U.S. patent application number 10/999121 was filed with the patent office on 2006-06-01 for beverage dispenser with variable-concentration additive dispensing.
Invention is credited to Arturo F. Guerrero, David J. Harrison.
Application Number | 20060115570 10/999121 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35776401 |
Filed Date | 2006-06-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060115570 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Guerrero; Arturo F. ; et
al. |
June 1, 2006 |
Beverage dispenser with variable-concentration additive
dispensing
Abstract
Beverage dispensers and dispensing methods that facilitate
mixing of one or more additives (e.g., flavorings) with a base
liquid are described. In a preferred method of preparing a
beverage, a base liquid is dispensed from a dispensing device into
a container. A flowable additive is dispensed from the dispensing
device into the container to mix the flowable additive with the
base liquid during the dispensing of the base liquid to provide the
beverage. Preferably, the dispensing of the base liquid and the
flowable additive is controlled to vary the relative concentration
of the additive in the base liquid in the container during the
dispensing.
Inventors: |
Guerrero; Arturo F.;
(Warren, CT) ; Harrison; David J.; (New Milford,
CT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BELL, BOYD & LLOYD LLC
P. O. BOX 1135
CHICAGO
IL
60690-1135
US
|
Family ID: |
35776401 |
Appl. No.: |
10/999121 |
Filed: |
November 30, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
426/590 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 13/065 20130101;
B67D 1/0895 20130101; B67D 2210/00118 20130101; B67D 1/1297
20130101; B67D 1/0027 20130101; B67D 1/1234 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
426/590 |
International
Class: |
A23L 2/00 20060101
A23L002/00; A23L 2/38 20060101 A23L002/38 |
Claims
1. A method of preparing a beverage, comprising: mixing a fluid
concentrate beverage component with a first liquid to provide a
base liquid; dispensing a base liquid from a dispensing device into
a container; dispensing a flowable additive from the dispensing
device into the container to mix the flowable additive with the
base liquid during the dispensing of the base liquid to provide a
beverage; and controlling the dispensing of the base liquid and
additive to vary the relative concentration of the additive in the
base liquid in the container during the dispensing.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the dispensing of the additive is
commenced after commencing the dispensing of the base liquid, the
method further comprising: stopping the dispensing of the flowable
additive; and stopping the dispensing of the base liquid
substantially no earlier than when the dispensing of the flowable
additive is stopped.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the dispensing of the base liquid
is stopped after the dispensing of the flowable additive is stopped
for varying the additive concentration in the base liquid after the
additive dispensing is stopped, the method further comprising
mixing the final dispensed amount of the additive with the base
liquid.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the dispensing of the base liquid
is stopped after a stopping time period after stopping the
dispensing of the additive, wherein the stopping time period is
proportional to the duration of the additive dispensing.
5. The method of claim 3, further comprising operating a dispensing
control to stop the dispensation of the base liquid and additive,
wherein the base liquid is automatically dispensed for a
predetermined period longer than the additive after the dispensing
control is operated.
6. The method of claim 2, further comprising dispensing the base
liquid and additive for predetermined time periods automatically in
response to operating a dispensing control.
7. The method of claim 2, wherein the additive is dispensed in a
plurality of pulses of predetermined durations, the base liquid
being dispensed at least before and at the beginning of the
pulses.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the base liquid is dispensed
after the stopping of the pulses.
9. The method of claim 7, further comprising operating a dispensing
control of the dispensing device to conduct a series of said
pulses.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the series of pulses is stopped
in response to operating the dispensing control.
11. The method of claim 2, wherein the dispensing of the base
liquid is commenced at least about 1 second before commencing the
dispensing of the additive.
12. The method of claim 1, wherein the additive is dispensed from
fewer than all of a plurality of additive sources to make a single
beverage.
13. The method of claim 12, further comprising operating a
selection control of the dispensing device to select one or more of
the additive sources from which to dispense the additive.
14. The method of claim 1, wherein the additive comprises one or
more of: a flavoring, a nutritional supplement, a coffee or tea
boost, a sweetener, a flavor enhancer or reducer, a colorant, an
aromatic, and a substance formulated to add body to the liquid
base.
15. The method of claim 1, further comprising whipping the beverage
component and the first liquid to produce a foam layer on a liquid
layer in the dispensed base liquid.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the beverage component
comprises a protein-enriched liquid, juice, coffee, tea, cocoa,
milk, a cereal, or a combination thereof.
17. The method of claim 15, wherein the beverage component
comprises one or more of: a coffee, cocoa, or tea base; a
sweetener; and a whitener.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the whitener comprises a
non-dairy creamer.
19. The method of claim 17, wherein the whitener comprises a dairy
creamer comprising milk solids.
