System and method for dispensing precise temperature controlled water

Abstract

To provide a dispenser for dispensing a selected volume of water at a specified temperature.SOLUTION: The dispenser includes a source of water at an elevated temperature and a source of water at a lower temperature. An electronic controller determines the volume of water needed from each source in order to arrive at the selected volume and temperature. The dispenser 21 uses recirculation valves 123, 223 to circulate at least the elevated temperature water in the tank and in the outlet in order to ensure the temperature of the water is as expected throughout the system to achieve a specified temperature.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] (CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 673,295, filed May 18, 2018, entitled "SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DISPENSING PRECISE TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED HOT WATER," which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, unless inconsistent.

[0002] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a precisely controlled water dispenser that may be used independently or may be combined with a dispenser to dispense a metered amount of water into a container that contains bulk ingredients such as coffee, tea, powders, or other similar ingredients for preparing beverages. [Background technology]

[0003] Beverages are a growing sector of the food service industry, and many successful restaurants and / or chains sell primarily beverages, e.g., coffee, milkshakes, smoothies, etc. Many manufacturers offer equipment to help improve the quality and consistency of these beverages as well as reduce the storefront production time required for these beverages.

[0004] Complex and sophisticated systems exist for dispensing soft drinks such as sodas, frozen drinks such as slushies, etc. However, even though systems exist, very few are capable of dispensing hot water at precise temperatures in conjunction with one or more bulk ingredients such as tea, powders, coffee, etc.

[0005] The traditional way to make a cup of tea is to place loose tea leaves directly into a teapot or teacup, or in a tea infuser, and pour hot water over the leaves. After a few minutes, the leaves are usually removed again by removing the infuser, or by straining while the tea is brewing. Further today, the process is usually done by collecting and measuring the appropriate amount of loose leaf tea by hand. However, the time required to make tea is not conducive to speed, so tea is often brewed only in a more relaxed environment.

[0006] In an attempt to speed up and / or make this process more convenient, tea bags were developed, which contain a predetermined amount of tea and are used to produce beverages of common sizes, such as 8 ounces. However, because of the manufacturing method, tea bags are a less favorable option for fresh tea, as the tea spends a significant amount of time in storage and transportation before being delivered for use. Furthermore, tea bags are not well suited to producing various amounts of tea, such as 8 ounces, 12 ounces, full teapots, or large-capacity bags. Subsequently, "pods" or "cups" were developed for use in automatic machines, but these pods suffer from the same problems as using tea bags. Although several hot water dispensers exist, when the possibility exists of dispensing hot water to various beverages, the need for accurately controlled temperature over a range of temperatures is desired. For example, various types of tea may require different hot water temperatures for proper preparation. Apart from water, tea is the most consumed beverage in the world. Thus, there is a need for a dispenser that can dispense the appropriate amount at a prescribed temperature for a selected tea, to expedite the preparation of the consumer beverage. In a further aspect, the dispenser can also accurately dispense tea or other bulk ingredients for beverages. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] Thus, the present invention solves these and some of the other problems existing in the hot beverage dispensing industry, as exemplified in the description that follows. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention includes various embodiments of containers and / or dispensers for use in selectively dispensing numerous types of bulk materials, such as dry products, and hot water with precise control, including both temperature and volume. Suitable dry products for use with the novel dispensers disclosed herein include one or more of various teas, spices, coffee, dry foods, other powders, and the like. For illustrative purposes, the containers and dispensers described herein shall be described with respect to dispensing loose leaf tea. However, it should be understood that the system is readily applicable to other bulk materials, such as those listed above, and is not limited to those listed above. In a further form, the dispenser may include a currency acceptor and / or credit card terminal, or similar device for use as a vending machine, and in another form, electronic payments, such as mobile payments, room keys, or medals for making room charges, or other types of commonly used and / or known payment methods may be provided.

[0009] An exemplary embodiment of the invention is a loose-leaf tea system including a plurality of receptacles and dispensers, and a hot water dispenser. The tea receptacles each serve to contain a given variety of tea leaves or sediment prior to activation of the system. Upon activation, the dispenser positions a selected tea receptacle, meters a selected amount of that variety of tea, loads the selected amount of that variety of tea into a hopper for dispensing into a waiting cup, teapot, tea infuser, or the like, and further dispenses an appropriate amount of hot water at an appropriate temperature for the selected type and volume of tea. The amount of tea and the volume of water may be selected based on the user's operation of one of several volume / selection buttons provided on a user interface, or may otherwise be input by the user, such as by turning a dial or pressing a button or lever. The temperature of the hot water may be programmed into the dispenser for each variety of tea based on a tea expert's recommendation, and / or the user may also input the temperature or modify the recommendation based on personal preference. Preferably, the containers are sealed canisters, such as blown-molded opaque containers, which are sealed when placed in the dispenser to prevent exposure of the contained material to light, air, and / or moisture. Below the opening of each container, a mechanism is provided for loading tea into a lower metering hopper. Preferably, each mechanism seals when not in use to prevent the tea in the container from contacting the outside environment before entering the lower hopper. Additionally, the dispenser can operate the mechanism to cause the dispenser to load a desired amount of tea into the hopper, as specified by the user (e.g., by weight). Once the desired amount of tea is loaded into the hopper, the tea may be dispensed downward into a waiting cup, teapot, infuser, or the like at a desired location.

[0010] Once the tea is dispensed, a dual tank hot water system with multiple pumps, water level gauges, flow meters and temperature sensors operates to calculate and dispense the appropriate volume of water at the appropriate temperature. In addition, the hot water is recirculated through an outlet pipe and back into the holding tank to ensure that the dispensed water is as close to the desired temperature as possible. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tea and water dispenser according to one embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cutaway perspective view of the tea and water dispenser taken along line AA of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a partial exploded view of a portion of a tea and water dispenser according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is another partial exploded view of a portion of the tea and water dispenser according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a side view of a portion of a tea and water dispenser according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is another side view of a portion of a tea and water dispenser according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a rear view of a portion of a tea and water dispenser according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a top view of a portion of a tea and water dispenser according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 9 is a flow chart illustrating a process for controlling operation of the dispenser of any of FIGS. 1-8 according to one aspect of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a plan view of a hydraulic system of a tee and water dispenser according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] To promote an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same, it being understood that no limitation on the scope of the claims is intended thereby and that such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated apparatus, and such further applications of the principles of the present disclosure as exemplified herein, would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains.

