Beverage dosage system

Abstract

A beverage dosing system comprising a processor connected to a circuit including a fluid pump securable to a fluid supply (6), a dosing feedline (7) that extends from the fluid pump to a dosing chamber (8) that is provided with a dosed-fluid outlet (9) or directly to a dosed-fluid outlet (9), with the dosing feedline (7) being selectively in fluid communication with at least one additive valve (10) secured to an additive source (11), a bypass feedline (12) that extends between the fluid pump and the dosing chamber (8) or the dosed-fluid outlet (9) past the or each additive source (11), a main selector valve (13) being configured and operable to direct the fluid supply (6) from the fluid pump to the dosing feedline (7) or to the bypass feedline (12), configured to prepare the dosed fluid with an additive (15) and to supply it to a beverage maker from which to prepare a beverage or to add it to a beverage after it has been prepared.

Description

[0001] P1154PC

[0002] BEVERAGE DOSAGE SYSTEM

[0003] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004] This invention relates to a system to dose additives to beverages at the time of preparation.

[0005] BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0006] Beverages are consumed primarily for recreational, general well-being or specific medicinal purposes.

[0007] Examples of recreational beverages include water, coffee, tea, soft drinks, and alcoholic drinks.

[0008] Beverages for general well-being include drinks that include vitamins, minerals, nutraceuticals and nutrients. These can include water with which a pill form of such additives can be swallowed, or powdered forms of the additives may be diluted into water or added in a liquid form. These are often sports-type drinks.

[0009] Beverages that are consumed for specific medicinal purposes include water with which a pill form of a medicament, whether prescribed or not, is consumed or powdered forms of these medicament that are diluted into water for swallowing. The latter is not generally considered as a beverage since it generally does not involve a recreational or pleasure element, but in the context of this invention such a drink (e.g. a glass of water with a dissolved powdered medicament) can also be considered a ‘beverage’ in a broader sense.

[0010] A typical beverage is comprised of a potable liquid, normally water, and at least one non-water component mixed with the water. The non-water component can include a constituent such as coffee granules that are dissolved into boiling water or tea leaves which are infused into boiling water. In the context of a ready-to-drink beverage such as a bottled fruit juice, the beverage is mixed at a factory and bottled ready for consumption. In the context of a fruit juice concentrate, the bottled concentrate is diluted with room-temperature or chilled water in a specific ratio to provide such a beverage.

[0011] In the context of beverages that involve an element of preparation and heating immediately before use, which is the primary focus of this invention, the options for additives are generally limited to the core element such as coffee or tea, and a sweetener such as sugar or an alternative sweetener.

[0012] With coffee that is prepared at a point of use or sale, coffee beans are typically ground, and hot water is passed through a compressed tablet of ground coffee, via its group head or brew head which is the point of contact between the coffee grounds and water, for the water to be infused with the coffee extract from the coffee grounds. Where pre-ground coffee is used, the grinding step is omitted at the point of use or sale and the pre-ground coffee is compressed with the rest of the process remaining the same. Where sweetener and milk are added, this is typically done separately and after the preparation of the coffee, unless a milk-based coffee such as cappuccino is prepared, in which case milk is frothed and added to the coffee immediately after preparation by the same equipment.

[0013] A limitation of the present systems is that the options for a consumer are limited essentially to the beverage that that is prepared. A good example is a coffee that is freshly prepared from beans. Other than the choice of beans, the consumer simply gets a coffee, and he gets to add as much sweetener and milk after it has been prepared. The coffee itself remains the same. In some instances, an automatic coffee machine allows for the user to select the strength of the coffee, which just means the amount of hot water that is passed through the compressed coffee grinds is controlled and diluted further with clean hot water.

[0014] Present systems for preparing beverages do not allow or consider the addition of anything other the core ingredient (e.g. coffee) and carrier liquid (water), with recognition that generally a sweetener and milk may also be added after preparation.

[0015] The prior art includes systems for other drink preparation purposes, which systems cannot be used or readily adapted to be used with beverages such a coffee or tea to add any number of custom selected additives.

[0016] Examples of such non-applicable prior art systems include the system disclosed in patent application US20070205221. This relates to a system making juice-based products or soft drinks for use in shops and bottling plants. It requires one sugar-based macro ingredient which is mixed with a micro ingredient and a dilutant, to form a tri-mix sugar-based dispensing system. The system requires a carrier liquid in the form of the syrup, which receives the micro ingredient, and carries it to be diluted. It requires at least the carrier and the dilutant. It cannot provide a beverage without the carrier, and it cannot create a beverage with for example only the dilutant and the micro ingredient. It requires both the carrier and dilutant with the option of a micro ingredient.

[0017] This works for preparing sugar-based beverages, where a sugar syrup (the carrier) is simply diluted with water (the dilutant), with the option of a micro ingredient add one. This does not work where a user wishes to add one or more additives to a system which already prepares a brewed beverage. The system of US20070205221 leads with the concentrate (the sugar- based carrier) which is diluted into the dilutant. It cannot be adapted to lead with its microingredient separate from the concentrate and dilutant for dosing of the final beverage and also does not suggest how that should be achieved. The configuration of the system of US20070205221 is such that is has a limited dosing range for its micro ingredients, which is between 10:1 to 300:1. This is a result of the requirement for the carrier (sugar syrup) which receives, dilutes and carries the micro ingredient to the dilutant. The required volume of the concentrate is such that it limits the useful range for the micro ingredients.

