System and method for pouring out beverage

Abstract

To provide a method for converting a carbonated beverage dispenser to a non-carbonated beverage dispenser.SOLUTION: Disclosed is a beverage dispenser comprising: a carbonation pump; a pressure tank; and a pressure switch configured to operate the pressure pump when a pressure inside the pressure tank drops below a threshold pressure. The pressure switch is capable of blocking the carbonation pump when the pressure inside the pressure tank rises above an upper limit threshold pressure. The beverage dispenser can be converted from a carbonated beverage dispenser to a non-carbonated beverage dispenser.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to beverage dispensers, including carbonated and non-carbonated beverage dispensers. Summary of the Invention

[0002] According to some disclosed embodiments, a method of converting a carbonated beverage dispenser to a non-carbonated beverage dispenser includes removing a carbonation tank from fluid communication with the beverage dispenser and installing a pressure tank. The pressure tank may be installed in fluid communication with a carbonation pump and a mixing nozzle of the beverage dispenser. The mixing nozzle may dispense a beverage from the beverage dispenser. A pressure switch may also be installed to monitor pressure in the pressure tank. The pressure switch may activate the carbonation pump when pressure in the pressure tank falls below a lower threshold pressure. The pressure switch may also shut off the carbonation pump when pressure increases above an upper threshold pressure. A pressure regulator may also be installed to regulate pressure in the beverage supply line. The pressure tank may be a hydro-pneumatic tank.

[0003] A beverage dispenser according to some embodiments may include a carbonation pump fluidly coupled to a water source by a beverage supply line. A pressure tank may be monitored by a pressure switch and fluidly coupled to the beverage supply line. A mixing nozzle may be disposed at one end of the beverage supply line. The pressure switch may monitor pressure in the pressure tank. The pressure switch may activate the carbonation pump to increase pressure in the pressure tank when pressure in the pressure tank falls below a lower threshold pressure and may shut off when pressure in the pressure tank rises above an upper pressure threshold.

[0004] The beverage dispenser may also include a syrup source configured to add syrup to the mixing nozzle. The pre-cooling coil and the post-cooling coil may be in series with the beverage supply line to cool the temperature of the beverage before it is dispensed. The beverage dispenser may include a solenoid valve configured to release water from the beverage supply line to the mixing nozzle. The solenoid valve may also release syrup to the mixing nozzle. The syrup may be pumped from the syrup source using a syrup pump. The syrup may also travel through a syrup cooling coil before being released to the mixing nozzle. The syrup cooling coil may reduce the temperature of the syrup before it is added to the mixing nozzle so that a cooler beverage may be dispensed to the user. According to some embodiments, a second syrup source may be added to the beverage dispenser. The second syrup source may be integrated into the beverage dispenser in much the same way as the first syrup source. Additional syrup sources may also be added.

[0005] According to some embodiments, one or more mixing nozzles can be used with the beverage dispenser. Each nozzle can have its own syrup source. Also, a syrup source can be provided to one or more mixing nozzles.

[0006] According to some embodiments, a method of dispensing a non-carbonated beverage from a carbonated beverage dispenser includes activating a carbonation pump to increase pressure in a pressure tank. The carbonation pump may be configured to shut off when pressure in the pressure tank exceeds an upper threshold pressure. In some embodiments, the pressure tank may vent pressure into a beverage supply line in response to a user activating a dispense mechanism of the beverage dispenser. Activating the dispense mechanism releases the beverage from the beverage dispenser.

[0007] The method of dispensing a beverage also includes dispensing a predetermined amount or volume of the beverage from the beverage dispenser. The method may also include adding syrup to the beverage supply line in response to a user activating the dispensing mechanism. The syrup may be added using a syrup pump. The syrup may be routed through a syrup cooling coil to reduce the temperature of the syrup. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] The disclosure can be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals indicate like structural elements, and in which:

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a carbonated beverage dispenser according to some embodiments.

