Patent Description:
Document <CIT> discloses a valve having walls adapted to fluidly engage a backblock of an existing multi-head, multi-backblock beverage dispensing machine for retrofitting to the backblock. A primary circuit has a pair of primary circuit pathways adapted to receive pressurized syrup and pressurized water from the backblock. The valve provides a multiplicity of supplemental circuit pathways adapted to receive (typically not from a backblock) a multiplicity of different syrups from a multiplicity of different pressurized syrup sources. Flow control elements in the valve engage the circuits to control the rate of flow of fluid therethrough. Operator pushbutton controlled valved chambers open and close the circuit pathways. A post-mix valve assembly mixes a syrup from a circuit pathway with the pressurized water from the primary circuit.

The present invention is defined in the independent claim. The dependent claims define advantageous embodiments thereof.

In the following, various aspects, examples and embodiments of the present disclosure are summarized. One aspect of the disclosure permits a beverage dispenser including a dispenser housing including a valve retaining housing surface and a beverage dispensing valve extending from the dispenser housing. The beverage dispensing valve can include a dispenser nozzle and a valve housing to attach to the valve retaining housing surface. The beverage dispensing valve can be supported on the valve retaining housing surface such that the dispenser nozzle is generally aligned along a first axis. The beverage dispenser can include a nozzle module including a nozzle module housing having a first end abutting an upper end of the dispenser housing and a second end extending from the first end. The nozzle module can include a nozzle module nozzle adjacent the second end such that the nozzle module nozzle is aligned along a second axis that is parallel to and spaced apart from the first axis in a horizontal direction. In an aspect, the first axis can be spaced a first horizontal distance from the valve retaining housing surface and the second axis can be spaced a second horizontal distance from the valve retaining housing surface such that the second horizontal distance is greater than the first horizontal distance. The second axis can be spaced apart from the first horizontal axis a vertical distance in a range from approximately one inch (<NUM>,<NUM>) to approximately <NUM> inches (<NUM>,<NUM>). In another aspect, the beverage dispenser can include a second beverage dispensing valve extending from the dispenser housing. The second beverage dispensing valve can include a second dispenser nozzle and a second valve housing to attach to the valve retaining housing surface. The second beverage dispensing valve can be supported on the valve retaining housing surface such that the second dispenser nozzle is generally aligned along the first horizontal axis. In an aspect, the nozzle module housing can be coupled to the dispenser housing. In another aspect, the nozzle module housing can be integral with the dispenser housing. In another aspect, the nozzle module can dispense a premeasured amount of fluid based on a first user input and a second user input. In a further aspect, the beverage dispenser can include a base attached to the lower end. The base can include a waste collection portion having a receptacle area. The dispenser nozzle can be positioned above the receptacle area to dispense a first fluid into the receptacle area and the nozzle module nozzle can be positioned above the receptacle area to dispense a second fluid into the receptacle area. In an aspect, the first fluid can be an additive ingredient and the second fluid can be a branded beverage. In another aspect, the nozzle module can include a control interface for regulating delivery of the second fluid. The control interface can include a switch and an electronic control system coupled to the switch and configured to receive electronic control signals from the control interface to regulate the delivery of the second fluid.

Another aspect of the disclosure permits a nozzle module for a beverage dispenser. The nozzle module includes a nozzle module housing having a first end to attach to a beverage dispenser housing and a nozzle adjacent a second end of the nozzle module housing such that the nozzle is configured to be spaced a first horizontal distance from the beverage dispenser housing. The beverage dispenser can include a beverage dispenser nozzle spaced a second horizontal distance from the beverage dispenser housing. The first horizontal distance can be greater than the second horizontal distance.

In an aspect, the first horizontal distance can be a range from approximately one inch <NUM>,<NUM>) to approximately <NUM> inches (<NUM>,<NUM>). In an aspect, the nozzle can be configured to be spaced a vertical distance from the beverage dispenser nozzle. The vertical distance can be a range from approximately one inch (<NUM>,<NUM>) to approximately <NUM> inches (<NUM>,<NUM>). In an aspect, the nozzle module can be configured to dispense a premeasured amount of fluid based on a first user input. The nozzle module can be configured to dispense the premeasured amount based on a second user input. In another aspect, the nozzle module can include a control interface for regulating delivery of the nozzle module fluid. The control interface can include a switch and an electronic control system coupled to the switch and configured to receive electronic control signals from the control interface to regulate the delivery of the nozzle module fluid.

