A beverage dispensing device and related method

Abstract

An apparatus (10) and method for dispensing a beverage from a single serving beverage package (B), such as an aluminum can B. In operation, a sealed package (B) is located and held in a receiving housing (11), firstly, the dispensing end of the package is opened by a perforating element (24), and secondly, gas is introduced under pressure at the second end through a hollow needle (19). Gas from a pump enters the internal volume of the package (B) and is then used to drive the beverage out of the beverage package, such as through a restrictor structure (27) at the dispensing end, and into a beverage container (G). The pump mode can then apply negative pressure to prevent flow and pause the flow, or pause when delivery to the container (G) is completed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for dispensing beverages. The method and apparatus replicates keg dispensing in a compact device and is capable of forming a foam on the beverage in a form during / after the dispensing process. Such beverages will have a gas in solution, such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen, combinations thereof or any other inert gas suitable for the purpose. The beverage may be alcoholic or non-alcoholic, but the invention is particularly suitable for beverages such as cider, cocktails, beer, lager, ale and stout, where the presence of foam on the beverage is traditional and desirable when the beverage is presented to the consumer in a beverage container. Background Art

[0002] The most common form of providing beer to consumers is through keg dispensers (i.e., large volume / large capacity containers with multiple servings) or single-piece packaging such as aluminum cans and glass bottles. Keg distribution is usually only possible in a public place / restaurant environment because the dispensing equipment is expensive and requires maintenance. Of course, due to space and cost constraints, bars or similar stores cannot always store beverages in bulk containers such as kegs. The space required to store kegs is large, and the associated dispensing and cooling equipment will also bring great costs to the operator, and may not be reasonable in the case of relatively low sales volumes. Therefore, many businesses focus on selling beverages stored in bottles or cans, which are usually placed in display refrigerators behind the bar. Single-piece packaging is also usually available for home use.

[0003] Keg dispensers rely on gas under pressure to deliver beverage from a keg into a drink container such as a pint glass. The gas pressure can further be used to force the beverage through a porous "creamer plate", which can cause dissolved gases to come out of solution, especially in the case of nitrogen-containing beers, resulting in a creamy head in the glass for drinking. The creamer plate is undesirable in the case of ale or other purely carbonated beverages because it causes excessive foaming and a head that is too large to be comfortable to drink.

[0004] The foam of a bucket dispensing system cannot be reproduced using conventional single-piece packaging unless additional devices / functionality are employed to simulate this effect. A common device used to simulate bucket pour foam is the so-called "widget", which is a hollow plastic device that is inserted into a can or bottle during filling to float on the surface of the beverage in the sealed can. The content volume of the widget is pressurized during filling, and when the beverage package is opened, the pressure difference causes the gas / beverage to be ejected into the main volume of the beverage, triggering the nucleation of dissolved gases, thereby bubbling up foam from the solution.

[0005] Widgets are widely available and accepted in the market, but add expense / delay in the manufacturing process and resulting plastic waste as widgets are left behind in old beverage containers.

[0006] Alternative methods of producing foam for single-serving beverages are known. For example, ultrasonic excitation can generate or increase foam on a beverage. Ultrasonic excitation causes cavitation of the liquid, prompting the gas in the liquid to escape from the solution. The gas thus forms tiny bubbles, which migrate to the surface of the liquid, forming a bubbling foam on the surface. The required equipment is relatively simple and does not require much space, so it is suitable for use in places such as those discussed above where only bottled or canned beverages are stored and where space restrictions may be present.

[0007] Dispensing systems that use compressed air to assist in emptying unit portions are also known, such as WO2017 / 121796 and WO2019 / 101997. However, such systems relate to beverage preparation machines in which a beverage concentrate from a perforated container is mixed with a diluent from another source (e.g. a predetermined amount of carbonated water) and subsequently delivered to a beverage container with the assistance of a compressed air source. The use of compressed air also has the effect of effectively avoiding reverse contamination in the direction of the dispenser, because when the cartridge system is inserted into the bracket, the pressure conduit is immediately under pressure, so that the food matrix and / or the beverage matrix is ​​prevented from traveling in the direction of the dispenser and the compressed air source. The application of these systems is completely different from the situation of the present invention.