20. The method of claim 1, wherein the additive is mixed in the
base liquid in a relative concentration from about 1:1000 to about
1:25 volume of base additive to base liquid.
21. The method of claim 1, wherein the base liquid is dispensed at
at least about 50.degree. C.
22. The method of claim 1, wherein the base liquid is dispensed at
less than about 50.degree. C.
23. A method of preparing a beverage, comprising: dispensing a base
liquid from a dispensing device into a container at less than about
50.degree. C., wherein the base liquid comprises protein, a milk
based component, fat, carbohydrates, a nondairy whitener, or a
mixture thereof; dispensing a flowable additive from the dispensing
device into the container to mix the flowable additive with the
base liquid during the dispensing of the base liquid to provide a
beverage; and controlling the dispensing of the base liquid and
additive to vary the relative concentration of the additive in the
base liquid in the container during the dispensing.
24. A method of preparing a beverage, comprising: dispensing a base
liquid from a dispensing device into a container; and automatically
dispensing a flowable additive from the dispensing device into the
container in a plurality of pulses of predetermined durations to
mix the flowable additive with the base liquid during the
dispensing of the base liquid, the pulses beginning after the base
liquid dispensing is begun and ending up to substantially to when
the dispensing of the base liquid is stopped.
25. A beverage dispensing device, comprising: a first liquid
source; a fluid concentrate beverage component source; and a
blending system operably associated with the first liquid and
beverage component sources for receiving and blending a first
liquid and a beverage component from the sources to prepare a base
liquid; a base liquid dispensing mechanism comprising a component
delivery mechanism that is configured for delivering the beverage
component to the blending mechanism,-the base liquid dispensing
mechanism also being associated with the base blending system for
dispensing a base liquid therefrom into a container; an additive
source; an additive dispensing mechanism operably associated with
the additive source for dispensing a flowable additive therefrom
into the container, wherein the dispensing mechanisms are
configured such that the flowable additive is mixed with the base
liquid to provide a beverage during the dispensing of the base
liquid; and a controller associated with the dispensing mechanisms
to vary the relative concentration of the additive in the base
liquid in the container during the dispensing.
26. The beverage dispensing device of claim 25, wherein the
controller is configured for causing the additive dispensing
mechanism to start dispensing the additive after and in response to
the start of the base liquid dispensing by the base dispensing
mechanism and for causing the base dispensing mechanism to continue
dispensing the base liquid for a predetermined time period after
the dispensing of the additive by the additive dispensing mechanism
is stopped.
27. The beverage dispensing device of claim 26, wherein the
additive dispensing mechanism comprises a pumping mechanism
associated with the additive source for pumping the additive there
from for dispensing into the container.
28. The beverage dispensing device of claim 25, wherein the
controller is configured for causing the additive dispensing
mechanism to dispense the additive in pulses of a first
predetermined duration.
29. The beverage dispensing device of claim 25, further comprising
a heater configured for heating the first liquid source to provide
a hot beverage.
30. The beverage dispensing device of claim 25, wherein the device
is configured to dispense the base liquid at less than about
50.degree. C.
31. The beverage dispensing device of claim 30, further comprising
a cooling unit configured for providing the first liquid source
below ambient temperature for cooling of the base liquid.
Description
FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to dispensing beverages. More
specifically, the present invention relates to preparing beverages
with a base liquid and an additive.
BACKGROUND
[0002] A beverage dispenser is a device that prepares a beverage
from one or more beverage sources. In some types of beverage
dispensers, beverage sources that include concentrates and/or
powders are mixed with a liquid (e.g., water) to prepare the
beverage. Some types of dispensers dispense relatively cold
beverages (e.g., soft drinks), requiring concentrates, while other
types of dispensers dispense relatively hot beverages (e.g.,
coffees, teas, and hot chocolates), such as using powders.
[0003] A traditional cold-beverage dispenser is disclosed in U.S.
Pat. No. 5,960,997. The dispenser dispenses a base beverage, such
as a soft drink syrup, and an agent for diluting that syrup into a
cup. The dispenser also dispenses a flavoring into the cup
simultaneously with and throughout the dispensing of the base
beverage so as to maintain a constant ratio between the volume of
the base beverage and the volume of the flavoring. While keeping
the ratio constant, this results in a less than ideal mixing.
[0004] A traditional hot-beverage dispenser is disclosed in U.S.
Pat. No. 6,419,120. This dispenser has multiple flavoring
dispensers and prepares a flavored beverage by dispensing a base
powder, water, and one or more of the flavorings into a cup.
