Beverage dispensing nozzle

Abstract

A nozzle for dispensing a beverage includes a nozzle head having a base liquid inlet configured to receive a base liquid and a flavor inlet configured to receive a flavoring agent. The nozzle further includes a diffuser assembly in fluid communication with the base liquid inlet, the diffuser assembly including a diffuser plate having a plurality of peripheral openings through which the base liquid flows. The nozzle further includes a receptacle in fluid communication with the diffuser assembly and the flavoring agent inlet. The nozzle receptacle includes an inner wall, and the peripheral openings of the diffuser assembly are positioned to direct the flow of the base liquid along the inner wall of the receptacle. The receptacle further includes an outlet through which the flavoring agent and base liquid are dispensed.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The embodiments described herein relate generally to beverage dispensing nozzles. Specifically, the embodiments described herein relate to multi-flavor beverage dispensing nozzles configured to dispense a base liquid and flavoring agents in a smooth, laminar flow pattern. [Background technology]

[0002] Nozzles are often used to dispense beverages for consumption, such as in fountain-type beverage dispensers. Nozzles may be classified as pre-mix and post-mix nozzles. A pre-mix nozzle is one in which the beverage itself is dispensed through the nozzle. A post-mix nozzle is one in which carbonated water or other base liquid and a beverage flavoring, such as syrup, are dispensed separately from the nozzle and may be combined with each other at the point of dispensing, which may be within the nozzle or outside the nozzle. The water and flavoring may be mixed in the beverage container as they travel into the container or while the container is being filled.

[0003] Post-mix nozzles offer the advantage of allowing a variety of beverages to be dispensed from a single nozzle. Post-mix nozzles may be in communication with a variety of flavor sources, such that a variety of beverages can be dispensed by using the post-mix nozzle to dispense a base liquid with the desired flavors. In this manner, multiple types of beverages can be dispensed without requiring a reservoir in which each beverage is premixed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Some embodiments described herein relate to a nozzle for dispensing a beverage, the nozzle including a nozzle head having a base liquid inlet configured to receive a base liquid from a base liquid source and a flavor inlet configured to receive a flavor from a flavor source. The nozzle may further include a diffuser assembly in fluid communication with the base liquid inlet, the diffuser assembly including at least one diffuser plate having an annular region having a plurality of peripheral openings through which the base liquid flows. The nozzle may further include a receiver in fluid communication with the diffuser assembly and the flavor inlet, the receiver including an inner wall and an outlet through which the base liquid and the flavor are dispensed, the peripheral openings of the diffuser assembly are positioned to direct the flow of the base liquid along the inner wall of the receiver, and the flavor inlet directs the flow of the flavor in a longitudinal direction of the nozzle through the receiver.

[0005] In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the flavor inlet may be one of a plurality of flavor inlets, and the base liquid inlet may be one of a plurality of base liquid inlets. In some embodiments, the nozzle head may include a central section and a peripheral section surrounding the central section. The central section may have multiple flavor inlets disposed therein, and the peripheral section may have multiple base liquid inlets disposed therein.

[0006] In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the diffuser assembly can include a first diffuser plate and a second diffuser plate arranged in a stacked configuration.

[0007] In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the diffuser assembly can include a central opening in which the base of the nozzle head is disposed.

[0008] In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, an inner edge of one of the peripheral openings may be aligned with an inner wall of the receiver.

[0009] In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the receiver may include an upper end and a lower end, but the nozzle head and diffuser assembly may be disposed at the upper end of the receiver and the outlet may be disposed at the lower end of the receiver. In some embodiments, the receiver may taper from the upper end to the lower end.

[0010] In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the inner wall of the receiver may have a curvature.

[0011] In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the flavoring agent and the base liquid may intersect with each other within the receptacle. In some embodiments, the flavoring agent may intersect with the base liquid at the outlet of the receptacle.

[0012] In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, an outlet flow stabilizer may be disposed within the outlet of the receiver, and the outlet flow stabilizer may be configured to direct the flow of the base liquid and flavoring agent through the outlet along the longitudinal axis of the nozzle.

[0013] In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the beverage dispensing nozzle may further include one or more vents disposed at an upper end of the receptacle, the vents configured to equalize the pressure within the receptacle with an external pressure.

[0014] Some embodiments described herein relate to a nozzle having a nozzle head including a central section and a peripheral section surrounding the central section, a flavorant inlet disposed in the central section and configured to receive a flavorant, and a base liquid inlet disposed in the peripheral section and configured to receive a base liquid. The nozzle may further include a receiver including an upper end, a lower end, and an outlet disposed at the lower end of the receiver through which the base liquid and flavorant are dispensed from the nozzle. The nozzle may further include a diffuser assembly in fluid communication with the base liquid inlet and the receiver, the diffuser assembly including at least one diffuser plate having an annular region defining a plurality of peripheral openings through which the base liquid flows into the receiver. The flavour inlet may be in fluid communication with the receptacle to provide a flow of flavour in a longitudinal direction of the nozzle through the receptacle, where the flow of flavour and the flow of base liquid intersect within the receptacle and are dispensed together through the outlet.

[0015] In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the multiple peripheral openings may be positioned adjacent to an inner wall of the receiver, in which case the diffuser assembly directs the flow of the base liquid along the inner wall of the receiver.

[0016] In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the flavor inlet may be located in the central section of the nozzle head, in which case the flavor flow intersects with the base liquid flow at the outlet of the receiver.