[0013] Several embodiments of containers and dispensers are described herein for use in dispensing bulk materials such as dry products with a metered amount of water at high temperature. Suitable dry products for use with the novel dispensers disclosed herein include tea, coffee, hot cocoa, or other beverage powders, and the like. For illustrative purposes, the containers and dispensers described herein shall be described with respect to dispensing loose leaf tea. However, it should be understood that the present invention is readily applicable to other bulk materials such as those listed above and is not limited to those listed above. In a further form, the dispenser may include a currency acceptor and / or a credit card terminal, or a similar device for use as a vending machine. In another form, electronic payments such as mobile payments, room keys, or medals for making room charges, or other types of commonly used and / or known payment methods may be provided.

[0014] Several embodiments of a tea dispenser and multiple tea containers are illustrated in Figures 1-8. Depending on the desired configuration, the tea containers may be disposable or refillable, and either can hold a wide range of tea amounts depending on the design, such as 2-5 pounds. However, it should be understood that the size of the tea containers may be adjusted so that more or less tea can be accommodated therein without departing from the scope of the present invention. The tea dispenser 20 is shown in a standalone form having an upper portion 22 for containing and selecting one or more types of tea, a middle portion 24 for dispensing and metering the selected tea, a bottom portion 26 that provides a location for a user to place a receptacle such as a cup, kettle, teapot, infuser, etc., for receiving the dispensed tea and / or hot water, and a rear portion 28 for containing and dispensing the hot water so that the hot water can be dispensed at a desired temperature and within a desired volume. Additionally, in the illustrated form, the tea dispenser 20 includes an electronic controller 30, which includes a user interface 32 and controls the operation of the remainder of the tea dispenser 20. It should be understood that the tea dispenser 20 may take a variety of other forms and configurations depending on the needs and desires of the user, including a dispenser that only dispenses water at a selected volume and temperature, or a dispenser that dispenses water and some other bulk ingredients at a selected temperature.

[0015] As shown in Figures 1-8, the tea dispenser 20, and particularly the rear section 28, provides an apparatus, system, and method for dispensing hot water on demand over a wide range of precisely controlled temperatures and / or volumes. The rear section 28 includes a first hot water tank 100 that maintains water at a first temperature, and a second hot water tank 200 that maintains water at a second temperature that is higher than the first temperature. In one form, the first hot water tank 100 is larger in volume than the second hot water tank 200. In other forms, the second hot water tank 200 may be larger in volume than the first hot water tank 100, or the two may be of equal size.

[0016] The vast majority of tea is steeped at temperatures between 160° F. and 212° F. Thus, by way of non-limiting example, it has been found that when the tea dispenser 20 is utilized for tea, the water in the first hot water tank 100 is maintained at 160° F. or slightly above / below 160° F. (but preferably at least 90° F.), while the water in the second hot water tank 200 is maintained at 212° F. or slightly below 212° F. (i.e., within a 10° F. range). It is desirable to maintain the water in the second hot water tank below the boiling point of water, which is 212° F. (depending on the altitude) to prevent pressure build-up and / or increased water loss through steam. By mixing water from the first and second hot water tanks (100 and 200 respectively) in various ratios, hot water at any temperature between 160°F and 212°F can be quickly and accurately dispensed by the dispenser 20 at the desired temperature and in the desired volume.

[0017] The central portion 24 of the dispenser 20 also includes an electronic controller 30 that receives inputs from several sensors described herein regarding temperature and flow rate and controllably operates other components of the dispenser 20 to dispense water at a desired temperature and volume. Each of the first hot water tank 100 and the second hot water tank 200 includes a water supply inlet 102 / 202 through which additional water is delivered to fill and / or replenish the tank. Each water supply inlet 102 / 202 is in fluid communication with a controlled supply valve 104 / 204. Each controlled supply valve 104 / 204 is connected to and fed by a water supply line 34. In one form, the water supply line 34 is in fluid communication with a water supply input 36 located at the rear of the outer housing of the dispenser 20. In one mode of use, the water supply input 36 is connected to a conventional pressurized water supply line. The water supply line 34 may include an in-line water filter or other water filtering mechanism (not shown). In other embodiments, the dispenser 20 may be configured for use with an internal or external water tank, or some other suitable water source. In some forms, a pump (not shown) may also be provided for use with the water supply line 34 when additional water pressure is needed, or to provide a more controlled water flow rate, when water pressure is not available. In one form, the pump is a variable speed pump that allows for quick refilling of the tank, but at a slower flow rate, when desired to ensure accurate volume. In an alternative form, the first hot water tank 100 may receive water from the second hot water tank 200, or vice versa.

[0018] Each of the first hot water tank 100 and the second hot water tank 200 also includes a heating element 106 / 206. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second heating elements 106 and 206, respectively, are heating coils, such as electrical resistance heating elements. However, other known heating elements may be utilized, including induction heaters, combustible gas burners, and radiant heating units, to name a few. In one form, the heating element 206 is larger than the heating element 106 to enable the second hot water tank 200 to achieve a desired temperature that is higher than that of the hot water tank 100.

[0019] Temperature sensors 108 and 208 are also located within each of the first and second hot water tanks 100 and 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the temperature sensors 108 and 208 are located near the tops of the hot water tanks 100 and 200 to initially provide the most accurate reading of the water dispensed. The temperature sensors 108 and 208 send electrical signals to the electronic controller 30, which utilizes the signals to control the operation of the heating elements 106 and 206 to accurately maintain the desired temperature within each of the first and second hot water tanks 100 and 200. In the illustrated form, the temperature sensors 108 and 208 are thermistors.