[0008] WO2009 / 024147 relates to a beverage dispensing system in which a deformable and replaceable multi-use container is placed in a squeezable chamber. Compressed air introduced into the chamber causes the container to deform and forces its contents, such as beer, to be dispensed through an outlet. This system is based on single-serving containers and is configured to pressurize the outer wall of the deformable container (i.e., the pressurized fluid does not directly contact the beverage itself), which is also very different from the situation of the present invention.

[0009] US3424346 discloses a dispenser in which a plurality of beverage packages are loaded into the device. When the lid is closed, the piercing tip engages with the package and is discharged into the passage. Summary of the invention

[0010] The present invention is directed to providing an alternative apparatus, method and system for providing a single serving of beverages to a consumer. A single serving refers to a canned or bottled product, as opposed to a keg of beverage. The present invention provides at least one useful alternative, namely replicating keg dispensing in a compact device.

[0011] In a broad aspect, the device according to the invention is defined in claim 1. The method according to the invention is defined in claim 18.

[0012] It will be appreciated that the present invention will provide an improved method and apparatus for forming foam on beverages and / or, indeed, a general new dispensing system that replicates barrel dispensing in a compact device, not necessarily only for beverages that require foaming. In particular, the device should be simple to use, not requiring the user to perform multiple operations, or at least minimize maintenance operations. Thus, the user can be relatively unskilled and the process easily repeatable to ensure consistent pour quality.

[0013] The present invention may take the form of a beverage dispensing device, including a receiving feature or device, such as a bracket / support / support / frame, for positioning and supporting (i.e., surrounding / enclosing) the opposite ends of the beverage package, such as in an inverted manner. In one form, the receiving structure is configured to place the beverage package above the conveying container so that gravity helps to distribute it into the container, or at least does not require the use of a pump during all or part of the distribution. For convenience and hygienic reasons, the beverage package may be a single portion, but it is also possible that, depending on its content volume, a limited number of portions can be distributed from the package, or multiple single-portion packages can be arranged in a series of distribution. Once the package is fixed by the receiving feature at both ends, the gas delivery device / mechanism / equipment is configured to introduce gas into the beverage package under pressure, i.e., directly contact the liquid volume inside. In practice, the gas delivery device can be or include a piercing device / sleeve / hollow needle type device, which is associated with a piston or similar engagement surface pushed against one end of the beverage package and is driven through the wall of the package (e.g., an upturned end wall). For example, the gas can be delivered from an ambient air compressor, or bottled. Preferably, when the gas is introduced into the package and in direct contact with the beverage, the delivery point is above the level of the beverage, that is, it does not bubble through the liquid or require a long vent tube. The gas may be driven by a pump (which can be switched to operate in different modes) or multiple pumps. In a particular form of the invention, the gas delivery device is operable to create a vacuum for improved control of beverage dispensing, such as pausing. When the beverage dispensed into the container is completed, the application of a vacuum is also used to prevent a large amount of foam from dripping into the beverage for display purposes.

[0014] The present invention optimizes the distribution of single-serving containers of ready-to-drink beverages by using compressed air as a propellant. In this case, "ready-to-drink" only means drinkable in this state and not mixed with another liquid before distribution. In practice, the beverage package may contain a dark beer containing gas in the solution, preferably, it is necessary to further form foam to make the beverage most suitable for drinking. The package requires a distribution port to allow the beverage to flow out. The distribution port can be combined with a shell or frame associated with a receiving feature (or can be removed therefrom). The distribution port includes a nozzle and a device for puncturing the distribution end of the beverage package before the gas is introduced into the internal volume of the package from a gas delivery device. In other words, there are two puncture operations relative to the beverage container, that is, the first puncture step is to open the outlet, and the second puncture step is to open the channel into the container foam space and then introduce a compressible fluid that helps the beverage pass through the outlet. In large aspects, the present invention requires that the beverage package be kept between its two ends. Each end is engaged with a joint portion having a puncture element, and time control is performed so that the lower end is punctured first, causing liquid flow, and then puncturing the upper end, and then the gas can be delivered to pressurize the foam space.

[0015] In one form, the first puncture point is substantially remote from the second puncture point, for example at both ends of the beverage container. "Remote" should at least be interpreted as the gas pressure source outlet is not at the same end as the liquid beverage outlet, otherwise, the introduction of compressed air at the immersion outlet will bubble through the container.

