Syringe assembly for beverage dispensing system

Abstract

The present application provides a beverage dispensing system. The beverage dispensing system may include a syringe assembly and a nozzle. The syringe assembly may include a dosing chamber, a water chamber, and a metering pump, such that the dosing chamber is in communication with the nozzle and the water chamber is in communication with the metering pump.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates generally to beverage dispensing systems and, more particularly, to beverage dispensing systems having one or more syringe assemblies to accommodate limited-time beverage supplies and / or smaller volumes of beverage brands and / or flavors. Background of the Invention

[0003] Generally speaking, current post-mix beverage dispensers typically mix a stream of syrups, concentrates, sweeteners, additional flavors, other types of flavorings, and / or other types of ingredients containing water and / or other types of diluents. The ingredients may be stored in a bag-in-box container or the like at a distance from the beverage dispenser. The ingredients may be pumped to the beverage dispenser and mixed with the diluent in or downstream of the nozzle.

[0004] The improvement in beverage dispensing technology recently has focused on the use of micro-ingredients.Through micro-ingredients, traditional beverage base is separated into dilution or reconstruction ratio much higher component.Generally speaking, beverage dispenser can produce beverage by combining multiple highly concentrated micro-ingredients with a large amount of ingredients such as sweeteners and diluents such as still water or carbonated water.Micro-ingredients are usually stored in a tube positioned in the beverage dispenser itself or adjacent to the beverage dispenser itself.Therefore, the quantity and type of beverage provided by the beverage dispenser can only be limited by the quantity and type of the micro-ingredient tube positioned therein.

[0005] When changing from one beverage brand or flavor to another, any surface of the beverage dispenser that comes into contact with syrup, concentrate, or other ingredients must be thoroughly cleaned. Specifically, the lines, pumps, valves, and other components therein must be cleaned. Absorption of residual flavors into the beverage dispenser component materials can also be a problem. Consequently, maintenance calls or other types of downtime and expense may be required to change beverage brands or flavors.

[0006] Therefore, the operator of the beverage dispenser may be reluctant to provide limited-time offers of different beverage brands or flavorings. These limited-time offers may be regional, seasonal, promotional, etc. For example, certain types of "pumpkin spice" beverages may be popular in the fall, while cinnamon or mint flavored beverages may be popular during the winter. Therefore, the operator's reluctance to change existing brands or flavorings may result in failure to seize many types of limited-time offers and promotional tie-ins. In addition, the operator may also be reluctant to try new beverages or flavorings that do not have a set or predictable volume expectation.

[0007] Therefore, what is desired is an improved beverage dispensing system having one or more time-limited supply circuits that can provide new and different beverage brands and flavors without requiring maintenance calls or significant downtime and without reducing the quantity or volume of existing beverage brands or flavors. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Therefore, the present application provides a beverage dispensing system. The beverage dispensing system may include a syringe assembly and a nozzle. The syringe assembly may include a dosing chamber, a water chamber, and a metering pump, such that the dosing chamber is in communication with the nozzle and the water chamber is in communication with the metering pump.

[0010] The present application may further provide a method for metering an ingredient into a nozzle of a beverage dispensing system. The method may include the following steps: adding a volume of the ingredient into an ingredient chamber of a syringe assembly; positioning the syringe assembly around the nozzle; attaching a feed conduit to a water chamber of the syringe assembly; metering a volume of water into the water chamber; and forcing the volume of the ingredient out of the ingredient chamber and into the nozzle.

[0011] The present application may further provide a syringe assembly for quantitatively supplying an ingredient to a nozzle of a beverage dispensing system. The syringe assembly may include a barrel having an ingredient chamber and a water chamber, and a metering pump. The ingredient chamber of the barrel may be connected to the nozzle, and the water chamber of the barrel may be connected to the metering pump.

[0012] These and other features and improvements of the present application will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the several drawings and appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary beverage dispensing system.

[0014] Figure 2 It can be with Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a syringe assembly as may be described herein for use in conjunction with a beverage dispensing system of the invention.

[0015] Detailed description

[0016] Referring now to the drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the several views, Figure 1 The example of a beverage dispensing system 100 as may be described herein is shown. The beverage dispensing system 100 can be used to dispense many different types of beverages or other types of fluids. Specifically, the beverage dispensing system 100 can be used with diluents, large amounts of ingredients, trace amounts of ingredients, and other types of fluids. Diluents typically include fresh water (still water or non-carbonated water), carbonated water, and other fluids. Any type of fluid can be used herein.