[0017] Some embodiments described herein relate to a nozzle having a nozzle head including a flavor inlet port for receiving a flavorant and a base liquid inlet for receiving a base liquid. The nozzle may further include a diffuser assembly including at least one diffuser plate having an annular region defining a plurality of peripheral openings through which the base liquid flows. The nozzle may further include a receptacle having an inner wall with a curvature, an outlet for dispensing the base liquid and the flavorant from the nozzle, and a vent configured to equalize a pressure within the receptacle to a pressure outside the beverage dispensing nozzle. The flavor inlet of the nozzle head of the nozzle may be in fluid communication with the receptacle, where the flavorant flows through the receptacle in a longitudinal direction of the nozzle toward the outlet, and the diffuser assembly may be in fluid communication with the receptacle, where the base liquid flows along the inner wall of the receptacle.

[0018] In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the nozzle may further include a plurality of wings radially disposed on the inner wall of the receiver.

[0019] In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the nozzle vent tube may include an upper end and a lower end, the upper end being disposed within the receiver and including an opening on a sidewall of the vent tube, and the lower end being disposed outside the receiver and including an opening.

[0020] In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the vent tube may be disposed parallel to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0021] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate the present disclosure and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the disclosure and to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the disclosure. [Figure 1]1 illustrates a perspective view of a beverage dispensing nozzle according to one embodiment. [Diagram 2] 2 shows an exploded perspective view of the beverage dispensing nozzle of FIG. 1; [Diagram 3] 2 shows a perspective view of a nozzle head of the beverage dispensing nozzle of FIG. 1; [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a top view of the nozzle head of FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the bottom of the nozzle head of FIG. 3. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 shows a bottom view of the nozzle head of FIG. [Figure 7] 2 illustrates a diffuser assembly for the beverage dispensing nozzle of FIG. 1; [Figure 8] 8 shows an exploded view of the diffuser assembly of FIG. 7. [Figure 9] 9 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the diffuser assembly of FIG. 7 taken along line 9-9 of FIG. [Figure 10] 1 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the beverage dispensing nozzle of FIG. 1 taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 1. [Figure 11] 2 shows a perspective view of a receiver of the beverage dispensing nozzle of FIG. 1; [Figure 12] 12 shows a top view of the receiver of FIG. 11. [Figure 13] 12 shows a bottom view of the receiver of FIG. 11. [Figure 14] 1 shows a cross-section of a beverage dispensing nozzle with a vent tube. [Figure 15] 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a beverage dispensing nozzle having a vent hole. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments as 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 present 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.

[0023] Post-mix beverage dispensing nozzles may be used to dispense multiple types of beverages. Such beverage dispensing nozzles generally provide a stream of base liquid and a stream of syrup or flavoring, where the base liquid and flavoring may be mixed at the point of dispensing. By providing a stream of base liquid that is separate from the stream of flavoring, a single beverage dispensing nozzle may be used to dispense multiple types of beverages by dispensing the base liquid with the desired flavoring.

[0024] Although post-mix nozzles may allow multiple beverages to be dispensed from a single nozzle, such nozzles may have the drawback of flavor carryover. For example, if a beverage dispensing nozzle is used to dispense a first beverage and then subsequently used to dispense a second beverage, flavors from the first beverage may remain in the nozzle and mix with the second beverage while the second beverage is being dispensed. As a result, the second beverage may be contaminated by the first flavor, causing the second beverage to taste less than desired. Also, flavor drops remaining in the lines or conduits through which the various flavors are dispensed may be drawn off as the base liquid contacts or flows through the lines or conduits carrying the various flavors, exacerbating flavor carryover. Thus, there is a need in the art for a multi-flavor beverage dispensing nozzle that reduces or completely eliminates flavor carryover.

[0025] Additionally, beverage dispensing nozzles often dispense beverages with an aerated or turbulent flow pattern. As a result, the dispensed beverage may not flow smoothly and consistently during dispensing, and may experience liquid splatter or splashing. The dispensed beverage may appear uneven and opaque due to air being introduced into the beverage during mixing of the base liquid and flavorings exiting the nozzle. Ensuring a smooth and consistent flow of beverage dispensed from the nozzle may be particularly challenging for multi-flavor beverage dispensing nozzles where different flavorings are carried by different flow paths. Thus, there is a need in the art for a beverage dispensing nozzle that provides a smooth laminar flow pattern to reduce liquid splatter or spray and provide an aesthetically pleasing beverage flow.

[0026] Some embodiments described herein relate to a beverage dispensing nozzle that reduces flavor carryover. The beverage dispensing nozzle ensures that flavorings do not remain in the nozzle after the beverage is dispensed, and further ensures that contact between the base liquid and the flavoring inlet is prevented. As a result, the beverage dispensing nozzle can dispense different types of beverages without contaminating each beverage with other flavorings. Some embodiments described herein relate to a beverage dispensing nozzle configured to dispense beverages with a smooth laminar flow pattern to provide an aesthetic appearance and improve the experience of dispensing the beverage. As a result, the beverage dispensed from the nozzle can resemble water flowing from a pitcher or a fountain.

[0027] A beverage dispensing nozzle 100 for dispensing a beverage having a smooth and gentle flow is shown in Figure 1. The beverage dispensing nozzle 100 is configured to dispense a base liquid and a flavoring agent to form a beverage. The beverage dispensing nozzle 100 is configured to dispense a variety of base liquids and a variety of flavoring agents such that the beverage dispensing nozzle 100 can be used to dispense a wide variety of beverages.

