BEVERAGE DISPENSING SYSTEM.

Abstract

A beverage dispensing system is provided. The beverage dispensing system may include a nozzle module connected to a beverage dispenser housing. The nozzle module may be separated vertically and / or horizontally from a beverage dispensing valve and nozzle.

Description

BEVERAGE DISPENSING SYSTEM BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field

[001] One embodiment of the present invention relates to a beverage dispenser. In particular, the embodiments relate to a beverage dispensing nozzle module. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[002] One aspect of the invention allows a beverage dispenser comprising a dispenser housing that includes a valve-retaining housing surface and a beverage dispensing valve extending from the dispenser housing. The beverage dispensing valve may include a dispensing nozzle and a valve housing for attachment to the valve-retaining housing surface. The beverage dispensing valve may be supported on the valve-retaining housing surface such that the dispensing nozzle is generally aligned along a first axis. The beverage dispenser may include a nozzle module comprising a nozzle module housing having a first end supported on an upper end of the dispenser housing and a second end extending from the first end.The nozzle module may include a nozzle module nozzle adjacent to the second end, such that the nozzle module nozzle is aligned along a second axis that is parallel to and separated from the first axis in a horizontal direction. In one aspect, the first axis may be separated by a first horizontal distance from the valve retaining housing surface, and the second axis may be separated by 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 may be separated from the first horizontal axis by a vertical distance ranging from approximately 2.54 centimeters (one inch) to approximately 38.1 centimeters (15 inches). In another aspect, the beverage dispenser may include a second beverage dispensing valve extending from the dispenser housing.The second beverage dispensing valve may include a second dispensing nozzle and a second valve housing for attachment to the valve retaining housing surface. The second beverage dispensing valve may be supported on the valve retaining housing surface such that the second dispensing nozzle is generally aligned along the first horizontal axis. In one aspect, the nozzle module housing may be coupled to the dispenser housing. In another aspect, the nozzle module housing may be integral with the dispenser housing. In yet another aspect, the nozzle module may dispense a pre-measured quantity of fluid based on a first user input and a second user input. In a further aspect, the beverage dispenser may include a base attached to its lower end.The base may include a waste collection portion with a receptacle area. The dispensing nozzle may be located above the receptacle area to dispense a first fluid into the receptacle area, and the nozzle module may be located above the receptacle area to dispense a second fluid into the receptacle area. In one aspect, the first fluid may be an additive ingredient, and the second fluid may be a branded beverage. In another aspect, the nozzle module may include a control interface to regulate the supply of the second fluid. The control interface may 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 supply of the second fluid.

[003] Another aspect of the invention allows a nozzle module for a beverage dispenser. The nozzle module includes a nozzle module housing having a first end for attachment to a beverage dispenser housing and a nozzle adjacent to a second end of the nozzle module housing, such that the nozzle is configured to be separated from the beverage dispenser housing by a first horizontal distance. The beverage dispenser may include a beverage dispensing nozzle separated from the beverage dispenser housing by a second horizontal distance. The first horizontal distance may be greater than the second horizontal distance. In one aspect, the first horizontal distance may range from approximately 2.54 centimeters (one inch) to approximately 25.4 centimeters (10 inches).In one aspect, the nozzle can be configured to be separated by a vertical distance from the beverage dispensing nozzle. This vertical distance can range from approximately 2.54 centimeters (one inch) to approximately 38.1 centimeters (15 inches). In another aspect, the nozzle module can be configured to dispense a pre-measured amount of fluid based on a first user input. The nozzle module can also be configured to dispense the pre-measured amount based on a second user input. In yet another aspect, the nozzle module can include a control interface to regulate the fluid supply from the nozzle module. This control interface can include a switch and an electronic control system coupled to the switch, configured to receive electronic control signals from the control interface to regulate the fluid supply from the nozzle module.

[004] Another aspect of the invention allows a nozzle module for a beverage dispenser that includes a beverage dispensing nozzle located above a waste collection portion of the beverage dispenser. The nozzle module may include a nozzle module housing configured to connect to a beverage dispenser housing at a first end and a nozzle module adjacent to a second end of the nozzle module housing and configured to extend outward from the beverage dispenser housing such that the nozzle module nozzle is located above and outward from the beverage dispensing nozzle. The nozzle may be configured to be located above the waste collection portion of the beverage dispenser.The waste collection portion of the beverage dispenser can be configured to receive a first fluid from the beverage dispensing nozzle and a second fluid from the nozzle module nozzle. In one 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 dispensing nozzle along the same horizontal axis. Alternatively, 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 dispensing nozzle. The nozzle module nozzle can be configured to dispense an additive ingredient, and the beverage dispensing nozzle can be configured to dispense a branded beverage.

[005] One aspect of the invention allows a beverage dispenser that includes a base comprising a waste collection portion, the waste collection portion having a receptacle area. The beverage dispenser may include a dispensing tower having a lower end, an upper end, and a valve-retaining housing surface, the lower end being attached to the base. The beverage dispenser may include a plurality of beverage dispensing nozzles supported on the valve-retaining housing surface, the plurality of beverage dispensing nozzles being 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 may also include a nozzle module comprising a nozzle module housing with a first end that rests against the upper end of the dispensing tower and a second end that projects from the first end. The nozzle module may include a nozzle module adjacent to the second end, such that the nozzle module nozzle is positioned above the receptacle area so that the receptacle area receives a second fluid dispensed from the nozzle.

