U.S. patent application number 11/814966 was filed with the patent office on 2009-03-12 for apparatus and methods for producing a beverage.
Invention is credited to Emil Shultis.
Application Number | 20090064866 11/814966 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36218168 |
Filed Date | 2009-03-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090064866 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Shultis; Emil |
March 12, 2009 |
APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR PRODUCING A BEVERAGE
Abstract
An apparatus for producing a beverage includes a water tank, a
concentrate container, and a mixing chamber. A water conduit
supplies water by gravity from the water tank to a water discharge
mixing opening and a concentrate conduit supplies the liquid
concentrate by gravity from the concentrate container to a
concentrate discharge mixing opening. The discharge openings open
directly and separately into the mixing chamber. A dispenser
assembly opens and closes the discharge openings and the released
water and liquid concentrate directly leaves the mixing chamber to
produce the beverage. In another embodiment, an apparatus includes
a sealable chamber, and an air pump for pressurizing the sealable
chamber and the concentrate container. A dispenser and methods for
producing a beverage from a liquid concentrate and water are also
disclosed.
Inventors: |
Shultis; Emil; (Leeds,
NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HESLIN ROTHENBERG FARLEY & MESITI PC
5 COLUMBIA CIRCLE
ALBANY
NY
12203
US
|
Family ID: |
36218168 |
Appl. No.: |
11/814966 |
Filed: |
January 5, 2006 |
PCT Filed: |
January 5, 2006 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US2006/000238 |
371 Date: |
October 9, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60648106 |
Jan 28, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
99/279 ; 222/1;
222/129.1; 222/67 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B67D 3/0038 20130101;
A47J 31/467 20130101; B67D 3/0022 20130101; A47J 31/402 20130101;
F16K 27/0263 20130101; B67D 3/0012 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
99/279 ; 222/1;
222/129.1; 222/67 |
International
Class: |
A47J 31/44 20060101
A47J031/44; B67D 5/56 20060101 B67D005/56 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 6, 2005 |
US |
11145720 |
Claims
1-16. (canceled)
17. An apparatus for producing a beverage from a liquid concentrate
and water, the apparatus comprising: an enclosure having a sealable
chamber; a concentrate container disposed in the sealable chamber;
a mixing chamber; a water conduit for supplying the water to the
mixing chamber, the water conduit having a water discharge mixing
opening which opens directly into the mixing chamber; a concentrate
conduit for supplying the liquid concentrate from the concentrate
container to the mixing chamber, the concentrate conduit having a
concentrate discharge mixing opening which opens directly into the
mixing chamber and separately from the water discharge mixing
opening; an air pump for pressurizing the sealable chamber and
concentrate container; and a dispenser assembly for opening and
closing the concentrate discharge mixing opening and the water
discharge mixing opening to permit and inhibit the flow of liquid
concentrate and water directly and separately into the mixing
chamber, which released water and liquid concentrate directly
leaves the mixing chamber to produce the beverage.
18. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein concentrate discharge mixing
opening of the concentrate conduit being adjacent to the water
discharge mixing opening of the water conduit.
19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the concentrate discharge
mixing opening of the concentrate conduit is above the water
discharge mixing opening of the water conduit.
20. The apparatus of claim 19 further comprising a strength valve
for adjusting the flow of liquid concentrate in the concentrate
conduit.
21. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein the concentrate conduit
comprises the concentrate discharge mixing opening and the water
conduit comprises the water discharge mixing opening, and wherein
the dispenser assembly comprises a stopper for opening and closing
the concentrate discharge mixing opening and the water discharge
mixing opening to permit and inhibit the flow of liquid concentrate
and water into the mixing chamber.
22. The apparatus of claim 21 wherein the stopper simultaneously
controls the opening and the closing the concentrate discharge
mixing opening and the water discharge mixing opening.
23. The apparatus of claim 17 where in the dispenser assembly is
manually-operated by a user.
24. The apparatus of claim 17 further comprising a pressure reducer
for reducing a pressure of the water to the water conduit.
25. The apparatus of claim 17 further comprising a water tank
connected to the water conduit, and wherein the water conduit
supplies water from the water tank to the mixing chamber by
gravity.
26. The apparatus of claim 25 further comprising a float valve for
controlling a supply of water to the water tank.
27. The apparatus of claim 26 wherein the water tank has a
vent.
28. The apparatus of claim 25 further comprising an electrical
circuit including means for maintaining a predetermined temperature
of the water in the water tank.
29. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein the water conduit is
substantially horizontal.
30. The apparatus of claim 29 wherein the concentrate conduit
extends from the concentrate container at an acute angle to the
water conduit and generally parallel to the water conduit.
31. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein a part of the concentrate
conduit is at an acute angle to the horizontal.
32. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein the concentrate container is
a flexible bag.
33. The apparatus of claim 17 further comprising a strength valve
for adjusting the flow of liquid concentrate in the concentrate
conduit.
