fluid diluent or fluid concentrate in a timely manner. The beverage dispensing valve system can be used along with traditional (non-movable) electrical or pneumatic valve activation devices.

The embodiments discussed below may be used to form a wide variety of products, such as beverages, including but not limited to cold and hot beverages, and including but not limited to beverages known under any PepsiCo branded name, such as Pepsi-Cola®.

An aspect of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to <FIG>. Throughout the system, conventional beverage tubing (FDA approved for use with food products) is used to connect the components of the system. Any of the beverage tubing conduits may be insulated to prevent heat loss or gain. In the beverage dispensing system <NUM>, a diluent source supplies diluent, e.g., water, to the system <NUM>. In one aspect, the diluent can be at typical domestic water pressures, e.g., approximately <NUM>-<NUM> pounds per square inch (psi). Beverage dispensing system <NUM> can include a nozzle assembly <NUM>. Beverage liquid concentrate can be supplied to beverage dispensing system <NUM> and can mix with the diluent at nozzle <NUM>. The use of a post-mix system that directly mixes the concentrate and diluent at the nozzle avoids cross-contamination of multiple concentrate sources and can reduce the unwanted growth of bacteria within the beverage system.

<FIG> illustrate beverage dispensing system <NUM>, a touch screen display <NUM>, and example user input selections <NUM>, 24a-<NUM>, 26a-26d, and <NUM> that can be used as part of a user interface on touch screen display <NUM>. In particular, <FIG> show different displays for an example embodiment of a user interface for beverage dispensing system <NUM>. A user may make desired selections, such as selections of a desired brand of beverage and one or more modifiers or flavorings that can be used as ingredients for a custom beverage. Touch screen display <NUM> can present all information required to select and dispense a custom beverage to a user. As shown in <FIG>, user input selections 24a-24f can be icons for each type or brand of beverage that are available at the beverage dispensing system. User input selections 24a-24f can be displayed on display screen <NUM>. In one aspect of the disclosure, user input selection 24a can be an icon for Sierra Mist®, user input selection 24b can be an icon for Tropicana®, user input selection 24c can be an icon for Diet Pepsi-Cola®, user input selection 24d can be an icon for Pepsi-Cola®, user input selection 24e can be an icon for Lipton Brisk® Iced Tea, user input selection 24f can be an icon for Mountain Dew®, user input selection <NUM> can be an icon for Diet Mountain Dew®, and user input selection <NUM> can be an icon for MUG Root Beer®.

As shown in <FIG>, user input selections 26a-26d can be icons for each beverage modifier or flavoring that are available at beverage dispensing system <NUM>. User input selections 26a-26d can be displayed on display screen <NUM>. In one aspect of the disclosure, user input selection 26a can be an icon for cherry flavoring, user input selection 26b can be an icon for vanilla flavoring, user input selection 26c can be an icon for strawberry flavoring, and user input selection 26d can be an icon for lemon flavoring.

Beverage dispensing system <NUM> can include a beverage dispensing valve system <NUM>. Beverage dispensing valve system <NUM> and its components are shown in <FIG>. In one aspect of the disclosure, beverage dispensing valve system <NUM> can include a top plate <NUM>, a back block <NUM>, and a back block mounting bracket <NUM>. Top plate <NUM> can be attached to back block <NUM> with support rods <NUM> that can extend from a bottom surface of top plate <NUM> to a top surface of back block <NUM>.