[006] In a further aspect, the nozzle module housing may include a vertical portion comprising an upper and a lower end that abuts the upper end of the dispensing tower, and a horizontal portion having a distal and a proximal end, the proximal end resting on the vertical portion of the upper end. The nozzle module may include a pump located within an interior area of ​​the vertical portion. The nozzle module may be configured to dispense a pre-measured quantity of fluid based on a first user input. The nozzle module may also be configured to dispense the pre-measured quantity based on a second user input.In one aspect, the beverage dispensing nozzles may be separated by a first horizontal distance from the valve retaining housing surface, and the nozzle module may be separated by a second horizontal distance from the retaining valve surface, such that the second horizontal distance is greater than the first. The nozzle module may include a cover extending across the top of the dispensing tower. In another aspect, the nozzle module may include a control interface for regulating the supply of the second fluid. The control interface may include a switch. The nozzle module may also include an electronic control system coupled to the switch and configured to receive electronic control signals from the control interface to regulate the supply of the second fluid.In addition, the nozzle module can be covered with a marketing material and can be positioned to avoid obscuring the brand on the beverage dispenser.

[007] One aspect of the invention enables a nozzle module for a beverage dispenser. The nozzle module includes a nozzle module housing having a first end for attachment to the beverage dispenser and a second end projecting from the first end, and a nozzle adjacent to the second end such that the nozzle is located above a waste receptacle area configured to receive fluid dispensed from the nozzle module and beverage dispensing fluid dispensed from the beverage dispenser. The nozzle module housing may include a vertical portion having a lower end for attachment to the beverage dispenser; and a horizontal portion having a proximal end abutting an upper end of the vertical portion. The nozzle module may include a nozzle module pump located within an interior area of ​​the vertical portion.The nozzle module can be configured to dispense a pre-measured amount of fluid based on a first user input. The nozzle module can also be configured to dispense a pre-measured amount of fluid based on a second user input. In one aspect, the beverage dispensing nozzles can be separated by a first horizontal distance from the valve retaining housing surface, and the nozzle module nozzle can be separated by a second horizontal distance from the check valve surface, such that the second horizontal distance is greater than the first. In another aspect, the nozzle module can include a cover that extends across the top surface of the beverage dispenser. In yet another aspect, the nozzle module can also include a control interface for regulating the fluid supply from the nozzle module.The control interface may include a switch and an electronic control system coupled to the switch and is configured to receive electronic control signals from the control interface to regulate the fluid supply to the nozzle module.

[008] One aspect of the invention allows a method for adapting a beverage dispenser. The method may include attaching a nozzle module to the beverage dispenser. The nozzle module may include a nozzle module housing having a first end for attachment to the beverage dispenser and a second end projecting from the first end. The nozzle module may also include a nozzle adjacent to the second end such that the nozzle is located above a waste receptacle area of ​​the beverage dispenser. The waste receptacle area may be configured to receive fluid from the nozzle module dispensed from the nozzle and beverage dispensing fluid dispensed from the beverage dispenser. The method may also include seamlessly connecting a chilled water line from the beverage dispenser to the nozzle module.The method can also involve removing a merchandising module from the beverage dispenser and attaching the nozzle module to the dispenser in its place. The nozzle module can be covered with the merchandising material and positioned to avoid obscuring the branding on the beverage dispenser.

[009] Other features and advantages of the embodiments of the invention, as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the invention, are described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures. It should be noted that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein. These 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. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS / FIGURES

[010] The accompanying figures, which are incorporated into the present description and form part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the invention and to enable a person skilled in the relevant art(s) to manufacture and use the invention.

[011] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a beverage dispensing system according to various aspects of the invention;

[012] Figure 2 is a partially exploded perspective view of a beverage dispensing system according to various aspects of the invention;

[013] Figure 3 is a front view of a beverage dispensing system according to various aspects of the invention;

[014] Figure 4 is a side view of a beverage dispensing system according to various aspects of the invention;

[015] Figure 5 is a top view of a beverage dispensing system according to various aspects of the invention;

[016] Figure 6 is a front view of a beverage dispensing system according to various aspects of the invention;

[017] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a beverage dispensing system according to various aspects of the invention;

[018] Figure 8 is a top perspective view of a beverage dispensing system according to various aspects of the invention.

[019] Figure 9A is a block diagram of an illustrative method for dispensing products according to various aspects of the invention;

[020] Figure 9B is a block diagram of an illustrative method for dispensing products according to various aspects of the invention;

[021] Figure 10 is a block diagram of an illustrative method for priming a nozzle module according to various aspects of the invention; and

[022] Figure 11 illustrates an example hardware platform according to various aspects of the invention.