[0028] As used herein, the term "beverage" refers to a combination of any base liquid and any flavoring agent. A "base liquid" can be a liquid such as, for example, water, carbonated water, sparkling water, cold water, or mineral water. A "flavoring agent" can be any of a variety of additives in liquid form used to sweeten, flavor, or enhance the base liquid, such as additives such as syrups, sweeteners, or concentrates. For example, a carbonated cola beverage can be made by combining carbonated water as the base liquid with a cola flavoring agent or syrup. Alternatively, an iced tea beverage can be made by combining cold water as the base liquid with black tea flavoring agents.

[0029] In some embodiments, the nozzle 100 includes a nozzle head 120, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The nozzle head 120 may include a flavor inlet 124 for receiving a flavor from a flavor source, such as a flavor storage container, e.g., a bag-in-box (BiB). The flavor inlet 124 may be connected to the flavor source by a flavor supply line 204. The nozzle head 120 further includes a base liquid inlet 122 for receiving a base liquid from a base liquid source, such as a water supply, a liquid storage receptacle, etc. The base liquid inlet 122 may be connected to the base liquid source by a base liquid supply line 202. The beverage dispensing nozzle 100 may further include a diffuser assembly 150 in fluid communication with the base liquid inlet 122. The diffuser assembly 150 may include one or more diffuser plates 160, 170 for controlling the flow of the base liquid and dispensing the base liquid into the receptacle 140 of the nozzle 100. The receptacle 140 is configured to receive a flow of base liquid from the diffuser assembly 150 and a flow of flavorant directly from the flavorant inlet 124. The receptacle 140 includes an outlet 148 for dispensing a smooth laminar flow of the base liquid and flavorant to provide a beverage for consumption.

[0030] The nozzle head 120 of the nozzle 100 according to one embodiment is shown in FIGS. 3-4. The nozzle head 120 may include a base liquid inlet 122 and a flavor inlet 124. Each base liquid inlet 122 may be connected to a base liquid source. In some embodiments, each base liquid inlet 122 may be connected to a different type of base liquid, such that each base liquid inlet 122 provides a different base liquid. For example, the first base liquid inlet 122 may be connected to a source of still water and the second base liquid inlet 122 may be connected to a source of carbonated water. It will be appreciated that each base liquid inlet 122 may receive any base liquid. Similarly, each flavor inlet 124 may be connected to a flavor source. Each flavor inlet 124 may be connected to a flavor source such that the nozzle 100 can dispense a variety of different flavors. For example, a first flavor inlet 124 may be connected to a source of cola flavor and a second flavor inlet 124 may be connected to a source of lemon-lime flavor. It will be understood that any flavor inlet 124 may receive any flavor.

[0031] In some embodiments, each base liquid inlet 122 and each flavor inlet 124 may include an upstanding tubular wall 125 that defines a bore 126 that extends through the nozzle head 120 to a base 130 of the nozzle head 120 and terminates in a base liquid outlet 132 and a flavor outlet 134, respectively. The base liquid and flavor enter the nozzle 100 through the bore 126 of each inlet 122, 124. In such embodiments, the upstanding tubular wall 125 may be configured to engage an inner diameter of a supply line or conduit 202, 204 that supplies the flavor or base liquid to the nozzle 100.

[0032] In some embodiments, each base liquid inlet 122 or each flavor inlet 124 may receive a fitting 115 configured to facilitate connection of a supply line 202, 204 to the base liquid inlet 122 or flavor inlet 124, as shown, for example, in FIG. 2. The fitting 115 may have a hollow, tubular shape. In some embodiments, a retention plate 129 may be securely attached to the nozzle head 120 from above the fitting 115 to hold the fitting 115 and / or the supply line 202, 204 in place. The retention plate 129 may be attached to the nozzle head 120 via any of a variety of fastening methods, but may be attached via the use of mechanical fasteners 127, including fasteners such as screws or bolts.

[0033] In some embodiments, the nozzle head 120 may include a central section 121 and a peripheral section 123 disposed outside and surrounding the central section 121, as best shown in FIG. 4. The flavor inlet 124 may be disposed in the central section 121 of the nozzle head 120. As such, the flavor inlet 124 is centrally disposed on the nozzle 100 and aligned with the outlet 148 of the nozzle 100 with respect to the longitudinal direction of the nozzle 100 (see, e.g., FIG. 10). The flavor inlets 124 may be disposed with the first flavor inlet 124 at the center of the nozzle head 120, while the additional flavor inlets 124 may be disposed around the first flavor inlet 124 in a circular pattern around the first flavor inlet 124. For example, in FIG. 4, five flavor inlets 124 are disposed around the first flavor inlet 124. However, in some embodiments, the flavor inlets 124 may be arranged in a square or rectangular pattern. The flavor inlets 124 may be arranged in one or more columns or rows, and adjacent columns or rows may be staggered or offset from one another.

[0034] The base liquid inlets 122 may be disposed in a peripheral section 123 of the nozzle head 120. The base liquid inlets 122 may be disposed around the flavor inlets 124. The base liquid inlets 122 may be radially spaced from the flavor inlets 124 and may be located closer to the outer periphery of the nozzle head 120 than the flavor inlets 124. As shown in FIG. 4, the nozzle head 120 includes four base liquid inlets 122. However, the nozzle head 120 may include fewer or additional base liquid inlets 122.