Beverage dispensing valve system <NUM> can include one or more flow regulators <NUM>. Flow regulators <NUM> can be attached to top plate <NUM> and back block <NUM> in beverage dispensing valve system <NUM>. Each flow regulator <NUM> can be fluidly connected to a fluid source to control flow of that fluid through the flow regular <NUM> and ultimately the beverage dispensing system <NUM>. The fluid sources can be diluents, e.g., water, carbonated water, low carbonated water, and high carbonated water. The discrete fluid sources can also be concentrates, e.g., beverage concentrates including brand concentrates and flavor concentrates. In one aspect, beverage dispensing valve system <NUM> can include two flow regulators <NUM>. In another aspect, beverage dispensing valve system <NUM> can include more than two flow regulators <NUM>, for example: three flow regulators <NUM>, four flow regulators <NUM>, five flow regulators <NUM>, six flow regulators <NUM>, seven flow regulators <NUM>, eight flow regulators <NUM>, nine flow regulators <NUM>, <NUM> flow regulators <NUM>, <NUM> flow regulators <NUM>, <NUM> flow regulators <NUM>, <NUM> flow regulators <NUM>, <NUM> flow regulators <NUM>, <NUM> flow regulators <NUM>, and <NUM> flow regulators <NUM>. In one aspect, beverage dispensing valve system <NUM> can include a flow regulator <NUM> for a brand concentrate, a flow regulator <NUM> for a diluent, and a flow regulator <NUM> for a flavor concentrate. Flow regulators <NUM> can control and adjust the quantity of flow of fluid. Plunger <NUM> can block fluid flow through back block <NUM> during servicing and can allow liquid flow through back block <NUM> in normal operating conditions.

In one aspect of the disclosure, the flow regulators <NUM> can be arranged in a curved arrangement on top plate <NUM> and back block <NUM> about central axis <NUM>. In another aspect of the disclosure, the flow regulators <NUM> can be arranged in a circular or semicircular arrangement on top plate <NUM> and back block <NUM> about central axis <NUM>, for example, as shown in <FIG>. In one aspect of the disclosure, the angular displacement <NUM> between adjacent flow regulators <NUM> with respect to central axis <NUM> can be approximately <NUM> degrees. In another aspect, the angular displacement <NUM> between adjacent flow regulators can range from approximately <NUM> degrees to approximately <NUM> degrees. For example, the angular displacement <NUM> can be approximately <NUM> degrees, approximately <NUM> degrees, approximately <NUM> degrees, approximately <NUM> degrees, approximately <NUM> degrees, approximately <NUM> degrees, approximately <NUM> degrees, approximately <NUM> degrees, approximately <NUM> degrees, approximately <NUM> degrees, approximately <NUM> degrees, approximately <NUM> degrees, approximately <NUM> degrees, approximately <NUM> degrees, approximately <NUM> degrees, approximately <NUM> degrees, approximately <NUM> degrees, approximately <NUM> degrees, and approximately <NUM> degrees. In a further aspect, flow regulators <NUM> can be arranged in a linear arrangement on top plate <NUM> and back block <NUM>.

Each flow regulator <NUM> can include a flow valve <NUM> that is movable between a fully-opened and a fully-closed position. In addition, each flow valve <NUM> can contain an orifice restriction of a predetermined size to meter the flow of liquid therethrough. For example, based on the relative sizes of the orifice restrictions of the valves, the correct proportion of the fluid can be maintained regardless of the incoming pressure. Flow valves <NUM> can be moved between the fully opened and the fully-closed positions by a valve activation device <NUM>. In one aspect of the disclosure, valve activation device <NUM> can be pneumatic, for example, CO<NUM>, N<NUM>, compressed air, etc. In another aspect, valve activation device <NUM> can be an electronic solenoid. In this aspect, flow valves <NUM> can each include a core <NUM> that is contained in a sleeve <NUM>. A spring <NUM> can bias core <NUM> to a fully closed position to block fluid flow into flow channel <NUM>. The electronic solenoid in valve activation device <NUM> can be energized to create a magnetic field and pull core <NUM> upward to permit fluid flow into flow channel <NUM>. In one aspect of the disclosure, the electronic solenoid in valve activation device <NUM> can be energized based on a user input on a user interface of a beverage dispensing system <NUM>.