Another aspect of the disclosure permits a nozzle module for a beverage dispenser including a beverage dispenser nozzle positioned above a beverage dispenser waste collection portion. The nozzle module can include a nozzle module housing configured to connect to a beverage dispenser housing at a first end and a nozzle module nozzle adjacent a second end of the nozzle module housing and configured to extend outwardly from the beverage dispenser housing such that the nozzle module nozzle is positioned above and outward from the beverage dispenser nozzle. The nozzle can be configured to be positioned above the beverage dispenser waste collection portion. The beverage dispenser waste collection portion can be configured to receive a first fluid from the beverage dispenser nozzle and a second fluid from the nozzle module nozzle. In an aspect, the nozzle module nozzle can be configured to be distal to the beverage dispenser housing along a horizontal axis and distal to the beverage dispenser nozzle along the horizontal axis. In an aspect, the nozzle module can include a first fluid line to supply a first fluid to the nozzle module nozzle and a second fluid line to supply a second fluid to the beverage dispenser nozzle. The nozzle module nozzle can be configured to dispense an additive ingredient and the beverage dispense nozzle can be configured to dispense a branded beverage.

One aspect of the disclosure permits a beverage dispenser including a base including a waste collection portion, the waste collection portion having a receptacle area. The beverage dispenser can include a dispensing tower having a lower end, an upper end, and a valve retaining housing surface, the lower end can be attached to the base. The beverage dispenser can include a plurality of beverage dispensing nozzles supported on the valve retaining housing surface, the plurality of beverage dispensing nozzles can be positioned above the receptacle area such that the receptacle area receives a first fluid dispensed from one of the plurality of beverage dispensing nozzles. The beverage dispenser can also include a nozzle module including a nozzle module housing having a first end abutting the dispensing tower upper end, and a second end projecting from the first end. The nozzle module can include a nozzle module nozzle adjacent the second end such that the nozzle module nozzle is positioned above the receptacle area such that the receptacle area receives a second fluid dispensed from the nozzle.

In a further aspect, the nozzle module housing can include a vertical portion including an upper end and a lower end that abuts the dispensing tower upper end, and a horizontal portion having a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end abutting the vertical portion upper end. The nozzle module can include a pump positioned within an interior area of the vertical portion. The nozzle module can be configured to dispense a premeasured amount of fluid based on a first user input. The nozzle module can also be configured to dispense the premeasured amount based on a second user input. In an aspect, the beverage dispensing nozzles can be spaced a first horizontal distance from the valve retaining housing surface and the nozzle module nozzle can be spaced a second horizontal distance from the valve retaining surface such that the second horizontal distance is greater than the first horizontal distance. The nozzle module can include a cover that extends across the dispensing tower upper end. In another aspect, the nozzle module can include a control interface for regulating delivery of the second fluid. The control interface can include a switch. The nozzle module can also include an electronic control system coupled to the switch and configured to receive electronic control signals from the control interface to regulate the delivery of the second fluid. In addition, the nozzle module can be covered with merchandising material and can be positioned to avoid obscuring branding on the beverage dispenser.

One aspect of the disclosure permits a nozzle module for a beverage dispenser. The nozzle module include a nozzle module housing having a first end to attach to the beverage dispenser and a second end projecting from the first end, and a nozzle adjacent the second end such that the nozzle is positioned above a waste receptacle area that is configured to receive a nozzle module fluid dispensed from the nozzle and a beverage dispenser fluid dispensed from the beverage dispenser. The nozzle module housing can include a vertical portion including a lower end to attach to the beverage dispenser; and a horizontal portion having a proximal end that abuts an upper end of the vertical portion. The nozzle module can include a nozzle module pump positioned within an interior area of the vertical portion. The nozzle module can be configured to dispense a premeasured amount of fluid based on a first user input. The nozzle module can be configured to dispense the premeasured amount based on a second user input. In one aspect, the beverage dispensing nozzles can be spaced a first horizontal distance from the valve retaining housing surface and the nozzle module nozzle can be spaced a second horizontal distance from the valve retaining surface such that the second horizontal distance is greater than the first horizontal distance. In another aspect, the nozzle module can include a cover that extends across an upper surface of the beverage dispenser. In another aspect, the nozzle module can also include a control interface for regulating delivery of the nozzle module fluid. The control interface can include a switch and an electronic control system coupled to the switch and configured to receive electronic control signals from the control interface to regulate the delivery of the nozzle module fluid.