[0020] The first hot water tank 100 and the second hot water tank 200 also include a water level sensor 110 / 210. The water level sensor may be a magnetic float, or any other type of water level sensor, which may be utilized to indicate when the water level in a given tank is at its desired level. The water level sensors 110 and 210 send an electrical signal to the electronic controller 30, which utilizes the signal to control the operation of the controlled supply valves 104 and 204 to maintain a desired volume of water in each of the first hot water tank 100 and the second hot water tank 200. In operation, water may be replenished after a hot water dispensing cycle is completed to maintain a desired water temperature in each of the first hot water tank 100 and the second hot water tank 200 throughout the cycle. While possible, introducing cooler water from the water supply line during the dispensing cycle will lower the temperature of the water in the first hot water tank 100 and the second hot water tank 200, thus necessitating adjustments to be made to the ratio of water dispensing from each tank to reach the desired dispensing temperature.

[0021] The first hot water tank 100 and the second hot water tank 200 are connected to a first and a second hot water outlet pipe 112 / 212, respectively. The first hot water outlet pipe 112 and the second hot water outlet pipe 212 are fed by a first / second water pump 114 / 214, respectively, which feeds water from within the tank through a first / second output valve 116 / 216 and a first / second flow meter 118 / 218. The first and second water pumps 114 and 214, the first and second output valves 116 and 216, and the first and second flow meters 118 and 218, respectively, are in electrical communication with and / or are controllably operated by an electronic controller 30. Any suitable pump may be used, including, by way of non-limiting example, a gear pump, a centrifugal water pump, a positive displacement water pump, or an axial pump. In one form, the pump is a variable speed pump that allows for rapid dispensing of hot water when it is desired to complete a dispensing cycle, and slower, more controlled flow rates when desired. Additionally, any suitable valve may be used, including, by way of non-limiting example, a butterfly valve or a solenoid valve. Water may be released from either or both of the first hot water tank 100 or the second hot water tank 200 via the respective first or second hot water outlet pipes 112 / 212. The first and second flow meters 118 and 218 meter and report the exact amount of water dispensed from each of the first hot water tank 100 and the second hot water tank 200 into the first and second hot water outlet pipes 112 and 212, respectively.

[0022] The hot water is dispensed from the first and second hot water outlet pipes 112 and 212 into the common chamber 38 where it is mixed together by turbulence before being dispensed out of the water dispensing port 40 of the dispenser 20. In a further configuration (not shown), the dispenser 20 may include a separate flow meter, dispensing valve, and drain valve that may be used to secondary measure and control the volume of hot water dispensed through the water dispensing port 40. Excess water in the common chamber 38 may be removed via the drain line using the drain valve.

[0023] In the illustrated form, to increase the consistency of the water temperature inside, the first hot water tank 100 and the second hot water tank 200 each include a circulation pump 120 and 220, which may be mounted within or adjacent to the tank to circulate the water contained therein to ensure a consistent temperature within the tank and promote faster heating. The circulation pumps 120 and 220 are connected to and controlled by the electronic controller 30 and may be operated continuously, intermittently, on a schedule, or at selected times, such as briefly before a dispensing cycle. The first hot water tank 100 and the second hot water tank 200 also each include one or more pressure relief valves or openings 121 / 221 to prevent any possible pressure build-up inside.

[0024] In use, a user of the dispenser 20 selects a combination of desired dispense temperature and desired dispense volume for water into the electronic controller 30 by using the user interface 32, either directly or by selecting a type of tea for which the ideal water temperature is pre-programmed, and a serving size. During normal operation, the first hot water tank 100 and the second hot water tank 200 are already filled with water that is generally maintained at a consistent and known temperature to make any mixture of the two consistent and predictable. The electronic controller 30 includes logic that performs calculations using the temperatures of the volumes of water in the first and second water tanks 100 and 200 (as determined by temperature sensors 108 and 208) to calculate the exact volume of water that needs to be dispensed from each of the first and second hot water tanks to deliver the desired volume of hot water at the desired temperature.

[0025] Once the volume of water required from each of the first and second hot water tanks 100 and 200 has been determined by the electronic controller 30, the electronic controller 30 may first controllably operate the first and second water pumps 114 and 214 and the first and second output valves 116 and 216 to dispense the appropriate volume from the first and second hot water tanks 100 / 200. While any suitable method of measuring the volume dispensed may be utilized, in the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and second hot water outlet tubes 112 / 212 includes a flow meter 118 / 218 therein that accurately determines the volume of water dispensed from each of the first and second hot water tanks 100 or 200. The water output from each of the hot water outlet tubes 112 and 212 is mixed together to form a mixed volume in the common chamber 38 before being dispensed from the water discharge piping 40 into a receptacle located in the bottom 26 of the dispenser 20. The complete volume of hot water output by the dispenser 20 is not combined into the chamber of the dispenser 20 before being dispensed, thereby reducing the size of the machine.

[0026] To detect temperature fluctuations caused by heat loss as it travels down the hot water outlet tubes 112 and 212, the dispenser 20 may also include secondary temperature sensors 122 and 222, which may be positioned to determine the temperature of the water in the hot water outlet tubes 112 and 212. In this configuration, the dispenser 20 may also include pipe heating elements 124 and 224, which are positioned in close proximity to the hot water outlet tubes 112 and 212, respectively. The secondary temperature sensors 122 and 222 send electrical signals to the electronic controller 30, which utilizes the signals to control the operation of the pipe heating elements 124 and 224 to provide a small temperature boost to the hot water exiting one or more of the hot water outlet tubes 112 / 222. Alternatively or in addition, the pipe heating elements 124 and 224 may be activated prior to a dispensing cycle to pre-heat the hot water outlet tubes 112 / 212 to minimize heat loss from the water being dispensed. In some circumstances, the temperature sensed by secondary temperature sensors 122 and 222 may cause electronic controller 30 to modify the rate of water dispensed on the fly during a dispensing cycle to more accurately achieve the desired temperature.