34. The apparatus of claim 17 further comprising: a pressure
reducer for reducing a pressure of the water to the water conduit;
a strength valve for adjusting the flow of liquid concentrate in
the concentrate conduit; and wherein: the concentrate container
comprises a flexible concentrate bag; the water conduit comprises
the water discharge mixing opening; the concentrate conduit
comprises the concentrate discharge mixing opening; and the
dispenser assembly comprises a manually-operated dispenser assembly
comprising a stopper having a normally biased position to inhibit
the flow of liquid concentrate and water from the concentrate
discharge mixing opening and the water discharge mixing opening,
and a user-activated position to simultaneously open the
concentrate discharge mixing opening and the water discharge mixing
opening to permit the discharge of concentrate and water into the
mixing chamber to produce the beverage.
35. The apparatus of claim 17 further comprising: a water tank; a
float valve for controlling the supply of water to the water tank;
a strength valve for adjusting the flow of liquid concentrate in
the concentrate conduit; an electrical circuit including means for
maintaining a predetermined temperature of the water in the water
tank; and wherein: the concentrate container comprises a flexible
concentrate bag; the water conduit comprises a substantially
horizontal water conduit for supplying water from the water tank to
the water discharge mixing opening by gravity; the concentrate
conduit comprises the concentrate discharge mixing opening; and the
dispenser assembly comprises a manually-operated dispenser assembly
comprising a stopper having a normally biased position to inhibit
the flow of liquid concentrate and water from the concentrate
discharge mixing opening and the water discharge mixing opening,
and a user-activated position to simultaneously open the
concentrate discharge mixing opening and the water discharge mixing
opening to permit the discharge of liquid concentrate and water
into the mixing chamber to produce the beverage.
36. A dispenser for discharging a beverage from a liquid
concentrate and water, the dispenser assembly comprising: a conduit
housing having a water conduit having a water discharge mixing
opening and a concentrate conduit having a concentrate discharge
mixing opening; a strength valve for adjusting the flow of the
liquid concentrate in the concentrate conduit; a mixing chamber
into which the water discharge mixing opening and the concentrate
discharge mixing opening directly and separately opens; a stopper
for opening and closing the concentrate discharge mixing opening
and the water discharge mixing opening to permit and inhibit the
flow of the liquid concentrate and the water into the mixing
chamber; a spring for biasing the stopper to inhibit the flow of
the liquid concentrate and the water into the mixing chamber; and a
handle for moving the stopper to permit the flow of the liquid
concentrate and the water into the mixing chamber, which released
water and liquid concentrate directly leaves the mixing chamber to
produce the beverage.
37. The dispenser of claim 36 wherein the water conduit is
substantially horizontal.
38. The dispenser of claim 37 wherein a part of the concentrate
conduit is at an acute angle to the horizontal.
39. The apparatus of claim 37 wherein the concentrate conduit
extends from the concentrate container at an acute angle to the
water conduit and generally parallel to the water conduit.
40. The dispenser of claim 36 wherein the concentrate conduit is
disposed above the water conduit.
41. The dispenser of claim 36 wherein the water conduit comprises a
plurality of water conduits.
42. A method for producing a beverage from a liquid concentrate and
water, the method comprising: transferring a supply of the water
through a water conduit to a water discharge mixing opening which
opens directly into a mixing chamber by gravity; transferring a
supply of the liquid concentrate through a concentrate conduit to a
concentrate discharge mixing opening which opens directly into the
mixing chamber and separately from the water discharge mixing
opening by gravity; and selectively opening and closing the
concentrate discharge mixing opening and the water discharge mixing
opening to permit and inhibit the flow of liquid concentrate and
water directly and separately into the mixing chamber, which
released water and liquid concentrate directly leaves the mixing
chamber to produce the beverage.
43. The method of claim 42 further comprising maintaining a
predetermined temperature of the water in the water tank.
44. The method of claim 42 wherein the selectively permitting and
inhibiting comprising simultaneously permitting the transfer of
water from the water conduit and liquid concentrate from the
concentrate conduit into the mixing chamber to produce the
beverage, and simultaneously inhibiting the transfer of water from
the water conduit and liquid concentrate from the concentrate
conduit into the mixing chamber.
45. The method of claim 42 further comprising adjusting a rate of
flow of the liquid concentrate to the mixing chamber.
46. A method for producing a beverage from a liquid concentrate and
water, the method comprising: attaching a flexible bag containing a
supply of the liquid concentrate to a concentrate conduit; sealing
the flexible bag in an airtight enclosure; pressurizing air in the
airtight enclosure and around the flexible bag; transferring the
supply of the liquid concentrate through a concentrate conduit to a
concentrate discharge mixing opening which opens directly into the
mixing chamber and separately from the water discharge mixing
opening; transferring a supply of the water through a water conduit
to a water discharge mixing opening which opens directly into a
mixing chamber; and selectively opening and closing the concentrate
discharge mixing opening and the water discharge mixing opening to
permit and inhibit the flow of liquid concentrate and water
directly and separately into the mixing chamber, which released
water and liquid concentrate directly leaves the mixing chamber to
produce the beverage.