[0035] The nozzle head 120 may further include a flange 128 located around the periphery of the nozzle head 120. The flange 128 may extend around the entire circumference of the nozzle head 120. The flange 128 is provided to facilitate mounting the nozzle head 120 to a support structure, such as a portion of a beverage dispenser.

[0036] The nozzle head 120 may further include a base 130, as shown in Figures 5-6. The flavor inlet 124 terminates in a flavor outlet 134 on the base 130 of the nozzle head 120. The flavor inlet 124 (and its bore) is disposed generally parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the nozzle 100, such that the outlet 134 on the base 130 of the nozzle head 120 is also disposed in the central section of the nozzle head 120. The flavor inlet 124 communicates with a receptacle 140 of the nozzle 100, such that the flavor passes through the flavor inlet 124, exits through the outlet 134 on the base 130, and enters the receptacle 140. The flavor flow is longitudinal through the receptacle 140 of the nozzle 100. Similarly, the base liquid inlet 122 may terminate in a base liquid outlet 132 on the base 130. However, rather than delivering the base liquid directly to the receiver 140, the outlet 132 delivers the base liquid to a diffuser assembly 150 of the nozzle 100, as will be discussed in more detail herein.

[0037] The base 130 of the nozzle head 120 may include one or more recesses 139 extending partially around the periphery of the base 130 and a groove 135 extending around the periphery of the base 130. The recesses 139 may be configured to securely attach the receiver 140 to the nozzle head 120 of the nozzle 100. The receiver 140 may include one or more tabs 143 disposed around the periphery of the receiver 140 and configured to engage the recesses 139 of the nozzle head 120. Attachment of the receiver 140 to the nozzle head 120 may be accomplished by placing the receiver 140 over the nozzle head 120 and rotating the receiver 140 to insert the tabs 143 into the recesses 139 of the nozzle head 120. The receiver 140 may be rotated until the tabs 143 reach the maximum rotational travel limit allowed by the recesses 139. This mechanical fit fixes the position of the receiver 140 longitudinally along the axis X of the nozzle 100 and establishes a rotational orientation of the receiver 140 relative to the nozzle head 120 about the axis X of the nozzle. The groove 135 may be configured to receive a sealing ring 137. The sealing ring 137 may be securely attached to the base 130 to form a seal with the receiver 140 when the base 130 of the nozzle head 120 is received within the top end 144 of the receiver 140 (see, e.g., FIG. 10 ). The sealing ring 137 may help prevent liquid from escaping the receiver 140 or from entering the receiver 140 from outside the nozzle 100.

[0038] The nozzle head 120 may be disposed at the top end 144 of the receptacle 140 of the nozzle 100 such that it encloses the top end 144 of the receptacle 140. The base liquid inlet 122 of the nozzle head 120 is in fluid communication with the diffuser assembly 150 such that base liquid provided to the base liquid inlet 122 from a fluid source flows through the diffuser assembly 150 and into the receptacle 140 (see, for example, base liquid flow B in FIG. 10 ). The base 130 of the nozzle head 120 may extend through a central opening 151 of the diffuser assembly 150 such that the flavorant inlet 124 is in fluid communication with the receptacle 140.

[0039] In some embodiments, the nozzle 100 includes a diffuser assembly 150, as shown in Figures 7-9. The diffuser assembly 150 and the receptacle 140 are in fluid communication with each other such that the base liquid can flow through the diffuser assembly 150 and into the receptacle 140. The diffuser assembly 150 may be disposed below a portion of the nozzle head 120 and at an upper end 144 of the receptacle 140. The diffuser assembly 150 is configured to provide a smooth laminar flow of the base liquid flowing into the receptacle 140. The diffuser assembly 150 may include a first diffuser plate 160 and a second diffuser plate 170 arranged in a stacked configuration. Although the first diffuser plate 160 is illustrated as being disposed above the second diffuser plate 170, in some embodiments, the second diffuser plate 170 may instead be disposed above the first diffuser plate 160. In some embodiments, the diffuser assembly 150 can include only one diffuser plate or three or more diffuser plates.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 8, the first diffuser plate 160 includes an annular region 164 that defines a central opening 165. The annular region 164 further defines a plurality of peripheral openings 162 disposed about the periphery of the first diffuser plate 160. In the illustrated embodiment, the peripheral openings 162 are each the same size and shape. However, in some embodiments, the peripheral openings 162 may differ in size or shape from one another. Additionally, the peripheral openings 162 are illustrated as having a circular shape. However, in some embodiments, the peripheral openings 162 may have a square, rectangular, triangular, or elliptical shape, among others.

[0041] During operation, base liquid flows through base liquid inlet 122 and onto annular region 164 of first diffuser plate 160 of diffuser assembly 150. The base liquid is distributed around annular region 164 of first diffuser plate 160 and flows through peripheral openings 162 into receiver 140 or onto additional diffuser plates (e.g., second diffuser plate 170), depending on the number of diffuser plates in diffuser assembly 150.

[0042] In embodiments having a second diffuser plate 170, the second diffuser plate 170 may similarly include an annular region 174 that defines a central opening 175 and further defines a number of peripheral openings 172 disposed about the periphery of the second diffuser plate 170. In some embodiments, the second diffuser plate 170 may include an upstanding flange 176 adjacent the central opening 175. The flange 176 may be substantially perpendicular to the annular region 174. The flange 176 may be configured to engage an inner edge 161 of the first diffuser plate 160 adjacent the central opening 165 such that the first diffuser plate 160 is securely attached to the second diffuser plate 170.