[0027] At the end of each dispensing cycle, the dispenser 20 clears out any water remaining in the first and second hot water outlet pipes 112 and 212. This clearing ensures that water from the previous dispensing cycle, which may have cooled significantly depending on the time that has passed, is not dispensed as part of the next cycle, thereby reducing the actual temperature of the dispensed hot water below the desired temperature. This may be accomplished by the use of a drain valve for each hot water outlet pipe 112 / 212 that connects to a drain line, or the water may be recirculated back to one of the first or second water tanks 100 / 200.

[0028] If it is desired to maintain the hot water at a temperature just below boiling, the dispenser 20 may be equipped with an altimeter or barometer 42 that accurately reads the elevation or air pressure of the dispenser 20. In an alternative embodiment, a global positioning system (GPS) device may be utilized. Either of these devices may be used to determine the actual boiling point of the water received at the location of the dispenser 20. In one embodiment, the altimeter or barometer 42 provides this environmental information to the electronic controller 30 upon start-up of the dispenser 20 or more periodically, and the electronic controller 30 can raise or lower the temperature in one or more of its hot water tanks accordingly. This dynamic adjustment allows the dispenser 20 to operate one or more of the first and second hot water tanks 100 and 200 at a higher temperature when it is closer to sea level than it might otherwise be programmed to. Additionally, this adjustment also ensures that no complications arise when the dispenser 20 is operated at high altitudes.

[0029] In the illustrated form, the top 22 of the tea dispenser 20 includes a plurality of replaceable tea receptacles 44, with each tea receptacle 44 connected to a removable dispensing mechanism 46. The top 22 also includes a receptacle 48 in the form of a carousel 50 including a number of ports 52 into which the tea receptacles 44 and their associated dispensing mechanisms 46 can be secured. In one form, when secured to the receptacle 48, each tea receptacle 44 forms equal portions of a cylinder. In the illustrated form, six tea receptacles 44 are provided, although it should be understood that two, four, eight, ten, twelve, or any other desired number of tea receptacles may be provided.

[0030] In the illustrated embodiment, each tea receptacle 44 includes a hollow recess suitable for containing tea for subsequent dispensing. In one form, each tea receptacle 44 is manufactured from blow molded plastic, although other forms may be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention. Each tea receptacle 44 also includes a removable dispensing mechanism 46. In the illustrated embodiment, the tea receptacle 44 also includes a standard lid that forms a seal, and in a further form an airtight seal, for the tea receptacle 44 to prevent the contents of the tea receptacle 44 from contacting the outside environment, thereby maintaining freshness prior to dispensing. The lid may be a screw-on or snap-fit ​​lid and / or a foil or other thin film seal. The dispensing mechanism 46 is attached to the base of the tea receptacle 44 and serves to controllably release the contents of the receptacle 44 using gravity when properly positioned within the dispenser 20 and activated by the electronic controller 30.

[0031] Each dispensing mechanism 46 includes a connector 54, an agitator 56, a dispensing chute 58, and a drive screw 60. The connector 54 may be a threaded or snap-fit ​​connection and is configured to connect to an opening in the tea receptacle 44 and create a seal with the opening of the tea receptacle 44. When connected to the tea receptacle 44, the agitator 56 of the dispensing mechanism 46 extends upwardly into the interior of the tea receptacle 44, allowing selective and / or intermittent operation during dispensing by the electronic controller 30. The dispensing chute 58 includes a proximal end that connects to the interior and distal opening of the tea receptacle 44. Between the proximal end and the dispenser opening, a rotatably mounted drive screw or helical coil 60 is disposed within the dispenser chute 58 along at least a portion of its length. The screw / coil 60 may be formed of one or more pieces of wire or other suitable material, or alternatively may be formed as a solid helical screw made of metal, plastic, etc., with more well-defined flights, which may be more beneficial when dispensing finer materials under power as opposed to larger bulk materials. In a preferred form, the diameter of the dispenser chute 58 is between about 1 / 2" and 2", the diameter of the screw / coil 60 is between 3 / 8" and 1 / 2", and the pitch is between 1 / 4" and 3 / 8". In a further preferred form, the diameter of the dispenser chute 58 is about 1" and the diameter of the wire forming the screw / coil 60 is between 1 / 32" and 1 / 16". The screw / coil 60, much like the agitator 56, may be selectively engaged and driven by the electronic controller 30.

[0032] The dispensing mechanism 46 may also include a seal 62 that is opened by a cam 64, linear actuator, or other suitable mechanism only during rotation to maintain an airtight seal on the container 44, thereby protecting its contents. As shown, the seal 62 may be a hinged door or flap that closes the distal opening to establish a seal. In one form, the seal 62 is held closed by a magnet 66 that is attached to the seal 62 and biases the seal 62 toward the distal opening.

[0033] The carousel 50 of the receiver 48 is selectively driven by a motor 68, which is controlled by the electronic controller 30, and a drive belt 70 to position the desired tea container 44 onto a feed chute 72. The feed chute 72 directs tea from a distal opening of a given dispensing mechanism 46 to a metering port 74. The carousel 50 is equipped with a mechanical or optical feedback sensor 76 that precisely determines the angular rotation of the carousel 50 to ensure that the electronic controller 30 can quickly position it (and the tea container 44 mounted therein) at the desired location.