[0018] The system of US20070205221 uses a dedicated pump per micro-ingredient and a selection valve. This is a system that is configured to create an entire beverage and is intended to be used in a factory where large numbers of bottled or canned beverages are created. It is configured to produce a greater number of different types of beverages while using a smaller footprint. The system of US20070205221 is designed for a continuous pour once it constituents have been selected and set.

[0019] The system of US20070205221 is a free-standing piece of industrial equipment, intended for use in a production line. It is not possible to use the system of US20070205221 in a setting such as a coffee shop to provide a single beverage with a specific selection of one or more micro ingredients.

[0020] There is a need for a beverage dosing system that enables the selective dosing of a single unit of a beverage with one or more additives in a configuration that enables the system to be integrated into an existing beverage making machine and used at a point of use or sale of the single beverage unit.

[0021] OBJECTIVE OF THE INVENTION

[0022] It is an objective of the invention to provide a system which at least partly overcomes the abovementioned problems. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0023] In accordance with this invention there is provided a beverage dosing system comprising a processor connected to a circuit that includes a fluid pump securable to a fluid supply, a dosing feedline that extends from the fluid pump to a dosing chamber that is provided with a dosed- fluid outlet which is in fluid communication with a dosed fluid supply line, with the dosing feedline between the fluid pump and the dosing chamber being selectively in fluid communication with at least one additive valve secured to an additive source and with the circuit including dosing means for the or each additive sources, a bypass feedline that extends between the fluid pump and the dosing chamber past the or each additive source, a main selector valve being configured and operable to direct the fluid supply from the fluid pump to the dosing feedline or to the bypass feedline; with the system configured for - the dosing means to force, independently from the fluid pump, a predeterminable volume of the one or more additives from the or each additive source, into the dosing chamber when the main selector valve is closed to the dosing feedline, and for the fluid pump to pump a predeterminable volume of makeup fluid from the fluid supply to the dosing chamber through the bypass feedline when the main selector valve is open to the bypass feedline operatively mixing the makeup fluid with the one or more additives in the dosing chamber, to produce a predeterminable volume of dosed fluid that includes the one or more additives and makeup fluid mixed in a ratio determined by the relative volumes of the makeup fluid and the one or more additives forced into the dosing chamber, operatively to supply and prepare the dosed fluid and to supply it from the doing chamber to a beverage maker from which to prepare a beverage, alternatively to supply and prepare the dosed fluid and to add it to a beverage after it has been prepared.

[0024] There is further provided for the dosing means to comprise a dosing pump in the dosing feedline between the additive sources and the dosing chamber.

[0025] There is further provided for the or each additive valve to be selectively connectable to the dosing feedline, and for the or each additive valve to be located between the main selector valve upstream of it and the dosing pump downstream of it, operatively for activation of the dosing pump when at least one additive valve is open and the main selector valve is closed to the dosing feedline to draw additive from the or one or more additive sources connected to the open additive valves into the dosing feedline, and to pump it into the dosing chamber. There is further provided for the dosing chamber to include a level sensor connected to a transmitter, which is configured to transmit a signal to the processor to determine when a desired volume of fluid comprised of the dosed fluid volume and makeup fluid has been pumped into the dosing chamber, thereby enabling the processor to turn the fluid pump off, optionally as a backup to control the volume of makeup fluid delivered to the dosing chamber.

[0026] There is still further provided for the system to include a bypass delivery line extending from the fluid supply to the dosed-fluid supply line, operatively enabling the system to deliver fluid to the dosed-fluid supply linewithout passing through the dosing chamber.

[0027] There is still further provided for the system to be configured for the circuit to be flushed to ensure delivery of all additives that have passed through the additive valves into the dosing feedline but not yet into the dosing chamber, by closing the additive valves, setting the dosing pump to a flush mode, opening the main selector valve to the dosing feedline, and activating the fluid pump to deliver a predetermined flush volume to the dosing chamber through the dosing feedline, determined to not exceed the desired volume of fluid in the dosing chamber, thereby flushing all additive from the dosing feedline into the dosing chamber, and thereafter deactivating the fluid pump and closing the main selector valve to the dosing feedline to leave the dosing feedline filled with fluid for a next dosing.

[0028] There is also provided for the dosed-fluid delivery line is provided with a delivery valve that enables an operator to draw the dosed fluid from the dosing chamber to use to prepare a beverage or to add to a beverage after it has been prepared.

[0029] There is further provided for the dosed-fluid outlet is in fluid communication with a flush valve, and for the system to be configured for the dosing chamber to be flushed by opening the flush valve and by activating the fluid pump for a predetermined time to pump fluid from the fluid supply through the bypass feedline and through the dosing chamber out of the flush valve, operatively to clear any remnants of additives from the dosing chamber to ready it for the preparation of a next volume of dosed fluid for another beverage.

[0030] There is still further provided for the dosing means to comprise each additive source being pressurised at a substantially consistent pressure to force additive from each additive source through its additive valve when the additive valve is opened and for the volume of additive delivered from the additive source to be controlled by the duration that the additive valve is open.

[0031] There is further provided for each additive source to be pressurised by means of gas canister secured to it, alternative for the or each additive source to be pressurised by means of a compressor.