[0005] When powders are mixed to provide a beverage, solids can
remain that bind to the flavorings. When flavors are added, they
can bind to remaining solids, producing flavor concentrations and
unevenness when the concentration of solids is high. When producing
cold beverages, powder is especially hard to dissolve sufficiently
to avoid the presence of a large solid concentration. A dispenser
and a dispensing method are therefore needed to provide improved
mixing of an additive with a base liquid during preparation of a
flavored beverage
SUMMARY
[0006] The present invention relates to beverage dispensers and
dispensing methods that provide improved mixing of one or more
additives (e.g., flavorings) with a base liquid. For instance, by
varying the dispensed proportion of the additive, the mixing is
improved as the base is dispensed. Varying the ratio of additive to
base liquid is especially advantageous, for example, when the ratio
is varied, preferably with a reduced amount of additive compared to
base, at one or both of the beginning and end of the beverage
dispensing. A dispenser constructed according to the invention can
deliver a very elevated level of flavor mixing, whether the
beverage is hot or cold.
[0007] In a preferred method of preparing a beverage, a base liquid
is dispensed from a dispensing device into a container. A flowable
additive is dispensed from the dispensing device into the container
to mix the flowable additive with the base liquid during the
dispensing of the base liquid to provide the beverage. Preferably,
the dispensing of the base liquid and the flowable additive is
controlled to vary the relative concentration of the additive in
the base liquid in the container during the dispensing.
[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the dispensing of the additive is
commenced after commencing the dispensing of the base liquid. For
example, in one such embodiment, the dispensing of the base liquid
is commenced at least about 1 second before commencing the
dispensing of the additive. The dispensing of the base liquid can
be stopped at the same time as or later than, but preferably not
earlier than, the stopping of the dispensing of the flowable
additive.
[0009] The dispensing of the base liquid is preferably stopped
after the dispensing of the flowable additive is stopped for
varying the additive concentration in the base liquid after the
additive dispensing is stopped. For example, the dispensing of the
base liquid can be stopped after a stopping time period after
stopping the dispensing of the additive, in which the stopping time
period is proportional to the duration of the additive
dispensing.
[0010] The dispensing of the base liquid and the additive can be
controlled by operating a dispensing control. For example, the base
liquid and the additive can be dispensed for predetermined time
periods in response to operation of the dispensing control. Also
for example, the base liquid can be automatically dispensed for a
predetermined period longer than the additive after operation of
the dispensing control.
[0011] The additive is preferably dispensed during the dispensing
of the base liquid to mix with the base liquid. The additive can be
mixed in the base liquid in a relative concentration typically
between 1:1000 to 1:25 volume of additive to base liquid. The
additive can include one or more of: a flavoring, a nutritional
supplement, a coffee or tea boost, a sweetener, a flavor enhancer
or reducer, a colorant, an aromatic, and a substance selected for
adding body to the base liquid.
[0012] Also, the additive can be dispensed in a plurality of pulses
of predetermined durations. Preferably, the base liquid is
dispensed at least before the beginning of the pulses, and is
preferably also being dispensed when the pulses begin. The base
liquid is also preferably dispensed after the stopping of the
pulses. The series of pulses can be initiated and/or stopped based
on operation of the dispensing control.
[0013] The additive is preferably dispensed from fewer than all of
a plurality of additive sources to make a single beverage. The
additive sources can themselves be selected based on operation of a
selection control of the dispensing device.
[0014] The base liquid is preferably prepared in the dispensing
device by mixing a beverage component with a first liquid. The
beverage component can comprise a protein-enriched liquid, juice,
coffee, tea, cocoa, a milk-based liquid, a cereal, or a combination
thereof. In one embodiment, the beverage component includes one or
more of: a coffee or cocoa base, a sweetener, and a whitener (e.g.,
a non-dairy creamer or a dairy creamer with real-milk solids). The
beverage component and the first liquid can be whipped to produce a
foam layer on a liquid layer in the dispensed base liquid. The
final dispensed amount of the additive can be mixed with the base
liquid.
[0015] In another embodiment of a method of preparing a beverage, a
base liquid is dispensed from a dispensing device into a container.
A flowable additive is automatically dispensed from the dispensing
device into the container in a plurality of pulses of predetermined
durations to mix the flowable additive with the base liquid during
the dispensing of the base liquid. The pulses preferably begin
after the base liquid dispensing is begun and end up to
substantially to when the dispensing of the base liquid is
stopped.
[0016] In a preferred method of preparing a non-carbonated
beverage, a base liquid is prepared in a dispensing device by
mixing a beverage component with a first liquid. The base liquid is
dispensed from the dispensing device into a container through a
base liquid nozzle. A flowable additive is dispensed from the
dispensing device into the container through an additive nozzle
during the dispensing of the base liquid to mix with the base
liquid. The base liquid and additive nozzles are preferably
arranged in spaced relation to prevent cross-contamination of the
sprayed base liquid and sprayed additive.