[0017] In general, bulk ingredients can have a reconstitution ratio ranging from full strength (no dilution) to about six (6) to one (1) (but typically less than about ten (10) to one (1)). Bulk ingredients can include syrups, HFCS ("high fructose corn syrup"), concentrated extracts, fruit purees, and similar types of ingredients. Other ingredients can include dairy, soy, and rice concentrates. Similarly, bulk ingredient-based products can include other common ingredients such as sweeteners, flavorings, acids, and beverage syrups. Sugary beverage syrups, HFCS, or other bulk ingredient-based products can typically be stored in conventional bag-in-box containers away from beverage dispensers. When cooled, the viscosity of the bulk ingredient can range from about 1 centipoise to about 10,000 centipoise, and typically exceeds 100 centipoise. Other types of bulk ingredients, etc., can be used herein.

[0018] The microingredients may have a reconstitution ratio in the range of about ten (10) to one (1) and higher. Specifically, many microingredients may have a reconstitution ratio in the range of about 20:1 to 50:1, to 100:1, to 300:1 or higher. The viscosity of the microingredients is typically in the range of about one (1) to about six (6) centipoise or so, but may vary from this range. Examples of microingredients include: natural or artificial flavors; flavor additives; natural or artificial colors; artificial sweeteners (high potency, non-nutritive or other); defoamers, non-nutritive ingredients, additives for controlling acidity (e.g., citric acid or potassium citrate); functional additives such as vitamins, minerals, herbal extracts, nutritional supplements; and over-the-counter (or other) medications such as turmeric, acetaminophen; and similar types of ingredients. Various types of alcohols may be used as either the macroingredient or the microingredient. The micro-ingredients may be in liquid, gaseous, or powder form (and / or combinations thereof, including soluble ingredients and suspended ingredients in various media including water, organic solvents, and oils). Other types of micro-ingredients may be used herein.

[0019] The various fluids used herein can be mixed in or around the dispensing nozzle 110. The dispensing nozzle 110 can be a conventional multi-flavor nozzle, etc. The dispensing nozzle 110 can have any suitable size, shape, or configuration. The dispensing nozzle 110 can be positioned within a dispensing tower 120. The dispensing tower 120 can have any suitable size, shape, or configuration. The dispensing tower 120 can extend from a countertop, etc. and / or the dispensing tower 120 can be a freestanding structure. The dispensing tower 120 can have a plurality of dispensing nozzles 110 located thereon.

[0020] Micro-ingredients can be stored in a plurality of micro-ingredient containers 130 or other types of micro-ingredient sources. The micro-ingredient container 130 can have any suitable size, shape or configuration. Any number of micro-ingredient containers 130 can be used herein. The micro-ingredient container 130 can be connected to the distribution nozzle 110 via a plurality of micro-ingredient pumps 140 positioned on a plurality of micro-ingredient conduits 145. The micro-ingredient pump 140 can be a positive displacement pump, thereby providing micro-ingredients in very small doses accurately. Similar types of devices can be used herein, such as peristaltic pumps, electromagnetic pumps, piezoelectric pumps, etc. The micro-ingredient pump 140 can have any suitable volume or capacity. The micro-ingredient container 130 can be positioned in the distribution nozzle 110, adjacent to and / or away from the distribution nozzle. For example, the micro-ingredient container 130 can be positioned below the table where the distribution tower 120 is placed. Some or all of the micro-ingredient containers 130 can be stirred.

[0021] A source of still water 150 can be in communication with the dispensing nozzle 110 via a still water conduit 160. Other types of diluents may be used herein. Still water or other types of diluents may be pumped to the dispensing nozzle 110 via a still water pump 170. The still water pump 170 may be any type of conventional fluid moving device and may have any suitable volume or capacity. Alternatively, the pressure in a conventional municipal water source may be sufficient without the use of a pump. Any number of still water sources 150 may be used herein.

[0022] A carbonated water source 180 can be connected to the dispensing nozzle 110 via a carbonated water conduit 190. The carbonated water source 180 can be a conventional carbonator, etc. The carbonator can have any suitable size, shape, or configuration. Carbonated water or other type of diluent can be pumped to the dispensing nozzle 110 via a carbonated water pump 200. The carbonated water pump 200 can be any type of conventional fluid movement device and can have any suitable volume or capacity. Any number of carbonated water sources 180 can be used herein. A carbonated water recirculation line can also be used herein.