In one aspect of the disclosure, valve activation device <NUM> can be movable. For example, valve activation device <NUM> can move to an activation position adjacent a flow valve <NUM> in a flow regulator <NUM> to open flow valve <NUM> to dispense a fluid. For example, as shown in <FIG>, valve activation device <NUM> can move to a first activation position adjacent flow valve 210a to open flow valve 210a, a second activation position adjacent flow valve 210b to open flow valve 210b, a third activation position adjacent flow valve 210c to open flow valve 210c, a fourth activation position adjacent flow valve 210d to open flow valve 210d, a fifth activation position adjacent flow valve 210e to open flow valve 210e, a sixth activation position adjacent flow valve 210f to open flow valve 210f, a seventh activation position adjacent flow valve <NUM> to open flow valve <NUM>, an eighth activation position adjacent flow valve <NUM> to open flow valve <NUM>, a ninth activation position adjacent flow valve 210i to open flow valve 210i, and a 10th activation position adjacent flow valve 210j to open flow valve 210j. In one aspect of the disclosure, valve activation device <NUM> can move to one of the activation positions based on a user input on a user interface of a beverage dispensing system <NUM>.

In an aspect of the disclosure, valve activation device <NUM> can be attached to a rotating arm <NUM>. Rotating arm <NUM> can be attached to a coupling <NUM> that is also attached to a motor shaft <NUM>. Motor <NUM> can rotate motor shaft <NUM>, which rotates valve activation device <NUM> through rotation arm <NUM> to the activation position adjacent a flow valve <NUM>. In one aspect of the disclosure, motor shaft <NUM> can define central axis <NUM>. In a further aspect, motor <NUM> can be an electric stepper motor. In one aspect, motor <NUM> can rotate motor shaft <NUM> based on a user input on a user interface of a beverage dispensing system <NUM>.

The respective positions of the motor shaft <NUM> and valve activation device <NUM> that correlate with the activation positions can be indexed and saved into a system memory, as discussed below with respect to <FIG>. In one aspect, motor <NUM> can include a motor position sensor (not shown) to determine the positions of the motor shaft. Electronic data from the motor position sensor can be used to index the respective positions of the motor shaft <NUM> and valve activation device <NUM>. In another aspect, the beverage dispensing valve system can include a valve activation device position sensor (not shown) to determine the positions of the motor shaft and valve activation device <NUM>. Electronic data from the valve activation device position sensor can be used to index the respective positions of the motor shaft <NUM> and valve activation device <NUM>.

Valve activation device <NUM> can be controlled by an electronic control module that includes a programmable microprocessor that sends an electronic signal to position and initiate the valve activation device <NUM>. The electronic control module can provide intelligent control of the beverage system. The electronic control module can control the position of valve activation device <NUM> through control of motor <NUM>. The electronic control module can send a signal to motor <NUM> to move valve activation device <NUM> to an activation position adjacent a flow valve <NUM>. For example, the electronic control module can send a signal to motor <NUM> to move valve activation device <NUM> to a first activation position adjacent flow valve 210a, a second activation position adjacent flow valve 210b, a third activation position adjacent flow valve 210c, a fourth activation position adjacent flow valve 210d, a fifth activation position adjacent flow valve 210e, a sixth activation position adjacent flow valve 210f, a seventh activation position adjacent flow valve <NUM>, an eighth activation position adjacent flow valve <NUM>, a ninth activation position adjacent flow valve 210i, and a 10th activation position adjacent flow valve 210j. In one aspect, the electronic control module can send a signal to motor <NUM> to move valve activation device <NUM> to a particular activation position based on a user input on a user interface of a beverage dispensing system <NUM>, as discussed in greater detail below.

The electronic control module can also control initiation of valve activation device <NUM>. In one aspect, the electronic control module can send a signal to valve activation device <NUM> to open a flow valve <NUM> to dispensing a fluid. In another aspect, the electronic control module sends a signal to energize a solenoid in valve activation device <NUM> to create a magnetic field and dispense a fluid by pulling core <NUM> upward to open a flow valve <NUM> and permit fluid flow into flow channel <NUM>. In one aspect, the electronic control module can send a signal to initiate valve activation device <NUM> based on a user input on a user interface of a beverage dispensing system <NUM>, as discussed in greater detail below.

The electronic control module can also monitor system status such as the fluid temperatures, number of drinks dispensed, and sensors that determine the amount of concentrate remaining in the beverage dispensing system. The electronic control module can also provide service diagnostics, and the ability to remotely poll the electronic status.