[0017] A preferred beverage dispensing device includes a base
liquid source, an additive source, a base liquid dispensing
mechanism, an additive dispensing mechanism, and a controller. The
base liquid dispensing mechanism is operably associated with the
base liquid source for dispensing a base liquid into a container,
and the additive dispensing mechanism is operably associated with
the additive source for dispensing a flowable additive into the
container. The controller is associated with the dispensing
mechanisms to vary the relative concentration of the additive in
the base liquid in the container during the dispensing. The
dispensing mechanisms are configured such that the flowable
additive is mixed with the base liquid to provide a beverage during
the dispensing of the base liquid. The beverage dispensing device
can also include a heater that is configured for heating the base
liquid to provide a warm or hot beverage.
[0018] The controller is preferably configured for causing the
additive dispensing mechanism to start dispensing the additive
after and in response to the start of the base liquid dispensing by
the base dispensing mechanism. Also, the controller is preferably
configured for causing the base dispensing mechanism to continue
dispensing the base liquid for a predetermined time period after
the dispensing of the additive by the additive dispensing mechanism
is stopped. The controller can be configured for causing the
additive dispensing mechanism to dispense the additive in pulses of
a predetermined duration.
[0019] The additive dispensing mechanism can include a pumping
mechanism that is associated with the additive source for pumping
the additive from the additive source into the container.
[0020] Another preferred beverage dispensing device includes a
first liquid source, a beverage component source, and a blending
system. The blending system is operably associated with the first
liquid and beverage component sources for receiving and blending a
first liquid and a beverage component from the sources to prepare
the base liquid.
[0021] These and other features of the disclosed beverage
dispensers and dispensing methods can be more fully understood by
referring to the following detailed description and accompanying
drawings. The drawings are not drawn to scale, but show only
relative dimensions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a
beverage dispenser;
[0023] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the blending mechanism in
the embodiment of the beverage dispenser of FIG. 1; and,
[0024] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates an embodiment of a method
for preparing a beverage with the dispenser of FIGS. 1 and 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0025] Illustrative embodiments will now be described to provide an
overall understanding of the disclosed beverage dispensers and
dispensing methods. One or more examples of the illustrative
embodiments are shown in the drawings. Those of ordinary skill in
the art will understand that the disclosed dispensers and
dispensing methods can be adapted and modified to provide
dispensers and dispensing methods for other applications, and that
other additions and modifications can be made to the disclosed
beverage dispensers and dispensing methods without departing from
the scope of the present disclosure. For example, features of the
illustrative embodiments can be combined, separated, interchanged,
and/or rearranged to generate other embodiments. Such modifications
and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the
present disclosure.
[0026] As shown in FIG. 1, the dispenser 100 of a preferred
embodiment includes base storage chambers 102 that store beverage
components and that are in fluid communication with a base-liquid
dispensing mechanism 106. Additive containers 112 store additives
and are in fluid communication with an additive dispensing
mechanism 116. A blending mechanism 130 is provided in fluid
communication with the dispensing mechanisms 106 and 116 and with a
liquid source 120. Dispenser 100 also includes a controller 145
that is operatively connected to the dispensing mechanisms 106 and
116, the liquid source 120, and the blending mechanism 130.
[0027] Dispenser 100 can also include a variety of structural
features whose functions are well known to those of ordinary skill
in the art. For example, dispenser 100 can include a housing 182;
shelves 184, 186, 188 that are attached to the housing 182 and that
support storage chambers 102, containers 112, and other components;
a container 150 for receiving the dispensed flavored beverage; and
a drip pan or drain 190 for collecting overflow or spillage from
the container 150.
[0028] Dispenser 100 is preferably configured to prepare a variety
of beverages, including relatively hot and relatively cold
beverages. Some embodiments are configured for dispensing
relatively hot or relatively cold beverages, but not both.
[0029] As further described below, during operation of dispenser
100, controller 145 preferably causes base-liquid dispensing
mechanism 106 and additive dispensing mechanism 116 to dispense a
base liquid (which is prepared from the beverage components stored
in chambers 102) and one or more additives into container 150.
Generally, during such operation, controller 145 controls the
dispensing of the base liquid and the additives so as to vary the
concentration of the dispensed additives in the dispensed base
liquid as the base liquid is being dispensed.