An aspect of the disclosure permits a method for retrofitting a beverage dispenser. The method can include attaching a nozzle module to the beverage dispenser. The nozzle module can include a nozzle module housing having a first end to attach to the beverage dispenser and a second end projecting from the first end. The nozzle module can also include a nozzle adjacent the second end such that the nozzle is positioned above a beverage dispenser waste receptacle area. The waste receptacle area can be configured to receive a nozzle module fluid dispensed from the nozzle and a beverage dispenser fluid dispensed from the beverage dispenser. The method can include fluidly connecting a beverage dispenser chilled water line to the nozzle module. The method can also include removing a merchandising module from the beverage dispenser, and attaching the nozzle module to the beverage dispenser in place of the merchandising module. The nozzle module can be covered with merchandising material and can be positioned to avoid obscuring branding on the beverage dispenser.

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 invention defined in the claims and to enable a person skilled in the relevant art(s) to make and use the 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.

Beverage dispensing units have become a popular way for food and beverage establishments to create on-site fountain beverages. Beverage dispensers often use "post-mix" beverage dispensing valves, which use two separate flow paths to dispense water (carbonated or non-carbonated, depending on the type of beverage) and syrup into a cup, in which the water and syrup mix to produce a beverage. Alternatively, "pre-mix" dispensers may dispense pre-mixed beverages. Post-mix systems often include several bag-in-box containers that each contains syrup, a liquid source that dispenses a liquid, a mixing unit, and a dispensing unit. Syrup is pumped from the bag-in-box container into the mixing unit where it is mixed with liquid to form a beverage that is then dispensed through the dispensing unit. Typically, a pump causes the syrup to be released from the bag-in-box container into the dispensing valves. Beverage dispensers often include a row of beverage dispensing valves, with each valve including a nozzle.

Drop-in style beverage dispensers can be designed to fit into a hole cut into a counter top or can be installed into a freestanding cabinet. Typically, drop-in style beverage dispensers include an open ice bin and are therefore for employee crew serve only. The ice bin can be used for storing ice that is used for filling the drink cups as well as cooling the products that run through the cold plate that is built into the dispenser. Beverage dispensing towers featuring one or more beverage dispensing valves can be utilized for dispensing carbonated and/or non-carbonated beverages.

Conventional beverage dispensing units and systems position the bag-in-box containers and the pump in a back room, such as a storage room or food preparation area, because they can be noisy and can be distracting to patrons. Alternatively, the bag-in-box containers and pump can be positioned nearby the beverage dispensing unit. For example, the bag-in-box containers and pump can be positioned below a countertop on which the dispenser rests.

The dispensing unit is oftentimes positioned in the foodservice area of the restaurant or bar so that staff and/or patrons may have access to it. These units are time-consuming to assemble, disassemble, and service because they are positioned in multiple rooms and because portions of the units are difficult to access. Assembly, disassembly, and service of this beverage dispensing units are oftentimes performed by a highly skilled technician due to the complex nature of the unit.

Regardless of the specific beverage dispenser design, post-mix beverage dispensing valves typically dispense only one beverage flavor per valve. The number of these "one-flavor" valves that a dispenser can accommodate is limited, and thus the valves are assigned to the most popular flavors, typically carbonated beverages (cola, diet cola, lemon-lime, root beer, etc.). Additional noncarbonated beverage flavors (e.g., iced tea, lemonade, pink lemonade, fruit punch, raspberry iced tea, etc.), require additional dispensers. In many cases, these dispensers are dedicated to a single flavor, to prevent mixing flavors between beverage dispensing cycles. The inclusion of additional valves requires additional counter space and can thus increase beverage dispensing cost.

Due to the infrastructure and nature of the systems including changeover cost and equipment replacement, sometimes it is less desirable to provide for additional beverages and/or beverage flavors in a food and beverage setting (e.g., restaurant, convenience store, grocery, or the like). A rotating dispenser offering different beverages and/or flavors might require components such as the syrup line to be replaced to avoid flavor cross-contamination from previous syrup flavors run through the line.

Additionally, less utilized beverages and flavors can be prone to expiration and can thus be less ideal in a post-mix environment with respect to supply chain and shelf life management perspective.

The present dispensing system delivers the capability of dispensing a finished beverage, a semi-finished beverage, or an additive ingredient using an integrated nozzle module that does not increase the footprint of the beverage dispenser. In one aspect, a flavor concentrate can be dispensed from the nozzle tower. In another aspect, carbonated water or still water can flow into the nozzle tower to mix with a beverage concentrate and provide additional beverage flavor options.

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®.

Aspects 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) (<NUM>,<NUM>-<NUM>,<NUM> kPa).

Beverage dispensing system <NUM> is shown in <FIG>. The term "beverage" has been used to readily convey exemplary embodiments to reader, however, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that any fluid, liquid, gel, or similar product, including for example, concentrated syrup, is within the scope of the disclosure. In the discussion below, reference is made to vertical direction <NUM>, horizontal direction <NUM>, and width direction <NUM>.