[023] The characteristics and advantages of the modalities will be more evident from the detailed description below when considered together with the figures, in which similar reference characters identify corresponding elements in all of them. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[024] The present invention(s) shall be described in detail with reference to the embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying figures. References to 'embodiment', 'an embodiment', 'an illustrative embodiment', etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular attribute, structure, or feature, but each embodiment need not necessarily include the particular attribute, structure, or feature. Furthermore, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, when a particular attribute, structure, or characteristic is described in relation to one modality, it is assumed that the effect of such attribute, structure, or characteristic in relation to other modalities, whether explicitly described or not, is within the knowledge of an expert in the technique.

[025] Beverage dispensing units have become a popular way for food and beverage establishments to create on-site beverage fountains. Beverage dispensers frequently use beverage dispensing valves that employ two separate flow paths to dispense water (carbonated or non-carbonated, depending on the beverage type) and syrup into a glass, where the water and syrup are mixed to produce a beverage. Alternatively, "premix" dispensers can dispense premixed beverages. Postmix systems often include several bag-in-box containers, each containing syrup, a liquid source that dispenses a liquid, a mixing unit, and a dispensing unit. The syrup is pumped from the bag-in-box container into the mixing unit where it is blended with liquid to form a beverage that is dispensed through the dispensing unit.Typically, a pump releases the syrup from the pouch-in-box container into the dispensing valves. Beverage dispensers often include a row of beverage dispensing valves; each valve includes a nozzle.

[026] Drop-style beverage dispensers can be designed to fit into a hole cut in a countertop or can be installed in a freestanding cabinet. Typically, drop-style beverage dispensers include an open ice reservoir and are therefore for employee use only. The ice reservoir can be used to store ice for filling beverage cups, as well as for chilling products flowing through the cold plate incorporated into the dispenser. Beverage dispensing towers with one or more dispensing valves can be used to dispense carbonated and / or non-carbonated beverages.

[027] Conventional beverage dispensing units and systems place the bag-in-box containers and pump in a back room, such as a storage room or food preparation area, because they can be noisy and distracting to customers. Alternatively, the bag-in-box containers and pump can be located close to the beverage dispensing unit. For example, the bag-in-box containers and pump can be located under a table on which the dispenser rests.

[028] The dispensing unit is frequently placed in the food service area of ​​the restaurant or bar so that staff and / or customers can access it. It is time-consuming to assemble, disassemble, and maintain because it is located in multiple rooms and because access to the unit's components is difficult. The assembly, disassembly, and maintenance of this beverage dispensing unit is frequently performed by a highly qualified technician due to the unit's complexity.

[029] Regardless of the specific beverage dispenser design, beverage dispensing valves after mixing typically dispense only one beverage flavor per valve. The number of these single-flavor valves that fit in a dispenser is limited, and therefore, valves are allocated to the most popular flavors, typically carbonated beverages (cola, diet cola, lemon-lime, root beer, etc.). Other non-carbonated 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 flavor mixing between beverage dispensing cycles. Including additional valves requires extra counter space and can thus increase the cost of beverage dispensing.

[030] Due to the infrastructure and the nature of the systems, including the cost of switching and replacing equipment, it is sometimes preferable to offer fewer beverages and / or additional flavors in a food and beverage establishment (e.g., restaurant, convenience store, grocery store, or similar). A rotary dispenser that offers different beverages and / or flavors may require the replacement of components such as the syrup line to prevent cross-contamination from previous syrup flavors that may have passed through the line.

[031] In addition, less commonly used beverages and flavors may be prone to expiration and therefore may be less ideal in a downstream blending environment with regard to supply chain and shelf-life management perspective.

[032] The present dispensing system provides the capability to dispense 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 or still water can flow into the nozzle tower to be mixed with a beverage concentrate and provide additional beverage flavor options.

[033] The modalities described below can be used to form a wide variety of products, such as beverages, including, but not limited to, hot and cold beverages, and including, but not limited to, beverages known by any PepsiCo brand name, such as Pepsi-Cola®.

[034] An aspect of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 1-11. Throughout the system, conventional beverage tubing (approved by the FDA for use with food products) is used to connect the system components. Any of the beverage tubing conduits may be insulated to prevent heat loss or gain. In the beverage dispensing system 10, a diluent source supplies diluent, e.g., water, to the system 10. In one aspect, the diluent may be at typical domestic water pressures, e.g., approximately 35,153.44210,920.65 kilograms per square meter (50-300 pounds per square inch (psi)).

[035] The beverage dispensing system 10 is shown in Figures 1-6. The term “beverage” has been used to readily convey illustrative modalities to the 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 invention. In the following description, reference is made to the vertical direction 2, horizontal direction 4, and width direction 6.

[036] The beverage dispensing system 10 may generally resemble a traditional fountain beverage dispenser. In one aspect, the beverage dispensing system 10 may include a dispenser housing 13. The dispenser housing 13 may include a lower end 10a and an upper end 10b. The valve retaining housing surface 18 may be located in the dispenser housing 13. In one aspect, the valve retaining housing surface 18 may be located adjacent to the upper end 10b. The beverage dispensing system 10 may also include a base 11, an ice tray 12, a drip tray 14, and a drip tray grid 16. The drip tray 14 may be located within the base 11. In one aspect, the drip tray 14 may include a receptacle area for collecting fluid waste from the beverage dispensing system 10 and / or nozzle module 100.In this way, the Beverage Dispensing System 10 and the Nozzle Module 100 can use a common drip tray without the need to run additional new drain lines.