[0030] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, base-liquid dispensing
mechanism 106 includes component delivery mechanisms, such as pumps
140, that are fluidly connected by conduits (e.g., tubing and
plugs) to the storage chambers 102 for delivering beverage
components from those chambers to the blending mechanism 130. The
storage chambers 102 can store a variety of beverage components,
such as, but not limited to, concentrates, liquids, syrups, and/or
combinations thereof that can be used to prepare a beverage
suitable for human consumption. For example, the storage chambers
102 can store a beverage component that includes a base for cocoa,
coffee, hot chocolate, and/or tea; a sweetener (e.g., sugar or an
artificial sweetener); and/or a whitener (e.g., a dairy or
non-dairy creamer). As used herein, the term concentrate refers to
fluid concentrates, such as liquid concentrates. Preferably, the
base component is not a powder. Thus, the mechanisms to handle the
concentrates, such as the component delivery mechanism, include
mechanisms that are configured for handling fluid concentrates
instead of powders. Pumps can be used instead of augers, for
instance. Preferably, base-liquid dispensing mechanism 106 includes
dosing systems, such as separate pumps 140 for each different
storage chamber 102 to prevent or inhibit cross-contamination
between different beverage components stored in the storage
chambers 102.
[0031] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the additive dispensing
mechanism 116 includes pumps 160 that are connected to the
containers 112 for delivering additives from those containers to
the blending mechanism 130. The containers 112 can store a variety
of additives, such as, but not limited to, concentrates, liquids,
emulsions, and syrups. For example, the containers 112 can store
flavorings (e.g., vanilla extract), nutritional supplements (e.g.,
vitamin and/or minerals, whey or bran, or substances recognized to
improve mental and body well being), coffee or tea boosts,
sweeteners, whiteners, flavor enhancers, flavor reducers,
colorants, aromatics, substances for adding body to base liquids
(e.g., substances capable of forming foams), and/or combinations of
the foregoing. Preferably, additive dispensing mechanism 116
includes a separate pump 160 for each different container 112 to
prevent or inhibit cross-contamination between different additives
stored in the containers 112.
[0032] A variety of pumping mechanisms that are well known to those
of ordinary skill in the art, such as peristaltic pumps, piston
pumps, and diaphragm pumps, can be used in base-liquid dispensing
mechanism 106 and in additive dispensing mechanism 116 to deliver
the beverage components from storage chambers 102 and the additives
from containers 116 to the blending mechanism 130. Preferably,
pumps 140 and 160 are capable of providing liquid streams, such as
liquid jets.
[0033] The base-liquid dispensing mechanism 106 of the preferred
embodiment is also associated with the liquid source 120, which
provides a liquid that can be blended in blending mechanism 130
with one or more beverage components and/or one or more beverages
to provide a base liquid. Usually, liquid source 120 is a source of
potable water at ambient temperature and is connected to a valve
and/or a pump of the base-dispensing mechanism 106 that is
controlled by the controller 145. As shown in FIG. 1, liquid source
120 can be in fluid communication with a heating unit 121 (e:g., a
boiler) and/or a cooling unit 123 (e.g., a refrigeration unit) that
are operatively connected to controller 145 and that are controlled
thereby to provide relatively hot or relatively cold water to
blending mechanism 130. In one embodiment, however, the liquid
source includes a dedicated source of hot water, a dedicated source
of cold water, or both (such as dedicated sources external to
dispenser 100), and which can be full of heating and/or cooling
units. In some embodiments, the liquid source 120 is a source of
liquid other than water at ambient temperature such as, but not
limited to, carbonated water, cream, juice, or milk.
[0034] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, blending mechanism 130 includes
a mixing cup 170 that is preferably configured as a funnel and is
fluidly connected via a conduit 172 to a whipping chamber 174 that
has an inlet port 173 and an outlet port 175. The mixing cup 170 is
in fluid communication with pumps 140 and liquid source 120 for
receiving the beverage components and liquid therefrom. The
whipping chamber 174 preferably includes a whipper 176 that is
operatively connected to controller 145 and that includes a whipper
element, such as vanes or fins 177 of an impeller, for whipping the
base liquid that passes from mixing cup 170 and into chamber 174
via conduit 172 and inlet port 173. A variety of whippers that are
well known to those of ordinary skill in the art (e.g., disk-type
and vane-type whippers) can be used as whipper 176 to whip the base
liquid.
[0035] The blending mechanism 130 includes a base-liquid dispensing
nozzle 192 in communication with the outlet port 175 of whipping
chamber 174, a delivery guard 194 surrounding the dispensing nozzle
192, and one or more additive nozzles 196. The base dispensing
nozzle 192 directs the base liquid that passes through the outlet
175 of the whipping chamber 174 into the container 150. The
delivery guard 194, which can be attached to dispensing nozzle 192
via, among other things, a gasket and clamp assembly 198, prevents
or inhibits the liquid being dispensed from dispenser 100 from
splashing and/or projecting substantially outwards beyond the
delivery region, i.e., the open end of the container 150. The
additive nozzles 196 are in fluid communication with the pumps 160
and are disposed along the longitudinal axis of the dispensing
nozzle 192 for dispensing additives into container 150. Within the
delivery guard 194, nozzle 192 is separated from additive nozzles
196, and additive nozzles 196 are separated from each other to
prevent or inhibit splashing and cross-contamination between the
base liquid and the additives and among the additives during
operation of dispenser 100.