Beverage dispensing system <NUM> may generally resemble a traditional fountain-drink dispenser. In an aspect, beverage dispensing system <NUM> can include dispenser housing <NUM>. Dispenser housing <NUM> can include a lower end 10a and an upper end 10b. Valve retaining housing surface <NUM> can be positioned on dispenser housing <NUM>. In an aspect, valve retaining housing surface <NUM> can be positioned adjacent upper end 10b. Beverage dispensing system <NUM> can also include a base <NUM>, ice chest <NUM>, drip tray <NUM>, and drip tray grate <NUM>. Drip tray <NUM> can be positioned within base <NUM>. In an aspect, drip tray <NUM> can include a receptacle area to collect fluid waste from beverage dispensing system <NUM> and/or nozzle module <NUM>. In this manner, beverage dispensing system <NUM> and nozzle module <NUM> can utilize a common drip tray without the need to run additional drain lines.

As shown in <FIG>, beverage dispensing system <NUM> can include one or more dispensing valves <NUM>. Each dispensing valve <NUM> can include a valve housing <NUM>, a valve lever <NUM> to activate valve <NUM>, and a valve nozzle <NUM>. Beverage fluid can be supplied to beverage dispensing system <NUM> and can dispense from one or more of nozzles <NUM>. In an aspect, beverage fluid can be supplied to beverage dispensing system <NUM> and can mix with a diluent, e.g., water or carbonated water, at one or more of valve nozzles <NUM>. In an aspect, each dispensing valve <NUM> can include a push button (not shown) instead of valve lever <NUM> to activate dispensing valve <NUM>. The push button can include a logo of the beverage to be dispensed from the beverage dispenser <NUM>.

One or more of valve housings <NUM> can be positioned on dispenser housing <NUM> along width direction <NUM>. In an aspect, one or more valve housings <NUM> can be attached to a valve retaining housing surface <NUM> positioned on dispenser housing <NUM>. In another aspect, a plurality of valve housings <NUM> can be adjacent to each other and equally spaced along valve retaining housing surface <NUM>.

In an aspect, one or more dispensing valves can be fluidly connected to a fluid line that supplies beverage concentrate syrup and a fluid line that supplies a carbonated or non-carbonated water to mix with the beverage concentrate syrup to create a finished beverage.

As shown in <FIG>, one or more dispensing valves <NUM> including one or more valve nozzles <NUM> can be aligned along axis <NUM>. In an aspect, a plurality of dispensing valves <NUM> can be generally aligned. For example, valve nozzles <NUM> can be generally aligned along axis <NUM>. Axis <NUM> can extend along width direction <NUM>. Axis <NUM> can be spaced a distance D1 from valve retaining housing surface <NUM>. In an aspect, D1 can be a range from approximately zero inches (<NUM>) to approximately <NUM> inches (<NUM>,<NUM>), such as approximately one inch (<NUM>,<NUM>) to approximately eight inches (<NUM>,<NUM>), such as approximately one inch (<NUM>,<NUM>) to approximately six inches (<NUM>,<NUM>), such as approximately one inch (<NUM>) to approximately four inches (<NUM>,<NUM>).

In an aspect, one or more dispensing valves <NUM> can be positioned above drip tray <NUM> to dispense a fluid over drip tray <NUM>. In this aspect, the receptacle within drip tray <NUM> can collect fluid waste from one or more dispensing valves <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, nozzle module <NUM> can include a cover <NUM>, a nozzle module housing <NUM>, a module first end <NUM>, a module second end <NUM>, a control interface <NUM>, and a nozzle <NUM>. Nozzle <NUM> can be positioned adjacent second end <NUM>. In one aspect, nozzle module <NUM> can connect to beverage dispenser <NUM>, thus utilizing the vertical space above beverage dispenser <NUM>. Nozzle module <NUM> can provide additional dispense points in a common location without the need for additional counter space. Nozzle module <NUM> can also allow a user to make a complete beverage at a single location. For example, a user can make a branded beverage and can add flavoring in a single location.

In an aspect, nozzle module housing <NUM> can extend above and/or outwardly from one or more dispensing valves <NUM>. Module housing <NUM> can be connected to dispenser housing <NUM>. In an aspect, beverage dispenser <NUM> can be retrofit with nozzle module <NUM>. In this aspect, cover <NUM> can replace a beverage dispenser merchandizing module (not shown) positioned along upper end 10b of dispenser housing <NUM>. For example, cover <NUM> can be connected to dispenser housing <NUM> and can utilize the same attachment points as the merchandizing module it is replacing. In addition, the nozzle module can be covered with merchandising material and can be positioned to avoid obscuring branding on beverage dispenser <NUM>.