[0010] [Diagram 2] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a non-carbonated beverage dispenser according to some embodiments.

[0011] [Diagram 3] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a non-carbonated beverage dispenser according to some embodiments.

[0012] [Figure 4] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a non-carbonated beverage dispenser according to some embodiments.

[0013] [Diagram 5] 1 is a flow chart illustrating a method of dispensing beverages from a beverage dispenser that is converted from a carbonated beverage dispenser to a non-carbonated beverage dispenser, according to some embodiments.

[0014] [Figure 6] 1 illustrates a perspective view of a beverage dispense system according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following description is not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that may be included within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as defined by the appended claims.

[0016] The present disclosure is directed to beverage dispensing systems and methods of dispensing beverages. Beverage dispensers are used in a wide variety of locations, including concessions, convenience stations, and restaurants. Beverage dispensers are an economical and visually attractive way to store and mix beverage ingredients. A wide variety of beverage products, including but not limited to carbonated beverages, non-carbonated beverages, juices, flavored waters, and others, can be dispensed from the beverage dispenser. Carbonated beverages may include soft drinks, such as, for example, Pepsi®. Non-carbonated beverages may include iced tea, black tea, such as, for example, PureLeaf®.

[0017] A beverage dispenser may include several components for preparing a beverage. These components may vary depending on the type of beverage being dispensed, or the particular beverage. For example, a carbonated beverage dispenser may require a carbonation tank and a carbonation pump. Because beverage dispensers require ingredients specific to the beverage product being dispensed, beverage dispenser operators may have had relatively limited options for adapting a beverage dispenser originally intended for one type of beverage product for use with another type of beverage.

[0018] The beverage ingredients may include water, syrup, and carbon dioxide gas, among others. The beverage dispenser may combine the beverage ingredients to create a beverage. The beverage dispenser may also provide a level of customization to the beverage user. For example, two or more syrups may be added to the beverage. For example, a base flavored syrup may be added to water to create a beverage. The base flavor may be, for example, lemon-lime flavor. A second flavored syrup may be added to the beverage to change the taste of the dispensed beverage. For example, a user may add a cherry flavor to vary or customize the dispensed beverage.

[0019] Carbonated beverage dispensers may include certain components for combining beverage ingredients for carbonated beverages. Carbonated beverages may be made using water infused with carbon dioxide gas and syrup. The carbonated beverage may be dispensed from a beverage dispenser that includes a carbonation source, a water source, and a syrup source. The carbonation source may be, for example, a canister of compressed carbon dioxide gas. The water source may be, for example, a water faucet connected to a city water supply or the like.

[0020] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a carbonated beverage dispenser 100, according to some embodiments. The carbonated beverage dispenser 100 comprises a beverage supply line 102. The beverage supply line 102 fluidly couples the components of the carbonated beverage dispenser 100 to one another. Arrows shown on the beverage supply line 102 indicate the direction in which the beverage ingredients move within the beverage dispenser. As shown in FIG. 1, the beverage supply line 102 is fluidly coupled to a water source 104. The beverage supply line 102 terminates in a mixing nozzle 154. The mixing nozzle 154 dispenses the carbonated beverage from the carbonated beverage dispenser 100. The mixing nozzle 154 can also mix the beverage ingredients together as the carbonated beverage is dispensed.

[0021] Beverage dispensers require a pump or other mechanism to drive the beverage or beverage ingredients through the beverage dispenser. In a carbonated beverage dispenser, a carbonation pump drives the beverage through the beverage dispenser. In a carbonated beverage dispenser, the carbonation pump pumps water into a carbonation tank. The carbonation tank is connected to a carbon dioxide source to provide carbon dioxide gas to the carbonation tank. Once carbon dioxide gas and water are present in the carbonation tank, the carbon dioxide gas diffuses into the water to form carbonated water. The carbonation tank not only carbonates the water, but because the tank is pressurized, the pressure tank also acts to push the beverage out of the beverage dispenser.