[0036] In the shown embodiment, the delivery guard 194 includes a
hollow cylindrically-shaped piece of plastic, metal, or other
suitable material that has a closed end 195, an open end 197, and
one or more apertures that are formed in the closed end 195 and
spaced along an arc. The apertures are sized, shaped, and arranged
such that, when additive nozzles 196 are disposed therein, the
nozzles 196 are supported and are positioned to direct additives
into container 150. Alternatively, the delivery guard 194 includes
a solid cylindrically-shaped (or otherwise shaped) piece of
material having one or more channels that are formed therethrough
and that are sized, shaped, and arranged for conducting additives
from pumps 160 to container 150. A variety of arrangements can be
devised to achieve the protective and holding functions of the
delivery guard 194. Suitable shapes for a guard include a full
circle, semicircle, or another shape that fits the dispensing
system.
[0037] As shown in FIG. 1, controller 145 is operatively connected
to base-liquid dispensing mechanism 106 (e.g., pumps 140), additive
dispensing mechanism 116 (e.g., pumps 160), liquid source 120 (and,
in some embodiments, heating and cooling units 121 and 123), and
blending mechanism 130 (e.g., whipper 176). Controller 145 is a
processor-controlled device that is capable controlling the flow
rates of and the timing of the dispensation of the beverage
components, the additives, and the liquid. A variety of
processor-controlled devices well known to those of ordinary skill
in the art can be used as controller 145 to control the operations
of dispenser 100 and its component mechanisms. Some of these
devices include, but are not limited to, a programmable logic
controller (PLC), a programmable timing device, a personal
computer, a computer workstation, a laptop computer, a server
computer, a mainframe computer, a handheld device (e.g., a personal
digital assistant, a Pocket Personal Computer (PC), a cellular
telephone, etc.), an information appliance, etc. As further
described herein, in some embodiments, controller 145 is
operatively connected to a user interface, e.g., a mouse, a
keyboard, a touch sensitive screen, a track ball, a keypad, etc.,
so as to receive commands and/or other information from a user of
the dispenser 100.
[0038] As previously described, during operation of dispenser 100,
controller 145 controls the dispensing of base liquid and
additive(s) so as to vary the concentration of the dispensed
additive(s) in the dispensed base liquid during the dispensing of
the base liquid. Preferably, controller 145 controls the dispensing
so that dispenser (i) dispenses the base liquid and the
additive(s), (ii) begins dispensing the additive(s) later than the
dispensing of the base liquid, and (iii) finishes dispensing the
additive(s) not later than finishing the dispensing of the base
liquid. Dispensing the additive(s) in such a manner facilitates
blending between the additive(s) and the base liquid by
capitalizing upon the agitation that is naturally produced in the
prepared beverage by the impact of the jet-type fluid streams being
dispensed. In addition to facilitating blending, stopping the
dispensing of the additive(s) not later than when the dispensation
of the base liquid has stopped reduces waste by inhibiting
splashing of the additive(s) from the surface of the prepared
beverage.
[0039] Although jet-type streams or sprays are preferable for the
additive, non-jet streams can also be used. Preferably, however,
the streams are produced by forcing the stream out of a nozzle at
elevated pressure to facilitate mixing. Typical flow rates are
around 0.25 fluid ounces per second to about 10 fluid ounces per
second, more typically between about 0.5 and 3 fluid ounces per
second, with a preferred flow rate on the order of about 1 fluid
ounce per second.
[0040] Generally, controller 145 communicates with one or more
storage media that include instructions for causing controller 145
to prepare a flavored beverage. These instructions can include
instructions for controlling pumps 140 and 160, heating and cooling
units 121 and 123, and other components (such as the components
shown in FIGS. 1-3) so as to generate and/or dispense a base liquid
and/or one or more additives into container 150.
[0041] Usually, controller 145 receives a selection of a desired
flavored beverage from a human operator or user of dispenser 100
via a user interface. For example, controller 145 can receive a
selection by detecting a mouse click, a keyboard entry, a keypad
entry, and/or another input event initiated by the user. In some
embodiments, based on receiving that selection, controller 145
prepares the selected favorable beverage automatically. For
example, in some of such embodiments, controller 145 dispenses the
base liquid and the one or more additives according to the
instructions in the storage media (e.g., instructions related to
the timing and flow rates of the dispensing). Alternatively, in
some embodiments, controller 145 prepares the beverage based on the
instructions that are included in the storage media and the
instructions that are received from a user during dispensation. For
example, in some of such embodiments, controller 145 determines the
timing at which one or more additives are dispensed into container
150 based on user inputs.