47. The method of claim 46 further comprising reducing a pressure
of the water to the water conduit.
48. The method of claim 46 wherein the transferring the supply of
water comprises transferring the supply of water through a water
conduit to the mixing chamber by gravity.
49. The method of claim 46 further comprising maintaining a
predetermined temperature of the water in a water tank.
50. The method of claim 46 wherein the selectively permitting and
inhibiting comprising simultaneously permitting the transfer of
water from the water conduit and liquid concentrate from the
concentrate conduit into the mixing chamber to produce the
beverage, and simultaneously inhibiting the transfer of water from
the water conduit and liquid concentrate from the concentrate
conduit into the mixing chamber.
51. The method of claim 46 further comprising adjusting a rate of
flow of the liquid concentrate to the mixing chamber.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/145,720, filed Jun. 6, 2005, entitled "An
Apparatus For Producing A Beverage," which claims the benefit of
U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/648,106, filed Jan. 28, 2005,
entitled "Device For Making Coffee From Liquid Concentrate," the
entire subject matter of these applications being incorporated
herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for
producing beverages and, more specifically, to apparatus and
methods for producing beverages from liquid concentrate.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Many beverages have been produced from concentrate including
fruit juices and coffee and tea. However, the production of coffee
and tea from concentrate has been limited substantially to
commercial devices that are expensive and cumbersome for home or
office usage.
[0004] An example of a beverage apparatus that produces beverages
from two liquid components is shown in the U.S. Pat. No. 3,843,020
issued to Bardeau. The beverage apparatus in Bardeau includes a
spring for raising a carton containing the concentrate to control
the flow rate of the concentrate. U.S. Pat. No. 3,532,505 to
Cornelius discloses a coffee dispensing machine which utilizes a
carbonated coffee concentrate. Another example, U.S. Pat. No.
6,752,069 issued to Burke et al. discloses adding water, either
manually or automatically, to a beverage concentrate.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 4,579,048 issued to Stover discloses initially
brewing a concentrate, specifically from tea leaves, to produce a
concentrate. The concentrate is then diluted to an acceptable
strength and temperature by the timed addition of water. U.S. Pat.
No. 6,149,035 issued to Gorski et al. discloses using a dry
concentrate for dispensing a food or beverage.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 3,536,496 issued to Paoloni discloses a method
for producing concentrate and then using such concentrate for
producing coffee. U.S. Pat. No. 5,740,719 issued to Triola et al.
discloses a coffee maker using liquid coffee concentrate and a
plunger to deliver the concentrate.
[0007] Vitality Foodservice, Inc. of Tampa, Fla. offers dispensers
for coffee and hot beverages. The device includes a solenoid valve
for controlling discharge of water from a water tank to an open
channel. Disposed above the open channel is a control valve for
controlling discharge of concentrate into the water in the channel.
The resulting beverage is then discharged.
[0008] There is a need for further apparatus and methods for
producing a beverage from liquid concentrate.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention provides in a first aspect, an
apparatus for producing a beverage from a liquid concentrate and
water. The apparatus includes a water tank, a concentrate
container, a mixing chamber, a water conduit for supplying the
water from the water tank to the mixing chamber by gravity, a
concentrate conduit for supplying the liquid concentrate from the
concentrate container to the mixing chamber by gravity, and a
dispenser assembly. The water conduit has a water discharge mixing
opening which opens directly into the mixing chamber, and the
concentrate conduit has a concentrate discharge mixing opening
which opens directly into the mixing chamber and separately from
the water discharge mixing opening. The dispenser assembly is
operable to open and close the concentrate discharge mixing opening
and the water discharge mixing opening to permit and inhibit the
flow of liquid concentrate and water directly and separately into
the mixing chamber, which released water and liquid concentrate
directly leaves the mixing chamber to produce the beverage.
[0010] The present invention provides in a second aspect, an
apparatus for producing a beverage from a liquid concentrate and
water. The apparatus includes an enclosure having a sealable
chamber, a concentrate container disposed in the sealable chamber,
a mixing chamber, a water conduit for supplying the water to the
mixing chamber, a concentrate conduit for supplying the liquid
concentrate from the concentrate container to the mixing chamber,
an air pump for pressurizing the sealable chamber and concentrate
container, and dispenser assembly. The water conduit has a water
discharge mixing opening which opens directly into the mixing
chamber, and the concentrate conduit has a concentrate discharge
mixing opening which opens directly into the mixing chamber and
separately from the water discharge mixing opening. The dispenser
assembly is operable to open and close the concentrate discharge
mixing opening and the water discharge mixing opening to permit and
inhibit the flow of liquid concentrate and water directly and
separately into the mixing chamber, which released water and liquid
concentrate directly leaves the mixing chamber to produce the
beverage.