[0016] In one form, the outlet piercing device is a hollow element, during distribution, the instant beverage flows through the element to the beverage container next to it. In one form of the present invention, it is configured to promote the formation of foam on the beverage being poured, and the distribution outlet includes a restrictor (hole) plate to promote the gas to be discharged from the solution when the beverage is forced to pass through. The compressed air used as a propellant in the present invention produces a speed required for causing bubble nucleation when passing through the restrictor hole. The use of compressed air also helps to push the beverage out of the container. Back pressure (vacuum) can help control the flow of the beverage, particularly for the "two-part" pouring required for some beverage products and / or at the end of pouring.

[0017] Obviously, the characteristic feature of the exemplary form of the invention is that the gas delivery device is separate from the dispensing end, that is, it is located at the other end of the container or at least approximately spaced apart from it. In practice, there will be two perforating elements, the first is to open the dispensing end of the beverage container, and the second is to introduce compressed gas to drive the liquid out of the container and through the dispensing end (preferably a hollow outlet coaxial with the perforating element), for example when passing through a restrictor plate.

[0018] The receiving structure, feature or means of the device, or the general housing of the apparatus, includes means for clamping / holding the opposite ends of the package in place (e.g. before and in preparation for the introduction of the dispensing and gas delivery device). Such a clamp may include a mechanical actuator, such as one or a pair of actuators or a piston that applies a force to the upper end of the package. In use, the receiving structure preferably suspends the beverage package from a container to be filled, such as a glass, so that the beverage can flow with the help of gravity or without a pump.

[0019] As previously mentioned, the beverage package is preferably a single serving / unit, which is inverted (i.e., upside down) in the conventional sense to be installed in the device. The external printing on the package can be correspondingly "inverted" so that the end / dispensing end is the "bottom" of the package. However, inversion is not required because in further embodiments, the opening can be driven through the package wall regardless of the orientation.

[0020] The device includes a device for controlling / automating the timing of the package puncture sequence once the beverage package is fixed in place. The control device can be electronic and / or mechanical in nature. An example of a mechanical form is a resilient bush (e.g., compressible material and / or spring) provided at opposite ends of the package, which (in use) can provide a sorting function, for example, to ensure that a dispensing port is first formed through the package wall before the gas delivery device is introduced at the other end. The bush, for example, is coaxially arranged along the longitudinal axis of the package, and can have different deformation characteristics. An example of electronic engagement can include an electric actuator at each end, wherein the dispensing end puncture device is driven by a motor, followed by a gas delivery puncture device driven by another motor. Equivalent variations will be apparent to the technician.

[0021] According to the present invention, a method for dispensing a beverage from a beverage package comprises the steps of positioning and holding both ends of a sealed beverage package in a receiving device, opening a dispensing end of the beverage package, introducing a gas under pressure into the beverage package at a position away from the dispensing end, and dispensing the beverage from the beverage package into a container through the opened dispensing end.

[0022] The dispensing speed can be controlled by the gas pressure of the delivery device. In fact, dispensing can be stopped / paused to allow settling time for the beverage before restarting dispensing and delivering the final volume. This control can be achieved by using a vacuum configured pump. A vacuum step can also be applied at the completion of filling the container to maintain the quality of the foam. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 illustrates an elevation / section view of one embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 illustrates a detailed cross-sectional view of one embodiment;

[0025] Figure 3 Picture shows Figure 2 A first sequence of operational steps of an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0026] Figure 4 The first series of supplementary filling sequences is illustrated;

[0027] Figure 5 The second series of supplementary filling sequences is illustrated;

[0028] Figure 6 An external view of the invention including a holder for tilting a glass. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The following description presents exemplary embodiments and is related to the accompanying Figure 1 The present invention is intended to be used to explain the principles of the invention. However, the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to the precise details of the embodiments, as variations will be apparent to the skilled person and are considered to be covered by the description. The component terms used herein should be interpreted broadly and also include equivalent functions and features. In some cases, several alternative terms (synonyms) for structural features have been provided, but these terms are not meant to be exhaustive.