[0023] One or more bulk ingredient sources 210 can be in communication with the dispensing nozzle 110 via one or more bulk ingredient conduits 220. As described above, the bulk ingredient sources 210 can include sweeteners, such as high fructose corn syrup, sugar solutions, and the like. The bulk ingredient sources 210 can be conventional bag-in-box or other types of containers of any suitable size, shape, or configuration. Any number of bulk ingredient sources 210 can be used herein. The bulk ingredients can flow to the dispensing nozzle 110 via a bulk ingredient pump 230. In this case, the bulk ingredient pump 230 can be a controlled gear pump, etc. Other types of pumps can be used herein.

[0024] The operation of the overall beverage dispensing system and the components therein can be controlled by a control device 240. The control device 240 can be a conventional microcomputer capable of executing programmable commands, etc. The control device 240 can be internal to the beverage dispensing system 100 or external to it. The functions of the control device 240 can be implemented in software, firmware, hardware, or any combination thereof. One control device 240 can control multiple beverage dispensing systems 100, and / or one beverage dispensing system 100 can have multiple control devices 240 with specific tasks.

[0025] Figure 2 Shown is a syringe assembly 250 that can be used together with beverage dispensing system 100.Syringe assembly 250 can be similar to conventional medical syringes etc.Particularly, syringe assembly 250 can include needle 260 and barrel 270.Needle 260 can be conventional design and can be made by the substantially rigid material of metal or other types.The diameter of needle 260 can change according to the character of the micro-ingredient or other fluid used therein.Needle 260 can resist flavoring agent absorption and can be easily cleaned.Barrel 270 can be made by thermoplastic or any type of food grade material.Barrel 270 can have any suitable size, shape or volume.

[0026] The barrel 270 can have a dosing chamber 280 and a water chamber 290. The dosing chamber 280 can be filled with a micro-dosing, a macro-dosing, or other types of fluids. The water chamber 290 can be filled with water or other types of fluids. The dosing chamber 280 and the water chamber 290 can be separated by a plunger 300. The plunger 300 can move within the barrel 270 under hydraulic pressure while maintaining a seal between the dosing chamber 280 and the water chamber 290. The plunger 300 can be made of an elastic material, etc. Other components and other configurations can also be used herein.

[0027] The syringe assembly 250 can be connected to a metering pump 310. The metering pump 310 can be the same or similar to the micro-dosing pump 140 described above. For example, the metering pump 310 can be a positive displacement pump, thereby providing accurate very small doses of water or other fluids under high pressure. In addition to those described above, any type of precise metering pump is also used herein, such as a nutating pump, a plunger pump, etc. Similarly, different types of linear actuators, etc. can also be used herein. The metering pump 310 can be connected to a water source 150 or other fluid source. The metering pump 310 can be connected to the water chamber 290 of the barrel 270 via a feed conduit 320. The feed conduit 320 can have any suitable length. Other components and other configurations can be used herein.

[0028] The syringe assembly 250 can be positioned in the beverage dispensing system 100, adjacent to the dispensing nozzle 110. The syringe assembly 250 can be positioned in the locking interface 330. The needle 260 can be directly attached to the locking interface 330 and directly attached to the barrel 270. The locking interface 330 can be any type of support structure that holds the barrel 270 in place. Any number of syringe assemblies 250 can be used herein.

[0029] In use, the dosing chamber 280 of the barrel 270 can be filled with a desired micro-ingredient, macro-ingredient, or other fluid. The needle 260 can be attached to the barrel 270. The needle 260 and / or the barrel 270 can be fixed in the locking interface 330. The feeding conduit 320 can be attached to the water chamber 290 of the barrel 270. The dosing chamber 280 of the barrel 270 can be pre-filled by pumping a predetermined amount of water into the water chamber 290 via the metering pump 310 so that the plunger 300 moves under hydraulic pressure. The plunger 300 thus compresses the dosing chamber 280 to ensure that a certain dose of micro-ingredient or other fluid is ready to be dispensed.