In another aspect, module first end <NUM> can be attached to dispenser housing <NUM>. In an aspect, module first end <NUM> can be attached to dispenser housing <NUM> at dispenser upper end 10b. In another aspect, nozzle module housing <NUM> can be integral with dispenser housing <NUM>.

Nozzle module housing <NUM> can include a vertical portion <NUM> and/or a horizontal portion <NUM>. Vertical portion <NUM> can include a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>. Horizontal portion <NUM> can include a proximal end <NUM> and a distal end <NUM>. Nozzle <NUM> can be positioned adjacent distal end <NUM>. In an aspect, first end <NUM> can be connected to dispenser housing <NUM>. In another aspect, first end <NUM> can be connected to dispenser housing <NUM> at dispenser upper end 10b. In an aspect, nozzle <NUM> can be distal to dispenser housing <NUM> and distal to one or more nozzles <NUM> along horizontal direction <NUM>.

In one aspect, horizontal portion <NUM> can be connected to dispenser housing <NUM>. In another aspect horizontal portion <NUM> can be connected to vertical portion <NUM>. For example, proximal end <NUM> of horizontal portion <NUM> can be connected to second end <NUM> of vertical portion <NUM>. In an aspect, horizontal portion <NUM> can be integral with vertical portion <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, nozzle <NUM> can be generally aligned along axis <NUM>. Axis <NUM> can extend along width direction <NUM>. Axis <NUM> can be parallel to axis <NUM>. Axis <NUM> can be horizontally spaced from axis <NUM>. In an aspect, axis <NUM> can be spaced a horizontal distance D2 from valve retaining housing surface <NUM>. Distance D2 can be greater than distance D1. In an aspect, D2 can be a range from approximately zero inches (<NUM>) | to approximately <NUM> inches (<NUM>,<NUM>), such as approximately one inch (<NUM>,<NUM>) to approximately nine inches (<NUM>,<NUM>), such as approximately two inches (<NUM>,<NUM>) to approximately eight inches (<NUM>,<NUM>), such as approximately three inches (<NUM>,<NUM>) to approximately seven inches (<NUM>,<NUM>), such as approximately four inches (<NUM>,<NUM>) to approximately six inches (<NUM>,<NUM>). In another aspect, the difference between D2 and D1 can be a range from approximately one inch (<NUM>,<NUM>) to approximately seven inches (<NUM>,<NUM>), such as approximately two inches (<NUM>,<NUM>) to approximately five inches (<NUM>,<NUM>). In another aspect, distance D1 can be greater than distance D2.

In an aspect, axis <NUM> can be vertically spaced from axis <NUM>. For example, axis <NUM> can be vertically spaced a height H from axis <NUM>. Axis <NUM> can be positioned above axis <NUM>. In another aspect, axis <NUM> can be positioned below axis <NUM>. In one aspect, H can be a range from approximately zero inches (<NUM>) to approximately <NUM> inches (<NUM>,<NUM>), such as approximately one inch (<NUM>,<NUM>) to approximately <NUM> inches (<NUM>,<NUM>), such as approximately two inches (<NUM>,<NUM>) to approximately <NUM> inches (<NUM>,<NUM>), such as approximately three inches (<NUM>,<NUM>) to approximately nine inches (<NUM>,<NUM>), such as approximately four inches (<NUM>,<NUM>) to approximately seven inches (<NUM>,<NUM>).

In an aspect, nozzle <NUM> and one or more dispensing valve <NUM> can be positioned above drip tray <NUM> to dispense fluids over drip tray <NUM>. In this aspect, the receptacle within drip tray <NUM> can collect fluid waste from both nozzle <NUM> and one or more dispensing valves <NUM>. In this manner, beverage dispensing system <NUM> and nozzle module <NUM> can utilize a common drip tray without the need to run additional drain lines.

<FIG> illustrate nozzle module <NUM> and control interface <NUM>. Control interface <NUM> can be programmable to allow for the correct dosage of beverage fluid for a selected beverage size. In one aspect, control interface <NUM> can include flavor input buttons <NUM> and size input buttons <NUM>. A user may make desired selections, such as selections of a desired modifier, flavoring, or brand of beverage that can be dispensed from nozzle module <NUM>. In one aspect of the disclosure flavor input buttons <NUM> and size input buttons <NUM> can be physical buttons electrically connected to a switch. In another aspect of the disclosure, control interface <NUM> can include a touch screen display and flavor buttons <NUM> and size buttons <NUM> can be graphical icons.