[0043] In some embodiments, the first diffuser plate 160 may be securely attached to the second diffuser plate 170 by a snap-fit ​​connection. As shown in FIG. 9, the flange 176 of the second diffuser plate 170 may define a recess 178 for receiving the protrusion 166 of the first diffuser plate 160, thereby securely attaching the first diffuser plate 160 and the second diffuser plate 170 to one another. However, in some embodiments, the first diffuser plate 160 and the second diffuser plate 170 may be attached to one another via a press fit, a friction fit, an interference fit, or the like. Additionally, in some embodiments, the flange 176 of the second diffuser plate 170 may include threads that engage with threads on the inner edge 161 of the first diffuser plate 160. In some embodiments, the flange 176 of the second diffuser plate 170 receives and supports a sealing ring 177 to create a seal with the inner wall 119 that surrounds and separates the central section 121 of the nozzle head 120 from the peripheral section 123 (see FIG. 4). The sealing ring 167 may be disposed around the outer periphery of the first diffuser plate 160, thereby providing a seal with the diffuser assembly 150 and the peripheral section 123 of the nozzle head 120. Both the sealing ring 177 and the sealing ring 167 may help ensure that the base liquid only flows through the peripheral openings 162. The sealing ring 167 may help ensure that the base liquid does not flow through the central opening 151, but may also help ensure that the base liquid does not flow onto the flavor outlet 134. Flow of the base liquid onto the flavor outlet 134 may result in flavor carryover, which is undesirable.

[0044] In some embodiments, the first diffuser plate 160 has a diameter d 1 The peripheral openings 162 are arranged in a first number n 1 The second diffuser plate 170 may have a diameter d 2 The peripheral openings 172 are arranged in a second number n 2In some embodiments, the second number of peripheral openings is greater than the first number of peripheral openings (n 2 >n 1 In some embodiments, the diameter of the peripheral opening 162 may be smaller than the diameter of the peripheral opening 172 (d 1 <d 2 ). A first diffuser plate 160 with a relatively small number of peripheral openings 162 may help to restrict a localized flow of base liquid from one or more of the base liquid outlets 132 into the diffuser assembly 150 so that the base liquid completely fills the space defined by the annular region 164. A second diffuser plate 170 with a relatively large number of peripheral openings 172 may help to distribute the base liquid evenly within the space defined by the annular region 174 so that the flow of base liquid is evenly distributed around the periphery as the base liquid enters the receiver 140. The pressure drop across the second diffuser plate 170 may be lower than the pressure drop across the first diffuser plate 160. As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, the number and size, as well as the spacing and location of the peripheral openings 162 and 172 on the first diffuser plate 160 and the second diffuser plate 170, as well as where the flow of base liquid is directed into the receiver 140, can be specified to suit the nozzle size and desired nozzle flow rate for a particular beverage dispensing nozzle application.

[0045] In some embodiments, the diffuser assembly 150 may be configured to provide a flow rate of approximately 2 ounces per second or 1 gallon per minute. This flow rate may provide a smooth laminar flow within the receptacle 140 of the nozzle 100 and helps prevent turbulence and splashing of the liquid within the receptacle 140 of the nozzle 100. As a result of turbulence and splashing of the liquid, flavor carryover may occur. Also, the beverage may cause turbulence through the outlet 148 of the nozzle 100. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the flow rate may increase beyond 2 ounces per second if the diameter of the outlet 148 of the nozzle 100 is increased. Increasing the flow rate without increasing the diameter of the outlet 148 may result in retention of the base liquid within the receptacle 140, which may cause turbulence and allow the base liquid to enter the dry zone 149, which is undesirable.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 10 , the receptacle 140 of the beverage dispensing nozzle 100 is in fluid communication with a diffuser assembly 150 and also with a flavor inlet 124. The diffuser assembly 150 is configured to provide a laminar flow of the base liquid into the receptacle 140 along an inner wall 141 of the receptacle 140. The flavor flows directly into the receptacle 140 through the flavor inlet 124 of the nozzle head 120. The flavor flows through an open central portion of the receptacle 140 along the longitudinal axis X of the nozzle 100. The receptacle 140 directs the flow of the base liquid and flavor to the outlet 148 such that the base liquid and flavor are dispensed through the outlet 148 of the nozzle in a laminar flow pattern.

[0047] To maintain laminar flow through the receptacle 140 and prevent splashing or turbulent flow of the liquid within the receptacle 140, the peripheral opening 172 of the second diffuser plate 170 may be positioned to direct the base liquid along the inner wall 141 of the receptacle 140. In some embodiments, as best shown in FIG. 10, the inner edge 173 of the peripheral opening 172 is aligned with the inner wall 141 of the receptacle. In this manner, the flow of base liquid moves smoothly from the diffuser assembly 150 to the receptacle 140. The flow of base liquid may proceed along a line tangent to the curvature of the inner wall 141 of the receptacle 140. The flow of base liquid remains in close contact with the inner wall 141 of the receptacle 140. However, in some embodiments, the inner edge 173 of the peripheral opening 172 may be spaced inwardly from the inner wall 141 to direct the base liquid along the inner wall 141. In such embodiments, the inner edge 173 of the peripheral opening 172 may be spaced from the inner wall 141 of the upper end 144 of the receiver 140 by between 0.1 mm and 5 mm.