[0030] Descriptive terms should also be given the broadest possible interpretation; for example, the term "comprising" as used in this specification means "consisting at least in part of," so that when interpreting each statement in this specification that includes the term "comprising," other features may be present in addition to the term or those preceding the term. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprises" are to be interpreted in the same manner. Directional terms such as "vertical," "horizontal," "upward," "downward," "upper," and "lower" are used for convenience of explanation and are generally used with reference to the illustrations and are not intended to be ultimately limiting if an equivalent function can be achieved with alternative sizes and / or orientations.

[0031] The description herein refers to embodiments with a particular combination of features, however, it is contemplated that further combinations and cross-combinations of compatible features between embodiments will be possible. In fact, independent features can function as inventions independently of other features, and do not necessarily need to be implemented as a complete combination.

[0032] refer to Figure 1, illustrates a device 10 suitable for implementing the method and providing an example according to the invention. The beverage dispensing device 10 comprises a main frame 11 supporting a linear actuator 12 to operate a clamp / piston portion 13, the function of which is to cause an engaging portion to abut against the bottom of an inverted beverage container B (e.g. an aluminum can) held in the device (e.g. via a receiving device / sleeve). The beverage container B or the device also includes a closure member 16, which includes an outlet nozzle 17 accommodated by an annular mounting 18 associated with the frame. At the upper end of the device, a cannula or hollow needle is provided for movement towards and away from the upper end bottom of the beverage container B in use together with a platform (or piston equivalent).

[0033] The device 10 can be operated manually (e.g. by pulling a lever) or electronically to engage the linear actuator 12 and cause the platform to move downwardly towards the beverage container B. The engaging portion is adapted to locate with the concave bottom of an inverted can B via the convex contact surface 22 .

[0034] Figure 1 Not shown in the figure is a conduit that delivers compressed air to enter the channel 34 through the platform in use and then pass through the hollow needle. As shown by the directional arrow A, the compressed air introduced is intended to be produced by a low-cost compressor pump (or multiple pumps) provided with the dispensing device (not shown). Advantageously, the device can operate using compressed ambient air rather than necessarily bottled gas without the adverse effect of spoiling the beverage (e.g., by oxidation) because the situation of the present invention requires that the gas be introduced and contacted with a single serving, rather than a keg (20-50L volume) of multiple servings, where the beverage contents should be isolated from atmospheric oxygen.

[0035] The closure end may be a low cost consumable injection moulded part that is clamped onto the can end after factory sealing to ensure that the device is free of used liquids and remains sanitary. The closure may include a peel seal disposed over the closure, wherein the nozzle 17 would be flexible / foldable beneath the seal and rest against the seal, awaiting use. However, in the illustrated form, the closure / nozzle is intended to be a feature of the device, rather than a disposable part shipped with the beverage container.

[0036] Figure 1 The general configuration common to all embodiments is illustrated, wherein the receiving structure supports the beverage package in an upright position, which, in use, is located directly above and aligned with the container to be filled. When the dispensing end of the package is opened, the beverage initially flows under the action of gravity. Alternative forms of the present invention may allow the conduit to deliver the beverage from the dispensing end to a location that is not aligned with the beverage package, for example, a bar top tap.

[0037] Figure 2, including a collar portion 23, a perforating element 24 for contacting and piercing a beverage container B, and a deformable sleeve 25 structure capable of reciprocating the perforating element 24 during compression. A restrictor structure 27 arranged at the inlet end of the nozzle 17 has a series of small holes to restrict the flow and promote nitrogen bubbles to be released from the liquid as the liquid passes through and enter a secondary container for drinking. Downstream of the restrictor 27, a baffle 26 provides a flow straightening function.

[0038] Figure 3 The diagram shows a sequence of operations consisting of three major steps, represented by Roman numerals (i), (ii), and (iii).

[0039] The first step (i) involves inserting an inverted beverage package, for example a container B in the form of a single-serving aluminum can, into the device to be received by the collar against the deformable structure. The can B rests on the lower sleeve seal under the action of gravity without substantial deformation. The receiving structure (only partially visible) holds the two ends of the single-serving can in place before the dispensing perforation device engages.