[0034] The metering port 74 comprises a hopper 78 for receiving tea dispensed from the feed chute 72 of the tea container 44 under the control of the electronic controller 30. According to this embodiment, the feed chute 72 is a fixed cylindrical chute, the proximal end of which is aligned with the distal opening of the dispensing mechanism 46 of the tea dispenser 20, which is mounted at a suitable position on the carousel 50. When tea or some other material is present in the container 44, it is fed into the dispenser chute 58 at its proximal end. When the drive screw / coil 60 is actuated by the electronic controller 30, it starts to rotate in a direction that forces the material present at the proximal end towards the distal opening. When the material reaches the distal opening, it is forced from the dispenser chute 58 through the feed chute 72 and into the hopper 78. The hopper 78 is attached to one end of an arm 80, which is pivotally attached at its opposite end to the internal frame of the housing of the tea dispenser 20. The arm 80 also includes an integrated strain gauge 82 suitable for electronically measuring, on a near real-time basis, the mass of material being dispensed by the dispensing mechanism 46 through the chute 58 and the feed chute 72 and ultimately into the hopper 78, and reporting that measurement to the electronic controller 30. Thus, when the electronic controller 30 determines that a predetermined amount of material has been dispensed into the hopper 78, the operation of the screw / coil 60 is stopped. In a further form, the drive screw / coil 60 may be operated at a variable speed by the electronic controller 30, whereby when the amount of material still needing to be dispensed remains large, the screw / coil 60 operates at a higher speed, but as the amount of material in the hopper 78 approaches the desired amount, the speed of the screw / coil 60 may be gradually or discretely reduced to provide as close as possible to the desired amount of material dispensed into the hopper 78. Once the desired amount of tea has been dispensed into the hopper 78, the arm 80 is released and the contents of the hopper 78 are dropped into a funnel 84 which guides the contents of the hopper 78 down from the central section 24 into a designated area where a waiting container is placed at the bottom 26.It should be understood that when large volumes of tea are required, one or more cycles of dispensing and dumping the hopper 78 may be required to achieve the large desired volume.

[0035] If a different type of tea is desired by the user, after user input so designates, the electronic controller 30 causes the carousel 50 to rotate by the motor 68 and belt 70 to rotate the tea receptacle 44 containing the selected tea in the appropriate position above the feed chute 72 as determined by the sensor 76, and initiates a dispensing cycle by activating the dispensing mechanism 46 of the tea receptacle 44. To provide the type of tea contained within each tea receptacle, such as the tea receptacle 44, the dispenser 20 may include an optical scanner 86 or the like capable of reading a label, bar code, QR code 88, or the like appropriately positioned on each tea receptacle 44. The information encoded therein or associated with the code may be the type of tea, the water temperature that is ideal for that tea, the appropriate tea to water ratio, serving size information, and the total amount of tea initially contained in the canister. In other forms, some or all of this information may be entered by the user into the electronic controller 30. This information may then be utilized by the electronic controller 30 to present the user interface 32 to the user when called upon, and dispense the appropriate amount of tea and hot water.

[0036] In one form, the base 26 includes a plurality of legs 90 for supporting the dispenser 20 on a counter, table, or the like. In some cases, one, two, three, or more legs 90 supporting the tea dispenser 20 may be linearly actuated by the electronic controller 30 to allow the dispenser 20 to self-level itself to ensure proper operation. The base 26 may also include an infusion bag dispenser 92 to allow a user to quickly and easily retrieve an infusion bag for dispensing loose tea for steeping. The infusion bag dispenser may hold a convenient amount of infusion bags / tea bags, or the like, and may be easily refillable.

[0037] It should be understood that many user interface designs may be utilized without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. A touch screen user interface 32 is provided in which several user selectable options are provided for various sizes of beverages. For example, the user interface 32 may include logical buttons corresponding to 8 ounce, 16 ounce, and 20 ounce beverages, respectively. Additionally, one or more of these buttons may be programmed to provide customized sizes, such as 12, 18, or 20 ounces. In a further form, the sizes associated with these buttons may be customized by the user to correspond to the size of tea the user prefers or that is available on the menu, such as in the case of a restaurant or coffee shop. Additionally, when the user interface is provided within a touch screen, the buttons may be modified to indicate the currently programmed size in units such as ounces (or metric equivalent), the currently programmed volume of water, the current temperature of water dispensed with the selected tea, and the like. Additionally, if desired, one or more of the buttons may be customized to provide a larger volume, such as the volume of a tea pot, or a larger capacity tea bag or container (where water is not required).

[0038] Upon selection of a button, electronic controller 30 (shown in FIG. 1 ) is configured to operate tea dispenser 20 to dispense 8 ounces of hot water at a temperature compatible with the ideal temperature for steeping the selected tea, along with a metered amount of tea suitable for providing an 8 ounce tea beverage. Given that the amount of tea required to make a volume of tea (e.g., 2.5 g of loose leaf tea per 6 ounces of water) is fairly standard for all types of tea, the user interface may remain relatively simple, if desired. Alternatively, in the case of teas that include other ingredients, such as chai tea, the weights corresponding to the various buttons may increase accordingly depending on the type of tea for which carousel 50 is currently configured. For example, in one form, user interface 32 may accept input regarding one of several predefined types of tea and a desired volume of tea. Based on the currently selected tea, the amount of tea dispensed (e.g., by weight) for the selected volume may be different than that for which a different type of tea is selected. In a further embodiment, this information may be provided within or linked to electronic control by the scanner 86 and the code 88 associated with the selected container 44 .