[037] As shown in Figures 1-3, the beverage dispensing system 10 may include one or more dispensing valves 20. Each dispensing valve 20 may include a valve housing 22, a valve lever 24 for actuating the valve 20, and a valve nozzle 26. Beverage fluid may be supplied to the beverage dispensing system 10 and dispensed from one or more of the nozzles 26. In one aspect, the beverage fluid may be supplied to the beverage dispensing system 10 and mixed with a diluent, e.g., water or carbonated water, in one or more of the valve nozzles 26. In one aspect, each dispensing valve 20 may include a push button (not shown) in place of the valve lever 24 for actuating the dispensing valve 20. The push button may include a logo of the beverage to be dispensed from the beverage dispenser 10.

[038] One or more of the valve housings 22 may be located in the dispenser housing 13 along the width direction 6. In one aspect, one or more valve housings 24 may be joined to a surface of the valve retainer housing 18 located above the dispenser housing 13. In another aspect, a plurality of valve housings 22 may be adjacent to each other and equally spaced along the surface of the valve retainer housing 18.

[039] In one aspect, one or more dispensing valves can be seamlessly connected with a fluid line supplying concentrated beverage syrup and a fluid line supplying carbonated or non-carbonated water to mix with the concentrated beverage syrup to create a finished beverage.

[040] As shown in Figures 3-4, one or more dispensing valves 20 including one or more valve nozzles 26 can be aligned along the axis 202. In one aspect, a plurality of dispensing valves 20 can be generally aligned. For example, the valve nozzles 26 may generally be aligned along shaft 202. Shaft 202 may extend along the width direction 6. Shaft 202 may be separated by a distance D1 from the surface of the valve retaining housing 18. In one aspect, D1 may be a range from approximately zero centimeters (zero inches) to approximately 25.4 centimeters (10 inches), such as approximately 2.54 centimeters (one inch) to approximately 20.332 centimeters (eight inches), such as approximately 2.54 centimeters (one inch) to approximately 15.24 centimeters (six inches), such as approximately one inch to approximately 10.16 centimeters (four inches).

[041] In one aspect, one or more dispensing valves 20 may be located above the drip tray 14 to dispense a fluid onto the drip tray 14. In this aspect, the receptacle within the drip tray 14 may collect fluid residues from one or more dispensing valves 20.

[042] As shown in Figures 1-4, the nozzle module 100 may include a cover 102, a nozzle module housing 104, a first module end 106, a second module end 108, a control interface 130, and a nozzle 140. The nozzle 140 may be located adjacent to the second end 108. In one respect, the nozzle module 100 may connect to the beverage dispenser 10, thus utilizing the vertical space previously above the beverage dispenser 10. The nozzle module 100 may provide additional dispensing points in a common location without requiring additional counter space. The nozzle module 100 may also allow a user to make a complete beverage in a single location. For example, a user may make a branded beverage and add flavoring in one location.

[043] In one aspect, the nozzle module housing 104 may extend above and / or outward from one or more dispensing valves 20. The module housing 104 may connect to the dispenser housing 13. In one aspect, the beverage dispenser 10 may be modified with the nozzle module 100. In this aspect, the cover 102 may be replaced by a beverage dispenser (not shown) located along the upper end 10b of the dispenser housing 13. For example, the cover 102 may connect to the dispenser housing 13 and may use the same attachment points as the merchandising module is being replaced. Additionally, the nozzle module may be covered with a merchandising material and may be positioned to avoid obscuring the branding on the beverage dispenser 10.

[044] In another aspect, the first end of module 106 can be joined to the dispenser housing 13. In one aspect, the first end of module 106 can be joined to the dispenser housing 13 at the upper end of dispenser 10b. In another aspect, the nozzle module housing 104 can be integral with the dispenser housing 13.

[045] The nozzle module housing 104 may include a vertical portion 110 and / or a horizontal portion 120. The vertical portion 110 may include a first end 112 and a second end 114. The horizontal portion 120 may include a proximal end 122 and a distal end 124. The nozzle 140 may be located adjacent to the distal end 124. In one aspect, the first end 112 may connect to the dispenser housing 13. In another aspect, the first end 112 may connect to the dispenser housing 13 at the upper end of the dispenser 10b. In one aspect, the nozzle 140 may be distal to the dispenser housing 13 and distal to one or more nozzles 26 along the horizontal direction 4.

[046] In one aspect, the horizontal portion 120 can be connected to the dispenser housing 13. In another aspect, the horizontal portion 120 can be connected to the vertical portion 110. For example, the proximal end 122 of the horizontal portion 120 can be connected to the second end 114 of the vertical portion 110. In one aspect, the horizontal portion 120 can be integral with the vertical portion 110.