In another aspect of the disclosure, beverage dispensing valve system <NUM> can include two valve activation devices <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. For example, motor <NUM> could be a dual motor having two motor shafts <NUM>. In one aspect, the two motor shafts <NUM> can be co-axial. Each motor shaft <NUM> can be attached to a rotating arm <NUM> and each rotating arm <NUM> can be attached to a valve activation device <NUM>. In this manner, a single beverage valve system <NUM> can simultaneously open multiple flow valves <NUM> to simultaneously dispense two fluids.

In another aspect, flow regulators <NUM> can be positioned in a linear arrangement on beverage dispensing valve system <NUM>. In this aspect, coupling <NUM> can include a four-bar linkage to translate the rotary motion of motor <NUM> into linear motion of valve activation device <NUM>.

In a further aspect as shown in <FIG>, a linear actuator <NUM> can move valve activation device <NUM> along a linear arrangement of flow regulators <NUM> and flow valves <NUM>. A vertical post <NUM> of valve activation device <NUM> can move along a rail <NUM> and lead screw <NUM>. In one aspect, vertical post <NUM> can extend through opening <NUM> in top plate <NUM> attached to back block <NUM>.

In one aspect of the disclosure, the positions of motor shaft <NUM> and valve activation device <NUM> can be indexed with the positions of the respective flow valves <NUM> as activation positions. The activation positions can be linked with user input selections, as shown in <FIG>.

At step <NUM>, a beverage dispensing valve system, e.g., beverage dispensing valve system <NUM>, may be provided. The beverage dispensing valve system can include flow regulators and flow valves, e.g., flow regulators 200a-j and flow valves 210a-i, positioned about the beverage dispensing valve system. A valve actuation device, e.g., valve actuation device <NUM>, can be attached to an electric motor, e.g., motor <NUM>, and can be moved to a first activation position, e.g., a position where the valve activation device is adjacent the flow regulator and can open the flow regulator flow valve.

At step <NUM>, first electronic data representative of the first activation position can be generated. The first electronic data can be derived from the electric motor and can represent where the motor should turn the motor shaft, e.g., motor shaft <NUM>, to move the valve actuation device to the first activation position. In one aspect, the electric motor can include a motor position sensor to determine the position of the motor shaft. The first electronic data can be derived from electronic data generated by the motor position sensor. In another aspect, the beverage dispensing valve system can include a valve activation device position sensor to determine the position of the valve activation device. The first electronic data can be derived from electronic data generated by the valve activation device position sensor.

At step <NUM>, the first electronic data can be stored in a memory of a beverage dispensing system, e.g., beverage dispensing system <NUM>, utilizing the beverage dispensing valve system.

At step <NUM>, the first electronic data can be linked with a first user input selection. Based on this linking, the motor can move the valve activation device to the first activation position upon receiving a user input that identifies the first user input selection. In one aspect, the first user input selection can be a type or brand of beverage, such as one of user input selections 24a-<NUM>. In another aspect, the first user input selection can be a beverage modifier, such as one of user input selections 26a-26d. In a further aspect, the first user input selection can be related to a type of diluent, such as water, carbonated water, low carbonated water, and high carbonated water.

At step <NUM>, the valve actuation device can be moved to a second activation position, e.g., a position where the valve activation device is adjacent a second flow regulator and can open the second flow regulator flow valve.

At step <NUM>, second electronic data representative of the second activation position can be generated. The second electronic data can be derived from the electric motor and can represent where the motor should turn the motor shaft, e.g., motor shaft <NUM>, to move the valve actuation device to the second activation position. In one aspect, the first electronic data can be derived from electronic data generated by the motor position sensor. In another aspect, the first electronic data can be derived from electronic data generated by the valve activation device position sensor.

At step <NUM>, the first electronic data can be stored in a memory of the beverage dispensing system.

At step <NUM>, the second electronic data can be linked with a second user input selection. Based on this linking, the motor can move the valve activation device to the second activation position upon receiving a user input that identifies the second user input selection. In one aspect, the second user input selection can be a type or brand of beverage, such as one of user input selections 24a-<NUM>. In another aspect, the second user input selection can be a beverage modifier, such as one of user input selections 26a-26d. In a further aspect, the second user input selection can be related to a type of diluent, such as water, carbonated water, low carbonated water, and high carbonated water.