[0022] The carbonation pump can operate when a user of the beverage dispenser engages a dispense mechanism. The dispense mechanism can be located below a mixing nozzle of the beverage dispenser. The dispense mechanism can be a lever, button, or other user interface device. The actuation mechanism opens one or more valves of the beverage dispenser to dispense a beverage to the user.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 1, carbonated beverage dispenser 100 includes a carbonation pump 106. Carbonation pump 106 drives beverage from water source 104 through beverage supply line 102 to carbonation tank 110. Before the water reaches carbonation tank 110, the water may be routed through other components. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the water may travel through a pre-cooling coil 108. Pre-cooling coil 108 reduces the temperature of the water before it reaches carbonation tank 110. This additional cooling step gives the operator more temperature options for dispensing the beverage.

[0024] The carbonation pump 106 also pumps carbon dioxide gas into the carbonation tank 110. FIG. 1 shows a carbon dioxide gas source 109 operably coupled to the carbonation tank 110. As the water and carbon dioxide gas are pumped into the carbonation tank, the carbon dioxide gas is dissolved in the water to create carbonated water. The carbonated water leaves the carbonation tank 110 through the beverage supply line 102. In some embodiments, the carbonated water may travel through a post-cooling coil 150 that reduces the temperature of the carbonated water before dispensing. A solenoid valve 152 fluidly coupled to the beverage supply line 102 releases the carbonated water from the beverage supply line 102 to a mixing nozzle 154. The mixing nozzle 154 mixes the carbonated water and beverage ingredients, such as syrup, and dispenses a ready-made beverage to the user.

[0025] In addition to the water provided by the beverage supply line 102, the syrup system can also provide syrup to the beverage. As shown in FIG. 1, the syrup system includes a syrup supply 162. A syrup pump 160 pumps syrup from the syrup supply 162 through a syrup supply line 170 to a syrup solenoid valve 156. The syrup solenoid valve 156 dispenses a measured amount of syrup to the mixing nozzle 154. In some embodiments, the syrup can also be routed through a syrup cooling coil to reduce the temperature of the syrup. The beverage dispensed from the mixing nozzle 154 is a mixture of water from the beverage supply line 102 and syrup.

[0026] Carbonated beverage dispensers according to some embodiments can be converted to non-carbonated beverage dispensers. According to some methods, a carbonated beverage dispenser can be converted to a non-carbonated beverage dispenser by removing the carbonation tank from the beverage dispenser. The carbonation tank can be physically removed from the beverage dispenser, for example, by disconnecting the carbonation tank from the beverage supply line and removing the carbonation tank from the housing of the beverage dispenser, or the carbonation tank can be operatively removed from the beverage dispenser. The carbonation tank can be operatively removed from the beverage dispenser by a shutoff valve or flex valve fluidly disposed between the carbonation tank and the beverage supply line.

[0027] Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of a beverage dispenser 200, according to some embodiments. The beverage dispenser 200 may be a converted carbonated beverage dispenser, such as the embodiment shown in Figure 1. Thus, the components of the beverage dispenser 200 are similar to the components of the beverage dispenser 100.

[0028] A method of converting a carbonated beverage dispenser to a non-carbonated beverage dispenser may include installing a pressure tank within the beverage dispenser. The pressure tank may be fluidly coupled to a beverage supply line between a mixing nozzle of the beverage dispenser and a carbonation pump. The pressure tank may be fluidly connected to the beverage supply line using a shutoff valve or a flex valve. Using the shutoff valve or the flex valve, an operator may quickly add or remove the pressure tank from the beverage supply line without having to install or remove the pressure tank.

[0029] During operation, the converted non-carbonated beverage dispenser uses a carbonation pump to increase pressure in the pressure tank. The pressure tank includes a diaphragm that separates a first and second chamber of the pressure tank. The first chamber may be fluidly coupled to the beverage supply line 102, and the second chamber is closed and contains a compressible fluid, such as air. When the carbonation pump is activated and the solenoid valve 152 closes, the carbonation pump pumps water into the first chamber of the pressure tank. As more water enters the first chamber, the diaphragm is displaced into the second chamber of the tank. This diaphragm thus pressurizes the system. Therefore, even when the carbonation pump is off, beverages can still be dispensed from the beverage dispenser because the pressure tank is pushing water through the beverage dispenser.