[047] As shown in Figures 3-4, the nozzle 140 can generally be aligned along shaft 204. Shaft 204 can extend along the width direction 6. Shaft 204 can be parallel to shaft 202. Shaft 204 can be horizontally offset from shaft 202. In one aspect, shaft 204 can be offset by a horizontal distance D2 from the surface of the valve retaining housing 18. The distance D2 can be greater than the distance D1. In one aspect, D2 can be a range from approximately zero centimeters (zero inches) to approximately 25.4 centimeters (10 inches), such as approximately 2.54 centimeters (one inch) to approximately 22.86 centimeters (nine inches), such as approximately 5.08 centimeters (two inches) to approximately 20.32 centimeters (eight inches), such as approximately three inches to approximately seven inches, such as approximately 10.16 centimeters (four inches) to approximately 15.24 centimeters (six inches). Alternatively, the difference between D2 and D1 can range from approximately 2.54 centimeters (one inch) to approximately 11.78 centimeters (seven inches), or from approximately 5.08 centimeters (two inches) to approximately 12.7 centimeters (five inches). Furthermore, the distance D1 can be greater than the distance D2.

[048] In one aspect, axis 204 may be vertically separated from axis 202. For example, axis 204 may be vertically separated by a height H from axis 202. Axis 204 may be located above axis 202. In another aspect, axis 202 may be located below axis 204. In one aspect, H may be a range from approximately zero centimeters (zero inches) to approximately 38.1 centimeters (15 inches), such as approximately 2.54 centimeters (one inch) to approximately 33.02 centimeters (13 inches), such as approximately two inches to approximately 27.94 inches (11 inches), such as approximately 7.62 centimeters (three inches) to approximately 22.86 centimeters (nine inches), such as approximately 10.16 centimeters (four inches) to approximately 17.78 centimeters (seven inches).

[049] In one aspect, the nozzle 140 and one or more dispensing valves 20 can be positioned above the drip tray 14 to dispense fluids onto the drip tray 14. In this aspect, the receptacle within the drip tray 14 can collect fluid waste from both the nozzle 140 and one or more dispensing valves 20. In this way, the beverage dispensing system 10 and the nozzle module 100 can use a common drip tray without the need to run additional new drain lines.

[050] Figures 2-3 illustrate the nozzle module 100 and the control interface 130. The control interface 130 can be programmable to allow the correct dosing of the beverage fluid for a selected beverage size. In one aspect, the control interface 130 can include flavor input buttons 132 and size input buttons 134. A user can make desired selections, such as the selection of a desired modifier, flavorings, or beverage brand, which can be dispensed from the nozzle module 100. In one aspect of the invention, the input buttons 132 and the size input buttons 134 can be physical buttons electrically connected to a switch. In another aspect of the invention, the control interface 130 can include a touchscreen, and the flavor buttons 132 and the size buttons 134 can be graphical button icons.

[051] Control interface 130 may include between one and 10 flavor buttons 132. For example, control interface 130 may include five flavor buttons 132a-132f. Each of the respective flavor buttons 132 may include an icon representing a modifier, flavoring, or beverage brand to be dispensed. For example, in one aspect, flavor button 132a may include an icon for cherry flavoring, flavor button 132b may include an icon for vanilla flavoring, flavor button 132c may include an icon for strawberry flavoring, flavor button 132d may include an icon for lemon flavoring, flavor button 132e may include an icon for lime flavoring, and flavor button 132f may include an icon for peach flavoring. In another aspect of the invention, the flavor buttons 132a-132f may include an icon representing a desired beverage brand.For example, flavor buttons 132a-132f may include an icon representing a desired beverage brand. For example, flavor button 132a may include an icon for Sierra Mist®, flavor button 132b may include an icon for Tropicana®, flavor button 132c may include an icon for Diet Pepsi-Cola®, flavor button 132d may include an icon for Pepsi-Cola®, flavor button 132e may include an icon for Lipton Brisk® Tea, and flavor button 132f may include an icon for Mountain Dew®.

[052] In one aspect, the control interface 130 may include flavor selection indicators 136a-136f to correspond to each of the flavor buttons 132a-132f. In one aspect, when a flavor button is selected, the corresponding flavor selection indicator may light up.For example, when flavor button 132a is pressed, the corresponding flavor selection indicator 136a may light up; when flavor button 132b is pressed, the corresponding flavor selection indicator 136b may light up; when flavor button 132c is pressed, the corresponding flavor selection indicator 136c may light up; when flavor button 132d is pressed, the corresponding flavor selection indicator 136d may light up; when flavor button 132e is pressed, the corresponding flavor selection indicator 136e may light up; and when flavor button 132f is pressed, the corresponding flavor selection indicator 136f may light up.

[053] In another respect, when a fluid source corresponding to a flavor button is depleted, the corresponding flavor selection indicator may remain illuminated. For example, when a fluid source corresponding to flavor button 132a is depleted, the corresponding flavor selection indicator 136a may remain illuminated; when a fluid source corresponding to flavor button 132b is depleted, the corresponding flavor selection indicator 136b may remain illuminated; when a fluid source corresponding to flavor button 132c is depleted, the corresponding flavor selection indicator 136c may remain illuminated; when a fluid source corresponding to flavor button 132d is depleted, the corresponding flavor selection indicator 136d may remain illuminated;When a fluid source corresponding to a flavor button 132e is depleted, the corresponding flavor selection indicator 136e may remain illuminated; and when a fluid source corresponding to a flavor button 132f is depleted, the corresponding flavor selection indicator 136f may remain illuminated; Alternatively, when a fluid source corresponding to a flavor button is depleted, the corresponding flavor selection indicator may flash on and off intermittently.