[0040] The second step (ii) involves activating the upper platform and associated engagement means to engage and seal the deformable sleeve 14 to the container B, wherein a continued downward force presses the dispensing end of the container B downwardly against the deformable structure, thereby engaging the sleeve / piercing element 24 and piercing the container B at its lowermost end near the seal. At this stage, liquid flow is initiated through the nozzle 17 directly into a secondary container, such as a glass G (e.g., immediately below). Figures 4 to 6 19). In particular, the actuator drives the upper moving fixture downward, causing the spring loaded cylinder 29 to apply force to the uppermost end of the can B. The can B is forced downward against the resistance of the lower sleeve seal, causing the lower sleeve / perforating element 24 to pierce the can, initiating liquid flow. The liquid is ejected through the bubbler disk 27 and the nozzle 17 until the initial gas pressure is reduced. This sequence can be achieved by a motorized embodiment, for example, by independently driving the sleeve / perforating element 24 and the sleeve 19 with motors.

[0041] The third step (iii) involves continued downward force, causing the cannula 19 to pierce the (uppermost) "base" of the container B to introduce compressed air. In particular, the continued downward force overcomes the resistance from the spring-loaded cylinder 29, so that the cannula 19 pierces the can B to introduce compressed air. The compressed air activated upon piercing increases the air pressure in the can to begin to expel the remaining liquid.

[0042] When the sleeve 19 has passed through the wall of the container B, compressed air is introduced into the internal volume to simulate barrel dispensing in a traditional vending environment. The compressed air forces the beverage to pass through the restrictor 27 under pressure from the container B, causing the beverage to foam when it is delivered to the glass G. Since the container B is a single serving size adapted to the volume of the glass G, the serving size is pre-set and does not need to be manually controlled by the user. In one form, the end of pouring can be indicated by the sound of free air and no longer liquid beverage flowing out of the nozzle 17, or the dispensing operation can be intentionally stopped when a small amount of beverage remains in the container to prevent "spraying" and damage to the foam in the delivery container. In either case, the compressor pump is turned off and the glass G is delivered to the consumer. The drip tray can catch any remaining beverage drops, and the empty container B can be removed for disposal.

[0043] By way of example only, an operating pressure of approximately 1.5 bar has been found to be sufficient for testing purposes, compared to a keg operation which requires a pressure of approximately 2.5 bar (where the beer must also be driven through a relatively long conveyor line). The pressures quoted are at the point of dispense, but may be improved in future developments. Since there is no long conveyor line to deliver the beverage for dispensing, control at the point of dispense can be optimized and more accurate for consistent pouring than with conventional keg systems.

[0044] Back to Figure 2 , beverage container B may be of any volume, such as a 440 or 568 mL aluminum can volume, but may have a "blank" can end suitable for being perforated for dispensing, i.e., without a pull ring. It is worth noting that the orientation of the beverage container (shown as "inverted") is arbitrary, as suitable engagement features may be built into new packaging designs, or retrofitted into more traditional container shapes.

[0045] The compression and engagement features of the device are achieved by using at least one actuator, such as a linear actuator 31, preferably controlled by a processor / electronics housed within or separate from the main housing (in Figure 2 The closure may be provided as a reusable unit together with the main unit and need not be a separate unit attached to container B at the factory as previously described.

[0046] As can be seen from the method of operation of the exemplary embodiment, a timed sequence of steps is required for most effective use. The timing of the sequence of piercing the can to dispense and introduce compressed air can be mechanically achieved by a "weak" elastomeric bushing (or equivalent deformable structure) disposed near the dispensing nozzle 17 to create a liquid / air tight seal around the piercing element 24 to the container B when downward pressure is induced.

[0047] A "strong" elastomeric or spring-loaded bushing 22 / 33 is provided at the cylindrical housing 32 near the compressed air source / cannula 19 to form an airtight seal against the container B at the top end of the device. The spring-loaded cylinder 29 requires a stronger downward force to deform during compression than a weak elastomeric bushing, so that in operation as described below, the weak bushing 32 yields first under the compressive force to engage the perforating element 24 into the downwardly directed end of the container B, and the cannula 19 penetrates the bottom of the container B slightly thereafter.

[0048] Refer to Figure 3 In a first step (i), container B is inserted into a housing including supports supporting each end of the container (not shown) and is placed on the collar 23.