[0011] The present invention provides in a third aspect, a
dispenser for discharging a beverage from liquid concentrate and
water. The dispenser includes a conduit housing having a water
conduit having a water discharge mixing opening and a concentrate
conduit having a concentrate discharge mixing opening, a strength
valve for adjusting the flow of the liquid concentrate in the
concentrate conduit, a mixing chamber into which the water
discharge mixing opening and the concentrate discharge mixing
opening directly and separately opens, a stopper for opening and
closing the concentrate discharge mixing opening and the water
discharge mixing opening to permit and inhibit the flow of the
liquid concentrate and the water into the mixing chamber, a spring
for biasing the stopper to inhibit the flow of the liquid
concentrate and the water into the mixing chamber, and a handle for
moving the stopper to permit the flow of the liquid concentrate and
the water into the mixing chamber, which released water and liquid
concentrate directly leaves the mixing chamber to produce the
beverage.
[0012] The present invention provides in a fourth aspect, a method
for producing a beverage from a liquid concentrate and water. The
method includes transferring a supply of the water through a water
conduit to a water discharge mixing opening which opens directly
into a mixing chamber by gravity, transferring a supply of the
liquid concentrate through a concentrate conduit to a concentrate
discharge mixing opening which opens directly into the mixing
chamber and separately from the water discharge mixing opening by
gravity, and selectively opening and closing the concentrate
discharge mixing opening and the water discharge mixing opening to
permit and inhibit the flow of liquid concentrate and water
directly and separately into the mixing chamber, which released
water and liquid concentrate directly leaves the mixing chamber to
produce the beverage.
[0013] The present invention provides in a fifth aspect, a method
for producing a beverage from a liquid concentrate. The method
includes attaching a flexible bag containing a supply of the liquid
concentrate to a concentrate conduit, sealing the flexible bag in
an airtight enclosure, pressurizing air in the airtight enclosure
and around the flexible bag, transferring the supply of the liquid
concentrate through a concentrate conduit to a concentrate
discharge mixing opening which opens directly into the mixing
chamber and separately from the water discharge mixing opening,
transferring a supply of the water through a water conduit to a
water discharge mixing opening which opens directly into a mixing
chamber, and selectively opening and closing the concentrate
discharge mixing opening and the water discharge mixing opening to
permit and inhibit the flow of liquid concentrate and water
directly and separately into the mixing, which released water and
liquid concentrate directly leaves the mixing chamber to produce
the beverage.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The subject matter which is regarded as the invention is
particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding
portion of the specification. The invention, however, may best be
understood by reference to the following detailed description of
various embodiments and accompanying drawings in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a pictorial view of the apparatus in accordance
with the present invention for producing a beverage with the
enclosure partially broken away showing a water tank, a concentrate
container, a strength valve, and a dispenser;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a pictorial view of the concentrate container, a
connection to the water tank, a connection to the liquid
concentrate, the conduit housing, as well as the strength valve and
the dispenser of FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the water conduit and
the concentrate conduit of FIG. 1 showing the flow paths in broken
lines;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a view taken along line 4-4 showing the
concentrate conduit as one channel and the water conduit as two
channels;
[0019] FIG. 5 is an exploded side elevational view of the conduit
housing, the mixing chamber, and the dispenser assembly of FIG.
1;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the electrical circuit that
controls the operation of the apparatus of FIG. 1 for producing a
beverage from liquid concentrate;
[0021] FIG. 7 is a pictorial view of another apparatus in
accordance with the present invention for producing a beverage with
the enclosure partially broken away showing a water tank, a
concentrate container disposed in a sealed chamber, a strength
valve, an air pump, and a dispenser;
[0022] FIG. 8 is pictorial view of another apparatus in accordance
with the present invention for producing a beverage with the
enclosure partially broken away showing a water tank, a concentrate
container disposed in a sealed chamber, a strength valve, an air
pump, and a dispenser;
[0023] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of the electrical circuit that
controls the operation of the apparatus of FIG. 8 for producing a
beverage from liquid concentrate;
[0024] FIG. 10 is pictorial view of another apparatus in accordance
with the present invention for producing a beverage;
[0025] FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of the water conduit and
the concentrate conduit of FIG. 10 showing the flow paths in broken
lines; and
[0026] FIG. 12 is a view taken along line 12-12 showing the
concentrate conduit as one channel and the water conduit as two
channels.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0027] Referring to FIG. 1, an apparatus 10 is shown for producing
a beverage from a liquid concentrate and water. In this embodiment,
as described below, the beverage produced by apparatus 10 may be
coffee. The apparatus includes an enclosure 11 which is shown
partially broken away. The enclosure 11 has a front 13 and a back
15 and two sides 17 as well as a base 19. A lid 21 is hinged to the
back 15 to rotate away from the front 13 and the sides 17. The lid
21 includes a lip 23 which extends at right angles from the lid 21
to fit securely against the front 13. Within the enclosure 11
against the back 15 is a water tank 25. At the top of the water
tank 25 is a vent 27. A filler inlet 29 extends through one of the
sides 17 of the enclosure 11 to supply water to the water tank
25.