[054] Control interface 130 may also include between one and five size 134 buttons. For example, control interface 130 may include three size 134a-134c buttons. Alternatively, the control interface may include two size 134a and 134b buttons. Each of the respective size 134 buttons may include an icon corresponding to a desired beverage size. For example, size 134a button may include an icon for a small beverage, size 134b button may include an icon for a medium beverage, and size 134c button may include an icon for a large beverage.

[055] In one aspect, the control interface 130 may include a programming indicator 138. The programming indicator 138 may flash on and off intermittently when the control interface 130 is in programming mode. In another aspect, the programming indicator 138 may flash on and off intermittently when the control interface 130 is in priming mode, as described with reference to Figure 10 below.

[056] As shown in Figures 1 and 6, the beverage fluid can be supplied to the beverage dispensing system 10 and / or the nozzle module 100 by pumps 70 through fluid line 72. The pumps 70 can push the beverage fluid along fluid line 72. In one aspect, the pumps 70 and the beverage fluid sources 80 can be physically located in a separate area from the beverage dispensing system 10. For example, the pumps 70 can be physically located in a back room 56, such as a storage room or a food preparation area. In another aspect, the beverage fluid sources 80 and the pumps 70 can be located close to the beverage dispensing unit. For example, the beverage fluid sources 80 and the pumps 70 can be located in an area 52 under a table 50 on which the beverage dispensing system 10 rests.

[057] The pumps 70 can be seamlessly connected to the beverage fluid sources 80 via the fluid lines 74 (Figure 6). In one aspect, the beverage fluid sources 80 can be bag-in-box containers. In another aspect, the beverage fluid sources 80 can include flavorings. For example, the beverage fluid sources 80 can include cherry, strawberry, vanilla, lemon, peach, grape, lime, and / or raspberry flavorings. In this aspect, the beverage fluid can be dispensed from the nozzle module 100 into the cup 30 without mixing with a diluent at nozzle 140.

[058] In another aspect, beverage fluid sources 80 may include concentrated beverage syrup. For example, beverage fluid sources may include concentrated syrup for Sierra Mist®, Tropicana®, Diet Pepsi-Cola®, Pepsi-Cola®, Lipton Brisk® Tea, Mountain Dew®, Diet Mountain Dew®, and / or MUG Root Beer®. In another aspect, a water line and / or a carbonated water line may be supplied to nozzle module 100. In this aspect, the beverage fluid may be mixed with water or carbonated water at nozzle 140 to form a finished beverage.

[059] In one aspect, the nozzle module 100 can communicate wirelessly with the pumps 70. In this aspect, a nozzle module 100 can include a wireless transceiver 160. The pumps 70 can include a wireless transceiver 60 to communicate with the wireless transceiver 160.

[060] As shown in Figures 7-8, the nozzle module 100 can be a standalone beverage dispensing tower. In this aspect, the nozzle module housing 104 can be placed on a table and connected directly to the drip tray 14. In this aspect, the nozzle 140 of the nozzle module can be placed only on the drip tray 14 and the drip tray grid 16.

[061] In one aspect, nozzle module 100 may include pumps 170a-170e and fluid lines 172a-172e. Pumps 170a-170e and fluid lines 172a-172e may be located within nozzle module housing 104. For example, pumps 170a-170e and fluid lines 172a-172e may be located within the vertical portion 110 of nozzle module housing 104. Pumps 170a-170e and fluid lines 172a-172e may supply beverage fluid to nozzle 104.

[062] The nozzle module 100 shown in Figures 7-8 may include all the same features and functionalities as the nozzle module 100 described above with respect to Figures 1-6.

[063] The manner in which a user engages the nozzle module control interface to select and / or dispense a flavor may vary. Figure 9A shows an illustrative method for dispensing a fluid available in a crew service mode according to one aspect of the invention.

[064] In step 901, a beverage size selection can be received by user input using one of the size buttons 134a-134c. The selected size remains active until another size is selected, for example, in step 903. When a flavor button is selected, the corresponding flavor selection indicator may light up.For example, when flavor button 132a is pressed, the corresponding flavor selection indicator 136a may light up; when flavor button 132b is pressed, the corresponding flavor selection indicator 136b may light up; when flavor button 132c is pressed, the corresponding flavor selection indicator 136c may light up; when flavor button 132d is pressed, the corresponding flavor selection indicator 136d may light up; when flavor button 132e is pressed, the corresponding flavor selection indicator 136e may light up; and when flavor button 132f is pressed, the corresponding flavor selection indicator 136f may light up. The corresponding flavor selection indicator may light up continuously or it may flash on and off.

[065] In step 903, an updated beverage size selection can be received via user input using one of the other size buttons 134a and 134c. For example, a user might select a small size using button 134a in step 901, but before dispensing the fluid, update the size selection to a large size using button 134c.