[0049] The second step (ii) involves activating the linear actuator 31 and piston 35 at the top of the device, such as by an operator pressing an electrical switch button (not shown) to start the dispensing sequence, causing the strong elastomeric bushing 33 / spring-loaded cylinder 29 to engage and seal container B, while the weaker elastomeric bushing begins to compress, causing the perforating element 24 to pierce the downwardly directed outlet end of container B to initiate liquid flow through the nozzle 17 into the glass. An initial slow flow of beverage may flow from container B before reaching the third step (iii), i.e., the continued downward force causes compression of the strong seal 33 and engagement of the sleeve 19 to pierce the upwardly directed end of container B, while the compressor (not shown) is automatically activated to pump compressed air into the interior volume and into contact with the beverage, thereby actively forcing the beverage flow through the restrictor 27 into the glass G.

[0050] Although each of steps (ii) and (iii) may be initiated manually, it is apparent that the operation of the apparatus is preferably automated by electronic controls to improve repeatability of the operation.

[0051] In other forms of the invention, the linear actuation of each cannula may be automated by electronic means with separate actuator means, as an alternative to mechanical solutions for strong and weak engagement portions.

[0052] The exemplary embodiment results in a filled secondary container (glass G) in which a creamy foam has formed due to the pressurized flow through the restrictor 27. It is known in the art that the formation of foam can be improved by a two-step dispensing procedure, which can be reproduced by temporarily shutting off the flow through the nozzle 17 and allowing the poured liquid to settle when necessary. The flow can be prevented / paused by activating a shut-off valve and / or deactivating the compressor and / or reversing the air flow to cause a vacuum counter-gravity. The vacuum step can better control the paused dispensing. In a practical form of the invention, the vacuum step will be engaged for a defined time period and if the pouring is not manually restarted, the control system of the device will automatically complete the pouring operation.

[0053] Figure 4 The diagram shows a first replenishment sequence of operations for pouring the beverage into a glass G to obtain a traditional creamy foam, optionally followed by Figure 3 The first replenishment sequence includes three main steps, represented by Roman numerals (iv), (v) and (vi). In particular, in the earlier step (i) or at least before step (iv), the system has detected the "keg" (i.e., unit container) and performed a temperature measurement to ensure that it is within the desired range. As previously described, a manual handle (for example) has activated the motor to depress the container and pierce the dispensing end of the keg to release pressure. The uppermost end of the keg is then pierced to introduce positive air pressure from the pump, allowing the beer to flow through the foaming disk. In one form, beer L flows according to predetermined software settings.

[0054] In step (v), the pump is stopped and the motor raises the uppermost sleeve to empty the can; in a particular form of the invention, during this step, a vacuum is applied (either by a switch in the pump mode or by an additional vacuum pump) to keep the liquid from flowing out while the beverage settles; a visual display may be provided to count down to the second pour. In step (vi), either automatically or by manual intervention by the user, the pump is restarted to restart flow at a lower pressure; based on a predefined temperature / schedule stored in the controller, the pump pressure is gradually reduced before opening to atmospheric pressure to prevent spurting.

[0055] As previously mentioned, the display screen can provide visual instructions and / or step-by-step instructions to the user operating the device. Such instructions include prompts and time information for inserting or removing a container, pouring characteristics, and temperature.

[0056] refer to Figure 5 , illustrating a second replenishment sequence, in step (vii), the user manually (or by automatic means) stops pouring when the liquid level reaches the bead E of the glass G; the motor lifts the cannula to empty the tank, allowing the remaining liquid to flow under gravity to eliminate spurting; the dome D (the portion of the foam extending beyond the opening of the glass G) is automatically formed; after a predetermined time, the cannula is lowered and a second vacuum step can be applied to stop the liquid flow.

[0057] At step (viii), the system informs the user that the process is complete and the beverage is ready for consumption. The user removes the glass and serves it to the customer. At step (ix), after a predetermined time, the sleeve is raised again to empty the can, allowing any remaining liquid to drain. In one form, the liquid drains through a nozzle into a drip tray. The display may prompt the user to remove the can for recycling. The system resets.

[0058] From the above it is clear that the delivery system mimics the two-part pour used in pubs to achieve the perfect head on a beer such as Guinness. A dark beer drink is required.