[0032] According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a beverage dosing system comprising a processor connected to a circuit that includes a fluid pump securable to a fluid supply, a dosing feedline that extends from the fluid pump to a dosed-fluid outlet which is in fluid communication with a dosed fluid supply line, with the dosing feedline between the fluid pump and the dosed-fluid outlet being selectively in fluid communication with at least one additive valve comprising a venturi valve secured to an additive source and with the circuit including dosing means for the or each additive sources, with the system configured for - the dosing means to force, independently from the fluid pump, a predeterminable volume of the one or more additives from the or each additive source, to the dosing feedline, and for the fluid pump to pump a predeterminable volume of makeup fluid from the fluid supply to the dosed-fluid outlet through the bypass feedline when the main selector valve is open to the bypass feedline, to produce a predeterminable volume of dosed fluid that includes the one or more additives and makeup fluid mixed in a ratio determined by the relative volumes of the makeup fluid and the one or more additives forced to the dosed-fluid outlet, operatively to supply and prepare the dosed fluid and to supply it from the dosed-fluid outlet to a beverage maker from which to prepare a beverage, alternatively to supply and prepare the dosed fluid and to add it to a beverage after it has been prepared.

[0033] There is also provided for the system to include a human machine interface connected to the processor, with the human machine interface configured to receive data input from a user for a selection of one or more additives to be added into a volume of dosed fluid, including the volume to be added of each additive.

[0034] There is further provided for the human machine interface to be configured to provide a user with data input means representing the concentration of each additive relative to the total volume of the beverage to which it will be added. There is still further provided for the beverage to be coffee, the fluid to be water, and for the associated beverage maker to be a coffee brewing machine that includes at least one group head that receives water supply for the brewing of the coffee from the dosed-fluid outlet.

[0035] There is also provided for the beverage to be coffee, the fluid to be water, and for the associated beverage maker to be a coffee brewing machine that receives water supply from the dosing chamber to add to a coffee after it has been brewed.

[0036] There is also provided for the dosing pump to comprise a positive displacement pump, alternatively a vacuum pump.

[0037] There is still further provided for the or each additive source to comprise a bottle provided with a threaded opening, that is receivable within a complimentary threaded flange which includes a flow limiting aperture configured to control the flow of additive from the bottle.

[0038] There is still further provided for the system to include for each bottle a cradle locating the bottle in its flange, and for the cradle to be provided with a light source that directs light into the bottle, with the system configured for the light to be activated simultaneously with the dosing control of the bottle and for the light of each cradle to have a unique colour.

[0039] According to an alternative aspect of the invention, there is provided for the additive to be comprised of a granular material, and for the additive source to be operable to dose a predeterminable volume or weight of the additive into the dosing feedline.

[0040] According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of preparing an additive for a beverage using the system as defined above, which includes the steps of: a) Initiation, that includes a user inputting a selection of additives, a cup size selection and a group head selection into the human machine interface; b) Additive addition, which includes ensuring the main selector valve remains closed to the dosing feedline, ensuring each additive valve corresponding to the additive selection remain open for a determined duration according to the number of cycles required for the dosing means to force a required volume of each additive corresponding to the user’s additive selection through each additive valve, and at least partly into the dosing chamber or to the dosed-fluid outlet as the case may be, and turning the dosing means off substantially simultaneously as closing the last additive valve; c) Flushing, which includes opening the main selector valve to the dosing feedline, and activating the fluid pump to deliver a predetermined flush volume to the dosing chamber or to the dosed-fluid outlet as the case may be through the dosing feedline, determined to not exceed the desired volume of fluid for the dose, thereby flushing all additives from the dosing feedline into the dosing chamber or to the dosed-fluid outlet as the case may be, and thereafter deactivating the fluid pump and closing the main selector valve to the dosing feedline to leave the dosing feedline filled with fluid; d) Dilution, which includes opening the main selector valve to the bypass feedline, and activating the fluid pump to deliver a predetermined makeup volume to the dosing chamber or to the dosed-fluid outlet as the case may be through the bypass feedline for mixing the pumped fluid with the one or more additives in the dosing chamber or from the dosed-fluid outlet in a cup as the case may be to the volume corresponding to the cup size that the user input to the human machine interface; e) Transferring, which includes the user operating the delivery valve to draw the dosed fluid from the dosing chamber or from the dosed-fluid outlet as the case may be to use to prepare a beverage or to add to a beverage after it has been prepared; and f) Flushing, which includes opening the flush valve and activating the fluid pump for a predetermined time to pump fluid from the fluid supply through the bypass feedline and through the dosing chamber out of the flush valve or from the dosed-fluid outlet as the case may be, operatively to clear any remnants of additives from the dosing chamber or to the dosed-fluid outlet as the case may be to ready it for the preparation of a next volume of dosed fluid for another beverage.

[0041] There is further provided for the dilution to occur before, during or after the additive addition.

[0042] These and other features of the invention are described in more detail below.

[0043] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] Embodiments of beverage dosage systems according to the invention are described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a diagrammatic representation of the functional configuration of a first embodiment of a beverage dosage system according to the invention integrated with an automatic coffee machine with a single group head;

[0045] Figure 2 shows detail of a first portion of the system shown in Figure 1 , relating to the dosing machine;

[0046] Figure 3 shows detail of a first portion of the system shown in Figure 1 , relating to the coffee machine;

[0047] Figure 4 is a diagrammatic representation of the functional configuration of a second embodiment of a beverage dosage system according to the invention integrated with an automatic coffee machine with a four group heads;

[0048] Figure 5 is a diagrammatic representation of the functional configuration of a third embodiment of a beverage dosage system according to the invention integrated with an automatic coffee machine with a four group heads, which includes a dedicated dosing pump for each additive source; and

[0049] Figure 6 is a diagrammatic representation of the functional configuration of a third embodiment of a beverage dosage system according to the invention integrated with an automatic coffee machine with a four group heads, which uses a venturi system.

[0050] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0051] Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings.

[0052] The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0053] The use of "including," "comprising," or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.