[0030] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the carbonated beverage dispenser can be converted to a non-carbonated beverage dispenser by removing the carbonation tank 110 and adding a pressure tank 204. The pressure tank 204 includes a diaphragm 206 that separates a first chamber 210 and a second chamber 212. The first chamber 210 is fluidly coupled to the beverage supply line 102. Activating the carbonation pump 106 forces water from the water source 104 into the first chamber 210 of the pressure tank 204. As water is added to the first chamber 210 of the pressure tank 204, the diaphragm 206 is displaced into the second chamber 212. This increases the potential energy of the diaphragm 206 by increasing the pressure of the fluid in the second chamber 212. The fluid in the second chamber 212 may be air, nitrogen, or a similar compressible fluid. As such, the pressure tank 204 is a hydropneumatic tank. 2 shows a line 208 representing the displacement of the diaphragm 206. Thus, when a user of the beverage dispenser activates the dispensing mechanism to release the beverage, the pressurized fluid in the second chamber 212 and the inherent tension in the diaphragm 206 propels the water through the beverage delivery line 102 and out through the mixing nozzle 154.

[0031] The dispensing mechanism may be integrated into the mixing nozzle 154. The dispensing mechanism may be actuated by a mechanical toggle or an electrical signal. For example, an operator may select a beverage size option from a menu of options. Depending on the size selected, the mixing nozzle 154 may dispense a particular volume of beverage. For example, if the operator selects a button labeled "Large," 16 fluid ounces of beverage may be dispensed. If the operator selects a button labeled "Small," 8 fluid ounces of beverage may be dispensed.

[0032] The pressure in the pressure tank 204 can be monitored by a pressure switch 202. The pressure switch 202 can also be operably coupled to the carbonation pump 106. The pressure switch 202 can be configured to operate the carbonation pump 106. According to some embodiments, the pressure switch 202 can switch on the carbonation pump 106 when the pressure in the pressure tank 204 falls below a lower threshold pressure. The pressure switch 202 can shut off the carbonation pump 106 when the pressure in the pressure tank 204 rises above an upper threshold pressure. FIG. 5 shows a flow chart illustrating a method of monitoring pressurization in a pressure tank and adjusting the pressure accordingly.

[0033] FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment according to the present disclosure. The beverage supply line 102 branches at a junction 306 into a carbonated beverage supply line 310 and a non-carbonated beverage supply line 320. The carbonated beverage supply line 310 includes a solenoid valve 152 and a carbonation tank 110. The carbonated beverage supply line 310 operates similarly to a conventional carbonated beverage dispenser. Water enters the carbonation tank 110 where carbon dioxide gas diffuses into the water to form carbonated water. The carbonated water can then be dispensed as a carbonated beverage through a mixing nozzle 154. The beverage dispenser 300 illustrated in FIG. 3 also includes a flex valve 302. The flex valve 302 is fluidly coupled to the non-carbonated beverage supply line 320, the carbonated water forward and rearward feed line 304, and the second mixing nozzle 155. The flex valve 302 allows an operator of the beverage dispenser 300 to select a water source for the second mixing nozzle 155. In one mode of operation, the flex valve 302 delivers carbonated water from a carbonated beverage supply line 310 via a carbonated water pre- and post-feed line 304. In this mode, the second mixing nozzle 155 dispenses a carbonated beverage. In another mode of operation, the flex valve 302 delivers non-carbonated water from a non-carbonated beverage supply line 320. In this mode, the second mixing nozzle 155 dispenses a non-carbonated beverage.