[0039] FIG. 9, with continued reference to FIGS. 1-8, illustrates a flow chart showing a beverage selection and dispensing process according to one aspect of the present invention, which is used to illustrate the manner in which the tea dispenser of FIG. 1 may operate. Process 1500 begins at step 1510 with receiving input sufficient to enable dispenser 20 to identify the type and amount of tea to be dispensed and the amount and temperature of water to be dispensed. By way of example, this may include an indication entered into a user interface, such as user interface 32, that the user desires 8 ounces of chai tea, made slightly stronger or weaker than normal, or that the user desires 16 ounces of green tea. Of course, the type of tea selected or indicated by the user must be the type of tea currently held in tea receptacle 44 located in carousel 50 of dispenser 20. Additionally, each type of tea is associated with an ideal water temperature for steeping in electronic controller 30. This information may also be encoded in a QR code on one or more receptacles, or may be downloaded based on information encoded therein. The process proceeds to step 1520, where the electronic controller 30 of the tea dispenser 20 receives the user's input and determines the type and amount of tea (units of weight) to be dispensed, along with the volume and temperature of the water to be dispensed (if any). Then, in step 1525, the electronic controller 30 begins dispensing tea by rotating the carousel 50 so that the tea container 44 containing the selected type of tea is in the proper position. Next, in step 1530, the dispenser 20 calibrates the value seen by the strain gauge 82 to zero in order to accurately meter the amount of tea added to the hopper 78. Then, in step 1540, the electronic controller 30 rotates the cam 64 to open the seal 62 of the currently selected tea container 44, and then the motors that drive the agitator 56 and screw 60. Soon after, tea from the container 44 begins to accumulate in the hopper 78. When this occurs, at step 1550 the strain gauge 82 begins to periodically report a value indicative of the weight of tea being dispensed into the hopper 78 to the electronic controller 30 .If necessary, the screw 60 may be selectively reversed for a short period of time before being returned to normal operation to clear a potential jam or blockage. When the electronic controller 30 determines that the weight of tea being dispensed into the hopper 78 is approaching a predetermined percentage of the amount to be dispensed (step 1560), the electronic controller 30 slows down the speed of the motor driving the screw / coil 60, thereby decreasing the dispensing rate (step 1570). When the electronic controller 30 determines that the desired weight of tea has been dispensed into the hopper 78 (step 1580), the electronic controller 30 stops the motor driving the agitator 56 and the screw / coil 60 in step 1590 and releases the mechanism holding the arm 80, thereby allowing the contents of the hopper 78 to fall downward into the funnel 84 and ultimately into the user's waiting container (step 1600). In one form, the electronic controller 30 may reverse the direction of motor operation, briefly rotating the drive screw 60 in the opposite direction, thereby clearing the end of the chute 58 to provide a clean contact surface for the seal 62. It should be appreciated that when a large volume of tea dispensing is required, one or more cycles of steps 1540-1590 may be required to achieve the large desired volume. In a further form, a sensor is required to sense a container, such as a cup or the like, within the dispensing area before the tea dispenser 20 is operable to dispense tea at step 1600. It should be appreciated that in some forms the agitator 56 may be operated intermittently during the dispensing cycle, and not continuously.

[0040] With the tea dispensing cycle complete, the next step is to initiate the hot water dispensing cycle. As should be understood, in configurations of dispensers where only hot water is dispensed, the process may omit some or all of the above steps. The cycle begins at step 1610, where the electronic controller 30 receives the current temperature of the hot water tank 100 (reported by temperature sensor 108) and the temperature of the hot water tank 200 (reported by temperature sensor 208) to determine the volume of water to be dispensed from each of the first hot water tank 100 and the second hot water tank 200. In one form, the electronic controller may also energize the pipe heating elements 124 and 224 to raise the first hot water outlet tube 112 and the second hot water outlet tube 212 to a high temperature so as to minimize radiative heat loss from the water. In one form, the circulation pumps 120 and 220 may be operated continuously so that this temperature reading can be obtained immediately. However, in other configurations, the circulating pumps 120 and 220 may only be run periodically, in which case the electronic controller 30 operates the circulating pumps 120 and 220 for a short period of time before reading the water temperature. In a next step 1620, the electronic controller 30 utilizes the desired hot water volume, the desired water temperature, and the temperature received in step 1510 to determine the amount of water that needs to be dispensed from each of the first hot water tank 100 and the second hot water tank 200 to properly dispense a given volume of water at the selected temperature. For example, the electronic controller 30 may determine that 10 ounces of water needs to be dispensed from the second hot water tank 200, and finally 2 ounces of water needs to be dispensed from the first hot water tank 100 to dispense 12 ounces of water at 180°F. Once these volumes have been determined, at step 1630, the electronic controller 30 operates the first water pump 114 and opens the first output valve 116 to begin dispensing hot water from the first hot water tank 100. Simultaneously, or in a spaced manner, the electronic controller 30 operates the second water pump 214 and opens the second output valve 216 to begin dispensing hot water from the second hot water tank 200.In one form, the speeds of the first and second water pumps 114 and 214 are adjusted so that the time to dispense the desired volume remains relatively constant, thereby resulting in a nearly uniform hot water profile over the dispensing cycle and then preventing hotter or colder water than desired from being dispensed at any given time. During dispensing in step 1630, the electronic controller 30 monitors the amount of hot water dispensed from each of the first and second hot water tanks 100 and 200 using readings received from the flow meters 118 and 218. Once the desired volume of hot water has been dispensed from the first hot water tank 100, the electronic controller 30 turns off the first water pump 114 and closes the first output valve 116 (step 1640). Additionally, once the desired volume of hot water has been dispensed from the second hot water tank 200, the electronic controller 30 turns off the second water pump 214 and closes the second output valve 216 (step 1650). In a further form, for safety, the user must press (or press and hold) a button on the user interface of the dispenser 20 to allow the actual dispensing of the treated hot water. The electronic controller may be pre-programmed to adjust for the amount of water, as well as be used to prime the piping before dispensing the water through the output tube to the desired receptacle when the water is finally drained after each cycle. Throughout this process, the electronic controller 30 receives temperature readings from the secondary temperature sensors 122 and 222 to detect variations in the temperature of the water dispensed from the first and / or second hot water tanks 100 and 200 (step 1660). If lower than expected, the electronic controller may energize one or more of the pipe heating elements 124 and 224 to increase the temperature of the water by a small amount before dispensing (step 1670). The electronic controller 30 may then measure the amount of water present in each of the first and second hot water tanks 100 and 200 using the water level sensors 110 and 210, and control the water supply valves 104 and / or 204 to replenish the water therein (step 1680). At step 1690, the process ends.

[0041] In a further aspect, the electronic controller 30 continuously monitors the temperatures reported by the secondary temperature sensors 112 and 222 and makes adjustments to the volumes of water dispensed from the first hot water tank 100 and the second water tank 200 to accommodate slight variations from the parameters of the initial calculations made during step 1620.

[0042] The tea dispenser 20 can be operated to provide only a metered amount of tea at a particular temperature or only a particular volume of water. Those skilled in the art will immediately appreciate the steps omitted from the process of FIG. 9 to accomplish these two operations.