[0054] Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms "mounted", "connected", "engaged" and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings and are thus intended to include direct connections between two members without any other members interposed therebetween and indirect connections between members in which one or more other members are interposed therebetween. Further, "connected" and "engaged" are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. Additionally, the words "lower", "upper", "upward", "down" and "downward" designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made.

[0055] The terminology includes the words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof, and words or similar import. It is noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the," and any singular use of any word, include plural referents unless expressly and unequivocally limited to one referent.

[0056] As used herein, the term “include” and its grammatical variants are intended to be non-limiting, such that recitation of items in a list is not to the exclusion of other like items that can be substituted or added to the listed items.

[0057] A first embodiment of a beverage dosage system (1) according to the invention is shown in Figures 1 to 3.

[0058] This embodiment of the dosage system (1) relates to a coffee machine (2) with a single group head (3). The system (1) includes a processor (not shown), that is connected to a circuit (4) that includes a fluid pump (5) secured to a fluid supply (6), with a dosing feedline (7) that extends from the fluid pump (5) to a dosing chamber (8). The dosing chamber (8) includes a dosed-fluid outlet (9).

[0059] The dosing feedline (7) is selectively in fluid communication with, in this embodiment, four additive valves (10A-D) each being secured to an additive source (11A-D).

[0060] The fluid pump (5) is also selectively in fluid communication with a bypass feedline (12) that extends between the fluid pump (5) and the dosing chamber (8) past the additive sources (11). The system includes a main selector valve (13) that is configured and operable to direct the fluid supply from the fluid pump (5) to either the dosing feedline (7) or to the bypass feedline (12).

[0061] The system (1) includes in the dosing feedline (7) between the additive valves (10) and the dosing chamber (8) a dosing pump (14). In this embodiment, the dosing pump (14) is a positive displacement pump, and it is configured to operate independently from the fluid pump (5) and to pump predeterminable volume of any one or more of the additives (15) selectively from the additive sources (11), into the dosing chamber (8) when the main selector valve (13) is closed to the dosing feedline (7) and / or when the fluid pump (5) is not activated.

[0062] In this embodiment, the additive sources comprise a set of screw threaded bottles (11A-D), each of which is screwed into a complimentary threaded flange that is connected to its additive valve (10A-D).

[0063] Each additive container (11A-D) contains a specific additive (15A-D). The additives typically comprise vitamins, minerals, nutraceuticals, or any other suitable consumable component nutrient in water dissolvable or soluble form such as liquid, gas or solid. Any number of additives sources (11) may be added. In this embodiment, four additive sources (11A-D) are used.

[0064] Activation of the dosing pump (14) draws a negative pressure in the dosing feedline (7) which draws additive from whichever additive source (11) is open to the dosing feedline (7) through its additive valve (10). Each additive container (11A-D) contains a vacuum relief valve (not shown) at its operative top that allows the dosing pump (14) to draw the additive (15A-D) from the additive source (11A-D), with the volume of addictive that is drawn into the dosing feedline (7) being controlled by the additive valves (10A-D) located between each additive source (11A- D) and the dosing feedline (7).

[0065] The fluid pump (5)_is configured to pump a predeterminable volume of makeup fluid from the fluid supply (6) to the dosing chamber (8) through the bypass feedline (12) when the main selector valve (13) is open to the bypass feedline (12), and thus closed to the dosing feedline (7), operatively to mix the makeup fluid with the additives (15) from the additive sources (11) that have been pumped in the dosing chamber (8) by the dosing pump (14).

[0066] This produces a predeterminable volume of dosed fluid that includes the one or more additives (15) and makeup fluid mixed in a ratio determined by the relative volumes of the makeup fluid and the one or more additives (15A-D) pumped into the dosing chamber (8), operatively to supply and prepare the dosed fluid and to supply it to a beverage maker, in this embodiment comprising a coffee machine (2) with a single group head (3) from which to prepare a beverage, in this instance a cup of coffee (16). In use, a selection of the additives (11) is made by a user or operator on a user input screen. The selection of additives (11) is metered and blended into the cup of coffee while it is being formulated.

[0067] The coffee machine (2) is configured with the additive beverage dosage system (1) either as an integrated part thereof, in the sense that it is manufactured with the beverage dosage system (1) forming part of it, or it is retrofitted to an existing coffee machine. In this embodiment, shown in Figures 1 to 3, a coffee machine (2) with an integrated beverage dosage system (1) is described, although a person skilled in the art will appreciate that it is not difficult the retrofit the beverage dosage system (1) to a conventional coffee machine. It is also possible to configure the system to either of these to supply and prepare the dosed fluid and to add it to the beverage, in this instance a cup of coffee (16), after it has been prepared.

[0068] In the dosing chamber (8) the volume of makeup fluid (water) and mix of additives (15A-D) mixes together.

[0069] From the dosing chamber (8), its dosed-fluid outlet (9) is connected to an outlet valve (17) which is connected by means of a dosed fluid supply line (18) to a coffee machine supply pump (19). The coffee machine supply pump (19) is connected by means of a coffee machine supply line (20) to the coffee machine boiler (21), through which the dosed fluid from the dosing chamber (8) is directed to the coffee machine group head (3), to prepare the cup of coffee (16) by using the dosed fluid that includes the selection of additives (15).

[0070] Once this is completed, and the coffee machine supply pump (19) is shut off, the outlet valve (17) is closed, and a dump valve (22), which extends from the dosed fluid outlet (9) of the dosing chamber (8), is opened to empty the dosing chamber (8) from any remaining water and additives (15) therein.

[0071] Inside the dosing chamber (8) the makeup fluid from the bypass feedline (12) and the additives (15) that have been fed into it is mixed by means of turbulence associated with the makeup fluid and additives (15) entering the dosing chamber (8).