[0059] In an improved form, the system provides a first pour of more than 80% of the liquid before shutting off / reversing the pressure to allow for settling time. A second pour is then initiated by the user (e.g., by referencing a countdown clock) to perform a final pour at a lower pressure. It is noteworthy that the user can control when the final pour is performed, but they only have one chance to deliver the remaining liquid. If the pour ends prematurely, it is preferred that they cannot restart it to avoid blowing air into the foam.

[0060] Figure 6 A rendering of an apparatus according to the invention is shown, including a tilt bracket 36 to provide an automated means of supporting a glass G and simulating the angular position of the glass held by a person during pouring. The tilt mechanism may be electronically controlled, or alternatively use a spring and damper, which will upright when the glass fills with liquid under the action of gravity.

[0061] The control system preferably uses an infrared sensor (for example, aimed at the black can wall) to estimate the temperature of the liquid in the aluminum can. The temperature data is then used to calculate the dispense time of the pressurized system.

[0062] Another noteworthy aspect mentioned above is that the cannula located at the top side of the inverted can moves in and out of the puncture hole, which can control / release the pressure within the can as needed and / or in conjunction with the vacuum.

[0063] UV disinfection may be used in the device. UV disinfection may include shining a light into the dispensing nozzle when not in use (ie with the inverted can attached) as a means of sterilization.

[0064] It is worth noting that according to the present invention, the lowermost portion of the inverted can is punctured first to release the pressure so that no liquid will spray back at the top.

[0065] It is also worth noting that the specific steps performed by the firmware, including operating ranges etc., are a useful aspect of the present invention. Thus, the algorithm of steps and temperature based control can form the basis of an independent invention.

[0066] It will be apparent that features in the embodiments described herein may be interchanged or substituted with equivalent features without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0067] The method and apparatus according to the invention as described above is advantageous because it is simple to use and can be manufactured in a variety of forms using existing materials. Ideally, the apparatus will be compact and can fit comfortably into a commercial bar type environment. Not only does it provide the practical benefit of enhancing the appearance and taste of beer, but it also attracts the attention of consumers by virtue of the uniqueness of the process. A form of the invention can also be developed for home use.

[0068] The present invention can be summarized as an apparatus, system and method for dispensing a beverage from a single-serving beverage package (e.g., an aluminum can B), particularly for the purpose of forming a foam on a beverage poured from said package, although a key objective is to replicate barrel dispensing in a compact device, minimizing cost and quality issues for ease of deployment. In operation, a sealed package B is positioned and held in a receiving housing, firstly, the dispensing end of the package is opened by a perforating element 24, and secondly, gas is introduced under pressure at the second end through a hollow needle. Gas from a pump / compressor, entering the internal volume of package B, is then used to drive the beverage out of the beverage package, for example through a restrictor structure 27 at the dispensing end, into a beverage container G. The pump mode can then apply negative pressure to prevent the flow of the beverage and pause the flow, or pause when delivery to the container is completed, thereby keeping the settled foam of the stable beverage intact.

[0069] The use of vacuum advantageously improves control of beverage delivery to prevent overfilling and / or implement pauses to allow sedimentation time. Therefore, an alternative expression of the inventive concept is to consider a beverage dispensing device, comprising: a receiving structure for positioning a single-serving beverage package between a dispensing outlet and a gas delivery feature. Both the dispensing outlet and the gas delivery feature may include a piercing device for piercing the beverage package, but preferably the control aspect ensures that the dispensing outlet is opened by the piercing device before the gas delivery feature is inserted. In use, gas is introduced into the beverage package under pressure and contacts the beverage contained therein for a predetermined or activated time. In a specific form, a vacuum can be applied for a second predetermined or activated time to allow a pause in dispensing for beverage sedimentation and / or to prevent overfilling. Vacuum is useful for counteracting gravity and breaking the continuous flow of beverage from its packaging.

[0070] One aspect of the present invention can also be broadly described as a beverage dispensing device, comprising: a receiving structure for positioning and holding a beverage package on a container to be filled; a dispensing outlet, including a piercing element, the piercing element is configured to pierce the beverage package and allow the beverage to flow out of the supported beverage package; and a gas delivery feature, which is used to pierce the wall of the package during use and introduce gas under pressure into the beverage package away from the outlet end of the beverage package and contact with the beverage contained therein; wherein the device includes a control device, which is configured to perforate / puncture the outlet end of the package before perforating / puncturing the gas under pressure through the gas delivery feature.