[0030] When the beverage containing micro-ingredients or other fluids is to be dispensed from the beverage dispensing system 100, the control device 240 instructs the metered pump 310 to deliver the water pump of predetermined dose in the water chamber 290. The water of this volume expands the water chamber 290 to compress the dosing chamber 280 by making the plunger 300 move under hydraulic pressure. The compression dosing chamber 280 forces a certain amount of micro-ingredients, a large amount of ingredients or other fluids to pass through the needle 260 and enter the dispensing nozzle 110. The volume of the micro-ingredients, a large amount of ingredients or other fluids that flow out of the dosing chamber 280 equals the volume of the water that flows into the water chamber 290. This process can be repeated until the dosing chamber 280 is basically empty. Based on the property of the beverage desired and / or based on other parameters, the volume of the micro-ingredients, a large amount of ingredients or other fluids of this certain dose can change according to the property of micro-ingredients, a large amount of ingredients or other fluids. Equally, the pressure applied by the metered pump 310 also can change. Other parts and other configurations can be used herein.

[0031] When dosing chamber 280 is empty or if expectation installs new micro-dosing, a large amount of dosing or other fluid.Can remove existing barrel 270 and / or pin 260 from locking interface 330.Pin 260 can be disposable and replacement in a conventional manner.New barrel 270 can be attached to pin 260 and / or be attached to locking interface 330 and can repeat this process.Therefore syringe assembly 250 provides the simple and quick replacement of desired micro-dosing, a large amount of dosing or other fluid, because only pin 260 needs to clean.If pin 260 is disposable, then whole syringe assembly 250 can be replaced as a whole.Syringe assembly 250 also makes the replacement of parts very easy and efficient.

[0032] The syringe assembly 250 thus provides the beverage dispensing system 100 with the ability to provide any number of limited-time beverage supplies and / or smaller volumes of beverage brands or flavors without requiring lengthy or time-consuming conversion procedures. Likewise, the syringe assembly 250 can allow an operator to try new beverage brands and flavors without reducing the existing number and volume of beverage brands and flavors available therein.

[0033] It should be clear that the foregoing relates only to certain embodiments of the present application. Numerous changes and modifications may be made herein by those skilled in the art without departing from the general spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A beverage dispensing system for dispensing ingredients, characterized in that The beverage dispensing system comprises: a syringe assembly; and nozzle; The syringe assembly includes a barrel, the barrel including an ingredient chamber in which an ingredient is disposed, a water chamber in which water is disposed, and a plunger between the ingredient chamber and the water chamber; The syringe assembly includes a metering pump; The dosing chamber is in communication with the nozzle and the water chamber is in communication with the metering pump so that a dose of water from the metering pump to the water chamber moves the plunger to force a dose of the dosing agent to the nozzle.

2. The beverage dispensing system according to claim 1, wherein: The barrel comprises food grade thermoplastic.

3. The beverage dispensing system according to claim 1, wherein: The dosing chamber is communicated with the nozzle via a needle.

4. The beverage dispensing system according to claim 3, wherein: The needle comprises metal.

5. The beverage dispensing system according to claim 1, wherein: The water chamber is communicated with the metering pump via a feeding conduit.

6. The beverage dispensing system according to claim 1, wherein: The metering pump comprises a positive displacement pump.

7. The beverage dispensing system according to claim 1, wherein: The syringe assembly includes a locking interface positioned about the nozzle.

8. The beverage dispensing system according to claim 1, wherein: The ingredient chamber includes a volume of micro-ingredient having a reconstitution ratio of approximately ten to one.

9. The beverage dispensing system of claim 1, further comprising a water source in communication with the nozzle.

10. The beverage dispensing system of claim 1, further comprising a micro ingredient source in communication with the nozzle.

11. The beverage dispensing system of claim 1 , further comprising a bulk ingredient source in communication with the nozzle.

12. The beverage dispensing system of claim 1, comprising a plurality of said syringe assemblies in communication with said nozzle.

13. The beverage dispensing system of claim 1, wherein: The ingredient chamber includes a volume of micro-ingredients having a reconstitution ratio greater than ten to one.

14. A method for dosing an ingredient into a nozzle of a beverage dispensing system, characterized in that The method includes: adding a volume of the ingredient to the ingredient chamber of the syringe assembly; positioning the syringe assembly about the nozzle; attaching a feed conduit to the water chamber of the syringe assembly; wherein the syringe assembly includes a plunger between the ingredient chamber and the water chamber; metering a volume of water by pumping it into the water chamber to move the plunger; and Moving the plunger forces an equal volume of the ingredient out of the ingredient chamber and into the nozzle.

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