[0042] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates an embodiment of a method
for preparing a flavored beverage with the dispensers shown and
described with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2. As will be understood by
those of ordinary skill in the art, the disclosed dispensing
methods are not limited to the exemplary method shown in FIG. 3,
can prepare beverages with dispensers different than those shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2, and can prepare beverages based on features that are
different than and/or additional to those shown in FIG. 3.
[0043] As shown in FIG. 3, a selection of a flavored beverage is
received via, e.g., a user interface (310 in FIG. 3). Based on
receiving the selection, controller 145 causes a base liquid
corresponding to the selection to be prepared (320 in FIG. 3) and
dispensed into container 150 (330 in FIG. 3).
[0044] In most embodiments, the base liquid is prepared by mixing
one or more of the beverage components stored in storage chambers
102 with a liquid from liquid source 120. Preferably, at least one
of the beverage components includes a flowable liquid concentrate.
(In some embodiments, of course, the base liquid can include the
liquid from liquid source 120 itself or, alternatively, one or more
liquid beverage components which do not need to be mixed with the
liquid from liquid source 120.) Usually, therefore, controller 145
prepares the base liquid by activating pumps 140 and/or other
components so as to direct pre-determined amounts of the one or
more beverage components and the liquid of liquid source 120 to
blending mechanism 130 (e.g., mixing cup 170). In some embodiments,
controller 145 prepares the base liquid at substantially an ambient
temperature. Alternatively, in some embodiments, controller 145
prepares the base liquid by heating or cooling the liquid from
liquid source 120 (i.e., by causing the liquid to pass through
heating or cooling unit 121 or 123) prior to directing the liquid
to blending mechanism 130. Cooling of the liquid from liquid source
120 can produce a relatively cold base liquid. Base liquids can be
dispensed at less than about 50.degree. C. for some beverages, and
at less than about 40.degree. C., 30.degree. C., 25.degree. C., or
20.degree. C. for different types of beverages, or even below about
10.degree. C. for cold beverages. Some beverage can be dispensed at
room temperature, such as around or above 20.degree. C., and others
can be dispensed at heated temperatures, such as above 40.degree.
C. and more preferably above about 50.degree. C.
[0045] After dispensation of the base liquid into container 150 has
begun, controller 145 causes the additive or additives
corresponding to the user's selected flavored beverage to be
dispensed into container 150 by activating pumps 160 and controls
the dispensing of the additive and the base liquid (i.e., controls
pumps 140 and/or 160 and/or other components of dispenser 100) so
that the concentration of the dispensed additive in the dispensed
base liquid varies over the time period of the base liquid
dispensation (340 in FIG. 3).
[0046] As previously described, the additive dispensation
preferably begins after the starting time of the base liquid
dispensation so as to facilitate mixing between the additive and
the base liquid. While the additive dispensation can begin about
from 0.5 seconds to 10 seconds after the starting time of the base
liquid dispensation, the additive dispensation preferably begins at
least 1 second after the starting time of the base liquid
dispensation so as to enhance mixing. In most embodiments, the
additive dispensation will begin about from 1 second to 3 seconds
after the starting time of the base liquid dispensation.
[0047] The concentration of the dispensed additive in the dispensed
base liquid preferably is between about 1:1000 to about 1:25 volume
of base additive to base liquid. Preferably, this concentration is
from about 0.1 mL additive per 250 mL base liquid to as much as
about 2 mL additive per 250 mL base liquid for coffee products, and
from about 5 mL and 10 mL of additive per 250 mL base liquid in
nutritional supplements or texture improving compounds. The actual
concentration of additive in base liquid will depend on the types
of additive and base liquid and beverage to be prepared and other
factors known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
[0048] In some embodiments, controller 145 causes the additive to
be dispensed continuously into container 150, i.e., dispensed in a
continuous stream throughout the duration of additive dispensing.
Controller 145 can be configured to continuously dispense the
additive based on instructions that are stored in the storage media
and/or instructions that are received from an user via a user
interface (e.g., based on the "push and hold" operation previously
described herein).