[0072] As mentioned above, the dosed fluid is pumped to the boiler (21) to complete the preparation of the beverage. In this embodiment, the volume of water supplied by the chamber (8) is the volume required by the coffee machine (2) to prepare a desired serving of coffee (16). The conventional water supply to the coffee machine is replaced by the dosed fluid.

[0073] The water that is boiled in the boiler (21) and used in the group head (3) includes the additives (15), and during the filtering process it is then also infused with the extract from ground coffee. This produces a coffee-based beverage that includes coffee and a customised dose of the various additives (15) selected by the customer. This make-up is completely up to the customer and is only limited by the maximum number of additives, in this embodiment four (15A-D), that may be applicable to infuse into a cup of coffee (16).

[0074] The additives (15) are designated by names that are typically associated with a benefit associated with it. The names are indicated on each additives bottle. Each bottle has an LED light (23A-D) above it that shines a specific colour light through the clear additive container (11A-D), which creates the impression that the additive (15) is coloured. The LED is activated when the specific additive (15A-D) is being dosed, and the colour is visible through the transparent additive bottles (11A-D). Examples of the concentrates include “Heart” in red colour, “Beauty” in white colour, “Mothers Milk” in pink colour, “High Protein” in orange colour, “Immune” in green colour, and “Repair” in brown colour.

[0075] It will be appreciated that the four additives (15A-D) indicated above can be changed to suit the specific establishment. The combination that may be presented at a coffee bar in a gym may be different from the combination that is presented a relaxing day spa.

[0076] A second embodiment (30) of a beverage dosage system according to the invention is shown in Figure 4.

[0077] The difference between this second embodiment (30) and the first embodiment (1) described above with reference to Figures 1 to 3, is that the second embodiment (30) feeds dosed fluid to a coffee machine (31) with a four-group head (32A-D). This means this coffee machine (31) can make four cups of coffee (33A-D) with additive (34) dosed fluid simultaneously and independently of each other. In this second environment (30) there is still four additives (34) provided to select from for dosing.

[0078] To achieve this the system (30) is changed such that its fluid pump (35) feeds eight valves (36A-B, 37A-B, 38A-B, and 39A-B) instead of the single main selector valve (13) used in the first embodiment (1) shown in Figures 1 to 3. The eight valves (36-39) comprise four sets (36A-B, 37A-B, 38A-B, and 39A-B) of two valves each, each of which is configured to provide a supply of dosed fluid to one of the four group heads (32). Each set of two valves (36-39) includes dosing feedline valve (36A, 37A, 38A, and 39A) and a bypass feedline valve (36B, 37B, 38B, and 39B). Each dosing feedline valve (36A, 37A, 38A, and 39A) is located in a dosing feed line (40A, 41A, 42A, 43A) that connects the fluid pump (35) and a dosing chamber (44-47). Each bypass feedline (36B, 37B, 38B, and 39B) is also connected to its respective dosing chamber (44-47).

[0079] Each dosing chamber (44-47) has a dosed fluid outlet (48-51), which connects the respective dosing chamber (44-47) to a coffee machine supply pump (52-55). Each coffee machine supply pump (52-55) is connected by means of a coffee machine supply line (56-59) to a coffee machine boiler (60-63) for each group head (32), through which the dosed fluid from the respective dosing chamber (44-47) is directed to the specific coffee machine group head (32A- D), to prepare the cup of coffee (33A-D) at that group head - being one of the four group heads - by using the dosed fluid that includes the selection of additives (34A-D).

[0080] The four sets (36A-B, 37A-B, 38A-B, and 39A-B) of two valves each, each with its dosing feedline (36A, 37A, 38A, and 39A), bypass feedline (36B, 37B, 38B, and 39B), dosing chamber (44-47), coffee machine supply pump (52-55), boiler (60-63), and group head (32A-D) operate independently from each other.

[0081] A user inputs a selection of additive for a specific group head, following which the process described in respect of the first embodiment in Figures 1 to 3, is followed for the specific group head shown in Figure 4.

[0082] This allows a user, such as a barista, to simultaneously prepare up to four cups of coffee (33A- D) with different configurations of additives (34A-D).

[0083] A third embodiment of a beverage dosage system according to the invention is shown in Figure 5.

[0084] The difference between this third embodiment (70) and the second embodiment (30) described above with reference to Figure 4, is that the third embodiment (70) includes a dedicated dosing pump (71A-D) for each additive source (72A-D). In this third environment (70) there is still four additives (73A-D) provided to select from for dosing. This allows the system (70) to be configured such that its fluid pump (74) feeds four main valves (75A-D), instead of the single main selector valve (13) used in the first embodiment (1) shown in Figures 1 to 3, of the eight valves (36A-B, 37A-B, 38A-B, and 39A-B) used in the second embodiment shown in Figure 4.

[0085] Each main valve (75A-D) is located in line with a feedline (76A-D) between the fluid pump (74) and a dosing chamber (77A-D).

[0086] Each additive source (72A-D) is connected by means of a dosing feedline (78A-D) to the four feedlines (76A-D), each controlled by its dosing pump (71A-D). Each dosing feedline (78A-D) includes a dosing feedline valve (79A-D, 80A-D, 81A-D, and 82A-D) to selectively connect it to each of the four feedlines (76A-D). Each dosing feedline (78A-D) also includes a dump valve (79E, 80E, 81 E, and 82E) to clean each dosing feedline (78A-D) after use.