Control interface <NUM> can include between one and <NUM> flavor buttons <NUM>. For example, control interface <NUM> can include five flavor buttons 132a-132f. Each of the respective flavor buttons <NUM> can include an icon that represents a modifier, flavoring, or brand of beverage to be dispensed. For example, in one aspect flavor button 132a can include an icon for cherry flavoring, flavor button 132b can include an icon for vanilla flavoring, flavor button 132c can include an icon for strawberry flavoring, flavor button 132d can include an icon for lemon flavoring, flavor button 132e can include an icon for lime flavoring, and flavor button 132f can include an icon for peach flavoring. In another aspect of the disclosure, flavor buttons 132a-132f can include an icon that represents a desired brand of beverage. For example, flavor buttons 132a-132f can include an icon that represents a desired brand of beverage. For example, flavor button 132a can include an icon for Sierra Mist®, flavor button 132b can include an icon for Tropicana®, flavor button 132c can include an icon for Diet Pepsi-Cola®, flavor button 132d can include an icon for Pepsi-Cola®, flavor button 132e can include an icon for Lipton Brisk® Iced Tea, and flavor button 132f can include an icon for Mountain Dew®.

In an aspect, control interface <NUM> can include flavor selection indicators 136a-136f to correspond to each of flavor buttons 132a-132f. In one aspect, when a flavor button is selected, the corresponding flavor selection indicator can illuminate. For example, when flavor button 132a is pressed, corresponding flavor selection indicator 136a can illuminate; when flavor button 132b is pressed, corresponding flavor selection indicator 136b can illuminate; when flavor button 132c is pressed, corresponding flavor selection indicator 136c can illuminate; when flavor button 132d is pressed, corresponding flavor selection indicator 136d can illuminate; when flavor button 132e is pressed, corresponding flavor selection indicator 136e can illuminate; and when flavor button 132f is pressed, corresponding flavor selection indicator 136f can illuminate.

In another aspect, when a fluid source that corresponds to a flavor button is sold out, the corresponding flavor selection indicator can remain illuminated. For example, when the fluid source that corresponds to flavor button 132a is sold out, corresponding flavor selection indicator 136a can remain illuminated; when the fluid source that corresponds to flavor button 132b is sold out, corresponding flavor selection indicator 136b can remain illuminated; when the fluid source that corresponds to flavor button 132c is sold out, corresponding flavor selection indicator 136c can remain illuminated; when the fluid source that corresponds to flavor button 132d is sold out, corresponding flavor selection indicator 136d can remain illuminated; when the fluid source that corresponds to flavor button 132e is sold out, corresponding flavor selection indicator 136e can remain illuminated; and when the fluid source that corresponds to flavor button 132f is sold out, corresponding flavor selection indicator 136f can remain illuminated. In another aspect, when a fluid source that corresponds to a flavor button is sold out, the corresponding flavor selection indicator can flash on and off.

Control interface <NUM> can also include between one and five size buttons <NUM>. For example, control interface <NUM> can include three size buttons 134a-134c. In another aspect, control interface can include two size buttons 134a and 134b. Each of the respective size buttons <NUM> can include an icon that corresponds to a desired beverage size. For example, size button 134a can include an icon for a small beverage, size button 134b can include an icon for a medium beverage, and size button 134c can include an icon for a large beverage.

In an aspect, control interface <NUM> can include a programming indicator <NUM>. Programming indicator <NUM> can flash on and off when control interface <NUM> is in the programming mode. In another aspect, programming indicator <NUM> can flash on and off when control interface <NUM> is in a priming mode, as discussed with respect to <FIG>, below.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, beverage fluid can be supplied to beverage dispensing system <NUM> and/or nozzle module <NUM> by pumps <NUM> via fluid line <NUM>. Pumps <NUM> can push the beverage fluid along fluid line <NUM>. In an aspect, pumps <NUM> and beverage fluid sources <NUM> can be physically located in an area spaced apart from beverage dispensing system <NUM>. For example, pumps <NUM> can be physically located in a back room <NUM>, such as a storage room or food preparation area. In another aspect, beverage fluid sources <NUM> and pumps <NUM> can be positioned nearby the beverage dispensing unit. For example, beverage fluid sources <NUM> and pumps <NUM> can be positioned in an area <NUM> below a countertop <NUM> on which beverage dispensing system <NUM> rests.

Pumps <NUM> can be fluidly connected to beverage fluid sources <NUM> via fluid lines <NUM> (<FIG>). In an aspect, beverage fluid sources <NUM> can be bag-in-box containers. In another aspect, beverage fluid sources <NUM> can include flavorings. For example, beverage fluid sources <NUM> can include cherry, strawberry, vanilla, lemon, peach, grape, lime, and/or raspberry flavoring. In this aspect, beverage fluid can be dispensed from nozzle module <NUM> into cup <NUM> without mixing with a diluent at nozzle <NUM>.