Claims

1. A beverage dispensing device (10), comprising: a receiving structure (11) for positioning and holding opposite ends of a beverage package (B); a dispensing outlet (17) comprising a perforating element (24) configured to pierce the beverage package when the beverage package is held at an opposite end by the receiving structure (11); as well as a gas delivery feature (34) comprising a cannula (19) configured to pierce a wall of the package and, in use, introduce gas under pressure directly into a foam space of the beverage package (B) remote from an outlet end of the beverage package (B) and into contact with a beverage therein; at least one pump operable in a vacuum mode for pausing dispensing; wherein the device is configured to open the outlet end of the package prior to introducing gas under pressure through the gas delivery feature (34).

2. The beverage dispensing device according to claim 1, comprising: A control device, wherein the control device controls the opening of the outlet port prior to the introduction of gas under pressure.

3. The beverage dispensing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The receiving structure includes an upper portion (13) near the gas delivery feature for receiving an upper edge of an end of the beverage package (B), and a lower portion (23) near the dispensing outlet (17) for receiving a lower edge of the beverage package (B).

4. The beverage dispensing device according to claim 2, wherein: The control means controls the duration of activation of the gas delivery feature and the outflow of beverage through the dispensing outlet.

5. The beverage dispensing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The dispensing outlet includes a restrictor plate (27).

6. The beverage dispensing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The receiving structure (11) is configured to position and hold the beverage package (B) above a container (G) to be filled.

7. The beverage dispensing device according to claim 2, wherein: The control device comprises a first deformable sleeve (25) for sealing the downwardly directed end of the package (B) and a second deformable sleeve (14) for sealing the upwardly directed end of the package (B), wherein the first deformable sleeve (25) has a lower resistance to compression than the second deformable sleeve (14).

8. The beverage dispensing device according to claim 7, wherein: The second deformable sleeve (14) surrounds the sleeve (19) and the first deformable sleeve (25) surrounds the perforating element (24) of the dispensing outlet.

9. The beverage dispensing device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein: The second deformable sleeve (14) comprises a resiliently mounted cylinder (29) extending coaxially from a piston (35) and wherein the piston (35) is movable towards the package (B) and the resiliently mounted cylinder (29) transmits a compressive force to the package (B) to firstly open communication from the dispensing outlet (17) and secondly deliver gas into the foam space of the package.

10. A method of dispensing a beverage from a beverage package, comprising the following sequential steps: Positioning and holding opposite ends of the sealed beverage package (B) in the receiving device (11); opening the dispensing end of the beverage package (B) by means of a perforating element (24); introducing gas under pressure into the foam space of the beverage package (B) through a hollow piercing element (19) and into contact with the beverage therein at a position away from the dispensing end; dispensing a beverage from the beverage package through the opened dispensing end into a container; as well as At least one pump is operated in a vacuum mode for pausing dispensing.

11. A method of dispensing a beverage from a beverage package according to claim 10, wherein: The dispense flow rate is controlled by the gas flow rate.

12. A method of dispensing a beverage from a beverage package according to claim 10 or 11, wherein: A container (G) is placed below the dispensing end to receive the poured beverage, the volume of the container (G) corresponding to the volume of the beverage package (B).

13. A system configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, comprising: Beverage packaging with a single serving volume (B); a receiving device (11) configured to removably position and support the beverage package by the opposite ends prior to opening the two ends of the package; a gas delivery feature (34) comprising a hollow puncture element (19); Distribution outlet (17); control means for implementing a time control to open the dispensing end of the beverage package (B) prior to introducing gas under pressure into the foam space of the package via the gas delivery feature; as well as At least one pump operable in a vacuum mode for pausing dispensing.

14. The system of claim 13, further comprising: A temperature sensor, wherein the control means operates the gas delivery feature (34) in dependence on the temperature of the beverage package (B).

15. The system of claim 13, wherein: The control device includes a processor configured to turn off the gas delivery feature before the beverage package is empty, allowing a two-part pour with settling time in between.

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