[0087] Each dosing chamber (77A-D) has a dosed fluid outlet (83A-D), which connects the respective dosing chamber (77A-D) to a coffee machine supply pump (84A-D). Each coffee machine supply pump (84A-D) is connected by means of a coffee machine supply line (84A-D) to a coffee machine boiler (86A-D) for each group head (87A-D), through which the dosed fluid from the respective dosing chamber (77A-D) is directed to the specific coffee machine group head (87A-D), to prepare the cup of coffee (88A-D) at that group head - being one of the four group heads - by using the dosed fluid that includes the selection of additives (73A-D).

[0088] The four main valves (75A-D), the four additive sources (72A-D) each with it dosing feedlines (78A-D) controlled by its dosing pump (71A-D), and each with its dosing chamber (77A-D), coffee machine supply pump (84A-D), boiler (86A-D), and group head (87A-D) operate independently from each other.

[0089] A user inputs a selection of additive for a specific group head, following which the process described in respect of the first embodiment in Figures 1 to 3, is followed for the specific group head shown in Figure 5.

[0090] This allows a user, such as a barista, to simultaneously prepare up to four cups of coffee (88A- D) with different configurations of additives (72A-D). A fourth embodiment of a beverage dosage system (90) according to the invention is shown in Figure 6.

[0091] The difference between this fourth embodiment (90) and the thirst to third embodiments (1 , 30, and 70) described above with reference to Figure 1 to 5, is that the fourth embodiment (90) uses a venturi instead of vacuum pumps. This allows the system (90) to operate without dosing chambers, instead having for each of the four group heads (91A-D) a feedline (92A-D) that extends from a fluid pump (93) through a main valve (94A-D) through a dosing valve (95A-D, 96A-D, 97A-D, and 98A-D), these being venturi valves, for each of the additive sources (99A- D), and then through a downstream dosing pump (100A-D) to a boiler (101A-D) for each group head (91A-D).

[0092] In use, after a user input an additive selection in a user interface, and with the specific main valve (94A-D) closed the dosing pump (100A-D) is activated whilst the relevant dosing valves (95A-D, 96A-D, 97A-D, and 98A-D) are opened, which allows the required additive (99A-D) to be drawn into the feed line (92A-D). Once the last of the dosing valves are closed (95A-D, 96A-D, 97A-D, and 98A-D), the relevant main valve (94A-D) is opened, and the fluid pump (93) is activated to deliver the makeup fluid to the boiler (101A-D) for the specific group head (91A-D). The makeup fluid flows through the feed line (92A-D) which includes any remaining additive (99A-D) and delivers all of this to the boiler (101A-D).

[0093] Each of the dosing feedlines (95A-D, 96A-D, 97A-D, and 98A-D) between each additive source (99A-D) and the four feedlines (92A-D), also includes a dump valve (95E, 96E, 97E, and 98E) that allows each dosing feedline to be flushed after use,

[0094] This allows a user, such as a barista, to simultaneously prepare up to four cups of coffee (102A-D) with different configurations of additives (99A-D)

[0095] It will be appreciated that the embodiments described above are given by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. It is possible to alter aspects of the embodiments without departing from the essence of the invention.

[0096] The dosing configuration is not limited to one or a combination of any number of additives. The design can be modified to include as many additives as is required for a specific application. The dosing mechanism may for example include a syringe-type positive displacement pump instead of a gravity feed dosing system. The mixing of the water and additives can also be done by means of a venturi tube into which the additive is drawn into water flowing through the venturi tube, which provides excellent mixing of the additive into the water in the low-pressure area in the venturi tube.

[0097] It is possible to connect the single head configuration, shown in Figures 1 to 3, to a unit with more than one head. In this case a flow meter will be installed to the dosed fluid supply line (18) and before the coffee machine supply pump (19). This will be configured that if flow and pressure indicate that the system is supplying to multiple heads it will be interlocked to ensure the system supplies only coffee machine at a time.

[0098] A further alternative on this configuration is to include a solenoid in the feed to each such group head valve and to include for each of those a capacitive sensor. This will be interlocked to the controller to ensure that if the system is supplying only one group head at a time.

[0099] It will also be appreciated that the second, third and fourth embodiments shown in Figures 4 to 6 can be expanded or reduced in size, to include infinite numbers of dosing ingredients and / or group heads, possibly just limited by the practical physical dimensions of adding more thereof. The number of valves and pumps will change accordingly.

[0100] A yet further alternative is to incorporate additive tanks that are pressurized at a constant pressure via a gas cylinder or small compressor. This eliminates the need for a dosing pump and the dose size is controlled by the time that the valve on the discharge of the tank opens.

[0101] It will also be appreciated that the beverage dosage system of the invention can be applied to beverages other than coffee. Any beverage can be dosed with the additives, whether it involves boiling or not and preparation or simply dispensing. For example, a fruit juice such as apple or orange juice can be dosed with a mix of the additive in water. Where the dose amounts to a relatively small amount of water, the dilution effect of the water into the fruit juice will be minimal. In instances where the fruit juice is a concentrate diluted with water, the dilution can be slightly reduced upfront, to have a slightly stronger fruit juice blend in a reservoir. From this the juice can be drawn and dosed with water and additives to present the dosed fruit juice at the desired concentration. In a simplified form, the beverage dosage system can be used to dose additives into a chilled water serving, whether still or sparling water.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A beverage dosing system comprising a processor connected to a circuit that includes a fluid pump securable to a fluid supply, a dosing feedline that extends from the fluid pump to a dosing chamber that is provided with a dosed-fluid outlet which is in fluid communication with a dosed fluid supply line, with the dosing feedline between the fluid pump and the dosing chamber being selectively in fluid communication with at least one additive valve secured to an additive source and with the circuit including dosing means for the or each additive sources, a bypass feedline that extends between the fluid pump and the dosing chamber past the or each additive source, a main selector valve being configured and operable to direct the fluid supply from the fluid pump to the dosing feedline or to the bypass feedline; with the system configured for - the dosing means to force, independently from the fluid pump, a predeterminable volume of the one or more additives from the or each additive source, into the dosing chamber when the main selector valve is closed to the dosing feedline, and for the fluid pump to pump a predeterminable volume of makeup fluid from the fluid supply to the dosing chamber through the bypass feedline when the main selector valve is open to the bypass feedline operatively mixing the makeup fluid with the one or more additives in the dosing chamber, to produce a predeterminable volume of dosed fluid that includes the one or more additives and makeup fluid mixed in a ratio determined by the relative volumes of the makeup fluid and the one or more additives forced into the dosing chamber, operatively to supply and prepare the dosed fluid and to supply it from the doing chamber to a beverage maker from which to prepare a beverage, alternatively to supply and prepare the dosed fluid and to add it to a beverage after it has been prepared.