[0048] Because the base liquid is configured to flow along the inner walls 141 of the receptacle 140 and the flavoring flows through the open central portion of the receptacle 140, a dry zone 149 may be created within the receptacle 140, as shown in FIG. 10. The dry zone 149 may be an area within the receptacle 140 surrounding the outlet 134 of the flavoring inlet 124 of the nozzle head 120 in which no liquid is present at any time during operation of the nozzle 100. If the base liquid contacts the outlet 134 within the receptacle 140, it may draw droplets of flavoring remaining within the flavoring inlet 124 into the receptacle 140, thereby contaminating the beverage being dispensed with flavorings that may not have been selected to be dispensed. It is therefore important to minimize or completely prevent liquid within the receptacle 140 from splashing into the dry zone 149.

[0049] The flavoring agent flows through the interior of the receptacle 140 and out of a flavoring outlet 134 on the base 130 of the nozzle head 120. The flavoring agent outlet 134 may be longitudinally aligned with the outlet 148 of the receptacle 140 such that the flavoring agent flows directly to the outlet 148. For example, as shown in FIG. 10 , a flavoring agent F intersects with the base liquid B in the receptacle 140 at an intersection I located at or directly adjacent to the outlet 148. The flavoring agent flow interrupts the flow of the base liquid where the flavoring agent intersects with the base liquid, which may result in splashing or turbulence. Thus, the flavoring agent intersects with the base liquid at the outlet 148 to minimize such effects within the receptacle 140.

[0050] A receptacle 140 of nozzle 100 is shown, for example, in Figures 11-13. Receptacle 140 directs the base liquid and flavorant toward outlet 148 of receptacle 140 to be dispensed from nozzle 100. The base liquid and flavorant intersect at intersection I within receptacle 140 and exit together through outlet 148. Receptacle 140 includes an open upper end 144 and a lower end 142 that is open at outlet 148. Outlet 148 may be centrally located on receptacle 140, as best shown in Figures 12 and 13. Receptacle 140 has a diameter D of upper end 144, as best shown in Figure 12. 1 However, the diameter D of the lower end 142 at the outlet 148 2 In some embodiments, D 2 can be 0.200-0.800 inches, 0.300-0.700 inches, or 0.400-0.600 inches. In some embodiments, receiver 140 can be linearly tapered, such that receiver 140 has a generally conical shape. However, in some embodiments, receiver 140 can have a curvature, as shown in FIG. 11.

[0051] In some embodiments, the receiver 140 may further include wings 146, for example as illustrated in FIG. 12. The wings 146 may be disposed on the inner wall 141 of the receiver 140 and may extend generally perpendicularly therefrom. The wings 146 may be radially disposed about the outlet 148 of the receiver 140 and may extend from the lower end 142 to the upper end 144 of the receiver 140. The wings 146 may be equally spaced about the outlet 148 or may be disposed at fixed intervals. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the wings 146 may be symmetrically disposed when viewed from above down. In some embodiments, each of the wings 146 may have the same shape and dimensions. The wings 146 define a flow channel 147 for the base liquid to flow through the receiver 140 toward the outlet 148. The wings 146 may help prevent the base liquid from swirling within the receptacle 140. If such a vortex occurs, the base liquid may exit through the outlet 148 at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis X of the nozzle 100. While the diffuser assembly 150 is configured to distribute the base liquid evenly around the receptacle 140, there may be a somewhat larger flow of base liquid in one area of ​​the receptacle 140. This may cause the base liquid to swirl within the receptacle 140. Alternatively, in the absence of the wings 146, the base liquid streamlines flowing along the inner wall 141 may chaotically split or separate and rejoin. Splitting of the streamlines may also cause the flow shape through the outlet 148 to split or deflect. In this manner, the wings 146 help to control the direction of the flow of the base liquid within the receiver 140 and help direct the flow of the base liquid towards and out of the outlet 148 to form a uniform, laminar flow.

[0052] In some embodiments, the receiver 140 of the nozzle 100 may have 4-20, 8-18, or 12-16 wings. In some embodiments, the receiver 140 may include 14 wings. The inventors of the present application have found that the outlet diameter D ranges from 0.500 to 0.600. 2 and a flow rate of approximately 2.0 oz / sec and a diameter D of approximately 1.900 in.1 It has been found that using 14 vanes results in the most uniform laminar flow exiting the outlet 148, given an overall nozzle size characterized by a diameter of 14 mm and a diameter of 16 mm. 1 and D. 2 ) and the nozzle flow rate, different numbers of vanes may be appropriate. Generally, a relatively small exit diameter D 2 and a relatively small overall size D 1 and a nozzle with a higher base liquid flow rate requires fewer vanes and a relatively large exit diameter D 2 and a relatively large overall size D 1 and a nozzle with a lower base liquid flow rate would require a higher number of vanes.

[0053] In some embodiments, the outlet flow stabilizer 190 may be disposed within the outlet 148 of the receptacle 140, as best shown in FIG. 12, to facilitate dispensing of the beverage from the nozzle 100 in a direction along the longitudinal axis X of the nozzle 100. As the base liquid flows along the inner wall 141 of the receptacle 140, the flow of the base liquid may be skewed at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis X of the nozzle 100 as the base liquid flows through the outlet 148. Although the diffuser assembly 150 is configured to distribute the base liquid evenly in the receptacle 140, the flow of the base liquid may not always be uniform throughout the receptacle 140. And if the flow of base liquid is greater at one portion or one side of the receptacle 140, the flow of base liquid through the outlet 148 may be skewed at a slight angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle 100. The outlet flow stabilizer 190 may help prevent base liquid flowing along the inner wall 141 of the receptacle 140 from colliding at the outlet 148, which, if such colliding were to occur, could divert the flow of base liquid and flavorings through the outlet 148. The outlet flow stabilizer 190 may have an X-shape or a cross-shape, and is positioned to divide the outlet into multiple outlet regions 192. In some embodiments, the outlet flow stabilizer 190 may have other shapes to divide the outlet 148 into a different number of outlet regions 192. The beverage flowing through the outlet flow stabilizer 190 combines itself into a uniform, aesthetically pleasing stream.