[0034] Figure 4 illustrates a beverage dispenser 300 according to some embodiments. The beverage dispenser 300 may have components similar to those disclosed and described with reference to Figures 1-3. Figure 4 illustrates the beverage dispenser 300 with a carbonation pump 106. The carbonation pump 106 drives water through the beverage supply line 102 to a junction 306. The carbonation pump 106 also drives water into the beverage supply line 102.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 5, the method may include determining the pressure in a pressure tank 502. The pressure in the pressure tank is compared 504 to a lower threshold pressure 506. If the pressure in the tank is below the lower threshold pressure 506, the method may include activating a carbonation pump 508. The pressure in the pressure tank may continue to be monitored as the carbonation pump is running. The pressure in the pressure tank may be continuously compared to an upper threshold pressure 512. When the pressure in the tank exceeds the upper threshold pressure 512 (upper threshold comparison 510), the carbonation pump may be shut off 514. This process may continue indefinitely such that the pressure in the carbonation tank remains sufficient to provide the beverage dispenser with sufficient pressure to dispense beverages.

[0036] In some embodiments, the upper threshold pressure 512 may be a pressure near the upper pressure limit of the pressure tank. The lower threshold pressure 506 may be above the minimum pressure required to operate the beverage dispenser. In some embodiments, it may only be necessary to operate the carbonation pump 106 intermittently. Operating the carbonation pump 106 only when necessary to release pressure in the pressure tank can contribute to energy saving operation and energy efficiency since excess energy generated by the carbonation pump 106 can be stored in the pressure tank. In some embodiments, the carbonation pump 106 may be configured to be engaged for a minimum interval to reduce power waste during start-up operation of the carbonation pump 106. In some embodiments, the carbonation pump can apply pressure to the pressure tank of 30-40 PSI for low pressure beverage dispense and 60-120 PSI for high pressure beverage dispense.

[0037] According to some methods of converting a carbonated beverage dispenser to a non-carbonated beverage dispenser, the pressure regulator 220 can also be mounted before the mixing nozzle 154. The pressure regulator 220 can reduce the pressure of the beverage before it is dispensed by the mixing nozzle 154. This prevents the beverage from being dispensed at too high a pressure. The pressure regulator 220 also allows the carbonation pump 106 to pressurize the pressure tank to a higher level without worrying about the excessive pressure suddenly being released when the dispensing mechanism is activated. This improves the user experience by protecting the user from possible water blasting. In some embodiments, the pressure regulator 220 is integrated into the solenoid valve 152. That is, the solenoid valve 152 not only controls the release of the carbonated water to the mixing nozzle 154, but also ensures that the carbonated water is released at the proper pressure.

[0038] 6 shows a perspective view of a beverage dispenser 400 according to some embodiments. The beverage dispenser 400 can include internal systems such as those disclosed herein. The beverage dispenser 400 can include a housing 401. The housing 401 can enclose a beverage dispensing system and can be mounted on a dispenser platform 402. The dispenser platform 402 can include a drip system 404 configured to collect droplets of beverage or beverage ingredients that may drip from the mixing nozzles 154, 155.

[0039] The foregoing description of specific embodiments described herein has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. These exemplary embodiments are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. Not all specific details described are required to practice the described embodiments.

[0040] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings and that, by applying knowledge within the art, such specific embodiments may be readily modified and / or adapted for various uses without undue exaggeration and without departing from the general concept of the invention. Such adaptations and modifications are intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein.

[0041] The Detailed Description section is intended to be used to interpret the Claims. The Summary and Abstract sections may describe one or more, but not necessarily all, example embodiments of the invention as contemplated by the applicant, and thus are not intended to limit the scope of the invention and claims.