In another aspect, beverage fluid sources <NUM> can include beverage concentrate syrup. For example, beverage fluid sources can include concentrate syrup for Sierra Mist®, Tropicana®, Diet Pepsi-Cola®, Pepsi-Cola®, Lipton Brisk® Iced Tea, Mountain Dew®, Diet Mountain Dew®, and/or MUG Root Beer®. In an aspect, a water line and/or a carbonated water line can be supplied to nozzle module <NUM>. In this aspect, beverage fluid can mix with water or carbonated water at nozzle <NUM> to form a finished beverage.

In an aspect, nozzle module <NUM> can wirelessly communicate with pumps <NUM>. In this aspect, a nozzle module <NUM> can include a wireless transceiver <NUM>. Pumps <NUM> can include a wireless transceiver <NUM> to communicate with wireless transceiver <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, nozzle module <NUM> can be a stand-alone beverage dispensing tower. In this aspect, nozzle module housing <NUM> can be positioned on a countertop and directly connected to drip tray <NUM>. In this aspect, nozzle module nozzle <NUM> can be solely positioned above drip tray <NUM> and drip tray grate <NUM>.

In an aspect, nozzle module <NUM> can include pumps 170a-170e and fluid lines 172a-172e. Pumps 170a-170e and fluid lines 172a-172e can be positioned within nozzle module housing <NUM>. For example, pumps 170a-170e and fluid lines 172a-172e can be positioned within vertical portion <NUM> of nozzle module housing <NUM>. Pumps 170a-170e and fluid lines 172a-172e can supply beverage fluid to nozzle <NUM>.

Nozzle module <NUM> shown in <FIG> can include all the same features and functionality as nozzle module <NUM> discussed above with respect to <FIG>.

The manner in which a user engages the control interface of the nozzle module to select and/or dispense a flavor can vary. <FIG> illustrates an example method for dispensing an available fluid in a "crew serve" mode according to an aspect of the disclosure.

At step <NUM>, a selection of a beverage size may be received via input from the user using one of size buttons 134a-134c. The selected size remains active until another size is selected, for example, at step <NUM>. When a flavor button is selected, the corresponding flavor selection indicator can illuminate. For example, when flavor button 132a is pressed, corresponding flavor selection indicator 136a can illuminate; when flavor button 132b is pressed, corresponding flavor selection indicator 136b can illuminate; when flavor button 132c is pressed, corresponding flavor selection indicator 136c can illuminate; when flavor button 132d is pressed, corresponding flavor selection indicator 136d can illuminate; when flavor button 132e is pressed, corresponding flavor selection indicator 136e can illuminate; and when flavor button 132f is pressed, corresponding flavor selection indicator 136f can illuminate. The corresponding flavor selection indicator can illuminate continuously or can flash on and off.

At step <NUM>, an updated selection of a beverage size may be received via input from the user using another of size buttons 134a-134c. For example, a user might select a small size using button 134a in step <NUM>, but before dispensing the fluid, update the size selection to a large size using button 134c.

At step <NUM>, a selection of a flavor or type or brand of beverage may be received via input from the user using one of flavor buttons 132a-132f. For example, a user may select one of flavor buttons 132a-132f that corresponds to cherry flavoring, vanilla flavoring, strawberry flavoring, lemon flavoring, lime flavoring, peach flavoring, Sierra Mist® branded beverage, Tropicana® branded beverage, Diet Pepsi-Cola® branded beverage, Pepsi-Cola® branded beverage, Lipton Brisk® Iced Tea branded beverage, Mountain Dew® branded beverage, Diet Mountain Dew® branded beverage, or MUG Root Beer® branded beverage.

At step <NUM>, control interface <NUM> can send electronic signals to pumps <NUM> to cause nozzle module <NUM> to dispense from nozzle <NUM> the flavor or beverage selected at step <NUM> in the appropriate size selected at step <NUM>. In an aspect, step <NUM> can initiate upon receipt of the flavor or type or brand selection in step <NUM>.

Although the example method of <FIG> shows a particular order of steps, the exact order of the above steps could change, 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.

<FIG> illustrates an example method for dispensing an available fluid in a "self-serve" mode according to an aspect of the disclosure.

At step <NUM>, a selection of a flavor or type or brand of beverage may be received via input from the user via one of flavor buttons 132a-132f. For example, a user may select one of flavor buttons 132a-132f that corresponds to cherry flavoring, vanilla flavoring, strawberry flavoring, lemon flavoring, lime flavoring, peach flavoring, Sierra Mist® branded beverage, Tropicana® branded beverage, Diet Pepsi-Cola® branded beverage, Pepsi-Cola® branded beverage, Lipton Brisk® Iced Tea branded beverage, Mountain Dew® branded beverage, Diet Mountain Dew® branded beverage, or MUG Root Beer® branded beverage.