[0054] In some embodiments, the nozzle 100 may be operated by a control system. To dispense a beverage from the nozzle, the control system may cause a selected base liquid, such as carbonated water, to flow through the nozzle. The control system may also cause a selected flavoring to flow through the nozzle. For example, the control system may operate one or more pumps to flow the base liquid and flavoring from a base liquid source or a flavoring source to the nozzle. As the base liquid and flavoring exit the outlet, the base liquid and flavoring may combine with each other "in flight" as the base liquid and flavoring flow from the nozzle to the beverage container. The base liquid and flavoring may further mix and combine within the beverage container. In some embodiments, the base liquid may continue to be dispensed for a short period of time after the flavoring has stopped dispensing. For example, the time period may be 100-400 ms, and in some embodiments, 200 ms. In this manner, any flavoring that may remain within the receptacle 140 of the nozzle 100 may be washed away by the base liquid.

[0055] In some embodiments, the receptacle 140 may further include a vent mechanism to equalize the pressure within the nozzle 100 with the outside air pressure. In some embodiments, the beverage dispensing nozzle 100 may include a vent tube 180, for example as shown in FIG. 14. The outlet 148 of the beverage dispensing nozzle 100 may be sized to slightly restrict the flow at the outlet 148, which may help provide a substantially cylindrical flow of the base liquid through the outlet 148 without creating irregular flow. However, as a result of the restricted flow, the base liquid may stagnate at the outlet 148 and become trapped within the receptacle 140 at the end of the dispense operation. The stagnation of the base liquid may result in flavor carryover. The vent tube 180 helps to equalize the internal air pressure within the nozzle with the outside air pressure, allowing the base liquid to be fully expelled and preventing the base liquid from becoming trapped within the receptacle 140 at the end of the dispense operation. The vent tube 180 may also help promote a smooth flow of liquid through the outlet 148 .

[0056] The vent tube 180 may include a hollow tubular member configured to fluidly connect the interior of the receptacle 140 to an area exterior to the beverage dispensing nozzle 100. The vent tube 180 may be disposed parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the nozzle 100 (and the receptacle 140). The vent tube 180 may also be offset from the center of the receptacle 140 such that flavoring agents flowing through a central portion of the nozzle 100 do not contact the vent tube 180. The vent tube 180 includes an upper end 184 disposed within the receptacle 140 and a lower end 182 disposed outside the receptacle 140 adjacent the outlet 148 of the receptacle 140 and open to the environment. The vent tube 180 may include an opening 181 at the upper end 184 and may include an open lower end 182. In this way, air can flow from the outside of the receptacle 140 to the inside of the receptacle 140 (and the nozzle 100), or air can flow in the opposite direction, from the inside to the outside, thereby equalizing the internal and external pressures. The opening 181 at the upper end 184 can be located on a side wall of the vent tube 180 and thus extend transversely to the longitudinal axis X. This can prevent liquid from leaking out of the nozzle 100 through the vent tube 180.

[0057] In some embodiments, the receiver 140 may alternatively or additionally include a vent hole 188, as shown in FIG. 15. The vent hole 188 may function similarly to the vent tube 180 of FIG. 14 and help to equalize the internal air pressure within the nozzle with the air pressure outside the nozzle. In this manner, the vent hole 188 may allow the base liquid 300 to drain completely and help prevent the base liquid 300 from becoming trapped within the receiver 140 at the end of a dispensing operation. In some embodiments, more vent holes 188 may be formed around the periphery of the receiver 140. The vent holes 188 may be oriented laterally and thus perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the nozzle 100. The vent hole 188 may be located at the upper end 144 of the receiver 140, but the location of the hole may be determined such that the hole is not within the direct flow path of the base liquid from the diffuser assembly 150 to the inner wall 141 of the receiver 140.

[0058] It is understood that the "Description of Embodiments" section, and not the "Summary" and "Abstract" sections, are intended to be used to interpret the claims. The Summary and Abstract sections may set forth one or more, but not all, exemplary embodiments of the invention as contemplated by the inventor(s), but are not intended to limit the scope of the invention and the appended claims in any way.

[0059] The present invention has been described above with the aid of functional building blocks illustrating the performance of certain functions and their relationships. The boundaries of these functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined herein for the convenience of description. Alternative boundaries can be defined so long as the specified functions and their relationships are appropriately performed.

[0060] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments makes the general nature of the present invention fully clear, and others can easily modify and / or adapt such specific embodiments to various applications by applying the knowledge of those skilled in the art without undue trial and error and without departing from the general concept of the present invention. Therefore, 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. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology used herein is for the purpose of explanation and not of limitation, and therefore the phraseology or terminology used herein should be interpreted by those skilled in the art in light of the teaching and guidance used herein.