[0028] Mounted in front of the water tank 25 is a concentrate
container 39. The concentrate container 39, as shown, preferably
includes a flexible bag 41 that collapses as concentrate is
consumed. The flexible bag 41 is inexpensive and once emptied is
readily disposable. In addition to the flexible bag 41, the
concentrate container 39 includes an outlet 43 which is sealed
until pierced by a probe 45 which self seals in the outlet 43. The
concentrate container 39 is mounted on the probe 45.
[0029] As seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the probe 45 connects to a conduit
housing 49. The probe 45 is generally vertically oriented but at
its lower end 47 is offset at an obtuse angle to the vertical to
join the conduit housing 49. The probe 45 is threaded at its lower
end 47 which is the end opposite from the concentrate container 39
(FIG. 2). This thread engages a thread in the conduit housing
49.
[0030] As seen in broken lines in FIG. 3, a concentrate conduit 51
extends through the conduit housing 49. The concentrate conduit 51
is located at an acute angle to the horizontal within the conduit
housing 49. The conduit housing 49 has a top 53 which is inclined
at an acute angle to the horizontal, a bottom 55 which is generally
horizontal as well as two sides 57 (FIG. 4) which are generally
vertical and preferably parallel to one another.
[0031] The conduit housing 49 also has two ends, namely an inlet
end 61 adjacent to the water tank 25 (FIG. 1) and the concentrate
container 39 (FIG. 1) and an outlet end 63. In conduit housing 49,
concentrate flows from a concentrate inlet opening 64 in the inlet
end 61 to a concentrate discharge mixing opening 66 in the outlet
end 63 through the concentrate conduit 51. The concentrate conduit
51 is inclined to the horizontal at an acute angle but the
concentrate conduit 51 turns to the horizontal at the outlet end 63
of the conduit housing 49. The conduit housing 49 has an upper
portion 65 adjacent the top 53 of the conduit housing 49 and a
lower portion 67 adjacent the bottom 55 of the conduit housing 49.
The inlet end 61 of the upper portion 65 of the conduit housing 49
is sloped at an acute angle to the horizontal to accommodate the
obtuse angle to the vertical at the lower end 47 of the probe 45.
The lower portion 67 of the inlet end 61 is generally at right
angles to the bottom 55 of the conduit housing 49.
[0032] In the lower portion 67 of the conduit housing 49 is one or
more water conduits 69. The water conduit, as shown in FIG. 4, may
include two channels. One, two or three and possibly more channels
may be used to form the water conduit. The number of channels may
depend upon the beverage being produced, the concentration level of
the concentrate, and the desired level of dilution by water. The
water conduit, regardless of the number of channels, may be
substantially horizontal. With reference again to FIG. 3, in
conduit housing 49, water flows from a water inlet opening 60 in
the inlet end 61 to a water discharge mixing opening 68 in the
outlet end 63 through water conduits 69. Desirably, the concentrate
discharge mixing opening 66 and the water discharge mixing opening
68 are disposed on the same surface to controllable discharge both
concentrate and water at the same time as described in greater
detail below.
[0033] With referenced again to FIG. 1, a supply line 31 (such as
from a water supply in a home or building) provides water to the
water tank 25 when an automatic feed is utilized. A fill valve 33
is located in the supply line 31. A float valve 73 is located in
one side 17 of the water tank 25 above the filler inlet 29 and
above the level of a water outlet 75 from the water tank 25. It
will be appreciated that the float switch and fill valve may be
disposed inside enclosure 11.
[0034] With reference now to FIG. 5, by means of a nipple 77,
threaded at both ends, the water conduit 69 (FIG. 3) is connected
to the water tank 25 (FIG. 1) at the inlet end 61 of the conduit
housing 49. The conduit housing 49 is connected to a mixing chamber
79 at the outlet end 63. The mixing chamber 79 includes two
sections, namely an upper section which is also a dispenser housing
81 and a lower section which is also a spout 83. A nozzle 85 is
connected to the lower end of the spout 83 remote from the
dispenser housing 81.
[0035] The conduit housing 49 at the outlet end 63 has a
cylindrical extension 87. A conduit opening 89 extends through the
cylindrical extension 87 generally at right angles to the
concentrate conduit 51 (FIG. 3). A mixing opening 91 extends
through the upper section of the mixing chamber 79. The upper
section of the mixing chamber 79, also being cylindrical, slides
over the cylindrical extension 87 with the upper section of the
mixing chamber 79 mounted on the cylindrical extension 87 so that
the mixing opening 91 and the conduit opening 89 become aligned
with one another. A strength valve 93 is placed into the aligned
conduit opening 89 and mixing opening 91. The strength valve 93
which is a cylindrical rod with a knob 95 at one end, secures the
mixing chamber 79 to the cylindrical extension 87. A retaining ring
97 snaps onto the end of the strength valve 93 to retain the
strength valve 93 in place.