At step <NUM>, a selection of a beverage size may be received via input from the user using one of size buttons 134a-134c.

At step <NUM>, control interface <NUM> can send electronic signals to pumps <NUM> to cause nozzle module <NUM> to dispense from nozzle <NUM> the flavor or beverage selected at step <NUM> in the appropriate size selected at step <NUM>. In an aspect, step <NUM> can initiate upon receipt of the beverage size selection in step <NUM>.

Priming of the pumps to push fluid through line <NUM> can be required when changing a product or to clear a sold out condition when one or more of concentrate sources <NUM> are empty. When changing products, priming avoids flavor cross-contamination from previous syrup flavors run through the line. <FIG> illustrates an example method for priming the fluid line.

At step <NUM>, a selection to enter the priming function may be received via input from the user. In one aspect, the input to enter the priming function may be a combination of two or more of buttons 132a-132f and/or 134a-134c. For example, a selection to enter the priming function may be received by the user simultaneously pressing size buttons 134a and 134c. Once the priming function is initiated, the programming indicator <NUM> can flash on and off. If a product is detected as sold out, the respective sold out flavor selection indicators 136a-136f can flash on and off.

At step <NUM>, a selection of a product, e.g., flavor or type or brand of beverage to prime may be received via input from the user using one of flavor buttons 132a-132f.

At step <NUM>, the selected fluid may be dispensed to prime the line. In an aspect of the disclosure, the selected flavor or type or brand of beverage may pump for a predetermined period of time to clear the fluid line of any previous product and/or air and fill the fluid line with the desired product. In a further aspect of the disclosure, the selected flavor or type or brand of beverage may pump as long as the use continues to press the selected flavor button. In this aspect, the user should continue to press the selected flavor button until a steady stream of product flows from the line.

Steps <NUM> and <NUM> can be repeated for each product that needs to be primed.

At Step <NUM>, a selection to exit the priming function may be received via input from the user. In one aspect, the input to exit the priming function may be a combination of two or more of buttons 132a-132f and/or 134a-134c. For example, a selection to exit the priming function may be received by the user simultaneously pressing size buttons 134a and 134c. Once the priming function is ended, the programming indicator <NUM> may stop flashing.

<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., beverage dispensing system <NUM> and/or nozzle module <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>.

Control interface <NUM> and/or pumps <NUM> can be controlled by computing device <NUM> that includes processors <NUM>. Computing device <NUM> and processors <NUM> receive electronic signals from control interface <NUM> and send electronic signals to initiate pumps <NUM>. Computing device <NUM> and processors <NUM> can provide intelligent control of the beverage dispensing system <NUM>.

Computing device <NUM> and processors <NUM> can also monitor system status such as the fluid temperatures, number of drinks dispensed, a sold out condition for one or more of diluent sources <NUM>, and sensors that determine the amount of concentrate remaining in the beverage dispensing system. Computing device <NUM> and processors <NUM> can also provide service diagnostics, and the ability to remotely poll the electronic status.

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 Summary and Abstract sections may set forth one or more but not all exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure as contemplated by the inventor(s)disclosure.

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

Claim 1:
A beverage dispensing system comprising:
a beverage dispenser (<NUM>) comprising a beverage dispenser housing (<NUM>); and
a nozzle module (<NUM>) comprising:
a nozzle module housing (<NUM>) having a first end (<NUM>) to attach to the beverage dispenser housing (<NUM>); and
a nozzle (<NUM>) adjacent a second end (<NUM>) of the nozzle module housing (<NUM>) such that the nozzle (<NUM>) is aligned along a second axis (<NUM>) and configured to be spaced a second horizontal distance (D2) from the beverage dispenser housing (<NUM>),
wherein the beverage dispenser (<NUM>) includes a beverage dispenser nozzle (<NUM>) aligned along a first axis (<NUM>) and spaced a first horizontal distance (D1) from the beverage dispenser housing (<NUM>), and
wherein the first axis (<NUM>) and the second axis (<NUM>) are parallel to a base (<NUM>) of the beverage dispenser housing (<NUM>), the first axis (<NUM>) being spaced the first horizontal distance (D1) from the beverage dispenser housing (<NUM>) and the second axis (<NUM>) being spaced the second horizontal distance (D2) from the beverage dispenser housing (<NUM>), the second horizontal distance (D2) being greater than the first horizontal distance (D1).