[0043] It should be understood by those skilled in the art that many of the steps may occur simultaneously or in various orders, and various time intervals between steps are also possible. In a further form, the electronic controller 30 may make two or more speed adjustments to quickly dispense tea and / or hot water up to a desired percentage, and then make several speed reductions to accurately and quickly reach the desired weight.

[0044] It should also be understood that the above method may be adapted for use with the dispenser 21 disclosed below. For example, a recirculation loop may be utilized in place of a recirculation pump, with a directional control valve utilized to select between dispensing and recirculation modes at the appropriate time.

[0045] An alternative form of tea dispenser 21 utilizing valves and a recirculation loop in place of the circulating pumps 120 and 220 of tea dispenser 20 is shown in the design drawing of Figure 10. It should be understood that all components of tea dispenser 21 are the same as those shown and described with reference to tea dispenser 20 of Figures 1-8, except as noted below.

[0046] The tea dispenser 21 comprises a first hot water tank 100 which maintains water at a first elevated temperature, and a second hot water tank 200 which maintains water at a second temperature higher than the first temperature. In one form, the first hot water tank 100 is larger in volume than the second hot water tank 200. In another form, the second hot water tank 200 may be larger in volume than the first hot water tank 100, or the two may be of equal size. In another form, one of the water tanks 100 or 200 may lack a heating element and utilize room temperature water.

[0047] By way of non-limiting example, when the tea dispenser 21 is utilized for tea, the water in the first hot water tank 100 is maintained at or slightly above / below 160° F., while the water in the second hot water tank 200 is maintained at or slightly above / below 212° F. By mixing water from the first and second hot water tanks (100 and 200, respectively) in various ratios, hot water at any temperature between 160° F. and 212° F. can be quickly and accurately dispensed by the dispenser 21 at the desired temperature and in the desired volume.

[0048] Each water tank 100 / 200 of the dispenser 21 includes a water supply inlet 102 / 202 and a controlled supply valve 104 / 204 by which additional water is controllably supplied to fill and / or replenish the tank using a water supply line 34 (not shown) and a water supply input 36 (also not shown). Each of the first hot water tank 100 and the second hot water tank 200 also includes a heating element 106 / 206. In other configurations, only one tank may be heated. Also located in each of the first hot water tank 100 and the second hot water tank 200 are temperature sensors 108 and 208 that provide electrical signals to an electronic control unit 30 (not shown), which utilizes these signals to control the operation of the heating elements 106 and 206 to accurately maintain a desired temperature in each of the first hot water tank 100 and the second hot water tank 200. The first hot water tank 100 and the second hot water tank 200 also include water level sensors (not shown) that send electrical signals to an electronic controller 30 (not shown) that uses these signals to control the operation of the controlled supply valves 104 and 204 to maintain a desired volume of water in each of the first hot water tank 100 and the second hot water tank 200.

[0049] The first hot water tank 100 and the second hot water tank 200 are connected to the first and second hot water outlet pipes 112 / 212, respectively. The first hot water outlet pipe 112 and the second hot water outlet pipe 212 are fed by the first / second water pumps 114 / 214, respectively, which feed water from within the respective tanks through the first / second output valves 116 / 216 and the first / second flow meters 118 / 218. In some embodiments, one or more of these water pumps may be omitted, particularly when the tanks are at room temperature and a gravity feed may be utilized. The first and second water pumps 114 and 214, the first and second output valves 116 and 216, and the first and second flow meters 118 and 218 are in electrical communication with and / or controllably operated by the electronic controller 30 (not shown), respectively.

[0050] Water may be released for dispensing from either or both of the first hot water tank 100 and the second hot water tank 200 via the respective first or second hot water outlet pipes 112 / 212. To do so using the dispenser 21, the recirculation valves 123 and 223 must be configured by the electronic controller 30 (not shown) to direct the water passing down the hot water outlet pipes 112 / 212 and through the water dispensing piping 119 / 219 to the common chamber 38. In one form, the recirculation valves 123 / 223 are directional control valves used to divert the flow of hot water from the hot water outlet pipes 112 / 212 as needed. However, the recirculation valves 123 / 223 may be any other type of valve or collection of valves that provide the desired selective control of flow by the electronic controller 30. Hot water is provided by first / second water pumps 114 / 214 from the hot water tank 100 / 200 through first and second flow meters 118 and 218 that meter and report the exact amount of water dispensed into the first and second hot water outlet pipes 112 and 212, respectively. The hot water is dispensed from the first and second hot water outlet pipes 112 and 212 into the common chamber 38 where it is mixed together by turbulence before being dispensed out the water discharge pipe 40 of the dispenser 21. A solenoid valve 41 or the like may be provided as part of the water discharge pipe 40 to prevent dripping after a dispensing cycle.

[0051] According to this alternative embodiment, to increase the consistency of water temperature within the first hot water tank 100 and the second hot water tank 200, as well as the remainder of the dispenser 21, the dispenser 21 may utilize a circulation valve 123 / 223 to redirect the flow of hot water from the first / second water pump 114 / 214 and the first and / or second hot water outlet pipe 112 / 212 back to its respective hot water tank 100 / 200 via the recirculation loop 125 / 225. This arrangement is advantageous as it also recirculates the water within the valve 116 / 216, the flow meter 118 / 218, and the hot water outlet pipe 112 / 212. This reduces and / or eliminates the possibility that the water remaining after its dispensing cycle will drop to a lower or equal room temperature, thereby causing the dispenser difficulty in dispensing hot water at the desired volume and temperature due to the reduced temperature volume of this water. This circulation cycle of dispenser 21 may be controlled by electronic controller 30 (not shown) and may be operated continuously unless a dispensing cycle is occurring, intermittently, on a schedule, or briefly at selected times such as before a dispensing cycle. As a result of these modifications, dispenser 21 may omit circulation pump 120 / 220, temperature sensor 122 / 222, and water purge valve when they are not needed. In configurations where room temperature or low temperature water is utilized, one recirculation valve and loop may be omitted, especially if a gravity feed is utilized.