[066] In step 905, a selection of a flavor or type or brand of beverage can be received through user input using one of the flavor buttons 132a-132f. For example, a user can select one of the flavor buttons 132a-132f that corresponds to cherry flavoring, vanilla flavoring, strawberry flavoring, lemon flavoring, lime flavoring, peach flavoring, Sierra Mist® brand flavoring, Tropicana® brand flavoring, Diet Pepsi-Cola® brand flavoring, Pepsi-Cola® brand flavoring, Lipton Brisk® brand flavoring, Mountain Dew® brand flavoring, Diet Mountain Dew® brand flavoring, or MUG Root Beer® brand flavoring.

[067] In stage 907, the control interface 130 can send electronic signals to the pumps 70 to make the nozzle module 100 dispense from the nozzle 140 the flavor or beverage selected in stage 905 in the appropriate size selected in stage 903. In one aspect, stage 907 can start after receiving the flavor or type or brand selection in stage 905.

[068] Although the example method in Figure 9A shows a particular order of steps, the exact order of the steps above could change, and the dispenser could receive additional input from the user before, after, and between the particular steps of the example method above. The order of the steps and / or what input is received during the course of a user's interaction with a dispenser may depend on the organization of the user interface.

[069] Figure 9B shows an illustrative method for dispensing a fluid available in a self-service mode according to an aspect of the invention.

[070] In stage 911, a selection of a beverage type or brand can be received through user input via one of the flavor buttons 132a-132f. For example, a user can select one of the flavor buttons 132a-132f that corresponds to cherry flavoring, vanilla flavoring, strawberry flavoring, lemon flavoring, lime flavoring, peach flavoring, Sierra Mist® brand flavoring, Tropicana® brand flavoring, Diet Pepsi-Cola® brand flavoring, Pepsi-Cola® brand flavoring, Lipton Brisk® brand flavoring, Mountain Dew® brand flavoring, Diet Mountain Dew® brand flavoring, or MUG Root Beer® brand flavoring.

[071] At stage 913, a selection of a drink size can be received through user input using one of the size buttons 134a-134c.

[072] In stage 915, the control interface 130 can send electronic signals to the pumps 70 to make the nozzle module 100 dispense from the nozzle 140 the flavor or beverage selected in stage 905 in the appropriate size selected in stage 903. In one aspect, stage 915 can start upon receiving the beverage size selection in stage 913.

[073] Although the example method in Figure 9B shows a particular order of steps, the exact order of the steps above could change, and the beverage dispensing valve system could receive or generate additional electronic data before, after, and between the particular steps of the example method above. The order of the steps and / or what input is received during the course of a user's interaction with a dispenser may depend on the organization of the user interface.

[074] Priming the pumps may be required to push fluid through line 72 when changing products or to clear a run-out condition when one or more of the concentrate sources 80 are empty. When changing products, priming prevents cross-contamination of flavorings from the previous syrup flavors running through the line. Figure 10 shows an illustrative method for priming the fluid line.

[075] In step 1001, a selection to enter the priming function may be received via user input. 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, the user may receive a selection to enter the priming function by simultaneously pressing buttons 134a and 134c. Once the priming function is initiated, the programming indicator 138 may flash on and off. If a product is detected as being out of stock, the respective out-of-stock flavor selection indicators 136a-136f may flash on and off.

[076] In step 1003, a selection of a product, e.g., flavor or type or brand of priming drink, can be received by means of user input using one of the flavor buttons 132a-132f.

[077] In step 1005, the selected fluid may be dispensed to prime the line. In one aspect of the invention, the selected flavor or type or brand of beverage may be pumped 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 invention, the selected flavor or type or brand of beverage may be pumped while the user continues pressing the selected flavor button. In this aspect, the user must continue pressing the selected flavor button until a steady stream of product flows from the line.

[078] Steps 1003 and 1005 can be repeated for each product that needs to be primed.

[079] In step 1007, a selection to exit the priming function can be received via user input. In one aspect, the input to exit the priming function can be a combination of one or more of buttons 132a-132f and / or 134a-134c. For example, the user can receive a selection to exit the priming function by simultaneously pressing buttons 134a and 134c. Once the priming function is complete, the programming indicator 138 may stop flashing.

[080] Although the example method in Figure 10 shows a particular order of steps, the exact order of the steps above could change, and the dispenser could receive additional input from the user before, after, and between the particular steps of the example method above. The order of the steps and / or what input is received during the course of a user's interaction with a dispenser may depend on the organization of the user interface.

[081] Figure 11 shows an illustrative computing device in which at least some of the various elements described herein may be implemented, including, but not limited to, various components of dispensing systems (e.g., beverage dispensing system 10 and / or nozzle module 100). The Computing Device 1100 may include one or more processors 1101, which may execute instructions from a computer program to perform, or cause to be performed, any of the steps or functions described herein. The instructions may be stored on any type of computer-readable medium or memory to configure the operation of the processor 1101.For example, instructions may be stored in read-only memory (ROM) 1102, random-access memory (RAM) 1103, removable media 1104 such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) drive, a compact disc (CD) or a digital versatile disc (DVD), a floppy disk drive, a flash card, or any other desired electronic storage medium. Instructions may also be stored on an attached (or internal) hard disk drive 1105.