2. A system as claimed in claim 1 in which the dosing means comprises a dosing pump in the dosing feedline between the additive sources and the dosing chamber.

3. A system as claimed in claim 2 in which the or each additive valve is selectively connectable to the dosing feedline, and the or each additive valve is located between the main selector valve upstream of it and the dosing pump downstream of it, operatively for activation of the dosing pump when at least one additive valveis open and the main selector valve is closed to the dosing feedline to draw additive from the or one or more additive sources connected to the open additive valves into the dosing feedline, and to pump it into the dosing chamber.

4. A system as claimed in claim 2 in which the dosing chamber includes a level sensor connected to a transmitter, which is configured to transmit a signal to the processor to determine when a desired volume of fluid comprised of the dosed fluid volume and makeup fluid has been pumped into the dosing chamber, thereby enabling the processor to turn the fluid pump off, optionally as a backup to control the volume of makeup fluid delivered to the dosing chamber.

5. A system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 which includes a bypass delivery line extending from the fluid supply to the dosed-fluid supply line, operatively enabling the system to deliver fluid to the dosed-fluid supply linewithout passing through the dosing chamber.

6. A system as claimed in any of the preceding claims which is configured for the circuit to be flushed to ensure delivery of all additives that have passed through the additive valves into the dosing feedline but not yet into the dosing chamber, by closing the additive valves, setting the dosing pump to a flush mode, opening the main selector valve to the dosing feedline, and activating the fluid pump to deliver a predetermined flush volume to the dosing chamber through the dosing feedline, determined to not exceed the desired volume of fluid in the dosing chamber, thereby flushing all additive from the dosing feedline into the dosing chamber, and thereafter deactivating the fluid pump and closing the main selector valve to the dosing feedline to leave the dosing feedline filled with fluid for a next dosing.

7. A system as claimed in claim 6 in which the dosed-fluid delivery line is provided with a delivery valve that enables an operator to draw the dosed fluid from the dosing chamber to use to prepare a beverage or to add to a beverage after it has been prepared.

8. A system as claimed in any of the preceding claims in which the dosed-fluid outlet is in fluid communication with a flush valve, and the system is configured for the dosing chamber to be flushed by opening the flush valve and by activating the fluid pump for a predetermined time to pump fluid from the fluid supply through thebypass feedline and through the dosing chamber out of the flush valve, operatively to clear any remnants of additives from the dosing chamber to ready it for the preparation of a next volume of dosed fluid for another beverage.

9. A system as claimed in claim 1 in which the dosing means comprises each additive source being pressurised at a substantially consistent pressure to force additive from each additive source through its additive valve when the additive valve is opened and for the volume of additive delivered from the additive source to be controlled by the duration that the additive valve is open.

10. A system as claimed in claim 9 in which each additive source is pressurised by means of gas canister secured to it, alternative for the or each additive source to be pressurised by means of a compressor.

11. A beverage dosing system comprising a processor connected to a circuit that includes a fluid pump securable to a fluid supply, a dosing feedline that extends from the fluid pump to a dosed-fluid outlet which is in fluid communication with a dosed fluid supply line, with the dosing feedline between the fluid pump and the dosed-fluid outlet being selectively in fluid communication with at least one additive valve comprising a venturi valve secured to an additive source and with the circuit including dosing means for the or each additive sources, with the system configured for - the dosing means to force, independently from the fluid pump, a predeterminable volume of the one or more additives from the or each additive source, to the dosing feedline, and for the fluid pump to pump a predeterminable volume of makeup fluid from the fluid supply to the dosed-fluid outlet through the bypass feedline when the main selector valve is open to the bypass feedline, to produce a predeterminable volume of dosed fluid that includes the one or more additives and makeup fluid mixed in a ratio determined by the relative volumes of the makeup fluid and the one or more additives forced to the dosed- fluid outlet, operatively to supply and prepare the dosed fluid and to supply it from the dosed-fluid outlet to a beverage maker from which to prepare a beverage, alternatively to supply and prepare the dosed fluid and to add it to a beverage after it has been prepared.

12. A system as claimed in claim 9 in which the dosing means comprises a dosing pump in the dosing feedline between the additive sources and the dosed-fluid outlet.

13. A system as claimed in claim 9 in which the dosing means comprises each additive source being pressurised at a substantially consistent pressure to force additive from each additive source through its additive valve when the additive valve is opened and for the volume of additive delivered from the additive source to be controlled by the duration that the additive valve is open.

14. A system as claimed in claim 13 in which each additive source is pressurised by means of gas canister secured to it, alternative for the or each additive source to be pressurised by means of a compressor.