[0042] The phraseology or terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and is not intended to be limiting, as the terminology or terminology herein would be interpreted by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0043] The breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

**Claim 1**: A beverage dispenser, comprising: a beverage supply line fluidly coupled to a water source; a carbonated beverage supply line fluidly coupled to the beverage supply line; a non-carbonated beverage supply line fluidly coupled to the beverage supply line; a mixing nozzle fluidly coupled to a beverage ingredient source; a flexible valve fluidly coupled to the carbonated beverage supply line, the non-carbonated beverage supply line, and the mixing nozzle; and the flexible valve is configured to switch between a first mode and a second mode; the beverage dispenser is configured to dispense carbonated beverage through the mixing nozzle in the first mode; and the beverage dispenser is configured to dispense non-carbonated beverage through the mixing nozzle in the second mode. **Claim 2**: The beverage dispenser according to claim 1, wherein in the first mode, the flexible valve is configured to supply carbonated beverage from the carbonated beverage supply line to the mixing nozzle and prohibit the flow of non-carbonated beverage from the non-carbonated beverage supply line to the mixing nozzle. **Claim 3**: The beverage dispenser according to claim 1, further comprising a pressure tank. **Claim 4**: The beverage dispenser according to claim 3, wherein the pressure tank is a hydro-pneumatic tank. **Claim 5**: The beverage dispenser according to claim 3, further comprising a pressure switch configured to monitor the pressure of the pressure tank. **Claim 6**: The beverage dispenser according to claim 5, further comprising a carbonation pump, and the pressure switch is configured to operate the carbonation pump. **Claim 7**: The beverage dispenser according to claim 6, wherein the pressure switch is configured to activate the carbonation pump when the pressure in the pressure tank drops below a threshold pressure. **Claim 8**: The beverage dispenser according to claim 7, wherein the pressure switch is configured to stop the carbonation pump when the pressure in the pressure tank exceeds another threshold pressure. **Claim 9**: The beverage dispenser according to claim 3, further comprising a pump configured to pump-pressure a first beverage ingredient from the beverage ingredient source. **Claim 10**: The beverage dispenser according to claim 9, comprising a pressure regulator fluidly coupled between the pressure tank and the mixing nozzle.

11. The beverage dispenser according to claim 10, wherein the pressure regulator is configured to adjust the pressure in the beverage supply line.

12. The beverage dispenser according to claim 11, further comprising a first solenoid valve configured to release the carbonated beverage or the non-carbonated beverage to the mixing nozzle.

13. The beverage dispenser according to claim 12, wherein the pressure regulator is integrated with the first solenoid valve.

14. The beverage dispenser according to claim 12, further comprising a second solenoid valve configured to release the first beverage component from the beverage component source.

15. The beverage dispenser according to claim 3, wherein the pressure tank includes a first chamber, a second chamber, and a diaphragm disposed in the second chamber.

16. The beverage dispenser according to claim 15, wherein the first chamber is configured to receive water from a water source such that the diaphragm is moved within the second chamber to increase the pressure within the second chamber.

17. Supplying water from a water source to a carbonated beverage supply line and a non-carbonated beverage supply line; Monitoring the pressure within the pressure tank by a pressure switch; Operating a carbonation pump when the pressure within the pressure tank drops below a first threshold pressure; Switching a flex valve between a first mode and a second mode; When the flex valve is in the first mode, flowing carbonated water through the flex valve; When the flex valve is in the second mode, flowing non-carbonated water through the flex valve; Flowing a first beverage component from a carbonated component source to a mixing nozzle; When the flex valve is in the first mode, mixing the carbonated water with the first beverage component and dispensing a carbonated beverage through the mixing nozzle; When the flex valve is in the second mode, mixing the non-carbonated water with the beverage component and dispensing a non-carbonated beverage through the mixing nozzle.

18. The method according to claim 17, further comprising stopping the carbonation pump when the pressure switch detects that the pressure within the pressure tank exceeds a second threshold pressure.

19. The method according to claim 17, wherein the pressure tank comprises a first chamber, a second chamber, and a diaphragm disposed within the second chamber.

20. The method according to claim 19, comprising flowing water from the water source into the first chamber such that the diaphragm is moved within the second chamber and the pressure within the second chamber is increased.

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