[0036] A passageway 99 through the strength valve 93, which is
located generally at right angles to the strength valve 93, aligns
with the concentrate conduit 51 (FIG. 3). By turning the knob 95,
the passageway 99 is misaligned to a degree consistent with the
degree that the knob 95 is turned in relationship to the
concentrate conduit 51 (FIG. 3). In this way, the rate of flow of
the concentrate can be modified consistent with the strength of the
beverage desired.
[0037] The upper section of the mixing chamber 79 which is also the
dispenser housing 81 and the spout 83 are both hollow cylinders and
are located generally at right angles to one another. As previously
stated, the upper section or dispenser housing 81 is open at both
ends and one end is placed over the cylindrical extension 87. On
the other end, an external thread 101 is located on which a
dispenser assembly 103 is mounted by means of a cap 105. The
dispenser assembly 103 includes a stopper 107 which is placed
against the outlet end 63 of the conduit housing 49 blocking both
the water conduit 69 (FIG. 3) and the concentrate conduit 51 (FIG.
3). An actuator rod 109 engages the stopper 107. The actuator rod
109 has a ring 111 about it which is located toward the stopper
107. A coil spring 113 is mounted about the actuator rod 109 and is
compressed between the ring 111 and the cap 105 whereby the coil
spring 113 forces the stopper 107 against the outlet end 63 of the
conduit housing 49 to block both the water conduit 69 (FIG. 3) and
the concentrate conduit 51 (FIG. 3). The dispenser assembly
includes a handle 115 and on the back of the handle 115 there are a
pair of rocker members 117. The actuator rod 109 extends through
the cap 105 and is connected to the handle 115 between the pair of
rocker members 117. A pin 119 in the rocker members 117 secures the
actuator rod 109 to the rocker members. The pin 119 in the rocker
members 117 slides into a groove and opening 120 to secure the
actuator rod 109 to the rocker member 117.
[0038] By pressing on the bottom of the handle 115, the actuator
rod 109 is pulled back which also pulls back the stopper 107
thereby releasing both the liquid concentrate and the water from
the concentrate conduit 51 (FIG. 3) and the water conduit 69 (FIG.
3), respectively. Desirably, when the stopper is moved away from
outlet end 63 of the conduit housing 49 there is a simultaneous
discharge of liquid concentrate and water from both the concentrate
discharge mixing opening 66 (FIG. 3) and the water discharge mixing
opening 68 (FIG. 3), respectively. When the stopper 107 is disposed
against the outlet end 63 of the conduit housing 49, there is a
simultaneous shutting off of the discharge of the liquid
concentrate and water from both the concentrate discharge mixing
opening 66 (FIG. 3) and the water discharge mixing opening 68 (FIG.
3), respectively. It should be specifically noted that the stopper
107 prevents flow directly adjacent the strength valve 93 and the
mixing chamber 79. The mixture of water and concentrate then
directly leaves the mixing chamber 79 for consumption. Such a
configuration of simultaneous controlling both the starting and
stopping of the discharge of both the concentrate and water, and
also of locating the stopper 107 before the mixing chamber 79,
inhibits the likelihood of a previous mixture being included in a
subsequent withdrawal of the beverage.
[0039] The mixing chamber 79 causes the liquid concentrate and
water to mix by swirling within the mixing chamber 79. In addition,
by positioning the concentrate discharge mixing opening 66 (FIGS. 3
and 4) and the water discharge mixing opening 68 (FIGS. 3 and 4)
adjacent each other, there is a natural tendency for the two
discharge streams to spiral around each other and aid in the mixing
of the resulting beverage. The mixing chamber 79 also aids in the
blending and mixing. The spout 83, which is part of the mixing
chamber 79 continues the mixing and blending. The final mixed
beverage product is delivered from the bottom of the nozzle 85
attached to the bottom of the spout 83.
[0040] With reference to FIG. 6, a power source 121 of
one-hundred-ten volt alternating current may be employed. Power is
supplied from the power source 121 through a switch 123, which is
preferably a rocker switch. With the switch 123 turned on, a red
light 125 is turned on. The red light 125 is the low water fill
light. Power also flows to a float switch 127 which is normally
closed and which activates a relay 129 which opens the fill valve
33 which introduces water from the supply line 31 to increase the
water level in the water tank. Once the desired water level is
achieved, the float switch 127 is raised to a desired level which
in turn opens the float switch 127 and closes the fill valve 33.
Once the fill valve 33 is turned off an electrical circuit 140
having a thermal adjusting unit 130 is activated to bring the
temperature of the water to a desired level. When the desired
temperature of the water is achieved, the normally closed thermo
button 131 is opened which de-energizes the thermal adjusting unit
130 and also closes a normally open thermal button 133 which turns
on a green light 135. The lighting of the green light 135 indicates
that the apparatus is ready for use. The thermal adjusting unit 130
is shown as a heating element but a cooling element is also within
the scope of a thermal adjusting unit 130.