Claims

1. A nozzle for dispensing a beverage, said nozzle comprising: A nozzle head, a base liquid inlet configured to receive a base liquid from a base liquid source; a flavor inlet configured to receive a flavor from a flavor source; and a flavor outlet into which the flavor inlet terminates; A nozzle head comprising: a diffuser assembly in fluid communication with the base liquid inlet, the diffuser assembly comprising at least one diffuser plate having an annular region with a plurality of peripheral openings through which the base liquid flows; a receptacle in fluid communication with the diffuser assembly and the flavoring agent inlet, the receptacle having the flavoring agent outlet opening therein; a receiver in fluid communication with the diffuser assembly and the flavoring agent inlet, Inner walls, and a receptor outlet through which the base liquid and the flavoring agent are dispensed; A receiving portion comprising: one or more vent openings disposed in the receptacle downstream of the flavoring agent outlet, the one or more vent openings configured to equalize pressure within the receptacle with an exterior pressure; Equipped with A nozzle, wherein the peripheral opening of the diffuser assembly is positioned to direct a flow of the base liquid along the inner wall of the receptacle, and the flavoring agent inlet directs a flow of the flavoring agent through the receptacle in a longitudinal direction of the nozzle.

2. The nozzle of claim 1 , wherein the flavor inlet is one of a plurality of flavor inlets and the base liquid inlet is one of a plurality of base liquid inlets.

3. 3. The nozzle of claim 2, wherein the nozzle head comprises a central section and a peripheral section surrounding the central section, and the plurality of flavor inlets are disposed in the central section and the plurality of base liquid inlets are disposed in the peripheral section.

4. The nozzle of claim 1 , wherein the diffuser assembly comprises a first diffuser plate and a second diffuser plate arranged in a stacked configuration.

5. The nozzle of claim 1 , wherein the diffuser assembly includes a central opening in which a base of the nozzle head is disposed.

6. The nozzle of claim 1 , wherein an inner edge of one of the peripheral openings is aligned with the inner wall of the receiver.

7. 2. The nozzle of claim 1, wherein the receiver has an upper end and a lower end, the nozzle head and diffuser assembly is disposed at the upper end of the receiver, and the receiver outlet is disposed at the lower end of the receiver.

8. The nozzle of claim 7 , wherein the receiver tapers from the upper end to the lower end.

9. The nozzle of claim 1 , wherein the inner wall of the receiver has a curvature.

10. The nozzle of claim 1 , wherein the flavoring agent and the base liquid intersect within the receptacle.

11. The nozzle of claim 10 , wherein the flavoring agent intersects with the base liquid at the receptor outlet.

12. 2. The nozzle of claim 1, wherein an outlet flow stabilizer is disposed within the receptacle outlet and configured to direct the flow of the base liquid and the flavoring agent through the receptacle outlet along a longitudinal axis of the nozzle.

13. A nozzle as described in claim 1, wherein the ventilation opening further comprises one or more ventilation holes disposed at an upper end of the receiving portion.

14. A nozzle, A nozzle head, Central section, a peripheral section surrounding said central section; a flavoring inlet disposed in the central section and configured to receive a flavoring; and a base liquid inlet disposed in the peripheral section and configured to receive a base liquid; A nozzle head comprising: A receptor, top end, Bottom edge, and an outlet disposed at the lower end of the receptacle, through which the base liquid and the flavoring agent are dispensed from the nozzle; A receiving portion comprising: a diffuser assembly in fluid communication with the base liquid inlet and the receiver, the diffuser assembly comprising at least one diffuser plate including an annular region defining a plurality of peripheral openings through which the base liquid flows into the receiver; a vent configured to equalize pressure within the receptacle with pressure outside the nozzle, the vent comprising a plurality of holes extending through a wall of the receptacle; and Equipped with A nozzle, wherein the flavor inlet is in fluid communication with the receptacle to provide a flow of the flavor through the receptacle in a longitudinal direction of the nozzle, the flow of the flavor and the flow of the base liquid intersecting within the receptacle and being dispensed together through the outlet.

15. The nozzle of claim 14 , wherein the plurality of peripheral openings are disposed adjacent an inner wall of the receptacle such that the diffuser assembly directs the flow of the base liquid along the inner wall of the receptacle.

16. 15. The nozzle of claim 14, wherein the flavoring agent inlet is disposed in a central section of the nozzle head such that the flow of the flavoring agent intersects with the flow of the base liquid at the outlet of the receptacle.

17. A nozzle, A nozzle head, a flavoring inlet for receiving a flavoring; and a base liquid inlet for receiving a base liquid; A nozzle head comprising: a diffuser assembly comprising at least one diffuser plate having an annular region defining a plurality of peripheral openings through which the base liquid flows; A receptor, An inner wall having a curvature; an outlet for dispensing the base liquid and the flavoring agent from the nozzle; and a vent tube configured to equalize a pressure within the receptacle with a pressure outside the nozzle, the vent tube having an upper end disposed within the receptacle and a lower end disposed outside the receptacle; A receiving portion comprising: Equipped with A nozzle, wherein the flavoring agent inlet is in fluid communication with the receptacle such that the flavoring agent flows through the receptacle in a longitudinal direction of the nozzle toward the outlet, and the diffuser assembly is in fluid communication with the receptacle such that the base liquid flows along the inner wall of the receptacle.

18. The nozzle of claim 17 further comprising a plurality of wings disposed radially on the inner wall of the receiver.

19. 20. The nozzle of claim 17, wherein the upper end of the vent tube comprises an opening on a sidewall of the vent tube.

20. 20. The nozzle of claim 17, wherein the vent tube is disposed parallel to a longitudinal axis of the nozzle.

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