The above indexing method can be repeated for each activation position of motor shaft <NUM> and valve activation device <NUM> with respect to each flow regulator <NUM> and flow valve <NUM>. For example, the indexing method can include moving the valve activation device to a third activation position, generating third electronic data representative of the third activation position, storing the third electronic data in the beverage dispensing system memory, and linking the third electronic data with a third user input selection. The indexing method can include moving the valve activation device to a fourth activation position, generating fourth electronic data representative of the fourth activation position, storing the fourth electronic data in the beverage dispensing system memory, and linking the fourth electronic data with a fourth user input selection. The indexing method can include moving the valve activation device to a fifth activation position, generating fifth electronic data representative of the fifth activation position, storing the fifth electronic data in the beverage dispensing system memory, and linking the fifth electronic data with a fifth user input selection. The indexing method can include moving the valve activation device to a sixth activation position, generating sixth electronic data representative of the sixth activation position, storing the sixth electronic data in the beverage dispensing system memory, and linking the sixth electronic data with a sixth user input selection.

Although the example method of <FIG> shows a particular order of steps, the exact order of the above steps could change, and the beverage dispensing valve system could receive or generate additional electronic data before, after, and in between particular steps of the above example method.

The manner in which a user engages the interface of the beverage dispensing system to select and/or dispense a beverage can vary. <FIG> illustrates an example method for dispensing an available product according to one aspect of the disclosure.

At step <NUM>, a user interface may be displayed on a display device of the dispenser. This may include displaying an initial user input selection <NUM> on display screen <NUM> (e.g., "touch to start").

At step <NUM>, a selection of a type or brand of beverage may be received via input from the user. For example, a user may select Sierra Mist® by selecting user input selection 24a, Tropicana® by selecting user input selection 24b, Diet Pepsi-Cola® by selecting user input selection 24c, Pepsi-Cola® by selecting user input selection 24d, Lipton Brisk® Iced Tea by selection user input selection 24e, Mountain Dew® by selecting user input selection 24f, Diet Mountain Dew® by selecting user input selection <NUM>, or MUG Root Beer® by selecting user input selection <NUM>.

At step <NUM>, based on the user input in step <NUM>, an electronic control module can send a signal to a motor in a brand beverage dispensing valve system, e.g., beverage dispensing valve system <NUM>, to move a valve activation device, e.g., valve activation device <NUM>, to a position adjacent a flow valve, e.g., flow valve <NUM>, in a flow regulator, e.g., flow regulator <NUM>. The beverage dispensing valve system can include a flow regulator, e.g., 200a-<NUM>, for each user input selection, e.g., 24a-<NUM>.

At step <NUM>, a selection of one or more modifiers to a beverage may be received via input from the user. For example, a user may select flavoring by pressing one or more of user input selections 26a-26d. A user can select cherry flavoring by selecting user input selection 26a, a user can select vanilla flavoring by selecting user input selection 26b, a user can select strawberry flavoring by selecting user input selection 26c, and a user can select lemon flavoring by selecting user input selection 26d. In response to a selection, the interface can highlight the selected icon to indicate the selected flavoring to be added.

At step <NUM>, based on the user input in step <NUM>, an electronic control module can send a signal to a motor in a modifier beverage dispensing valve system, e.g., beverage dispensing valve system <NUM>, to move a valve activation device, e.g., valve activation device <NUM>, to a position adjacent a flow valve, e.g., flow valve <NUM>, in a flow regulator, e.g., flow regulator <NUM>. The beverage dispensing valve system can include a flow regulator, e.g., 200a-200d, for each user input selection, e.g., 26a-26d. In one aspect of the disclosure, the modifier beverage dispensing valve system and the brand beverage dispensing valve system can be a single dual beverage dispensing valve system. In this aspect, the dual beverage dispensing valve system can include a brand activation device and a modifier activation device that move independently and can simultaneously dispense multiple fluids.

At step <NUM>, a command to dispense the custom beverage may be received via input from the user. For example, a user may select user input selection <NUM> (e.g., a pour icon) to dispense the custom beverage.