[0041] In operation, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 6, electrical
power is supplied through the switch 123. The water tank 25 fills
from the supply line 31 through the fill valve 33. The concentrate
flows by gravity from the concentrate container 39. The water in
the water tank 25 flows from the water tank 25 by gravity. The
thermal control button 131 holds the water temperature at
approximately one-hundred-ninety degrees Fahrenheit. Once the water
level drops, the float switch 127 opens the fill valve 33 to supply
additional water. By pressing the handle 115, a receptacle (not
shown) may be filled through the nozzle 85 with a beverage
comprising a blended mixture of liquid concentrate and water in
whatever quantity is desired.
[0042] FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of an apparatus 200 in
accordance with the present invention for producing a beverage from
a liquid concentrate and water. Apparatus 200 is essentially the
same as apparatus 10 described above with the exception of an
airtight enclosure around the concentrate container 39 and an air
pump 210. A gasket 212 is provided which when the lid 21 is closed
creates a sealed chamber 214 in the enclosure 11 around concentrate
container 39. The air pump 210 provides a low positive pressure, of
about 2 pounds per square inch (psi) to about 10 pounds per square
inch (psi), in the sealed chamber 214 which applies a constant
positive pressure around the concentrate container such as flexible
bag 41. When a beverage is desired, and the handle 115 is
activated, liquid concentrate flows at a constant rate. An added
benefit due to the positive pressure is that the flexible bag 41
will completely empty, e.g., there will be little if any
concentrate left in the flexible bag.
[0043] The air pump may be operably connected to the electrical
power supply to pressurize the air surrounding the flexible bag 41
when the water is at the desired temperature. Alternatively, the
apparatus may be configured so that upon initially activating the
handle 115, the air pump is activated to pressurize the air
surrounding the flexible bag.
[0044] FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of an apparatus 300 in
accordance with the present invention for producing a beverage from
a liquid concentrate and water. Apparatus 300 is essentially the
same as apparatus 200 described above with the following
exceptions. A float valve 373 is mounted in an open top water tank
25 and connected to a water line 331. Float valve 373 provides an
on-off action for controlling the filling of water in the water
tank by action of the fall or rise of a float concurrent with the
fall and rise of the water in the water tank. The water line may be
connected to the back of the enclosure so as to not be visible to
users. A vent tube 327 may have an end disposed adjacent the top of
the water tank and the other end of the vent tube may be disposed
in a drip pan (not shown) mounted on the lower front of the
apparatus under the dispenser.
[0045] As shown in FIG. 9, a schematic electrical diagram of the
electrical circuit in apparatus 300 may include an illuminated
on/off rocker switch 323 operably attached to a source of
electrical power, e.g., a one-hundred-ten volt alternating current
outlet in a home or building.
[0046] With the switch 323 turned on, a light 325 is turned on and
illuminates a red actuator 324 to alert the user that power is
being supplied to the apparatus. In the "on" position and if
sufficient water is in the water tank, switch 390 controlled by the
float valve 373 allows electrical power to be supplied to an
electric circuit 340 comprising a thermo button or temperature
sensor 339 and a heater 330 such as a coil heater. The temperature
sensor 339 may be attached directly to the water tank (FIG. 8) to
measure the temperature of the water. The heating coil or element
may be attached to the bottom of the water tank. If the water is
cold, the temperature sensor 339 allows electrical current to be
supplied to the heater 330. When temperature sensor 339 detects the
water getting too hot, it cuts off the current to the heater. When
the water cools down, the temperature sensor turns the heater back
on. By cycling on and off, the temperature sensor keeps the coil at
an even temperature to heat the water in the tank. For safety in
the event that the temperature sensor 339 fails, one or more
thermal fuses may be employed to cut power if the thermal fuses
sense the heat in reaching too high a temperature.
[0047] When the desired temperature of the water is achieved as
detected by a second thermal button or temperature sensor 351, a
light 350 such as a green light is illuminated to alert a user that
the water is at the desired temperature for making the beverage. If
the water temperature drops, the light 350 would go out and remain
out until the water returns to the desired temperature. As
described earlier, the apparatus may include a heating element,
however, a cooling element for producing cold beverages may be
suitably employed.
[0048] It is appreciated that the apparatus may be manually filled
with water avoiding the need for providing a conduit attached to
the apparatus, and attached to the water supply in, for example, a
home or business. In addition, an apparatus may include two
dispensers, for example, one configured for providing regular
coffee or tea, and the other for providing decaffeinated coffee or
tea. Further, by closing the strength valve no liquid concentrate
will be delivered from the dispenser so as to provide only hot
water where a heating element is employed or cold water where a
cooling element is employed.
[0049] Referring now to FIG. 10, an apparatus 400 in accordance
with the present invention is shown for producing a beverage from a
liquid concentrate and water. In this embodiment, as described
below, the beverage produced by apparatus 400 may be tea. The
apparatus includes an enclosure 411. The enclosure 411 may be
cylindrical, square, rectangular or any shape. The enclosure 411
includes a bottom portion 413 having a sealed chamber 414 in which
is disposed a concentrate container such as a flexible bag 441 that
collapses as concentrate is consumed, and a top portion 415. A lid
416 may be attached to the upper end of the bottom portion to seal
the flexible bag inside the lower portion. The top portion and the
bottom portion may be releasably attachable together.