[0049] Alternatively, in some embodiments, controller 145 causes
the additive to be dispensed intermittently or "pulsed" into
container 150. Controller 145 can be configured to pulse the
additive based on instructions that are stored in the storage
media, e.g., instructions indicating a number of pulses, the
durations of each pulse, the durations between each pulse, the
start time of pulsing relative to start time of base liquid
dispensation, and the end time of pulsing relative to start time
and/or end time of base liquid dispensation. In some "pulsed"
embodiments, the dispensation of the base liquid can be paused
during pulsing, i.e., can terminate prior to additive pulsing, and
recommence after additive pulsing. Preferably, though, the base
liquid is dispensed throughout additive pulsing so as to enhance
mixing between the base liquid and the additive. Alternatively,
controller 145 can cause the additive to be pulsed based on
instructions that are received from a user via a user interface
(e.g., based on the "push" operation previously described herein).
In such embodiments, the features of the pulsing (e.g., number of
pulses, durations, durations between, start times, and stop times)
can be determined by the user inputs, such as the particular
beverage and additive(s) selected.
[0050] Eventually, controller 145 causes the dispensation of the
additive to terminate (360 in FIG. 3) and the dispensation of the
base liquid to terminate (370 in FIG. 3). Generally, the controller
controls the dispensation periods so that the base liquid is
dispensed for a time period T.sub.1 and the additive is dispensed
for a time period T.sub.2, in which time period T.sub.2 commences
after the start of time period T.sub.1 and terminates not later
than the termination of time period T.sub.1. Preferably, the
additive dispensing terminates before the termination of the base
liquid dispensing (i.e., the time period T.sub.2 terminates before
the termination of time period T.sub.1) so as to enhance mixing
between the additive and the base liquid and prevent or inhibit
splashing of the additive from the surface of the dispensed
beverage. To that end, in most embodiments, the additive
dispensation will terminate within about 2 seconds of the
termination of the base liquid dispensation. In some embodiments,
the base liquid dispensation can be terminated at a time period
(the "stopping time period") after the termination of the additive
dispensing. The duration of that time period can be proportional to
the additive dispensation time period T.sub.2.
[0051] In some embodiments, controller 145 controls dispensation of
the base liquid so that, during at least a portion of the period of
that dispensation (preferably, during a terminal portion of that
period), the base liquid is whipped by whipper 176 prior to being
dispensed into container 150. For example, in some of such
embodiments, controller 145 can cause the base liquid to be whipped
by whipper 176 towards the end of the dispensation period of the
base liquid so as to provide a layer of foam on the liquid beverage
in container 150 (e.g., a layer of foam for a coffee beverage, such
as a cappuccino or a latte). The whipping period can be based on
instructions in the storage media and/or can be determined based on
instructions received from an operator via a user interface.
[0052] As previously described, controller 145 can cause one or
more additives to be dispensed into container 150 (340 in FIG. 3).
In embodiments in which more than one additives are dispensed,
controller 145 and/or a user via a user interface can control the
dispensation features of each additive, e.g., the start time of
dispensation, the end time of dispensation, etc. In one such
embodiment, the start times and the end times at which two or more
additives are dispensed overlap, so that the additives are
dispensed simultaneously, thereby enhancing blending among the
additives. In another embodiment, the start times and/or the end
times can be different, so as to prevent or inhibit
cross-contamination that could occur during simultaneous
dispensation.
[0053] While the disclosed beverage dispensers and dispensing
methods have been shown and described with reference to the
illustrated embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art will
recognize and/or be able to ascertain many equivalents to those
embodiments by using routine experimentation. Such equivalents are
encompassed by the scope of the present disclosure and the appended
claims.
[0054] For example, while the disclosed beverage dispensers have
been described with respect to beverage components that are stored
in "storage chambers" and "additives" that are stored in
"containers," the disclosed beverage dispensers are not limited to
such storage media and can be suitably modified so as to store the
beverage components and/or the additives in other types of storage
media, such as, but not limited to, bags, cartons, cylinders,
hoppers, and the like. As such, references herein to storage
chambers and containers are for convenience only, and are to be
understood more generally as references to storage media for
storing beverage components and additives.
[0055] Also for example, the disclosed beverage dispensers are not
limited to storing the beverage components and/or the additives
inside housing 182, but can be suitably modified to store one or
more beverage components and/or one or more additives outside
housing 182 and attached thereto and/or outside housing 182 and not
attached thereto (e.g., at locations remote from the housing).
Moreover, the disclosed beverage dispensers can be suitably
modified to store the beverage components at locations inside the
housing 182 that are different than those shown and described
herein. Also for example, the disclosed beverage dispensers are not
limited to the types and/or the arrangements of components shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2 and can be suitably modified so as to provide the
mixing features described herein with different types and/or
different arrangements of components. Unless otherwise provided,
when the articles "a" or "an" are used herein to modify a noun,
they can be understood to include one or more than one of the
modified noun.
* * * * *