At step <NUM>, the interface can send electronic signals to the valve activation device in the brand beverage valve system and the valve activation device in the modifier beverage valve system to cause the dispenser to dispense the custom beverage as a mixture of the type or brand of beverage selected at step <NUM> and the selected modifiers from step <NUM>. For example, as a response to the actuation of user input selection <NUM>, the interface may illuminate user input selection <NUM> and cause the dispenser to dispense the selected mixture.

Although the example method of <FIG> shows a particular order of steps, the exact order of the above steps could change (e.g., step <NUM> could occur prior to step <NUM>), and the dispenser could receive additional input from the user before, after, and in between particular steps of the above example method. The order of the steps and/or what input is received during the course of a user's interaction with a dispenser may be dependent on the organization of the user interface.

In a further aspect, non-movable activation devices can be utilized with the brand beverage dispensing valve system and/or the modifier beverage dispensing valve system. In another aspect, non-movable valve activation devices can be used in place of the brand beverage dispensing valve system and/or the modifier beverage dispensing valve system.

<FIG> illustrates a block diagram of an example communication network in which one or more embodiments may be implemented. A dispensing system, e.g., beverage dispensing system <NUM>, can be configured to dispense a product according to a user's selection. For example, a user can approach a dispenser <NUM>, and interact with the dispenser <NUM> to make a selection (e.g., input a code or press a button corresponding to the desired product). In response, the dispenser <NUM> may dispense the selected product. In general, examples of this disclosure relate to a beverage dispensing system; however, various aspects of this disclosure could be used in a dispenser for other types of products (e.g., candy or snack dispenser).

Dispensing systems may be located across different locations or premises. For example, <FIG> illustrates three dispensers: dispensing system <NUM>, dispensing system <NUM> and dispensing system <NUM>.

In a further aspect, dispensing systems may be connected to a controller. A controller may be centrally located and/or a separate controller may be incorporated into each dispenser. As illustrated in <FIG>, dispensing systems <NUM> and <NUM> are connected to controller <NUM>. Controller <NUM> can be configured to receive instructions from dispensing system <NUM> and/or <NUM>, and to cause the appropriate dispensing system to dispense an appropriate amount of the selected product. For example, if dispensing system <NUM> is a beverage dispenser, a user may interact with the dispenser to select a beverage (e.g., via a touchpad, touch screen, keypad, etc.), instructions for the selected beverage may be transmitted to controller <NUM>, and controller <NUM> may be configured to dispense an appropriate amount of the selected beverage in response to the instructions.

Components of a dispensing system may include a processor <NUM>, memory <NUM>, software <NUM>, and/or additional components suitable for implementing the functions and methods of the dispensing system. Software <NUM> may be stored in computer-readable memory <NUM> such as read only or random access memory in dispenser <NUM> and may include instructions that cause one or more components (e.g., processor <NUM>, display, etc.) of a dispenser (e.g., dispenser <NUM>) to perform various functions and methods including those described herein.

A dispenser may communicate with other devices using one or more networks. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, dispensing systems <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> may communicate with server <NUM> via network <NUM> and/or network <NUM>. Network <NUM> and network <NUM> may include multiple networks that are interlinked so as to provide internetworked communications. Such networks may include one or more private or public packet-switched networks (e.g., the Internet), one or more private or public circuit-switched networks (e.g., a public switched telephone network), a cellular network, a short or medium range wireless communication connection (e.g., Bluetooth®, ultra wideband (UWB), infrared, WiBree, wireless local area network (WLAN) according to one or more versions of Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) standard no. <NUM>), or any other suitable network. Devices in communication with each other (e.g., dispensing systems <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, server <NUM>, and/or data repository <NUM>) may use various communication protocols such as Internet Protocol (IP), Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP), File Transfer Protocol (FTP), among others known in the art.