[0050] A supply line 431 (such as from a water supply in a home or
building) provides water to apparatus 400. The supply line 431
connects to a tube 432 which in turn connects to a water pressure
regulator 434 which reduces the pressure from the supply line
(typically about 60 psi) to about 5 psi. The reduced pressure water
supply is transferred via a tube 436 to a conduit housing 449 as
described in greater detail below.
[0051] A tube 445 connects at one end to the flexible bag 441 and
at the other end to conduit housing 449 for transferring liquid
concentrate from flexible bag 441 to conduit housing 449. An air
pump 410 provides a low positive air pressure, of about 2 pounds
per square inch (psi) to about 10 pounds per square inch (psi), to
the bottom portion of the enclosure 411 to provide a constant
positive pressure around the flexible bag 441.
[0052] As best shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the conduit housing 449
has two ends, namely an inlet end 461 (FIG. 11) and an outlet end
463. The conduit housing 449 also includes a concentrate conduit
451 and one or more water conduits 469 that extend through the
conduit housing 449.
[0053] One end of the concentrate conduit 451 is connected to a
hollow projection 447 (FIG. 11) having a concentrate inlet opening
which attaches to tube 445 (FIG. 10) for receiving concentrate. The
other end of the concentrate conduit 451 is a concentrate discharge
mixing opening 466 which opens onto outlet end 463. In a lower
portion of the conduit housing 449 is a water conduit 469 which may
comprise one or more channels. One end of the water conduit 469 is
a water inlet opening which attaches to the tube 436 (FIG. 10) for
receiving water. The other end of the water conduit 469 is a water
discharge mixing opening 468 which opens onto outlet end 463. Both
the concentrate conduit and the water conduit may be horizontally
disposed. Desirably, the concentrate discharge mixing opening 466
and the water discharge mixing opening 468 are disposed on the same
surface to controllable discharge both concentrate and water at the
same time.
[0054] The conduit housing 449 is connected to a mixing chamber 479
(FIG. 11) at the outlet end 463. The mixing chamber 479 includes
two sections, namely an upper section which is also a dispenser
housing 481 (FIG. 11) and a lower section which is also a spout 483
(FIG. 11). A nozzle 485 (FIG. 11) is connected to the lower end of
the spout 483 (FIG. 11) remote from the dispenser housing 481 (FIG.
11). The conduit housing 449 at the outlet end 463 has a
cylindrical extension 487.
[0055] The rate of concentrate to be delivered to the mixing
chamber is controlled by a strength valve 493 which selectively
extends into concentrate conduit 451. The strength valve 493 may be
a cylindrical rod or flat bar having a lower end which is disposed
in concentrate conduit 451 and an upper end which is disposed
adjacent a movable ramp 495. A coil spring 491 biases the upper end
of strength valve against ramp 495. By moving a strength lever 497
attached to ramp 495 in the direction of double-headed arrow A
(FIG. 12) back and forth, the strength valve 493 is moved in the
direction of double-headed arrow B (FIG. 12) up and down. In this
way, the rate of flow of the concentrate can be modified consistent
with the strength of the beverage desired.
[0056] The upper section of the mixing chamber 479 (FIG. 11), the
spout 483 (FIG. 11), and the dispenser assembly including a handle
415 (FIG. 11) is similar to the mixing chamber, the spout, and the
dispenser assembly illustrated in FIG. 5 and described above.
[0057] In operation, with reference to FIG. 10, pump 410 may be
continuously operated to pressurize chamber 414, and thus
pressurize the flexible bag 441. Alternatively, the pump may be
activated by a switch connected to handle 415 upon the user
initially moving the handle 415. The strength lever 497 is moved to
a position corresponding to the desired strength of the beverage.
The beverage is produced by the user placing a cup or glass under
spout 485 and pressing or lifting the handle 415. Upon the user
doing so, the stopper is moved away from the concentrate discharge
mixing opening and the water discharge mixing opening thereby
allowing concentrate and water to enter the mixing chamber and then
exit the spout.
[0058] The advantages of the various apparatus described above are
many. In one embodiment, by use of gravity feed for both the water
and the concentrate, the need for manual and/or powered fluid pumps
are eliminated. In another embodiment, the use of an air pump
allows providing a constant liquid concentrate flow. The cost of
the various apparatus is brought down to a reasonable level for
home and office usage and the compact size of the apparatus is also
suitable for home and office use. The mixing chamber provides
excellent blending and mixing resulting in a very desirable drink.
The various apparatus also allows a user to readily select the
strength of the beverage. When used with liquid coffee or tea
concentrate, an exceptional coffee or tea drink is produced. When
brewing coffee or tea from liquid concentrate there are no filters
or used coffee grounds or tea leaves to clean up. A user can brew a
fresh cup of coffee or tea one cup at a time on demand.
[0059] While various embodiments of the present invention have been
illustrated and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled
in the art that many further changes and modifications may be made
thereunto without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention.
* * * * *