Beverage maker

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for dispensing individual servings of a cold beverage, either having a refrigeration unit to chill the beverage or a removable pitcher that may be put in a refrigerator. A special disposable beverage cartridge or beverage pouch fits into the holder. This cartridge or pouch may have pressure rupturable seals or diaphragms and contain beverage concentrate. A dispensing mechanism puts pressure on the cartridge or the pouch to break the pressure rupturable seal or diaphragm to discharge the concentrate into a mixing structure. The mixing structure also receives chilled liquid from the refrigeration unit or the pitcher, and ensures that the concentrate mixes with the liquid without contacting the walls of the mixing structure.

Description

[0001] Inventor: Francis X. Tansey, Jr. Priority Claims [0002] This utility patent application claims U.S. Nonprovisional Application Nos. 13 / 604,825, filed September 6, 2012, 61 / 532,692, filed September 9, 2011, and 61 / 581,722, filed December 30, 2011 Priority of U.S. provisional application. The contents of all applications are fully incorporated herein by reference. technical field [0003] The present invention relates to a single serve beverage machine and dispenser, including a disposable beverage container and a removable pitcher for use therein. More specifically, the present invention relates to a device for preparing, making and dispensing single servings of selected beverages, which may or may not contain carbon dioxide, from corresponding refrigeration units or removable jugs, using disposable beverage bags or Beverage cartridges avoid odor contamination of the device during the dispensing of beverages and may provide precise mixing ratios for dispensing high q...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0009] The second issue is the nature of the contents of the disposable beverage bag or cartridge

If the unit is not carefully designed, these juices can condense again and contaminate the dispensed beverage

Not only does this reduce the efficiency of the beverage dispensing process, it can also lead to cross-contamination of beverage flavours, disrupting the user experience

[0010] The third issue is the mixing ratio, which is the ratio of the amount of water to the amount of juice or concentrate that must be mixed for the best taste experience

[0011] The fourth problem is to allocate time

Dispensing time for cold beverages should be 4 to 6 seconds, especially when dispensing carbonated beverages, as carbon dioxide gas leaves the liquid when mixed, affecting beverage quality

[0012] The fifth problem is the way of distribution

When dispensing cold beverages, especially carbonated beverages, this can lead to excessive release of gas from the carbonated liquid when mixed with juice / concentrate, creating excessive bubbles and foam in the mixture, causing confusion and compromising the quality of the beverage

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