Server <NUM>, controller <NUM>, and dispensing systems <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> may be configured to interact with each other and other devices. In one example, dispenser <NUM> may include software <NUM> that is configured to coordinate the transmission and reception of information to and from server <NUM>. In one arrangement, software <NUM> may include application or server specific protocols for requesting and receiving data from server <NUM>. For example, software <NUM> may comprise a browser or variants thereof and server <NUM> may comprise a web server. In some arrangements, server <NUM> may transmit application data to dispensing systems, such as software updates to various components of the dispensing system (e.g., updates to the user interface, updates to firmware of the dispensing system, updates to drivers of the dispensing system, etc.). In one or more arrangements, server <NUM> may receive data from the dispensing systems, such as data describing the current stock of the dispenser (e.g., a listing of products and the number remaining at the dispenser), operation history and/or usage metrics of the dispenser (e.g. counters tracking the selections of users of the machine), status of the dispenser (e.g., whether any components are working improperly), etc. Server <NUM> may be configured to access and store data in data repository <NUM>, such as data that it receives and transmits in data repository <NUM>. Data repository <NUM> may also include other data accessible to server <NUM>, such as different drink recipes that can be downloaded to dispensers.

<FIG> illustrates an example computing device on which at least some of the various elements described herein can be implemented, including, but not limited to, various components of dispenser systems (e.g., dispensers <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, beverage dispensing system <NUM>). Computing device <NUM> may include one or more processors <NUM>, which may execute instructions of a computer program to perform, or cause to perform, any of the steps or functions described herein. The instructions may be stored in any type of computer-readable medium or memory, to configure the operation of the processor <NUM>. For example, instructions may be stored in a read-only memory (ROM) <NUM>, random access memory (RAM) <NUM>, removable media <NUM>, such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) drive, compact disk (CD) or digital versatile disk (DVD), floppy disk drive, flash card, or any other desired electronic storage medium. Instructions may also be stored in an attached (or internal) hard drive <NUM>.

Computing device <NUM> may include one or more output devices, such as a display <NUM>, and may include one or more output device controllers <NUM>, such as a video processor. There may also be one or more user input devices <NUM>, such as a touch screen, remote control, keyboard, mouse, microphone, card reader, RFID reader, etc. The computing device <NUM> may also include one or more network interfaces, such as input/output circuits <NUM> to communicate with an external network <NUM>. The network interface may be a wired interface, wireless interface, or a combination of the two. In some embodiments, the interface <NUM> may include a modem (e.g., a cable modem), and network <NUM> may include the communication lines of the networks illustrated in <FIG>, or any other desired network.

The <FIG> example is an illustrative hardware configuration. Modifications may be made to add, remove, combine, divide, etc. components as desired. Additionally, the components illustrated may be implemented using basic computing devices and components, and the same components (e.g., processor <NUM>, storage <NUM>, user input device <NUM>, etc.) may be used to implement any of the other computing devices and components described herein.

One or more aspects of the disclosure may be embodied in a computer-usable data and/or computer-executable instructions, such as in one or more program modules, executed by one or more computers or other devices. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types when executed by a processor in a computer or other data processing device. The computer executable instructions may be stored on one or more computer readable media such as a hard disk, optical disk, removable storage media, solid state memory, RAM, etc. The functionality of the program modules may be combined or distributed as desired in various embodiments. In addition, the functionality may be embodied in whole or in part in firmware or hardware equivalents such as integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), controllers, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICS), combinations of hardware/firmware/software, and the like. Particular data structures may be used to more effectively implement one or more aspects of the disclosure, and such data structures are contemplated within the scope of computer executable instructions and computer-usable data described herein.

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

The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the disclosure that others can, by applying knowledge within the skill of the art, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments, without undue experimentation. Therefore, such adaptations and modifications are intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation, such that the terminology or phraseology of the present specification is to be interpreted by the skilled artisan in light of the teachings and guidance.

Claim 1:
A beverage dispensing valve system (<NUM>) comprising:
a first valve (<NUM>) having a first flow path and a first core (<NUM>) positioned to open and close the first flow path;
a second valve (<NUM>) having a second flow path and a second core (<NUM>) to open and close the second flow path; and
a movable valve activation device (<NUM>) comprising an electromagnet, the valve activation device being movable to a first position adjacent the first core (<NUM>) to cause the first core to open the first flow path and a second position adjacent the second core (<NUM>) to cause the second core to open the second flow path,
characterized in that the electromagnet is energized in response to an electronic input signal to attract the first core or the second core upward.