[082] The control interface 130 and / or the pumps 70 can be controlled by the computer device 1100, which includes the processors 1101. The computer device 1100 and processors 1101 receive electronic signals from the control interface 130 and send electronic signals to start the pumps 70. The computer device 1100 and processors 1101 can provide intelligent control of the beverage dispensing system 10.

[083] The 1100 computer and the 1101 processors can also monitor system status such as fluid temperature, the number of beverages dispensed, an out-of-stock condition for one or more of the diluent sources 80, and the sensors that determine the amount of concentrate remaining in the beverage dispensing system. The 1100 computer and the 1101 processors can also provide service diagnostics and the ability to remotely probe the electronic status.

[084] The computing device 1100 may include one or more output devices, such as a display 1106, and may include one or more output device controllers 1107, such as a video processor. In addition, there may be one or more user input devices 1008, such as a touchscreen, remote control, keyboard, mouse, microphone, card reader, REID reader, etc. The computing device 1100 may also include one or more network interfaces, such as input / output circuitry 1109, for communicating with an external network 1110. The network interface may be a wired interface, a wireless interface, or a combination of both. In some embodiments, the interface 1109 may include a modem (e.g., a cable modem), and the network 1110 may include the communication lines of the networks illustrated in Figure 10 or any other desired network.

[085] The example in Figure 11 is an illustrative hardware configuration. Modifications can be made to add, remove, combine, split, etc., components as desired. Furthermore, the illustrated components can be implemented using basic computer devices and components, and the same components (e.g., processor 1101, storage 1102, user input device 1108, etc.) can be used to implement any of the other computer devices and components described herein.

[086] One or more aspects of the description may be incorporated into 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. Computer-executable instructions may be stored on one or more computer-readable media such as a hard disk, an optical disk, removable storage media, solid-state memory, RAM, etc. The functionality of program modules may be combined or distributed, as desired, in various ways.Furthermore, the functionality may be incorporated, in whole or in part, into firmware or hardware equivalents, such as integrated circuits, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), controllers, application-specific integrated circuits (ASIOS), hardware / firmware / software combinations, and the like. Particular data structures may be used to more effectively implement one or more aspects of the invention, and such data structures are contemplated within the scope of the computer-executable instructions and computer-usable data described herein.

[087] It will be appreciated that the Detailed Description section, and not the Summary and Abstract sections, is intended to be used to interpret the claims. The Summary and Abstract sections of the invention may describe one or more, but not all, of the illustrative embodiments of the present invention as contemplated by the inventor(s) and, therefore, are not intended to limit in any way the present invention or the appended claims.

[088] The present invention has been described above with the aid of functional building blocks that illustrate the implementation of the specified functions and their relationships. The boundaries of these functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined in the present description for the sake of descriptive convenience. Alternative boundaries may be defined, provided that the specified functions and their relationships are properly carried out.

[089] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will then fully reveal the general nature of the invention, which others may use, applying the knowledge of a person skilled in the art, to easily modify and / or adapt these specific embodiments for various applications without excessive experimentation, without departing from the general concept of the present invention. Therefore, these adaptations and modifications are intended to remain within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the described embodiments, in accordance with the teachings and guidance presented herein. It is understood that the phraseology or terminology of this description is for descriptive purposes and not for limitations, such that the terminology or phraseology of this specification should be interpreted by the person skilled in the art in light of the teachings and guidance provided.

[090] The breadth and scope of the present invention shall not be limited by any of the illustrative embodiments described above, but shall be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A nozzle module for a beverage dispenser comprising: a nozzle module housing having a first end for attachment to a beverage dispenser housing; a nozzle adjacent to a second end of the nozzle module housing such that the nozzle is configured to be separated by a first horizontal distance from the beverage dispenser housing; a control interface for regulating the fluid supply from the nozzle module, the control interface including a switch and coupled to the nozzle module housing;and an electronic control system coupled to the switch and configured to receive electronic control signals from the control interface to regulate the fluid supply from the nozzle module, wherein the beverage dispenser includes a beverage dispensing nozzle separated by a second horizontal distance from the beverage dispenser housing, such that the first horizontal distance is greater than the second horizontal distance, wherein the beverage dispensing nozzle is placed over a receptacle area to dispense a first fluid into the receptacle area, and wherein the nozzle module is placed over the receptacle area to dispense a second fluid into the receptacle area; 2. The nozzle module of claim 1, wherein the first horizontal distance is a range of 2.54 centimeters (one inch) to 25.4 centimeters (10 inches).

3. The nozzle module of claim 1, wherein the nozzle is configured to be separated by a vertical distance from the beverage dispensing nozzle.

4. The nozzle module of claim 3, wherein the vertical distance is a range of approximately 2.54 centimeters (one inch) to 38.1 centimeters (15 inches). 5 5. The nozzle module of claim 1, wherein the nozzle module is configured to dispense a pre-measured amount of fluid based on a first user input.

6. The nozzle module of claim 1, wherein the nozzle module is configured to dispense the pre-measured quantity based on a 10-second user input.

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