15. A system as claimed in any of the preceding claims in which the system includes a human machine interface connected to the processor, with the human machine interface configured to receive data input from a user for a selection of one or more additives to be added into a volume of dosed fluid, including the volume to be added of each additive.

16. A system as claimed in claim 15 in which the human machine interface provides a user with data input means representing the concentration of each additive relative to the total volume of the beverage to which it will be added.

17. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the beverage is coffee, the fluid is water, and the associated beverage maker is a coffee brewing machine that includes at least one group head that receives water supply for the brewing of the coffee from the dosed-fluid outlet.

18. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the beverage is coffee, the fluid is water, and the associated beverage maker is a coffee brewing machine that receives water supply from the dosing chamber to add to a coffee after it has been brewed.

19. A system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, 11 , 12 and 15 to 18 in which the dosing means comprises a positive displacement pump, alternatively a vacuum pump.

20. A system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 19 in which the or each additive source comprises a bottle provided with a threaded opening, that is receivable within a complimentary threaded flange which includes a flow limiting aperture configured to control the flow of additive from the bottle.

21. A system as claimed in claim 20 in which the system includes for each bottle a cradle locating the bottle in its flange, and the cradle is provided with a light source that directs light into the bottle, with the system configured for the light to be activated simultaneously with the dosing control of the bottle and for the light of each cradle to have a unique colour.

22. A system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 21 in which the additive is comprised of a granular material, and the additive source is operable to dose a predeterminable volume or weight of the additive into the dosing feedline.

23. A method of preparing an additive for a beverage using the system as claimed in claims 2 to 22, and read therewith any of claims 15 to 22, which includes the steps of: a) Initiation, that includes a user inputting a selection of additives, a cup size selection and a group head selection into the human machine interface; b) Additive addition, which includes ensuring the main selector valve remains closed to the dosing feedline, ensuring each additive valve corresponding to the additive selection remain open for a determined duration according to the number of cycles required for the dosing pump to pump a required volume of each additive corresponding to the user’s additive selection through each additive valve, and at least partly into the dosing chamber, and turning the dosing pump off substantially simultaneously as closing the last additive valve; c) Flushing, which includes setting the dosing pump to a flush mode, opening the main selector valve to the dosing feedline, and activating the fluid pump to deliver a predetermined flush volume to the dosing chamber through the dosing feedline, determined to not exceed the desired volume of fluid in the dosing chamber, thereby flushing all additive from the dosing feedline into the dosingchamber, and thereafter deactivating the fluid pump and closing the main selector valve to the dosing feedline to leave the dosing feedline filled with fluid; d) Dilution, which includes opening the main selector valve to the bypass feedline, and activating the fluid pump to deliver a predetermined makeup volume to the dosing chamber through the bypass feedline for mixing the pumped fluid with the one or more additives in the dosing chamber to the volume corresponding to the cup size that the user input to the human machine interface; e) Transferring, which includes the user operating the delivery valve to draw the dosed fluid from the dosing chamber to use to prepare a beverage or to add to a beverage after it has been prepared; and f) Flushing, which includes opening the flush valve and activating the fluid pump for a predetermined time to pump fluid from the fluid supply through the bypass feedline and through the dosing chamber out of the flush valve, operatively to clear any remnants of additives from the dosing chamber to ready it for the preparation of a next volume of dosed fluid for another beverage.

24. A method of preparing an additive for a beverage using the system as claimed in claims 11 to 14, and read therewith any of claims 15 to 22 which includes the steps of: a) Initiation, that includes a user inputting a selection of additives, a cup size selection and a group head selection into the human machine interface; b) Additive addition, which includes ensuring the main selector valve remains closed to the dosing feedline, ensuring each additive valve corresponding to the additive selection remain open for a determined duration according to the number of cycles required for the dosing means to force a required volume of each additive corresponding to the user’s additive selection through each additive valve, and at least partly to the dosed-fluid outlet and turning the dosing means off substantially simultaneously as closing the last additive valve; c) Flushing, which includes opening the main selector valve to the dosing feedline, and activating the fluid pump to deliver a predetermined flush volume to the to the dosed-fluid outlet through the dosing feedline, determined to not exceed the desired volume of fluid from the dosed-fluid outlet, thereby flushing all additives from the dosing feedline to the dosed-fluid outlet, and thereafter deactivating the fluid pump and closing the main selector valve to the dosing feedline to leave the dosing feedline filled with fluid;d) Dilution, which includes opening the main selector valve to the bypass feedline, and activating the fluid pump to deliver a predetermined makeup volume to the dosed-fluid outlet through the bypass feedline for mixing the pumped fluid with the one or more additives from the dosed-fluid outlet in a cup to the volume corresponding to the cup size that the user input to the human machine interface; e) Transferring, which includes the user operating the delivery valve to draw the dosed fluid from the dosed-fluid outlet to use to prepare a beverage or to add to a beverage after it has been prepared; and f) Flushing, which includes opening the flush valve and activating the fluid pump for a predetermined time to pump fluid from the fluid supply through the bypass feedline and from the dosed-fluid outlet, operatively to clear any remnants of additives from the dosed-fluid outlet to ready it for the preparation of a next volume of dosed fluid for another beverage.

25. A method as claimed in claim 23 or 24 in which the dilution occurs before, during or after the additive addition.

26. A beverage dosing system substantially as herein described and with reference to Figures 1 to 3, 4, 5 or 6.

27. A method of preparing an additive for a beverage substantially as herein described and with reference to Figures 1 to 3, 4, 5 or 6.

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