[0052] In another alternative embodiment, the agitator 56 of the dispenser 20 or 21 may be removed and / or refilled by rapid and / or repeated motions or by the controller 30 of other mechanisms such as a solenoid, motor, or motor within the dispenser 20 or 21 that drives or locks the carousel 50 or drive screw 60 in place. This motion creates vibrations within one or more of the plurality of replaceable tea containers 44, loosening materials contained therein and preventing them from becoming jammed and stuck.

[0053] While the present invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and the foregoing description, it is to be considered as illustrative and not limiting in character, with the understanding that only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described, and that all equivalents, changes, and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention as described herein and / or by the following claims are desired to be protected. Accordingly, the appropriate scope of the present invention should be determined only by the broadest interpretation of the claims so as to include all such modifications and all relationships equivalent to that illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification.

Claims

1. A dispenser for dispensing a specific volume of water at a specific temperature into a waiting user's vessel, comprising: A water pipe for receiving water from a water source; a first holding tank containing water at a first predetermined temperature, the first holding tank having a first inlet for receiving water, a first temperature sensor, a first outlet having a first pump, and a first heater for maintaining the water at the first predetermined temperature inside the first holding tank; a second holding tank separate from the first holding tank containing water at a second temperature different from the first predetermined temperature, the second holding tank having a second inlet, a second temperature sensor, and a second outlet having a second pump; a first recirculation valve in fluid communication with the first outlet, the first recirculation valve operable to selectively divert water from the first outlet between a first recirculation loop returning water to the first holding tank or a first water dispensing line; a water dispensing port in fluid communication with the first water dispensing pipe and a second water dispensing pipe connected to the second outlet, the water dispensing port configured to dispense water from the first holding tank and the second holding tank into an interior of the vessel; a first flow meter disposed between the first outlet and the water dispensing port and in fluid communication with the water from the first holding tank; a second flow meter disposed between the second outlet and the water dispensing port and in fluid communication with the water from the second holding tank; an electronic controller that receives inputs from the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, the first flow meter, and the second flow meter and controls the first pump, the second pump, and the first recirculation valve to recirculate water within the first holding tank and the second holding tank and subsequently dispense the specific volume of water through the water dispensing port; Equipped with The first recirculation valve is constituted by a single valve. Dispenser.

2. The dispenser of claim 1 , wherein the first predetermined temperature is greater than the second temperature.

3. 3. The dispenser of claim 2, wherein the first predetermined temperature is at least 6.7 degrees Celsius greater than the second temperature.

4. 3. The dispenser of claim 2, wherein the first predetermined temperature is between 94.4°C and 100°C.

5. The dispenser of claim 2 , wherein the particular temperature is greater than the second temperature and less than the first predetermined temperature.

6. The dispenser of claim 1 , wherein the second temperature is room temperature.

7. The dispenser of claim 1 , wherein the water source is a pressurized water supply line.

8. 10. The dispenser of claim 1, further comprising means for determining a boiling temperature of water and adjusting said first predetermined temperature.

9. 9. The dispenser of claim 8, wherein the means for determining the boiling temperature of water and adjusting the first predetermined temperature comprises a barometer.

10. 2. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the first outlet further comprises a first outlet valve and the second outlet further comprises a second outlet valve, each of the first outlet valve and the second outlet valve selectively controlled by the electronic controller.

11. The dispenser of claim 1 , wherein the first pump and the second pump are variable speed pumps.

12. A dispenser as described in claim 1, further comprising a water dispense valve controlled by the electronic control device to close the water dispense port.

13. A dispenser as described in claim 1, wherein the second holding tank includes a second heater that maintains water at the second temperature inside the second holding tank.

14. A dispenser as described in claim 13, wherein the second temperature is greater than 32.2°C.

15. The method further comprises a second recirculation valve connected to the second outlet, the second recirculation valve being operable to selectively divert water from the second outlet between a second recirculation loop returning water to the second holding tank or a second water metering line, the second recirculation valve being controlled by the electronic control device; The second recirculation valve is constituted by a single valve.

2. The dispenser of claim 1.

16. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first inlet and the second inlet is fluidly connected to the water piping.

17. A method of operating a dispenser having a first holding tank and a second holding tank for dispensing a specific volume of water at a specific temperature into a waiting user vessel, comprising: at least partially filling the first holding tank by electronically opening a first inlet valve connected to a pressurized water supply line and at least partially filling the second holding tank by electronically opening a second inlet valve connected to the pressurized water supply line; heating and periodically recirculating the water within the first holding tank using a first heater and a first pump, a first recirculation valve, and a first recirculation loop until a first temperature sensor determines that the temperature of the water contained within the first holding tank is at a first predetermined temperature; heating and periodically recirculating the water within the second holding tank using a second heater and a second pump, a second recirculation valve, and a second recirculation loop until a second temperature sensor determines that the temperature of the water contained within the second holding tank is at a second predetermined temperature; electronically calculating the volumes of water to be dispensed from a first holding tank (V1) and a second holding tank (V2) using the temperatures reported by the first and second temperature sensors to dispense the specific volume of water at the specific temperature into a waiting user vessel; electronically actuating the first recirculation valve to divert water from the first pump through a first flow meter to a water dispensing port; operating the first pump to dispense a volume V1 of water from the first holding tank through the water dispensing port into the user vessel and receiving a first electronic signal from the first flow meter; electronically actuating the second recirculation valve to divert water from the second pump through a second flow meter to a water dispensing port; operating the second pump to dispense a volume V2 of water from the second holding tank through the water dispensing port into the user vessel and receiving a second electronic signal from the second flow meter; the first recirculation valve is constituted by a single valve; The second recirculation valve is constituted by a single valve. method.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the operating of the first pump and the operating of the second pump are performed at least partially simultaneously.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein volume V 1 and volume V 2 sum to said particular volume. and immediately prior to said operating said second pump, recirculating said water within said second holding tank using said second pump, said second recirculation valve, and said second recirculation loop.

20. The method of claim 17, further comprising: and immediately prior to said operating said first pump, recirculating said water within said first holding tank using said first pump, said first recirculation valve, and said first recirculation loop.

21. The method of claim 20, further comprising:

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